Ouyang Yue tilted her head in confusion, looking at Rui Yuhuan with a hint of sharpness in her eyes: "Oh? Miss Rui serves by Grandmother's side, so she should know a lot about what's going on in the capital. Why don't you tell me what I did to make Grandmother the target of everyone's anger? Why are these people in the capital acting like they're on steroids, all pointing their fingers at the General's Mansion and Grandmother? I don't think these people are crazy; there must be a reason for this. Otherwise, the whole capital would have been in an uproar long ago. When I entered the city, the gatekeepers seemed very calm, so I didn't think anything of it. If I had known that something so serious had happened at the General's Mansion, I would have gone back to the General's Mansion yesterday to apologize to Grandmother."
"This..." Rui Yuhuan was at a loss for words when Ouyang Yue asked her this. She looked coldly at Ouyang Yue, who seemed genuinely seeking confirmation, and Rui Yuhuan's expression darkened considerably. She couldn't very well say that someone in the capital was spreading rumors that Old Madam Ning had driven away her own granddaughter because she favored her, an outsider, which caused the backlash, could she? If she did, wouldn't she be implicating herself? Ouyang Zhide was sitting right there...
Rui Yuhuan, however, did not notice the slight smile in Ouyang Yue's eyes as she looked at her, and said with a hint of teasing, "Speaking of which, why has Miss Rui been covering her face ever since she came in? Is something wrong?"
"Oh my god! A ghost! Someone come quick! Catch this monster!" Ouyang Yue's movements were surprisingly fast. Before Rui Yuhuan could even finish speaking and explain, Ouyang Yue had already ripped off her veil. Rui Yuhuan had been slashed on the face by the Shang family's people. The wounds were too deep and had multiple cuts, leaving the doctor helpless. Besides prescribing some wound-healing medicine, the doctor could only tell her not to cover it too tightly and to just use a veil to cover it normally, otherwise it would be even harder to heal.
Rui Yuhuan knew that restoring her appearance was almost impossible, but she still held a sliver of hope. She even resorted to the ointment she had given to Aunt Ming, knowing it had been tainted, but it had little effect. Recently, for some unknown reason, her face had become incredibly itchy, so much so that she kept scratching, causing her previously healed wounds to reopen. Even as she applied medicine, the gruesome sight of her gaping wounds was undeniable; one could only imagine what Ouyang Yue would think of her.
Startled, Ouyang Yue scurried behind Ouyang Zhide, muttering, "My God, is this... is this even a human face? It's terrifying! I'm sure I'll have nightmares tonight. Dad, I think Yue'er should go to the Five Elements Temple for a few days. I need to wash my eyes; they've scared me to death."
Ouyang Zhide's expression had been very serious since he came in. He seemed to tremble slightly at this moment and gently patted Ouyang Yue's hand on his shoulder, saying, "What are you afraid of? Don't you know that person? It's Miss Rui."
"Oh? Miss Rui, who? Rui Yuhuan?" Ouyang Yue was very surprised, then slapped her forehead, suddenly realizing, "That's right, I was just talking to Miss Rui, but I was so scared that I thought a monster had come to our General's Mansion. Look at my cowardice, I'm too timid." As she spoke, she looked up at Rui Yuhuan, who was trembling with anger and unable to speak, and whispered in Ouyang Zhide's ear. Unfortunately, her voice was neither too loud nor too soft, but it was enough for so many ears in the hall to hear, "Father, what happened to Miss Rui's face? It looks like she's been injured all over, like a vengeful ghost. How did she get injured and become like this, neither human nor ghost?"
"Ouyang Yue! You did this on purpose!" Rui Yuhuan finally lost her temper and roared.
Ouyang Yue, who had been intently gazing at Ouyang Zhide, was startled by Rui Yuhuan's sudden call. She jumped back, shaking her head hastily, "Miss Rui, what are you saying? Don't misunderstand! I was speaking quietly with Father, we weren't talking about you. Don't be so sullen and guilty. I wasn't talking about you." Ouyang Yue innocently waved her hands, her face full of pity. "Miss Rui, don't be sad. Father and Grandmother will definitely find a way to heal your injuries. Otherwise, looking like this, it might be difficult for you to find a good family to marry into… Ah, look at my mouth! Miss Rui, you used to be so beautiful, even injured and disfigured, you were still the most beautiful person. You'll still marry into a good family…"
"Shut up, shut up!" Rui Yu Huan roared angrily, looking at Ouyang Yue's clenched teeth, she was so angry that she was almost speechless, her body trembling like a leaf.
