Baili Chen inwardly cried out in alarm. He had only been expressing some sentiments earlier. Qiu Yue, that little girl, was clearly in love with Leng Can. Unlike him, who had gone through so much trouble to win her over, he felt that Leng Can was somewhat useless for taking so long to get married. Who knew his wife would get angry? She was the most protective of her own, how could she have forgotten this? "Wife, don't be angry. I was just saying that Leng Can is really useless. It took him so long to win her over. They should have done this a long time ago. Once they're married, he can dote on Qiu Yue more."
Ouyang Yue looked at Baili Chen with a half-smile, while Baili Chen also looked helpless: "Wife, that's what I meant."
Ouyang Yue wasn't really angry; she just smiled and said to Chuncao, "Chuncao, go to the storeroom and find some good fabrics, two sets of headdresses, and a dowry box. Qiuyue's dowry should be at least ten sets." She then looked at Chuncao and laughed, "I won't favor you or Dongxue; it's all the same. Tell me when you have someone you like, so you won't be as flustered as Qiuyue. Otherwise, I can prepare even more."
Chuncao blushed deeply: "Your Highness, look at what you're saying, Chuncao wants to serve you for the rest of her life."
Ouyang Yue laughed: "That won't do. If you serve me for the rest of your life, your future husband will hate me to death."
Chuncao stammered, unable to speak, her eyes darting around, prompting Ouyang Yue to sigh, "Girls really are hard to keep at home once they grow up." Chuncao's face flushed as if on fire, and she immediately said urgently, "Your Highness, this servant will go and prepare right away." Then she ran off like the wind.
Ouyang Yue turned to look at Dongxue standing to the side. Dongxue was taken aback and said repeatedly, "Your Highness, this servant has no one in mind."
Ouyang Yue suddenly laughed: "Dongxue, I was thinking of asking you to go to Meiyi Pavilion to see if they need any help. I can transfer some people from the Prince Chen's Mansion. So Dongxue has someone she likes?"
Dongxue looked a little embarrassed and speechless at Ouyang Yue, but couldn't refute her. Ouyang Yue smiled and said, "If you have someone you like, you might as well say so. I'll decide for you."
Dongxue simply said, "Your Highness, this servant is going to help at the Beauty Pavilion." After saying that, she left, somewhat unsteady on her feet.
Ouyang Yue looked at them and couldn't help but smile. Leng Caiwen looked at the shaker and said, "My cousin is very kind to the people around her."
Ouyang Yue smiled: "As long as they are sincere to me, I will naturally not be stingy with my money."
Leng Caiwen sipped his glass lightly: "Yes, it's true. I know my cousin doesn't like betrayal. She's adorably domineering."
Baili Chen glared at Leng Caiwen, but Leng Caiwen stared intently at Ouyang Yue. Ouyang Yue looked at him thoughtfully but remained silent.
The next day, when Mama Xi was giving her routine report on the affairs of the Prince's Mansion, she may have mentioned the events in the Imperial Palace.
Ouyang Yue raised an eyebrow: "Oh, Father has brought Consort Fen out of Mingxiang Palace."
Madam Xi said, "I heard that the Emperor was very angry. Although he did not punish Consort Sun severely for this, he did use the fact that Consort Sun was injured to forbid her from leaving Mingxiang Palace for a month. Consort Fen, who lived in Mingxiang Palace, moved into Liuhua Palace."
Ouyang Yue laughed: "It seems that Father really likes Consort Fen. Isn't this an opportunity to promote Consort Fen's rank? Liuhua Palace was previously occupied by a concubine who made a mistake. Since she was convicted, no one has lived there. But it is still the main palace. It seems that Consort Fen will be promoted soon."
Ouyang Yue, however, hadn't expected that, just as she had predicted, five days later, Fenyan would be promoted to the fourth-rank Zhaoyi, a leap of three ranks, making countless people envious. But despite their jealousy, there was nothing they could do, because Fenyan was pregnant. After such a long period of quiet in the palace, her pregnancy was understandable, given the Emperor's favor with her. Even the Empress Dowager and the Empress showed great affection for her. In the following ten days, the palace received a series of good news: Liu Wanyi, a fifth-rank concubine, and Yunfei, a third-rank concubine, both became pregnant. The Emperor was overjoyed and bestowed many rewards upon them. However, compared to Fenyan, these two only received minor promotions, becoming fifth and third-rank concubines respectively. This clearly demonstrated Fenyan's favor, seemingly surpassing even Consort Sun's. However, since Fenyan was brought into the palace by Consort Sun, it certainly brought her prestige.
