CH 138

Because he was anxious to marry Tan Lingyin back home, Tang Tianyuan wrote another letter to his father. His mother had always been a stubborn person, while his father was more mild-tempered. So if his mother objected to some things, Tang Tianyuan would discuss the matter with his father and have him persuade his mother. Of course, sometimes his father would also request him to persuade his mother.

Based on Tang Tianyuan's understanding of his parents, they would definitely not allow him to propose marriage to the Tan family.

But it doesn't matter, after all good things come to those who wait. Anyway, he didn't marry anyone else, and he will remain adamant on his choice. There are three thousand bowls of water to drink from, but he just wants a single cup. If it doesn't work, he could still act shamelessly. He's the only son in the family, and his father doesn't even have an illegitimate son. His parents definitely wouldn't just watch him suffer.

Well, since getting to know Tan Lingyin, Tang Tianyuan's ability to act shamelessly became better and better.

Tang Tianyuan spoke earnestly in the letter. He praised Tan Lingyin so much that even he didn’t recognize who he was describing.

Tang Tianyuan firmly believed that his father would be moved by this letter.

But what he didn't expect was that this letter would attract his mother over.

Recently many people have come to Tongling county government office without prior notice. Tang Tianyuan was bantering and having a good time with Tan Lingyin in the Retreat Hall when Huanggua suddenly rushed in. "Young Master! Young Master!"

"What's wrong?"

"Madam is here!"

Tang Tianyuan quickly stood up, wanting to go greet his mother. After taking a couple of steps, he turned to look at Tan Lingyin. "You go back first, I will find you later."

Tan Lingyin looked at him nervously.

Tang Tianyuan reassured her with a smile before he turned his head and left.

After going out, Tang Tianyuan felt a little relieved at his unexpected fortune. Ever since Tan Lingyin got angry at him for being unable to ‘hold it in’, she insisted on moving back to the Southern Study. Tan Nengwen and his family had left before Ji Heng's family left. Zheng Shaofeng had also left shortly after.

Although Tang Tianyuan was reluctant, Tan Lingyin moved out nethertheless. He understood that a maiden shouldn’t live in the same courtyard with a man for a long time. Tang Tianyuan could only comfort himself thinking of their future, afterall once they were wed, they could stay together everyday. 

Madam Tang rarely liked to show her face in public. After getting out of the carriage that stopped in front of the county government office, she had a sedan chair that took her in. Only once Madam Tang reached the Inner Court did she send away the driver and stepped down. 

Tang Tianyuan had already been guarding outside. When he saw his mother, he quickly helped her down.

Madam Tang glanced at him without saying a word, as if a little angry. Her complexion only improved a little when Tang Tianyuan tried his best to look pleasantly surprised by her presence. However, Tang Tianyuan had overdone himself when he maintained this expression all the way from the front gate to the reception hall. The corners of his mouth became a little stiff, and he almost couldn't regain his usual expression.

Tang Tianyuan had someone prepare tea while the mother and son sat down to talk.

"Mother, why are you here?" He knew the most likely reason why his mother came, but he still didn't want Tan Lingyin to be the reason.

Madam Tang looked down at her tea cup. The tea was not clear enough, not bright enough, and there was a faint astringency in the tea mist, it lacked a mellow sweetness. She put down the tea cup and asked Tang Tianyuan, "Where is the tea I brought you?"

Tang Tianyuan smiled, "It's been finished, Mother. You came suddenly, I didn't have time to prepare good tea. It’s my negligence."

There was no way he could have finished so much tea in such a short amount of time, he must have used it as gifts. A minor official in such a desolate area would not thrive without offering gifts. Madam Tang nodded and lectured, "Why didn't tell me when you finished it? All you write is nonsense in your letter."

As soon as she mentioned the letter, Tang Tianyuan felt guilty. He hurriedly explained, "If others would laugh if they find out that I have to ask my family for everything. This is a local product, I think the taste is not bad."

"Even if you don't ask your family to ask for it, can’t you won't buy it yourself? You have money to give a luminous pearl to another, but don't have money to enjoy good tea?"

Tang Tianyuan sighed. "Mother, there is no need to keep talking in circles. Why don't you meet her first?"

Madam Tang humphed, but did not refuse. She wanted to meet this seductress who had confused her precious son.

Tang Tianyuan then ordered Xueli, "Go and invite Head Commissioner Tan over."

Tan Lingyin was nervous when she learned that Madam Tang wanted to see her. She kept preparing herself while on her way there: As someone who slept with the Empress... No, as someone who shared a bed with the Empress… No that doesn’t sound right either... Anyway, there’s no need to be nervous...

Xueli found her nervous appearance to be comical, "Head Commissioner Tan, what are you afraid of? Madam is not a tiger. Besides, even if she is a tiger, don't you still have a lion?" Xueli pointed at the Tang Tang that was following behind Tan Lingyin. Both she and Xianggua knew that Tang Tang was actually a lion. After a while, Tang Tang didn’t seem any different from a dog, so they weren’t afraid.

Tan Lingyin turned her head and was surprised to see Tang Tang. She waved her hand at it. "Tang Tang, go back first."

Tang Tang doesn't want to go back. Hungry! Where’s my food?

Xueli smiled, "Head Commissioner Tan, let it follow. Madam likes cats."

Tan Lingyin then bent down and touched the tip of Tangtang's nose. She said with a serious face, "From now on, you are a cat."

Tang Tang looked at her half understanding. Where's the meat? !