Chapter 5: 5. Chapter 5: A Grudge Between the Two Houses

Chapter 5: A Grudge Between the Two Courtyards

"The first time I saw you at the Marquis’s estate, I wondered what kind of woman could possibly be worthy of such a dazzling young master. When I learned you were betrothed to Miss Xin, I envied her. I never imagined that, through a twist of fate, you and I would end up as husband and wife. Rong-lang, am I being too unreserved?"

Tang Rong was the eldest legitimate son of the Marquis’s estate. With his upright appearance and noble character, he was also the first in line to inherit the title. Naturally, he was more pleasing to Tao Yiran than Tang Mo.

Seeing her looking at him with such tender, pitiable affection, Tang Rong’s heart softened even further. He took her hand and said, "Marrying Yi'er was also beyond my expectations. The moment I lifted your veil, my heart was filled with immense joy. I have never liked to fight or compete, but at that moment, I wanted to fight for something just once. I never thought I would be so reckless, even if it meant wronging Miss Xin and younger brother Mo."

Tao Yiran’s father was the Governor of Cangzhou, and the Tao family had many members in the imperial court. Tao Yiran was not only dignified in appearance and character but also highly talented; Xin An could not compare.

"Rong-lang."

Tao Yiran’s eyes sparkled with joy, and she nestled into Tang Rong’s arms, her face full of shyness.

The two were lost in their mutual affection until they heard whispering outside and separated. After sending someone to inquire, Tang Rong’s expression turned unpleasant. He thought to himself that this was truly the style of a merchant’s family—vulgar and unbearable.

However, giving out rewards today was an unspoken rule. He immediately ordered money to be brought out—one month’s wages for each servant.

The servants in the courtyard were incredibly disappointed. While a month’s wages were technically not a small amount, it couldn't compare to the year’s worth of wages given next door.

The people in Qiushi Courtyard were watching the spectacle, and they felt refreshed and invigorated. Their twelve taels were already a generous sum, and upon learning that those across the way only received one month’s worth, they became even more smug. Even the rough-cleaning maid sweeping the yard could give the people next door a triumphant look.

The people in Chunhua Courtyard were furious. Besides secretly resenting their own two masters for being stingy and petty, they were forced to watch the people across the way gloat. After a brief exchange of glares, both sides went back to their work.

On the first day of marriage, the servants of the two courtyards had officially formed a grudge.

About an hour later, people from both the Tao and Xin families arrived. Compared to the worried Xin family, the Tao family members were somewhat secretly pleased. When they had arranged the marriage between the two families, it was Tang Rong they had set their sights on; it was just a pity that Tang Rong had already been betrothed to the Xin girl.

Comparing the brothers Tang Rong and Tang Mo, Tang Rong was naturally the superior choice. Of course, they still had to put on a show of shock and anger.

"God damn it! Did the Bodhisattva and the Xin family ancestors not open their eyes yesterday? I offered incense early in the morning, how could they let such a thing happen?"

When Madam Xin saw Xin An, she slapped her thigh, anxious, heartbroken, and cautious. Xin An’s tears fell like beads from a broken string. "Mother..."

She threw herself into her mother’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably, as if she wanted to cry out years of grievances. That bastard Tang Rong had said that the Xin family had met with an accident while coming to the capital to find her. She hadn't even had the chance to ask what kind of accident it was or if it was life-threatening. "It’s all my fault. I’ve implicated Father and Mother..."

It was her own blindness and foolishness that had led her to jump into the web Tang Rong had woven for her. Everything was her own doing.

"I was wrong. I’ve received my retribution. I was truly wrong."

Madam Xin’s heart ached terribly, and she wept along with her. Her daughter had been raised like a precious jewel since she was a child; when had she ever shed such tears? What kind of man-eating place was this Marquis’s estate? She had only married in yesterday, and today she had shed more golden beans than in the previous eighteen years.

"Don't be afraid. Father and Mother are here. We’ve come to take you back. We’ll go back to Huaijiang, and we’ll never come to this capital again."