The simultaneous pregnancy of three concubines in the palace has kept the powerful figures in the capital extremely busy. They are obliged to send gifts to congratulate them, otherwise they risk being disrespected or attracting unwanted attention. If someone whispers in the emperor's ear, they could be in serious trouble!
Ouyang Yue simply asked happy Mama to prepare the wedding gifts, and that she would enter the palace once she had chosen Qiuyue's dowry. However, happy Mama said, "Your Highness, if you don't take this seriously, I'm afraid there will be gossip."
Ouyang Yue didn't seem to care much: "Moving forward now won't do any good either. People will say I'm trying to win them over. Besides, even if I don't act impolitely, do you think I'll let them off easily if they don't want to let me off? What's the point of talking nonsense? Qiuyue is someone I trained. How can those people in the palace compare to Qiuyue?"
Madam Xi fell silent, but looked at Ouyang Yue with a hint of excitement. This was also a subtle way of implying to Madam Xi that those around her would not be mistreated. Madam Xi was originally from the Ning family, and had only recently entered the profession. Although it was due to Baili Chen's influence—otherwise, Ouyang Yue probably wouldn't have taken her in—she couldn't be as close as Chuncao or Qiuyue. Yet, she hadn't been treated unfairly. Madam Xi was actually quite pleased with Ouyang Yue's tolerance and care for her people, and had never regretted it.
After all, Old Madam Ning had left her a way out; if she wanted, she could get a sum of money and live a peaceful life. She had dedicated her life to the Bai family and Baili Chen, and Baili Chen wouldn't force her to live her own life if she wanted. But now that she's here, if Ouyang Yue is too indifferent, she might not be content. But who wouldn't want to follow a master who cares for his subordinates like that? Mama Xi never married and had no relatives; living alone was a painful experience for her.
Ouyang Yue, along with Chuncao and Qiuyue, spent two days each running around the commercial streets of the capital, and added some more items. Qiuyue's dowry was now complete, and the only remaining matter was setting a date for the wedding ceremony, which Ouyang Yue didn't need to worry about. However, these two days had been quite exhausting for Chuncao and Qiuyue.
After finishing these tasks, Ouyang Yue entered the palace. First, she and Baili Chen paid their respects to Emperor Mingxian, the Empress Dowager, and the Empress. She naturally wouldn't disturb Consort Sun, who was under house arrest. Then, she started by congratulating Consort Yun and presenting gifts to each of them. However, she spent significantly more time with Fenyan, which was understandable. Everyone who came to see Fenyan did the same. Now, she was a favorite of the Emperor, and everyone wanted to curry favor with her. Even the concubines who had already been ranked in the harem wouldn't bother to cause trouble for Fenyan now.
"Princess Consort Chen, please have a seat." As soon as Ouyang Yue walked in, Fenyan stood up with a smile to invite her to sit down. Ouyang Yue quickly stepped forward to block her way, saying, "What is Consort Zhao doing? Please don't get up. If you accidentally hurt her, it will be my fault. Please sit down."
Fen Yan held Ouyang Yue's hand, her smile widening: "I've been so bored these past few days, finally I have someone to talk to."
Ouyang Yue laughed: "It's wonderful that Consort Zhao is pregnant. How can you be bored? Father Emperor is worried that you might get hurt, so he sent people to protect you. When he heard that you were pregnant, people from all the mansions went to great lengths to send you gifts."
Fenyan sighed, "You know what good intentions they might have. They have no choice but to enter this palace. I really don't trust the things they send me."
Ouyang Yue smiled faintly and did not respond to those words. In this palace, princes and princesses are all bargaining chips for the women in the harem, and also stumbling blocks for other concubines. Those with the power would naturally want to get rid of them.
Fenyan didn't care that Ouyang Yue didn't respond, she just sighed softly and stroked her belly: "I don't know if this child came at the right time."
