The mother and son could not find common ground, and naturally parted on unpleasant terms.
Gu Changwei left Yannan Courtyard in a huff. He had originally intended to go to Dong Ningxin's quarters, but feeling a pang of guilt for not achieving his objective, he hesitated to face her. He changed his direction and headed towards the outer courtyard.
Granny Li returned to Yannan Courtyard shortly after and saw the old madam's displeased expression, knowing that the conversation between them had not gone well.
"Given Concubine Dong's temperament, she will certainly not be willing to give up the child she is carrying. This old servant observes that she is not a contented person. Previously, she fought for the eldest young master because she had no child of her own," Granny Li said.
The old madam understood her meaning. Such people were selfish; now that she had her own child, she would naturally plan for her own offspring.
"It is still too early to say anything definitive. It is merely a child, still just an unformed piece of flesh," the old madam stated. "Although the Duke outwardly disregards his reputation, if this matter escalates, he cannot simply have his way. Do you know what needs to be done?"
Granny Li nodded. Having followed the old madam for many years, they shared a tacit understanding.
The next day, the matter of the Duke's concubine overstepping the legitimate wife became common knowledge throughout the Duke's mansion. Unlike previous occasions, this time the story was told with conviction and meticulous detail.
The ladies of society were very sympathetic to Madam Qin's plight. No one blamed her for lacking means, as Gu Changwei's reputation was well-known, and everyone understood Madam Qin's difficult life.
In a short time, Dong Ningxin's reputation plummeted to its lowest point. There were even whispers about her previous engagement to the son of the Shi family. Though spoken of subtly, the implication was clear: the death of the Shi family's son was not due to a sudden illness as outsiders believed, but was somehow connected to Dong Ningxin, his wife.
Curiosity is a human trait. When such rumors spread, some meddlers actually went to the Shi family to verify them. This commotion naturally alerted Gu Changwei and Dong Ningxin.
Dong Ningxin wept uncontrollably. "My Lord Duke, you know the truth in your heart. How can they speak of me like this?"
As Gu Changwei comforted her, his brow furrowed deeper. He was not foolish. The unpleasantness between him and the old madam a few days prior had also touched upon the Shi family. Now, with rumors circulating about the Shi family and Ah Xin, he could not believe the old madam was not behind it.
These tactics were indeed…
Gu Changwei recalled the old madam's methods from before. Yes, the old madam had been more low-key these past two years, but she was still the same person, and employing such tactics was perfectly normal.
"Ah Xin, give the token to Madam Qin," Gu Changwei said after careful consideration. "Rest assured, I will protect you and not let anyone bully you. I will specifically instruct someone to manage your daily expenses, so you will not suffer any hardship."
Dong Ningxin nestled in Gu Changwei's arms, her eyes cast down. After a long pause, she responded in a soft voice, but her eyes were filled with fierce resentment. She would remember this incident well. Madam Qin, that old hag, and the new bride who had just entered the household, Qi Zhenzhen.
Dong Ningxin feigned discomfort and refused to handle the token, which had been sent by Lin Fangruo, along with the account books.
Qi Zhenzhen, having learned from the Old Madam and being familiar with accounting from her previous life, could tell at a glance that the account books were in disarray. While there were no major issues, minor problems were constant.
"I thought the token would only be sent after the Lotus Banquet. I didn't expect…" Madam Qin sighed. "Your grandmother's health is not good, yet she still has to worry about these matters. Alas!"
The old madam's health had declined significantly since the removal of the蛊 (gu) parasite. Despite being meticulously cared for, she was not as robust as before. She had retired from managing affairs, but this time, for the sake of Madam Qin's position as the legitimate wife, she had intervened.
Thinking of the old madam's indifferent demeanor, Qi Zhenzhen felt a complex mix of emotions. Although she had been manipulated by Xu Miaoniang and disliked her at the time, after the蛊 (gu) parasite was removed, the old madam's attitude towards her remained distant. She had sent gifts to Marquis Changping's mansion to thank her but showed no inclination of closeness. Even now, after her marriage, the old madam's attitude was still cool. This time, it was likely only for her mother-in-law's sake.