"This... I definitely can't do it. I've never managed a household before. What if something goes wrong?"
The news that the Marquis had asked Madam Chi to help manage the household caused a stir throughout the Chi residence.
Madam Chi felt even more apprehensive, for she had no one to talk to and could only come to Shen Tangning.
Shen Tangning was actually quite surprised by this result. Getting rid of Steward Wang and severely damaging the Lady of the Marquis's health was already a very good result in her opinion, and she really didn't expect there to be an unexpected surprise.
However, upon further reflection, it was clear that the idea of decentralizing power was not the Lady of the Marquis's idea. Someone as assertive as her would never propose decentralization on her own initiative, so it could only be the Marquis of Ningyuan's idea.
She sensed a hint of reassurance in this gesture, and seeing her mother-in-law's worried expression, she smiled and said, "How do you know you can't do it if you haven't even tried?"
Managing a household is an essential skill for a woman before marriage; it's not that she doesn't know how, it's that she's afraid to!
Madam Chi Er simply sat down in front of her, her tone cautious and hesitant: "But won't my sister-in-law be unhappy?"
You can't blame her for being timid and hesitant. She knows her sister-in-law's personality well; she's competitive and always wants to be the best. She might already be holding a grudge against her!
She didn't have much ambition; she just wanted her family to live a peaceful and stable life.
"This matter is probably the Marquis's idea. Whether Mother agrees or not, Aunt's resentment towards you will not lessen." Shen Tangning spoke bluntly, and seeing Madam Chi's face turn pale, she couldn't help but sigh.
Her mother-in-law was good in every way, except that she was too cautious and always thought it was better to avoid trouble. No wonder she was overshadowed by Shen Xiwei in her previous life.
Little did they know that giving in all the time would not earn them respect, but would instead embolden them.
"Mother, do you think that by not fighting or grabbing, the family can be peaceful? But the truth is, if you don't fight or grab, everyone below will think that our second branch is a pushover, and even my husband will be looked down upon."
Her expression was indifferent. People are all opportunistic. The servants of the Chi family treated Chi Yan and Chi Jingyu in completely different ways.
But that's not surprising. One is a prince who can inherit the title, and the other is a good-for-nothing playboy. People naturally have their own judgment.
Madam Chi was somewhat upset by her words, but she also knew it was an undeniable fact. She pursed her lips, as if she had made up her mind: "Then do you think Mother can manage it well?"
Shen Tangning smiled and said, "Of course, I trust Mother."
Madam Chi couldn't help but chuckle, patting her head with affection in her eyes: "This power of stewardship didn't come easily; it was earned at the cost of your injury. I will definitely prove you wronged and not let you suffer in vain!"
Shen Tangning felt a warmth in her heart. Although it was an unintentional act, her mother-in-law did not take her efforts for granted.
Even among the closest relatives, the give-and-take of human relationships is essential to prevent one from becoming disheartened.
——
Madam Chi kept her word. After taking over part of the household management, she worked diligently and meticulously. Even when Madam Hou deliberately made things difficult for her, she was able to handle things beautifully.
The old lady initially had a lot of opinions about this matter, and she had a natural aversion to the second branch of the family. However, considering how considerate the second wife of the Chi family was in everything she did, she gradually fell silent.
At first, Lady Hou used her illness as an excuse to send away the second wife who came to consult her several times. Unexpectedly, after a period of time, the second wife gradually got the hang of things and became more adept at handling affairs. Her subordinates also trusted her quite a bit.
Seeing that the Chi family mansion was quickly becoming the domain of the second wife, the Lady of the Marquis dared not continue to feign illness!
After Madam Chi took over the household management, the benefits for the second wife's family became tangible.
Not to mention that the servants below became much more respectful and attentive, Shen Tangning used this as an excuse to get rid of many of the spies from the main houses in the west courtyard.
Using the position of steward, she planted her own spies throughout the mansion. This was a common tactic of the matriarch, and frankly, Shen Tangning herself would do the same.
However, she was not happy when the hand reached out to her.
In particular, on one occasion, she saw a third-class maid in the courtyard flirting with Chi Yan and deliberately spilling tea on him while serving him tea.
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