Chapter 81

The celebration for the first grandson of the Shi family was a lively affair, with all the city’s elite in attendance and many guests traveling from out of town to join. 

 The street outside the Shi residence was packed with parked cars. 

Cheng Baisheng made a phone call. 

He and Sheng Changyu had to go on a trip and would be leaving that night, meaning they would miss the Shi family’s banquet. 

Director Shi informed his wife, “The Governor won’t be coming tomorrow.” 

Madam Shi was speechless. “When the Song family invited him and the Second Concubine, he went. But when we invite him and the Madam, he doesn’t come!” 

She also complained to her husband, “I always think things through carefully. You’re not as sharp as I am. Now look, we’ve offended both sides.” 

Director Shi replied, “Don’t talk nonsense, Chief of Staff Cheng would never harm me.” 

“That’s not certain,”Mrs. Shi sneered. “The fact is, the Governor isn’t coming.” 

Director Shi:  

“I’ll swallow my pride and personally invite the Second Concubine tomorrow. Everyone knows how much the Governor dotes on her,”Mrs. Shi said. 

Director Shi hesitated. 

“Let’s just follow Chief of Staff Cheng’s advice,” he said. “The Governor doesn’t lose his temper without a reason.” 

“The Governor’s temper! When he’s angry, everyone gets scolded—that’s normal,”Mrs. Shi remarked. “You’re being too cautious.” 

The couple argued a bit. 

Still, Director Shi warned his wife not to invite the Governor’s Second Concubine, FanFan. 

Whether the Governor had real or fabricated business, the Shi family couldn’t cross that line. 

Mrs. Shi outwardly agreed but secretly disagreed. 

Although she didn’t send an invitation, she did call FanFan, addressing her as “Second Madam” and personally apologizing, asking her to honor them with her presence the next day. 

FanFan replied, “Did the old residence say something to you? Don’t worry, I know who to blame for this. It’s not your fault.” 

After hanging up, FanFan angrily cursed Mrs. Shi, calling her spineless. 

Meanwhile, Ning Zhen had just taken over the household duties. She spent the afternoon going through the storeroom’s accounts and was starting to make sense of them. 

Just as she was about to take a break with some tea, the phone rang. 

“Ning Zhen, it’s Baisheng,” said the voice on the other end. “I’m with Changyu…” 

There was a faint voice in the background saying, “Let me.” 

Cheng Baisheng then said, “Changyu wants to speak to you himself.” 

Ning Zhen didn’t understand what was going on. 

Soon, Sheng Changyu’s voice came through the phone. “Ning Zhen.” 

Ning Zhen immediately straightened up. “Yes, Governor.” 

“I won’t be able to attend the Shi family’s banquet tomorrow. I’m about to leave with Baisheng. If you don’t want to go, you don’t have to,” Sheng Changyu said. 

Ning Zhen replied, “Mother-in-law said she wants to go.” 

“Then be careful,” Sheng Changyu said. “The Governor’s Office will send the customary gift for the baby’s celebration. You don’t need to prepare anything extra. Just go with your mother-in-law.” 

Ning Zhen agreed. 

After hanging up, she couldn’t help but wonder, What urgent matter has come up? 

“Could there be a war?” 

In hindsight, she wished she had asked, but then again, it seemed best not to. He had said it was urgent, so it was probably a significant military or political matter. Asking too many questions might seem intrusive. 

Later that afternoon, the deputy from the Governor’s Office delivered the gift for the Shi family on behalf of the Governor and his wife. 

Ning Zhen left the gift untouched. 

The next day, around noon, Ning Zhen and her mother-in-law left the house at 11 a.m. for the banquet. 

The two of them shared a car, with Ning Zhen placing the gift in the trunk. 

“Mother, I’d like to discuss something with you,” Ning Zhen said slowly as they were on their way. 

Her mother-in-law replied, “Go ahead.” 

“The Second Concubine, FanFan, is carefree and willful. She’s overly favored and often acts recklessly. Though the old residence is more open-minded, it’s still a distinguished household, and FanFan’s behavior is inappropriate. Going forward, if she comes by without a legitimate reason, I’d like to have the gatekeepers stop her,” Ning Zhen said. 

