After lunch, the matriarch, feeling drowsy from the hawthorn water, suggested everyone return to their courtyards for a rest. The family members dispersed.
Back in the Autumn Harvest Courtyard, Xin An collapsed unceremoniously onto the chaise lounge, yawning as tears gathered at the corners of her eyes. Chunyang and Chunlü helped her remove her hairpins and jewelry, set out some tea, and then quietly left.
Tang Mo sat admiring the pastel vase he had acquired. “This thing is truly exquisite—easily worth a thousand taels. I saw clearly that Tang Rong wanted it. Lucky for me, I’m smarter and didn’t let him get his way.”
Xin An, propped up on one arm and idly toying with a jade pendant at her waist, mused aloud, “Do you think I was too lively today? I’m afraid I may have caught your father’s attention.”
“So what?” Tang Mo carefully set the vase in a safe place. “He cares too much about his reputation to criticize you openly. If he dares, I’ll quietly spread the word and see how he manages to show his face in court.”
“As for everyone else, don’t worry. My mother will definitely support you. She’ll think you’ve come to your senses and decided to settle down and live well. And as for those two in the Spring Blossoms Courtyard—one thinks she’s a goddess, the other acts like the moon in the sky. Do you think they’ll stoop to fight over mundane things?”
“Didn’t you notice they hardly said a word today?”
Xin An smirked. “They’ve probably already dismissed us as petty and vulgar, thinking we’re nothing but opportunistic sycophants.”
Tang Mo shrugged. “Let them think that. At most, they’ll call us opportunistic, sycophantic, or greedy. It’s not like we’ll lose any sleep over it.”
Tang Mo dragged a stool over to sit in front of Xin An, grinning mischievously. “So, tell me what the matriarch likes. If I can figure her out, I can curry favor too. No reason for you to shoulder all the work, right?”
Xin An had intended to share her insights, but she set a condition. “Any benefits we gain—split evenly. And if I ever need help, you must assist me unconditionally.”
“Of course!” Tang Mo agreed without hesitation. Today, their coordinated efforts had easily won the matriarch’s favor. Compared to his previous life—where he struggled alone, dragging an ungrateful wife who reaped his rewards while criticizing him—this was practically a dream.
Xin An beckoned him closer and, in a hushed voice, explained the matriarch’s preferences. Tang Mo’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Pace yourself,” he cautioned. “Don’t overdo it. We have to take it step by step.”
“She’s actually quite decent,” Xin An said, resting her chin on her hand. “She enjoys the good life but doesn’t make things difficult for anyone. If she doesn’t like someone, she simply avoids them. Before her death, she even instructed that all her treasures should remain in the household rather than being buried with her.”
Xin An continued, “You should visit the Imperial Medical Bureau and get some Nourishing Pills. Bring plenty—half for the matriarch and half for me. If she lives a long life, it will benefit us both.”
Tang Mo nodded vigorously. Then he asked, curiosity piqued, “By the way, what’s your grudge against Tang Yong? I could feel your anger earlier.”
Xin An’s gaze darkened. Thinking of Tang Yong brought back memories of Tang Gang’s incompetence and Tang Rong’s treachery. “There are things I’m not ready to discuss yet. Earlier, during the tea ceremony, I was reminded of past events. If I had a poisoned cup in hand, I’d have killed Tang Rong on the spot. My frustration wasn’t directed at your second uncle.”
She paused, her voice dropping. “In fact, just looking at you is irritating enough. The only reason I haven’t expressed it is because I’m still in control.”
Tang Mo’s lips twitched. “You’re still angry after I died in the last life? You’re holding a grudge even now?”
Xin An shook her head. It wasn’t him she resented—it was Tang Mo’s son, Tang Hui. “You’re lucky I still have some sense. Otherwise, I’d have dealt with you already.”
Tang Mo’s curiosity grew. “Do you remember what your second uncle’s son, Tang Yaoming, was up to around this time?”
Tang Mo, who had returned earlier in this timeline, knew more than she did. “He barely scraped by in the imperial exams. My second uncle wants to secure a decent post for him. He came to ask my father for help half a month ago, but the old man refused, claiming it would look bad. He’s just lazy.”
Xin An’s expression turned contemplative. “Your second uncle was far more reliable than your father. When the marquisate fell, he ran himself ragged trying to help.” She fixed Tang Mo with a piercing gaze. “Do you want to inherit the marquisate?”
Tang Mo blinked, startled. “I’m the legitimate son; of course I’m eligible.”
“But if Tang Rong inherits the title, you and I will be at his mercy for the rest of our lives. Is that what you want?”
Xin An raised an eyebrow. “If not, then let’s plan. Go lock the door.”
Tang Mo sprang to his feet, locking the door before eagerly returning. “I already have a plan.”
The two huddled together, whispering with increasing excitement.
Meanwhile, in the Spring Blossoms Courtyard, Tao Yiran sat fuming. She stared at the vase with the wilting rose Tang Rong had plucked earlier. The sight only soured her mood further. Despite being a newlywed granddaughter-in-law, she felt she had been treated differently today.
“What’s wrong? You seem upset.”
Tang Rong placed a hand on her shoulder. Her eyes reddened as she lowered her head to wipe away tears. “Does Grandmother dislike me? I could tell—she thinks I’m not a proper lady, and now she’s cold to you because of me. I’ve dragged you down. Maybe I should just go back home.”
“Nonsense.”
Tang Rong’s own feelings were complicated. Today had left a bitter taste in his mouth. For years, he had been the center of attention, admired by all. But today, he had played second fiddle. “Neither of us cares about being in the spotlight, so why let it bother us?”
“Grandmother is easy enough to get along with. Spend more time talking to her, and she’ll come to like you.”
His thoughts drifted to the yellow jade peony. Smiling faintly, he said, “That yellow jade peony would suit you perfectly. When the time is right, I’ll ask Grandmother to give it to you.”
Tao Yiran’s eyes brightened, though she replied modestly, “The jade peony is truly exquisite, but I saw that Second Sister-in-law liked it too. Let her have it.”
“You’re too kind,” Tang Rong said, sitting beside her and taking her hand. “Marrying you is the greatest fortune of my life. Father mentioned he’ll secure me a position next month. Rest assured, I’ll ensure you earn the honorific title you deserve. No one will look down on you.”
Tao Yiran beamed. “I knew you were the finest man in the world.”
“Is it with the Northern Guard again?” she asked.
Tang Rong shook his head. “Father offered me the Northern Guard post, but I saw how much Second Brother wanted it and let him have it. Father is arranging a position for me at the Ministry of Rites instead. Minister Wang mentioned they need someone to handle foreign emissaries. I think it’s worth a try.”
Tao Yiran, full of admiration, responded softly, “Wherever you go, I know you’ll excel.”
As they exchanged sweet words, servants arrived with Tang Rong’s mother’s dowry. Seeing the mound of chests fill the courtyard, Tao Yiran’s eyes lit up with delight.
“These are all Mother’s dowry?”
Tang Rong nodded, instructing the servants to lock them in the storeroom. “My maternal family used to be wealthy, and Mother was favored at home. That’s why her dowry was so extensive. Unfortunately, my uncle has fallen on hard times and hasn’t returned to the capital in years.”
Cai Gu, ever cautious, suggested, “Young Master, we should open the chests and inspect the contents. Such valuable items must be verified.”
Tang Rong dismissed her concern with a wave. “I checked yesterday. Everything is in order. You worry too much.”
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