☆、033, Hero Saves the Beauty?
The newcomer, dressed in a long blue robe, stepped halfway out of the door. His angry face and imposing manner immediately blocked the pedestrians coming and going. Ouyang Yue did not know this person well, but they were enemies!
This person is none other than Lin Baiyu, the only son of the second branch of the Huaiyuan Marquis's family, who was deceived by Ouyang Rou, caused a scene at the door, and was eventually annulled from the engagement!
When the original owner caused trouble, Lin Baiyu happened to be away from the capital. Although it was his elders who were annoyed by the trouble and looked down on the General's Mansion, the damage was still done. Who wouldn't have a huge grudge if they were forced to break off an engagement at their own doorstep?
But Ouyang Yue was also a victim in this matter. Lin Baiyu's actions caused both of them to lose face!
"Greetings, Young Master Lin." Ouyang Yue bowed silently with a calm expression, while Lin Baiyu's face grew even more unpleasant.
"Well, so you do know who I am. I thought you'd run away the moment you saw me, but now I wish I could kill you!" Lin Baiyu was fair-skinned with large eyes that glared angrily like two copper bells. However, his appearance was cute and childlike, with two small dimples at the corners of his mouth, making him the legendary baby face. This had no effect on Ouyang Yue.
Ouyang Yue's lips curled up slightly: "Why should I run away? I have never done anything that I feel guilty about. Since I am aboveboard, I have nothing to fear even if I see a ghost."
"You shameless wretch! I've seen shameless people, but I've never seen anyone as shameless as you! Humph! You act recklessly and boldly, you have no morals. A woman like you is destined to never get married, which is why you're jealous and try to ruin other people's marriages! You'll definitely die a horrible death!" Lin Baiyu's face turned red with anger, his expression as if he wanted to tear Ouyang Yue apart on the spot.
The street was already bustling with customers, and Lin Baiyu's presence in front of the restaurant naturally drew a lot of attention. Ouyang Yue was also a celebrity, having been implicated in Lin Baiyu and Ouyang Rou's marriage, which naturally attracted onlookers. As Lin Baiyu spoke, many people began to point and whisper about Ouyang Yue.
"This woman is truly shameless, hurling insults at a man in the street like that; she's no different from a shrew!"
"Does she even deserve to be called a shrew? She's disrespectful, unfilial, and unloving. I think this kind of person should be convicted and executed immediately!"
"Judging from Young Master Lin's appearance, he is indeed a handsome and talented man. This Third Miss is probably in love with her future brother-in-law, so she is deliberately trying to ruin her sister's marriage!"
"Haha, that makes sense!"
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Yue's brows furrowed, and she suddenly turned around. Her face showed no anger whatsoever; in fact, it even carried a smile. Yet, everyone who saw her was terrified and took a step back. Why did this Third Miss Ouyang give off such a strange feeling? Just now, she was smiling, but it made people feel as if she was brandishing a knife, which was terrifying!
No wonder Ouyang Yue was angry. These people were incredibly rude, not only accusing her of disregarding family ties but also ruining her reputation and calling her despicable! As the saying goes, it's better to tear down ten temples than to ruin one marriage, but Ouyang Yue ruined her own sister's marriage, making her behavior even more egregious!
Ouyang Yue turned around and looked at Lin Baiyu calmly, saying, "Young Master Lin, if you don't want people to know, then don't do it in the first place. There were rumors that you were lecherous and had a bad temper, and that many servants in your mansion had been scolded and beaten to death by you. It's simply outrageous! I dared to defy the world for my sister's happiness. Young Master Lin really shouldn't blame me."
Lin Baiyu was taken aback, his eyes gradually darkening. Ouyang Yue stepped forward, and Dong Xue pushed Lin Baiyu aside. As Ouyang Yue approached, she said softly, "Rumors can be misleading, and three men can make a tiger. When they reached my ears, I had to stand up for them!"
"Stop!" Lin Baiyu suddenly shouted as he brushed past him, "You're not allowed to go in!"