Ouyang Yue smiled: "It's time, of course it's time. Consort Zhao is at the height of her power right now. Whether this child is a boy or a girl, as long as the birth goes smoothly, your rank will naturally be raised. It's a good thing." This is a rule in the palace. As long as you produce offspring for the palace, even those of low birth will be promoted to the rank of Consort. Of course, even those with some rank are not as good as those of lower rank. This is related to many factors such as powerful connections. But this is to give princes and princesses a legitimate seniority. Who has ever heard of a Consort who gave birth to a princess or a prince? She would be too ashamed to show her face to anyone.
Fenyan chuckled softly, "Your Highness is always so good at sweet-talking people. You never used to speak so cryptically."
Ouyang Yue smiled faintly. Now Fenyan was different, and there were some things that could not be said at all. However, Fenyan did not care and only asked, "Is Lüyan alright?"
Ouyang Yue nodded: "Don't worry, Consort Zhao. Although Lüyan doesn't live with me, I've already sent people to protect her secretly. Although she still wants to save you, she knows the chances are slim. Plus, after your conversation with her last time you entered the palace, she's much calmer now. Although she hasn't given up, she won't do anything reckless." After saying that, she couldn't help but ask, "Consort Zhao, if she has the opportunity to take you out in the future, will you leave?"
Fen Yan was taken aback, a slight glint in her eyes: "Princess Consort Chen, do you think this is possible!"
Ouyang Yue remained silent. Fen Yan gently stroked her belly and said calmly, "If I were still a virgin, I would naturally leave without hesitation. But even if reality were irreversible, what could my sister and I do?!"
Ouyang Yue held Fen Yan's hand and gently stroked it. Fen Yan's eyes were filled with tears and endless sorrow. Ouyang Yue comforted her softly, but at this moment, a commotion suddenly arose outside Liuhua Palace. Fen Yan said unhappily, "What's going on outside? Why is it so noisy!"
Two palace maids rushed in in a panic. The palace maids and eunuchs in Liuhua Palace were all sent by Emperor Mingxian. Knowing that Fenyan was favored, they hurriedly apologized, saying, "Your Highness, please forgive us. It's...it's Consort Sun's little white dog that went crazy and ran into Liuhua Palace. This little white dog is very much favored by Consort Sun. We didn't dare to grab it, but who knew it was so slippery, causing such a commotion. Please forgive us, Your Highness."
Fenyan looked unwell, but upon hearing about Consort Sun's beloved dog, she gritted her teeth and said, "Catch Xiaobai and send it to Mingxiang Palace. Don't hurt Xiaobai."
"It's Consort Zhao." The palace maids left in fear, but not long after, they heard an even more alarming commotion outside.
Ouyang Yue and Fen Yan were standing at the palace gate when Ouyang Yue suddenly felt a flash of white light in front of her. She was shocked and cried out, "Zhaoyi, be careful!" She quickly turned around, grabbed Fen Yan, and protected her to safety. The white light flashed again and rushed towards Ouyang Yue.
Ouyang Yue was startled and quickly dodged it by moving her head, but the thing was so fast that Ouyang Yue had no choice but to extend her arm to block it.
"Rip!" Ouyang Yue's elegant sleeve was instantly torn open, revealing a long, bloody gash on her arm, a shocking sight.
Upon seeing this, Fenyan was shocked: "Princess Consort Chen, you are injured! Quickly summon the imperial physician!"
Ouyang Yue squinted and looked down at the ground. She saw the little white dog that Consort Sun was chasing and running away in a panic. It had a piece of paper in its mouth. The little white dog looked fierce at Ouyang Yue, but it still spat out the paper. Fen Yan was suspicious. She picked it up and showed it to Ouyang Yue. Her expression changed drastically!
The note read: I want to leave the palace!
Ouyang Yue sneered, "Does Consort Sun want to leave Mingxiang Palace? Why go through all this trouble? Consort Zhao will definitely save her, won't she?"
Fenyan, however, was filled with doubt and uncertainty: "Save her, but... if we really beg the Emperor to release her..."
Ouyang Yue smiled and said, "There's something you probably haven't figured out, Consort Zhao. Whether you plead or not, the Emperor can't keep Consort Sun imprisoned for long. After all, she's a Consort, a step below the Empress. She can still fight the Empress in the palace. The power dynamics in the palace are gradually becoming unbalanced. Consort Sun's actions are undoubtedly a way of letting people know that you're on the same side. It's a means of balancing power. It's telling the Empress that she still has the ability to fight."
