Zi Er and Zi San were startled and, without daring to delay, immediately stood up and left the room. The Miao Jiang Holy King's lips curled into a sinister smile: "I actually miscalculated. I didn't expect Ouyang Yue's identity to be revealed ahead of time, disrupting my plans!"
Thinking of the situation in the main hall, the Miao King's face grew even more gloomy and unpleasant. Ouyang Yue being Xuan Yuan Chao Hua's sister wasn't a big deal in itself, but it did have some impact on his plans. However, after a moment of silence, the Miao King laughed: "Very well, the more this is the case, the more interesting and challenging it is to control her."
Back then, the late Emperor doted on Princess Shuangshuang. The so-called princess was actually bestowed by the late Emperor, and she was given a makeover by his orders. Emperor Mingxian even ordered that all the seasonal flowers in the palace be planted in the princess's residence. The princess's residence alone has three gardens and more than ten pavilions and towers, not to mention countless ordinary courtyards. Unfortunately, the original master of such a large residence was only Princess Shuangxia. Even Xuanyuan Chaohua, who lived on the border for many years, rarely stayed here. As soon as Ouyang Yue was brought to the princess's residence, Princess Shuangxia immediately vacated a place called Liuyun Pavilion for Ouyang Yue.
The General's Mansion, Shuangxue Pavilion, Chaohua Pavilion, and Liuyun Pavilion face each other in a triangular formation, like three legs supporting each other.
As for the Flowing Cloud Pavilion, when Princess Shuangxia bestowed it upon Ouyang Yue, she intended to change it to a place with her name on it. Ouyang Yue refused, since it was just a place to live anyway, and she didn't really care about the name. Seeing this, Princess Shuangxia didn't insist.
The Flowing Cloud Pavilion faces southwest, enjoying ample sunlight in winter and being surrounded by evergreen bamboo, making it cool and comfortable in summer. The two-story pavilion features a small platform on the second floor, large enough for two people to place soft cushions, leading to the inner chambers. Last night, Ouyang Yue had fallen asleep with the windows open, gazing at the night view from her bed. It must be said, the scenery of the princess's residence was truly beautiful; the next morning, Ouyang Yue slept until she naturally woke up.
"Little Princess, you're awake." A gentle voice rang out, and Ouyang Yue immediately turned her head to look. It was Liu Cai, the personal maid of Princess Shuangxia: "Miss Liu Cai, why are you here?"
Liu Cai smiled and said, "The Princess said that since you have just arrived at the manor, you probably need to familiarize yourself with the situation. It is not appropriate to arrange servants for you immediately. The Princess has already sent people to choose servants. Because they are being chosen for the young princess, they must be very careful. So they need to spend two or three days selecting servants. After that, they will select seventeen or eighteen servants and then let the young princess choose the ones she likes. In the meantime, I will lead the servants to serve the young princess. If the young princess is dissatisfied with anything, please feel free to reprimand me. I will definitely make improvements."
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Yue's eyes softened considerably. Princess Shuangxia's actions clearly indicated that she was afraid of simply choosing any servant, as someone might try to plant spies for her. Choosing seventeen or eighteen servants for her to select from would indeed take considerable time. Besides, Liu Cai had been by Princess Shuangxia's side for almost ten years and was an absolute confidante. Her respectful demeanor showed how much Princess Shuangxia valued her. However, Liu Cai couldn't be so pampered; that would only breed resentment. Moreover, it would be truly difficult to find anything to dislike in the princess's residence.
Ouyang Yue shook her head and said, "There's nothing to be dissatisfied with. It's just that Miss Liu Cai has been serving my grandmother all along, and I feel a little embarrassed that you're taking care of me instead."
“Princess, what are you saying? Your status is so noble, it is my duty to serve you. It is my honor. Please don’t say that.” Liu Cai replied immediately.
Ouyang Yue didn't dwell on it, and simply said, "Grandmother has woken up."
Liu Cai smiled faintly: "Your Highness, the Eldest Princess has woken up and is probably having breakfast now. However, the Eldest Princess is worried that you are not getting enough rest, so she does not want to disturb you. She also said that if Your Highness wakes up, she will have the kitchen prepare breakfast for you immediately. Your Highness is going to wash up and have breakfast now, so please wait a bit."
