Madam Huang was displeased, but Ding's words left her speechless. Ning Xihe was the Ning family's future hope, the future princess they would rely on. Although Madam Ning was her own child, her influence was still less than that of the Ning family's future. Moreover, Madam Huang was also angry with Madam Ning. Madam Ning's actions today had made her, as her mother, lose face. She snorted, stood up, and left.
Seeing this, Madam Shang couldn't help but say, "Little sister-in-law, what exactly happened to you? Weren't you always so sensible? How could something like this happen? You've dragged the Ning family into this mess, almost causing them to sacrifice a legitimate daughter for nothing. If you wanted to scheme against Ouyang Yue, you should have done it smarter! It sounds like you were plotting something malicious. What kind of family is the Princess's Mansion? If they don't punish you, who will they punish? Honestly, you're going back to your old ways."
The Shang family and the Ding family had never been on good terms, but today, because of Ning Xishan and Ning Xihe, the Shang family couldn't help but harbor resentment towards the Ding family. The Ding family sneered, "My aunt hasn't even learned how to please a man in the past twenty years, and in the end, she was divorced and sent back to the Ning family. It seems she has no other thoughts on anything else. But you're about to ruin the Ning family's century-old foundation. Since the Ning family began to be famous, there has never been a case of a married daughter being divorced and sent back. Who would believe that my aunt was once a famous noblewoman in the capital? It turns out it was all just empty fame, all an act."
“What is fake will never become real. Do you really think that just because she is the legitimate daughter of the Ning family, she is a golden flower? No matter how many years pass, the withered flower will eventually reveal its true colors.”
"What a pity. At such an advanced age, to be divorced like this, and with such a bad reputation, it's probably impossible for him to remarry. The Ning family is so wealthy and powerful, they'll have to support another freeloader for nothing, and they'll have to pay extra this month. That means losing two servants who benefit from the situation. If it were me, the first thing I'd do after finding out I'd been divorced is to find a pillar and smash my head against it. How dare I run back to my parents' home and bring shame upon them? How despicable! Bah! Bah! Bah! I'm very discreet. How could I do anything to damage my husband's reputation? How could I possibly be divorced?" Ding Shi became even more sarcastic and bitter.
Ning Shi's face turned pale and then red as she was being bullied by Shang Shi and Ding Shi. But she had no choice but to bow her head under their roof. However, listening to what these two said, they were practically calling her a cancer and a useless piece of trash. Just yesterday, she was still the noble wife of a general, and even Shang Shi and Ding Shi had to show her respect. Now they dared to insult her so harshly. Ning Shi's face flashed with ruthlessness as she was filled with anger and hatred.
"Sigh, if a person has no shame, nothing you say will make a difference."
"Hmph, listen to what people outside are saying. A hen that can't lay eggs is a disgrace to a woman, utterly disgusting. Tonight I'll get some leaves to get rid of the bad luck. Being around someone like that makes me feel like my luck has been dragged down. Today I'll make sure everyone in the yard remembers this, and they'll have to avoid this person from now on. What bad luck!"
"A jinx!"
"Pfft!" Ning suddenly trembled and spat out a mouthful of blood. She stiffened and fell to the ground with a "bang." Shang and Ding were so shocked that they jumped back two steps, only to see that Ning's eyes had rolled back and she had fainted with a ferocious expression on her face.
"This...this, what is she doing..."
"Quickly call a doctor to take a look."
A moment later, the doctor came over, examined her, and sighed, "This lady is suffering from internal heat due to pent-up emotions. She also has internal injuries from the fight. These two pent-up emotions have caused her blood and qi to become disordered. She will probably need to recuperate for a while. Moreover, mental illness requires mental medicine. This lady should try her best to rest and think positively about everything, otherwise her condition will only worsen."
After listening to the doctor's words, the servants immediately sent the person out for treatment.
Shang and Ding exchanged a glance. Shang sneered, "It's just a minor illness, yet she's putting on an act for us. We're already supporting an idle person in the manor, and now we have to prescribe medicine for her. The expenses for her alone could support several capable servants. Do they think the Ning family's money grows on trees?"
