Chapter 41: Better to Share Joy Than to Enjoy It Alone

Chapter 41: Sharing the Joy is Better Than Enjoying it Alone

Tang Rong did not want to see anyone; he did not want anyone to witness his wretched state. However, since it was the Old Lady who had come, he could only try his best to maintain a decent appearance. But after taking two consecutive beatings, what image was left to preserve?

The moment they saw him, Tang Mo and Xin An nearly burst into laughter. After a night's sleep, the wounds on Tang Rong's face were no longer as terrifying, but the discoloration had deepened. His face was a multicolored mess and had not yet subsided from the swelling; in particular, his two dark eye circles looked quite ridiculous. Both of them clenched their fists tightly, struggling to suppress the smiles on their faces. Xin An could remain silent, but Tang Mo could not; he almost laughed out loud the moment he opened his mouth and had to quickly turn away and cough to disguise himself.

When the Old Lady saw that face, she was momentarily startled. "Don't move, just rest well. Fortunately, no bones were broken and your appearance isn't permanently disfigured. It will return to normal in a few days."

How pitiful. Such a handsome face, how could it be beaten like this? The thugs must have done it on purpose.

"That's right, Big Brother, you must recover well. Fortunately, the ancestors protected you and it's only superficial injuries. Don't worry about outside matters for the time being; your health is the most important thing in the world."

Tang Mo was struggling so hard to hold back his laughter that tears were nearly pricking his eyes. The Old Lady became even more gratified. "Your second brother has truly become sensible, worrying about you as his elder brother."

Tang Rong felt incredibly aggrieved. He suspected that this brutal beating had something to do with Tang Mo, but he had no evidence. Instead, he had to put on a grateful expression. "Second Brother is very thoughtful."

"How could a brother not worry when his elder brother is injured?" Tang Mo said with great sincerity, even helping to analyze the situation. "I was just wondering who exactly struck a blow against Big Brother. It wouldn't be so easy to just hit the wrong person. Thinking it over, could it be because of Big Brother's position at the Ministry of Rites?"

"The position at the Ministry of Rites is a highly coveted one. Big Brother's face is injured so heavily that it won't heal in ten days or half a month. If he cannot report for duty for even a single day, variables may arise. If the Ministry is in urgent need of personnel, they might not hesitate to replace him."

"Big Brother, think about it—is there anyone else competing with you for this position?"

*This is called shifting the blame,* Xin An had taught him.

Although Tang Rong still suspected Tang Mo, he felt there was truth in his words. His position at the Ministry of Rites placed great importance on demeanor, temperament, and appearance. Last night, those people had specifically targeted his face; if he was being directed by someone...

He thought of something, and his chaotic expression made it impossible to read his emotions. "Father will investigate this thoroughly."

Tang Mo gave an "Mm" in response, thinking to himself that those people had already left the city early this morning—how was he supposed to investigate?

After enjoying Tang Rong's wretchedness to his heart's content, Tang Mo assisted the Old Lady in leaving. Throughout the process, Xin An did not say a single word, though she struggled immensely to hold back her laughter. Upon returning to Qiushi Courtyard, she leaned happily on the beauty chaise. "Tomorrow, find an excuse, and we shall go enjoy the view again."

Tang Mo laughed. "I almost couldn't hold it in just now; it was too hilarious. At that moment, I just wanted to give him a mirror. Sharing the joy is better than enjoying it alone. What a pity."

"Say that last night Tao Yiran wasn't watching him and went to sleep in the next room instead, allowing that girl named Yingyue to find an opening. There will definitely be more excitement to watch in the future."

As long as the other party was not doing well, he felt comfortable. He couldn't help it; he was just that petty.

"Listening to it as daily entertainment isn't a bad idea." Xin An felt that Tang Mo was quite clever; he had already planted people around Tang Rong, so the news came quickly and accurately. "I want to open a medicinal cuisine workshop, but I'll have to wait until my parents return to Huaijiang before they can send people to me. Later, help me pick a good location—somewhere decent and grand."

