The chrysanthemum appreciation banquet at the Prime Minister's residence was quite an interesting event in the capital, and many people talked about it. Although Old Madam Liu and Liu Fangniang did not attend, they soon learned about it as well.

They also learned that many wives and daughters of high-ranking officials and nobles were present at the event, and that Song Xia and Ye Wanrou, along with Song Baoning, received a warm welcome from the Prime Minister's wife.

Liu Fangniang couldn't sleep all night after she found out. Wasn't this the perfect occasion for the Bie family's daughter to be introduced to each other, and for the Bie family's lady to be introduced to Ying Jie'er? Song Xia had such a good opportunity, yet he didn't even bring Ying Jie'er.

She wanted to talk to Zhou Yongli, but seeing him asleep, and remembering how Yingjie had recently angered Song Xia, she decided not to rush things.

However, she began to realize that if she wanted Yingjie to marry into a wealthy family, Song Xia had to take her out to see the world. If Song Xia didn't take her out, how would that noble lady know how outstanding her Yingjie was?

If only Song Xia weren't around, I could definitely be promoted to the position myself. Wouldn't it be better to take charge myself than to have Song Xia take charge? I could also find more suitable girls for Brother Shu.

So she sat down in Fushou Hall and asked, "Aunt, has Madam said when she will return to the manor?"

Old Madam Liu said with annoyance, "Who dares to interfere in her affairs?"

Liu Fangniang hesitated: "But we've been here for almost a month, and there's only one month left until the end of the year. If Madam doesn't come back, how will things be handled in the mansion?"

"It's her problem if things get chaotic."

Seeing that her aunt still didn't understand, Liu Fangniang simply said, "Aunt, I mean that the banquets held by various families at the end of the year are starting. Ying'er will be eleven next year, and thirteen in the traditional Chinese age reckoning. It's time to take her out to meet the ladies of various families."

Old Madam Liu paused in her coughing up of melon seeds, realizing that it made sense.

But she was also in a dilemma: "Her family is a princely household, who dares to urge them?"

"Why don't you just say that Aunt misses Yu-ge'er?"

"Will she accept this reason?"

"Whether we can go back or not, at least we've sent the letter." Liu Fangniang had a good plan. If they could go back, she would definitely find a way to get Yonglang to release Yingjie. If Song Xia and the others didn't go back, wouldn't that be a ready-made excuse for being unfilial?

The next day, Song Xia received a letter telling her to reply: "Fine, let's see whose good days are coming to an end."

Prince Cheng and Ye Wanrou were very reluctant to part with him. In less than a month, Yu Ge'er had become noticeably plumper and his complexion had improved a lot. Why did he have to go back?

“We can’t stay here forever. Once Yu-ge’er is better, we can come back often.”

Song Runsheng didn't understand their sorrow. They weren't far apart; they were both in the capital. It would probably only take them the time it takes to drink a cup of tea on horseback.

"What do you know, kid?" Ye Wanrou slapped the back of his head. The Zhou family's residence was nowhere near as comfortable as the Prince's Mansion. Her sister-in-law and Yu-ge'er were bound to have some troubles when they went back this time.

As expected, Zhou Yuqing was summoned to the study by Zhou Yongli as soon as they arrived home, and Song Xia was also summoned to Fushou Hall.

"They're actually willing to come back," Old Madam Liu said sarcastically.

Song Xia was puzzled. With this old lady's personality, how come she wasn't worn down to death by Old Madam Zhou back then?

But thinking about myself, Liu Fangniang was even worse; hadn't I tolerated it for so many years?

She said frankly, "I'm a little reluctant to leave, but my mother called me back."

"You!" Seemingly not expecting her to reply like that, Old Madam Liu was stunned.

Liu Fangniang bowed softly and said, "Greetings, Madam. I truly envy that you can return to the Prince's Mansion at any time."

"No one will stop you from going back to the Liu family. There aren't many concubines as generous as you who can bring a lot of money back to their parents' home. In the whole capital, I guess only I, the legal wife, am the most generous. Don't you think so?"

Liu Fangniang's face turned green upon hearing this, and she stammered as she lowered her head.

"How dare you!" Old Madam Liu seemed to have been hit where it hurt, her brows furrowed and her eyes widened in anger.

Song Xia sat down casually, her tone icy: "Mother, I don't know what I said wrong? Is it worth getting so angry?"

"you……"

She couldn't say it, so Song Xia continued, "Since she's not your daughter-in-law, then it's Aunt Liu's fault. Mother, don't get upset over Aunt Liu. She's just a concubine; she's not worth it."

This made the two even angrier, but they couldn't refute it.

Old Madam Liu glared at Liu Fangniang, as if asking, "You asked me to call someone back just to annoy me?"

Liu Fangniang looked embarrassed. She hadn't expected her mother to change so much, that she would even dare to talk back to her aunt.

"It seems I was too lenient before. A concubine dares to act so presumptuously in the mansion. Starting tomorrow, Fangniang will begin to serve me in my courtyard."

Liu Fangniang's expression changed. Was Madam asking her to stand in the proper order?

Old Madam Liu quickly replied, "When did I ever say anything bad about Fangniang?"

“My daughter-in-law hasn’t returned for a month, and I haven’t taken good care of her while I was at home. That’s Fangniang’s fault.” Song Xia raised her eyes and said seriously, “Mother, it is only natural for the principal wife to teach her concubines manners. Even if she has done nothing wrong, is there anything wrong with letting her serve my daughter-in-law?”

"You have so many maids in your courtyard..."

"Having many maids is not a reason for her not to serve her daughter-in-law. Mother, could it be that you think Liu Fang is your own niece and therefore show favoritism and disregard the rules? Now that she has become a concubine, she is a member of the Zhou family. She has no maternal family. In this Zhou mansion, she only has the status of a concubine, not a daughter of the Liu family."

Song Xia's words were not only directed at Liu Fangniang, but also at Old Madam Liu. Did she really think that just because she was the old lady of the mansion, she could act arrogantly? She was still a concubine, and it was not her place to lecture her, the county princess!

Madam Liu was so angry she almost fainted. Only now did she realize that if Song Xia didn't want to give her face, she really wouldn't.

What could she do? Punish her? She was a county princess personally appointed by His Majesty; she had no right to punish her. Should she also make Song Xia stand in the manners? Logically speaking, since she hadn't been officially recognized as the princess, Song Xia had no reason to stand in the manners; that would only make her lose face even more.

Song Xia scolded, "Liu, did you hear me clearly?"

With tears in her eyes, Liu Fangniang bowed and said, "This concubine obeys."

Song Xia then stood up: "Mother, since there's nothing else, I'll head back now. The rules in this household are too lenient; I need to make some changes."

Both Old Madam Liu and Liu Fangniang's expressions changed drastically. What else did Song Xia want to do?

Song Xia sneered, "What am I going to do? Of course, I'm going to make things difficult for you."

Why do concubines and illegitimate daughters need so many people to serve them? They should all be sold off. Isn't the old lady just sitting around doing nothing? The anniversary of Old Madam Zhou's death is approaching. As a concubine, the old lady should at least observe a vegetarian diet and chant Buddhist prayers in her memory.

If Zhou Yongli were to ask, well, who does he think he is? It's all just following the rules.

Although the Zhou family doesn't have anyone particularly outstanding, those gossipy relatives still rely on the Zhou family for support, so they would probably be happy to stay at the Zhou family's home permanently.

Although they have no money, they still have status and position. If the old lady doesn't want to enjoy this life of leisure, then she shouldn't.