Ouyang Yue had already turned over the covers and sat up: "I'm going to wash up and get dressed so I can go and pay my respects to my grandmother and brother."
Upon hearing this, Liu Cai's smile deepened. Watching Ouyang Yue's slender figure turn and head towards the dressing room in the side hall, she nodded slightly inwardly. This little princess, having just risen from the daughter of a lowly general's family to a noble princess, showed no arrogance or complacency whatsoever. Instead, she adhered strictly to the rules and acted with unassuming grace. She remained the same as before, appearing natural and peaceful—truly excellent. No wonder the eldest princess doted on her like a treasure; she indeed possessed the demeanor of a great lady.
The Liuyun Pavilion has a total of twenty-five rooms from the first to the second floor. The first floor has four rooms for servants, and the rest are halls and other rooms. The second floor is entirely for the master bedroom, with more than ten rooms including inner rooms, outer rooms, bathrooms, dressing rooms, and dining rooms. When Ouyang Yue moved into the dressing room, she was quite surprised.
This dressing room was clearly newly decorated. On both sides were display cabinets taller than a person, and the shelves were brand new. The jade and antiques on each shelf were extremely exquisite. There were six dressing boxes on these two display cabinets alone, and four more dressing boxes on the sandalwood dressing table in the middle. Each dressing box was shaped like a gold inlay, with three shelves, and contained expensive rouge, face powder, jewelry, and other items in a dazzling array. Behind the display cabinets were two cabinets filled with the latest fashion styles in the capital, available for all seasons, and made of the most precious materials, such as fur, gauze, silk, and brocade. With just this dressing room, Ouyang Yue was sure that if she wanted to open a jewelry shop or a ready-made clothing shop, she wouldn't have to worry about the stock for at least the first ten days after opening.
Ouyang Yue didn't act coy or refuse. This was a kind gesture from Princess Shuangxia and Xuanyuan Chaohua. If she directly rejected it, they might think she hadn't done a good job and become even more aggressive.
"What hairstyle and what style of clothes would you like for the little princess today?" Liu Cai asked immediately. At this moment, eight maids were already standing in the dressing room, each with their eyes lowered, their posture upright, and their eyes fixed straight ahead.
"Liu Cai, you decide. I'll just wear the purple begonia dress." As soon as Ouyang Yue finished speaking, a maid picked up the dress and unfolded it. Liu Cai smiled as she looked at it, then went behind Ouyang Yue to comb her hair. In no time, a Lingyun bun was completed, with each strand of hair neatly tucked into the bun, and even the jewelry was matched. Ouyang Yue was very satisfied and couldn't help but praise, "Liu Cai's skills are truly excellent. No wonder she can become Grandmother's personal maid."
"The little princess praised you."
Ouyang Yue smiled, then dressed and put on makeup. She then took a sedan chair to Princess Shuangxia's Shuangxue Pavilion. When she arrived at Shuangxue Pavilion, Princess Shuangxia and Xuanyuan Chaohua were already sitting in the hall. As soon as Ouyang Yue entered, she immediately bowed and said, "Yue'er greets her grandmother and brother."
Princess Shuangxia's eyes lit up, and she looked at Ouyang Yue with a smile, saying, "Yue'er is beautiful even without makeup, but now she looks like a jade maiden. If I were a man, I would be completely captivated. Come here and let your grandmother take a look." Princess Shuangxia's words were somewhat inappropriate, but they also showed how close she was to Ouyang Yue. Ouyang Yue smiled slightly and walked over. Xuan Yuan Chaohua's face was filled with pride, as if to say, "This is my sister, the most beautiful in the world. Of course, she should make men lose their minds, but she doesn't choose any of them." He looked smug, his nose almost pointing to the sky.
“Grandmother, how can Yue’er’s looks compare to your elegance? When Yue’er can learn even a tenth of your elegance, I will gladly accept your praise.” Ouyang Yue walked over with a smile and was pulled to a seat by Princess Shuangxia.
Princess Shuangxia paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "You little rascal, your mouth is as sweet as honey, you naughty girl." As she spoke, she gently tapped Ouyang Yue's forehead with her finger, and then the three of them burst into laughter. Even the servants couldn't help but smile slightly.
