“But you have no choice in this, Third Prince.” A dark glint flashed in Baili Chen’s eyes: “To tell you the truth, even if Yue’er is truly humiliated today, my feelings for her will not change. I will still make sure she marries me in a grand and glorious manner. She can only be my woman, Baili Chen’s woman, for the rest of her life. No one can take her away from me, not even you, Third Prince!”
"You, how dare you speak to me like that? Do you even respect your elder brother?" Baili Qia looked incredulous. "You want a woman who has lost her virginity? Who do you think you are? You are the seventh prince of the Great Zhou Dynasty. How can you debase yourself for a woman?"
Hearing this, Baili Chen suddenly revealed a self-deprecating smile. "Seventh Prince of the Great Zhou Dynasty, heh, I've never felt like a human being." Baili Qia was taken aback. Baili Chen had already taken the opportunity to wrap his arm around Ouyang Yue's waist. At this point, there was no point in pretending anymore. Baili Chen's arm tightened slightly, his palms gripping her tightly like iron clamps, but his hands were trembling slightly. "Only when I'm with Yue'er do I feel like a human being. So no matter who it is, including you, Third Brother, no matter who it is, if anyone tries to sabotage Yue'er and me, I will not let them go. This is the only thing I am very determined about."
Baili Qia didn't speak, but Baili Chen had already put his arm around Ouyang Yue and said, "Yue'er, let's go first." As he spoke, he glanced at Baili Qia again, turned around and left with Ouyang Yue in his arms. He just glanced at Baili Qia before leaving the door, and then the door closed behind them.
As Baili Qia watched the two leave, a glint flashed in his eyes: "I didn't expect that Seventh Brother would hold a grudge against me."
"Master, the Seventh Prince is just confused because he's worried. He doesn't really resent you. Please don't overthink it," the man who had been accompanying Baili Qia and remained silent said softly.
Baili Qia suddenly chuckled softly: "Seventh Brother resents me, good. I was just afraid he wouldn't resent me, I was just afraid he would keep letting me take whatever I wanted."
Leng Xi was slightly taken aback, looking at Baili Qia with some confusion, only to see that there was an indescribable smile on his face, which, combined with what had just happened, made the smile seem a bit strange.
Baili Qia looked at Leng Xi's expression and smiled faintly: "You don't understand, all these years..."
Leng Xi was taken aback, but Baili Qia had already fallen silent.
Baili Chen pulled Ouyang Yue out. Chuncao and her two maids had already stood up, their faces showing confusion. They seemed to have fainted earlier, but they couldn't figure out why. Seeing Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue come out, Chuncao immediately came over and said, "Miss, are we leaving?"
"Okay, let's go first."
Afterwards, Baili Chen pulled Ouyang Yue and left directly through the back door. He took a new carriage from Langhuan Jade Pavilion and left with Ouyang Yue. When the carriage stopped, Chuncao, the maid, got off first, but was stunned for a moment: "Huh, this is not the princess's residence."
When Ouyang Yue lifted the carriage curtain, she was taken aback by what she saw. This place looked like an ordinary family's home. What were they doing here? However, Ouyang Yue didn't say anything and got out of the carriage. Baili Chen led the way, passing through an outer courtyard. The interior was refreshing. Although it didn't have the elegance and charm of the princess's residence, it was lush with green trees. There were two fenced areas on both sides of the courtyard, where some simple vegetables and fruits were planted. On the other side, there were medicinal herbs. On both sides, some small willow trees surrounded the courtyard. In the breeze, the willow branches slowly unfolded, creating an indescribable sense of freshness.
In front of the two fences was a central hall. Baili Chen, holding Ouyang Yue's hand, said to Qingcao and the others behind him, "You stay here. I have something to say to Princess Mingyue."
"How can this be..."
One of the princess's maids who came with Ouyang Yue said that it was already against the rules to let Ouyang Yue meet with Baili Chen before, and now that they have come to this strange household and are left alone together, if any problems arise, I'm afraid no one here can bear the responsibility.
Baili Chen immediately turned his head and looked at the maid calmly, but it made her scalp tingle. She swallowed her words and immediately said, "This servant has never seen such a small courtyard before. You two come with me to take a look."
