"Brother, how have I disrespected Auntie Dong? It is precisely because I respect her that I cannot bear to see her make mistakes. Brother, have you considered what outsiders would say about our Duke's Mansion if Auntie Dong's conduct were to spread outside? An姨娘 (concubine) overstepping the main wife, isn't that grounds for criticism of Father?" Qi Zhenzhen said unhurriedly.
When a concubine supplants the main wife, it is considered favoring concubines and neglecting the wife, which, if exploited by others, would signify a deficiency in virtue and impact one's career.
Gu Siya's expression turned somewhat unpleasant, finding her sister-in-law to be sharp-tongued and difficult to deal with.
Gu Siya was about to say more when Lin Fangruo tugged at her, causing her to close her mouth sheepishly.
Seeing this, Dong Ningxin knew her nephew could not support her at this moment. She could only suppress her anger, lower her posture, and apologize to Qin Tingxue, "This servant was momentarily agitated and offended Madam. I implore Madam to be magnanimous and not hold this against this servant."
"Previously, this Madam was unwell and had no choice but to trouble Auntie Dong to manage all affairs. Now that my health has greatly improved, I naturally cannot trouble Auntie Dong any further. Auntie Dong, please hand over the matters you are currently handling and return the tokens of authority. From now on, Auntie Dong should focus on serving the Duke and bearing heirs for the mansion," Madam Da Qin said unhurriedly.
Giving birth to a child was certainly Dong Ningxin's intention. However, being brought up by Qin Tingxue in this manner made her feel like a mere tool for procreation. Moreover, these words were spoken in front of A Ya, to whom she had promised not to have children to compete for the Duke's Mansion's resources.
As the main wife, Qin Tingxue's request was something Dong Ningxin could not refuse, leaving her in a dilemma.
Dong Ningxin simply rolled her eyes and let her body go limp, slumping to the side.
With maids attending her, she naturally wouldn't fall. Her maids, being her confidantes, cooperated perfectly. "Ma... Madam has fainted! Quickly, someone call for a doctor! There have been many affairs in the mansion recently, and Madam has been working herself to the bone, dedicating her rest time to managing the mansion's affairs..."
Madam Da Qin calmly replied, "Someone, go and invite the mansion's physician to examine Auntie Dong thoroughly! It is this Madam's fault for troubling Auntie Dong with her poor health. From now on, we must not let Auntie Dong overexert herself!"
Dong Ningxin's eyes twitched. How could she have thought of such a foolish plan? Being in poor health would give her an even better excuse for Qin Tingxue to relinquish her managerial authority. This wouldn't do!
"I just lost my footing for a moment, I'm fine," Dong Ningxin said slowly, straightening herself with the support of her maid.
"It's still best to have the mansion's physician take a look," Madam Da Qin insisted.
Soon, the mansion's physician was summoned and took Dong Ningxin's pulse.
The mansion physician, sporting a goatee, looked solemn. He switched his left hand for his right and felt the pulse for about fifteen minutes before standing up and cupping his hands towards the Old Madam and Madam Da Qin, "Congratulations, Old Madam, congratulations, Madam. Auntie is with child, about a month gone."
The hall fell silent.
As for Dong Ningxin, her eyes showed unconcealed joy, yet her expression was somewhat conflicted due to her consideration for Gu Siya.
Madam Da Qin was the first to break the silence, "From now on, Auntie Dong must take good care of her health and strive to give birth to a son for the Duke. As for the worries of the mansion, they will be handed over to me and the Heir's wife from now on."
Dong Ningxin's joy was instantly dispelled by these words. The authority to manage the household had not been easily acquired, and now that it was being handed over, it would be extremely difficult to reclaim. However, if she refused to hand it over, Qin Tingxue would certainly not let the matter rest.
Dong Ningxin's eyes darted around, and her gaze fell on Lin Fangruo. An idea immediately struck her. "Madam, Fangruo has been married for over half a year and is already very familiar with everyone in the mansion. As a daughter-in-law, she should help you with tasks within her capabilities. Why not have Fangruo help you manage the household along with Zhenzhen?"