"Exactly, to be honest, she's not likable at all. Look at her, she even pretended to be sick to scare people. What a cunning scheme! Since it's pointless to keep an extra person in the household and lose money, I think she doesn't need to hire any more servants. She already covers the expenses of several servants. If she hires more people, wouldn't the loss be even greater? With such a cunning mind, how could she not be able to support herself?"
Upon hearing this, Madam Shang said, "Didn't you hear me? From now on, this courtyard doesn't need anyone to serve you. Everyone come with me. I have another task to complete and separate you."
"They are the First Madam and the Second Madam."
"Let's go!" Shang and Ding gave Ning on the bed a cold look and left with their people.
The entire room fell silent. Ning, who had been lying on the bed, suddenly sprang up, then screamed angrily, overturning the low stool beside the bed: "You bitches! You're all a bunch of bitches! I'll make you all die sooner or later! I'll make sure you suffer a terrible death! Ah!" Ning screamed wildly in rage, but the next moment she vomited blood violently. She lay by the bedside for a long time, unable to recover, breathing rapidly, her whole body devoid of strength. Her eyes rolled back repeatedly, and she was in excruciating pain. But now, no one was watching her, no one cared about her, and no one pitied her!
Ning Baichuan fulfilled his promise to the Huang family three days later. However, when Huang Yu was released, he was covered in injuries, and the ugly character "prisoner" was branded on his face. One of his legs was also crippled. He was brought back to the mansion half-dead. When He Shi saw him, she fainted on the spot. Huang Yu was disfigured and crippled. He could never pursue an official career in this life, and he would be even more ashamed to face people.
Huang Qi sat in the hall and angrily slammed the table beside him: "This is outrageous! This is absolutely outrageous! They have ruined my son's future! I will never let this go!"
That night, all was quiet. In the Liuyun Pavilion of the Princess's Mansion, Ouyang Yue was lying in her bedroom on the second floor, quietly looking at the night sky through the open window.
The black sky was like an inkwell, with sparkling gems gleaming on it, radiating a beauty in stillness. But then, the beautiful night sky suddenly darkened. Had the moon been obscured by clouds? Ouyang Yue was startled and suddenly sat up. Then, someone suddenly flashed in through the window. Ouyang Yue's face immediately darkened: "You...you've barged into my boudoir again! This is the Princess's residence, not the General's residence. The guards are very strict. Do you want to be arrested as a thief?"
A dark figure flashed to the bedside, dressed in black that seemed to blend into the night. His features, delicate and striking, were framed by a fawning smile. It was none other than the lazy Baili Chen. Baili Chen, feeling wronged, pursed his lips into a thin line: "My wife, you're blaming me? Do you know what kind of life I've been living these past few days? I've been living in constant fear, afraid that you might impulsively agree to the marriage with the Huang family. Then, what would I care about barging into your bedroom? I might as well just kill myself."
"Stop talking nonsense!" Ouyang Yue immediately glared coldly at the man with a bitter face.
Baili Chen sighed, "There's nothing I can do. I have no confidence in myself at all. I even envy Huang Yu. After all, he had a tragic love affair with you, my wife. It's hard for me to have that kind of relationship with him." As he spoke, he blinked, as if he was about to cry.
Ouyang Yue was speechless, but seeing his expression, her heart softened: "I just said in the main hall that I would wait until I was fifteen to think about marriage. Even if I were to get married, it wouldn't be now."
Baili Chen was stunned for a moment, his eyes widened, and he exclaimed with great joy, "So, my wife has agreed to marry me!"
☆、153, raped?!
Ouyang Yue frowned, rolled her eyes, and said, "When did I say such a thing?"
Baili Chen smiled and said, "It's what my wife just said, that it's not the right time to get married. I heard you just saying that it's not the right time to get married, but does that mean you can get married? You just have to wait."
Ouyang Yue snorted: "Wasn't I saying that before I turned fifteen, even if it was about marriage with Huang Yu, it wouldn't be at this time?"
