"Thank you, Eunuch," everyone said after expressing their gratitude. Gu Changwei then invited the eunuch who delivered the imperial decree to the study for tea, also presenting him with a thick red envelope. Although he held no affection for his daughter-in-law, he could not afford to slight an imperial envoy. Furthermore, this title of nobility was personally bestowed by His Majesty, and any disrespect would be a sign of disrespect towards the Emperor himself.
Madam Da Qin also spoke with delight, "This is a joyous occasion. Everyone in the manor will have their monthly stipends doubled this month."
A cheer erupted from the crowd, as this was a tangible benefit for them.
"Sister, you don't know the difficulties until you manage the household. The manor has two hundred and seventeen servants and forty-three stewards. Their monthly stipends are ten taels each, which amounts to four hundred and thirty taels. Doubled, that's eight hundred and sixty taels. Of the remaining one hundred and seventy-four people, sixty-three receive three taels monthly, totaling one hundred and eighty-nine taels, which becomes three hundred and seventy-eight taels when doubled. The remaining one hundred and eleven people, though receiving only one tael each, will still have their stipends doubled to two hundred and twenty-two taels. Not to mention those the Duke supports who fought alongside him!" Dong Ningxin said sarcastically, "The public funds are fixed. Sister, you've so readily given away such large sums of money. Do you think you won't be held responsible if problems arise later?"
"Zhenzhen receiving His Majesty's commendation is a joyous event. It is not just her personal joy, but the manor's joy as well. What is wrong with everyone in the manor sharing in the happiness? It's merely doubling the monthly stipends. Does Madam Dong intend to tell this Madam that the manor cannot afford such a sum?" Madam Da Qin, born into a prominent family, possessed an aura that made her unignorable even when speaking softly. "Or perhaps, Madam Dong, who manages the household, is merely lining her own pockets?"
Dong Ningxin's attire and daily expenses far exceeded what was appropriate for a concubine. Not to mention the luxurious fabrics of her clothes, her hairpins alone were known to be extremely valuable to anyone with discerning eyes.
Dong Ningxin was momentarily stunned. Ever since she had entered the manor, Qin Tingxue, the principal wife, had appeared very accommodating. Even after Dong Ningxin had gained control of the household management, Qin Tingxue had said nothing. In daily life, she remained in her own courtyard and never caused a fuss even when the provisions allocated to her were slightly less than expected. Thus, Dong Ningxin believed she knew her place, understanding that the Duke did not favor her and consequently kept a low profile, like a cat with its claws removed. Now, she had suddenly bared her sharp claws, intending to contend with her?
"How can Madam slander me like this? Since I took charge of the household, I have been diligent and have not dared to make any mistakes! How could I possibly be lining my own pockets?" Dong Ningxin defended herself, her eyes glistening as if about to cry. "I know Madam has always disliked me, but you cannot humiliate me like this because of it!"
"Presumptuous!" Qi Zhenzhen scolded. "Madam Dong, have you forgotten your own status?"
Dong Ningxin's expression gradually darkened. What was her status? She was the Duke's concubine. No matter how favored she was, her status was inherently low. If the principal wife elevated her, she was considered half a mistress; if not, she was… a servant. How could a servant refer to herself as "I"? She did not pay her respects to Qin Tingxue daily, and the Duke favored her, so the people below were perceptive and naturally addressed Qin Tingxue as "Madam." However, what was not true was not true, and calling her "Madam" a hundred or a thousand times would not change that.
"Sister-in-law, regardless of anything else, the concubine is the Duke's bedmate. As the younger generation, you should show her due respect," Gu Siya said, unable to bear seeing her aunt in such a predicament.