Tang Mo was willing to let his father-in-law make more friends with officials. In his heart, he looked down on his father. He wanted the Xin family's money but still put on airs. It was only natural for the Xin family to switch to another camp.
In this case, as a son-in-law, he stepped forward to share his father-in-law's worries and get a share of the profits. Wasn't that also for the good of the Marquisate?
As long as the benefits were in his hands, they would not leave the Marquisate. What if his old man was not satisfied?
Xin Kuan was very familiar with how to make friends with officials in the court. Before one meal was over, the next one began. Naturally, Tang Mo had to accompany them.
As the introducer and most likely Xin Kuan's future spokesperson in the capital, Minister Wu's attitude towards Tang Mo changed, and he praised him a lot. Xin Kuan also praised Tang Mo's thoughtfulness and thoroughness with a smug look on his face.
After a good deal of commercial flattery between the father-in-law and the son-in-law, Minister Wu was successfully made to understand that although the marriage was swapped, the couple were very satisfied with each other, and there was a hint of mockery in the look they gave Lord Tao.
Lord Tao dug his toes into the ground in embarrassment. As a father-in-law, who doesn't want to be respected by his son-in-law? He even more hopes that the respect can give him a little intimacy and that he can be more filial than his own son. He is almost certain that Tang Rong will not hold him so high in the eyes of others and give him such enviable respect.
At this moment, he wanted Tang Rong's status and reputation, and he also wanted Tang Mo to respect and be filial to him. There were all kinds of feelings in his heart, so much so that the smile on his face seemed a little fake.
There is no relaxation at all.
Yan Shimao and the other two were responsible for sending the girls and the Xin family mother and daughter back home. After they left the restaurant, Xin An suggested that they each send their own sister back home. "It's too late, and the family will be worried. We still have maids, attendants, and drivers, so it won't be a problem."
The three of them had a good relationship with Tang Mo. Tang Mo's performance today made them know how to treat Xin An. Xie Changyou said, "Second brother Tang has given instructions. We will send our aunt and sister-in-law back to the mansion in person."
Yan Shimao said he was here to take his three sisters back home, and the other two would take Madam Xin and Xin An. Xin An did not refuse and got in the car. Madam Xin praised Tang Mo again, saying that she was relieved. Xin An was in a good mood after a day out, and was even happier to see his parents and brother being treated with courtesy than he was being respected. "It's indeed a bit unexpected, but mother, please stop praising him. He's so proud of himself."
In the past, Tang Rong had always been indifferent to her family. He only showed respect on the surface, but never invited them to dinner or drink in private. At that time, she didn't think there was anything wrong with it. Now she has a different experience. Regardless of whether Tang Mo is sincere or for other reasons, she appreciates his kindness.
After sending Mrs. Xin back, Xie Changyou and Wei Ye took the initiative to talk to Xin An, trying to test Xin An's attitude towards Tang Mo.
For a woman, it will take time to accept that her original husband has suddenly changed, which means that she also needs some time.
Xie Changyou couldn't help but persuade her, "Sister-in-law, don't believe those bad rumors outside. There is a hidden story. In fact, the second brother Tang is quite good."
Wei Ye also echoed, "Second Brother Tang is handsome, considerate and righteous. Although he occasionally goes out to play with us, he has always been clean. He has been to brothels but never hugged girls. He has been to gambling houses but never stayed there. He is a decent person. Those bad rumors are all caused by despicable people. Don't take them seriously."
Xin An became interested, "He's so nice?"
"That is."
The two nodded seriously, "You'll understand after spending more time with me. I'm not lying to you."
Xin An smiled, nodded and said he would seriously consider it, "It's great that he has brothers like you."
"Hahaha, we have been friends for many years."
The two of them were quite proud of themselves, as if being able to make friends with Tang Mo was a big deal.
After returning home, Xin An went to report to Wang, but found out that Wang was not there. He asked the gatekeeper and learned that Wang had gone to Chunhuayuan.
"Something happened at Chunhua Court an hour ago, and the prince was not at home, so Madam went there and has not returned yet."
"What's going on?"
The maid looked around and lowered her voice, "I heard that Xueyu from the prince's courtyard is pregnant, and the eldest young master's wife can't tolerate the child."
After saying that, he shrank back. Chunyang rewarded the little girl with money without Xin An even signaling. The little girl was flattered and thanked him repeatedly. Xin An told her to do her job well and then hurried back. She came back so late that she missed the fun.
As soon as she entered the courtyard, Aunt Wang came out to greet her. She was obviously in a good mood. After Xin An entered the house, she told her about the incident next door. "It's not nice to hear that a maid got pregnant before a concubine, but it's not surprising. But there was a marriage exchange in the mansion, and it's been a hot topic outside for the past two days. If this incident is added, who knows how it will be spread."
"The Tao family coming to question us is a minor matter. We are afraid that someone will use this to target the Marquis' Mansion. I guess that's why the neighbors are suppressing the news. Who knows that Xueyu is impatient? Maybe she is worried that she can't keep the child. She woke up from her nap today and asked for sour apricots. After being scolded by Aunt Cai, she ran to the Madam and told her about this. She cried and said that the Madam couldn't tolerate her and wanted to harm her child."
"Half an hour ago, he had a stomachache again and kept shouting for a long time. Madam sent someone to get a doctor, but he hasn't left yet."
Xin An looked in the direction of Chunhua Courtyard. She had already told her mother-in-law about this matter, and both of them pretended not to know. As Aunt Wang said, the Marquis' Mansion had been at the center of controversy in the past two days, and such news would undoubtedly make the situation worse. Tang Gang would not be able to escape being implicated in the court.
Although Tang Gang has shortcomings, he is the real pillar of the Marquis' Mansion. No one will benefit if he falls. The mother-in-law and the daughter-in-law do not like Tang Rong and Tang Gang, but they do not want to bring down the Marquis' Mansion. The best way to deal with this matter is to suppress the news, and after Tao Yi becomes pregnant, the matter can be handled calmly.
"Let everyone in our yard keep their mouths shut and not say a single word to anyone else."
"Aunt Wang, go find the steward Wu and ask him to order the servants in the mansion not to discuss this matter, let alone leak it."
She went out and went next door, but this time she was not going to watch the fun.
Chunrong Courtyard was filled with gloom and sadness. Tao Yiran was crying in the house. From this incident alone, she was indeed wronged. Wang's face was frosty, and she secretly hated Tao Yiran for not being able to control even a maid, and having made such a big fuss about this matter, yet still having the nerve to cry here.
Seeing Xin An coming, Wang came down the stairs and walked up to her, "How do you think this matter should be handled?"
Xin An did not hide her shortcomings in front of her mother-in-law. "My eldest brother and his wife are newlyweds and are in love. Now that the maid is pregnant, my eldest sister-in-law must have suffered a great injustice. The Tao family must have taken advantage of this and made some excessive demands. In my humble opinion, we should make a big deal out of a small matter."
Wang patted the back of her hand and said, "Mother was right about you."