The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 840: Chapter 840: The Beginning of the Confrontation

The third branch has a new member, and everyone from top to bottom should recognize the face. Since there was no banquet, only a small gathering was held at Moyun Inn as a celebratory drink, but recognizing faces is necessary.

Madam Lu generously introduced Mrs. Shen in her own courtyard and gave a warning. Even though Mrs. Shen is only a concubine, she is still a mistress, and any insubordination will not be tolerated.

Bai Shuilian faced Mrs. Shen for the first time.

Their gazes tangled briefly in mid-air, sparks flying, but soon returned to calm, leaving only faint smiles on both sides.

Compared to Mrs. Shen’s composure and inherent arrogance, Bai Shuilian felt somewhat discontent and uneasy. The other was of imperial maid origin, yet not just any maid, but one with rank, and she was retired, with the official rank certificate not revoked.

A seventh-rank female official was naturally more noble than her and naturally above her.

Bai Shuilian felt a bit aggrieved inside, but nothing showed on her face as she looked around aimlessly.

”Madam, why don’t the Fifth Miss and the Fifth Young Master come out to greet Sister Shen?” Bai Shuilian asked softly.

Madam Lu’s eyes flickered, and she said calmly, ”The children are asleep now, so we won’t disturb them. They’ll greet her tomorrow instead when it will be more proper.”

This remark had an underlying meaning.

However, both Bai Shuilian and Mrs. Shen understood it, the former feeling stuck, and the latter blushing slightly.

Having recognized each other, Madam Lu dismissed everyone, instructing Mama Zhou to personally accompany Mrs. Shen to Moyun Inn, while she took her children back inside.

”Madam.” Bai Shuilian stopped Madam Lu, pleading, ”May I go see the Fifth Miss and the Fifth Young Master? Just a glance.”

Madam Lu stood on the steps, looking at her calmly, ”The children have a light sleep in a new place, and you, as their mother, want to disturb them so they can’t even take a nap in peace?”

Bai Shuilian lowered her head and said meekly, ”I dare not.”

”Then return. The matriarch inquired today about your scripture copying progress, wondering if it will be ready by the Ghost Festival,” Madam Lu said, then returned inside.

Bai Shuilian bit her lips lightly, her gaze lingering for a moment on the west wing before leaving in disappointment, an action that did not escape the onlookers’ notice, inviting murmurs in their minds.

Madam Lu ignored Bai Shuilian, focusing on caring for her two children.

”Mother, why does Father keep taking concubines one after another? Isn’t having you and Concubine Bai enough?” Song Lingzhou, suffering from a poor appetite due to the summer heat, had lost some baby fat, making him seem fragile and pitiful.

Madam Lu felt a pang in her heart and smiled, ”Zhou’er, don’t concern yourself with adult matters. Concubine Shen was bestowed by the Emperor; you should respect her from now on.”

”Just a concubine,” he muttered softly.

”A concubine is still a stepmother and deserves the proper respect and reverence necessary for an elder. Do not act out of displeasure such that you gain the reputation of disrespecting your elders, understand?” Madam Lu gravely stated.

Song Lingzhou nodded.

Song Ruwei also said, ”Mother, I understand.”

She thought for a moment and took out the wallet Concubine Shen had given her, opening it to reveal a delicately crafted pearl flower made of various gemstones, very beautiful.

”Mother, look.”

Madam Lu took it, examined the pearl flower closely, and noticed a character in a hidden spot, ”It’s made by the Imperial Household Department, not available outside, quite thoughtful. Keep it.”

Song Lingzhou also took out his gift, a Sheep White Jade Pendant carved with a qilin.

Madam Lu sighed inwardly, acknowledging that Mrs. Shen had received many good items over the years and was quite generous.