Chapter 33: Tang Mo's Intentions

Chapter 33: Tang Mo's Intentions

Xin An devoted herself to making the old lady happy, arriving early at her courtyard every day to accompany her during breakfast. Whenever Tang Mo was free, he would join them. After breakfast, Tang Mo spoke of his arrangements for the day. "My parents-in-law are leaving the capital tomorrow. I originally intended to invite them for a meal, but my father-in-law has other plans today. I was thinking of buying some things to bring over and going to see them off tomorrow morning; it's a small gesture of respect."

The old lady truly felt that he had grown up and was very thorough in his dealings, unlike his scoundrel of a father. When his in-laws were leaving, the man wouldn't even bother arranging a farewell banquet; he only knew how to take people's money without any sense of responsibility.

"Go and attend to your business. Take your wife with you today. She married so far away; there's no telling when she'll be able to see her parents again. Go on."

It had to be said that, most of the time, the old lady was quite easy to talk to.

Xin An thanked her with a smile, and then she and Tang Mo left the manor. Having been married into the family for about ten days, she had only left the manor twice, which was more frequent than her entire previous month.

Vice Minister Xu of the Ministry of War had connected with Xin Kuan, and the two had been very close these past two days. Upon learning that Xin Kuan was leaving tomorrow, Vice Minister Xu even specially arranged a farewell banquet. When Tang Mo arrived, he happened to catch Xin Kuan as he was heading out. Without needing many words, the father-in-law and son-in-law left together, followed by Xin Huan.

Madam Xin pulled Xin An inside. "If it weren't for the fact that there truly is business at home that your father needs to handle, I don't think he would be willing to leave."

"Your brother is even less willing; he can't stop talking about his brother-in-law."

Madam Xin pulled her down to sit. "Your father is truly satisfied with this son-in-law."

She lowered her voice, "He's much better than your father-in-law."

Xin Kuan held Tang Gang in low regard in his heart, finding him selfish. As a Marquis with little actual power, the benefits he could provide were limited, yet he always expected greater returns. "It's not like he hasn't been to the capital once or twice. When has he ever bothered to make arrangements? Isn't it always your father who pays for the wine?"

"And he never introduces your father to his friends, as if he's afraid others will laugh at him for marrying into a merchant family. Yet, he has no shame at all when it comes to using our silver."

"Your father said that from now on, we should reduce the money given to the Marquis's manor and instead give it directly to our son-in-law. He thinks we want to use our money to pave the way for his eldest son—wishful thinking."

Tang Gang thought that once the two families were married, the Xin family would be tied down, and he was unwilling to put in any effort. Little did he know that the Xin family was thinking the exact same thing.

The two families were now in-laws, and everyone knew it. The Xin family could grandly use the Marquis's name to conduct their affairs. Would the Marquis's manor dare to fall out with the Xin family?

"Your father said that once the son-in-law is supported and established, you won't have to look at your father-in-law's face anymore. If the son-in-law is capable, your maternal family can back you up, and your mother-in-law sides with you. Even if your father-in-law is unwilling, he'll have to swallow his pride and accept it."

Hearing her call him "son-in-law" repeatedly, Xin An thought about how much effort Tang Mo had truly put in these past few days. To make her parents like him in such a short time—how could one say he lacked ability?

"Mother and Father needn't worry too much about me. I will live well in the Marquis's manor and won't be bullied."

"As for that son-in-law of yours, he should be able to stand on his own eventually."

Madam Xin smiled. "You, don't always pick on people."

Knowing that the two had not yet consummated their marriage, Madam Xin did not urge them. Such things happen naturally; as long as the feelings are there, that day will come.

Xin An spoke about her desire to start a business. "Mother knows the Marquis's manor isn't just occupied by your son-in-law. If I do it openly, I'll inevitably be targeted. I was thinking of doing it in a different way, to leave myself a way out. I can't just sit around and watch my dowry dwindle away."

Madam Xin felt she was overthinking. "Why work so hard? If you need money, just write to the family."

"But I can't expect the family to support me for a lifetime. Supporting me is one thing, but am I supposed to support my son-in-law and his whole family too?"

"I don't want much. Just give me Uncle Fang Da and Uncle Bai. Uncle Fang Da is originally from the capital and would likely be willing to return. As for Uncle Bai, just say that I need him."

Fang Da was the Xin family's steward, someone Xin Kuan had accidentally saved a few years ago when he came to the capital. He had sold himself into service to the Xin family and was quite capable.

As for Uncle Bai, he was a physician supported by the Xin family. He had been with them for many years, having learned great skills but never having been put to significant use. Xin An felt it was a waste.

What could Madam Xin say?

Once her daughter had made up her mind, she had to do it. "Fine, I'll tell your father. Do you need more capital?"

"No need. Your son-in-law said he wants to take half, so let him provide it. It's not like we're starting a massive business right away; we'll take it slow."

Madam Xin let her toss about; as long as she was happy.

The mother and daughter spent a pleasant afternoon together. By the time Xin Kuan and the other two returned, it was already afternoon, and they had brought back many gifts. Xin Kuan was beaming with pride because Vice Minister Xu had invited several acquaintances—all well-known officials—to join them today. It made Xin Kuan feel quite prestigious, as if he had regained all the face he had lost with Tang Gang.

Tang Mo was also happy. Today, following his father-in-law, he had met several high-ranking officials, and their attitude toward him was quite warm. The kind of flattery he had only ever seen directed at Tang Rong was now being applied to him. He felt very proud and satisfied.

The father-in-law and son-in-law were both grinning ear to ear, lacking any sense of dignity. Madam Xin felt helpless, especially since there was an even sillier one, Xin Huan, making her feel quite exasperated.

By the time Tang Mo woke up, it was evening. Upon waking, he ignored his headache and smiled blissfully, though he felt regret that his father-in-law was leaving tomorrow and he couldn't bask in his glory any longer.

"Alright, stop smiling like you've won the lottery. Don't get ahead of yourself; try to be more composed."

Xin An entered the room carrying a bowl of porridge. "Eat quickly. I specially made this millet porridge for you. After these next two days, drink less of it. I'm afraid you might..."

"Please don't finish that sentence."

Tang Mo interrupted her. "I will certainly live a long and healthy life."

After finishing the millet porridge, it was time for dinner. Tang Mo stood with his hands on his hips, looking at the sky, feeling as though his entire day had been spent just eating.

At night, the family shared many heartfelt words and instructions. When Xin An went out, Madam Xin secretly wiped away tears, and Xin An's eyes also reddened. Just as she was getting into the carriage, Tang Mo pulled her back down. "You're making it seem like I'm some kind of villain. I'll just stay here tonight. I'll go back and explain clearly to my mother, and then have someone bring you some change of clothes. I'll come to pick you up tomorrow morning."

A married daughter rarely has the chance to stay overnight at her parental home. Xin An admitted she was truly moved at this moment. "Thank you."

Tang Mo led her to Madam Xin and said a few words. Madam Xin's face lit up with joy, and she transitioned from tears to smiles. Xin Huan stepped forward and hugged his arm. "Brother-in-law, you're the best!"

Tang Mo felt goosebumps all over his arm. "It's what I should do. Well, I'll head back now and come tomorrow morning."

"Brother-in-law, why don't you stay too? We can all sleep together."

Tang Mo gave an awkward but polite smile. "That... I'm not used to it."

Only after he had boarded the carriage and left did the family happily enter the house. Xin An took her mother's arm. "I'm sleeping with Mother tonight."

"Fine, you're married but still haven't grown up."