"ah?"
Ouyang Yue looked at Chuncao and said helplessly, "They are both very important men in my life. Whatever I say, even if I say one more word, might make the other feel biased and think it's unfair. The best way is to ignore them and let them make a fuss. They'll stop on their own when they've had enough."
Chuncao's lips twitched slightly. If it were her two men who had been beaten up like this because of her, she would have been very happy. But her mistress just didn't care. As expected of her mistress, her behavior was strange and peculiar!
"Hurry up, hurry up! Send all these to the Second Miss's room, let her inspect them, and then send them to the storeroom. Be careful with how you arrange them. If you lose even one item here, you won't be able to pay with your lives." People kept bringing in many exquisite items, such as jewelry and jade, into the elegantly decorated room filled with a light fragrance.
Two elegantly dressed young ladies were sitting in the room. One of them, dressed in a deep purple brocade, stared blankly at the items being carried in one by one: "Ah, isn't this the pearl phoenix hairpin from Langhuan Jade Pavilion? Ah! This box is full of pearls of the same size, and this headdress... this gold hairpin... Oh, is this a white marble vase?"
Seeing the purple-clad lady's loud exclamations, the woman beside her in a pink gauze dress smiled much more faintly. However, although her expression was calm, she couldn't hide the smugness in her eyes. The purple-clad lady said with envy mixed with a hint of jealousy, "Second sister, you are so lucky! You were actually chosen by the Emperor to be the Crown Princess. Grandmother, Father, Mother, Second Uncle, and Second Aunt all sent gifts, and none of them are ordinary. By the way, I also heard that although the Crown Prince didn't come, he also sent a marriage certificate and gifts through his personal attendants. Those things are even better than what Grandmother sent. I haven't seen them yet, but I'd like to see them from you, Second Sister."
A hint of mockery flashed in Ning Xihe's eyes as she looked at Ning Xishan, whose face was filled with jealousy. She said softly, "Eldest sister, it's not that your second sister doesn't want to take it. The things the Crown Prince sent before were just too precious, so I had the servants lock them up in my storeroom. You see, Grandmother, Uncle, Aunt, Father, and Mother all sent things, either personally or through others. All these things are piled up, and the storeroom is a mess right now. It wouldn't be good if something got scratched, bumped, or dropped. I'll have a maid tidy it up later, and then you can take a look."
Upon hearing this, Ning Xishan's expression changed. Was this clearly an excuse to prevent her from seeing it? However, she still had a smile on her face: "Second sister is always careful in her actions. What you said is true. The things the Crown Prince sent are naturally extremely precious. If they were to be broken or damaged, wouldn't that be disrespectful to the Crown Prince? It's better to be careful."
Ning Xishan stood up and said, "Second sister, you've been so busy here, and I've been sitting with you for a while now. I suppose you still have things to do, so I'll be leaving now."
Ning Xihe smiled and nodded, her bottom seemingly glued to the stool. She had no intention of getting up to see Ning Xishan out. Ning Xishan's face darkened further, and she quickly left. But as soon as she stepped out of the courtyard, she couldn't help but let out a furious snort, her heart filled with extreme anger. That damned Ning Xihe! Her father, Ning Baichuan, had always been superior to Ning Xihe's father, but in their generation, she had always been overshadowed by Ning Xihe. If it were in the past, she wouldn't have cared, but soon Ning Xihe would be the Crown Princess, a status worlds apart from hers.
She hasn't even officially married into the family yet, and Ning Xihe has already given up pretending and is putting on airs with her. How infuriating!
At the same time, Ning Xishan was also extremely resentful. So many noble ladies, how could Ning Xihe have snatched the Crown Princess? The eldest daughter of the Lin family, supposedly the daughter of the most prestigious family, was also a useless piece of trash. However, Ning Xishan glanced coldly at Ning Xihe's door. The first and second branches of the Ning family had never gotten along well; Shang Shi had previously thrown a tantrum and mocked her because of this. She knew very well that the Crown Prince's residence was no good place. Ning Xihe was now putting on a show. She hoped that even in the Crown Prince's residence, she would remain so arrogant. Let's see how she dies!
