The maidservant waiting outside, belonging to Concubine Dong, stared at the people from Linglong Pavilion with a face full of surprise. After a long while, she managed to blurt out, "Where are the jewelry?"
"All the jewelry brought today has been kept by the Crown Prince's wife," the manager of Linglong Pavilion said. "Furthermore, from now on, when Linglong Pavilion sends jewelry to the Duke's Mansion, it will only be for the Duchess. As for the concubines, I apologize."
"Our concubine isn't not giving you money, so why are you acting like this? Do you pick and choose who to sell to?" The young maidservant, being anxious, spoke with a rather sharp tone.
"Our Linglong Pavilion never puts making money first. Our master has ordered that customer satisfaction is our purpose," the manager said amiably.
"Our concubine is also your customer. Have you forgotten? Our concubine previously bought a lot of your hair ornaments," the young maidservant said urgently.
"Our Linglong Pavilion has a rule, prioritizing customers who hold a Mo Cui Card," the manager paused before saying, "Of course, if Concubine Dong has a Mo Cui Card, we will naturally treat her the same."
Mo Cui Card? The young maidservant listened, feeling dizzy, but she understood one thing: Linglong Pavilion would not send jewelry to their concubine, nor would they sell to her even if she paid.
Unable to get anyone, the young maidservant scurried back to report, relaying what the manager of Linglong Pavilion had said to Concubine Dong.
Dong Ningxin was so angry that she took several deep breaths before suppressing the rage in her heart. Yesterday, after the Duke learned of her pregnancy, he was extremely happy. He opened his private treasury and picked out many items for her, gave her a lot of silver notes for her expenses, and even promised her that he would find an opportunity to elevate her to the status of a co-wife.
Although a co-wife was not comparable to the principal wife, she was much better than a mere concubine. At least she wouldn't have to perform the courtesies of a concubine in front of the principal wife.
Therefore, when she learned that Linglong Pavilion had entered the mansion to deliver jewelry today, she had sent someone to pass on her message.
The result!
This Madam Da Qin was clearly going too far!
Not only Madam Da Qin, but also that Qi Zhenzhen, they were clearly doing this on purpose.
"Concubine, what should we do?" the young maidservant asked cautiously.
"How would I know what to do? Are we supposed to go and snatch it?" Dong Ningxin said irritably.
"Perhaps this servant can accompany you to Linglong Pavilion to take a look?" the young maidservant suggested after thinking.
"Can those things Linglong Pavilion sells compare to these? Those are things anyone can buy, with no limit on quantity for each style. Do you want me to walk out and have the same style as others?" Dong Ningxin was annoyed.
The young maidservant was flustered by the scolding, "But, but the manager said that those delivered to the mansion are not sold to concubines!"
Dong Ningxin swept all the pastries that had just been delivered onto the table to the floor, gritted her teeth, and said, "Go see if the Duke has returned. Just say my stomach hurts."
The young maidservant hesitated for a moment, then ran out to find someone.
Dong Ningxin placed her hand on her flat abdomen, a hint of ruthlessness flashing in her eyes. She had thought for half the night yesterday. She was pregnant, and she had to make good use of it.
Gu Changwei happened to be off duty today and was chatting with the Old Madam. Upon hearing that Dong Ningxin's stomach hurt, he rushed off without even saying goodbye.
The Old Madam lowered her eyelids, making it impossible to discern the emotions in her eyes. Madam Li, standing beside her, opened her mouth as if to speak but said nothing. She thought to herself, the Duke was becoming more and more unreasonable. Looking at his anxious demeanor, Concubine Dong seemed to have surpassed the Old Madam in his heart.
"Has the Steward's token been sent over?" the Old Madam asked slowly.
"It is still with Concubine Dong, and Madam has made no move," Madam Li replied respectfully.
"Go and tell Concubine Dong that since she is feeling unwell, she should send the token over quickly. If she really wants to manage the household, that is also acceptable. Have the mansion physician prescribe a miscarriage-inducing medicine," the Old Madam said slowly.
Madam Li respectfully agreed and left Yan Nian Yuan, walking towards Dong Ningxin's courtyard.