Ning Shi, along with the four concubines and Ouyang Rou, couldn't help but laugh. Ouyang Yue probably genuinely didn't know what was happening in the capital, and it was precisely because she was unaware of the situation that her words were the most infuriating. "What does it mean to be the most beautiful after being disfigured? How can someone be beautiful after being disfigured? How can they get married?" Rui Yuhuan was already in such a grotesque state that most people would be terrified. Ouyang Yue's reaction was understandable, but this would be painful for any woman. They could understand Rui Yuhuan's feelings at this moment, but they felt no sympathy whatsoever. She deserved it. It's astonishing that Rui Yuhuan dares to act so arrogantly in the General's Mansion despite her terrible appearance. We initially thought she would calm down after being injured like this, but who knew that after her injury, she wouldn't even bother to pretend in front of Old Madam Ning, let alone in front of others. She even seems to have the intention of suppressing Madam Ning. Therefore, even Madam Ning and the others secretly applauded Ouyang Yue. Well said! She subtly mocked Rui Yuhuan without using any vulgar language. That was excellent.
"Yu Huan, what are you doing? Yue'er is just concerned about you. Why are you so angry and embarrassed? It's not behaving like this," Ouyang Zhide scolded Rui Yu Huan, seeing the hostility on her face. Inwardly, he sighed, thinking that Yue'er wasn't one to take a loss lying down. She had seen him last night; could he not tell her about what happened in the capital? She clearly knew why Rui Yu Huan was acting this way, yet she still pulled this stunt. However, Ouyang Zhide couldn't afford to lose face for Ouyang Yue at this moment.
Old Madam Ning also angrily retorted, "Shut up, Ouyang Yue! Yu Huan is already in such a terrible state, don't you have any sympathy at all? You even pointed at her and called her a ghost. Have you ever thought about how Yu Huan feels?"
Ouyang Yue pursed her lips and lowered her head, saying with great regret, "Grandmother is right to reprimand me. Yue'er was just curious about Miss Rui's face being covered. I never expected that her once beautiful face would be so completely ruined. She looks like a ghost... no, not like a ghost. Yue'er was just too surprised, so she spoke without thinking. Yue'er didn't mean it. Please don't blame Yue'er, Grandmother."
Rui Yuhuan pursed her lips tightly, watching Ouyang Yue tremble even more violently with anger, her face turning red and purple, her lips quivering as she pointed angrily at Ouyang Yue. That bitch Ouyang Yue, she clearly acted as if she was apologizing, yet she said she looked like a ghost, obviously just trying to anger her, just trying to provoke her, that bitch!
"You...you...you...waaaah!" Rui Yuhuan was furious, her eyes red and swollen with anger, but she trembled and burst into tears.
Old Madam Ning was startled upon seeing this: "Yu Huan, what's wrong? Don't cry! Crying will only make your wound harder to heal. Quick, help Yu Huan inside to rest." Old Madam Ning helped Rui Yu Huan with concern, but noticed that Rui Yu Huan's body was trembling uncontrollably, looking somewhat frightening. "Hurry, help Yu Huan inside." In this situation, Old Madam Ning didn't even have the energy to scold Ouyang Yue, and directly helped Rui Yu Huan inside.
Ouyang Yue's aggrieved voice drifted over: "Father, is Grandmother blaming Yue'er? Yue'er didn't mean it. Did Grandmother leave in such a hurry because she didn't want to talk to Yue'er? Then I'll go apologize to Miss Rui. I'll never call her a ghost out of fear again. Next time, even if I'm scared, I won't say it. Miss Rui is really pitiful..."
"Thump!" Rui Yuhuan shuddered with anger, her foot slipped, and she fell heavily to the ground. Old Madam Ning exclaimed in surprise, "Quickly help Yuhuan up!"
The servants immediately scrambled to help Rui Yuhuan up, only to find her breathing heavily, her chest heaving, and her eyes rolling upwards, revealing the whites of her eyes. She was clearly in serious trouble; she might pass out at any moment. Old Madam Ning immediately cried out, "Quickly, call a doctor! Press her philtrum! Quickly, press her philtrum to wake Yuhuan up! Hurry!"