Ning Xihe sat dignifiedly in the room, watching Ning Xishan leave angrily. She sneered. Ning Xishan was inferior to her in every way, and now there was no comparison. She felt that speaking to such an incompetent young lady, who had no talent and no good reputation in the capital, would be an insult. Soon, she would be the Crown Princess. Even though she had conflicts with the Crown Prince before, Ning Xihe had been well-educated since childhood, and her tutors even had knowledge of court arts. She would be useful to the Crown Prince, and he wouldn't treat her too badly. Once she slowly won over the Crown Prince's heart, she would become the most honored woman in the Great Zhou Dynasty. Ning Xishan would no longer be on her level; why should she waste her energy on her?
Ning Xihe suddenly laughed, seemingly lost in thought: "Hmph, in the end, Ouyang Yue was only matched with that sickly seventh prince who was about to die. Trying to compete with me? Ouyang Yue is clearly far inferior to me in both strategy and luck!"
Ning Xihe chuckled softly, her face full of confidence. She only needed to wait a few more days for her to marry the Crown Prince. At that time, even Ouyang Yue would have to treat her with utmost respect!
Thinking of this, Ning Xihe suddenly raised an eyebrow: "Perfect, let's take this opportunity to hold a banquet. I want to see the twisted, jealous, and ugly faces of those young ladies from the capital!"
At this moment, in the Princess's residence, Ouyang Yue was lying on a recliner on the second floor, pondering to herself. Since it was a marriage bestowed by the Emperor, Ouyang Yue's previous remarks about marriage were no longer feasible. Given Baili Chen's impatient nature, he had probably already chosen a date, and they would likely get married within a month to half a year.
"Princess, an invitation from the General's Mansion." Chuncao walked over and gently interrupted Ouyang Yue's thoughts.
Ouyang Yue was taken aback: "Whose invitation is it from the General's Mansion?"
"Your Highness, it belongs to the Old Madam."
"Grandmother's?" Ouyang Yue thought for a moment, "Chuncao is changing clothes. Since we have nothing to do now, why don't you come with me to the General's Mansion?"
"It's the princess." Chuncao immediately instructed the servants to help Ouyang Yue change her clothes, informed Princess Shuangxia, and then took a carriage to the General's Mansion. The servants at the General's Mansion were noticeably more reserved than before, and they were extremely cautious as they led Ouyang Yue into the mansion. Ouyang Yue didn't pay any attention to this, but when she arrived at Anhe Hall and saw Old Madam Ning sitting in the hall, she was completely stunned!
☆, Chapter 167, The Death of Old Lady Ning (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
Ouyang Yue was somewhat surprised. Today, Old Madam Ning was dressed in a light blue chrysanthemum outfit, sitting upright with her hair neatly combed. Three pairs of gold hairpins inlaid with red, green, and purple were inserted into her hair in a semi-circular shape. Her skin, which was already loose due to her age, seemed to be shining with endless light today. Her eyes, which had been dim, were now much brighter, and she was looking at Ouyang Yue with a loving smile.
Old Lady Ning suddenly moved, and Mama Xi, who was standing next to her, immediately went over to help her up: "This humble woman greets Princess Mingyue."
Ouyang Yue snapped out of her daze and rushed over, saying, "Grandmother, please rise. There's no need for such formalities." Ouyang Yue stepped forward to help her up, and Old Madam Ning took Ouyang Yue's hand in turn. Looking at Ouyang Yue, her eyes seemed to brighten even more.
Today, Ouyang Yue was dressed in a pink gauze dress, with only a few intersecting colored lines outlining the dress, running from the back to the waist and chest, making Ouyang Yue look elegant and slender. Her beautiful face was adorned with a faint smile, which was very elegant and serene. Old Ning's eyes flickered slightly, and she pulled Ouyang Yue to sit down: "It's been a while since we last met since the last time at the Princess's residence."
Ouyang Yue nodded and said, "Yes, it has been a while since we last met. I've been busy with some things and haven't been able to come see Grandmother. I hope Grandmother won't blame me." Given Ouyang Yue's current status, even if she really didn't want to come, Old Madam Ning wouldn't dare to say anything. Moreover, Ouyang Yue came immediately after she sent the invitation, which showed that she valued her highly. What could Old Madam Ning possibly be dissatisfied with? Old Madam Ning nodded emphatically, her smile deepening, but she couldn't say anything for the moment.