The old lady replied, “I’m afraid the Governor won’t be happy.” 

“I’ve just taken over managing the gatekeepers, and I’d like to set this rule right away. Either FanFan moves into the old residence, or she won’t be able to come in so easily anymore,” Ning Zhen said. 

The old lady turned to look at her. “Absolutely not. We’d lose all face if she moved in.” 

“Don’t worry, Mother. She wouldn’t want to come anyway,” Ning Zhen reassured her. 

FanFan enjoyed her freedom at the smaller residence, where high-ranking officials and aristocrats addressed her as “Second Madam.” She reveled in the respect and glamour. Why would she want to live in the old family residence? If she moved in, both the old lady and Ning Zhen would outrank her, and the large family was rife with gossip. FanFan would never be able to tolerate it. 

“If that’s what you want to do, I won’t oppose it. Just don’t say I’m using you to fight my battles,” the old lady added. 

The old lady naturally didn’t want FanFan around, finding her disagreeable in every way. But she had mentioned it once before, and Sheng Changyu had exploded with anger, declaring that FanFan was his woman and could come and go as she pleased. 

The old lady hadn’t argued with him then. 

Ning Zhen said, “Mother, if I can’t ease your burdens, what’s the point of having your trust?” 

The implication was clear: Ning Zhen wasn’t being used. If she couldn’t make decisions, why should she be entrusted with managing the household? 

The old lady, rarely sincere, gave a slight smile. “You’re a smart child.” 

She then added, “You should let the Governor know in advance to avoid upsetting him. He has quite a temper, and he dotes on FanFan.” 

“Alright, I’ll tell the Governor before making any arrangements,” Ning Zhen replied. 

She was only discussing the matter with the old lady for now, not making any immediate decisions. 

The Sheng family’s old residence wasn’t far from the Shi family’s home. By the time their brief conversation ended, they had arrived. 

A special spot was reserved by the gate for the Sheng family’s car. 

Director Shi, his wife, and their eldest son stood at the entrance to greet them. 

Ning Zhen instructed the adjutant to deliver the gift and walked beside the old lady. 

The old lady, dressed in rich and dignified attire, smiled gently at the eldest son. “I watched you grow up, and now you’re a father yourself. I’ve come to share in your joy.” 

The Shi family greeted them warmly and respectfully, escorting Ning Zhen and her mother-in-law into the house. 

As soon as they entered the banquet hall, Ning Zhen and the old lady spotted FanFan. 

The hall was heated, warm as spring. FanFan had taken off her outer cloak and was wearing a bright red cheongsam embroidered with gold peonies. 

“She really loves red and gold.” 

Every time Ning Zhen saw FanFan, her attire was always bold and vibrant. 

FanFan, blessed with good looks and wearing exquisite makeup, was dressed in opulent clothing that made her shine. Wherever she went, she drew attention. 

The old lady’s expression darkened slightly. 

FanFan approached and respectfully greeted the old lady. 

“Go take your seat. You don’t need to attend to me,” the old lady said, softening her expression. 

Since FanFan was favored by the Governor, the old lady couldn’t publicly embarrass her. She had to avoid insulting the Governor. 

“Yes,” FanFan obediently stepped back. 

The old lady’s expression eased a little. 

FanFan moved aside, making a point to smile and nod at Ning Zhen, looking rather ingratiating. 

Ning Zhen was puzzled. 

“…The Governor didn’t come with her. She failed to show off, so why does she still seem so pleased?” 

Ning Zhen grew wary. 

At one point, several wealthy ladies gathered around the old lady to make small talk, leaving Ning Zhen pushed off to the side. 

She remained quiet, not drawing attention to herself. 

The old lady didn’t offer Ning Zhen any support. If no one brought up Ning Zhen, the old lady wouldn’t make a point to call her over. 

It was then that FanFan came over to Ning Zhen. “Madam, are you cold? Here, take this.”