Baili Chen laughed and said, "I know what my wife is thinking. You don't need to be embarrassed. I understand. You must be embarrassed to say this. I won't laugh at you. Why do you need to make excuses? You don't even look at Huang Yu. The only one who can be worthy of you is a handsome and unparalleled man like me."
Ouyang Yue couldn't help but laugh: "Isn't the saying 'handsome and dashing' something others have to say? Does anyone praise themselves like that? Can you even be sure what you're saying is accurate?"
Baili Chen smiled and shook his head: "People who lack confidence naturally need others to praise them, while confident people only need to evaluate themselves. Besides, it's true that I am handsome and unparalleled. Otherwise, why would my wife not like anyone else but choose me? That's charm."
"Isn't it the charm of being silly?" Ouyang Yue said, pursing her lips.
Baili Chen stared at Ouyang Yue with wide eyes, sighed, and said, "Alright, if my wife says I'm silly, then I'm silly. I don't care anyway. But you can't fool a silly person like that."
Ouyang Yue was puzzled: "Why?"
"Because fools tend to take what others say seriously. I took it seriously that my wife was willing to marry me, and I was just waiting for the right time to marry her. If something unexpected happens in the future and my wife doesn't want to marry me anymore, this fool might just take his own life," Baili Chen said with a melancholy expression.
Ouyang Yue scoffed: "You'd try to kill yourself? You're kidding me."
Baili Chen took Ouyang Yue's hand and sat down beside her, saying, "My wife, I've made up my mind about you, and that will never change. I'm very serious about this, you have to believe me. I've never been so persistent about anything in my life. If you fall in love with someone else in the future, I might really go crazy." As if thinking of something, Baili Chen reached out and gently stroked Ouyang Yue's cheek, but his eyes gradually flashed with a blood-red color, his gaze drifting into the distance, carrying a dark and deathly aura that made one's heart tremble.
Baili Chen's poison was cured, so why are his eyes still looking so strange? And why is Baili Chen acting so abnormally at this moment...?
Ouyang Yue's heart stirred, and she couldn't help but tighten her grip on Baili Chen's hand. She bit her lip slightly, leaned over, and gently kissed Baili Chen's cheek. Her voice was very deep as she said, "So far, you are the man who has caught my eye the most, and you are the first person I consider."
Bai Lichen's eyes flickered slightly as he turned to Ouyang Yue. The next moment, a pair of strong arms wrapped around Ouyang Yue's waist, holding her tightly without being too forceful. Then, Ouyang Yue felt a faint scent of fresh grass waft towards her nose, very refreshing. Then, warm lips pressed tightly against hers, beginning a passionate, pounding kiss. Ouyang Yue's heart trembled involuntarily. Bai Lichen's kiss was very urgent, as if he wanted to confirm something, constantly exploring her lips. The large hands around her waist tightened more and more, and Ouyang Yue's breathing gradually became uncontrollable, heavy and short. However, Bai Lichen had no intention of letting her go.
His lips slid down from her red lips, then down to her neck, and he bit down on her neck.
"Ah!" Ouyang Yue frowned at the stinging pain, but Baili Chen ignored her and kept biting her neck, as if he were chewing the finest delicacy, savoring it. Ouyang Yue could even feel her heart suffocating.
"That's enough...is that enough..."
Baili Chen chuckled softly. Ouyang Yue felt a dampness on her neck. This guy actually stuck out his tongue and started circling and kissing the spot where he had just bitten her. Ouyang Yue couldn't bear it any longer and reached out to push him away. But Baili Chen simply placed her hands above her head, his eyes filled with a bewitching look: "Wife, don't move. I want to leave a mark here, preferably a mark that will never fade, so that no one will dare to touch you."
"Stop messing around, how am I supposed to face people tomorrow?" The weather is gradually warming up now. If people see her dressed like this tomorrow, what will she say? Even if they don't see it, she knows that Baili Chen must have bitten her there. This isn't some deserted place in Tianshan. How many people come and go from the Princess's residence?