"You mean I should plead with the Emperor? But I'm still worried, given what she did to you before..."
Dongxue had already silently taken out some wound medicine and applied it to Ouyang Yue temporarily, waiting for the imperial physician to provide further treatment. Ouyang Yue turned to look at Fenyan, her smile meaningful: "So if we take the initiative, she has to come out too!"
Fenyan was horrified: "You...you're going to...!"
☆、204、Open up and gut it!
Fen Yan looked at Ouyang Yue with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty on her face. After a long period of turmoil, she finally couldn't help but say, "But...I..."
Ouyang Yue looked calmly at Fen Yan: "Is it that Consort Zhao still doesn't dare to make a move against her, doesn't dare to plot against her?"
Fenyan pursed her lips and remained silent. She knew all too well what kind of methods Consort Sun was capable of. Her parents had suffered a tragic accident, and Consort Sun had appeared so suddenly. If she hadn't thought of this before out of gratitude, she wouldn't have now become aware of it after entering the palace and witnessing such a person's methods. Could Consort Sun have been involved in what happened to her family? And how had Consort Sun caused her to be separated from her sister and enter the palace?
For such a long time, she was not only filled with immense fear, but also physically endured Consort Sun's so-called "training." To put it bluntly, Consort Sun had used special methods to defile her virginity. The Emperor's attraction to her stemmed from her seemingly innocent appearance, yet her body was far more alluring and sensual than that of ordinary women. And she wasn't alone; she had Lü Yan. She dared not take such a risk! She didn't want to experience Consort Sun's methods a second time.
Fen Yan looked at Ouyang Yue silently, but her meaning was clear: she didn't want to take action. Perhaps she could secretly help Consort Sun when she attacked Ouyang Yue out of goodwill, but she dared not take the initiative to confront Consort Sun and create an enemy. It was an instinctive fear, both physical and mental. Call her cowardly or whatever, she was afraid she would disappoint Ouyang Yue.
Ouyang Yue didn't mind, but seeing that the palace maid had been quite exhausted, she finally managed to pick up the struggling Xiaobai with great effort and send her to Mingxiang Palace. She smiled and said, "Zhaoyi, it seems you've forgotten your place."
Fenyan's expression changed. Was Ouyang Yue's statement a threat or an insult? However, her next words were far from that: "Zhaoyi, you are now the most favored concubine in the palace. You have nothing to fear. Of course, beauty alone cannot guarantee lifelong favor, but Consort Sun has been favored in the harem for nearly twenty years. How do you know that what she did to you wasn't part of her usual methods? You really have no confidence in yourself. Did you see this note? What do you think of Consort Sun's words? Are you prepared to be controlled by Consort Sun like this, constantly being humiliated? Consort Sun still needs your help now, so lower your status a little. If she regains favor, do you think you, being pregnant, can defeat her, or will Consort Sun be lenient and let you go?"
Fenyan's expression suddenly changed drastically. Ouyang Yue said calmly, "Even if she can't give birth, she will find a way to make yours hers. When children are young, they have no concept of their parents. If she controls the two of you to meet in the future, hehehe, Consort Zhao, do you think my guess is possible?"
Fen Yan clenched her fists slightly. Although Ouyang Yue only said it was her speculation, Fen Yan knew there was an 80-90% chance this would happen. Compared to Consort Sun, she knew far more about her than Ouyang Yue. That woman was ruthless and vicious, capable of any evil scheme. What if she couldn't have children herself and instead wanted to take her child? Then she would only have two paths: one was to continue living this inhuman life, secretly controlled and tormented by Consort Sun; the other was to be killed by Consort Sun, who would then rightfully take her child to raise without any side effects. And, perhaps, Consort Sun wouldn't let her child know that his birth mother wasn't her, but Consort Sun!
Just thinking about this made Fenyan feel a chill run down her spine.
Fen Yan's mind was in a state of confusion. On one hand, there was the powerful force she had always felt was untouchable, and on the other hand, there was herself and the child in her womb. It was truly difficult for her to make a quick decision. She pursed her lips and said, "Princess Consort Chen, please allow me to consider it some more."