"Alright, let's eat first." The three of them immediately moved to another room, a side room next to the main hall. Although it was called a side room, it was not small. Princess Shuangxia usually liked to eat here, which was also the dining hall. At this time, the servants of the mansion began to file in, carrying various plates, bowls, and jars. As soon as they were opened, a fragrant aroma wafted out. At a glance, there were five kinds of porridge and ten kinds of refreshing side dishes, and this was only breakfast. Granny Shan had already led people to test the porridge for poison. As soon as she stopped, Princess Shuangxia smiled and said, "Yue'er, you should try this lotus seed porridge. It is made with lotus root and more than ten kinds of spices and ingredients, simmered over low heat for two hours. It is fragrant, smooth, and soft."
Ouyang Yue smiled and used some, praising it repeatedly. It really was good. If the product made with so many ingredients wasn't good, it would be a waste and a disservice to nature.
This breakfast was enjoyed in a harmonious and pleasant manner.
"Imperial decree has arrived!" A shrill voice suddenly came from outside. Granny Shan had already come to deliver the message: "Princess, General, Little Princess, the imperial messenger has arrived." They all knew about Princess Shuangxia's visit to the palace yesterday to request an imperial decree. Having finished their meal, Princess Shuangxia immediately waved her hand and went to the front hall.
In the front hall, Fu Shun stood with a dozen or so people on his back, all smiles. When he saw Princess Shuangxia and the other two leave, he immediately said with a smile, "Your Highness, this servant has come to deliver an imperial decree."
"Thank you for your trouble, Grandpa Fushun."
Xuanyuan Chaohua and Ouyang Yue knelt down at the same time, while Princess Shuangxia stood quietly in the middle. The late emperor had already decreed that she did not need to kneel when entering the palace to meet the emperor, and this was the case when the emperor was chosen. Emperor Mingxian naturally did not dare to disobey this decree. Fu Shun rambled on about a bunch of things, which were nothing more than the matter of bestowing titles and rewards. Then he brought over a box of jewelry, saying it was a gift for Ouyang Yue. Emperor Mingxian did not break his promise and directly bestowed upon Ouyang Yue the honors of a royal princess.
Princess Shuangxia smiled slightly and said, "Thank you for making this trip, Eunuch Fushun. Please buy me a cup of tea along the way." As soon as Eunuch Fushun handed over the imperial decree, Granny Shan handed over a bulging purse. Princess Shuangxia immediately said that Eunuch Fushun smiled and said, "Your Highness is too kind. This servant must return to report and must take his leave now."
"Yes, send it to Grandpa Fushun."
Sitting in the sedan chair, Fu Shun was still somewhat curious. The purse was quite heavy, so he couldn't help but open it and gasp. Inside were more than ten gold coins, each about half a finger's width. This was quite a generous gesture. It seemed the Princess was very satisfied with Princess Mingyue. Fu Shun sighed inwardly, thinking it was a pity that this familial recognition seemed a bit untimely.
That afternoon, Ouyang Yue traveled to the General's Mansion in a fine carriage. Princess Shuangxia was initially reluctant to come, but Ouyang Yue reasoned that the mansion had been her birthplace for over ten years, and Ouyang Zhide had treated her like his own daughter. It was Ouyang Zhide who had told her about her origins. Even if it wasn't for anything else, just for him, she couldn't simply stay at the princess's mansion and then disappear without a trace. Given Ouyang Yue's current status, the General's Mansion probably wouldn't dare to inquire about her easily, lest they annoy her. If she didn't go, she would only cause Ouyang Zhide unnecessary worry.
Princess Shuangxia and Xuanyuan Chaohua liked Ouyang Yue's ungrateful nature, so they sent Liu Cai with more than ten servants and a small team of guards to follow. When Old Ning and others heard the news, they rushed over. At this time, Ouyang Yue's carriage had already arrived outside the mansion.
"Greetings, Princess Mingyue." A whole group of people knelt down outside the General's Mansion. The person who came to announce the news had naturally mentioned that Ouyang Yue had just been bestowed the title of Princess Mingyue by the Emperor. This was no longer the original Ouyang Yue.