The two maids were clearly still a little uneasy, but Chuncao took them back directly. Baili Chen turned around and pulled Ouyang Yue into the house.
"Bang!" As soon as the door closed, Baili Chen suddenly turned around and pressed Ouyang Yue between the wall and his arm. His lips pressed against hers urgently. Ouyang Yue was startled and her first reaction was to push Baili Chen away. However, the large hand around her waist gripped her tightly, making Ouyang Yue's breath catch in her throat. She instinctively opened her mouth, but Baili Chen had already taken the opportunity to begin his assault on Ouyang Yue.
The kiss was unusually fierce and intense. Ouyang Yue felt as if Baili Chen was biting her lips raw. Her lips were being heavily bitten, and her mouth was being devoured by a nimble, hot snake. Ouyang Yue felt dizzy. Finally, she gently wrapped her arms around Baili Chen's waist. Since she couldn't break free from this kiss, why not enjoy it properly?
That dizzying sensation, as if a soft layer of clouds had veiled my vision, sometimes white, sometimes rainbow-colored: "Hmm..."
Ouyang Yue's breathing gradually became labored, short and rapid. She could only slightly open her lips, swallowing as she accepted Baili Chen's hot lips and tongue. Her voice unconsciously became soft and gentle.
With a bright gleam in his eyes, Baili Chen seized upon this and intensified his fiery passion until Ouyang Yue leaned against the wall, completely captivated by his fervor.
After an unknown amount of time, Ouyang Yue's eyes were glazed with desire from the kisses, her cheeks were flushed, and her red lips were swollen but glistening with moisture. Baili Chen squinted at her, tightening his arms around her again. Ouyang Yue leaned her head slightly against Baili Chen's shoulder, calmed herself down, and said, "I'm fine, I didn't suffer any loss."
Baili Chen responded lightly but did not answer further. Ouyang Yue sighed, "It's true. When that fake one was about to make a move, I kicked her away, untied the ropes, and stabbed him with a dagger. At that moment, the four people attacked me at the same time, which made me lose my strength. Then you came out, so I'm fine."
Baili Chen responded indifferently again, still not saying much. Ouyang Yue raised her eyebrows slightly and looked at Baili Chen, only to see that the latter was just staring at her quietly, his expression complex and unfathomable. In the end, he only sighed: "Wife, I believe you. I just want to hold you tight right now and not think about anything else."
Ouyang Yue was silent for a moment, then closed her eyes, her whole body as if embedded in Baili Chen's arms, as if she belonged there, so close and natural. Their breaths lingered in each other's ears. She didn't know how much time had passed, and Ouyang Yue even felt that if she waited any longer, she would probably fall asleep. Then, Baili Chen's face gently rubbed against the side of Ouyang Yue's ear.
Baili Chen looked at Ouyang Yue, his eyes curving slightly as he said, "My wife, do you know how scared I was before? I was so afraid of seeing what I didn't want to see. I even made more than ten plans before coming here, including the possibility of breaking with my third brother. I'm so glad that I have a woman like you. You are capable enough to protect yourself, and you can protect yourself while I'm worried about you. I... am really happy."
"Well, although I don't like your distrust of my abilities, you're right, I'm capable of protecting myself, and you don't need to have any unpleasantness with the Third Prince," Ouyang Yue said calmly.
Baili Chen was taken aback and asked with some surprise, "Why, when my third brother had someone impersonate me to deceive you, which could have even caused unforeseen consequences, you... don't hate him?"
Ouyang Yue made a move, bending her finger and extending it: "First, I am capable of protecting myself. Ordinary people cannot harm me. Although a master was dispatched this time, and I ultimately suffered a rather humiliating defeat, if I wanted to, for self-preservation or to perish together with them, I still have ways. Second, I will definitely be angry about what the Third Prince did, but this anger cannot be generalized. First of all, he is the Third Prince, and as long as he doesn't mention the matter of royal lineage and doesn't cause me trouble in the future, I naturally won't truly antagonize him because of this. This is my thought for self-preservation. Third, isn't he your elder brother?"
