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RMBLCUCS Chapter 5: The Feud Between Two Courtyards

“From the moment I first saw you at the Marquis’ manor, I thought, what kind of woman could possibly match such a radiant young master? When I heard you were betrothed to Miss Xin, I envied her deeply. But who would have thought that fate would intervene, and you and I would end up as husband and wife? Rong Lang, am I being too forward?”

Tang Rong, the legitimate eldest son of the Marquis of Wei Yuan, possessed noble features and impeccable character. As the heir apparent to the title, he naturally won Tao Yiran’s favor over Tang Mo.

Seeing her delicate, tearful demeanor, Tang Rong’s heart softened further. He clasped her hand gently and said, “Marrying you, Yi’er, is something I never anticipated. When I lifted the bridal veil, my heart overflowed with joy. I’ve always disliked fighting or competing, yet in that moment, I found myself willing to fight for you. I never imagined I could be so reckless, even at the cost of wronging Miss Xin and my younger brother.”

Tao Yiran’s father was a regional governor in Cangzhou, and her family held multiple positions in the imperial court. With her elegant demeanor and artistic talents, she easily outshone Xin An.

“Rong Lang,” Tao Yiran murmured with shy delight, nestling into Tang Rong’s embrace.

The two indulged in their tender affection until the sound of hushed whispers outside broke their moment. When Tang Rong sent someone to inquire, his face turned displeased upon hearing the report. He thought disdainfully, This is exactly the sort of vulgar behavior one expects from merchant families.

Still, it was customary to give rewards to the servants on the morning after the wedding. Tang Rong ordered a month’s wages to be distributed to each servant.

The servants in the Spring Blossoms Courtyard were visibly disappointed. Although a month’s pay was no small amount, it paled in comparison to the year’s wages distributed next door.

Meanwhile, the servants in the Autumn Harvest Courtyard were gleefully watching the drama unfold. Knowing their twelve taels far exceeded their counterparts’ earnings, even the lowest-ranking maids couldn’t resist flaunting smug glances at their rivals.

The servants in the Spring Blossoms Courtyard seethed with anger. They resented their stingy masters and were forced to endure the arrogance of their neighbors. After a silent exchange of hostile glances, each group returned to their duties.

Thus, on the very first day of the marriage, the two courtyards officially became rivals.


About an hour later, both the Tao and Xin families arrived. While the Xin family looked deeply troubled, the Tao family seemed quietly pleased. After all, when they arranged the marriage, they had hoped for Tang Rong but had to settle for Tang Mo because of Tang Rong’s prior engagement to Xin An.

Between the two brothers, Tang Rong was clearly the superior choice. Despite their internal satisfaction, the Tao family maintained an outward display of shock and anger.

“This is outrageous!” Madame Xin exclaimed. “Did the gods and ancestors of the Xin family not open their eyes yesterday? How could such a thing happen after I offered incense at dawn?”

When Madame Xin saw her daughter, she immediately became distraught, clutching her thighs and wailing in despair. Meanwhile, Xin An burst into tears, collapsing into her mother’s arms.

“Mother!” she cried, sobbing uncontrollably as if trying to release years of pent-up grievances. In her previous life, Tang Rong had claimed her family had met with an accident en route to the capital, but she hadn’t had the chance to learn the full details or if their lives were in danger.

“This is all my fault! I’ve brought shame upon Father and Mother,” she wailed.

It was her blindness and foolishness that had trapped her in Tang Rong’s web of deceit. She had only herself to blame for her misfortune.

“I was wrong. I deserve this punishment. I was truly wrong.”

Madam Xin, overcome with heartache, began to cry as well. Her daughter, raised with the utmost care and luxury, had never shed a tear before. Yet now, in the Marquis’ household, she had cried more in one day than in the past eighteen years combined.

“Don’t be afraid. Father and Mother are here. We’ll take you back to Huaijiang, and we’ll never return to this wretched capital again,” Madam Xin consoled her daughter.