"Father, Grandmother, please rise quickly. Let's go inside and talk." Ouyang Yue gently helped Ouyang Zhide up, while Liu Cai helped Old Madam Ning up. Ouyang Zhide nodded, somewhat excited. The group then entered the main hall of Anhe Hall. Ouyang Yue was naturally invited to the seat of honor. Although she originally intended to refuse, she couldn't go against Old Madam Ning's insistence. In this respect, Old Madam Ning was indeed the most valued person in the General's Mansion.
"How have Father and Grandmother been these past few days?" Ouyang Yue asked kindly as soon as she sat down.
Ouyang Zhide looked at Ouyang Yue and laughed: "Alright, alright, you're in the princess's residence now, and although you've been recognized as a relative, you can't be too willful." Ouyang Zhide couldn't help but give her a word of advice.
“Look at what you’re saying. Yue’er is not that kind of child. Yue’er is already a princess. It’s not appropriate for her to call me Grandmother or Father. Just call me…” Old Madam Ning immediately gave a look, blaming Ouyang Zhide for saying that. After all, Ouyang Yue’s status is now noble, and Ouyang Zhide’s words were indeed inappropriate. However, she couldn’t think of a suitable title for the moment.
Ouyang Yue smiled and said, "Look at what Grandmother is saying. You have taken care of me for so many years, even if she were my own grandmother, she wouldn't say anything. It just feels natural to call me that, so please don't take offense, Grandmother."
Old Madam Ning finally revealed a genuine smile, looking at Ouyang Yue with a sigh in her heart. She had been so foolish before, always thinking that the third son of the General's Mansion was the most unseemly in his ways. But now that so many things had happened, it seemed as if God was deliberately punishing her for being old and blind.
Why……
Ouyang Yue didn't seem to care much. With a quick glance, she took in Ning Shi, Aunt Hua, Aunt Liu, and Ouyang Rou sitting below.
Although Ning Shi and Ouyang Rou wore smiles, their expressions were quite stiff. Aunt Hua smiled broadly, but it carried a flattering meaning. She smiled slightly and said to Ouyang Zhide, "Father, Yue'er will probably be staying at the Princess's residence from now on. I need to come and talk to you about this in person. As for the maids from Mingyue Pavilion, I want to take Chuncao with me."
Ouyang Zhide nodded and said, "That's only right. Go and call Chuncao over." Dongxue can only be considered one of Ouyang Yue's own people, and she can leave whenever she wants. Although Chuncao's indenture is in Ouyang Yue's hands, she is still a servant of the General's Mansion, so it's natural to mention her.
Soon, Chuncao and Dongxue arrived at Anhe Hall. Both were extremely excited to see Ouyang Yue. Previously, Ouyang Yue had been confined to the Princess's residence and couldn't leave freely; entering was even more difficult. They had no right to request an audience. Chuncao had cried several times over this, and seeing Ouyang Yue come to fetch them filled her with immense joy; her mistress hadn't forgotten them.
"Master, Madam He, wife of Lord Huang, and her son Huang Yu are outside requesting an audience." Just then, a voice rang out, startling everyone in the hall. How could they not remember Huang Yu's behavior in the main hall? Old Madam Ning and Ouyang Zhide also harbored some resentment, after all, even they couldn't stand this marriage. But the Huang family was like a stubborn leech, impossible to get rid of.
Old Madam Ning, with a sullen face, waved her hand, about to speak, when Ouyang Yue said, "Let them in."
The servant who delivered the message was taken aback. Usually, it was Ouyang Zhide or Old Madam Ning who spoke, not Ouyang Yue. But considering her current status, the servant immediately went out and welcomed her in.
Today, He Shi was dressed in red, her clothes adorned with yellow chrysanthemums, and her head was covered with pearl hairpins that jingled as she walked, making it hard not to recognize her. Huang Yu, on the other hand, was dressed in a white long robe, waving a fan, and exuding a refined air. However, the first thing she did when she entered the hall and looked at Ouyang Yue was to radiate coldness, which then turned into a look of determination.
