After Song Xia's analysis, Zhou Yongli's anger subsided considerably, and he even had to thank Song Xia.

"My wife is so thoughtful; I was mistaken."

“My lord, you are not unaware of these things, but you always act impulsively when it comes to Aunt Liu’s affairs. I understand that you and Aunt Liu are childhood sweethearts and have a deep affection for each other, but no matter how much you dote on her, you must consider the Zhou family. If Aunt Liu is impeached because of this, no matter how much you dote on her, can you still protect her?”

Zhou Yongli said awkwardly, "It can't be that serious, can it?"

"Young master is joking again. Even if it weren't for you, Aunt Liu should at least restrain her extravagant ways for the sake of Shu-ge'er."

"What does this have to do with Brother Shu?"

"Young master values ​​Shu-ge so much and has sent him to Shangde Academy. Isn't it because you want Shu-ge to take the imperial examination? Although Aunt Liu is a concubine, she is Shu-ge's biological mother. If Aunt Liu is caught doing something wrong by the censors, it's a small matter if you, sir, are punished by His Majesty. But Shu-ge's future will be ruined."

After hearing these words, Zhou Yongli's expression changed drastically; he hadn't expected this at all!

"Young master, go back and explain properly to Aunt Liu, lest my good intentions be met with resentment. Shu-ge'er will be taking the prefectural examination next February, so let's not have anything go wrong at this crucial time."

Zhou Yongli asked suspiciously, "I didn't expect you to care so much about Brother Shu."

Song Xia smiled sarcastically: "I know what you're worried about, my lord. You just think that I'm jealous of Shu-ge because Yu-ge'er isn't as good at studying as Shu-ge'er."

Zhou Yongli quickly explained, "That's not what I meant."

Song Xia smiled faintly: "It's not surprising that you have this guess, but Yu-ge'er and Shu-ge'er are brothers and members of the Zhou family. They share the same fate. If something happens to Shu-ge'er, will Yu-ge'er also be alright? You should go back, and please tell Aunt Liu that from now on, no expenditures exceeding fifty taels are allowed in this household. Let her hold a grudge against me, I am only considering the interests of the entire Zhou family."

"Fangniang is very understanding, how could she possibly hold a grudge against you, Madam? I'll go back and tell her, and she'll understand."

"I hope so. My lord, please return. I'm tired from taking care of Yu-ge'er these days, and I want to rest properly."

It wasn't until he was kicked out that Zhou Yongli realized he had come to hold Song Xia accountable, so how had he been led by the nose? But it must be said that Song Xia's considerations made some sense.

Upon seeing him return, Liu Fangniang quickly went to greet him: "Yonglang, how are you?"

"You!" Zhou Yongli couldn't bring himself to be harsh. "This time you've truly wronged your wife."

Not hearing what she wanted to hear, Liu Fangniang almost lost her composure.

"Yonglang, what are you saying?"

"The accounting department said that you withdrew five thousand taels of silver in just October?"

Liu Fangniang pouted, "Wasn't this all promised by you, Master? It's all in the past, why are you blaming me?"

"I'm just asking you, did you spend all that money at Linglong Pavilion or the silk shop?"

"What's the use of silver if it's not used for storing things? Yonglang, just tell me, does it look good on me?"

"Looking good depends on the timing."

"What do you mean, sir? You went to Madam's courtyard, and things have been acting strangely ever since?"

"Isn't it because you're too flamboyant? You're a concubine, you need to always remember your status. The mistress's expenses for the past ten months haven't even reached half of yours. What will outsiders say if they find out?"

Liu Fangniang was still unconvinced: "If Madam doesn't say anything, how would outsiders know?"

"Does the mistress have to tell us before outsiders will know? Aren't the Linglong Pavilion and the silk shop kept in the books? The concubine is overshadowing the wife. If you don't think about me, you should at least think about Shu-ge'er."

Zhou Yongli patiently explained, "If I were impeached by the censor or my political enemies because of this, and His Majesty were to reprimand me, it would be a crucial time for my son, Shuge'er, to take the imperial examination. Do you want to ruin our future? Madam is also thinking of the Zhou family. Don't doubt Madam's intentions every time."

Upon hearing this, Liu Fangniang's expression changed drastically. Firstly, she was afraid that her actions would affect Zhou Yongli and Zhou Shuqing. Secondly, Zhou Yongli actually spoke up for Song Xia, which was unacceptable.

She didn't believe Song Xia was genuinely concerned for the Zhou family; she was just using this as an excuse to prevent her from withdrawing money.

The excuse they used did make some sense.

She immediately lowered her head and sobbed, "Yonglang, it's my fault. My lack of consideration almost harmed you. I only wanted to dress up nicely so that you would feel comfortable. I will definitely be more careful in the future."

Zhou Yongli hugged her tenderly and said, "I know you don't mean any harm. I'll like you even if you don't dress up. Just be more low-key in the future."

Liu Fangniang was unwilling, but she had no other choice. Her heart ached as if it were being pricked by needles. The Zhou family was so wealthy, but she couldn't spend the money. Wasn't this torture?

In the main courtyard, Furong said excitedly, "Usually, Qinyaxuan comes to collect the tokens and pay money with such confidence. Let's see how arrogant they are in the courtyard in the future. Today, the master couldn't even say a word! Which concubine in the whole capital lives as well as her?"

Song Xia's expression was indifferent: "She is indeed living a more comfortable life. I didn't care before, but I will never tolerate it in the future. A concubine should act like a concubine."

She used to think that the Zhou family had a deep foundation, and she came from a prince's mansion, so there was no need for her to haggle with Liu Fangniang over such a small amount of money. She usually used her own dowry for her daily expenses. After all, the dowry from the prince's mansion was of a higher standard than that from the Zhou family. So, judging from the amount of money in the accounts, she used less than Liu Fangniang.

But now that I think about it, why should she? She can use her own money, but she should also use the Zhou family's money. As a concubine, Liu Fangniang shouldn't have expenses beyond what a concubine should have. After all, the Zhou family will be inherited by her son in the future. On second thought, Liu Fangniang is currently using Yu Ge'er's property.

These few thousand taels are not much to me, but I'll distribute them to the poor and give them porridge. There's no need to make Liu Fangniang happy.

"Go to Qinyaxuan later and tell them that Yu-ge'er is well and Shu-ge'er will be taking the imperial examination next year. Starting tomorrow, I will be going to distribute porridge outside the city to pray for the two young masters in the manor. Please let Ying-jie'er come with me."

Furong asked, puzzled, "Why is that, Madam?"

"Naturally, we should make Zhou Ying suffer a bit. Her aunt is extravagant, and she's not much better. I suspect she won't be able to endure that hardship."

"But even if they can't finish it, the master and madam will only feel sorry for her and won't do anything to Ying'er, right?"

Song Xia smiled: "She won't even pray for her two older brothers. She has no manners at all. How can I take her out to banquets in various mansions in the future?"

Furong then understood. Usually, the master and madam would ask the madam to take Yingjie out to broaden her horizons, hoping to find her a good husband. With this excuse, and with the New Year approaching, the madam wouldn't have to worry about Yingjie anymore.