A flurry of activity erupted inside, but Ouyang Yue's gaze had returned to its usual cold indifference as she calmly observed, her hand lightly stroking her sleeve. Rui Yuhuan had clearly regressed; a few words from Ouyang Yue had provoked her to this extent. It seemed the disfigurement had taken a heavy toll on her. However, Rui Yuhuan couldn't die, otherwise the game ahead wouldn't be so fun.
The atmosphere in the hall was somewhat heavy. Suddenly, Aunt Hong, who had been quietly standing to one side, knelt down in front of Ouyang Zhide, crawling closer to him: "Master, you've finally returned to the manor. Please save me, please save my father. Only you can save him now."
Ouyang Yue blinked and looked at Aunt Hong: "Huh, Aunt Hong, what happened to Father? Why is it that only Father can save him?" Ouyang Yue had previously concealed the matter of Red Maple Mountain from Ouyang Zhide, and the people of Red Maple Mountain naturally wouldn't betray Ouyang Yue. So outsiders only knew that it was because Marolin received a report from villagers around Shanbian County that he brought Hong Dabao's family back to the capital for questioning. Ouyang Yue's timely expression of confusion made her seem very innocent.
Aunt Hong's lips trembled as she said, "It's all because of those damned villagers who fabricated this story. My father is innocent. He's always been diligent and caring towards the people. How could he do something he shouldn't have? I beg you, Master, for my sake, please help him." During this time, Aunt Hong had repeatedly sent people to find Ouyang Zhide, but he refused to see her. Now that Ouyang Zhide had finally returned, she was determined to get him to agree. Ouyang Zhide was now a favorite of the Emperor; whatever mistakes he made, the Emperor could find a way to suppress them. Her father had also said that if anyone could save him, it was only Ouyang Zhide.
Before Ouyang Zhide could even respond, Aunt Hua said sarcastically, "Sister, whether someone is innocent or not is a matter for the Ministry of Justice. The charge hasn't been decided yet, and you're already sending Master to plead for justice. If anything happens and Master gets implicated, he'll be truly wronged. The Hong family is just your maternal family, not our General's Mansion's. Are you really willing to harm everyone in the General's Mansion?"
“We are all family. If something happens to my family, it won’t be good for the master’s reputation. Besides, my father is innocent. As long as the master intervenes, he can be saved. You are from a brothel and have no parents. Naturally, you can’t understand my thoughts. Stop interfering.” Aunt Hong retorted with a slight change in expression, which immediately made Aunt Hua’s face darken and stare at her coldly.
"I have no parents, so the General's Mansion is my home. Unlike you, Aunt Hong, who is already a member of the General's Mansion, yet you always think about your own family and even want the General's Mansion to take risks. A married daughter doesn't think about bringing good fortune to her husband's family. It seems that Master really spoiled you for nothing. You are an ungrateful wretch." Aunt Hua sneered, her words carrying a hidden meaning.
Aunt Hong's expression changed, and she hurriedly retorted, "What nonsense are you spouting? We've been in the same household for so many years, and I never expected you to be so vicious, watching my family members die in vain. All that flattery before was just a lie."
"That's still better than you..."
"You..."
Aunt Hong and Aunt Hua actually started arguing at this time, each bringing up their old secrets. Ouyang Zhide looked at the two of them coldly and said to Ouyang Yue, "Let's go, Yue'er. I'll take you back directly. I still have some official business to take care of. I'll hold a welcome banquet for you tomorrow."
Ouyang Yue smiled and said, "No need, Father. We can just have a peaceful meal together. A welcoming banquet is too much. It's not necessary."
"That won't do. You must have suffered a lot out there over the past year. You're such a rascal, not even sending a letter home after being away for so long. I've been so worried about you."
Ouyang Yue immediately grabbed Ouyang Zhide's arm and said coquettishly, "Father, Yue'er was wrong, okay? There won't be a next time, Yue'er promises."
"You..."
Amidst the backdrop of Aunt Hua and Aunt Hong's argument, the two women slowly departed with smiles on their faces. Ning Shi watched their retreating figures, her hands clenched tightly, her eyes filled with barely concealed hatred. Aunt Liu, seeing this, was startled, then lowered her head, her face expressionless.