Ouyang Yue turned her head. Anyone with a brain would understand what those words meant. Lin Baiyu still wanted to cause trouble, but she saw him smile and say, "Regardless of the reason, it is a fact that you insulted me that day. You are not welcome in Xiangmanyuan now. Get out!"
Ouyang Yue was somewhat surprised. Was this Fragrant Garden actually owned by Lin Baiyu?
Lin Baiyu laughed and said, "You're right. Although my parents died early, they left me quite a lot of property. This Xiangmanyuan is one of my properties. You didn't expect that, did you?"
Lin Baiyu's words were clearly pointed!
Lin Baiyu lost both his parents at a young age. Although he was adopted by his uncle, Huaiyuan, he was still living under someone else's roof. Even if Huaiyuan had no son, it wouldn't be easy for Lin Baiyu to inherit the Huaiyuan family mansion. Moreover, Hong Yicheng was more successful than Lin Baiyu, so Ouyang Rou naturally chose the latter.
If Ouyang Yue had known that Lin Baiyu was the owner of Xiangmanyuan, she was certain that Ouyang Rou would never have gone to such extremes!
However, if Ouyang Yue were to admit defeat and slink away in front of everyone now, the good reputation she had just earned would be completely ruined!
Just as Ouyang Yue was frowning in thought, a man in a gray robe carrying a sword walked out. The man whispered something in Lin Baiyu's ear, and Lin Baiyu's expression changed. He looked at Ouyang Yue with even deeper eyes, and finally pursed his lips and said coldly, "There is an important guest inside who invites Miss Ouyang. Please!"
Ouyang Yue blinked, not expecting such a change, but she had to meet the person who had helped her out of her predicament. She then followed Lin Baiyu and the man in gray into the innermost private room on the second floor. Outside the room were four guards with swords and cold expressions. They would draw their swords to block anyone who came up, and anyone who dared to take a step would die!
This scared away those who originally wanted to come and see what was going on!
After entering the room, Lin Baiyu left. Inside, a man dressed in a blue flowing robe was smiling at Ouyang Yue: "It's been a long time. Does Miss Ouyang still remember me?"
The man's eyes and brows were full of smiles. His features were not as outstanding as those of the Seventh Prince, but they were exquisite. In particular, his smile was like a gentle breeze, and few could resist being captivated by it.
However, after searching her memory, Ouyang Yue's heart sank, and her face was full of doubt: "Young master, have you mistaken me for someone else? Have we met before?"
Ouyang Yue's eyes widened, as if she was trying very hard to remember the person in front of her, but she failed in the end. The man looked at Ouyang Yue's expression and smiled: "It has been ten years since we last met. It is not surprising that Miss Ouyang does not remember, especially since we have only met once."
"We really have met before! Oh my, I was only two years old ten years ago. You were so young, but you've aged so much. How old are you? Thirty or forty?"
The man was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter. He gazed intently at Ouyang Yue and chatted with her casually. Even when Ouyang Yue was being seen off by the man, he did not reveal his identity, yet the atmosphere of their conversation was very harmonious. When she got into the carriage, Ouyang Yue's expression suddenly darkened.
The Fifth Prince, Baili Jian! The original owner of this body did indeed meet him once, but not when she was two years old...
Their relationship isn't close enough for him to mediate for her!
Little did Ouyang Yue know that the moment she left, Lin Baiyu entered the room and exclaimed with a smile, "Fifth Prince, what a heroic rescue!"
Baili Jian shook his head and sighed: "What are you saying? You are my friend. How could I stand by and watch you make enemies?"
Lin Baiyu smiled without saying a word, but inwardly he scoffed.
Yes, that person is coming back. Ouyang Yue is somewhat useful, so he naturally can't afford to antagonize her. However, without the Fifth Prince's instructions, he wouldn't have known that Ouyang Yue had arrived, and that scene wouldn't have happened!
On Ouyang Yue's side, she had just returned to the manor when she heard two extremely important pieces of news!
☆、034, Giving you a taste of your own medicine! (Please add to your favorites)
Two days later, the entire General's Mansion, led by Madam Ning, stood guard at the gate, waiting for someone.
