Chapter 10
The Appearance of Tang Xiaogu
Proofreader/Editor:
Nene Yashiro

---

Tang De laid on Tang Jiwei’s bed, expressing his indignation. Unfortunately, Tang Jiwei was silently focused on copying the master’s work, which only made him more anxious, causing him to sit up abruptly.

“Brother, can’t you think of a way to curb our aunt’s arrogance?”

Tang Jiwei dipped his brush in ink and continued painting. “You know she is our aunt; as a junior, what qualifications do you have to undermine an elder’s authority?”

Tang De was just a child who hadn’t grown up yet. He valued loyalty and camaraderie; he had friends all over the neighborhood and lived life without a care. But on this issue, he was adamant.

“Tang De, honestly, aren’t you envious of Song Zhiyuan? He doesn’t have to study hard for ten years to gain fame like I do, nor does he need to work like you just to inherit the vast wealth of the Song family. Isn’t it great? Don’t you think our aunt should have supported us after marrying well?”

Tang De sat in silence on the bed, not saying a word.

“Some things are worth fighting for. You’re a man; you can’t rely on women!”

Seeing him remain quiet, Tang Jiwei didn’t want to preach too much and risk making him resentful, so he continued to paint.

“Brother, I don’t think our aunt is ungrateful; I’m just disappointed in her. Do you remember when she got married? My father and your father worked at the docks for a year, while my mother and your mother spent half a year making her wedding gown. My mother’s eyes got strained from the work. When our little aunt got married, she insisted on having a grand ceremony so she wouldn’t be looked down upon. I can’t even remember how many times my mother and your mother altered that gown. I just remember that during that time, Mi’er and I could never eat at a regular hour. Even during the New Year, we didn’t have new clothes to wear, and when Mi’er cried, it broke my heart. My mother always said that our little aunt was marrying into a big family and couldn’t fall short. She was always thinking of our little aunt, but today, she truly hurt our feelings.”

As Tang De spoke, the fifteen-year-old boy had tears glistening in the corners of his eyes. Those days were unforgettable for him. He had thought their little aunt would grow to appreciate their mother because of all this, but when their aunt received the wedding gown, she only remarked that it wasn’t as good as the ones made by Cui Liu Zhai, saying that if she had known, she would have just paid a few coins to have it made there. They didn’t owe her anything. To provide for her dowry, the two brothers had worked tirelessly, and if it weren’t for the toll it took on their health, how could their uncle have died young?

Tang De would never forget how their aunt threw some candy to them when she came back to visit, and he could still picture Mi’er’s eager expression as she picked up the pieces from the ground—an image he would carry with him for life.

“So what do you want to do?” Tang Jiwei asked.

Tang De fell silent. He didn’t want to do anything; he just felt a bit nostalgic for the aunt who had once cared for him in his childhood.

The next day, Madam Song, also known as Tang Xiaogu, came to visit again, but this time she didn’t go to Tang Mi’s house; she came directly to Madam Xiao’s place.

Tang Jiwei was painting in his study. The family’s living conditions had improved quite a bit, allowing him to paint more casually and for his own enjoyment. Sometimes he even painted a few pieces to hang at Xiangfu Zhai, and the shopkeeper generously agreed to let him keep all the proceeds from any sales, taking nothing for himself.

However, the commotion outside made it hard for him to concentrate, so he packed away his tools and stepped out to see what was going on.

Tang Xiaogu’s sedan chair had stopped in front of Madam Xiao’s house, and there were seven or eight servants and maidservants standing in two rows, waiting for her to disembark. Madqm Xiao stood in the courtyard and, upon seeing her enter, didn’t greet her right away but smiled and welcomed her inside.

“You’re a rare visitor, little sister. I haven’t seen you in a long time; come in quickly! What are you standing there for? Didn’t you used to play hide-and-seek in the haystack when you were little?” Madam Xiao’s loud voice ensured everyone heard her.
Tang Xiaogu awkwardly covered her nose with a handkerchief as she approached with small steps and a smile, saying, “Sister-in-law, why haven’t you cleared out the courtyard? If there’s too much clutter, it can start to smell. Jiwei must be suffering while studying here.”

Madam Xiao took Tang Xiaogu’s hand, patting it friendly while pointing to Tang Jiwei standing nearby. “That kid isn’t precious; he can study anywhere just fine. Scholars—how many come from wealthy families? Most of us are just poor common folk!”

Tang Jiwei greeted Madam Song and silently praised Madam Xiao. She was indeed from an official family but had acquired the straightforward and forthright temperament of a common woman. The interplay of open and subtle barbs was clever enough that Madam Song might not leave satisfied.

Tang Xiaogu didn’t think much of Tang Jiwei as a scholar. When talking about studying, she remembered the nine-year-old Song Zhiyuan and smiled, saying, “My Zhiyuan is such a sensible child. His father is planning to hire another tutor for him at home since the current one isn’t teaching him much anymore.”

She chuckled, covering her mouth with laughter, and Madam Xiao echoed her amusement, though she felt disdainful. Whether or not Song Zhiyuan could inherit the family fortune depended on whether Song Xiaoshu would allow it. Song Xiaoshu was the younger son of an old lady; his abilities were not as strong as his elder brother’s, though he was good at charming women.

Tang Xiaogu’s mind was racing; she knew Madam Song was no pushover. After decades in the grand residence, how could she allow Tang Xiaogu to gain any advantage?

Tang Xiaogu waited for a servant to wipe down her chair before waving them away. Seeing the family’s enduring poverty over the years made her feel embarrassed. This was like a slap in the face from her maternal family.

