Madam Zhong was momentarily stunned upon hearing that Mrs. Gu was pregnant again.

"Madam, I’m already old, this child..."

The meaning of Mrs. Gu was clear. If the madam agreed, she would give birth; if not, she could also not have the child.

Over the years, she had long understood that without power, she couldn’t protect her children.

Now, thanks to her daughter, she was just starting to live a better life. If she gave birth again, having a daughter didn’t matter, but if it was a son, it would undoubtedly be a thorn in the madam’s heart.

"The Fifth Girl is already so grown up, and now you’re blooming again. This is a great joy." Madam Zhong quickly said, "Fifth Girl, your aunt is getting on in years. With everything you’ve learned, take good care of her during this pregnancy, and make sure she delivers this child safely. If it’s a boy, your aunt will have someone to rely on in her old age."

"Yes, Mother."

Upon hearing these words, Mrs. Gu knew the madam had agreed to let her give birth, which filled her with both surprise and excitement.

Madam Zhong was true to her word. Not only did she agree to let Mrs. Gu give birth, but she also took good care of her.

She specifically assigned Nanny Lin, who served her personally, to take care of her.

"The nanny by your side is old. Send her to the village to spend her old age." Madam Zhong said, "Nanny Lin was prepared for Brother Yi’s wife; let her serve you for now, and once Brother Yi’s wife is expecting, she’ll serve her."

Sending a maid meant for her son’s wife to serve Mrs. Gu truly showed her goodwill.

Aunt Gu’s pregnancy incited envy and jealousy among several concubines in the mansion.

Because over the past year, Zhong Xiuxiu’s excellence had already made people at the Zhong Mansion regard her in a new light, and now all emotions towards Aunt Gu had to be buried in their hearts, not daring to show.

"Oh, Aunt Gu is truly like an old clam bearing a pearl. But at your age, can you really give birth...?"

The concubine spoiled by the master, Concubine Li, said acidly.

"Someone, slap her."

Madam Zhong, furious, directly ordered for her to be slapped. Nanny Lin, beside Aunt Gu, stepped forward and smacked Concubine Li twice, her face swelling instantly.

"You..."

Concubine Li looked incredulously at Nanny Lin, who returned her gaze coldly, without any fear.

"Madam, I..."

"Kneel down."

Madam Zhong sternly said, "Our Zhong Mansion may not be a noble family’s residence, but it is not a small household either. Such rudeness and thoughtlessness will lead to being sold off!"

"Madam, I know my mistake, I know my mistake."

Concubine Li hurriedly kowtowed and pleaded for mercy in fright.

"Go back, you’re confined for a month."

"I understand my mistake. I take my leave."

Crying and covering her face, she returned to her own courtyard, thinking that she must complain to the master when he came back.

Some of the concubines sighed inwardly while also enjoying the spectacle.

This little favorite charmer came into the mansion a year ago and was deeply doted on by the master.

Look at her, tail in the air, daring to be insolent while the madam is still here, even daring to speak ill of Aunt Gu.

Never mind that the Fifth Miss is currently highly favored by the madam; just by the fact that Aunt Gu is a long-time member of the household and gave birth to the Fifth Miss, she shouldn’t be humiliated by a newcomer like this.

Today she could humiliate Aunt Gu; tomorrow, she could do the same to Aunt Zhang and Aunt Wang.

Relying on her youth, she lost all sense of propriety.

Everyone grows old someday, and such impertinent behavior indeed deserves a beating!

"Aunt Gu, don’t take her words to heart. Take care of yourself. With the Fifth Girl protecting you, everything will surely be fine."

"Yes, Madam."

Aunt Gu returned to her courtyard, and the madam even sent some supplements and new fabric to her.

"Thank you, Madam."

Aunt Gu had a maid reward Nanny Leng with a pouch of money.

"Thank you, Aunt Gu."

Now everyone liked to visit Aunt Gu’s courtyard. Whether passing on messages or delivering items, there would be a reward, which was a delightful task.

Ever since she had more at her disposal, Zhong Xiuxiu told Aunt Gu that money was a good thing and not to be afraid to spend it when necessary.

Moreover, with the madam and the master often sending her money, Aunt Gu also had ample resources at hand.

Aunt Gu also became much more generous with the servants.

Therefore, everyone treated Aunt Gu well, and Concubine Li was nothing.

In the evening, Mr. Zhong returned home after court, and after dinner, Madam Zhong brought up the matter of punishing his favorite today.

"Just a concubine, if she’s punished, then she’s punished."

Doctor Zhong put down his tea cup, "Each family has its rules, and each country its laws. If she is ignorant, she should be punished, and if necessary, sold off."

Madam Zhong... This was unlike his usual stance.

A man’s affection comes quickly and goes just as fast. Once a new favorite arrives, he quickly forgets the previous one.