The carriage arrived at the Ministry of Revenue, and this grand procession attracted a large crowd of onlookers.
The Ministry of Revenue's chief clerk was busy counting the silver when he saw the chests of silver and his eyes lit up: "Fifty thousand taels!"
It is obvious that among the silver donations made so far, the Chi family's donation is among the largest.
The physician from the Ministry of Health stepped forward and immediately recognized Shen Tangning: "So it's Young Madam Chi!"
Since his superior was Shen Chang, who was fairly familiar with Shen Tangning, he cautiously confirmed, "Is this the silver that the Chi family wants to donate?"
Shen Tangning smiled and nodded: "That's right, it only represents the Chi family's sentiments."
The official in charge of the Ministry of Personnel was secretly astonished. With Chi Yan's current official position, he received very little salary, yet the Chi family was so generous, which showed that they were quite wealthy!
"Then I thank you on behalf of the people."
The doctor from the Ministry of Health beamed and chatted with Madam Chi for a few minutes, his words full of flattery, which made Madam Chi feel flattered and overwhelmed.
The sound of carriage wheels came from not far away, and the doctor in charge of the Ministry of Finance hurriedly called out, "So it is the Lady of the Marquis who has graced us with her presence!"
Shen Tangning's eyelids twitched slightly, thinking to herself, "What a small world! How could we possibly run into each other like this?"
Turning her head, she saw that Chi's mother's face was also quite stiff. Ever since she learned what her dear sister-in-law had done, she had been unable to maintain her composure.
The thought of her son being secretly tormented by the other party for so many years made her heart bleed!
However, turning around and leaving now would seem a bit deliberate, so she stood frozen in place, a chill seeping into her bones.
A warm touch touched the back of her hand. Mother Chi looked up and saw Shen Tangning's gentle gaze: "Mother, don't worry."
For the past six months, Lady Hou has rarely gone out, but she could not possibly let her concubine come on such an occasion, as it would inevitably make her a laughingstock.
"Doctor, I have come to donate silver on my master's orders." Lady Hou smiled dignifiedly, her body wrapped in a thick cloak. She stepped off the carriage, and a servant carefully held an umbrella for her.
The doctor's smile widened: "That's quite a coincidence. Madam Chi is here too. Did you two arrange to come together?"
He was unaware of the conflict between the two branches of the Chi family and only mentioned it casually.
Lady Hou's face stiffened slightly. She turned her head to look over, her hand in her sleeve slowly clenching into a fist. She forced a smile and said, "Sister-in-law, what a coincidence."
Shen Tangning helped Chi's mother step forward to greet her: "Greetings, Madam Hou."
"Sister-in-law, it's been a long time. Why do you still look so pale?"
Madam Chi frowned and spoke with a worried look in her eyes. Her words instantly froze the smile on Lady Hou's lips.
She had deliberately applied makeup before going out today to make her complexion look better, but the other person directly hit her sore spot.
Madam Hou's expression turned cold, and she said with a faint sneer, "I am certainly not as good as my sister-in-law, who married a capable daughter-in-law and doesn't have to worry about anything. Nowadays, everyone in Yanjing probably only knows Young Madam Chi, and no one knows you, Second Madam Chi!"
Shen Tangning slightly raised her eyes, a hint of interest flashing in her clear, bright eyes.
These words seem to be praising her competence, but in reality they are accusing her of being domineering and even overshadowing her mother-in-law.
Let alone aristocratic families, even in ordinary families, it is rare for a daughter-in-law to overstep her mother-in-law's authority. If Chi's mother is truly easily swayed, she might already harbor resentment towards Shen Tangning.
Mother Chi smiled calmly, deeply agreeing: "No wonder you're worried, sister-in-law. Jingyu is already this age and still hasn't married a proper wife. Even I, as his aunt, am anxious for him. I'm not saying this to criticize you, sister-in-law, but you should pay more attention to this matter!"
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