Upon returning to Mingyue Pavilion, Ouyang Zhide immediately dispatched some people to tidy up and clean it for her. Previously, Old Madam Ning had sealed it off, so naturally no one was managing it. However, within an hour, the place was completely transformed. Ouyang Yue lay on the soft couch inside, smiling as she looked out the window. Returning to the capital, returning to the General's Mansion, returning to Mingyue Pavilion, everything was only just beginning.
"Whoosh!"
Ouyang Yue's eyes suddenly snapped open, and she hissed, "Who's there? Show yourself!"
A moment later, a person emerged from the room. Ouyang Yue took a closer look and was taken aback. She didn't recognize this person, but they had met twice before: "You're from the Seventh Prince's side..."
"Your subordinate Leng Sha greets Madam." The person who came was one of Baili Chen's close associates, the same person who had been ordered by Baili Chen to clean up the mess for Ouyang Yue in the Ning Mansion. Ouyang Yue naturally had some impression of him.
"Madam? Who are you calling?" Ouyang Yue frowned, her voice somewhat cold.
Leng Sha lowered his head and replied in a somewhat flat voice, "Reporting to Madam, it was I who addressed you. After Master returned, he ordered the organization that from now on, whenever we see Madam, we must change how we address her, otherwise we will be punished."
Ouyang Yue's face darkened, and she gritted her teeth inwardly. Baili Chen, that scoundrel: "What does your punishment have to do with me? I won't let you call me that. I'm still unmarried, and you calling me that would only tarnish my reputation."
Leng Sha raised her head, but her expression seemed to say, "Are you planning to marry someone else?" Even if she couldn't marry someone else, she would still be called sooner or later, since she was already the master's person anyway.
Leng Sha was not one to hide his emotions, so his thoughts were written all over his face. Ouyang Yue was furious, but she sneered, "If you dare to call me that, believe me, I'll kill you."
"Madam's abilities are extraordinary, and I have complete faith in her." He meant "I believe her," and he wouldn't change his tune.
Ouyang Yue snorted coldly. She knew that it was useless to talk to these subordinates who only obeyed Baili Chen. The root of the problem was still with Baili Chen. She said coldly, "Alright, what brings you here? Hurry up and finish what you need and leave. I need to rest."
Leng Sha responded, then took out a small bundle from his robes and handed it to Ouyang Yue. Ouyang Yue opened it and was stunned: "Where is this...?"
“Reporting to Madam, here are the account books and tokens of the master’s properties. The master said that from now on he belongs to you, and everything he owns is yours. You’ll have to manage him sooner or later anyway, so this is a good opportunity for you to understand his strength beforehand, so that you don’t let him run away. Hmm, the master also said that he’ll see if you think these are worth the same as the Tianshan Snow Lotus. If not, just say so, and the master will seize a few shops and send them over tomorrow.” Leng Sha spoke in a measured tone, pausing at the end, his lips twitching slightly as he continued.
Over the years, Leng Sha had followed Baili Chen closely and understood him quite well. However, when he heard the message Baili Chen had asked him to deliver, he was utterly shocked. He seriously doubted whether this was truly the master he knew. How could he act like a scoundrel, simply blaming Ouyang Yue for the gifts? Furthermore, he was worried that his master wouldn't fear Ouyang Yue taking the items and then denying their value. Each item was incredibly valuable; even the richest family, the Fu family, would be envious. Giving them all to Ouyang Yue so casually was simply incomprehensible to him. But Leng Sha was one of those people; whatever Baili Chen said, he would do.
Ouyang Yue's lips twitched slightly as she looked at Leng Sha's calm expression. Her heart trembled, though she opened the bundle to take a look. She then gasped and closed the bundle. To her surprise, Leng Sha said, "Master also said that if you don't accept these things, they are worthless. He told me to just throw them anywhere and let whoever wants them pick them up. He doesn't want them. He never fails to give away anything he wants."
Ouyang Yue felt veins bulging on her forehead, and a cold glint flashed in her eyes: "Damn it, he actually dared to threaten me." Ouyang Yue clenched her fists, her teeth clenched as if she was about to lose control. "Go back and tell your master not to give those pointless orders. This little thing can't bribe me. The thing only offsets the value of the Tianshan Snow Lotus. I only want the thing, not the person."