"Medicinal cuisine?"

Tang Mo became interested. Medicinal cuisine was not a new concept; wealthy families had eaten it for a long time, but there were no such shops in the streets. "Will it require a physician to be on standby?"

"Naturally. One of my father's subordinates is quite knowledgeable in this field."

Tang Mo quickly figured out the angle. "Can we open it under my father-in-law's name, with me being responsible for managing it? That way, the profits won't be connected to the household, and I can use it to build more connections."

This was exactly what Xin An had intended. Although she was currently living with Tang Mo, they were husband and wife in name and shared common enemies. Once Tang Mo grew more powerful, many things would be easier for her to handle. She looked up at him and curled her lips into a smile. "The Second Young Master has been working very much to my liking lately; naturally, I shall give you this face."

Tang Mo was delighted. He took a step back and bowed with cupped hands. "Many thanks for the reward, Boss Xin."

"Mm, hurry up and arrange the matters regarding the manor."

"This lowly one will certainly handle everything perfectly."

Xin An was amused by him again. "Our eyes shouldn't always be fixed on the opposition; we must also plan proactively. As for Tang Rong, since he was beaten yesterday, we'll arrange some laxatives for him after a while. In the future, whenever he tries to cause trouble, we'll arrange some 'accidents' to keep him from constantly making a fuss."

Tang Mo nodded repeatedly. "I understand. When we need him, we let him out to work; when we find him an obstacle, we let him lie down."

"I will ensure everything is arranged clearly."

The two laughed heartily. Meanwhile, outside, Tang Gang was currently putting on a smiling face while talking to Vice Minister Wang of the Ministry of Rites. Vice Minister Wang felt uneasy and unsettled. "Have you caught who did this?"

"Marquis, there is certainly no second possibility regarding this matter. If the Heir has made enemies outside, I suggest they be resolved as quickly as possible. If the Heir is hit like this again when he is about to undertake an important task, who will take responsibility for the delay of great affairs?"

What if he had to receive foreign envoys tomorrow, everything was prepared, but the person in charge of the reception was beaten into a pig's head by someone's dirty trick? Wouldn't that be a disaster?

Tang Gang repeatedly promised to find the culprit as quickly as possible and requested Vice Minister Wang to help by granting Tang Rong an extra half-month of time. Vice Minister Wang sighed and reluctantly agreed, feeling a bit of regret in his heart.

Their Great Qian was a powerful nation. With the opening of maritime trade, more and more foreign envoys had been coming to pay their respects in recent years. The Ministry of Rites had a specialized office to receive these envoys, and the people within represented the dignity of Great Qian. He had taken an interest in Tang Rong because of his upright posture and handsome appearance...

"Has the Heir's face been damaged?"

"It is just some bruising; his appearance is not disfigured."

Tang Gang was more worried about this than anyone. "The perpetrators are being pursued with all our might. Before they stopped, they claimed they had hit the wrong person. It might truly have been a mistake."

Vice Minister Wang thought to himself that Tang Rong was simply too unlucky. "I heard the Heir's martial arts are quite formidable. Did he encounter a master?"

At the flower-viewing banquet this spring, Tang Rong had performed a sword dance in public with unparalleled elegance, drawing applause from countless people. At that time, many families used him as an example to urge their own sons, saying Tang Rong was proficient in both civil and martial arts.

Tang Gang did not know how to respond. How could someone with formidable martial arts be beaten by a few thugs?

Qing Mo had explained clearly that those thugs' attacks were completely uncoordinated, typical of street hooligans.

Vice Minister Wang did not press further; it was likely just flashy movements that looked good but lacked real power. "Regardless, please ensure the Heir recovers well. The Ministry of Rites is waiting for him. I have other matters to attend to; I shall take my leave."

Tang Gang's face turned pale and then flushed, feeling as though he had been greatly mocked.