Chapter 684: Chapter 685 Steward Uncle Zhong Chapter 684: Chapter 685 Steward Uncle Zhong Hearing this, Situ Yongjie said discontentedly, “Look at what you’re saying. Just because she isn’t the Eldest Legitimate Daughter, does it mean Qinger can’t find a good match? This is not the way to teach your daughter, Lady Tang. I once thought you were a wise and good mother, but what you’ve said today disappoints me.”
“Old Master, have you even considered? Qinger has been proud since a young age. Suddenly, her status changed from Eldest Legitimate Daughter to Concubine-born Daughter. Who wouldn’t be unable to bear this?” At this moment, Lady Tang no longer possessed her usual composure and dignity, speaking instead with a tone of interrogation.
“What about being a Concubine-born Daughter? So long as she is the daughter of Situ Yongjie, she will have everything that is due to her.”
Lady Tang naturally understood this principle. She managed the finances of the General’s Mansion; her children would, of course, have everything they wanted. However, holding a tainted reputation would render them inferior in the eyes of others. If the ladies of the nobility found out that she was only a Concubine, not a Main Wife, she certainly wouldn’t be invited to any future gatherings.
“Old Master, since I’m the only woman in the mansion, can’t you just elevate my status? Let Qinger have a respectable position, so that in the future, she can be a Main Wife when she marries,” Lady Tang pleaded desperately.
In Moli Country, both Concubine-born Sons and Daughters were considered inferior, and when they married, they had no standing to become a Main Wife, only a Concubine or a lesser wife. The children they bore would perpetually be Concubine-born, unable to compare with the Legitimate Sons and Daughters of the Main Wife.
It was no wonder Lady Tang was so anxious for Situ Yongjie to elevate her status, as her lowly position would directly affect the future standing of her children.
Situ Yongjie frowned and said impatiently, “Haven’t I already said we can discuss this later? Go out, I still have official duties to attend to!”
“Uncle Zhong, Uncle Zhong.” Seeing that Lady Tang refused to leave, Situ Yongjie simply called for the steward Uncle Zhong to come in.
An elderly man around sixty hurried in. He had a powerful build, and despite his age, he moved with the vigor of a martial arts practitioner.
“What are your commands, Old Master?”
“Please escort her out,” Situ Yongjie pointed at Lady Tang with a wave of his hand.
Lady Tang’s face turned ashen. In the past, Situ Yongjie would call her madam in front of the servants, but now, he had even dropped the title, and she immediately sensed something was amiss.
“Old Master, for the sake of the years I have toiled thanklessly managing the General’s Mansion, can’t you fulfill my wish?”
“Madam, don’t make it difficult for me. Please go out and do not bother the General anymore,” Uncle Zhong stood in front of Lady Tang and said expressionlessly.
He was an old, trusted member of the General’s Mansion, loyal to the Situ Family for his entire life, and took orders only from Situ Yongjie; no one else could command him.
Unwilling to leave without achieving her goal, Lady Tang refused to go.
“Uncle Zhong, why waste words with her? Just drag her out,” Situ Yongjie was extremely annoyed. He had long suspected that Lady Tang was the one who had plotted against Lady Li, and naturally he was not willing to promote her anymore. Her constant nagging was giving him a headache.
“Madam, I must be disrespectful,” Uncle Zhong hesitated not a moment upon receiving the order. He grabbed Lady Tang by the collar of her dress and dragged her out like an eagle snatching a chick.
Lady Tang struggled desperately. Her originally well-arranged attire was now in complete disarray, and she looked every bit the part of a madwoman.
Once outside, Uncle Zhong set her down on the ground and said with respect, “Madam, I apologize for my rudeness.”