This time, what the Fujin (principal wife) lost was not just the simple right to check accounts, but the real power of managing the household was taken over by Wu Shi (a member of the Wu clan).

The extent of the agency depends on how much Fourth Master gives to Wu Shi.

Fearing that the Princess Consort was overly worried, Granny Qian first had the royal physician examine her, and then personally massaged the Princess Consort's acupoints to help her get some rest.

After the Fujin (principal wife) had fallen asleep, Granny Qian instructed in a deep voice, "Send someone to the front courtyard to inquire what Wu Shi is currently managing, so that the Fujin can teach Wu Gege the corresponding rules and past regulations."

Yu Ru knew the importance of this matter, so she went there herself.

When Yu Ru returned after gathering the information, Granny Qian finally breathed a sigh of relief.

However, the sewing room and the general storeroom, as well as the kitchen and purchasing room, which are more important, are still under the control of the main courtyard.

This shows that the Fourth Prince did not really want to take away the power of managing the household from his wife, and Granny Qian quickly understood the Fourth Prince's intention in doing so.

Perhaps it was indeed to allow the Fujin (principal wife) to focus on her pregnancy, but assigning the sewing room and miscellaneous items to Wu Gege (concubine) was also intended to appease her guilt, since Wu had given birth to the eldest prince of the household.

The fact that the Fujin was pregnant was indeed eye-catching. Although the woman in the East Courtyard of the mansion had been invited to be named a secondary Fujin, she had never been involved in any affairs and rarely even left the courtyard. Naturally, she would not compete with the Fujin.

These days, while pregnant and with the Fourth Prince away, the Fujin (wife of the Fujin) has become increasingly ruthless in her actions, and her pregnancy has made her even more uninhibited.

Seeing this, Madam Qian could only advise the Fujin to appease the servants in charge. However, the Fujin was used to making decisions on her own. While she would listen to Madam Qian's ideas, she was never one to give a word when it came to managing household affairs.

Mr. Qian thought to himself that things were not so bad as they were.

The imperial physicians have recently been taking the baby's pulse and have often said that the princess's excessive worry is not good for the fetus. It is true that she can focus on the pregnancy and take care of herself without worrying about anything else.

However, the task of finding cooks for the people in the South and East courtyards cannot be delayed.

After the Fujin woke up, she reluctantly agreed after being comforted by Madam Qian, but she also urged Madam Qian to quickly select a suitable cook to come and see her.

Soon everyone in the backyard learned that Madam Wu was in charge of the sewing room and miscellaneous items; even Granny Qin had heard about it.

Everyone was waiting to see the reactions of the Fujin (principal wife) and Li Chenjiao from the East Courtyard.

Upon receiving the news, Li Chenjiao simply said cryptically, "Fourth Master's methods are truly remarkable."

Only the two maids serving near the east courtyard heard these words.

To the outside world, Li Chenjiao still kept her courtyard gate tightly closed every day, as if she didn't care at all.

The Fujin (principal wife) did invite Wu Gege to the main courtyard once, but it is said that Wu Gege came out of the main courtyard with a smile on her face, which puzzled everyone again.

She was especially furious with Madam Song.

Why is it that Lady Wu is in charge of managing the household? She entered the mansion later than her and even gave birth later. What is her advantage?

So on the day of paying respects at the main courtyard on the fifteenth of November, Madam Song still gave Consort Wu a cold look. When Li Chenjiao arrived, Madam Song's voice could be heard even from behind the screen.

Holding a hand warmer in her hands, Li Chenjiao walked around the screen and entered the room without changing her expression.

Song, who was originally speaking, fell silent.

Everyone stood up and greeted Li Chenjiao.

Li Chenjiao had learned the rules quite well and was just waiting for Consort De's summons. Since it was inconvenient for everyone to address her by name, they simply greeted her with formalities.

This was no longer the casual greeting between princesses, but a formal greeting.

Li Chenjiao was taken aback for a moment, but quickly reacted and nodded slightly: "Please sit down."

She also sat down in the empty seat at the very front of the left side.

Everyone then took their seats as instructed. Madam Wu sat at the lower end, her fine eyelashes drooping down, casting a shadow over the room. She said, “It seems that Sister Li is in very good health this time, and her complexion is rosy. I suppose the baby in Sister Li’s belly knows the hardships of pregnancy.”

That one word, "Sister Li," almost gave Li Chenjiao goosebumps.

As the old saying goes, "Those who offer unsolicited kindness are either treacherous or thieves."

Li Chenjiao lowered her eyes, her head bowed, making it impossible for Wu Shi to discern her emotions: "I've always been a glutton, so if I can eat something, my complexion will look better."

Wu seemed to have something more to say, but Li Chenjiao had already turned her head and handed the hand warmer in her hand to Qiu Hu behind her, while whispering something to Qiu Hu.

Wu was quick to read the room; she lowered her head, blew on the steaming teacup, and remained silent.

Li Chenjiao was the last to arrive, and after everyone had been sitting for a short while, the Fujin (principal wife) also came out from behind the screen above.

Compared to Li Chenjiao, the Fujin's complexion was indeed much worse. Wu Shi's words earlier were not flattery; Li Chenjiao's pregnancy looked very healthy.

After everyone paid their respects and took their seats, the Fujin (principal wife) mentioned Lady Wu first, her tone indifferent: "A few days ago, Lady Wu was not feeling well, and I was pregnant and didn't have time to check on her. Is Lady Wu feeling any better now?"

Last time, when the main courtyard invited Consort Wu, the Fujin (principal wife) did not appear. That day, the Fujin was unwell, so she sent Granny Qian instead.

Granny Qian was skilled in speech and interpersonal relationships. Although her words carried a hint of criticism, intelligent people always understood the unspoken meaning, which explains the "smiling face" that Princess Wu had when she left the main courtyard that day.

Hearing the tone of the Fujin's voice, Wu Shi covered her mouth and coughed lightly twice: "It was a bit windy in the winter, but I didn't expect it to disturb the Fujin."

The Princess Consort smiled and said, "You just gave birth to the First Prince not long ago, and it's the time for you to take good care of your health. It's hardest to recover from a cold in winter, especially since you also have to take good care of the First Prince's health. It's perfect timing. Luckily, I've recently acquired a cook who can make medicinal cuisine. I'm pregnant these days, and I've had to rely on you for help. This cook is a gift from you, and it's not an exception."

Look at how eloquently the Princess Consort speaks.

It was as if she was so worried about Wu Shi, and she even made it sound like the Fourth Prince taking away her management power as if the Fujin had taken the initiative to do so.

Even Li Chenjiao couldn't help but glance at her.

But the next second, the princess consort mentioned her.

"And you, Li Shi, it's not easy to be pregnant, and ten months of pregnancy is even more difficult. You've always been favored by the Fourth Prince, so you should take extra care of your health and the baby in your belly. Perfect timing, today you and Wu Shi can each take a cook back so you can both take good care of yourselves."

The princess consort didn't give anyone a chance to interrupt: "He Shi, Zhu Shi, come forward and answer."

Only then did the people in the room notice two women with their hair tied up in buns and dressed in plain clothes standing by the screen.

"Your servants, Madam He and Madam Zhu, greet you, my lords."

It turns out that the Fujin's silence these past few days was a deliberate preparation for this whole affair.

Li Chenjiao lowered her head and sneered, waiting for the Fujin to continue.