"Good, good, good!" Old Madam Ning gently stroked Ouyang Yue's hand with her rough hand, her voice even more kind: "I never thought that you would be the most successful person in the General's Mansion. I was really getting more and more confused in the past. I have done so many wrong things."
"Grandmother, please don't say that," Ouyang Yue said softly, blinking her eyes.
Old Ning shook her head: "Actually, I have been thinking about my past actions for a long time, and the more I think about it, the more I feel that I am a terrible person."
“Grandmother, why are you doing this? You are an elder, the old lady of the General’s Mansion, no one will blame you.” Ouyang Yue gently covered the back of Old Madam Ning’s hand, but her heart was filled with complicated feelings. What was the purpose of what Old Madam Ning said when she entered the door today? Or was it something she vaguely thought of?
Old Madam Ning gave a bitter smile: "You are a good person, truly a very, very good person!" Old Madam Ning lowered her head slightly, "It's a pity I discovered it too late, and I even thought about hurting you. I am where I am today entirely because of my own actions, this is my retribution." Ouyang Yue did not speak, and Old Madam Ning said calmly, "After being poisoned by Rui Yuhuan and then having the poison removed, my body continued to decline. I have been thinking about my past life, and I realized that apart from fighting, I have not done anything meaningful."
"When I was young, I fought with the Ning family, with my elder brother and sister-in-law; in middle age, I fought with the ladies and concubines of the household; and now, in my old age, I'm even fighting with my grandchildren. I'm truly getting more and more like a descent into depravity," Old Madam Ning said with a self-deprecating laugh. Ouyang Yue fell silent, unable to respond. This was, in fact, the reality for many households and many people—some even facing a situation of no return. If they didn't fight, they would die, they would be tormented. Such resistance was, in itself, a helpless act. But the old Madam Ning of the past would never have spoken such words. Who truly understood her mind? Did they simply assume it was her nature—that she loved to fight because she was strong-willed?
"Grandmother, please don't talk about these things. Yue'er is back today and will spend more time chatting with you. Let's not talk about these unhappy things," Ouyang Yue comforted her with a smile.
Old Madam Ning gave her a deep look and nodded: "You're right. Let's not talk about these things anymore. I'm getting old, and I always think about the past, which must be boring for you. It's almost lunchtime now. I'll have the kitchen prepare lunch first. You can have some with your grandmother today."
"Okay, I'll do whatever Grandmother says."
Old Madam Ning immediately smiled and said, "Good, good, Madam Xi, quickly send someone to prepare more delicious food. I want to eat more today since Yue'er is with me."
Madam Xi immediately smiled and nodded: "Yes, Madam, I will give the order right away."
"Yue'er, come with your grandmother for a stroll along the path in front of Anhe Hall. My health isn't good, and I rarely go out these days." Ouyang Yue responded, supporting Old Madam Ning, with two maids following behind. Old Madam Ning did most of the talking along the way: "De'er has been away from the capital for a month now, and he'll probably be back soon." Since Ouyang Zhide returned to the capital, Emperor Mingxian hadn't arranged for him to leave for the time being, but he had been assigning him many tasks. Moreover, upon hearing that Ouyang Zhide was returning this time, Emperor Mingxian was about to arrange for him to return to the border.
"Yes, I heard that Father is coming back soon, and Yue'er misses him very much."
Old Madam Ning squinted at the path in front of Anhe Hall. Because Anhe Hall was located in the south, it could be said to be in the middle of the entire General's Mansion, with access to all directions. The path was lined with green willows and cypresses, as well as low bushes and flowers, making it very quiet and leisurely. Although it could not compare with the scenery of the Princess's Mansion and the Crown Prince's Mansion, it had its own unique charm: "This was planted by the servants when I married into the General's Mansion. I personally ordered all the places to be planted, and I also calculated the distances between them. This place holds many memories for me."
Ouyang Yue looked down at Old Ning and asked, "Grandmother, are you thinking of Grandfather?"
Old Madam Ning was taken aback, and a blush slowly appeared on her face. She couldn't help but say, "Back then, I was a well-known young lady from a prestigious family in the capital. Countless wealthy young men wanted to marry me. In the end, I chose your grandfather, which many people couldn't understand. Some even thought I was blind at the time. Although your grandfather wasn't very famous or accomplished, I just laughed at those arrogant young men and women who didn't know how to judge people. I believe my judgment is excellent, and once I've made up my mind, I will do everything I can to achieve it."
