Chapter 58: Now, take me to get acquainted with her

Chapter 58: Now, Take Me to Befriend Her

After leaving Tang Yong's residence, Tang Mo and Xin An first escorted Lady Wang back to her manor, and then the two headed to the Xin family estate, declaring they wouldn't be returning home for dinner—essentially making it easy to go out but hard to come back.

Lady Wang didn't find their absence problematic; instead, she encouraged them to eat early and go to the night market. "The summer heat is intense, and strolling through the night market is the most delightful pastime. Just take two guards with you."

Given the precedent of Xin An's shopping spree during their last visit to the night market, Tang Mo brought four guards directly. Seeing that the four guards were broad-shouldered and sturdy, he was extremely satisfied; they looked strong enough to carry heavy items.

The Xin family estate was due for renovation, and the father and son, Wang Jin and Wang Fu, had been busy here recently. They had already established a preliminary renovation plan. "If we want a larger garden, we will have to demolish one of the side courtyards. There are plenty of rooms in the house, so removing one won't matter much."

"The son-in-law wants an extra corridor in the courtyard. A corridor can actually be integrated with a pavilion, which would create another leisure area."

Tang Mo had long since invited craftsmen to inspect the renovation plans. The Wang father and son monitored the entire process, actively contributing their opinions. "Master Fu said the blueprints should be ready in two days. Once they are finalized, construction can begin."

Tang Mo suggested adding a wine cellar to store fine wines there, and he also wanted to build two large tables that could seat over a dozen people simultaneously. "A sunroom is a must. We'll use it as a sunroom in winter and as a resting place for the ladies in summer."

Xin An agreed. This estate was being built to facilitate their future banquets, so every detail had to be thoughtful and meticulous. Furthermore, once the Xin family arrived in the capital, they would inevitably need to host banquets. Having space in their own manor meant they wouldn't have to go to restaurants; after all, speaking in a restaurant was never as comfortable or relaxed as in one's own large garden.

With Tang Mo and the Wang father and son on hand, Xin An acted as a hands-off manager throughout the process. Aside from paying for the renovations, she didn't need to worry about anything else.

As the sun set beautifully in the evening, Tang Mo took Xin An out to eat. The two, possessing both wealth and leisure, were incredibly relaxed. On the other side, Tang Gang learned at this time that Tang Mo had helped Tang Yaoming build connections to find him a position. It was Tang Yong who had personally come to him with heavy gifts to deliver the news.

Originally, Tang Yong hadn't intended to disturb him, but considering it was only a matter of time before Tang Gang found out, he made the trip to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings. "I originally just wanted to try, but I didn't expect it to succeed. Don't worry, Brother, I have arranged all the necessary connections and preparations. I won't let the second boy have to chip in to help."

Tang Gang nearly lost his composure. If this had been done by Tang Rong, he would have naturally felt a sense of pride and shared in the joy.

But this was achieved by Tang Mo. His favored son was currently hiding in the courtyard recovering from injuries, while the son he didn't care much for was becoming more and more outstanding. Thinking back to the words Lady Wang had used to scold him earlier, his cheeks burned with shame.

"I have always kept Yaoming's matter in my heart, but there have been too many matters in the manor this month, and I couldn't find the time. I originally intended to consult with Vice Minister Wang of the Ministry of Rites in a couple of days."

"It is a good thing that it was accomplished. The Inspection Bureau of the Censorate is a fine place. Let Yaoming serve well; if there is anything he doesn't understand in the future, he can come to me."

Having barely salvaged his dignity, and thinking that having a nephew as a Supervising Censor was also quite beneficial, his attitude improved significantly.

It is always easy to add flowers to a bouquet but difficult to provide charcoal in the snow. Tang Yong understood this well and felt a sense of triumph.

