Chi Jingyu frowned deeply: "Of course I know your good intentions, but think about it, if this gets out and outsiders find out, what will they think of me? How will I maintain my position in the court?"
Lady Hou choked for a moment, thinking to herself, who would dare to gossip? Unless they were tired of living!
But then I thought, with Shen Tangning's reckless nature, she might really make a scene that everyone knows about!
"Isn't your mother doing this for you? Every day you take care of your servants, and all your food, clothing, and daily necessities, doesn't it all cost money?"
Seeing that her attitude had softened, Chi Jingyu patiently explained, "Now that my son has a certain position in the court, he no longer needs to be taken care of all the time. Our family prides itself on being upright and honest, and being too extravagant would only attract envy."
He paused for a moment, then said, "My son also receives a monthly stipend. As for Xiwei, she is pregnant, so everything will be prioritized for her. However, things shouldn't be too extravagant. I trust my mother to know what she's doing."
Lady Hou pursed her lips: "What about the second branch of the family..."
Chi Jingyu's eyes sharpened: "Mother, you know what it means for my son to carry gold through the bustling city. Do you think being too ostentatious is a good thing?"
His unusual firmness alerted Lady Hou, who keenly sensed something was amiss. Her eyes widened slightly, and she opened her mouth.
Chi Jingyu's face showed a hint of unease, but she quickly softened her expression: "Mother, there's no need to mention this matter again."
Lady Hou wanted to say something more, but after carefully considering his words, she felt a chill run down her spine and could only stammer, "Alright, then I'll listen to you."
...
Shen Xiwei was also furious.
She had finally conceived, but her good days were short-lived, and she was brought back to reality. The arrogant and contemptuous attitude of the Lady of the Marquis when she sent someone over was still fresh in her mind: "I know that you are pregnant and your body is delicate, but our Marquis's mansion is only at this level. We must increase income and reduce expenditure. Please bear with this, as this is also the young master's wish."
No matter how indignant she was, she deflected it with the word "Young Master".
Yu Zhu couldn't help but feel indignant on her behalf: "How could the young master do this?"
Shen Xiwei also felt uncomfortable.
She thought the child in her womb would be her bargaining chip, but now, seeing the attitude of Madam Hou and Chi Jingyu, she suddenly felt a sense of crisis.
Given Lady Hou's temperament, it's hard to guarantee she won't do something like leaving the mother behind to keep the child.
If the child is born in the future, will she still have a way to survive?
No, she has to think of something.
——
"Hey, Butler Wang, sunbathing?"
Butler Wang looked up and immediately thought it was bad luck, forcing a smile: "Li Er, where are you going?"
Li Er straightened his back and casually boasted, "Hey, isn't summer just around the corner? My wife instructed me to make a trip to the government office to retrieve the ice that His Majesty bestowed upon the Marquis."
His Majesty is benevolent; all officials of the third rank and above are entitled to receive ice blocks from the beginning of the hottest period of summer to the beginning of autumn each year.
As for those who didn't have enough, they had to pay out of their own pockets to bribe officials in Beijing, a practice known as "ice tribute."
He rubbed his arms and said, "With these arms and legs of mine, I can only do errands. How can I compare to you, Steward Wang, who are so glamorous and respectable?"
That's what they mean by saying. Your master values ​​you, that's why he lets you run errands. Besides, it's a respectable job, and many people would fight to do it!
He's obviously just showing off.
Butler Wang's face stiffened, and he nodded with a stern expression: "Since it is Madam's order, it must be an important matter. Hurry up and don't delay."
"Alright, you're the most experienced Butler Wang, I'll go right now!"
As Li Er walked away, Steward Wang's face instantly darkened, and he spat on the ground: "Pah! You smug little bastard! When I, Wang Fu, was in my prime, you were probably still shoveling horse manure somewhere!"
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