Ouyang Yue was a little curious, and after thinking for a moment, she asked, "Grandmother, have you ever regretted it? Has Grandfather disappointed you?"
Old Madam Ning gently shook her head: "If I were to say I was disappointed, perhaps I was too demanding of myself. It's impossible for me to lie and say I wasn't disappointed at all, but he was already quite good to me. Back then, he had many women in his household, and I fought them all down one by one. He knew that, but he never interfered with me. He was really good to me. He always felt indebted to me because he caused conflict between me and my brother and sister-in-law. Unfortunately, he didn't understand that what a woman wants isn't actually indebtedness. However, I have to thank him. My greatest achievement in this life is raising De'er." Old Madam Ning had a faint smile on her face. "De'er is excellent and has never disappointed me. Moreover, he is very filial to me. I have no regrets about giving birth to De'er in this life. It's just that I couldn't let go of the grudges from my past life. I was indeed a little overwhelmed by the pressure from the Ning family back then, but if I really wanted to stop it, it wouldn't have been impossible. After all, the General's Mansion is my place. If I wanted to refuse, would I be afraid of Huang's pressure?"
Ouyang Yue believed this as well. Although Old Madam Ning was affected by the Gu poison, she was able to abandon the Ning family. Even after the Gu poison was cured, she did not take the initiative to go to the Ning family to seek reconciliation. It could be seen that she was not really afraid of severing ties with the Ning family. Because Old Madam Ning was Ouyang Zhide's mother, this identity alone made her stronger than many people. In addition, Old Madam Ning was very strong-willed, so it was not easy for others to force her.
"The reason I brought Caiyue into the mansion was actually as a means of revenge," Old Madam Ning sighed and shook her head. "Once she's in this general's mansion, no matter what her status is, she can't possibly be disrespectful to her mother. I couldn't get any benefits from Madam Huang, so I used that against Caiyue. That's what I was thinking back then. But it's also because Caiyue's womb is uncooperative. At first, I didn't intend to go too far. After all, we still have an unbreakable bond with the Ning family, so I couldn't go too far. It's a pity she can't have children. It's laughable that I only found out about this recently. Back then, for the sake of the family line, I naturally wanted to bring in a few more wives for De'er. I even fully approved of their infighting. Only in this way could they realize the importance of children. At the time, I even proudly thought, 'Look, after Concubine Ming and Concubine Hong entered the mansion, didn't Caiyue give birth to a legitimate daughter not long after? Even if it's not a son, how far away is a son?'"
Ouyang Yue listened quietly from the side, when Old Madam Ning suddenly turned to look at Ouyang Yue: "Yue'er, do you think Grandmother has done so many things wrong?"
Ouyang Yue looked at her with a faint smile: "Grandmother, you are Father's birth mother. As long as all of this is for Father's good, you are not wrong."
Old Madam Ning seemed somewhat dazed, gently stroking Ouyang Yue's hair. "But I only used the excuse of wanting what's best for De'er to satisfy my own selfish desires. Actually, I'm quite selfish." Ouyang Yue didn't speak, and for a moment, only Old Madam Ning's continuous sighs filled the room. She was a very strong-willed and never-say-die person. Perhaps wanting what's best for Ouyang Zhide was a major factor, but she also had her own ideas, wanting to control the entire General's Mansion and have everything under her control. This was Old Madam Ning—a domineering and powerful woman, an extremely possessive woman. She might be right, but unfortunately, her methods were drastically wrong. She actually bore half the responsibility for so many things that had happened in the mansion, but how could Ouyang Yue, as a junior, possibly say such things?
"Actually, I know everything, I know everything." Old Madam Ning sighed for a long time, and was about to say something when a servant came over and said, "Madam, Princess Mingyue, lunch is ready."
Old Madam Ning immediately swallowed her words back: "Well, go and tell Aunt Liu to bring Tong'er over. Yue'er, let's go back."
