Chapter 27: Trouble at Chunhua Courtyard

Chapter 27: Trouble at Chunhua Courtyard

Tang Mo was more than willing to let his father-in-law cultivate connections with more officials. Deep down, he looked down on his father; if the Xin family wanted the Xin family's silver while still maintaining an air of superiority, it was only natural for them to switch sides.

Since that was the case, wouldn't it be considered acting in the best interest of the Marquis Mansion if he, as the son-in-law, stepped forward to ease his father-in-law's worries and take a share of the benefits for himself?

As long as the benefits landed in his hands, they hadn't left the Marquis Mansion. What could his old man do if he was dissatisfied?

Xin Kuan was well-versed in how to socialize with court officials. Within a few sentences, one meal had ended and the next had already begun, so Tang Mo naturally had to accompany them.

As the introducer and likely future spokesperson for Xin Kuan in the capital, Vice Minister Xu's attitude toward Tang Mo shifted. He offered frequent praise in his speech, and Xin Kuan, looking quite smug, also praised Tang Mo for being thoughtful, considerate, and thorough in his dealings.

After a bout of commercial flattery between father-in-law and son-in-law, they successfully convinced Vice Minister Xu that although the marriage arrangement had changed, the two were very satisfied with each other. This caused the Vice Minister to cast a teasing glance toward Master Tao.

Master Tao felt awkward to the point of wanting to dig a hole to hide in. As a father-in-law, who wouldn't hope for respect from a son-in-law? More importantly, one would hope for intimacy alongside that respect—to have a son-in-law even more filial than one's own biological son. He was almost certain that Tang Rong would never hold him in such high esteem or offer him such enviable respect when they were away from home.

At this moment, he wanted both Tang Rong's status and reputation and Tang Mo's respect and filial piety. A mixture of emotions swirled in his heart, making his smile appear somewhat forced.

He simply could not relax.

Yan Shimao and the other two were responsible for escorting the young ladies and the Xin mother and daughter back to their respective residences. Upon exiting the restaurant, Xin An suggested that they each escort their own sisters back. "It's getting late, and our families will worry. We have maids, attendants, and drivers, so there won't be any problems."

The three men were on good terms with Tang Mo, and Tang Mo's performance today taught them exactly what attitude to adopt toward Xin An. Xie Changyou said, "Since Second Brother Tang has requested it, we must personally escort the Aunt and Sister-in-law back to their manor."

Yan Shimao said he would escort the three sisters, while the other two would escort Madam Xin and Xin An. Xin An stopped declining. Once in the carriage, Madam Xin praised Tang Mo once again, saying things like how she felt relieved. Xin An, who had been in a good mood after a day out, was even happier to see her parents and brother being treated with such courtesy than she was to be respected herself. "It is indeed a bit unexpected, but Mother, don't keep praising him constantly. Can't you see his head is already in the clouds?"

In the past, Tang Rong had always been indifferent toward her family, showing respect only on the surface; he had never once invited them to dinner or shared drinks with them. At that time, she hadn't thought much of it, but now that she had a different experience, whether Tang Mo was sincere or doing this for other reasons, she would accept this kindness.

After seeing Madam Xin home, Xie Changyou and Wei Ye took the initiative to strike up a conversation with Xin An, testing her attitude toward Tang Mo through their words.

For a woman, it would inevitably take time to gradually accept that her intended husband had suddenly been replaced. She indicated that she also needed some time.

Xie Changyou couldn't help but offer words of persuasion. "Sister-in-law, don't believe those bad rumors outside. There is a hidden truth to this; actually, Second Brother Tang is quite a good man."

Wei Ye chimed in from the side, "Second Brother Tang is handsome, thorough and meticulous in his dealings, and a man of integrity. Although he occasionally goes out to enjoy himself with us, he has always maintained his own character. He has visited brothels but has never held a girl, and he has been to gambling dens but never placed a bet. He is an upright man. Those bad rumors are merely the provocations of despicable people; do not take them seriously."

Xin An grew interested. "He is that good?"