According to the rules, Ouyang Yue, the legitimate daughter, should have stood to the right rear of Ning Shi to wait, but at this moment, that position was occupied by Ouyang Hua. Ning Shi, who always abided by the rules, only glanced at this and deliberately ignored it.
Beside Ouyang Hua was Aunt Ming, the two of them with their arms linked, their expectant expressions genuine.
Ouyang Yue smiled coldly. When she returned home that day, she learned two important pieces of news. One was that General Ouyang, who had guarded the border for many years and made many military achievements, was about to return in triumph. The other was that the old lady, who had gone out to burn incense to escape the summer heat, was returning home.
For Ouyang Yue, this old lady held no appeal whatsoever! And yet, she returned to the manor before the general…
"They're here! They're here! We can see the old lady's motorcade!" The old woman who had been gathering information ran ahead to deliver the message. Madam Ning straightened her face and immediately stepped out of the mansion to stand outside the gate to greet them. As soon as she did, the others naturally followed and also saw the motorcade driving in from the street corner.
Ouyang Yue smiled faintly. This old Ning really loves to put on airs, even more so than her niece Ning!
At first glance, a guard of fifteen to twenty men surrounded the convoy, and five carriages filed in.
The first carriage, adorned with colorful brocade and embroidered flowers, was undoubtedly the carriage of the old lady, Madam Ning, of the General's Mansion, in terms of its design and decorations. Accompanying her were four maids dressed in orange, green, cyan, and blue, all of whom were striking in appearance and figure. The procession attracted the attention of many onlookers, and upon learning that it belonged to the General's Mansion, they naturally began to discuss it amongst themselves.
This old Ning family also had the capital to be flamboyant. She was born into the Ning family, one of the five great families. The previous Ning family matriarch had two sons and one daughter. Including the other concubines, the Ning family had a total of three sons and three daughters. However, only the two of her biological brothers are still alive. Her two half-sisters died not long after they got married.
At that time, the old Ning family, being the only legitimate daughter of the Ning family, was even more precious. Young men from prominent families in the capital almost broke down the gates of the Ning family in their attempts to marry her. Later, she married the then-rising General Ouyang. As soon as she married into the family, she gave birth to Ouyang Zhide, which established her position as the mistress of the Ouyang family.
Unfortunately, General Ouyang died on the battlefield. In this large Ouyang mansion, there was a mother-in-law and concubines causing trouble. Many people who were waiting to see the joke were dumbfounded as Old Ning managed to lead the young Ouyang Zhide to carve out a place for themselves!
Although Ning Shi was in charge of the household affairs in the Ouyang family, no one could challenge her position in terms of prestige. Even Ning Shi herself never dared to show off in front of this aunt!
"Welcome back to the manor, Mother!" As soon as the carriage approached, Madam Ning immediately knelt down to pay her respects. Then a group of people knelt down in quick succession. Ouyang Yue looked up and saw a middle-aged woman dressed in light brown with large chrysanthemums embroidered on her head and adorned with pearls and jade being helped down.
Old Madam Ning was very well-preserved. The nearly fifty-year-old woman looked like a sister to Madam Ning when they stood together. However, her sharp and intelligent eyes and the aura she exuded were unmatched by Madam Ning. Old Madam Ning smiled and said, "You are so thoughtful. I am just going back to the manor. It's not like I won't see you again. Look at all the trouble you've caused."
Ning Shi dared not agree: "Mother, what are you saying? You are the most honored person in the General's Mansion. When you travel and return home, as a junior, you should naturally show your filial piety. How can the actions of those families who do not understand filial piety compare with those of the General's Mansion?"
Ning Shi understood Old Ning Shi's intentions quite well. After hearing these words, Old Ning Shi's smile broadened. She glanced at the people in front of the door, her eyes flickered when she saw Ouyang Hua, and the corners of her lips curled up. But when she saw Ouyang Yue, her eyes darkened noticeably.
Ouyang Yue was taken aback, then lowered her head, a faint smile curving her lips.