Leng Sha stared at Ouyang Yue in surprise. No matter what, his master was handsome and noble, and was the seventh prince. This Miss Ouyang was really strange. With such good conditions, what could she be dissatisfied with?
Ouyang Yue angrily retorted, "Get out of here! I don't want to see anyone associated with him again!" As she spoke, she reached for her ring, the very same hidden weapon that Old Tie had made. Leng Sha was startled and immediately dodged, using his lightness skill to fly away. He sighed inwardly, thinking how such a fierce temperament, yet his master doted on her like the apple of his eye, even sending her all his possessions, and this young Ouyang Yue didn't seem to appreciate it at all. His master's plan had probably failed.
Ouyang Yue was sitting on the soft couch, staring blankly at the contents of the bundle: "The property deeds for Langhuan Jade Pavilion, the property deeds for Baoji Restaurant, one of the top ten restaurants in the capital, as well as embroidery shops and clothing stores. When did this guy acquire all these properties, and each one of them is one of the most profitable shops in the capital?"
Although Baili Chen didn't own many shops—far fewer than the Fu family and several established wealthy families—his businesses were all of exceptional quality, each one profitable. Ouyang reviewed them and couldn't recall any of his properties being unsuccessful; in fact, they were all incredibly expensive. Places like Langhuan Jade Pavilion weren't places for ordinary people, nor were they places they could afford. A simple purse, depending on its craftsmanship, could cost a hundred or eighty taels of silver. In a typical clothing shop, even the most exquisite and beautiful purse would cost a mere ten taels.
The more this happened, the more people flocked to it. People would stroll around Langhuan Jade Pavilion even in rain or snow, which gives you an idea of how much profit they made that day. And that wasn't all; there were also residences and estates from various parts of the Great Zhou Dynasty, along with two hundred thousand taels of silver notes. Even Ouyang Yue's heart skipped a beat when she saw it. This was like a huge windfall; her heart pounded, and she stared at these things, slightly dazed.
Wait a minute, this Langhuan Jade Pavilion belongs to Baili Chen, so what about that gold bracelet back then...? Ouyang Yue suddenly touched her wrist, recalling the shopkeeper's expression when she got the bracelet and went to see the buyer. Could it be that Baili Chen had been harboring ill intentions towards her all along? Ouyang Yue gritted her teeth, that despicable guy!
At this time, at Caiyun Temple.
"Auntie, what should we do now? It seems like Father doesn't want to get involved in Grandpa's affairs at all," Ouyang Rou said anxiously.
Aunt Hong was also visibly annoyed. Of course she knew this; otherwise, Ouyang Zhide and Ouyang Yue wouldn't have left with smiles when she pleaded. He clearly didn't want to get involved. It was infuriating! None of these men were reliable. She had been by Ouyang Zhide's side for over a decade, and yet, things had come to this. He completely ignored her, clearly showing he didn't care about her at all. All her years of devotion to him had been for naught! How hateful!
Aunt Hong said with a serious expression, "I spent money to go to jail again a few days ago. It's strange, this case has been in the capital for more than a year and it still hasn't been sent for trial. Your grandfather was also surprised and wondered if your father was secretly helping to delay it."
Ouyang Rou was taken aback: "So, it turns out that Father did care, but he just didn't do it openly. It seems that Father isn't so cold-blooded and heartless after all."
Aunt Hong shook her head: "But judging from his appearance, he won't interfere anymore. This matter is difficult to handle. If he doesn't try his best to mediate, how can we get your grandfather and the others out?"
Ouyang Rou's face hardened as she said, "I knew my maternal grandfather and uncles were unreliable. They were actually reported like this. Since these lowly people are so audacious, they should have all been killed in the first place. Otherwise, the news wouldn't have spread. Now look what's happened; they might even implicate us." This was also what Aunt Hong was most worried about.
If we're talking about hatred, no one hates Hong Dabao more than Aunt Hong. Back when Aunt Hong was at home, Hong Dabao didn't dote on her at all; he treated her like a money-loser, only thinking of Hong Xuetian and the other concubines in his household when it came to good food and clothing. If it weren't for her schemes to win over Old Madam Ning, would she have even been able to enter the General's Mansion? Over the years, Aunt Hong has done countless things for Hong Dabao; otherwise, with his lack of education and only a minor official position, would he have been sent to a remote mountain county to live the life of a local tyrant?
