Chapter 24: Father-in-law, your son-in-law is here again

Chapter 24: Father-in-law, Your Son-in-law is Here Again

"Grandmother, look, this is the latest beauty cream from the Imperial Medical Academy. They say it's made with many rare herbs and pearl powder. Once you start using it, I guarantee you'll look ten years younger."

Seizing a rare opportunity to curry favor, Tang Mo approached the old lady like he was presenting a treasure. The old lady took the small porcelain jar and sniffed it. "Mmm, it smells lovely."

"It's rare for you to be so thoughtful, boy. Grandmother will accept it."

Who wouldn't want to stay young? The old lady also wished she could age a few years later. The more she looked at Tang Mo, the more pleasing he became. She thought to herself that marriage truly made a difference; he had indeed become increasingly filial. Taking this chance, she promoted Tang Mo to Xin An once more, "See? This boy is a meticulous person. He has you in his heart; I'm truly benefiting from your influence."

Xin An beamed with joy. "It is indeed a bit of a surprise."

The old lady laughed and invited them both to dine together. The two eagerly stepped forward, supporting the old lady on either side as they walked toward the dining table, not forgetting to call out to Tang Rong and Tao Yiran. Tang Rong had originally intended to flatter the old lady, but Tang Mo had stolen his thunder. After Tao Yiran paid her respects, she didn't say a single extra word; even if he wanted to say something, he had no pretext.

"You two join us as well. It must be tiring for you to wake up so early to accompany an old woman like me. Don't just stand there."

"Grandmother, please don't say such things."

Tang Rong finally found an opportunity to speak. "It is my blessing to accompany Grandmother. Yesterday, Yi'er felt slightly unwell and couldn't come, and she feels very guilty about it. She was even mulling it over for quite a while last night."

The old lady didn't hold it against him—he was her own grandson, after all—but she didn't particularly like Tao Yiran either. Though her eyes were somewhat dim with age, she wasn't blind; she saw the disdain in Tao Yiran's eyes, which meant the girl looked down on her.

"Sit down, everyone. Help yourselves to the food; don't be so reserved."

Xin An and Tang Mo helped the old lady sit down, and then the two of them got busy—one serving porridge and the other plating dishes. Only after ensuring the old lady was perfectly settled did they sit down themselves. Tang Mo's stomach had been uncomfortable from drinking last night, but the warmth of the vegetable porridge made his whole body feel better. He finished a bowl in a few gulps and went to get another. Xin An also had a good appetite and ate heartily. Compared to Tao Yiran, who took five or six bites for a single crystal dumpling, she was being quite unreserved.

Tang Rong was relatively normal; after eating, he didn't leave but stayed to chat with the old lady. Tang Mo, however, wanted to take Xin An and leave first, saying that the Xin family was preparing to head back. Since they didn't know when they would meet next, he wanted to take Xin An to spend more time with her parents while they were still in the capital. "We won't be back for lunch today, nor for dinner."

The old lady was understanding and had Gan Lu bring out some tea and wine. "This tea and wine are quite good. Take them to show respect to your father-in-law."

Tang Mo thanked her happily and offered a long string of pleasantries before leading Xin An away. Xin An was somewhat surprised. "You didn't mention you were taking me back before we came."

"So, are you happy?"

Tang Mo was so proud his tail could have reached the sky. He leaned in and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Having lived two lives, you've hardly ever stepped foot outside the gates of the Marquis's manor. Don't you feel like you're missing out?"

"Going out to see new people and things will slowly make us younger. Otherwise, keeping all those old, dusty matters bottled up in your heart is just too stifling."

Xin An laughed. "Well planned. I'll give you credit for this."

It was a novel feeling, but she didn't probe too deeply; she simply followed him happily out the door. When they arrived at the Xin residence, Madam Xin was quite surprised to see her. The joy in her eyes was impossible to hide. "What brings you here?"

"Your son-in-law brought me. He said since you all are leaving, we don't know when we'll see you again, so we should make the most of it while you're still in the capital."

This was partly a joke and partly meant to put her parents at ease. Madam Xin's eyes reddened, and she looked at Tang Mo with joy. "Good son-in-law, thank you so much."

Xin Kuan, who had rushed over, also heard this, and his favor toward Tang Mo grew even more. Tang Mo stepped forward and cupped his hands. "Father-in-law, your son-in-law is here again."

"It's good that you're here. You are very thoughtful."

Tang Mo smiled. "I assume you haven't made any plans for today, Father-in-law? How about your son-in-law takes you all around the capital to experience the local customs and scenery?"

Yesterday he had taken the younger brother-in-law out; today, he would take the whole family.

"Good, good, good."

Xin Kuan was very happy. "We didn't visit many places yesterday. Didn't Brother-in-law say that one could go boating on the lake in the capital, accompanied by musicians? Shall we go experience that today?"

"The boy wants to go everywhere," Madam Xin teased, giving him a look. "You exhausted your brother-in-law all day yesterday; can't you let him rest today?"

"If Brother Kuan wants to go, we'll go," Tang Mo said cheerfully. "Today is for playing. We can go anywhere; I'll arrange everything."

"Brother-in-law is the best!"

Xin Kuan was quite pleased, and the family soon set out. Xin An and her mother took a separate carriage. Once inside, Madam Xin took Xin An's hand with a look of relief. "I was truly worried at first, but watching the two of you these past two days, your son-in-law is truly quite good. Regardless of his achievements, his attitude toward us shows he is a good man."

"Didn't you see how he drank with your father yesterday? He had your father beaming with joy, calling him a good son-in-law. If it were that other Heir, would he be able to lower himself to flatter his father-in-law like that?"

Xin An smiled but said nothing. Madam Xin patted the back of her hand, thinking she was still pining for Tang Rong. "The matter is settled. You must not harbor any other thoughts in your heart."

"I know."

Xin An's mood soured at the mention of Tang Rong, so she proactively skipped the topic. "Mother, since we don't know when we'll see you again after this trip, we mother and daughter should have a good wander today. I just left in such a hurry that your good son-in-law didn't tell me beforehand, so I didn't bring any money. If I see something I like today, Mother, you'll have to pay for it."

Madam Xin tapped her on the forehead. "You, still the same as ever. You are my precious daughter; I'll buy you whatever you fancy."

Chatting and laughing, the mother and daughter soon arrived at a teahouse. Tang Mo introduced with a smile, "This Yuxian Pavilion is the best-located and largest teahouse in the capital. Sitting in a private room on the second floor, you can not only see the street views for several blocks but also hear the high-minded discussions of the tea drinkers below."

Led by a waiter, the family went up to the second floor. As soon as they sat down, tea and snacks were served one after another. Xin Kuan took a sip of tea and leaned back comfortably in his chair. "I've been to the capital many times, but every time it was a hurried trip. I've been to many teahouses, but I've never truly sat down to enjoy the scenery like this."

Without the need for social obligations or mental battles, just sitting there basking in the sun and sipping tea was an extreme luxury.

Xin An also felt comfortable. She hadn't relaxed like this in a long time. Just sitting there without thinking about anything felt incredibly pleasant. As she leaned by the window to look down, pedestrians came and went on the street, with the sounds of street cries and greetings never ceasing. Just as she was about to look away, several flamboyantly dressed dandies entered her field of vision. She turned to ask Tang Mo, "Did you make plans with friends?"