The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Madam Gu discontented with Madam Song, her eldest sister-in-law, who, after being married for so long and benefiting from her maiden family’s support and backup, now has achieved her status as a first-rank madam, yet has not thought to assist her family.

Let’s not even mention the matter of their children’s marriages, which she repeatedly evaded, as if afraid the Marquis Mansion would try to climb up to the Song Family, not recalling how impoverished the Song Family was when she first married into it; had it not been for a substantial dowry, how could they possibly enjoy their current splendor?

And now, it’s merely about trying to obtain some news from the Song Family to allow the Marquis Mansion to prepare, but how is Madam Song acting?

Refusing to meet!

Saying Song Ci is ill and needs medicine, pfft, such words could only deceive a ghost — how could it be so coincidental, clearly it’s just an excuse.

”Over the years, our Marquis Mansion has treated the eldest sister-in-law with utmost loyalty, never once letting her down; whether it’s people or properties she wanted, we provided. Just a few years back when her family’s old madam was so ill, wasn’t it us who found Lin Qing for them? Otherwise, how would the old lady be doing well now? Lin Qing is more outstanding now and even earned the Empress Dowager’s recognition, thereby bringing honor to the Song Family — and whose effort is this? Isn’t it from our Marquis Mansion?”

As Madam Gu spoke, she grew more incensed: ”All members of the Gu Family are relatives, we don’t mind those glorifications, we simply wish for good in-law relations, mutual assistance and benefit. But now, even knowing what’s happening in the Imperial Palace, the Song Family stubbornly refuses to disclose a single word — they truly ignore our familial ties.”

The Old Madam Gu pursed her lips, her expression somewhat unpleasant, her hand rapidly moving the prayer beads.

The Duke Zhongyong saw his mother’s sour expression and darkened his face, scolding his wife: ”Enough. Yesterday, the palace was peaceful; if anything happened, it surely must have been after midnight. It’s possible Yunzhi was summoned into the palace, leaving no time to pass on a message home. Xiangyi likely also isn’t aware, which is why it’s this way— you’re depicting their intentions too negatively.”

”Yunzhi is the most trusted by the Emperor; I can’t believe he knows absolutely nothing. Fine, supposing he’s urgently summoned to the palace at midnight, once inside, given his rank, couldn’t send even a word home?”

”The Imperial Palace is guarded strictly, so why is it strange if he can’t send anything out? Even though he is the most trusted by the Emperor, he is still merely a minister; if the matter pertains to the Emperor, even as Prime Minister, the internal overseer guards would not allow him to communicate.”

”Then you say, is it so coincidentally true Madam Song is sick? I see it’s just an excuse—they definitely know what happened.” Madam Gu was full of indignation.

”And even if they do, what difference does it make? You’ve mentioned they are in-laws; no matter what, when it comes to decision-making, I believe Yunzhi won’t forget Duke Zhongyong Mansion. Not considering anything else, just for Xiangyi’s sake, he will surely give us a signal once the situation becomes clear. If he spreads information now, that’s the real risk.” Duke Zhongyong insisted harshly: ”Stop being paranoid; it’s not even catastrophic now, why panic?”

”If we only decide when disaster strikes, it will be too late for us.”

”Then...”

”Quiet, all of you.” The Old Madam Gu slapped the table heavily, spoke coldly: ”If you want to argue, go outside. Don’t argue in front of me; it’s giving me a headache.”

Both immediately held their tongues.

The Old Madam Gu said: ”Mother was right; if there’s anything wrong in the palace, and the time comes to choose sides, Yunzhi will surely send word. For now, since nothing is clear, spreading rumors would risk losing favor with the Emperor. None of you should worry; if the Prime Minister’s Mansion doesn’t move, neither should we.”