Hong Dabao's actions in Shanbian County over the years were well known to Aunt Hong. However, Hong Dabao was adept at social maneuvering; ever since Aunt Hong profited from her, he had always tried to curry favor with her. After all, it was her maternal family; if her family benefited, she would have face in the General's Mansion. Someone like Aunt Hua, with no relatives around, would have nowhere to ask for help even in genuine difficulty. However, Aunt Hong wasn't a selfless person; she had her reasons for doing this. After receiving Ming Dawu's suggestion and getting to know that group of people, Hong Dabao became a means for her to dispose of her ill-gotten gains.
The reason why Aunt Hong was so eager to rescue Hong Dabao was this: when Ma Luolin sealed off the county government office by the mountain, he naturally took some things for himself. However, because Hong Dabao's case was quite serious, most of the things were sent directly to the capital with the escort team that was protecting Hong Dabao. There were still some stolen goods that hadn't been destroyed in time. If these things were discovered, it would be terrible: "Since the master dotes on Ouyang Yue so much, why don't you go and beg Ouyang Yue?"
Ouyang Rou's face was grim. She was unwilling to beg that vile woman, but Aunt Hong said, "As long as we get through this ordeal and rescue your grandfather, we'll have a chance to torment Ouyang Yue. You have to know when to yield and when to stand firm." Ouyang Rou's face remained grim, but she finally nodded in agreement.
After lunch, Aunt Hong and Ouyang Rou arrived at Mingyue Pavilion. Ouyang Yue was sitting in the courtyard basking in the sun, looking very relaxed. Ouyang Rou gritted her teeth in hatred at the sight, but Aunt Hong immediately smiled and said, "Oh, judging from the Third Miss's appearance, we know that everything is well after the Third Miss returned to the manor. The Second Miss and I were just thinking about it. The Third Miss has been away from the manor for more than a year, and we were afraid that she would feel a sense of loss. So we came to see her, and now we are relieved."
Ouyang Yue lazily raised her eyes and glanced at Ouyang Rou and Aunt Hong: "Oh, it's Aunt and Second Sister. I'm so sorry to have troubled you. I'm doing very well."
Aunt Hong immediately came over affectionately, squeezed past Chuncao, and said with a smile, "It's getting warmer these days. If you feel hot, Miss, may I have someone bring you some ice?"
Ouyang Yue raised her eyes and said lazily, "It's alright, it's still early before summer, so there's no rush. I just wonder what brings Aunt Hong here today."
Seeing that Ouyang Yue didn't want to talk much, Aunt Hong immediately said, "Third Miss, you have always been the master's most favored concubine. You know that something has happened to my family. It's nothing serious, just that some unruly people have falsely accused us. I'm very anxious right now and would like to ask you to put in a good word for me with the master. As long as the master intervenes, my family will definitely be fine."
Ouyang Yue looked at Aunt Hong indifferently and said, "But I heard that Aunt Hong's family has committed some serious offenses. If Father gets involved, he might offend the Emperor, which could implicate the General's Mansion. In that case, we'll lose everything and end up with nothing to show for it."
Aunt Hong, upon hearing this, knew that Ouyang Yue didn't want to help. Her expression changed slightly, and her eyes turned cold, but she still smiled and said, "Third Miss, you don't know this. These are all fabrications by those scoundrels. They saw that my father was kind and cared for the people, so they thought he was easy to bully. That's why they made unreasonable demands, such as wanting to seize land, which is why my father refused. In a fit of anger, they even conspired to frame my father! Third Miss, think about it. If what these scoundrels said is true, and my father is guilty, why hasn't the Ministry of Justice held a trial yet? They're only occasionally sending people to interrogate some unimportant people. I heard that a few days ago someone even came to..." My father, while drinking, mentioned that it seemed this unscrupulous commoner had bribed the local governor to frame him. That governor, Ma Luolin, is a close associate of Consort Sun, practically a member of the imperial family. The Ministry of Justice is investigating this case and will certainly try to clear my father's name, but that would offend Governor Ma Luolin and, consequently, Consort Sun. Therefore, the Ministry is currently using official business as an excuse to temporarily postpone the case, waiting for me to find someone powerful enough to exonerate my father. "Third Miss, I'm begging you, please help me this once. If you can help me get my father released, I will grant you any request."