"Grandmother, you're finally back! Hua'er has been looking forward to your return. It's just a pity that Hua'er caught a cold before, otherwise I wouldn't have felt comfortable letting you travel alone. Grandmother, have you been getting used to your stay these past few days?" Aunt Ming helped Ouyang Hua and the two of them quickly stepped forward. Ouyang Hua was even more charming, pouting slightly and acting coquettishly.
Normally she always maintained the airs of the eldest daughter, so it was not easy for her to do this. Even Ning Shi rarely saw Ouyang Hua being so ingratiating.
"You're such a sly one. You haven't read many books, but your mouth has become more and more eccentric." He glanced at Ouyang Yue as if to say something unintentionally. "Alright, let's not stand outside and make a fool of ourselves. Come inside!"
Ouyang Yue, who had stepped out to pay her respects, withdrew her leg. Ouyang Hua seemed to only then notice Ouyang Yue and exclaimed in surprise, "Oh, why did you retreat to the back, little sister? Come quickly and pay your respects to your grandmother!"
Those eyes were full of malice, implying that Ouyang Yue was unfilial for showing such indifference to her grandmother's return to the mansion, which was further damaging the image that Old Ning Shi already disliked!
As expected, Old Madam Ning's gaze deepened as she looked at Ouyang Yue, but she didn't show it on her face!
Ouyang Hua smiled strangely, and with his other hand, he took the old lady's right arm under the guise of talking, while Ning Shi naturally supported her left arm. At this moment, Ning Shi frowned slightly and said sternly, "The more you learn, the less you know the rules. You don't even know to greet your grandmother when she comes back. Where have you learned your old manners!"
Ouyang Yue looked up in a panic, twisting the handkerchief in her hand helplessly, and stammered, "Grandmother... well, well. Yue'er... thinks it's not good to stay on the street like this for too long, I think... I'll perform the proper ceremony when I enter the mansion. I couldn't get close enough to greet you just now, Yue'er is guilty, Yue'er is unfilial."
As she spoke, her lips trembled, tears welled up in her eyes, and she glanced cautiously at Ouyang Hua before lowering her head again.
Old Madam Ning was shocked. Although she liked grand gestures, she knew her limits. When she turned around, she saw that almost the entire mansion had come out to welcome her, blocking half of the General's Mansion. With her entourage, the area was completely blocked. No one else could even get a chance to pass!
In this capital city, every inch of land is precious. Who knows where some extraordinary person might be hiding? Although Old Madam Ning was born into the Ning family and was General Ouyang's biological mother, she was only a second-rank official. She had no authority to impose martial law on her outings, much less the right to block the streets.
Moreover, General Ouyang is about to return, and many people are watching. If she acts outrageously and the censor finds a pretext to suppress General Ouyang, wouldn't that just cause him trouble?
Ning Shi and Ouyang Hua deliberately pulled Old Ning Shi aside to talk, but in reality, they were harming the General's Mansion. Moreover, Old Ning Shi was not blind. Just now, Ouyang Hua squeezed in front of everyone, while Ouyang Yue, the legitimate daughter, was left behind. This was a case of elevating the illegitimate and suppressing the legitimate, which was also one of the topics that the censors liked to impeach. When Old Ning Shi heard this, her heart skipped a beat, and she immediately pushed Ouyang Hua away.
"It's so hot outside, let's go inside and talk." After saying this, Old Madam Ning was helped into the mansion. Ouyang Hua was pushed aside and looked unwell. His eyes deepened as he looked at Ouyang Yue, and then a strange smile appeared on his lips.
Ouyang Yue didn't care and followed with a light smile. However, as soon as she entered the front hall, she sensed that the atmosphere was not right. Ning Shi was standing to one side, and only Old Ning Shi was sitting in the high seat in the hall. As soon as Ouyang Yue entered, Old Ning Shi's eyes turned cold instantly: "You unfilial and arrogant daughter, kneel down for me!"
Ouyang Yue looked at Ouyang Hua, who was sneering at her, and smiled back, but her eyes were as sharp as knives!
☆、035, Use the opponent's strength against them!
When she turned to Old Madam Ning, Ouyang Yue smiled gently and obediently knelt down, not to apologize, but to give Old Madam Ning a deep bow: "Yue'er greets Grandmother, and wishes Grandmother good health and a long and prosperous life like an evergreen pine."