A glint of light flashed in Baili Chen's eyes. He knew what Yue'er meant by the next sentence. Because her third brother was her half-brother, she didn't want to antagonize Baili Qia, as it wouldn't benefit them. Of course, the most important point was that she was also acting out of respect for him.
Baili Chen gently stroked Ouyang Yue's cheek and said softly, "My wife, thank you. But if we encounter something like this again, just kill whoever it is. I'll take the blame. If that doesn't work, we can just wander the world together and live a carefree life. No matter what, I don't want you to get hurt."
Ouyang Yue sighed, pinched Baili Chen's chin, and pulled his face down, asking, "So, can you tell me now? What is the Third Prince doing all this suddenly? As far as I know, he won't be back to the capital for another day, and I don't have any grudge against him. Could it be that he has a grudge against my grandmother or brother? Otherwise, what is he trying to do to me now that he's back? Offending the Princess's residence won't do him any good."
Baili Chen gave a wry smile: "This is probably his way of showing concern for me. My wife is now the most famous beauty in the world on the Langya Continent. How many people would have improper thoughts about you? And you are the granddaughter of Princess Shuangxia and the younger sister of Momo Chaohua. Not to mention that various forces in the Great Zhou Dynasty are eyeing you covetously, there are probably people in the four great kingdoms who want to form a marriage alliance with you."
"Hmm, so he thinks I'll cause you a lot of trouble, and he doesn't agree." Ouyang Yue raised an eyebrow. She could understand Baili Qia's opportunity to some extent, because if it were her in the past, she wouldn't have knowingly rushed into something complicated and troublesome. But now she had no choice.
Baili Chen looked at Ouyang Yue seriously, thought for a moment, and then hesitated before saying, "That's probably what they're thinking. After all, as the emperor's favorite son, I'm already a target of public criticism. If I were to come into contact with you and people found out, they probably wouldn't tolerate me." Although Emperor Mingxian favored Baili Chen, it was only to the extent of favoritism. Given Baili Chen's arrogant and domineering reputation, few in the court thought he was qualified to compete with the crown prince and the fifth prince for the position. So, since they had become enemies, they wouldn't go so far as to deal with Baili Chen severely. If things went wrong, their plans might fail, and Emperor Mingxian would discover that they were targeting his most favored son. In that case, either of them would probably be severely punished.
But if Ouyang Yue, the great general's sister, is added, things will be different. This place of public criticism will indeed be very dangerous. Although Baili Qia's behavior was extremely despicable and made Ouyang Yue despise him, she could somewhat understand his feelings for Baili Chen. However, she felt that things were not so simple. She had a feeling that Baili Chen was hiding something more important from her, and it was very important. So she pursed her lips and remained silent.
Baili Chen stared intently at Ouyang Yue, but couldn't figure out what she was thinking. He blinked and said, "My wife is truly understanding and reasonable, a model of womanhood."
Ouyang Yue looked at him with a half-smile, then suddenly reached out and pinched Baili Chen's cheeks hard. Baili Chen's skin was quite good, especially compared to men, and it was also very elastic. Instantly, Baili Chen's cheeks were pulled so hard that his features were distorted. All that could be seen was Baili Chen pouting and widening his eyes, looking extremely ridiculous.
Ouyang Yue, however, was getting a little carried away. Baili Chen almost cried out again, looking at her with teary eyes: "Wife, it hurts so much, is it...is it okay now..." With his thin face and Ouyang Yue not reducing her strength, it was no wonder it hurt. It was already quite good that Baili Chen could endure it this long.
Ouyang Yue clapped her hands lightly and smiled: "Not bad, this is a good way for me to vent in the future."
Baili Chen was taken aback and looked at Ouyang Yue with some grievance. But he saw that Ouyang Yue had already rummaged through her purse and then took out a bronze mirror. She then took out a box of rouge and gently placed it on her lips. Her lips, which were originally bright red and a little swollen, immediately became whiter and looked much more normal.
Baili Chen chuckled and pouted as he leaned closer, saying, "Wife, I want some too. Look how red you've made my lips so swollen. I need to wipe some on them too, otherwise people will laugh at me if they know you've treated me like this."