Ouyang Yue stared calmly at Aunt Hong, a glint of light flashing in her eyes. Aunt Hong's words were a mix of truth and falsehood; anyone unaware of the real situation would surely be deceived. Ouyang Yue's gaze, however, remained fixed on a gold hairpin adorned with a serpentine pattern and inlaid with glass on Ouyang Rou's head. Aunt Hong glanced at it and immediately winked at Ouyang Rou, who clutched the hairpin tightly. This was her favorite piece of jewelry, extremely valuable, something even many noblewomen of the capital couldn't afford. How could she possibly give it to that little wretch, Ouyang Yue?
Ouyang Yue smiled and couldn't help but say, "Sister, this gold hairpin in your hair is really unique and precious. How come I've never seen you wear it before?"
Ouyang Rou's face stiffened. Aunt Hong said, "So, Third Miss likes this style of jewelry? Second Miss only wears it because it looks good, but she didn't know what style you liked. If she had known you liked it, she would have given it to you long ago."
Ouyang Yue said, "I don't really like it. I just feel that the style is very unique. I've never seen anyone in the capital wear it. I was just asking about it casually. Second Sister looks the best in it." Ouyang Yue's smile was quite meaningful, but neither Aunt Hong nor Ouyang Rou paid any attention to it.
Ouyang Rou breathed a sigh of relief: "It's a pity my sister doesn't like it, otherwise I would have given it to you. This was also a gift from my grandfather. There are no similar items in the capital; I'm the only one who has ever worn it."
Ouyang Yue nodded, and Aunt Hong hurriedly asked, "But I don't know what the Third Miss means by this matter..."
Ouyang Yue said in surprise, "I don't understand these official matters. Aunt Hong should go and beg Father. I dare not agree to such a thing for Father. If I am used by someone, I will lose Father's love and that would be a loss."
Aunt Hong's expression immediately changed. So, after all she had said, that little bitch Ouyang Yue had no intention of helping her from the beginning and had been toying with her for so long: "Is that so? Since Third Miss is so heartless and ungrateful, then this lowly concubine will take her leave." With that, she snorted at Ouyang Yue with a dark face and left.
Ouyang Yue glanced at Aunt Hong indifferently. Now that Aunt Hong couldn't get anyone to help her, she was probably going to do something desperate. And that was exactly what she was waiting for.
Two days later, a carriage rushed towards Juyuan Street, the most chaotic and secluded alley in the capital.
The carriage stopped at the innermost of the three houses in the alley. Then a man dressed in black and wearing a veiled hat jumped out and knocked a few times in a complicated knocking manner. Immediately, a shifty-looking man emerged from inside and, upon seeing the newcomer, took him inside.
As soon as the man in black entered the hall, seeing the strangely dressed and differently-looking people there, he said anxiously, "Auntie is out of options now. Aren't you all known for your extraordinary abilities? Don't you have any way to rescue Master Hong? Don't forget, if the Ministry of Justice really tries Master Hong, none of you will escape either. No one knows better than you what kind of business you're in. If this gets out, it's a serious crime in the Great Zhou Dynasty."
Sitting in the center of the hall was a burly man with a dark complexion. He stared coldly at the man in black: "I never need anyone's approval to do things. I know that very well, but I don't need a little girl like you to criticize me. What do you take this place for!"
"Snap!" The other two people below the hall suddenly ripped off the black-clad man's hat. As soon as the hat fell off, the man's appearance was revealed. He was a very pretty little maid, none other than Ouyang Rou's maid, Cao'er.
Grass was startled: "What are you going to do?"
The dark-faced man sneered, his expression malicious.
At the same time, a group of neatly dressed soldiers suddenly rushed into the alley, and a man followed them and said, "Captain, the message from above is this place."
The squad leader immediately ordered, "Men, surround this alley and arrest everyone alive to take back and report!"
☆、114、The aunt and half-sister have been arrested!
"Boss, boss, something terrible has happened! We're surrounded by soldiers!" At that moment, a young man in a gray robe rushed into the room, looking panicked.