Who Cares About Being the Matriarch? My Rebellious Husband Secured Me a Noble Rank! - Chapter 43

“The household management? I—I really can’t do it. I’ve never handled household affairs before. What if I mess something up?”

The news that the Marquis had asked Second Madam Chi to help manage the household had spread like wildfire through the Chi residence, stirring up quite the commotion.

Second Madam was visibly flustered. With no one else to turn to, she came to Shen Tangning.

Truth be told, Shen Tangning herself was surprised by this development. She had thought removing Housekeeper Wang and dealing a heavy blow to the Marchioness was already a great victory—she hadn’t expected this unexpected bonus.

But upon further reflection, she realized this probably wasn’t the Marchioness’s idea. That woman was too controlling to ever voluntarily share power. Which could only mean—this was Marquis Ningyuan’s doing.

From this gesture, she sensed a hint of appeasement. Seeing her mother-in-law frowning with worry, she curved her lips into a soft smile.
“Mother, how can you say you can’t do it without even trying?”

Household management was part of a noblewoman’s training before marriage. It wasn’t that her mother-in-law couldn’t manage—she was simply afraid to.

Second Madam sank into a chair across from her, speaking with careful caution. “But… won’t your sister-in-law be upset?”

You couldn’t really blame her for her hesitation. She knew all too well the Marchioness’s competitive, domineering nature. That woman would likely already be nursing a grudge.

Second Madam had never been ambitious—she simply wanted peace and harmony in the household.

“This was likely His Lordship’s decision. Whether you accept or not, Aunt will resent you all the same,” Shen Tangning said frankly.

Seeing Second Madam’s face pale, she sighed inwardly.

Her mother-in-law was a good woman, but far too timid and cautious. She always believed it was better to avoid trouble than confront it. No wonder she had always been suppressed by Shen Ximei in the past.

But she didn’t realize—constant retreat and never earned respect. It only encouraged others to step all over her.

“Do you really think turning the other cheek will bring peace to this household? The truth is, your unwillingness to fight back makes others see our Second Branch as easy targets. Even your husband is looked down on.”

Her tone was calm, but the meaning was sharp. People followed the strong. The servants’ attitudes toward Chi Yan and Chi Jingyu were night and day.

But who could blame them? One was the heir apparent to the title, the other a lazy playboy. Of course people would weigh their loyalty.

Second Madam looked a bit stung but knew she couldn’t refute it. She pursed her lips, seemingly having made up her mind. “Then… do you think I can do it?”

Shen Tangning’s lips curved into a soft smile. “Of course. I believe in you, Mother.”

Second Madam couldn’t help but laugh, reaching out to pat her head affectionately. “This household authority didn’t come easily—it came at the cost of your injury. I’ll make sure your suffering wasn’t in vain!”

A warm feeling stirred in Shen Tangning’s chest. Though it hadn’t been her intention, her mother-in-law didn’t see her efforts as something owed. That alone was enough.

After all, even between family, only when kindness was repaid would hearts not grow cold.

——

Second Madam proved herself to be true to her word. Once she took over the household duties, she managed everything diligently and meticulously. Even when the Marchioness deliberately made things difficult, she still handled it all with grace and efficiency.

At first, even the Old Madam had her reservations. She had always favored the First Branch. But as she saw Second Madam’s capable handling of affairs, her disapproval gradually quieted.

Initially, the Marchioness claimed illness and refused to meet with her. But after some time, as Second Madam grew more adept and the servants began to truly respect her, the tide began to turn.

The Chi household was gradually falling under the Second Branch’s control, and the Marchioness could no longer afford to play sick.

Under Second Madam’s management, the Second Branch began to see tangible benefits.

The servants became more respectful and diligent. And with this opportunity, Shen Tangning swept out many of the First Branch’s spies in the West Courtyard.

Using the power of the household to place her own people strategically was the standard tactic of any household matron. Shen Tangning herself would have done the same.

But when were those tactics aimed at her? That, she could not accept.

Especially when she once saw a third-rank maid winking suggestively at Chi Yan and deliberately spilled tea on him while serving.

Chi Yan only frowned at the mess on his freshly changed robes and said nothing, simply returning to change clothes.

The maid turned shyly, only to freeze at the sight of Shen Tangning standing at the door. Her face turned deathly pale.
“…Second Young Madam.”

Shen Tangning showed no anger on her face, just looked her over with interest.
“Thinking of becoming a concubine, are you?”

The maid dropped to her knees with a thud, trembling.
“Second Young Madam, I swear—I had no such intention!”

Of course she did. Everyone knew the second couple hadn’t consummated their marriage yet, and the Second Young Madam was proud and aloof. Why shouldn’t the servants dare to dream?

Shen Tangning nodded slowly.
“Then I’m relieved.”

She turned and said to Xueqing,
“Find this young lady a new post. It’s far too beneath her to remain in my courtyard.”

Xueqing cracked her knuckles and glanced coldly at the maid.
“Rest assured, Miss. I’ll arrange it well.”

The maid, flustered and pale, bit her lip and mustered her courage.
“Second Young Madam, I’ve done nothing wrong! You can’t treat me this way! If you’re so jealous, aren’t you afraid the Second Young Master will come to resent you?”

“……”

The entire courtyard fell silent.

Shen Tangning laughed softly.
“You think Chi Yan would turn against me over you? Aren’t you taking yourself a bit too seriously?”

Her gaze turned cold.
“Why don’t we see if he’ll really defy me for a maid.”

At a signal from her, Nanny Qin gagged the maid and dragged her out.

Xueqing was secretly thrilled. At last, her young mistress was taking these matters seriously!

Then she heard Shen Tangning say, voice icy:
“Interrupting the young master’s studies is an unforgivable crime!”

Xueqing: “……”

Chi Yan finally emerged after changing. He was surprised to see her there.
“You’re here?”

She ignored him, still sulking.

Unbothered, Chi Yan took a seat beside her, then turned to Batang, who looked like he wanted to disappear under the table.
“You’re the one who usually serves tea, aren’t you? What happened today?”

Batang, remembering the Second Young Madam’s gentle smile as she disposed of a maid, immediately bowed.
“I was careless. Please punish me, Young Master!”

Chi Yan waved it off.
“I’m not that strict. Why are you so nervous?”

Why else? Because you’re blissfully unaware of the storm around you!

Chi Yan sighed and patted his robe regretfully.
“No one unrelated is allowed in my study from now on, understand?”

Those clumsy hands—he hated reprimanding them, but still! His brand-new robe!

Batang nodded profusely, sneaking a glance at Second Young Madam—whose expression had miraculously softened.

Huh. The Second Young Master might not be as clueless as he seemed!

…

Outside the courtyard, Nanny Qin glanced at the pale, trembling maid and sneered.
“Did you really think you were that important?”