Ouyang Yue looked at Baili Chen's lips, which were indeed quite red. Although Baili Chen had been pestering her with kisses before, she naturally returned the kiss later, following her instincts. If she used the same method on Baili Chen, and the two of them went out like this, probably nine out of ten people would know what they had done in the house, which would be troublesome.
Ouyang Yue couldn't help but glance at Baili Chen with some annoyance, but the latter just smiled and looked straight at her. Helpless, Ouyang Yue also applied some rouge to Baili Chen.
Afterwards, Baili Chen actually stretched out his lips and gently licked them, smacked his lips twice, and nodded very seriously, saying, "This tastes pretty good, it seems to have a fruity aroma."
Ouyang Yue glanced at him: "That's right. The new products that Meiren Pavilion will launch in the future will be priced at hundreds or thousands of taels depending on the size of the box. The little bit you used just now must have cost you at least one tael of silver."
Baili Chen looked surprised, then laughed and hugged Ouyang Yue, saying flatteringly, "My wife is amazing. I am ashamed of myself for making this money."
Ouyang Yue knew Baili Chen's abilities very well. She was amazed by the daily updates in the account books she kept. She would argue with anyone who dared to say that this guy was incompetent. Even she found it difficult to read those account books, but this guy not only kept detailed records, but also made such a big show of it, all in secret. She probably wouldn't have discovered this side of him if she hadn't offended him. It's just that her Beauty Pavilion made money off women.
Women's love of beauty is for men, a perfectly reasonable notion across all eras. This is especially true in ancient times, when men were revered and women lived for their affections. Youth and beauty were lifelong pursuits for them, making this a highly profitable business opportunity for women. Therefore, while the Beauty Pavilion charged high prices, its clientele was never lacking.
The next day, Ouyang Yue was having breakfast when Chuncao walked in with a smile and said, "Miss, Miss Li Rushuang is here. I wonder if it's convenient for you to see her now?" Chuncao had been by Ouyang Yue's side for many years and knew her very well. Ouyang Yue would probably be happy to see her, since Li Rushuang's arrival was somewhat untimely.
Ouyang Yue laughed: "Quickly, invite Ru Shuang in."
Chuncao showed an expression of "I knew it," then turned and went out. A moment later, she came in with Li Rushuang and two servants. Ouyang Yue smiled and said, "Alright, I want to have a meal and chat with Miss Li. You don't need to stay. I'll call you if I need anything later."
"It's the princess." All the servants in the room went downstairs, leaving only Chuncao to serve the two of them.
"Oh dear, there are so many rules in the princess's residence. I was too embarrassed to speak up when all these maids were around," Li Rushuang exclaimed as soon as the person left.
Ouyang Yue smiled at her: "Oh, you don't dare to say anything when they're here? I don't believe it. Why don't we call them in and see?"
Li Rushuang was stunned for a moment, then glared at Ouyang Yue with displeasure: "Stop making fun of me. You know I can't keep a secret. Don't embarrass me."
Ouyang Yue and Chuncao both laughed. Ouyang Yue waved her hand and said, "You're here so early. Have you eaten? Let's eat together."
Li Rushuang glanced at the breakfast on Ouyang Yue's table. There were three kinds of porridge alone: rose beauty porridge, mung bean and glutinous rice porridge, fish and seafood porridge, and five kinds of mixed food porridge. Although it was said to be a morning side dish, there were twelve kinds of dishes. They looked green and red, and even seemed to have a crystal-clear color. They looked very appetizing, but Ouyang Yue didn't eat much of them.
Li Rushuang sighed upon seeing this, "Oh, this is such a waste! You are so extravagant, it's such a waste of food."
Ouyang Yue didn't care at all, and instead smiled: "That's why I asked you to help me solve some problems. Although I'm not used to it either, my grandmother insisted, and I couldn't very well refuse her wishes." As she spoke, Ouyang Yue also smiled wryly. Although Princess Shuangxia was very serious in front of outsiders, she doted on her in private. Of course, even Xuan Yuan Chaohua couldn't compare to her treatment. Princess Shuangxia had a consistent idea that women should be pampered and men should be strict. You can imagine how she was pampered. However, Ouyang Yue didn't object to enjoying it sometimes, since she didn't have a penchant for self-harm.