"General Ouyang, Madam, and General's wife, are you well?" Madam He greeted them with a simple bow as soon as she entered. Upon seeing this, Madam Ning smiled and said, "So it's Madam Huang. Please have a seat. What brings you to our residence today?"
Madam He's face darkened. Why had she come to the mansion? Wasn't it because of her children's marriage? Was the General's Mansion really trying to play dumb with her now? Madam He couldn't help but give Ouyang Yue a cold glance. Seeing Ouyang Yue sitting calmly in the seat of honor, not even bothering to greet her upon entering the room, she was truly lacking in manners. Madam He's information network wasn't that advanced. Although she had heard that the Emperor might bestow an honor upon Ouyang Yue, she hadn't expected it to happen so soon. Therefore, she was unaware that Ouyang Yue was now Princess Mingyue.
"Well then, I'll get straight to the point. The marriage between my son and Ouyang Yue has already reached the stage of exchanging betrothal gifts. My son is not young anymore, and it's time for him to get married. I've come today to discuss a date with the General's Mansion, to see when the marriage can be changed." Madam He said, tilting her head slightly. Although they were somewhat stunned by Xuan Yuan Chaohua in the main hall, it couldn't diminish their desire for wealth and status.
Princess Shuangxia is a princess favored by three emperors. Before, they only dared to look at her residence from afar, never daring to approach. Now, their future daughter-in-law comes from there. And her elder brother holds a third of the Great Zhou's military power. This honor is truly rare and precious. Even if Xuan Yuan Chaohua disagrees, their marriage is entirely legal and legitimate, and the marriage certificate is signed and stamped by the government. Even if Princess Shuangxia is noble and Xuan Yuan Chaohua is forceful, they must consider their options before defying the court's laws. So, after returning home, the three discussed it and decided to take the risk. Even if they displeased the two now, as long as Huang Yu marries Ouyang Yue, they would definitely soften their stance and accept them in the future for Ouyang Yue's sake. Then, they would have everything they wanted: wealth and power.
Ouyang Zhide's face darkened, and the old Ning Shi also looked at He Shi and Huang Yu with a gloomy expression. These two people were really clueless, still having such daydreams at a time like this.
Ning Shi, however, was the complete opposite. A smile played on her lips. Yes, if things continued like this, it would only be Ouyang Yue who lost face in the end. She wanted to see just how much of a spectacle it would be if this newly minted princess were accused of defying the laws of the court and openly breaking off her engagement!
"How dare you disrespect the princess! Guards, slap her!" Just then, Liu Cai, who was beside Ouyang Yue, suddenly shouted angrily. Before anyone could react, four maids immediately stepped out from beside her. Although these four were maids, their hands were rather large. Anyone who knew martial arts could tell that they were skilled in martial arts and had a steady hand.
Two of them had already grabbed He Shi, who was still stunned in his seat, while the other raised his arm and began slapping He Shi's face repeatedly.
"Clang, clatter..." The jewelry in He Shi's head, which was full of pearl hairpins, began to fall to the ground with a "clatter". He Shi also reacted with shock and anger: "How dare you lay a hand on a court lady! Do you want to die?"
Huang Yu finally realized what was happening and, seeing her mother being hit, raised her hand to push the maidservant aside. However, the maidservant was not polite at all and kicked Huang Yu in the stomach. Huang Yu was kicked and fell to the ground, rolling twice before regaining her balance: "How dare you lay a hand on someone!"
"You're the ones who got hurt. You two dared to disrespect Princess Mingyue, so it's only right that you were killed." Liu Cai walked over with a cold face. She was the head maid of Princess Shuangxia and had been by Princess Shuangxia's side for more than ten years. She had many opportunities to enter and leave important places such as the palace and had a wide range of knowledge. Her stern face and the cold aura she exuded immediately shocked He Shi and Huang Yu.
After a long pause, He Shi suddenly asked, "Princess Mingyue, who are you referring to?" She already had an idea, but still found it hard to believe. During their earlier discussions at the manor, Huang Qi had said that, according to seniority, the daughters of Princess Shuangxia should be county princesses. Whether this was true for Ouyang Yue was still under investigation. However, since Princess Shuangxia had no daughters and had just been recognized by her relatives, the county princess title would likely continue, while the princess title was out of the question. Besides, even the county princess title required an imperial decree for the royal family to recognize it. Who would have thought that Ouyang Yue would skip a level and go directly to princess?
