Chapter 1501 - 1503 She’s Always Like This in Front of You_1
"You, you!" Concubine Tong was stunned by her lengthy tirade. At this point, a maidservant stepped forward, whispered a few words to her, and Concubine Tong’s bristling manner seemed to deflate considerably.
Yang Chuxia paid close attention to the maidservant, who had deeply sunken eye sockets and piercing eyes—a formidable character with considerable cunning, likely handpicked by the Tong Family. She couldn’t help but worry for Commandery Princess Dongyang.
Concubine Tong took several deep breaths before approaching Dongyang, laughing awkwardly, "Sister, don’t be angry. I misspoke earlier. After all, I grew up in a sheltered household, always doted on by my family. I’ve never even been grounded or punished to copy books. Hearing sister speak of grounding and even corporal punishment, my pride was hurt—especially with Madam Ye present—I felt I was losing face, so my words bypassed my brain. I hope sister can forgive me."
There, Yang Chuxia finally felt that this was the manner of a lady from the State Duke Tong’s household—able to bend or stand tall, to be haughty when possible, and endure when necessary.
Commandery Princess Dongyang had no choice but to deal with such a woman—brazen and with a powerful backer. No matter the approach, the woman knew how to handle it, leaving Dongyang truly at a loss.
"If you acknowledge your mistake, return to your chambers. Everything I said earlier, you will carry out." After saying this, Commandery Princess Dongyang waved her hand dismissively.
"Yes, sister, I take my leave."
With that, Concubine Tong left.
"Dongyang, don’t tell me, in the Mu Residence, she has always been like this in front of you?"
"Madam Ye, you’ve hit the nail on the head. Whenever Concubine Tong is alone with our princess, she speaks just like that—arrogant and obnoxious. She only behaves with respect in front of the Lord Prince Consort," Su Ma said indignantly. This Concubine Tong didn’t put the slightest value on her mistress, bullying her simply because her maternal family was distant.
"I also heard you say she was beaten once, nearly driven out to the estate. I thought you were doing well, but it turns out even a lowly wench can trample over you."
"Alas, she was indeed beaten that time. It just so happened that Mu Shaoling walked in on us arguing and ordered her to be punished. She was almost sent to the estate, but I pitied the young girl for being motherless." Commandery Princess Dongyang said sheepishly, "I didn’t tell you the truth because I didn’t want you to worry. But look, today I’ve learned from you, huh? I think I was quite formidable just now."
"..." Yang Chuxia was at a loss for words. Was this child missing a sense of caution? To not get rid of her but to keep her around causing trouble?
"You, oh you. You’re lucky to have Mu Shaoling protecting you. Otherwise, you wouldn’t even know how you died in such a large household of the Mu Family." Yang Chuxia shook her head, "This Concubine Tong, from today on, you need to keep a close eye on her. Find a way to get rid of that maidservant, either send her away from the residence or eliminate her. Otherwise, your son’s safety is truly in danger."
"Really?" Commandery Princess Dongyang was somewhat incredulous.
"Really? Why not? If she can say such things, she certainly has the audacity to do them. Did you see her maidservant? She must have been meticulously selected by the Tong Family. Just a few words from her and Concubine Tong calmed down. It’s clear she’s formidable. With her plotting around Concubine Tong, anything is possible."
"Right, did Mu Shaoling leave today?"