The old lady was momentarily taken aback. Borrow? But she had just mentioned borrowing and returning the money once they were more comfortable. Song Xixi's words left her unable to retort. Internally, though, she resented Song Xixi for not being considerate. Where else would she spend the money if not in the General's residence, considering all her family was gone?
Zhan Beiwang shook his head, "I'll find a way myself. No need to borrow from you." With that, he turned and left.
Everyone in the room looked at Song Xixi. She made a polite bow, "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
"Xixi, stay!" The old lady's face darkened with anger, her strength returning now that she had taken one of Doctor Dan's pills the day before. "What else do you have to say?" asked Song Xixi.
The old lady spoke earnestly, "I know you petitioned the Emperor. That was foolish. When Yi Fang marries in and brings honor to the General's residence, it will benefit you as well. With accumulated merits, you could even earn a title. It's in your best interest."
Song Xixi did not argue, "You are right."
Seeing her obedience, the old lady continued, "Ten thousand taels is not a lot for you. Add some jewelry, and it's just two or three thousand more. You should provide this money."
Song Xixi nodded, "That is acceptable." The old lady breathed a sigh of relief, thinking Song Xixi was just being difficult earlier, and said with a smile, "Xixi, always so understanding. If Beiwang ever mistreats you, I'll be the first to come to your aid."
Second Aunt was beside herself with anger, thinking it absurd to use one's dowry for a concubine's marriage. Song Xixi, however, maintained her calm and asked, "So, the dowry and gifts total about thirteen thousand taels. What about the banquet? How much will that cost?"
Second Aunt replied irritably, "The banquet and other expenses will add several thousand more. Are you going to cover that too?"
Song Xixi smiled, "That's doable. Have the General write me an IOU, and I'll provide the money."
Everyone except those from Second Aunt's side turned pale. The old lady fumed, "Ridiculous! Since when does a husband take money from his wife and write an IOU?"
Song Xixi was slightly surprised, "Isn't it proper to write an IOU for a loan? Mother, didn't you say it would be a loan? Writing an IOU is only reasonable. Not writing one would be absurd, right?"
"As for..." Song Xixi stood tall and dignified, "There's no rule that a husband should borrow money from his wife without an IOU, just as there's no rule that a wife should use her dowry to provide a dowry for her husband's concubine. If word gets out, it would bring shame to the General and make the General's residence a laughingstock. I'm merely considering the family's reputation. Don't you think so, Mother?"
The old lady's face turned livid with anger, "I just praised you for being sensible..."
"Isn't it sensible to consider the family's reputation?" Song Xixi said with a smile, patting the old lady's back gently. "Don't get angry, Mother. You took medicine yesterday, and its effects only last five days. After that, Doctor Dan won't be coming anymore."
"What did you say?" The old lady grabbed Song Xixi's hand, her eyes widening. "Are you so cruel as to stop Doctor Dan from treating me?"
Zhan Shaohuan pushed Song Xixi, shouting, "Song Xixi, are you trying to kill my mother by stopping Doctor Dan from treating her?"
With a flick of her sleeve, Song Xixi sent an intense force pushing Zhan Shaohuan, causing her to stagger back and barely hold onto a chair for support. She was surprised by Song Xixi's strength.
Song Xixi coldly said, "Mind your words, Aunt. Doctor Dan himself said he wouldn't come anymore yesterday. You can ask him yourselves if it's his decision or if I told him not to come."
With that, she turned and left.