Ouyang Yue nodded, but her eyes flashed. She remembered that her grandmother had always been indifferent to Tong'er. When Ouyang Yue and Old Madam Ning arrived at Anhe Hall, Aunt Liu had already brought Ouyang Tong over. Today, Aunt Liu's clothes were noticeably brighter, but not overly flamboyant. Compared to her previous pale colors of white or gray, they were much better. Her makeup was also more refined. Ouyang Tong, who was already two and a half years old, wore a red short jacket. Her little face was rosy, and her bright eyes were as clear as the most beautiful lake water.
Seeing Old Madam Ning and Ouyang Yue approach, Ouyang Tong turned her head and fixed her eyes on them: "Grandmother... Sister... Sister..."
Ouyang Yue laughed: "Tong'er can talk now."
Aunt Liu chuckled softly, her eyes gentle: "Your Highness, Tong'er only started speaking half a year ago. However, he caught a cold and didn't go out. Otherwise, I would have informed Your Highness as soon as he recovered." But despite her words, what was Ouyang Yue's status now? How could she dare to disturb Ouyang Yue at the Princess's residence with such a trivial matter as a concubine's son from the General's Mansion being able to speak?
Ouyang Yue didn't mind. She half-squatted down and beckoned to Ouyang Tong, "Tong'er, come here." Ouyang Tong's short legs weren't very good at walking yet. Two maids followed behind him, and Ouyang Tong stumbled over. Ouyang Yue just smiled faintly at Aunt Liu and didn't follow. She seemed to approve of Aunt Liu.
"elder sister……"
Finally, Ouyang Tong grabbed Ouyang Yue's sleeve, announcing his victory. Ouyang Yue immediately put her arms around Ouyang Tong and picked him up, laughing: "Tong'er is quite heavy. Tell your sister, has Tong'er always remembered your sister?"
Aunt Liu was a little nervous at this moment and couldn't help but look at Old Madam Ning. However, Old Madam Ning didn't notice her and was only watching the interaction between Ouyang Yue and Ouyang Tong. Ouyang Tong was biting his chubby finger, tilting his head to look at Ouyang Yue, and grinning: "Sister... Sister..."
Aunt Liu became even more nervous. Ouyang Tong was still young, how could he speak? And how could someone so young know Ouyang Yue? After all, even back in the General's Mansion, the two rarely met. She had previously shown Ouyang Yue's portrait to Ouyang Tong and asked him to recognize her, but asking would actually expose her.
Ouyang Yue didn't care. Holding Ouyang Yue, she said to Old Madam Ning, "Grandmother, let's go inside first. It's okay for us adults to be hungry, but the children can't go hungry." Old Madam Ning was taken aback and then smiled, "Yes, Yue'er is right. Let's go inside first."
"Sister... Sister... Number..." Ouyang Tong was still a child after all. She was well-educated by Aunt Liu and her pronunciation was fairly accurate. But when she tried to say something else, her voice immediately cracked. However, Ouyang Tong grinned and kissed Ouyang Yue on the face with a "smack," but it immediately smeared Ouyang Yue's face with water.
"Tong'er!" Aunt Liu cried out in fright. Ouyang Tong immediately shrank into Ouyang Yue's arms. Ouyang Yue glanced at Aunt Liu indifferently, and the latter froze. Ouyang Yue patted Ouyang Tong: "Tong'er is alright."
"Hehe..." Ouyang Tong grinned again, while Ouyang Yue found it amusing; it seemed her younger brother was quite an optimist.
“Aunt Liu, please sit down too. You still need to take care of the children’s meals.” When they arrived at the table, Old Madam Ning and Ouyang Yue naturally sat down. However, Aunt Liu dared not ask for more dishes according to the rules. Old Madam Ning immediately nodded and said, “That’s right, you should sit down too.”
"It is the old lady and Princess Mingyue."
"Alright, let's eat." Old Madam Ning nodded in satisfaction.
"Madam, the Second Miss is outside, saying she's here to pay her respects to you and Princess Mingyue." Just as Old Madam Ning and the others were about to pick up their chopsticks to eat, the atmosphere immediately turned somber upon hearing the servant's announcement. Old Madam Ning waved her hand, about to speak, when Ouyang Yue said, "Let her in."
A moment later, Ouyang Rou walked in wearing a white dress with very few decorations and accessories. If you didn't know better, you would think she was in mourning for someone. Old Madam Ning glared at Ouyang Rou fiercely, and the kindness she showed just a moment ago vanished instantly. Ouyang Yue's eyes also darkened. Was she cursing her by coming to pay her respects in this outfit?
