The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Concubine Shen and Madam Lu chatted about women’s affairs for a while before turning the topic to Song Zhiqing.

”Just now, someone from Youyuan Courtyard came to say that Concubine Bai had fainted and asked the Master to go over.”

Madam Lu paused her drinking motion, sneered slightly, and said, ”They asked the Master to go; is he a doctor or an elixir? But for Bai, it should indeed be an elixir.”

Concubine Shen took a shallow sip from her teacup without responding to the comment, only saying, ”I suppose Madam knows that the Master has been visiting my place often lately and seems to have quarreled with Concubine Bai.”

Indeed, Madam Lu knew and she was quite pleased with it.

Women are such that they hate the first woman who comes between a husband and wife to the extreme, but with the second and third, they become numb and indifferent.

Therefore, Madam Lu had no ill feelings toward Concubine Shen, especially since after Concubine Shen entered the household, she was respectful and obedient towards her, even teaching Wei’er many rules and etiquette that a regular governess didn’t know. Receiving such goodwill, naturally, Madam Lu had no ill feelings toward Concubine Shen.

And to dilute Bai Shuilian’s favor, of course, she was glad to see Song Zhiqing treating Concubine Shen well, if only for her own satisfaction.

”Arguing and quarreling doesn’t seem likely; there hasn’t been any news from there. Men, after all, have a natural tendency to favor the new over the old. She knows this and uses such tactics to draw him over,” Madam Lu mocked.

Concubine Shen said nothing, sipping her longan tea lightly.

Madam Lu realized she misspoke and hastened to amend, ”I didn’t mean to insult you; I know what kind of man the Master is. You are also a smart person, and now you’re carrying twins. You’re not young, so there’s no concern about what kind of tricks Concubine Bai is up to. What’s proper is to take good care of yourself and deliver your child safely and smoothly.”

These words could be considered quite sincere.

Concubine Shen felt slightly warmed in her heart and smiled, ”Madam is considerate, I appreciate it. I understand the pros and cons you mentioned and will certainly take care of this pregnancy. Madam regards me as family, so I also want to share a few heartfelt words with you. If I cause any displeasure, please forgive me this once.”

As she spoke, she stood up and bowed.

Madam Lu’s eyebrows twitched, and she said, ”Just say what you want; there’s no need for formalities.”

”I know Madam dislikes Concubine Bai and thinks her means are lowbrow, hence not worrying about her. But if it becomes ugly, ultimately it’s Madam’s face that lacks dignity, making people laugh,” Concubine Shen observed Madam Lu’s slightly changing expression and continued, ”Madam should know that having entered this Prime Minister’s Mansion as the Master’s concubine, given my rank, I will certainly have a place in the Song Family genealogy.”

Madam Lu’s fingers slightly curled. It’s normal for a lowly concubine not to appear in the genealogy, but Shen was properly from a seventh-rank female official background, bestowed by the Emperor, making her a Noble Concubine. If it were a normal commoner, it might be considered similar to a wife, so what she said wasn’t just boasting.

Knowing this, complex emotions flickered in Madam Lu’s eyes.

”I don’t say this to provoke Madam or to show off. I just want to say that since I’ve entered the genealogy as the concubine of the Third House Master Song Zhiqing, I’m part of the Third House.”

Concubine Shen’s face was full of sincerity as she expressed her thoughts, ”Whether Madam believes it or not, I truly, wholeheartedly hope for the best for the Third House. If the Master and Madam are well, we as concubines and even the future kids will also be well. I clearly understand the principle of rising and falling together.”