"Can't you see the person sitting in the seat of honor in the hall?" Liu Cai snorted coldly, and immediately waved her hand: "How dare she call the princess by her name! This is disrespectful to the princess and to the royal family. Guards, continue beating her until she confesses."
"Clap clap clap!"
"Waaah, I didn't know... Ah, ignorance is bliss... I... I... I know I'm guilty... Please... Please..." He Shi's face was swollen and red from the beatings. Huang Yu, who had just been kicked, shrank to the side, not daring to step forward to help He Shi. Her eyes kept glancing at the silent Ouyang Yue. This little bitch was only lucky to suddenly become a princess, yet she was acting so reserved. This was her future mother-in-law! Didn't she know that if she continued like this, she would offend her badly and her future life would be extremely difficult? She was utterly stupid!
"Bang!" He Shi cried out, slapped to the ground and unable to get up. This brought Huang Yu, who was lost in thought, back to her senses. When she saw what was happening, she couldn't help but gasp. It was only a few slaps, but He Shi's face was already covered in bruises, and her mouth was split open, with blood gushing out. The blows were too heavy; they were meant to kill her.
Huang Yu was furious, glaring at Ouyang Yue, but he didn't forget that Ouyang Yue was now a princess and couldn't repeat the mistake He Shi had made. He gritted his teeth and said, "Princess Mingyue, although my mother misspoke before, ignorance is no excuse. Please, Your Highness, show mercy. Besides, my mother wasn't wrong. Although you are a princess, you are still my betrothed. She is your elder, and you must show her that respect. Or have you become so ungrateful and forgotten everything just because you've become a princess? Even if you can forget these things, the law of the land cannot be forgotten. The marriage certificate in my hand is the evidence. If Your Highness doesn't want to acknowledge it, I will have no choice but to go to the palace and appeal to the Emperor to seek justice for me. Your Highness is a smart woman; you should understand the implications of this."
Ouyang Yue had only recently acquired the title of princess, and her position was still unstable. To act so arrogantly and commit such serious transgressions so soon after becoming a princess was bound to draw criticism and could even provide ammunition for impeachment by the censors. In severe cases, Emperor Mingxian might even strip Ouyang Yue of her princess title in a fit of anger. After all, Ouyang Yue was not Princess Shuangxia; she had made no contributions to the Great Zhou Dynasty and even attempted to use her power to oppress others, which violated the principles of the royal family. Furthermore, if she were to break off her engagement, she would also be subject to further legal consequences.
Not to mention that it would displease Emperor Mingxian and strip her of her princess title, she might even face the danger of losing her life. A wise person would know what to choose.
Huang Yu looked at Ouyang Yue triumphantly, while the latter, who had been calmly observing everything in the hall, suddenly laughed, her expression bright, but her eyes were unusually cold!
☆、150、A plan is in mind!
"Oh, Young Master Huang, are you serious? You want to go to the palace to file a complaint with the Emperor?" Ouyang Yue's demeanor softened considerably, and her voice became much gentler. At this moment, Liu Cai waved her hand, and the palace maid released He Shi and walked towards Ouyang Yue's side. He Shi's cheeks were swollen and red from the beating, and her body trembled with anger. Ouyang Yue dared to do this before even entering the household; if she were to enter, what would become of her? Wouldn't she become even more arrogant and domineering?
Madam He glanced at Huang Yu, a cold glint in her eyes. Her son had done well. That little slut Ouyang Yue had only just gained power and already looked down on everyone, even daring to have someone beat her. So what if she was a princess? She would still have to marry into the Huang family eventually. Disrespecting her mother-in-law, wouldn't there be plenty of ways to punish her? Just as her son had said, Ouyang Yue had only recently received her title; they had only learned of it after coming to the General's Mansion. She had only been given this title out of respect for Princess Shuangxia. But if Ouyang Yue didn't improve herself and did something that damaged the royal family's reputation, the Emperor probably wouldn't be so lenient.