“Ouyang Rou greets Princess Mingyue and her grandmother.” Ouyang Rou immediately half-squatted in greeting.
At this juncture, since Ouyang Yue remained silent, Old Madam Ning naturally couldn't speak either, given their difference in status. However, Ouyang Yue, seemingly forgetting Ouyang Rou, remained silent throughout. Old Madam Ning and Concubine Liu looked displeased. Ouyang Rou wasn't in her own courtyard at this time, yet she insisted on coming to pay her respects, and dressed in such attire. Now that Ouyang Yue was a princess, how could she let her off so easily? They were both quite annoyed with Ouyang Rou. For some time now, Ouyang Rou had been relatively well-behaved in the household, so she had never been short of money for the household's finances. Although she certainly received less than when Concubine Hong was alive, she certainly wouldn't be unable to buy clothes. This was truly utterly impolite.
Ouyang Rou's legs were a little numb from squatting, and she couldn't help but whisper, "Princess Mingyue, this humble woman..."
"Miss Ouyang, please get up." Ouyang Yue said calmly, immediately cutting off Ouyang Rou's unfinished words. Ouyang Rou looked unwell and could not explain, so she stood quietly to the side. Ouyang Yue looked at her calmly: "Has Miss Ouyang had her meal?"
Ouyang Rou thought for a moment, then smiled faintly and said, "Your Highness, I had a simple meal in the courtyard."
Ouyang Yue nodded slightly: "In that case, I won't let you have your way. Do as you please."
Ouyang Rou was stunned. If a normal person encountered this situation, they would ask how much or what kind of medicine to use, as a matter of courtesy. Ouyang Yue, now a princess, didn't even understand this basic courtesy. Ouyang Rou's face turned pale, but she gritted her teeth and dared not say anything, standing alone on the side, looking extremely embarrassed.
Seeing this, Old Madam Ning lowered her eyes, completely ignoring Ouyang Rou, and smiled at Ouyang Yue, saying, "Yue'er, these are all your favorite foods, please don't be shy. You're still young, your body hasn't fully developed yet, eating more will make you healthier." Hearing Old Madam Ning's casual words, Ouyang Rou felt extremely resentful. Not to mention that after Concubine Hong committed the crime, everyone in the mansion was laughing at her, and Old Madam Ning was even more resentful and too lazy to pay attention to her. Even before Concubine Hong's incident, Old Madam Ning had always been indifferent to her, when had she ever spoken to her so gently?
Ouyang Yue is nothing but a princess, a princess from another family, yet they have to fawn over her like dogs. Look at their faces, it's disgusting. Ouyang Rou lowered her head, a flash of disgust in her eyes.
“Grandmother doesn’t need to take care of me. I won’t stand on ceremony. Everyone, please eat.” Ouyang Yue said with a smile.
The servants immediately lifted the lids, and a fragrant aroma wafted out. Ouyang Rou felt her stomach rumble at the smell. She had come today intending to have a meal at Anhe Hall, but now the servants of the General's Mansion were completely disregarding her, showing no respect for her. Although the household management was fair and hadn't skimped on anything thanks to Ouyang Zhide, it was no longer like before, where the kitchen would prepare whatever she wanted. Except for special occasions, Ouyang Rou couldn't get anything she wanted unless she brought it herself or paid someone to cook it. Since the incident with Aunt Hong, Ouyang Rou had no money at all. Besides the usual household management expenses, she had pawned many of her jewelry. She wouldn't spend all her money on a few bites of food. Ouyang Rou hadn't had a decent meal in a long time.
Smelling the aroma, Ouyang Rou couldn't help but purse her lips. "Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle," she suddenly felt her stomach contract, followed by a series of rumbling sounds, like a drum beating. Ouyang Rou was startled, her face immediately darkening with shame. Everyone present was also stunned. For a young lady from a prominent family to behave like this was extremely impolite. Old Madam Ning snorted coldly, and Ouyang Yue looked at Ouyang Rou with a half-smile: "Second Miss Ouyang has quite an appetite. You just ate and are you hungry again? In that case, sit down and eat with us."
