The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1540 - 1537: Distinction Between Superior and Inferior
Wang Yongzhu furrowed her brows, not expecting that the Little Lady Hou whom Song Chongzhao married would be so unrestrained in speech.
One must know that when a prominent family marries a daughter-in-law, even if not marrying for virtue, she should at least know how to conduct herself, treating others as if she imbues them with the warmth of spring breeze.
Everyone cherishes their pride, mindful of their status, and would never readily speak harsh words.
Even if filled with hatred, one should not show it on their face, at most making a few sarcastic remarks.
Of course, whatever schemes or tricks are planned in secret, that happens behind the scenes.
So back then, she and Old Granny Zhang risked it all, displaying daring courage and charged into the group of noble women, earning fame by slapping Lady Wang.
Only a few years have passed, has the Capital City forgotten the grand achievements of her and her mother?
Seeing Little Lady Hou act like this, it’s unknown whether she’s naturally sharp-tongued and unrestrained, or if she’s doing it on purpose.
But Wang Yongzhu is certain, her mind must not be sound.
Otherwise, how could she be pushed out as cannon fodder?
Looking at the other concubines, including Lady Hou, no matter how much they hate her in their hearts, they all greet her respectfully and with smiles, even if they’re displeased inside.
At this moment, seeing Little Lady Hou speak up, the other concubines, except for Maternal Aunt Hou, all took a step back with understanding, planning to watch from the sidelines.
After all, whether it is Wang Yongzhu, the Wife of the Heir-Apparent, who wins, or the new bride Little Lady Hou, it would all be a good show.
Only Maternal Aunt Hou, looking anxious and wanting to say something, found herself unable to speak first; if even the madam hadn’t spoken, how could a mere concubine think of interjecting?
This Little Lady Hou was her first cousin niece, the youngest legitimate daughter of a successful branch of the Hou Family.
Ever since she married in, feeling pampered from her family, and knowing that Song Chongzhao needed the Hou Family, plus that Lady Hou was just a concubine, she didn’t take her seriously.
Maternal Aunt Hou felt a deep resentment; if Song Chongjin hadn’t returned, while Song Chongjun was the eldest son of the Duke Weiguo Residence, would the Hou Family dare treat her like this?
Every visit to the Hou Family, wasn’t she flattered by everyone?
But now seeing there’s no hope with the eldest, and the second still relying on the Hou Family, she’s begun to flaunt her power.
As soon as Wang Yongzhu returned to the mansion, Maternal Aunt Hou specifically advised Little Lady Hou to yield to Wang Yongzhu, telling her that the Wife of the Heir-Apparent is not an easy person to deal with.
When she was first brought back and hadn’t yet become the Wife of the Heir-Apparent, she dared to confront and beat Duke Qiguo’s youngest daughter, Lady Wang, in front of all noblewomen in the Capital City.
Not to mention, nowadays, it’s known all over the residence that her position as the Wife of the Heir-Apparent is secure, what good could come from confronting her now?
It would be better to avoid offense and plan in private later.
Yet Little Lady Hou was unwilling to listen; she previously followed her parents away and only returned with them to the Capital City these past two-three years, so had only heard a little about Wang Yongzhu’s tales.
She just thought these were tales exaggerated by the women of the Capital City, who were intimidated by a country girl.
If Wang Yongzhu were to encounter her, she would certainly have to teach her a lesson.
She always held herself in high regard, and after hearing what Maternal Aunt Hou said, she went back to ask Song Chongzhao a couple of questions.
Song Chongzhao, being both envious and malicious towards Song Chongjin and his wife, would never speak any good of them.
While he described Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu as worth not even a penny, merely being bumpkins from the countryside who tricked their way into Song Chongjin being made Heir-Apparent.
He also told that Wang Yongzhu had none of the qualities of a noble lady, being nothing more than a countrywoman, with a mother who could scream and roll around like a shrew.
At the same time, he praised Little Lady Hou as the true example of a noblewoman, leaving her lightheaded with flattery.