"Of course."

The two nodded very seriously. "You'll know once you spend more time with him. We aren't lying to you."

Xin An smiled and nodded, saying she would consider it seriously. "It's truly good that he has brothers like you."

"Hahaha, we have a friendship spanning many years!"

The two grew quite proud, as if being able to associate with Tang Mo was some monumental achievement.

Upon returning to the manor, Xin An went to report to Lady Wang, only to find that Lady Wang was not there. After asking the gatekeeper maid, she learned that Lady Wang had gone to Chunhua Courtyard.

"Something happened at Chunhua Courtyard an hour ago. Since the Heir was not in the manor, the Madam went over and hasn't returned yet."

"Do you know what happened?"

The maid looked around before lowering her voice. "I heard that Xue Yu, a maid in the Heir's courtyard, is pregnant, and the Eldest Young Madam cannot tolerate the child."

Having said that, she shrank back. Without Xin An needing to signal, Chunyang rewarded the little maid. The little maid, overwhelmed by the favor, thanked them repeatedly. Xin An told her to do her job well and then rushed back in a hurry; she had arrived too late to catch the spectacle.

As soon as she entered the courtyard gate, Auntie Wang came out to meet her, looking to be in a good mood. It wasn't until Xin An entered the room that she mentioned the matter next door. "While it isn't pleasant for a chambermaid to conceive before a concubine, it isn't unheard of. However, the matter of the marriage swap has just occurred in the manor, and rumors have been flying everywhere these past two days. If this is added to it, there's no telling how the rumors will morph."

"The Tao family coming to demand accountability would be a small matter; I fear that those with ulterior motives will use this to target the Marquis Mansion. I suspect that is why the neighbors are suppressing this news. Who knew that girl Xue Yu would be so impatient? Or perhaps she was worried about losing the child. After waking from her afternoon nap, she made a fuss demanding sour apricots. After being scolded by Auntie Cai, she ran to the Madam and told her the whole story, crying like a pear blossom in the rain, saying the Eldest Young Madam could not tolerate her and intended to harm her child."

"Half an hour ago, she started complaining of stomach pains and shouting for a while. The Madam sent for a physician, and they haven't left yet."

Xin An looked toward Chunhua Courtyard. She had already discussed this with her mother-in-law, and both of them agreed to pretend they knew nothing. As Auntie Wang said, the Marquis Mansion was currently in the eye of the storm; adding this news would undoubtedly be adding insult to injury. Tang Gang would be unable to escape the two impeachment memorials in the imperial court.

Although Tang Gang had his flaws, he was the true pillar of the Marquis Mansion. If he fell, no one would benefit. Although the mother and daughter disliked Tang Rong and Tang Gang, they had no intention of bringing down the entire mansion. The best way to handle this was to suppress the news; once Tao Yi became pregnant, the matter could be dealt with calmly.

"Tell the people in our courtyard to keep their mouths shut. Do not say a single word to anyone outside."

"Auntie Wang, go find Manager Wu and instruct him to forbid the servants from discussing this matter, and even more so, from letting word leak out."

As for herself, she headed out to the neighboring courtyard, but this time, she wasn't going to watch the drama.

Chunrong Courtyard was shrouded in gloom. Tao Yiran was weeping in her room. Strictly speaking, she had indeed suffered an injustice regarding this matter. Lady Wang's face was cold as frost, inwardly resenting Tao Yiran for being unable to even control a chambermaid, causing such a massive stir and still having the face to cry here.

Seeing Xin An arrive, Lady Wang stepped down and walked up to her. "How do you think this matter should be handled?"

Xin An did not hide her abilities in front of her mother-in-law. "The Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law are in the honeymoon phase of their marriage. For a chambermaid to be pregnant at such a time, the Sister-in-law must have suffered great grievance. The Tao family will inevitably use this as an excuse to make unreasonable demands. In my humble opinion, this matter should be minimized—turning a large matter into a small one, and a small one into nothing."

Lady Wang patted the back of her hand. "Mother did not misjudge you."

(End of Chapter)