Lost in her grief, Xin An continued to cry. Tang Mo stood silently nearby, his curiosity piqued. He recalled how ruthless Xin An had been in his previous life, always scheming to snatch away whatever Tang Rong desired. She had even managed to outmaneuver his mother on several occasions. What could have broken such a formidable woman so thoroughly? Had Tang Rong eventually abandoned her and their child?

After crying until she was utterly exhausted, Xin An’s eyes were swollen and dry. Spring Sun brought water for her to wash her face, and Madame Xin instructed the servants to pack their things. “We’ll leave immediately.”

“Mother,” Xin An interrupted, her voice steady despite the tears. She didn’t shy away from speaking in front of Tang Mo. “Let’s not act rashly. If I leave now, it will undoubtedly offend the Marquis. His narrow-mindedness won’t tolerate such defiance, and Father wouldn’t be able to bear the consequences.”

She cast a glance at Tang Mo. “Moreover, everyone knows I entered the Tang family in a bridal sedan and spent the night with Tang Mo. Rumors will inevitably spread, and we must consider the implications for my younger sisters.”

The Xin family wasn’t a small household; the second branch alone had two daughters of marriageable age.

“Huan has just gotten engaged,” Xin An continued. “The bride’s family agreed to the match partly because I was marrying into the Marquis’s household—”

Before she could finish, a voice cut her off. “If the Zhou family wants to break the engagement over this, it’s better not to marry them at all.”

“Elder sister, don’t worry about me,” said Xin Huan, Xin An’s younger brother, as he entered the room. At the sight of him, Xin An felt another wave of tears threatening to spill. Xin Huan, two years her junior, had always respected her as his elder sister. He had often warned her to be cautious, but she had stubbornly ignored his advice.

Truly, wise counsel is wasted on those destined for ruin.

“You’re being ridiculous. If I don’t consider you, won’t you run wild?” Xin An chided, tears still falling.

Xin Huan awkwardly scratched his head before turning to Tang Mo. “So, are you my brother-in-law now or not?”

All eyes turned to Tang Mo. He stepped forward, bowing respectfully. “Although I didn’t know Miss Xin well before, fate has brought us together. I only hope we can support each other as husband and wife.”

In the past, Madame Xin had disliked Tang Mo, having heard of his constant conflicts with Tang Rong and his reputation for causing trouble. But now that he was her son-in-law, her perspective shifted. Tang Mo was undoubtedly more handsome than Tang Rong, and though his mother was a second wife, she had married properly and provided Tang Mo with a better support system than Xin An would have had as the daughter-in-law of a disapproving stepmother.

Looking at her son-in-law now, Madame Xin found herself increasingly satisfied. At least he had a more approachable attitude than Tang Rong’s aloof demeanor.

Her worried gaze turned to Xin An. “Are you truly willing?” Just yesterday, Xin An had been overjoyed to marry Tang Rong. Was she ready to let go?

Xin An nodded firmly, even speaking plainly. “I once admired Tang Rong, but last night he feigned drunkenness to consummate his marriage with Tao Yiran. It’s clear he doesn’t care for me. Why should I waste my affection on someone who doesn’t value me?”

Madame Xin patted her hand. “From childhood, I’ve always supported your decisions. If that’s how you feel, then changing sons-in-law is no big deal. But I won’t let you suffer.”

Xin An agreed wholeheartedly. Although the matter would eventually be smoothed over, she wanted to trouble Tang Rong and Tao Yiran a little first. Calling Xin Huan closer, she whispered instructions into his ear.

Meanwhile, Madame Xin summoned Tang Mo. “Son-in-law, come with me to meet your father and mother in the front courtyard. This matter cannot be brushed aside.”

The Tao family had shown their shamelessness; the Tao parents had nearly laughed aloud with delight earlier. It was infuriating to watch.

Thrilled at the prospect of his mother-in-law advocating for him, Tang Mo eagerly followed her to the front courtyard.

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