So early today, she had someone keep an eye on Wang Yongzhu’s courtyard, and upon hearing she went to Lady Gao’s place, she hurriedly went there with Maternal Aunt Hou as well.
Before seeing Wang Yongzhu, Little Lady Hou believed she would be nothing more than a country girl, unfit for the place, but upon seeing her in person, she realized Wang Yongzhu seemed even more dignified, especially her gaze that swept over them with the concubines, seeming not to see them at all.
Little Lady Hou could not hold it in. Driven by her temper, words of provocation and mockery spilled out.
After saying it, she especially glanced provocatively at Wang Yongzhu.
Even though she said it, what could Wang Yongzhu do to her?
Wang Yongzhu coldly laughed, it seemed like when the tiger is away, the monkey dares to play king.
Just as she was about to speak, Lady Gao spoke first, her face stern, scolding, "Laosan’s family, what nonsense are you spouting? The imperial consort favors your elder sister-in-law, that’s a blessing for our Duke Weiguo Residence, and an honor."
"Your sister-in-law’s service in the palace is a great merit for our family; you should not speak against it! Besides, since I’m ill, apart from concubines, there are the girls, couldn’t you, Laosan’s family, take care of me? Must your sister-in-law attend to me instead?"
"What, now is it that since I’m ill, you cannot even take care of me?"
This was almost throwing her words right in Little Lady Hou’s face.
Little Lady Hou had not anticipated, that before Wang Yongzhu could say a word, the legitimate mother-in-law would be the first to defend her so, subtly implying that she’s being unfilial.
At this time, being unfilial to one’s mother-in-law was a serious crime.
No matter how self-important Little Lady Hou considered herself, she knew she could not afford to offend her legitimate mother-in-law, and immediately her face turned white. She wanted to argue but upon meeting Wang Yongzhu’s mocking gaze and hearing the snickers from the other concubines, she was so angry and flustered that she could not say a word.
As if that wasn’t enough, Bai Su also took a half step forward, speaking righteously and loudly, "Madam Gao, the rules in the Duke’s Mansion truly should be upheld. Not to mention, the Wife of the Heir-Apparent is elder, and the third young lady is younger. There should be a proper order between the younger and the older, who ever heard of a younger sister-in-law speaking such to her elder sister-in-law?"
"Furthermore, respect and status must be distinguished. The Wife of the Heir-Apparent holds the position of Superior Lady, while the third young master of your mansion merely holds a trivial sixth-grade position, and so does the third young lady. Regardless, whether inside or outside the mansion, when meeting the Wife of the Heir-Apparent, she should pay respect."
"But as witnessed earlier, the Third Young Madam did not only not pay respect but spoke with insolence. What kind of family teachings are these? Our Noble Consort cannot tolerate such disregard for respect, and if it’s known that the Wife of the Heir-Apparent was treated so at home, an order of reprimand would not be unlikely—"
Everyone in the Song Family was informed when Bai Su came in yesterday; hearing her speak with such authority, mentioning the noble consort from the palace, it was instantly clear she was the noble consort’s attendant.
This person represents the Imperial Noble Consort; such reprimand from her mouth was aligned with the Imperial Noble Consort’s intent.
Upon hearing this, Little Lady Hou felt her legs weaken before collapsing to the ground, desperately stating, "This woman is wronged! Being family, this woman neglected her duties in carelessness with my own blood sister-in-law! This was not intentional! I beg you to see this, and tell the Noble Consort, this woman does indeed have sense of rank and respect!"
On the side, Maternal Aunt Hou never expected, that just after a few lines, both the madam and the esteemed lady from the palace would speak.
Especially with this esteemed lady implying that it was going to be relayed to the palace, asking the Imperial Noble Consort to reprimand them?
If that were the case, wouldn’t that disgrace both Little Lady Hou and the Hou Family utterly?
Gritting her teeth, she too knelt next to Little Lady Hou.