Li Rushuang immediately nodded: "Princess Shuangxia is doing this for your own good, and you've come to the right person. I was in such a hurry to come find you today that I didn't have breakfast, and I'm very hungry now. Besides, this porridge and dishes look very appetizing, so I'll take care of it." Li Rushuang smiled, and Chuncao had already served her a bowl of fish porridge and carefully handed it to her.
Li Rushuang took a sip, squinted her eyes and said, "Hmm~ The food made by the chefs of the Princess's residence is really different. It tastes so good. The fish is fragrant but not fishy, and the porridge is fragrant but not greasy. It's also smooth. It's delicious. It's definitely not inferior to the chefs in the capital."
Chuncao chuckled and said, "Miss Rushuang, you don't know, do you? This fish porridge was improved by the chef by the princess. Our princess's cooking skills are even more superb." As she spoke, Chuncao proudly raised her head, looking even more arrogant and proud than if she had received praise herself.
Li Rushuang's eyes widened: "Yue'er, you...you can even cook? No wonder my mother told me to learn more from you. But am I torturing myself? If I learn all your skills, I'll probably be old and dead by then. Besides, I really have no interest in these things. Sigh..." As she said this, Li Rushuang had a frustrated and depressed expression on her face.
Ouyang Yue smiled and served her some food: "You came to see me today, just to have breakfast with me?"
Li Rushuang suddenly slapped her forehead and exclaimed, "Of course not! I almost forgot! Yue'er, have you forgotten about the bet you made with someone before the beauty pageant?" She looked at Ouyang Yue with a gleam in her eyes.
Ouyang Yue smiled at her: "Of course I won't forget. Even if I wanted to forget, there were so many noble ladies and young ladies in the main hall back then, and even the Empress Dowager and the Empress were the first witnesses. We can't forget even if we want to."
“Yes, now that everything is settled, it’s time for us to take back the bet.” Li Rushuang nodded repeatedly, looking at Ouyang Yue with anticipation.
“Yes, you’re right. We should take back the bet. This bet has to end, and we can’t be dishonest.” Ouyang Yue smiled meaningfully.
Li Rushuang couldn't help but chuckle: "Yes, yes, you're right. We can't be dishonest people, so let's go fulfill our bet after breakfast. That's keeping our promise."
Looking at Li Rushuang's wicked grin, Chuncao couldn't help but sigh. It seemed that spending so much time with Miss Rushuang had corrupted her too. But that damned woman had caused trouble for Miss Yi so many times; she deserved to be taught a lesson.
After having breakfast, Li Rushuang and Ouyang Yue first went to Shuangxue Pavilion to pay their respects to Princess Shuangxia. Princess Shuangxia was dressed in a deep purple brocade robe, which made her look elegant and noble. However, the usually serious woman had a much gentler expression on her face today.
"Alright, I know you're all filial. If you're going out, you don't need to come over to pay your respects to me. Missing a day won't make a difference. Go and have fun," Princess Shuangxia said with a smile, waving her hand.
Ouyang Yue walked over with a smile and put her arm around Shuangxia Changgong's arm: "Grandmother, we're not just going out to have fun this time, but to fulfill our bet."
"A bet? What bet?" Princess Shuangxia asked, taken aback.
Ouyang Yue smiled and said, "This bet is actually closely related to Ru Shuang. We'll go to the Fu residence later."
Upon hearing Ouyang Yue's words, Princess Shuangxia immediately remembered. Although she didn't often attend banquets in the capital, and hadn't even attended the Empress Dowager's banquet, she was still quite familiar with some of the interesting and important events in the capital: "That's only right. You can go. If anyone dares to break the agreement, I won't let it go. Go ahead, and if anything happens, come back and tell your grandmother." The unspoken meaning of these words was, "Go ahead, even if things get out of hand, it's okay. I'll take care of everything, just don't suffer any losses."