“Sister-in-law, I believe my reason for coming here is something my second sister-in-law has already discussed with you. What do you think?” Tang Xiaogu leaned on the table with one hand and used the handkerchief to dust off nonexistent dirt on her clothes with the other.

Madam Xiao frowned and asked in confusion, “I’m not clear on the little sister’s intentions; my sister-in-law hasn’t told me anything. You’ve made me more puzzled—what’s going on?”

Tang Xiaogu hadn’t anticipated that Madam Xiao would come at her like this. Whether she was truly unaware or pretending not to know, she had to persuade her to take her side.

Tang Xiaogu said cheerfully, “This little uncle of ours has taken a liking to Mi’er and wants to marry her. Since Mi’er is my niece, I have to think for her. This uncle is capable, and the old lady dotes on her, so Mi’er won’t be wronged after marrying him. Plus, I’m her own aunt; no one can bully her!”

Madam Xiao listened attentively, finding it amusing that Tang Xiaogu thought she could fool her. Hmph, she wasn’t going to fall for it!

Madam Xiao pretended to be delighted, saying, “That would be wonderful! If Mi’er becomes the second lady of the Song family with a proper marriage, her life will be splendid and she won’t have to worry about food and clothing. This is great news! Why don’t you go tell my sister-in-law? She’ll surely want to go to the temple to offer thanks for such a good match!”

Madam Xiao’s words left Tang Xiaogu momentarily speechless. Tang Jiwei in the adjoining room couldn’t help but laugh. Madam Xiao’s rebuttal meant that if Mi’er wasn’t a legitimate wife, this would turn into a laughingstock!

Tang Xiaogu awkwardly replied, “Sister-in-law, you misunderstand. Mi’er can’t be the second lady; this uncle only wants to take her as a concubine.”

Madam Xiao immediately changed her tone, slamming her palm on the table, causing it to tremble, and exclaimed loudly, “Our innocent daughter from a respectable family will never become a concubine! Tell your little uncle to abandon that idea!”

Seeing Madam Xiao’s authoritative stance, Tang Xiaogu realized she was no longer the little aunt who would bow her head when stared at; she stood up, sleeves pulled back, and retorted, “Mi’er’s reputation isn’t that of an innocent girl. Being a concubine for the little uncle is already elevating her status!”

“Hmph! I had no idea Mi’er’s reputation had been tarnished! When did this happen? Why is it that none of us know? Your little uncle wants to take a good woman for himself and is blaming it on Mi’er!” Madam Xiao coldly huffed.

Tang Xiaogu glanced at her with a faint expression, saying, “As for the son of the Jingzhao Yin, sister-in-law, you know better than I do. It will be somewhat difficult for Mi’er to marry as a legitimate wife in the future. Since she’s going to be a concubine, wouldn’t it be better to choose a wealthy family?”

Tang Jiwei stepped out of the room in a moon-white robe, exuding a suave and charming air that overshadowed everyone in the room. Tang Xiaogu felt a bit tense.

“Aunt, you’re mistaken. Mi’er has been targeted by a rogue, but that rogue hasn’t done anything yet, and his family has already fallen apart. Just a few words shouldn’t damage Mi’er’s reputation! This is the first time I’ve heard such reasoning.”

Tang Xiaogu shot him an annoyed glare, inhaling deeply, “You know the truth, but others don’t. If they don’t know the actual situation, they might think he has already taken advantage of Mi’er. That would be difficult to explain.”

Madam Xiao feigned indignation, wanting to retort, but a glance from her son calmed her down.

“Aunt, your argument is flawed. Those who are unaware would only curse the rogue for wanting something he cannot have; they definitely wouldn’t think the worst of the situation. And as for you, I’m not saying you would talk about this with outsiders. You’re Mi’er’s own aunt and surely wouldn’t, right?” Tang Jiwei spoke slowly.

Tang Xiaogu was left speechless. Even if she went around spreading rumors to force the Tang family into a corner, making them marry Mi’er off to the Song family, this was also her idea before coming. However, if Mi’er’s reputation was tarnished, her little uncle would surely not want her, and the old lady would blame her for finding an unchaste woman for her little uncle. Plus, having such a niece at home would damage her own reputation.

After weighing her options, Tang Xiaogu smiled and said, “That’s natural. It’s just a pity that while my little uncle is outstanding, Mi’er doesn’t seem to fancy him. I’m eager to see who will catch this young lady’s eye in the future!”

Tang Xiaogu’s implication mocked Mi’er for being unaware of her own worth, suggesting she’d never find a better family than the Song family, which was among the wealthiest in the north.

Madam Xiao laughed, then ushered Tang Xiaogu out the door, cheerfully saying, “Aunt, don’t worry. Mi’er will marry as a legitimate wife, whether it’s to someone who raises pigs and sells meat or to one who forges and weaves baskets; at least she won’t have to live her life burdened by a lowly status, right?”
Tang Xiaogu felt relentlessly pressured by the mother and son, and their words were dripping with sarcasm about her married daughter. How could she not catch on?

“Sister-in-law, no need to see me off; the sedan chair is waiting outside. You should come to the Song residence to play sometime! Zhiyuan gets bored studying all day and could use some time with Jiwei and the others to relax!”

Before leaving, she couldn’t help but step on Tang Jiwei’s foot, proving that she had been thoroughly influenced by the wealthy family, completely forgetting that she had once walked through this door as well.

---

The author has something to say: Lanlan is a person lacking love~【draws circles】

No comments, no favorites, and no signs of life~

Where are Lanlan’s true loves?~【looking around】