In the Spring Blossoms Courtyard, Madam Tao jabbed a finger at Tao Yiran’s forehead, her frustration palpable. “If you had told us earlier that you were interested in Tang Mo, your father would have fought to secure that match for you. When the old Marquis and the Xin family arranged the engagement, they never specified it had to be Tang Rong. This entire fiasco could have been avoided.”
“You have no idea how disgraceful Xin Kuan’s words were. He all but called you a shameless harlot. If I hadn’t deflected the blame onto Tang Rong, the Tao family’s reputation would have been utterly ruined. The rest of the family would have torn you apart!”
Her voice brimmed with disappointment as she continued, “Do you realize what’s happened now? Your late mother-in-law’s dowry, which should have been handed to you, has been divided—three parts given away, along with a valuable estate.”
“And that’s not even the worst of it. The rights to manage the household, once relinquished, are almost impossible to regain, even for a direct mother-in-law. For a second wife, it’s practically hopeless.”
“To top it all off, Tang Mo was just assigned a position that was originally reserved for Tang Rong. Do you even know what that means?”
The Northern Guard was a coveted placement among noble sons—a hub for networking and opportunities. Securing a spot there wasn’t guaranteed, even for someone like Tang Gang, who now couldn’t secure a second position for Tang Rong.
The more Madam Tao thought about it, the angrier she became. If not for the consummation of her daughter’s marriage, she might have taken her back home right then and there.
Tao Yiran, however, felt deeply wronged. She had been stunned when she realized the groom wasn’t Tang Mo, her initial surprise giving way to a fleeting joy before everything spiraled into chaos.
“The young lord promised to handle everything,” Tao Yiran said softly. “He said… he has feelings for me.”
Madam Tao remained unimpressed. She hadn’t believed Tang Rong’s excuses earlier, and she doubted others had either. If he truly had feelings for Tao Yiran, why hadn’t he proposed earlier? Why agree to marry Xin An instead?
“This whole situation reeks of dishonor. The virtuous and refined image of the young lord isn’t as genuine as it seems. From now on, you need to play the role of the understanding and aggrieved wife. Keep Tang Rong close, but don’t take everything he says at face value. Be cautious.”
When Wang Shi arrived, Madam Tao quickly masked her irritation, bracing herself for yet another exhausting round of polite maneuvering.
In the Autumn Harvest Courtyard, Madam Xin inspected the staff and was relieved to find no scheming faces among them. After ensuring her daughter was in good hands, she turned the conversation to their upcoming departure.
“We’ll be leaving for Huai Jiang in seven days. Your father has many responsibilities and can’t stay long. If the day ever comes when you don’t wish to remain here, send word, and the Xin family will come to take you home.”
Xin An was moved by her mother’s words, clinging to her arm like a child. She took the opportunity to remind her mother not to let the engagement between the Xin and Zhou families falter. In her past life, the Zhou family had been a pillar of support when the Xin family faced ruin, ensuring their losses were limited to their business and not their lives.
“I heard that Madam Zhou’s health has declined since her illness.The Imperial Medical Bureau reportedly has a pill that’s excellent for replenishing energy. Tomorrow, I’ll ask my mother-in-law to help me purchase some so you can bring it back to her.”
Madam Xin accepted the gesture without hesitation. “That old lady is a good person. The Zhou family has always been steadfast and loyal. Your father is thrilled with this match, and most importantly, your brother seems ecstatic. Have you seen him flitting around like a butterfly, trying to impress Miss Zhou?”
“Just wait. He’ll be off shopping for gifts in the next day or two.”
Xin An chuckled softly. These casual conversations with her mother were precious and nostalgic.
has a tonic called ‘Nourishing Pills’ that’s said to work wonders. Tomorrow, I’ll ask Mother-in-law to help me purchase some for you to bring back.”
That afternoon, after bidding farewell to the Xin and Tao families, Wang Shi and Tang Gang visited the old lady at Spring Honor Hall to discuss the day’s events. Although the old lady had stayed out of the drama, she had heard all the details.
“This is the best outcome we could hope for,” she remarked. “There will be talk in the capital, but as long as the three families present a united front, it will pass. And ensure the servants are disciplined. I won’t tolerate loose tongues.”
Wang Shi agreed, then brought up Xin An’s decision to decline the household management rights and the compensation.
“She said she plans to live peacefully with Tang Mo and doesn’t want what isn’t rightfully hers.”
Tang Gang, pleased with Xin An’s prudence, nodded. “She’s sensible and has a good sense of propriety.”
However, Wang Shi hesitated before broaching the topic of Tang Rong’s mother’s dowry. “By rights, the young lord should inherit his mother’s dowry after marriage. I began preparing to transfer it to him when his engagement was settled, but…”
Her voice trailed off, and her expression turned uneasy. The old lady understood immediately, while Tang Gang’s eyes narrowed. “Did you use it?” he asked sharply.
Wang Shi handed him a ledger. “Take a look, Marquis, and you’ll understand.”
Switching from military to civilian life had drained the family’s finances, and much of the dowry had been used to maintain their status. Wang Shi had meticulously documented every expense.
She then presented another ledger, detailing Tang Rong’s personal expenditures over the years.
“The young lord prefers Lake Ink, Jinzhou Xuan Paper, and gray hairbrushes. Last month, he spent 500 taels on an ivory folding fan from Qiongzhou. His room is scented with Thousand-Gold Cold Incense from the Imperial Medical Bureau. Some of these items came from his mother’s dowry, but most were purchased additionally.”
Tang Gang was shocked as he read the records. The extent of Tang Rong’s extravagance had gone unnoticed, and the weight of these revelations left him unsettled. His first instinct was to deflect blame.
“Why didn’t you rein him in as his mother?” he snapped.
Wang Shi, suppressing her anger, answered tearfully, “Marquis, you know how the capital operates. The sons of noble families are all expected to live lavishly. If our young lord had appeared lesser, how would others view the Marquis of Weiyuan?”
As she spoke, her eyes turned red and her voice was filled with tears. “It’s hard to be a stepmother. I do my best to take care of the prince. I never said anything when the prince used these things. I always pressured Mo’er to spend less, but in the end, I was still blamed.”
The matriarch spoke firmly.
“We promised the Xin family compensation. If we retract it now, how will you maintain your position in court? Since they declined to receive the dowry, you must give them 2,000 taels from your private funds.”
“Don’t hesitate. While no one may criticize us now, who knows what the future holds? The Xin family isn’t to be trifled with, as you’ve seen.”
Wang Shi took a deep breath. Tang Gang’s meager salary was barely enough to support himself. The so-called “private funds” were hers. Yet, with Tang Gang’s silent agreement, she had no choice but to comply.
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