Ouyang Yue said calmly, "I didn't expect Consort Zhao to give me an answer so soon. However, I can guarantee that if you are going to make a move, I will make sure that Consort Sun will never be able to threaten you again."
Fen Yan was startled and looked at Ouyang Yue with a puzzled expression, but Ouyang Yue had already turned and left after saying those words.
Fenyan narrowed her eyes slightly, suddenly picked up the note in her hand to look at it, and finally sneered before turning around and entering the inner hall.
Ouyang Yue left with Chuncao and Dongxue. Inside the carriage, Dongxue couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, can Fenyan really be trusted?" Although Fenyan and Lüyan came from pitiful backgrounds, and Lüyan could be said to be under their control, Fenyan wouldn't act rashly. However, it was hard to say whether she might betray them out of fear of Consort Sun.
Ouyang Yue smiled faintly: "I dare not say anything else, but in this matter, she has no reason not to help me." This palace is a big melting pot; even good people cannot remain untainted here. Moreover, who can say for sure whether Fenyan is a good person or not? When it comes to their own interests, right and wrong are just nonsense.
Fenyan's body had long been defiled by men, which was also a handle for Consort Sun. Although this was deliberately trained by Consort Sun, it was hard to guarantee that Consort Sun would not use this to threaten Fenyan in the future. Anyone who wasn't stupid would desperately want Consort Sun to die. Consort Sun stood in front of Fenyan like a mountain, but when this mountain was about to crush you, who wouldn't resist?
Beauty Pavilion and Beauty Clothes Pavilion are both properties owned by Princess Chen and Princess Mingyue. Now, probably no one in the capital knows about them. The two managers of Beauty Clothes Pavilion fell in love because of their work and are now getting married. Whether it's because of the affection from Beauty Pavilion and Beauty Clothes Pavilion or to please Ouyang Yue, people from all over the capital who couldn't attend sent their servants to give gifts and celebrate. Qiu Yue received so many gifts that she was overwhelmed and had a headache from keeping track of the accounts every day.
Seeing this, Leng Can couldn't help but say, "You're the bride now, you don't need to do this kind of rough work. Just get married quietly first, and then we can deal with it later."
Qiu Yue couldn't help but glance at him: "If we don't take care of this, how will we return the favor next time? Besides, what do you mean by getting married first? It's as if everything will be fine after the marriage. Do you intend to marry me and then just leave me aside?"
Leng Can said helplessly, "That's not what I meant. You learned it from your master; you're becoming more and more unreasonable."
Qiu Yue squinted: "You're complaining about the Princess Consort. Don't forget, she's also your most loyal and beloved mistress. If this gets back to your master, he'll be the first to punish you."
Leng Can was speechless: "We're about to get married, do you treat your master better than you treat me?"
Qiuyue continued to work on the abacus, and after finishing one set, she looked up and said, "Who told you to be so forgetful? You know the princess is like a second mother to me. I respect her as much as you respect your master. You always get jealous over this. You're really getting worse as you get older."
Leng Can walked over, snatched the abacus beads, and then scrambled them, scrambling the abacus. Luckily, he had memorized the set of numbers, otherwise Qiu Yue would have definitely turned on him on the spot. Leng Can slammed the abacus onto the table with a 'bang': "I'm really not a very strong husband. You're too honest, woman. When I get a little jealous, you should at least comfort me a bit."
Qiuyue snorted: "I will always side with you, except for this. I will not allow anyone to speak ill of the Princess, not even you."
Leng Can sighed, still thinking to himself, whenever his master gets jealous, the princess always coaxes him. How come Qiu Yue, who usually seems so gentle and weak, is the complete opposite of the princess? Leng Can didn't even consider that all his jealousy was with Ouyang Yue. It's no wonder Qiu Yue can't coax him.
"Ahem, I'm busy!" Just then, a light cough suddenly came, interrupting the two. Leng Can and Qiu Yue looked up and didn't know when Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue had appeared. They were both looking at them indifferently. Qiu Yue immediately smiled and said, "Your Highness, you've arrived. This servant will bring you some dishes right away."