Tang Mo was unaware that such an event had caused both his father and brother to lose their composure. He was currently leading Xin An through the night market, though it differed slightly from his expectations. Because the goods at the night market were similar to the last time, Xin An's desire to buy small trinkets had decreased, but her desire for small snacks had surged. She wanted to taste anything that looked novel, but she would only take a small bite each time, leaving the rest for Tang Mo. Tang Mo started eating from one end of the street and, halfway through, declared he couldn't eat another bite.

It wasn't appropriate to throw them away, and it wasn't right to give them to the guards. "My dear lady, these snacks are all very ordinary. Can we stop eating, please?"

Xin An nodded readily, mainly because the several things she had tasted in a row were quite mediocre.

As they were about to head back after wandering a while longer, Tang Mo's sharp eyes spotted Liu Mingyuan accompanying his wife at a small stall, talking to the owner. He quickly informed Xin An. Xin An looked up. "Yan Wenhui?"

"You know her?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, Tang Mo felt they were redundant. In her previous life, as a Marchioness, Xin An had traveled everywhere to build connections for Tang Rong; how could she not know the noble ladies of the capital?

"I know her."

The corners of Xin An's lips curled slightly as she leaned closer to him and lowered her voice, "Now, take me to befriend her."

Tang Mo glanced at her and smiled. "That is exactly my intention. Let's go."

As they turned around, they instantly put on poised, polite smiles and headed toward Liu Mingyuan and his wife. When they were three steps away, Tang Mo greeted them with a smile, "Brother Liu."

"Second Brother Tang?"

Liu Mingyuan was somewhat surprised. "What a coincidence."

Tang Mo said, "My wife said the night markets in the capital are interesting and that she didn't get enough of it last time. So, here we are again today."

As he spoke, he cupped his hands toward Yan Wenhui. "Sister Yan."

Yan Wenhui had met Tang Mo many times and was quite familiar with him. "After getting married, Second Brother Tang has become quite steady. Why haven't you quickly introduced your wife to me?"

Tang Mo laughed happily and pulled Xin An forward a step. "This is my wife, Xin An. I hope Sister Yan will look after her in the future."

Xin An performed a formal bow. "Young Mistress Liu."

There were many rumors in the capital regarding the marriage swap, and Yan Wenhui had heard them. She had felt quite regretful that Tang Mo's wife had changed from a noble lady to a daughter of a salt merchant. Later, she heard from her younger brother that Tang Mo valued this newlywed wife very highly, which piqued her curiosity.

She couldn't help but observe Xin An closely. Her appearance was stunning, and her smile was as radiant as the sunset clouds. Standing with Tang Mo, they looked like a perfect pair of golden youths and jade maidens. "You can just call me Sister along with Second Brother Tang."

Xin An complied readily and bowed again. "Greetings to Sister Yan."

Only then did Yan Wenhui's gaze shift from her face to her attire. With a single glance, she recognized that Xin An's outer garment was made of the rare Fangfang Brocade. Although there were only three hairpins in her hair, one was a particularly dazzling butterfly hairpin inlaid with jewels, echoing the colorful butterflies and flowers embroidered on the brocade. Two pearls were set at the tips of the butterfly antennae, swaying slightly and making the wearer appear incredibly lively.

Exquisite items were never cheap; the wealth of the Xin family was evident from this.

Liu Mingyuan thought Tang Mo was a good man and intended to build a friendship. Thinking that his own wife also had a playful nature, he saw that Xin An was much the same—what new bride would visit the night market twice within her first month of marriage?

Thinking they might get along well, he said to Yan Wenhui, "Those little trinkets I brought back last time were gifts from my sister-in-law."

He then said to Tang Mo and Xin An, "It was because of those trinkets that your sister-in-law was eager to visit the night market again. There are many fun places in the capital; if my sister-in-law wants to go anywhere in the future, she can arrange to go with your wife."

Yan Wenhui understood his meaning instantly, and her gaze toward Xin An became even warmer. "Sister-in-law, you must come find me for a chat when you have free time."