"Hmm, but it hasn't worked yet." Baili Chen said in a low voice, with some dissatisfaction in his voice, but he stopped, placed his hands on Ouyang Yue's sides, and gently tapped Ouyang Yue's nose with his fingertips: "Actually, my wife is a person who is stubborn but soft-hearted." Ouyang Yue glared at him, "If I don't do this, my wife will definitely be stubborn and refuse to admit it, right? Actually, you have fallen for me too, haven't you?"
Ouyang Yue fell silent. Baili Chen smiled and suddenly hugged her tightly. "My wife, it's so good to have met you. If possible, I'd like to marry you tomorrow. But I can't let you suffer. I will definitely hold the most spectacular wedding for you in the future. I want everyone in the Langya Continent to know that you are my woman, Baili Chen's woman, and no one can have designs on you." Baili Chen's eyes were bright and firm, but his expression was very tense. Ouyang Yue felt his arms trembling slightly, as if he was afraid that she would refuse.
Just now, she felt the loneliness emanating from Baili Chen grow stronger. She thought that because Baili Chen was a prince, he must have experienced more darkness since childhood than she had imagined. He must be just as lonely as she was. Two lonely and proud hunters, constantly fighting alone, were exhausted in body and mind. But if they cooperated, perhaps they could unleash more power.
Ouyang Yue reached out and gently wrapped her arms around Baili Chen's strong waist: "Then I'll wait and see how big a wedding you'll throw for me."
Baili Chen stiffened, then suddenly groaned and collapsed onto Ouyang Yue, nuzzling his head against her neck: "It will definitely happen!"
Ouyang Yue's face gradually turned red and hotter. She felt something below her, getting harder and harder, pressing against her. With Baili Chen's movements, it seemed to be teasing her as it rubbed against her. She instantly froze, not trusting that Baili Chen had any self-control right now.
Sensing Ouyang Yue's tense nerves, Baili Chen chuckled softly. He had only come today because he hadn't seen Ouyang Yue in a long time, so he wanted to meet her. As for Huang Yu, although it had somewhat affected him, it wasn't particularly significant, because he knew that given Ouyang Yue's personality, Huang Yu would definitely suffer the consequences. However, since a nobody like Huang Yu was clinging to his wife, if he, as her legitimate fiancé, didn't show up, it would seem like he wasn't valued. Moreover, given his own underlying unease, he needed to see Ouyang Yue to calm himself down.
Unexpectedly, the result was even better than he had imagined. His wife had actually confessed her feelings to him, which meant he was more than halfway to winning her back. You see, he had been pestering his wife for so long, and even though he had taken advantage of her, she had never given up. Baili Chen secretly stole a kiss, but he couldn't help but hold her soft and fragrant body and keep smelling her. Although he felt very uncomfortable, his heart was as sweet as if it had been coated with honey.
"Alright, you should go back now." After a while, Ouyang Yue felt that Baili Chen was calmer, so she reached out and nudged him.
Baili Chen's voice was muffled: "Sigh, when will I be able to hug you legitimately and without any reservations?"
"Smack!" Baili Chen gave Ouyang Yue a big kiss on the cheek before reluctantly leaving. "My wife, I will miss you often." Before leaving, he turned and gave her a flirtatious wink before leaping out of the window.
Ouyang Yue rubbed her forehead, somewhat speechless, but a pang of regret lingered in her heart. It seemed to have started back in Tianshan when she warmed Baili Chen with her body to repay a debt of gratitude. This guy had become increasingly predatory, taking advantage of her every whim. A light kiss or a touch of his hand had become commonplace. Thinking about it now, she found it utterly outrageous. In truth, Baili Chen's behavior was nothing short of lecherous. Ouyang Yue gently touched the spot where Baili Chen had bitten her earlier; she could still feel a slight stinging sensation. Tomorrow, she'd have to wear a high-necked shirt to cover it, or perhaps simply not go out at all.
Baili Chen moved like a ghost, flashing towards the outside of the princess's mansion wall. The wall was just a short distance away when he suddenly sensed danger. He abruptly turned, but a spear grazed past him. Had he not reacted quickly, the spear would have pierced him. Baili Chen tensed, twisting his body again. The spear spun in the air, heading straight for his throat.
