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Chapter 15: Tang Xue’s Marriage
Early the next morning, as dawn broke, Wei Lan hurried out with a bundle of ginseng. As she passed by the Old Tang Restaurant, her peripheral vision caught sight of two familiar figures—Second Miss Tang and her maid, Cuiliu.
A hint of doubt rose in Wei Lan’s heart. Could there be a connection between Old Tang Restaurant and the Tang family? She recalled that the last time Second Miss had hosted them, it was at this very restaurant. The exquisite dishes and the luxurious decor remained fresh in her memory. She quickened her pace and approached a servant standing by a carriage, stating her purpose:
“I was sent by Doctor Liu to deliver medicinal herbs.”
The servant immediately asked respectfully, “Are you referring to Doctor Liu Mingyi?”
Wei Lan nodded in confirmation.
The servant, not daring to delay, quickly said, “Please wait a moment,” before hurrying into the restaurant to report.
Before long, Cuiliu personally came out to welcome her. Dressed in a flowing green gown, she smiled warmly and asked, “Doctor Wei, what brings you here today?” As she spoke, she led Wei Lan through the front courtyard and upstairs.
In the center of the courtyard, a delicate stage was set, where a performance of the classic play Nan Ke Dream was unfolding. On stage, the actors portrayed the intertwining of dreams and reality with remarkable skill.
Wei Lan found herself captivated by the performance, pausing to watch. She couldn’t help but wonder—was she currently in a dream, or was this reality? Only when Cuiliu gently reminded her did she come back to her senses.
They continued on, ascending the stairs to the second floor, where they entered an elegantly decorated private room. Inside, Second Miss Tang sat gracefully on a refined rosewood chair. A table before her displayed four meticulously crafted pastries, each unique in design and enticing in color.
With a slight nod, Second Miss signaled her maid to pour tea for Wei Lan.
As Wei Lan accepted the teacup, she glanced around the room. The decor was both luxurious and tasteful. Through the window, she could see the bustling streets outside, while in one corner, an antique wooden screen stood adorned with intricate carvings.
Second Miss Tang spoke, “Doctor Wei, you have come at just the right time. I have recently created a few new pastries to add to Old Tang Restaurant’s menu. Would you be willing to sample them?”
So, it was confirmed—Old Tang Restaurant was indeed part of the Tang family’s business.
The four pastries were each unique:
Wei Lan sampled each pastry and couldn’t help but praise, “Second Miss, your craftsmanship is extraordinary. These four pastries are not only unique in flavor but also carry profound meaning. Sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy—just like the flavors of life itself.”
A faint smile graced Second Miss Tang’s lips. “Doctor Wei, you truly understand flavors. I have named these ‘The Four Tastes of Life,’ hoping they will offer diners at Old Tang Restaurant a unique culinary experience.”
Wei Lan suddenly slapped her forehead—she had nearly forgotten the main reason for her visit! She carefully took out a tightly wrapped package from her robes and placed it on the table.
“Second Miss, this is the ginseng that Brother Mingyi specifically prepared for you. He hopes for your speedy recovery.”
Second Miss’s gaze fell upon the ginseng, surprise flickering in her eyes. “Why didn’t Doctor Liu come himself?”
Wei Lan thought for a moment. If there was indeed mutual affection between them, why not help things along? So, she replied, “Brother Mingyi injured his arm while gathering this ginseng—he was gored by a wild boar’s tusk. He’s recuperating at home, which is why I came in his stead.”
At this, Second Miss suddenly tensed. She was prone to dizziness when anxious and instinctively pressed a hand to her forehead. “How serious is his injury?”
Wei Lan quickly reassured her, “Don’t worry, Second Miss, it’s just a flesh wound. He’ll recover in a few days.”
A wave of emotion washed over Second Miss Tang. Mingyi had risked his life to obtain this ginseng for her. How could she ever repay such kindness? She lowered her head, a trace of sorrow passing through her eyes, before signaling to Cuiliu.
Understanding her mistress’s intent, Cuiliu brought over a heavy silver ingot—fifty taels in total.
Pushing the silver towards Wei Lan, Second Miss said, “Doctor Wei, this is for the ginseng.”
Wei Lan hesitated and quickly declined, “This ginseng isn’t worth that much. You’re giving too much.”
Second Miss Tang chuckled softly. “The extra silver is for you to buy the finest medicine for your brother’s recovery.” She sighed and added in a quiet voice, “I won’t go visit him.”
Seeing her insistence, Wei Lan no longer refused and accepted the silver. As she glanced at the pastries, she licked her lips involuntarily.
Second Miss noticed this and smiled. “Cuiliu, wrap some pastries for Doctor Wei as well.”
Cuiliu swiftly packed the pastries and handed them to Wei Lan.
Receiving the package, Wei Lan’s smile brightened. Today, she had not only completed her task but also gained an unexpected treat. “Thank you. I won’t disturb you any longer,” she said with a bow before leaving the room.
As Wei Lan departed, the room fell silent. At that moment, soft footsteps emerged from behind a screen, and a dignified woman stepped forward. She was clad in an elegant deep purple silk gown embroidered with gold thread, her waist adorned with a delicate jade belt. Her hair was styled high, adorned with shimmering hairpins—her demeanor exuding nobility and authority.
It was none other than Tang Second Miss’s mother, Lady Tang.
Lady Tang’s gaze lingered on the ginseng before shifting to her daughter, her voice laced with inquiry. “Xue’er, Master Lei has expressed interest in remarrying, yet you keep refusing. Is it because of Doctor Liu?”
Tang Xue’s fingers unconsciously twisted her sash. After a moment’s hesitation, she lifted her head and firmly stated, “Mother, Mingyi risked his life for me. If I can’t even acknowledge my own feelings, how could I ever face him?”
Her voice was soft yet resolute. “The physicians all say I cannot bear children and may even lose my life because of it. My marriage has been delayed because of this, and now I am to become a mere second wife. But, Mother, Mingyi and I are deeply in love—can we not be together?”
Lady Tang scoffed, “After all that effort, all he brought was a single insignificant ginseng root. Master Lei, on the other hand, gifted us three premium ginseng roots with ease. What is such a meager token of affection worth?”
“Master Lei is a scholar, now the magistrate of Changsha. Were he twenty years younger, you wouldn’t even be worthy of marrying him.”
Tang Xue’s voice, though soft, was unwavering. “Mother, I know you mean well, but Mingyi may not offer wealth and status—what he gives me is the most precious thing of all: sincerity.”
Lady Tang’s face darkened. “Sincerity? Can sincerity fill your stomach? Can he provide you with daily ginseng? Can he protect you? He can’t even protect himself, let alone you.”
Looking at her daughter’s increasingly pale complexion, her voice softened slightly. “Among you three siblings, you are the one most suited to inherit Old Tang Restaurant. Your marriage is not just about you—it concerns the entire family’s future.”
Hearing this, Tang Xue’s heart wavered. She understood her mother’s reasoning—this was an era of instability, where their future was uncertain.
Suddenly, she clutched her chest, dizziness washing over her once more.
Lady Tang quickly supported her, gently placing her on the bed. “Rest now, don’t say another word.”
As her daughter slowly drifted to sleep, Lady Tang turned to the window. Outside, she saw Wei Lan strolling through the streets, pastries in hand, utterly carefree.
A sharp glint flashed in Lady Tang’s eyes. If her daughter refused to let go of Liu Mingyi, she would have to take decisive action.