For two consecutive nights, Zhou Yuqing still did not wake up. Although Liu Fangniang's legs ached, she felt happy.

She forced herself to get up early despite feeling unwell, feeling utterly exhausted.

The old woman advised, "Madam, just bear with it a little longer, it will pass soon."

Liu Fangniang was holding her anger in. Yonglang hadn't come to her Qinyaxuan yesterday, so she had nowhere to complain about her grievances. But as the old woman had said, she should endure this for now; better days were yet to come.

"Stew the bird's nest soup; I'll eat it when I get back."

"Don't worry, Auntie. The ingredients for the medicinal bath were bought yesterday. You'll be able to relax as soon as you get back."

Liu Fangniang nodded. Although this would alleviate the problem somewhat, it was not a long-term solution. She suddenly remembered that when Song Xia was pregnant with Zhou Yuqing, her grandmother had asked her to give the sachet to her aunt and had specifically instructed her not to get too close to it for too long.

Not long after that, Zhou Yuqing went into premature labor and was in poor health from birth. At that time, she had her suspicions, but when she asked her grandmother, her grandmother always remained silent. Even her aunt's sachet disappeared.

Liu Fangniang wondered to herself, if it really was the effect of that sachet back then, could her grandmother give her another one now that things are at such a critical juncture?

It's a pity she can't leave the manor freely now, otherwise she would definitely have to ask her grandmother in person.

But since he had already set his mind on it, he couldn't just sit and wait for his fate, so he instructed his closest nanny.

After explaining everything, Liu Fangniang went to Song Xia's main courtyard with peace of mind. Little did she know that after today, the people serving her and Zhou Ying in their courtyards would be replaced.

Because Song Xia stayed up too late taking care of Zhou Yuqing last night, Zhou Yuqing was still asleep when Liu Fangniang arrived.

Although she was still unconscious, she couldn't leave and had to stand in the courtyard waiting.

It's already winter, and last night there was a thick layer of frost. Before long, Liu Fang's mother's legs went numb from standing.

The transition from luxury to frugality was extremely difficult, especially for Liu Fangniang, who couldn't even move around freely and was so cold that her lips turned white and her teeth chattered.

She didn't know how long she had waited, but finally there was movement inside the room, and the maid came out to call her in.

She still had to fetch water, wash Song Xia's face, and help her put on her shoes and clothes. Liu Fangniang felt extremely wronged. Yonglang couldn't bear to let her serve him personally.

As she tied her hair up, Furong came in to report: "Madam, the people you requested have all arrived."

“Hmm.” Song Xia nodded. “In that case, let’s change them today. Since they come from the palace, they will definitely know the rules better than the people in the manor. The old lady is getting old, and she will definitely not be used to being served by someone else. We don’t need to touch Fushou Hall.”

Liu Fangniang's eyelids twitched upon hearing this. What did that mean? A change of servants? If Fushou Hall remained untouched, wouldn't that mean the other courtyards would have to be changed as well?

She felt a sharp pain in her heart, desperately wanting to know what had happened, but as a concubine, and with Song Xia in a fit of anger, how could she ask?

Song Xia glanced at her, enjoying seeing Liu Fangniang looking so distressed.

"Remember, everyone who is released must be settled properly. Although they have broken the rules, they have served in the manor for many years. Those who want to go home should be given more money to return home. Those who have nowhere to go should be assigned to various estates. Those who speak ill of their masters behind their backs and sow discord should be sold off."

"Yes, madam."

Now Liu Fangniang was even more alarmed. She was increasingly certain that this was aimed at her courtyard, and perhaps Yingjie'er was also there.

She could no longer hold back and asked, "Madam, I wonder which courtyard's servants have offended you?"

"Shut up!" Furong snapped. "How can a concubine like you question the mistress's actions?"

Liu Fangniang quickly lowered her head, and Song Xia chuckled, "It wouldn't hurt to tell her."

Furong glanced sideways, her voice cold: "Yesterday, some rumors circulated in Yingyue Pavilion, saying that the young master's poor health was due to the madam's lack of virtue. The madam thought that since the young lady was still young, it must have been the servants who persuaded him, so she asked the palace for a group of people overnight."

Liu Fangniang's face turned pale. If that's the case, it's one thing for Yingjie to curse in her heart, but how could she curse in front of the servants and let Song Xia know?

He immediately knelt down and said, "Ying'er is still young and must have said it unintentionally. Please don't blame her, Madam."

"If Madam were truly to blame you, would Miss still be able to stay peacefully in the manor? Madam, there's no need to panic. Miss is simply being served by a different person. The maids and nannies from the palace will surely take good care of her."

How could Liu Fangniang not panic? All her close friends and family had been sent away, and from now on, Yingjie would have no one to confide in.

Besides, how easy are people from the palace to be bossed around? Don't they all listen to Song Xia?

Song Xia then chimed in, "It was my oversight before that I forgot to teach Ying-jie the rules. With the help of a nanny from the palace, she will certainly not damage the reputation of the Zhou family."

Liu Fangniang was filled with resentment, but she had no choice but to thank her outwardly.

Song Xia smiled and said, "You don't need to be jealous. I've replaced your Qinyaxuan too."

Liu Fangniang suddenly looked up, seemingly surprised that she dared to do this.

"As a concubine, her previous offense against me was extremely rude. It's clear that the servants didn't know how to advise her. Ying'er was raised under your care, so it's no wonder your household is so unruly. The servants failed to properly advise their mistress, so sending them to the estate is already an act of mercy from me."

Liu Fangniang's lips trembled: "Qin Yaxuan are all old servants who have always been by my side. I will definitely teach them well when I go back. Madam, could you please not replace them?"

“That won’t do. The Zhou family’s reputation is not what it used to be because of these arrogant and ignorant servants. I’m doing this all for the sake of my husband’s reputation in the court. Do you know that because of your arrogance and recklessness, my husband has already been reprimanded by His Majesty?”

Song Xia sighed: "Logically speaking, a concubine like you should be sent to the family temple. I only made an exception because you have served my husband for many years and borne children for the Zhou family. Fortunately, Shu-ge'er has been studying away from home for a long time, so he was not corrupted by you like Ying-jie'er. The rules of this mansion must not be broken again in the future."

After hearing this, Liu Fangniang's face turned deathly pale. Yonglang had been reprimanded? No wonder he hadn't come to her courtyard last night.

But how could Madam place all the blame on herself? She even said that Ying'er was corrupted by her? And she said that Shu'er wasn't? Was she implying that Shu'er's current excellence had nothing to do with her?

How dare Song Xia? Shu Ge'er is excellent because he works hard and is intelligent. He wants to make his mother proud. What does it have to do with you, Song Xia?

"Does Yonglang know about these things?" she asked, almost grinding her teeth.

Song Xia scoffed: "I will inform you when you finish your duty, but I have always managed the inner courtyard. It is not appropriate for you, a man, to interfere. I was busy taking care of Yu-ge in the past and indeed neglected many things in the inner courtyard. I will never make the same mistake again and cause you trouble in court."

Liu Fangniang felt a sense of despair; she knew that there was little she could do.