Xin An was immersed in her sorrow, doing nothing but crying. Tang Mo, standing to the side, remained silent. He was incredibly curious about what had happened after his death in his previous life. He had to know—before he died, this woman had been so vicious. Whatever Tang Rong wanted, she would find a way to snatch it from his hands. Moreover, she could even contend with his mother; they had clashed several times, and his mother had never managed to get the upper hand. Why would such a ruthless woman be so heartbroken over this?

Could it be that Tang Rong had abandoned his wife and children later on?

When Xin An finally cried until she was exhausted, her eyes swollen and dry, Chunyang brought water for her to wash her face. Madam Xin ordered Mother Wang and the others to pack their things. "We are leaving in a moment."

"Mother."

Xin An grabbed her, not avoiding Tang Mo as she spoke. "Let’s leave it at this. If I just leave like this, I will inevitably offend the Marquis. The Marquis is not a broad-minded man; if he uses even a few underhanded tactics, Father won't be able to bear it."

"Besides..."

She glanced at Tang Mo. "Everyone knows I entered the Tang family’s bridal sedan, crossed the Tang family’s threshold, and spent the entire night in the same room as Tang Mo. With all the gossip, I have to consider my younger sisters."

The Xin family had more than just their branch; the second branch had two girls who were also at the age for marriage.

"Younger brother Huan just got betrothed. The girl’s family agreed to it partly because they knew I was marrying into the Marquis’s estate..."

Before she could finish, a voice cut in. "If the Zhou family wants to break off the engagement because of this, then they weren't worth marrying in the first place."

"Sister, you don't need to consider me."

It was Xin Huan, Xin An’s younger brother, who had entered. Seeing him, Xin An wanted to cry again. Xin Huan was two years younger than her and had respected his eldest sister since childhood. For Tang Rong’s sake, she had often forced Xin Huan to do things. Xin Huan had tried to persuade her to be more cautious several times, but at that time, she hadn't been able to listen to a word.

Truly, good advice could not persuade a damned ghost like her.

"You’re talking nonsense again. If I don't consider you, won't you fly off the handle?"

Xin Huan scratched the back of his head awkwardly and looked at Tang Mo. "So, what now? Can you be my brother-in-law?"

Everyone’s gaze fell on Tang Mo. Tang Mo stepped forward and bowed. "Although I didn't know much about Miss Xin before, this twist of fate can be considered destiny. I only hope that in the future, we can walk hand in hand as husband and wife, and treat each other with mutual respect."

Madam Xin hadn't liked Tang Mo before, only hearing that he was at odds with Tang Rong everywhere, that he was narrow-minded and always stirring up trouble. But now that he was her son-in-law, it was naturally different. He looked better than Tang Rong, and although his mother was a second wife, she was a legitimately wedded one. Having a mother-in-law to look after her was better than being disliked by a step-mother-in-law.

A mother-in-law looks at her son-in-law and becomes more satisfied the more she looks. Besides, his attitude was good; he was more pleasing to the eye than Tang Rong’s "above the common world" demeanor.

Her worried gaze fell on Xin An once more. "Are you truly willing?"

She had been full of joy marrying Tang Rong yesterday; had she let go so quickly today?

Xin An nodded in confirmation, even taking the initiative to clarify, "I was infatuated with Tang Rong, but he feigned drunkenness last night to consummate the marriage with Tao Yiran. It is clear he does not like me. Why should I be the only one keeping the fire burning?"

Madam Xin patted the back of her hand. "From the time you were small until now, Mother has supported whatever you’ve done. Since that is the case, changing a son-in-law is no big deal. But Mother won't let you suffer."

Xin An felt the same. Although this matter would eventually be downplayed, she wanted to bring some trouble to Tang Rong first. She wanted to let Tang Rong and Tao Yiran feel stifled for a while to make herself happy. She beckoned to Xin Huan, "Come here, let me tell you something."

Madam Xin also beckoned to Tang Mo. "Son-in-law, come with me to the front courtyard to see your father and mother. This matter cannot just be left as it is."

The Tao girl was shameless, and the Tao family was no better. She hadn't missed that smug look on their faces earlier, which had almost made them laugh out loud. She found it very unpleasant.

Seeing his mother-in-law ready to back him up, Tang Mo was more than willing, and he followed along eagerly.