After the tea ceremony for the new daughters-in-law, Tang Gang and the rest of the family showed no signs of leaving. They insisted on staying to chat with the matriarch and declared that such an auspicious day deserved a family meal together. Tang Yong, ever perceptive, volunteered to leave, but not a single person from the Marquis’s household made any effort to stop him—not even out of courtesy.
Once the room was left to just the immediate family, Tang Gang seemed hesitant to speak, but the matriarch directly inquired about the dowry left by Tang Rong’s mother. Tang Gang calmly presented the remaining dowry to Tang Rong in full view of everyone. Several large locked chests were brought in, and though no one could see their contents, their sheer number suggested there wasn’t much missing.
Tang Mo exchanged a glance with Wang Shi, who took the cue and said to Tang Rong, “Yesterday, your father mentioned giving three-tenths of your mother’s dowry to your younger brother and sister-in-law. However, your sister-in-law told me that she had no reason to accept your mother’s belongings. Your father and I discussed it, and we’ve decided that it should all go to you. To show goodwill, we will instead give two thousand taels of silver to your brother and sister-in-law.”
Caught off guard, Tang Rong couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off, though he couldn’t pinpoint why. Bowing slightly, he said, “Everything shall be as Father and Mother decide.”
A small box was then brought to Xin An. When she opened it, she saw neatly stacked banknotes inside. Tao Yiran, who had been watching closely, suddenly felt suffocated. Both daughters-in-law had only just entered the household, yet the second branch had already received a property, an extravagant headpiece, and now silver. Tao Yiran wasn’t someone who cared about mundane possessions, but this blatant favoritism was like a slap to her face, a reminder of her supposed inadequacy.
However, Xin An closed the box without hesitation and personally handed it back to Wang Shi.
“Mother, last night the second young master and I had a heartfelt discussion. He promised to treat me well in the future. Since I chose not to leave with my family yesterday, it means I have decided to make this marriage work. How, then, could I accept this silver?”
“Please keep it. Managing the household is no easy task, and the expenses are significant. Consider this my small contribution.”
Wang Shi’s eyes lit up with joy.
“Good child! Are you truly sincere?”
“Absolutely,” Xin An replied firmly.
Moved to tears, Wang Shi turned to the matriarch. “Mother, did you hear that?”
The matriarch, who had been observing with satisfaction, nodded approvingly.
“If the girl has truly come to terms with things, that is a blessing for the second young master—and for you as her mother-in-law.”
She then addressed her maid, Ganlu, “Bring me the crown gifted by the Empress years ago, along with the pink tourmaline bracelet.”
Tang Mo silently marveled at the scene, muttering inwardly, So that’s her game. She sacrifices a small reward to claim a larger prize. It was a lesson he wouldn’t soon forget.
The items were quickly retrieved. The crown, crafted in the palace, was incomparably exquisite, its value evident in its lustrous pearls. The pink tourmaline bracelet, though also stunning, paled in comparison to the crown.
The matriarch handed the bracelet to Tao Yiran first, speaking of its rarity and how its pink hues complemented her complexion.
“You have jade-like skin. Pink suits you best,” the matriarch said warmly.
Tao Yiran accepted it with a polite smile. Though the bracelet was undoubtedly a fine piece, standing next to the crown made it seem lackluster. She replied, “Thank you, Grandmother,” but her lack of enthusiasm displeased the matriarch.
As the matriarch handed the crown to Xin An, Xin An performed an impromptu display of astonishment and gratitude. She moved through expressions of shock, disbelief, joy, and reverence so fluidly that it left the matriarch thoroughly delighted.
This was exactly how she wanted her gifts to be received—with reverence and heartfelt appreciation that made her feel respected and valued.
The matriarch patted Xin An’s hand, her heart brimming with affection.
“Good child, come visit me often when you have time. I’d love to hear you talk.”
“Even if you didn’t ask, I would, Grandmother,” Xin An replied with a sweet smile. “From the moment I met you, I felt a special bond. You remind me so much of my own grandmother—kind and gentle.”
The matriarch laughed heartily, her fondness for Xin An growing stronger. Xin An’s smile grew even brighter, and though she didn’t realize it, her youthful exuberance seemed to return in that moment.
Tang Mo, seeing how easily Xin An had won favor, tried to emulate her. He approached the matriarch with a playful grin and said, “Grandmother, you’ve become so partial. Now that you have a granddaughter-in-law, it seems you’ve forgotten about your grandson. I think you’re the kindest grandmother in the world. Don’t you think I deserve a reward too?”
Xin An nearly broke into laughter, though her skin crawled at his saccharine tone. But the matriarch was thoroughly amused.
“This rascal! You’ve been eyeing the treasures in my room for years. Now that you’ve finally worked up the courage to ask, you’ve caught me in a good mood.”
Still smiling, the matriarch added, “Very well, I won’t play favorites. You and your brother can each choose one item from the treasure shelf.”
The items on the matriarch’s treasure shelf were known for their exorbitant value. Tang Mo’s spirits lifted, silently agreeing that following Xin An’s lead was proving fruitful.
“I knew Grandmother loved me!” Tang Mo exclaimed. Turning to Tang Rong, he said, “Elder Brother, you should choose first.”
Tang Rong, disdainful of their sycophantic behavior, scanned the shelf and eventually selected a vibrant monthly rose from a celadon vase. He presented it with a flourish, explaining, “Grandmother’s treasures are beyond compare, but I cannot bear to take what you hold dear. This rose, with its subtle elegance, is enough for me.”
His performance—deliberate and gallant—won Tao Yiran’s adoration, evident in her blushing cheeks. Tang Rong glanced at her, the corners of his lips curling into a satisfied smile.
Seeing this, Tang Mo hesitated. Tang Rong’s flawless act had once again stolen the spotlight. Tang Mo wasn’t sure how to respond but suddenly had an idea.
Turning to Xin An, he said, “What about you? Which one would you like? I’ll take it for you.”
Feigning shyness, Xin An looked at the matriarch.
“Grandmother, you see how he is!”
The matriarch, still upset by Tang Rong’s earlier dampening of the mood, burst into laughter at Xin An’s endearing act.
“It’s a sign he cares for you. You should be happy!”
“Even Grandmother is teasing me!” Xin An exclaimed, her laughter mingling with the matriarch’s.
The joyous atmosphere erased any lingering tensions, and Xin An’s charm once again proved irresistible.
Deixe um comentário