Ouyang Yue was originally the legitimate daughter of a general's mansion, but she was worlds apart from this princess of the Great Zhou Dynasty. Anyone would make a choice about which one was more noble and which one was more important. Ouyang Yue's words clearly showed that she was afraid.
He Shi covered her face, a fierce glint in her eyes. It was indeed difficult to get Ouyang Yue to marry into the Huang family now. But if her son really married her, she would definitely get her revenge for today's humiliation!
"Yes, Princess, but that was only a last resort. If we could have talked amicably, I wouldn't have wanted to come to this. My engagement to you is unchangeable. Why should you insist on anything else? I am deeply in love with you. If you just give your approval, we can get married, and I will definitely live a happy life with you. That would be a win-win situation." Huang Yu tilted his head slightly, a smug smile on his handsome face. His words sounded quite touching, but only Huang Yu himself knew the true meaning behind them.
Ouyang Yue smiled gently at him, and Huang Yu felt increasingly smug. Sure enough, this woman was incredibly shameless. She wouldn't listen to reason, but she was afraid of being forced. What royal princess? She hadn't received any royal upbringing; compared to a real princess, she was worlds apart. It was perfectly normal for her to be afraid. But then, Ouyang Yue's voice turned cold as she addressed Liu Cai, "Didn't you hear what Young Master Huang said? He wants to go to the palace to file a complaint. How can I, as the person involved, not lend a hand? It's quite a distance from the General's Mansion to the palace; don't tire Young Master Huang and Madam Huang out. Send someone to escort them directly to the palace gates. If needed, plead with your uncle to hear their complaint. Why don't you go?"
Liu Cai was stunned. When others discovered such things, they would try their best to cover them up. Why would the little princess take Huang Yu and He Shi to the palace? If this matter got out of hand, it might really cause trouble for the little princess. However, hearing Ouyang Yue's cold voice and indifferent expression, Liu Cai didn't dare to delay. She immediately waved her hand and said, "Someone, take them to the palace to file a complaint with the emperor." The maids that Ouyang Yue brought were all confused and didn't understand what Ouyang Yue was going to do. However, they didn't dare to disobey Ouyang Yue's orders. They immediately summoned four guards, and two of them pulled one of them out of the hall.
Huang Yu and He Shi were completely stunned. They had been very confident that Ouyang Yue would back down after hearing her previous words. Had Ouyang Yue lost her mind? She was actually taking them to the palace to lodge a complaint with the emperor! Wasn't she afraid of losing her princess title? Who would take such a risk? Was Ouyang Yue out of her mind? Huang Yu was being pulled away, craning her neck and turning back to say, "Ouyang Yue, have you thought this through? What kind of situation will you be in if you do this? Do you really want to destroy everything you've achieved? You... I'll give you a chance. If you agree now, I won't go to the palace."
"Hurry up and get going, stop talking nonsense!"
"Bang!"
The guard who was holding him kicked Huang Yu in the leg. Huang Yu stumbled and fell heavily to his knees. He was in so much pain that cold sweat broke out on his face. The two guards were sent by Princess Shuangxia to protect Ouyang Yue. They were Princess Shuangxia's private soldiers and didn't give any face to anyone except a few nobles in the palace. They kicked Huang Yu, and then grabbed him by the collar and dragged him out like a dead dog.
He Shi trembled with fear. Looking at the guards' ruthless expressions, did they intend to kill them on the spot after taking them away? The more He Shi thought about it, the more frightened she became. She screamed, "Ouyang Yue, what are you trying to do? You broke the law yourself, and now you're scared and want to resort to dirty tricks? Let me tell you, everyone in the Huang family knew when I left. If we can't get back safely, the master will definitely come looking for you. He will really go to the palace to file a complaint with the emperor. At that time, you will be guilty of disregarding human life, and your crime will be even greater. Ah, let me go, don't pull me!" He Shi stretched out her neck and screamed as she was dragged away.
Ouyang Yue smiled: "Don't be afraid, I won't do anything to you. This is absolutely out of concern. They will safely escort you to the capital. After that, you can go ahead and appeal to the emperor. Perhaps, as you say, my uncle will really strip me of my princess title. Go quickly, I'll be waiting for your good news." Ouyang Yue smiled, even the corners of her eyes slightly upturned. Huang Yu and He Shi were soon pulled away, and the entire hall fell into silence.