Old Madam Ning was taken aback. Just now, Ouyang had told her to come in and pay her respects, but now he was using that to defuse her awkward situation. Old Madam Ning narrowed her eyes, and her face finally darkened: "Although I haven't been in the capital for a while, it doesn't mean I don't know about the mess you've been making in the capital. You, a proper daughter of a general's family, have caused such a stir that everyone is talking about, becoming a villain that everyone hates. Do you even deserve to be the daughter of a general's family!"
These words were extremely harsh. Madam Ning's expression changed drastically, and she immediately snapped at Lin Mama, "The Third Miss has caused such a great disaster, so she must be punished. Lin Mama, take her out and give her twenty strokes of the cane. Mother, you've just returned, so please don't take offense at this maid. Please calm down."
Ouyang Hua's smile deepened, and he looked at Ouyang Yue as if he wished he could beat her to death with those twenty lashes!
Ouyang Yue's anger flared up instantly, but her reason managed to suppress it, preventing the fire from burning.
Ning is truly a cold-blooded and ruthless person. Whether Old Ning's words implied that Ning was not good at managing the household and lacked the ability to be the mistress of the house is still unknown. Ning wanted to beat her to cover up her crime. When has Ouyang Yue ever let others beat and scold her without fighting back? Well, Ning, and Ouyang Hua, come on!
"Thump!" Ouyang Yue suddenly collapsed to the ground, her face filled with panic. "I...I...Why did Mother hit me? Grandmother, I didn't do anything wrong, why did you hit me?"
“Third sister, you went to the Huaiyuan Marquis’s mansion and caused trouble, resulting in Second Sister’s engagement being broken off. Go ask around on the street, and you’ll find everyone who knows about it.” Ouyang Hua shook his head and sighed helplessly. Although Old Madam Ning was away, she still had people in the mansion. In addition, Ouyang Hua deliberately exaggerated the situation in the mansion in a letter and sent it over. It’s only because Old Madam Ning didn’t cripple Ouyang Yue when she entered the mansion that she was so well-mannered!
There's a reason why Ouyang Hua caught Old Madam Ning's eye. It was Old Madam Ning who brought in the concubine, Ming Yiniang. Ouyang Hua was also the first child of the General's Mansion and had been raised by Old Madam Ning since childhood. Despite Ouyang Yue being the legitimate daughter, the one with the most prestige in the mansion was always Ouyang Hua, the eldest daughter of a concubine!
Ouyang Yue angrily looked up at Ouyang Hua, about to say something, but then she pursed her lips and looked at Old Ning with some grievance. Her eyes were clear and firm, so clear that they seemed to reflect the evil in the world. They were bright, pure and kind. Old Ning was stunned.
Meanwhile, Lin Mama was already leading people to drag Ouyang Yue away. Ouyang Yue's expression was even more aggrieved, her fists clenched tightly, but she didn't utter a single word of begging for mercy, which was clearly illogical. Moreover, Ouyang Yue looked so righteous and wronged that, for some reason, Old Ning's heart skipped a beat.
Before Old Madam Ning could speak, two figures suddenly rushed out of the hall. One of them shoved Lin Mama, causing her to stumble. Lin Mama cried out in surprise and staggered backward. After being helped up by two maids behind her, she shouted angrily, "Which ignorant brat dared to push me!"
Dongxue coldly looked at Lin's mother: "A shameless old fool, I'll just push her away, she's mine!"
Dongxue hadn't been in the manor for very long, but because she always had a cold face, rarely spoke, and came from such a place, the servants looked down on her. However, Dongxue knew martial arts, and the murderous aura she exuded was something most people wouldn't dare to withstand.
So, although her time was short, Dongxue still held some authority in the General's Mansion.
But Lin Mama was Ning's most trusted servant, so how could she be intimidated by Dongxue? Not only was she not intimidated, but she was so angry that she was trembling. She ordered angrily, "Guards, drag this maid out of here! How dare she be so disrespectful in front of the old lady and the madam! Give her a hundred lashes!"