Chapter 56: Tao Yiran's Annoyance

Chapter 56: Tao Yiran's Disdain

In reality, there was also Lady Wang. She no longer cared at all whether Tang Gang took concubines; what she cared about was that the woman he took was a maid from her own courtyard. This was a slap in her face.

Having enjoyed himself, Tang Gang had no intention of taking responsibility. The maid had already shown signs of wanting to end her life over the past two days. After talking with her for a while, Lady Wang didn't care what Tang Gang thought; she immediately served her a cup of "concubine tea." From then on, the Marquis's manor gained a new Concubine Huan. A small courtyard was arranged for her to live in, along with two young maids to serve her.

The maid from her own courtyard could not be wasted by Tang Gang for nothing.

"The manor has only just welcomed two new daughters-in-law. Before long, the Marquis will be a grandfather. One should be mindful of what one does and what one avoids. I ask the Marquis to keep this in mind and not let the younger generation make a laughingstock of us."

Tang Gang knew he was in the wrong, and combined with previous incidents, he felt guilty. He was no longer as assertive in front of Lady Wang. To show goodwill, he wanted to stay over that night, but Lady Wang found him disgusting. She said, "These two days are meant to be Concubine Huan's days of great joy. The Marquis should go accompany her. I am a bit fatigued these past two days and wish to rest more."

Tang Gang didn't truly want to stay either; after a few polite words, he left.

Lady Wang lifted her teacup, the corners of her lips curling slightly. She thought to herself that men were truly fickle—when she was harsh with him, his attitude actually improved.

Early the next morning, Tang Yong visited. Upon learning that Tang Mo had returned, he wanted to tell him the good news about Tang Yaoming immediately.

"He has already reported to the Inspectorate. I don't even know how to thank you for this, Nephew."

He hadn't even held out much hope, yet it had worked out, and it was such a good position. "Your Second Aunt has prepared some wine and food at the manor and would like to invite you and your wife over for a simple meal. Are you free today?"

"We are free."

Tang Mo was even happier than Tang Yong. "I'll have a good drink with Second Uncle today. We must celebrate my cousin's great news."

Tang Yong wanted to invite Lady Wang as well, but Tang Mo accepted on her behalf. "Second Uncle, please head back first. We will prepare ourselves and come over shortly."

"Alright."

Tang Yong did not linger and left happily.

Lady Wang was somewhat surprised when she heard the news, but she couldn't help feeling proud. Her son had become so capable. "I will have someone prepare a congratulatory gift. We will go together later."

Having received the news, Xin An also prepared a gift. The family of three left the house, chatting and laughing. No sooner had they left than Tang Rong and Tao Yiran in the Chunhua Courtyard received the news. "Do you know what happened?"

Tao Yiran shook her head. She had not bothered to bribe the servants in the manor, so naturally, no one had proactively brought the news to her. Tang Rong, who was lying down recovering from his injuries, knew even less about the outside world. Only Qing Mo, who was still limping from her beating, was busy inquiring about things.

It was only then that Tang Rong realized the problem. Once he lay down, the entire Chunhua Courtyard became as deaf and blind as if it were incapacitated. Forget the outside world; he didn't even know what was happening within the manor.

"You must regularly bribe the managers of various departments. Do not be so passive."

He hoped Tao Yiran would take responsibility, but Tao Yiran held such tasks in contempt. In her eyes, servants who had signed indentures had lives that belonged to their masters; therefore, they should naturally alleviate their masters' worries, and performing their duties well was only expected.

She thought the way the neighbors did it—where subordinates required rewards for every little task—was unacceptable and would ruin the atmosphere.

Tang Rong continued to instruct, "The managers of various departments in the manor cannot be neglected. When it is time to give rewards, do not be stingy."

Tao Yiran felt a sense of impatience. She already felt aggrieved that her life had come to this; being asked to manage the manor's servants felt like a degradation of her status.

Seeing that she was slow to agree, Tang Rong took her hand. "Once I begin my duties at the Ministry of Rites, I won't be able to stay in the manor every day. I will have to trouble you to manage the affairs here. You should go to Grandmother daily to pay your respects; it won't take much time. Additionally, you will need to work on making acquaintances with the ladies of other households. As long as we are of one mind, we will naturally have a bright future ahead."

Tao Yiran forced a faint smile, neither refusing nor agreeing. Tang Rong had always been the paragon of upright gentlemen among the noble daughters of the capital. He was skilled in both literary and martial arts, possessed a tall stature and handsome features, and every gesture exuded the noble grace of a high-born son. She had thought that marrying such a man would mean a life of peace, romance, and harmony—a match made in heaven.

But Tang Rong wanted her to bribe servants, socialize with ladies, and curry favor with his grandmother. Such petty, worldly maneuvering was utterly vulgar to her.

Tang Rong felt much better these past two days, and the pain in his body had subsided. Thinking he had been a bit hard on Tao Yiran lately, he decided to accompany her. "Last time you said you wanted to paint with me. How about we do that today?"

For a married couple, painting together was a beautiful and romantic pastime. Before Tang Rong had been beaten and his face injured, Tao Yiran would naturally have been willing. But currently, Tang Rong's face had not yet healed and was quite unpleasant to look at. How could she have the leisure to paint?

"The doctor said you need more rest. Painting may not seem tiring, but it is extremely taxing on the mind. You should rest for now; we will do it when there is time in the future."

She hid her feelings so well that Tang Rong had no idea he was being shunned. Instead, he was somewhat moved that Tao Yiran was looking out for him in every way.

By this time, Tang Mo had already arrived at Tang Yong's residence with Xin An and Lady Wang. The family welcomed them warmly, and Tang Yaoming had even made a special trip back from the Inspectorate to join them for lunch.

"Thank you, Cousin, for your painstaking efforts. I shall never forget this great kindness. If I ever need your help in the future, please do not hesitate to ask."

Tang Yaoming thanked Tang Mo very formally. Tang Mo hurriedly reached out to support him. "Don't be so polite, Cousin. It is only right that we brothers support one another. There is no need for such formality."

As he spoke, he turned to Tang Yong. "I didn't expect this to succeed either. To me, it is also a joyous occasion. Second Uncle, you know me—I am quite useless. How could I have thought I could actually pull something like this off?"

"You are being too modest."

Tang Yong patted his arm. "You have been bright and silver-tongued since you were a child. Although you were a bit mischievous, you have a kind heart. Your friends are likely the same. Boy, you have talent."

In front of his own family, Tang Mo did not act humble; he held his head high. The three of them entered the hall, chatting and laughing. Lady You spoke to Lady Wang with a beaming smile. "We worried ourselves sick over Yaoming's matter. We always thought that after all those years of hard study, once he finally passed the exam, he must make a name for himself. We felt somewhat disheartened when we found no one to turn to for help, never imagining that things would take such a turn for the better."

"That boy Mo is truly capable. When he came to visit in person to tell us, although his Second Uncle was moved, he didn't hold much hope. Countless families in the capital seek official positions for their clan members, and even the Marquis has little influence. It must have been even harder for the boy, yet who could have thought it would work out like this?"

"Sister-in-law, I thank you. Thank you for giving birth to such a wonderful son."

Lady You was truly happy. Not only did her own son have a good position, but they also had a capable nephew to assist them. The family now had something to look forward to.

Lady Wang felt a lump in her throat. "He is your nephew as well. We are all one family. Other matters aside, for a major event like this, of course, we must help as much as possible. Once the brothers are well-established, they can support each other and go much further."

"Indeed."

The two sisters-in-law had never spoken so intimately before; their meetings were usually just polite formalities. Today was the first time.