Although she hadn't known Princess Shuangxia for long, Ouyang Yue had already figured out Princess Shuangxia's thoughts to some extent. She sometimes didn't speak very directly, which was a common characteristic of people who had lived in the palace for many years. This grandmother could be serious to outsiders, but in reality, she was extremely protective of her own.
Ouyang Yue immediately smiled and said, "Grandmother, don't worry, we can handle this ourselves. When we get back, Ru Shuang and I will have lunch with you, Grandmother, okay?"
"Alright, go ahead." Princess Shuangxia smiled. She enjoyed talking to intelligent people, and she was very pleased with this granddaughter.
Ouyang Yue and Li Rushuang then left and boarded the princess's carriage to arrive at the Fu residence. The servants of the Fu residence dared not delay upon seeing the princess's carriage and went in to announce their arrival. Soon after, Fu Lin came out to greet them with some family members. After all, Ouyang Yue was now Princess Mingyue, and the usual rules could not be disregarded.
Ouyang Yue smiled and looked up: "Mr. Fu, please rise. I have come to visit Miss Fu today."
“Mei’er, she…” Fu Lin was taken aback, then said, “Quickly go and invite Miss.”
Fu Meier, who was waiting in the middle, was stunned when she heard the news: "What are Ouyang Yue and Li Rushuang doing here?" There was no need to laugh, as most of Fu Meier's injuries had healed. However, thinking of this, Fu Meier's face immediately turned ugly. She suddenly remembered what happened in the main hall. She... she and Ouyang Yue still had a bet!
Could it be that Ouyang Yue intends to fulfill the bet? How hateful! Ouyang Yue and Li Rushuang clearly have ill intentions and are here to humiliate her. However, as a princess, Fu Meier has no choice but to go. Her mind races as she tries to think of a solution before she arrives at the main hall.
Ouyang Yue, dressed in a magnificent robe, sat gracefully in the hall, instantly outshining all the other women in the room. Fu Meier's face darkened!
Ouyang Yue looked at Fu Meier's unpleasant expression, but smiled faintly, a dark light flashing in her eyes!
☆、155、Humiliation!
Ouyang Yue smiled at Fu Meier, who was taken aback. A hint of reluctance flashed across her face, but she slowly walked over and then earnestly performed the kneeling ceremony: "This commoner, Fu Meier, greets Princess Mingyue." No matter how much Fu Meier hated Ouyang Yue, in this place where imperial power was supreme, she dared not do anything disrespectful to Ouyang Yue in front of everyone, even though she looked unwilling and frustrated.
Ouyang Yue slowly raised the corners of her lips and said, "Miss Fu, there's no need for such formalities. Please get up and sit down."
Fu Meier stood up and bowed to one side. Fu Lin smiled and said, "Princess Mingyue's arrival at the Fu residence is truly an honor to our humble abode. I just wonder what brings Princess Mingyue here..."
Ouyang Yue looked at him with a smile, and Fu Lin was taken aback. He said, "This humble subject has no other intention than to ask if the princess has time to stay for a meal. This humble subject will have the kitchen prepare a proper meal for the princess."
Ouyang Yue waved her hand: "Well, that's not necessary. I'll go back with Ru Shuang after I finish my business. You don't need to be here either. We can talk to Miss Fu alone." Upon hearing this, Fu Meier's face stiffened.
Fu Lin wanted to say something, but he held back in the end. He waved his hand and signaled the Fu family to leave. However, the women were reluctant to leave because they wanted to see a good show. But they did not dare to disobey Ouyang Yue's orders. In the end, only Ouyang Yue, Li Rushuang's servants, and Fu Meier remained in the hall.
Fu Meier stood stiffly to one side, her heart pounding with anxiety. She was now ninety percent certain that Ouyang Yue and Li Rushuang were clearly after her. It was all because of the bet they made in the main hall. She had been furious for a long time about not making it into the top ten, but at the time, she was covered in bee stings. If she continued, she would not only become a laughingstock among the five kingdoms, but her talent would also be ruined. She knew that even if she wanted to make it into the top ten, it would be extremely difficult. She was busy with treatment and had no time for anything else. She had thought she could let the matter rest.