Ouyang Zhide wanted to speak, but he felt truly indebted to Ouyang Yue. As a man, he wasn't particularly concerned with such matters, and it was Ning Shi who had taken advantage of the situation, finding such a family to marry into. Now, thinking about it, he felt ashamed to face Ouyang Yue. Old Ning Shi was also feeling guilty. Although she hadn't intended for Ouyang Yue to marry Huang Yu, she had instructed Ning Shi beforehand. Who knew Ning Shi would be so bold as to find such a family? Now, she truly had no way to explain herself.
Ouyang Rou sneered. "Princess? So what? Being a princess doesn't mean you can be arrogant and domineering, looking down on everyone." As for Huang Yu, this clingy leech, Ouyang Yue thought, "It'll be difficult to get rid of him!"
Ouyang Yue picked up her teacup and took a sip. Her gaze calmly shifted to Madam Ning. Madam Ning stiffened at her gaze. Ouyang Yue said indifferently, "Madam Ouyang, I remember telling you before that I didn't agree to this marriage and wouldn't marry into it. Wasn't this matter entrusted to you to handle? It seems there's been no progress at all. Madam Ouyang comes from the Ning family and is a true lady of noble birth. After marrying into the General's Mansion, you'll be a lady of the household. Your abilities shouldn't be lacking. How come you can't even handle this small matter? It really makes me doubt your competence as the so-called legitimate wife of the Ning family and the lady of the General's Mansion."
Ning's face paled. In the past, she could scold and beat Ouyang Yue however she pleased, and she never dared to talk back. Now, Ouyang Yue was criticizing her in front of so many people. Ning clenched her fists, and a fire of anger rose in her heart. Ouyang Zhide looked at Ning, and his eyes also darkened: "Ning Caiyue, didn't I tell you? If this matter cannot be resolved, I will consider divorcing you."
Ouyang Zhide didn't have much affection for Ning Shi. If it weren't for wanting to give Ouyang Yue a mother and protection, he wouldn't have approached Ning Shi back then. He had good intentions at the time, but unfortunately, the opposite was true. Ning Shi had always harbored resentment and actually found Yue'er such an unsuitable in-law.
Ning's expression changed rapidly, her body trembled noticeably, and she looked up at Ouyang Zhide in disbelief. She had spoken to Ouyang Zhide in the past partly out of spite, but she never thought he would actually do it. What was going on now? Did Ouyang Zhide want to use this opportunity to divorce her?
Ning Shi, unable to contain her anger any longer, coldly said, "Master, what are you doing? It was already extremely kind of you to propose marriage to the Huang family. At that time, Yue'er wasn't a princess; she was just the legitimate daughter of a general's family. She used to be considered the ugliest of the three in the capital. It was good enough if any decent young man was willing to marry her. Probably only those who had lost their wives and needed a second wife or concubine would consider her. Of course, I couldn't let her suffer any injustice. What's wrong with Huang Yu? He's unmarried, and his looks and talent are quite good. How could he possibly be a good match for Princess Mingyue?" Something's not right here. We never imagined Princess Mingyue's true identity. If we had known beforehand, Huang Yu would certainly be unworthy of her. But before that, the marriage contract between the two families had been signed, and the betrothal gifts had been exchanged, so the marriage was considered settled. If Princess Mingyue hadn't consistently refused to acknowledge the marriage, and the Huang family hadn't felt ashamed, why would they have insisted on it so persistently? Besides, I think Huang Yu is truly in love with Princess Mingyue, which is why he's so persistent. Princess Mingyue might not be unhappy marrying him. Since things have come to this, continuing to be so obstinate might really bring trouble..."
"Shut up! You know best how you feel, yet you're still trying to argue!" Ouyang Zhide shouted angrily, his face ashen.
Ouyang Yue had already stood up and slowly walked towards Ning Shi. Ning Shi's heart skipped a beat, and she stood up nervously. When she saw Ouyang Yue walking over, she instinctively shrank back. Ouyang Yue, however, looked at her quietly, a faint smile on her lips: "In that case, I should thank Madam Ouyang."