"Miss, what are you doing?" the two maids asked in shock.
Shen Ruoxi replied coldly, "Find the betrothal gifts registry, the money spent can be ignored, but seal up the remaining dowry completely; whoever comes to take it, don't give it.
The wealth my parents and brother exchanged their lives for is meant for family, not to be squandered by outsiders!"
"Miss? This?" Chuntao became even more confused.
Xia Lian understood, a flash of eagerness in her eyes. "Indeed, my lady is beautiful, talented, and holds a noble status. There are so many trees in the forest, why hold on to this crooked one? I will handle it now!"
Chuntao also understood her lady's intention, biting her lip. "Miss, rest assured, when we leave, we won't leave a single copper coin for them!"
"Go ahead!"
After the two maids left, Shen Ruoxi frowned slightly, thinking about the grievances between her and the Emperor, feeling somewhat troubled.
It wouldn't be surprising if instead of helping her get rid of Xiao Chengyi, he sends more women to him to vex her.
For now, she could only seek her cousin, Consort Xian Xu Ci, to probe whether there's any chance of dismissing Xiao Chengyi, that unfaithful man.
At this moment, a knock on the door suddenly sounded, Shen Ruoxi asked coolly, "Who is it?"
A respectful voice came from outside, "Young Madam, this old servant is Nanny Liu, who serves beside Young Madam Ning."
"Come in!"
Nanny Liu, in her forties, bowed and saluted, "Young Madam, Young Madam Ning's belly is quite large now, and there's not enough fabric left. She wishes to make a few new clothes, how should the silver be allocated?"
Shen Ruoxi sneered internally, a cold smile appeared on her face. "She stands equal to me, why does she need to consult me? Let her handle it herself. If she can't, tell her to find the General, don't bother me in the future."
Nanny Liu was slightly stunned, puzzled in her heart: why is the usually gentle young madam acting so abnormal today?
She suddenly realized, when has a wife ever been happy when her husband brings another woman into the house? It's understandable.
"I shall report back to Young Madam Ning then, I will take my leave." Nanny Liu said softly.
Shen Ruoxi waved her hand in frustration, thinking of how a fourth-rank general wants to take a second wife, as if it's such an easy matter?
The Emperor has not yet decreed it, yet Xiao Chengyi has already impatiently had everyone call her Young Madam, how truly sincere.
Where did the wedding night vows go?
Never betray her, wait for him at home.
But now, all she gets is his sweet intimacy with others, what a great irony.
It's not that she has any illusions about Xiao Chengyi, she just feels that the past two years of dedication were wasted, losing herself, it's not worth it for her.
...
In the old madam's room, watching a group leave, she appeared fatigued, gently rubbing her brow.
"Old Madam, your health is not good, don't worry yourself anymore, drink your medicine first." Nanny Yu softly advised.
After drinking the medicine, the old madam sighed helplessly, "Mrs. Zhou has no backbone since Lai left. Now that Chengyi's home, she doesn't dare say much. This household, in the end, relies on me."
Nanny Yu comforted her, "The General just took a concubine, it's not that serious! Please don't worry yourself."
The old madam snorted coldly, "Just a concubine? Didn't you hear he mentioned a second wife?"
Nanny Yu chuckled, "Second wife is just a term, ranked by when they entered the house, it just sounds nicer, essentially she is still a concubine."
The old madam said indifferently, "For the past two years, Ruoxi has been the singular controller of the Xiao Family, managing all the accounts herself, we don't even know the specifics.
Mrs. Ning entering is good, she can help manage the household and maybe smooth out her temperament."
"The old madam thinks thoroughly."
"Men shouldn't always be controlled by women, eventually, they'll all take concubines. Better for her to realize reality sooner, once married, she should listen to her husband or else things will turn upside down."
Nanny Yu hesitated, "But what you just..."
A calculating glance passed through the old madam's eyes, "This large family relies on her, a gentle reminder helps her remember her duties, but she also needs to be coaxed.
After all, she's the daughter of Loyalty Marquis, which also brings face to our General Mansion, everyone is watching! We must maintain appearances."
Nanny Yu sincerely praised, "The old madam is truly wise."
The old madam was quite pleased with Nanny Yu's flattery, smiled and said, "Alright, you go now, let me rest and gather my spirits."
"Yes!"
...
In the afternoon, Shen Ruoxi boarded a carriage and left the General Mansion, slowly stopping at the Imperial Palace gates.
She severed ties with her relatives to preserve the General Mansion's dignity, feeling a tight anguish in her heart, aching terribly.
She had the guards report, and soon a eunuch arrived, in his thirties, bowing to Shen Ruoxi, "Young Madam Xiao, please follow this old servant, the Imperial Concubine awaits at Yixian Hall."
It was Yuan Bao, Chief Eunuch of Yixian Hall. Shen Ruoxi responded politely, "Thank you for your trouble, Yuan Bao."
Upon saying this, she eye-signaled Chuntao.
Chuntao understood, secretly slipping a gold ingot into Yuan Bao's hand.
Yuan Bao, although delighted, insisted on refusing, "Young Madam Xiao, this won't do!"
"Eunuch, you've worked hard, this is deserved.
Finally, Yuan Bao accepted the gold, feeling happy, he said, "Young Madam Xiao, please follow this old servant."
Consort Xian's palace was magnificently splendid, completely embodying the grandeur of the Royal Family.
Shen Ruoxi respectfully saluted, "Ruoxi pays her respects to Imperial Concubine."
Consort Xian Xu Ci's eyes warmed, tears forming, she controlled her emotions, "Rise."
"Thank you, Imperial Concubine." Shen Ruoxi rose.
"There's nothing for you here, all of you may leave now." Consort Xian waved her hand, dismissing her attendants.
Once the maidservants and eunuchs left, Xu Ci stood up, embraced Shen Ruoxi, and complained, "You little ingrate, I can't leave the palace, can't you visit me more often?"
Shen Ruoxi's eyes reddened, tears brimming, "Cousin, Ruoxi has been foolish, fearing closeness would tarnish the reputation of the family's small status, truly stupid."
Her heart was full of grievances, yet she dared not confide them to her grandparents, who could not bear any more sorrows.
They too suffered immense loss, losing their daughter and son-in-law, along with seven grandchildren, who could withstand such a blow?
Xu Ci spoke coldly, "Is Xiao Chengyi back with a pregnant woman?"
So soon her cousin already knew, indeed she felt like a fool in the General Mansion!
Ruoxi nodded lightly.
Xu Ci immediately erupted in anger, furiously shattering the teacup on the table, and with righteous indignation, said, "That scoundrel, who does he think he is?"
Shen Ruoxi sighed helplessly, "Cousin, don't be mad. I am not mad, why should you be?"
Xu Ci's eyes suddenly turned fierce and sinisterly said, "He really thought the Shen Family had no one? Just kill a lonely girl..."