Ouyang Rou was almost driven to the point of storming off, but during her time at the General's Mansion, she knew very well when to back down. Blushing, she said, "This humble woman is ashamed. Then this humble woman will respectfully comply." She then sat down in an empty seat opposite Old Madam Ning. As soon as she sat down, she saw Old Madam Ning's utterly disgusted expression. Ouyang Rou stiffened, lowered her head, and maintained her smile as if she hadn't seen it, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.
Because of Ouyang Rou's arrival, the lunch was not as harmonious as expected. Afterwards, Ouyang Yue remained silent, as did Old Ning Shi, Aunt Liu, and the others. Only Ouyang Tong's clear, childlike voice could be heard from time to time at the table.
"Alright, take them all away." Old Madam Ning waved her hand, and servants immediately began to remove the used plates. Old Madam Ning looked at Ouyang Rou and said, "Alright, you've paid your respects, you can go back now."
Ouyang Rou smiled and said, "Grandmother, I have been looking forward to Princess Mingyue's arrival at the manor for a long time, and I haven't had a chance to say more than a few words to her. Grandmother, please let Rou'er stay here and keep you company."
Old Madam Ning's expression darkened further. Ouyang Yue glanced at Ouyang Rou, but a thought flickered in her mind. This Ouyang Rou didn't seem like someone in such a hurry. Today, she seemed to be deliberately trying to get close to her. What did she know? What did she want to say?
Old Madam Ning opened her mouth to rebuke, but in the end she just frowned and shut her mouth. Aunt Liu was always quiet and indifferent to worldly affairs, but she couldn't help but give Ouyang Rou a cold look. The latter also returned the cold look. The room was instantly filled with undercurrents. Ouyang Yue raised her eyebrows slightly and said nothing.
Old Madam Ning took Ouyang Yue's hand and said, "Yue'er, come in with me first." She then tried to pull her into the inner hall. Ouyang Yue nodded and followed her in. Ouyang Rou was startled and immediately tried to run inside, but was stopped by Aunt Liu with a smile. "Second Miss, you look like you've been in good spirits lately. Is something making you happy?"
"Get out of my way!" Ouyang Rou immediately scolded, but Aunt Liu just smiled and continued, "Second Miss, don't be in such a hurry to leave. This humble servant has something I'd like to discuss with you."
"I don't want to talk to you, get out of my way, do you hear me!" Ouyang Rou said urgently. Aunt Liu's eyes turned cold, and she wouldn't let her go. She even had two maids stand beside her. Ouyang Rou turned around but couldn't get out. Her face grew darker and darker. "What do you want to do? Get out of my way!"
Aunt Liu finally frowned and said, "Second Miss, please have some self-respect. Although I am just a concubine in this household, I am still your elder. Your words are really inappropriate. If word gets out, it will only make things worse for you. Please have some self-respect."
Ouyang Rou sneered: "What, are you threatening me? With your abilities!"
Aunt Liu slightly bowed and said, "This humble servant wouldn't dare, but I'm just stating the facts. Please don't be angry, Second Miss."
Ouyang Rou's face darkened, and she looked anxiously at the inner hall. Finally, she snorted coldly, flicked her sleeves, and sat down to the side. As for Aunt Liu, she sat down in the chair closest to the inner hall with Ouyang Tong in her arms, with two servants standing behind her. It was impossible for Ouyang Rou to force her way in.
Ouyang Yue was led into the inner hall by Old Madam Ning, where she saw many exquisite boxes on the table. Ouyang Yue was slightly taken aback. Old Madam Ning waved her hand, and Xi Mama and the others immediately opened the boxes one by one. Instantly, the room was filled with light. Upon closer inspection, they saw that the boxes were full of exquisite jewelry and jade artifacts. Ouyang Yue asked in confusion, "Grandmother, what is this?"
"Moon, Grandmother has done many wrong things in the past. I never expected you to be so magnanimous and not hold it against me. Actually, I know everything perfectly well, but I was too proud to apologize to you. In this entire General's Mansion, you are the person I owe the most. The things I did in the past, even if I died hundreds of times, would not be enough to atone for our grievances. But you don't care. I know you are doing this for your father's sake, which makes me feel even more uneasy. Grandmother was wrong. Grandmother wants to apologize to you for everything I did in the past, but I know that this is far from enough, and it is far from enough to atone for the mistakes I made. But this is all the sincerity I have. Please forgive me." Old Madam Ning pleaded urgently.