Leng Can curled his lip: "You stay here, I'll go." Right now, the people in Meiyi Pavilion are busy greeting guests during the day, and some are even helping Qiuyue carry her dowry. There really isn't anyone free. Leng Can didn't want his future wife to suffer, so he had to do it himself.
Qiu Yue didn't refuse, but looked at Ouyang Yue standing excitedly to the side and said, "Your Highness, it's so late, why did you come over?"
Ouyang Yue looked at Qiu Yue. Qiu Yue was naturally beautiful. Compared to Chun Cao's pretty face or Dong Xue's cold beauty, she had a delicate and graceful beauty, like a willow branch. She was also very skillful. If it weren't for Leng Can helping Mei Yi Ge's business over the past few years and the deep relationship between the two, and Ouyang Yue's understanding of Leng Can, she would really feel that Leng Can had wronged Qiu Yue. "I came to see you. You're getting married soon. You can't just come on your wedding day."
Qiuyue shook her head: "Your Highness, your status is different now. You shouldn't come on my wedding day. It will cause gossip."
Ouyang Yue sighed, "I've been telling you to change how you address me, but you won't listen. I know what you're thinking, but you're all people I trained, and you're the manager of Meiyi Pavilion. Whether it's because I value you or to support Meiyi Pavilion, I have to come. As for your dowry, are you all prepared? Chuncao and Dongxue have been very busy these past few days, saying they're preparing wedding gifts for you. Especially Dongxue, I heard from Chuncao that she hasn't slept well for days, I wonder what she's up to."
Qiu Yue paused slightly, a bitter smile creeping onto her face. Back in the Jingzhao Prefecture prison, Dong Xue didn't want Ouyang Yue to deal with Leng Can, entirely out of consideration for Ouyang Yue. However, Qiu Yue, being the person involved, inevitably harbored resentment, and their relationship remained lukewarm afterward. Ouyang Yue knew about the matter but didn't intervene, as it wasn't her responsibility. In truth, neither of them was at fault; they both knew this in their hearts, but they couldn't bring themselves to speak out, dragging it out until now.
Qiu Yue looked at Ouyang Yue and said, "Your Highness, please rest assured. We are all your subordinates. What we do is for your safety and happiness. As long as Your Highness is well, we will be fine. Besides, I have never resented Dong Xue. No matter what she gives me, I will be very happy."
Speaking of which, Qiuyue and Dongxue used to be the closest of friends. Back then, Dongxue deliberately let Qiuyue save her in order to protect Ouyangyue. She felt grateful and guilty towards Qiuyue and secretly helped her a lot. Their relationship was no less deep than Ouyangyue's. If the two of them were to become estranged because of this incident, it would be a real loss. How could they not understand this principle?
Ouyang Yue smiled and nodded with some relief.
The wedding of Qiu Yue and Leng Can was quite a sensation because it was held in the name of the manager of Mei Yi Ge. Although it was not as grand as the weddings of daughters from major families, there were still many people who came to offer their congratulations. What was most noteworthy was that Leng Can and Qiu Yue bowed to Bai Li Chen and Ouyang Yue directly. This was to tell everyone that not only did Ouyang Yue attach great importance to Mei Yi Ge, but she also attached great importance to the manager of Mei Yi Ge. Anyone who wanted to cause trouble would have to think twice. When the Fu family had their accident, the news spread and the Fu family ended up like this. After seeing today's scene, those people naturally did not dare to act recklessly.
On the way back to the manor, Ouyang Yue suddenly said, "Chuncao and Dongxue are about the same age. I have prepared your dowries together. I am just waiting for you to find your ideal husbands so that I can marry you off together."
Spring Grass blushed shyly, Winter Snow's eyes flickered briefly before calming down, and Ouyang Yue smiled without saying anything.
That night, in an ordinary house in the capital, an oil lamp was lit in the master bedroom. Under the lamplight, a man dressed in blood-red robes was exceptionally alluring. His black hair was casually draped over his shoulders, giving him a lazy and decadent air, yet he possessed a fatal attraction.
Upon seeing this, Zi San, who had slowly walked in, couldn't help but take a deep breath. Even though he had seen his master many times, he was still deeply attracted at this moment: "Master."
The Miao King turned his head slightly, the painted vines on his face seeming to grow out of his skin, dancing in the lamplight with every movement, making his eyes appear even more unfathomable: "Speak."