Baili Chen immediately jerked his arm, took two steps to create some distance between himself and the man, and angrily said, "Xuanyuan Chaohua, are you serious!"
A figure gradually emerged from the shadows. Xuan Yuan Chaohua, dressed in gray and white, slammed his spear to the ground with a clang. The silvery moonlight shone on him, making him appear like a god of death in the moonlight, exuding a chilling aura. Baili Chen's face also darkened. He was dressed in black, his face unusually cold, radiating a domineering and menacing presence.
“For a lecher like you, killing as many as you is justified.” Xuan Yuan Chao Hua’s eyes were icy.
Although Baili Chen felt a little guilty, he didn't show it on his face: "If you want to fight, I'm ready anytime. But it's getting late today. Are you planning to keep fighting until you wake up everyone in the princess's residence?"
Xuan Yuan Chaohua stared at Baili Chen expressionlessly: "No matter who you are, if you dare to bully my sister, I have only one word for you: 'kill'."
Bai Lichen's face was more serious than ever before: "I will definitely marry her, and I will never bully her."
"Hmph! You can make your words sound so high-sounding, but do you think anyone will believe them? Which prince of the Great Zhou Dynasty doesn't have three wives and four concubines, surrounded by beauties? Who can escape this? My sister deserves the best man in the world and should receive the best care in the world. I will not allow her to suffer any grievances. You, a prince of the Great Zhou Dynasty, will surely marry many women no matter what the future holds. I will not let my sister marry into such a family and compete with other women for my affections. Today, I am only giving you a warning. If I find you trespassing into my sister's room again, I will fight you to the death and will not let you off easily." Xuan Yuan Chaohua's face was tense, and his eyes seemed to be spitting fire as he looked at Baili Chen, wishing he could devour him to vent his anger.
His beloved younger sister, whom he had planned to cherish, had actually been defiled by that scoundrel Baili Chen. He had originally intended to keep her for a few more years, but this kid must have had some incredible luck; he hadn't been kicked out by his sister and had come out on his own without any trouble. Hmph, even if he could get past his sister's hurdle, he'd have to ask his older brother's permission first.
"Don't worry about that. Yue'er knows what she wants, and I've promised that she'll be my only woman in this life. When we get married, I'll give her the grandest wedding and I will never do anything to disappoint her. Just keep your eyes open and watch her be happy."
Xuan Yuan Chaohua snorted coldly: "What is your promise? Can you count the royal family's promise? When the higher-ups start sending women down one after another, can you bear that pressure? Even if you don't care about any of this, I just can't stand you. I just don't want to marry my sister to you. What can you do about it? Yue'er is actually as gentle as a ball of cotton. She will definitely consider my opinion as her brother."
Baili Chen suddenly said maliciously, "It's a pity that daughters grow up and leave home, my wife just likes me."
"Hmph, then we'll see. You want to marry my sister? Impossible!"
"That's hard to say."
Xuan Yuan Chaohua sneered: "Baili Chen, you've always liked to compete with me since you were little. This time you definitely can't win. I can feel how much my sister cares about family ties. Do you think you can withstand the combined emotional onslaught from me and my grandmother?"
Baili Chen's face was cold and stern as he narrowed his eyes: "Xuanyuan Chaohua, one thing at a time. Yue'er and I are in love. Are you going to be the villain who breaks up our love?"
"Who knows what the future holds? I'm just telling you that I don't think you're good enough to be my brother-in-law, and I'll do everything I can to prevent you from meeting in the future." Xuan Yuan Chaohua laughed smugly. "Right now, Yue'er is living in the princess's residence, so you have no chance of winning in that respect."
Baili Chen looked displeased. He had just received Yue'er's promise, but then he encountered the troublesome Xuan Yuan Chaohua. However, he didn't care about anyone else's problems except for Yue'er: "I've already said beforehand that I will definitely marry Yue'er, no matter how difficult the road ahead may be. Farewell!"
