The old lady forced a smile. "Whether I like her or not, it's just the first meeting; it's hard to say. However, since the emperor has decreed the marriage, it's a settled fact. In the future, she and Bei Wang will earn merits in the military, while you manage the household, enjoying the military accomplishments they bring back. Isn't that nice?"
"Very nice indeed!" Song Xixi smiled faintly. "But it's rather unfair for General Yi to be a concubine."
The old lady laughed. "You silly child, how could she be a concubine when it's an imperial decree? Moreover, she's an official of the court, a military officer. There's no such thing as an official being a concubine. She is a second wife, equal in status to you."
Song Xixi asked, "Equal in status? Does our dynasty have such a rule?"
The old lady's expression turned slightly cold. "Xixi, you have always been sensible. Since you've married into the Zhan family, you should put the family first. According to the Ministry of War, Yi Fang's merits from this battle exceed Bei Wang's. In the future, their strong partnership, with your management of household affairs, will eventually make him as famous as his grandfather."
Song Xixi replied coolly, "With their strong partnership, it seems I have no role to play."
The old lady was displeased. "How could you have no role? Aren't you still managing the household affairs?"
Song Xixi said, "Previously, it was because Sister-in-law was unwell that I temporarily managed the household. Now that she has recovered, she should resume her duties. I will hand over the accounts tomorrow."
Upon hearing this, Sister-in-law Min Shi hurriedly said, "I can't do it. I haven't fully recovered. Besides, everyone is satisfied with your management. Just continue handling it."
Song Xixi's lips curled into a mocking smile. Everyone was satisfied simply because she had been using her silver to subsidize them.
Most of her subsidies went to the old lady's medical expenses. The medicine from Physician Dan was expensive and not something easily acquired. It cost hundreds of taels of silver per month. Over the past year, the medicine alone had cost a thousand taels of silver.
As for other household expenses, she had occasionally subsidized them as well, such as providing fabrics and silks, which were her family's business, to make new clothes for everyone throughout the year.
However, times have changed. Previously, she had genuinely wanted to live with Zhan Bei Wang. Now, she couldn't be a fool.
She stood up and said, "That's settled then. I'll hand over the accounts tomorrow and no longer manage the household affairs."
"Wait!" The old lady was anxious, her expression suddenly turning grim. "Xixi, you're being unreasonable. Men naturally have multiple wives and concubines. If you can't accept this, people will say you're narrow-minded and jealous."
Perhaps Song Xixi had been too obedient this past year, making them think they could easily control her by threatening or manipulating her.
Song Xixi's expression remained calm, a departure from her usual meekness. "Let them talk. Their words do not concern me."
The old lady, choking with anger, coughed violently. Normally, Song Xixi would have stepped forward to pat her back.
But Song Xixi stood still. The fading evening light outside cast a soft glow on her pale face, making her look even more delicate, like a figure in a painting.
"Second Sister-in-law, look at what you've done to Mother!" Her younger sister-in-law, Zhan Shaohuan, stepped forward, her face round with baby fat, glaring angrily at Song Xixi. "This hasn't wronged you. Do you think the Marquis's residence is still as prestigious as before? Your parents and brothers are gone. You're the only one left. If you continue to act like a noble lady, aren't you afraid Second Brother will divorce you?"
Song Xixi looked at her sister-in-law, wearing an apricot yellow dress—one she had made for her in autumn. And now, wearing her dress, she dared to question her. Song Xixi said lightly, "Take off that dress you're wearing before you try to show authority over me."
Zhan Shaohuan's cheeks turned red with anger. "I didn't beg you to make this dress. I can do without it. I'll return it to you."
"Good, and also return the jewelry and accessories you're wearing." Song Xixi finished and glanced around the room. Only the second old lady looked pleased; everyone else had sullen expressions.
"Is there anything else? If not, I'll take my leave." With that, Song Xixi walked out briskly.