The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Madam Qi fixed her gaze on this daughter-in-law and niece, till young Mrs. Liao dared not meet her eyes, then snorted heavily.

”You’d better have done nothing amiss. If you have, hmph.”

Young Mrs. Liao’s heart trembled, she lowered her head and muttered, ”I bear no grudges against her, and we’re direct sisters-in-law. How could I possibly do anything to her? But, Mother, even if I want to befriend her, she isn’t willing. Clearly, Third Brother and my husband are direct brothers, yet she doesn’t bond with us and turns instead to the eldest, ignoring whatever closeness should exist.”

Madam Qi’s face showed some displeasure.

”Stop sowing discord here, the eldest also calls me Mother.” Madam Qi snorted lightly.

Young Mrs. Liao smiled along, ”In our generation, who doesn’t call you Mother? But what you favor, Mother, I know well in my heart. We are closest to you, Mother.”

As she spoke, she gently began massaging Madam Qi’s arms.

Madam Qi’s face slightly cleared. She thought of Song Ruqi and said, ”Regardless of whether Mrs. Song is expecting, rid yourself early of any improper thoughts. Third Brother has no children yet, if he doesn’t have one soon, who knows what rumors will spread outside. Now she is expecting; if she can safely give birth, it will put to rest the external rumors.”

Young Mrs. Liao pouted her lips.

The external rumors were about Qi San; before marriage, they said he was fated to bring ill fortune to his wife. After marriage, when Song Ruqi had a miscarriage, they said he was destined to harm his children, leading to him being almost twenty-five and still childless.

After all, he came from her own womb; no matter how displeased or distant, she cared.

”Mother, we all wish for Third Brother to have an heir.” Young Mrs. Liao awkwardly laughed.

Madam Qi glanced at her, saying with deep meaning, ”You certainly should be hoping for that. Third Brother is not incapable of having children. If he were, you would consider the impossible act of adoption; yet he can bear them.”

Young Mrs. Liao was embarrassed as her intentions were revealed, her face flushed.

The second household had little besides numerous sons; she herself had two sons, and the concubines had borne two more. Truly, they could adopt one to Third Brother, and later...

Madam Qi hinted at enough and said, ”Go back and reflect on yourself.”

Young Mrs. Liao reluctantly agreed, preparing to exit when Madam Qi’s voice came from behind: ”You really didn’t do anything, did you?”

Young Mrs. Liao felt a bit guilty but still shook her head.

Once she returned to her own courtyard, she did not bother to change clothes but ordered the maid to bring her luggage. When opened, all sorts of accessories were complete, except for one thing.

The wallet.

Young Mrs. Liao sat down heavily in the chair, her face pale.

Indeed, that maid probably suspected something, so deliberately spilled that water. Did they confiscate the wallet?

Young Mrs. Liao panicked, pondering what to do? Should she confess for leniency?

No no, Mrs. Song hasn’t sent back any news; she could easily deny everything. It’s mere carrying of a sachet, can’t she claim it was to temporarily prevent pregnancy due to not feeling well?

Thinking of this, her heart settled.

What Young Mrs. Liao did not expect was how quickly her denial would be challenged. Early the next morning, as everyone paid respects to the Duke and Madam Qi, Qi San appeared and handed the wallet, packaged in a red box, to Madam Qi, saying it was left at Song Mansion by Second Sister-in-law yesterday and returned it specially.

Madam Qi’s heart skipped a beat, glimpsing at young Mrs. Liao’s complexion, her expression changed.

Immediately following this, Qi San smilingly reported good news to the elder two; Song Ruqi was joyously expecting, intending to stabilize the pregnancy in the Prime Minister’s Mansion before returning.

The Duke and Madam Qi exchanged a glance, their gaze collectively fell upon that wallet.