Third Madam Shi's face suddenly turned somewhat unpleasant as she sighed neither too gently nor too harshly, "This is the decree of the Imperial Court, how can it not be recognized? Besides, our Master's health is of utmost importance; one certainly can't neglect their own health for the sake of an official position! What would that make us!"
Second Madam Shi also felt uncomfortable in her heart, thinking to herself, oh, so now you have a point! Although the official position is held by your husband, the Shi family earned it; how can you just resign without even a word of notice!
"I don't understand the rules of the Imperial Court, but I'm just puzzled, why had uncle been fine all these years, and then suddenly became so seriously ill last year?"