With that, Baili Chen darted over the wall in a few flashes. Xuan Yuan Chaohua gripped his silver spear, snorted coldly, but his eyes couldn't help but sweep over Ouyang Yue's Liuyun Pavilion. He frowned slightly, then breathed a sigh of relief. Anyway, his sister wouldn't be able to get married this year, so he could take the opportunity to pick a few more that he liked. As long as his sister liked one, he didn't believe Baili Chen would still be so arrogant.
Baili Chen returned to Chenyu Palace with Leng Sha, his face grim. "You stay outside and keep watch for now." As soon as he returned, Baili Chen waved his hand, dismissing Leng Sha. He felt inexplicably irritated. However, as soon as he entered the inner palace, he sensed something was wrong. Baili Chen clenched his fists tightly, his eyes narrowed, and in the dark night, his eyes gleamed with a sinister light like a wolf's.
"In the study!" Baili Chen suddenly made this decision, rushed to the study in a few steps, and raised his arm to grab it hard. But at this moment, the figure in the study turned around. Baili Chen was startled and stopped. He awkwardly disarmed himself. When he saw the person in front of him, he showed a faint smile: "Third brother, you are back."
The man before Baili Chen wore a light brown robe, his long, jet-black hair tied back with a jade belt. His attire was remarkably simple, yet it couldn't conceal his noble air. He stood there quietly, like a majestic beast, his aura restrained, but a subtle domineering presence occasionally emanated from him. Compared to his bearing, his appearance was rather ordinary. He had normal features; while not ugly, compared to someone like Baili Chen, he was undeniably plain. However, beneath this ordinary face lay a pair of deep, restrained black eyes, like a bottomless pool, occasionally flashing with sharp light—clearly no ordinary person.
This person was none other than Baili Chen's elder brother from the same mother, the third prince Baili Jian, who had been exiled to a harsh and cold place by the emperor for making a mistake.
"Brother, you've returned to the capital two days earlier than expected." Baili Chen's initial joy at seeing his family had now subsided.
"Well, to avoid trouble, I wanted to return to the capital as soon as possible. I just came back from seeing my father. It's so late, where have you been?" Baili Jian nodded, his face serious.
Baili Chen smiled and said, "Just taking a walk. You know I can't stay still for long, Your Majesty."
Baili Jian looked at Baili Chen, a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth: "Aren't you going to see Ouyang Yue?"
Baili Chen's expression changed, and his body stiffened. Baili Jian said, "Before returning to the capital, I heard about Ouyang Yue's great name. She was originally one of the three ugliest women in the capital, but in an instant, she became a famous noblewoman in the capital and even the Langya Continent. She is also the younger sister of Xuan Yuan Chaohua. Her status is indeed very noble, but this woman is not ordinary."
Baili Chen remained silent, while Baili Jian asked, "You approached her because you intend to marry her?"
Baili Chen nodded: "Yes, Third Imperial Brother."
“Although I haven’t seen her in person, this woman is very well hidden. Moreover, my aunt is extremely protective of her own, and Xuan Yuan Chao Hua is no pushover either. You should try to avoid contact with her in the future; she will only cause us trouble,” Baili Jian continued.
Bai Lichen's face darkened, and he pursed his lips without speaking: "I also heard that you went to the final round of the previous beauty pageant. What nonsense! Do you know that there are no mercy in that place? With your noble status, how could you go to such a place? If you get injured, who can bear the responsibility?"
Baili Chen frowned: "Third brother has just returned to the capital and must be very tired. He should rest first. We brothers can meet anytime."
Baili Jian frowned, looked at Baili Chen for a moment, and said, "Very well, it's getting late tonight, I'll head back now. I have to attend court tomorrow morning, you should get some sleep too."
"Take care, Third Brother." Baili Jian nodded, turned and left, but Baili Chen's expression grew increasingly gloomy. Today seemed particularly unlucky, which made him very irritable and uneasy.
With the beauty pageant concluded, the envoys from the other four countries, along with some contestants and their families from various countries who were staying, all left the capital.