Now that Liu has just entered the mansion and the Fourth Master is not here, it is a good time to take advantage of the situation.

But that Niohuru clanswoman is feigning illness?

The two wives did not believe in the idea of ​​weakness.

When Song first entered the household, she was in poor health, but now, her mouth is anything but forgiving.

The Fujin still remembers those times when Song Shi repeatedly offended her with her words.

Furthermore, the fact that Niohuru's face made it impossible for the Fujin (principal wife) to like her.

They were all women selected for the imperial concubine selection, so where could one find someone truly genuine and pure?

Especially Niohuru's eyes; the Fujin (principal wife) still felt displeased when she thought about them.

The Dragon Boat Festival has passed, and the second princess's first birthday celebration in the mansion was also held in a very simple manner.

While the imperial physician was examining the Second Prince, the Fujin also had Niohuru and others examined.

Niohuru did indeed catch a cold, but it is also true that she was physically weak.

The Fujin was surprised to receive the news, but she was still somewhat skeptical: "Whether Niohuru is truly weak or not, we have people keeping a close eye on her."

The two wives didn't trust Niohuru at all; they could only feel at ease if they kept a close eye on Niohuru.

At present, the Fujin (principal wife) is absolutely wary of Niohuru.

However, the Princess Consort wouldn't remain completely inactive.

"Has the reward from the Empress for the Dragon Boat Festival not been distributed yet?" the Princess Consort suddenly remembered.

This year, His Majesty is not in the palace, so there was no grand celebration for the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Princess Consort did not go to the palace either.

The Empress's reward was only sent after the Dragon Boat Festival. It is said that the Fourteenth Brother was ill, and the Empress had been worried about him for the past two days, even forgetting about the Dragon Boat Festival reward.

Yu Ru understood her master's meaning and cautiously replied, "Yes, the distribution of allowances will remain the same as in previous years."

After pondering for a while, the Princess Consort instructed, "Since Lady Li is not in the household this year, her allowance will be reduced by 20% compared to previous years. The allowances for Lady Song, Lady Wu, and Lady Xu will remain the same. Since Lady Bai is not in the household, her allowance will be reduced by another 30%. As for the rest—Lady Liu and Lady Niohuru—"

"Slightly more than 20% was sent out."

The quantity of things can always be seen at a glance.

Yu Ru agreed, and it wasn't hard to understand why the Fujin (princess) would do such a thing.

However, she was somewhat surprised that the Fujin (principal wife) had increased the rewards for Niohuru and Liu by 20%.

The old woman, Qian, who had been silently embroidering tiger-head shoes, finally found a chance to speak: "As expected of the Fujin (wife of the princess), Liu Gege has been frequently trying to curry favor with the master lately. If the master had remained indifferent, it would have dampened Liu's enthusiasm. Giving her generous rewards now, while keeping her at arm's length, is the best way to control Liu Gege."

As for Niohuru, the generous 20% reward was naturally intended to make her a thorn in the side of everyone in the household.

However, after saying this, Granny Qian's wrinkles became even more pronounced and somewhat eerie: "But if Princess Niohuru and Princess Liu go together, it would be a waste of their efforts."

Indeed, if the rewards are equally generous, then the two are obviously receiving the same rewards, so what difference is there?

While the Fujin was deep in thought, Granny Qian spoke up: "In that case, since the rewards for the left and right Niohuru Princesses are already quite generous, why not make them even more generous?"

The princess was initially undecided, but then she thought of something and decided to do as Granny Qian suggested.

The rewards bestowed by the Niohuru clan were so generous that even the Wu clan could not ignore them.

However, Wu Shi didn't need to fuss over a small reward right now. Since her reward hadn't been touched, there was no need for her to worry about it. To be so petty about a small reward would be too short-sighted.

However, since Niohuru's rewards were so generous, some people's rewards would inevitably be cut off. Wu was quite curious about who the Fujin (wife of the emperor) received her rewards from.

There was no movement from Madam Wu, but Madam Song, after receiving her reward, first smashed a set of fine Ru ware teacups: "The Fujin did this on purpose. When I first entered the manor, my reward was only 30% less than the Fujin's, and it was always more generous than that of Madam Li in the East Courtyard. But since the second year, my reward has been less than Madam Li's. Now, a newcomer from the Niohuru clan is trying to climb over my head."

Isn't this the kind of face that women fight over in the backyard? Madam Song has always valued face. She is an old servant of the Fourth Prince and has given birth to the eldest princess of the mansion. But now she is getting worse and worse. How can Madam Song not be angry?

How could she not know that this was the Fujin's tactic to sow discord? But Madam Song was still furious.

Liu Xu remained unfazed and had her maid clean up the tea shards. She then comforted her mistress by massaging her shoulders, saying, "I heard that Consort Li's rewards have also been slightly reduced."

Upon hearing Liu Xu's words, Madam Song's eyes lit up, but after a moment, she curled her lip in disdain: "Madam Li isn't at home right now, so what does it have to do with us?"

Seeing that her princess had been changed the subject, Liu Xu continued to coax her princess.

Just as Liu Xu had managed to appease her mistress, she suddenly heard a maid outside announce that Princess Niohuru from the east had arrived.

Liu Xu closed her eyes and thought to herself, "That person has been staying at home these days. Isn't he just deliberately stirring up trouble by coming to my princess's place now?"

However, there wasn't much time for Liu Xu to think about it right now.

She could only lower her head and ask her princess what she thought: "At this time, it's really unnecessary for you to see her."

Madam Song sneered and stood up abruptly: "See her? Why wouldn't I see her? Your princess hasn't done anything wrong, so why should I hide from her, Niohuru? Besides, it should be Niohuru who feels guilty in front of me right now. Who knows, she might be here to apologize."

And sure enough, Song was right.

However, after meeting Niohuru, Song smashed a set of teacups, showing that she was extremely angry.

"She really thinks she's someone important, doesn't she know who she is? Even when Madam Li was favored in the mansion, she wasn't this arrogant. She says she's returning the things, does she really think anyone cares about such a small thing?"

Fourth Master has always doted on the eldest princess, and Song has received countless good things from her. However, she is concerned about her image and is currently quite upset.

Madam Song was annoyed, but she didn't do anything. Finally, she said to Liu Xu, who served her personally, in private, "Let her wait and see. When Madam Li from the East Courtyard comes back, let's see what she has left to be arrogant about."

Women understand women best. Song knew Niohuru's character very well from the first time she saw her.

The princess consort wanted her to be the one to stick her neck out, but that was unacceptable.

Madam Song knew perfectly well that since the Fourth Prince was not around, how could she possibly win his favor by fighting and arguing?

Furthermore, it is an undeniable fact that she doesn't receive much favor right now.

If it really comes down to competing with newcomers, that's the business of the Li family in the East Courtyard.

She might as well pretend she knows nothing, and at least she'll be praised for being well-behaved and sensible.

Just wait and see, this grand show will only truly begin when Li returns.

Whether it's a new favorite or the enduring favor of the Li family, we'll find out in a few months.