The stewards exchanged glances, trying to guess the meaning of Madam Da Qin.
Madam Da Qin sipped her tea leisurely, ignoring the stewards.
Dong Ningxin was brought in, bodily supported.
Two burly maids held her firmly under her arms, a handkerchief stuffed into her mouth.
The assembled stewards were stunned, looking from the Duchess to Concubine Dong, utterly bewildered as to what the Duchess intended.
"Momo, how can you treat Concubine Dong like this? Quickly, remove the handkerchief," Madam Da Qin exclaimed, her voice filled with feigned surprise, though her expression was one of disdain.
Dong Ningxin was set down, and simultaneously, the burly maids removed the handkerchief from her mouth.
Regaining her freedom, Dong Ningxin unleashed a torrent of abuse, "Qin Tingxue, how dare you treat me like this! When the Duke returns, I will certainly tell him and demand he punish you."
Madam Da Qin glanced at the maids. Understanding her intent, one stepped forward and delivered a solid slap to Dong Ningxin's face.
Dong Ningxin's hair bun was knocked askew, and her cheek began to swell visibly.
Dong Ningxin clutched her burning cheek and roared, "How dare you, a mere servant, strike me?"
"How dare you! As a concubine, you show no respect for the rules. Is the Madam's name something you can utter? You are insubordinate. This single slap is the Madam's mercy, considering the child in your belly," the maid declared in a clear, loud voice. "The Madam was merely away for a few months to escape the heat, and concubine has already forgotten her place. It would be well within her rights to sell you off, let alone strike you."
Her words carried a pointed message, making the stewards uneasy. They realized the Madam was using Concubine Dong to warn them. Concubine Dong was the Duke's favorite, yet before the Madam, she was merely a concubine, subject to the Madam's will. As for them, their fates rested on the Madam's word. Some understood this, while others did not. Earlier that morning, the Duke had left for official business. If the Duke were present, would the Madam dare to be so audacious? If they protected Concubine Dong now, and the Duke returned, their protection would be seen as merit, earning them rewards and future favor.
Thus, someone stepped forward.
"Madam, Concubine Dong carries the Duke's flesh and blood. By allowing your servants to treat her this way, you show too little regard for the Duke," one steward said, feigning righteous indignation.
Gu Sinian and Qi Zhenzhen entered one after the other. Upon hearing this, Gu Sinian delivered a swift kick, sending the speaking steward flying into the courtyard.
The man lay unconscious. Gu Sinian looked coldly at the remaining stewards, "Does anyone else have anything to say?"
Those who had been stirring suddenly lowered their heads, their ambitions deflated.
To say anything more could cost them their lives at the hands of the Young Master.
Life was gone, and any reward would be useless.
"Remember clearly who the masters are," Gu Sinian added slowly.
The stewards dared not breathe, all responding with a unified "Yes."
Dong Ningxin's face burned, and fear gripped her heart. The Duke was not home, and if they wished to do anything to her, no one could save her. Even if the Duke returned to avenge her, the humiliation she suffered would not be erased.
"It is this concubine's fault. This concubine apologizes to Madam. I beg Madam to be magnanimous and not hold this against me," Dong Ningxin said, lowering her tone and her posture.
"This Madam feels no sincerity from Concubine Dong at all," Qin Tingxue said with a half-smile.
"Madam, this concubine is carrying the Duke's child. For the Duke's sake..." Dong Ningxin pleaded.
"Do you truly believe any principal wife would genuinely favor a concubine's child? Your child is a shield in front of the Duke, but here, it holds no value whatsoever," Qin Tingxue stated indifferently.