Ouyang Yue knew that he must be suffering terribly. She was only in the early stages of pregnancy, not yet past the stable three-month period, so sexual intercourse was definitely prohibited. She was alright, but Baili Chen had been having a tough time lately. He couldn't take the final step for a long time. Ouyang Yue had been very cooperative lately, letting Baili Chen do whatever he wanted as long as it didn't affect the fetus. But not reaching the final step was the real problem. Like now, with a beautiful woman in his arms, he could only have a small appetizer. How could Baili Chen, a passionate man, endure this? But for the sake of his wife and child, he had to grit his teeth and bear it.
That's what he said, but he was really suffering inside, feeling incredibly uncomfortable. Baili Chen was also extremely frustrated. His arm encircled Ouyang Yue's waist, and soon he slipped under the covers, starting to ignite desire all over her body. Ouyang Yue helplessly discovered that her body seemed even more sensitive since she became pregnant. In no time, she went limp in Baili Chen's arms like water. Baili Chen exhaled a breath of hot air; it was so frustrating! The more this happened, the stronger his desire became, but now he could see her but not have her—he was practically dying of pent-up desire!
Seemingly sensing Baili Chen's resentment, Ouyang Yue raised her head, coughing up blood as she said, "Husband, let me help you."
Baili Chen was taken aback: "You'll help me? How will you help me?"
A slight smile appeared on Ouyang Yue's face, and she said in a low voice, "Use your hands..."
Baili Chen's eyes widened slightly, but he immediately understood what Ouyang Yue meant. He couldn't help but grab Ouyang Yue's smooth, white hand and kiss and nibble on it forcefully for a while, then chuckled softly, "My wife is overthinking it, I'm fine."
Ouyang Yue blinked, hiding the shyness in her eyes, and snorted, "You think I'm worried about you? You're so narcissistic. I'm just afraid you'll feel too uncomfortable and go out and do something reckless. Then I'll whip you."
Baili Chen chuckled and said, "Yes, yes, I know my wife isn't worried about me, she's just afraid I'll do something reckless. The only one who can do something reckless to me is you, my wife. But now that you've said that, I'm really curious about what it feels like to be whipped."
Ouyang Yue glared at Baili Chen: "I really didn't know you had such a self-destructive tendency."
Baili Chen blinked pitifully at Ouyang Yue: "My wife, isn't this better than nothing? Now, for your sake and the child's, I have to endure not being able to have sex for ten months. This is a compromise."
Ouyang Yue looked at him speechlessly: "I've never seen anyone as lecherous as you."
"Does my wife like it?"
Ouyang Yue grabbed Baili Chen's arm and bit it. It didn't hurt much, but it made Baili Chen howl. He pretended to be in real pain, but later his cries changed into a different tone, which made Ouyang Yue's heart flutter with a strange excitement.
"Slap!" A hand landed on Baili Chen's chest. Ouyang Yue blushed and said, "Stop yelling, it hurts my ears."
Baili Chen put his arm around Ouyang Yue's waist and slipped his hand under the covers again. Ouyang Yue's face grew increasingly red. Baili Chen said lewdly, "Does my wife really have an earache? Is it this that hurts?" His hand under the covers touched Ouyang Yue's chest, making her blush uncontrollably. She turned away from Baili Chen and went to sleep facing the wall.
Baili Chen chuckled and shamelessly leaned closer again. However, this time he didn't do anything inappropriate. He simply hugged Ouyang Yue from behind, letting her lean against his strong chest. It was as if a small boat had found its harbor, making her feel very safe and secure. Ouyang Yue gradually relaxed as well.
"Husband, are you feeling uncomfortable?" Ouyang Yue suddenly asked after a while.
Baili Chen reached out and tucked a stray strand of Ouyang Yue's hair behind her ear, leaning closer and asking, "Why do you say that?"
"It's my cousin. You must feel uncomfortable," Ouyang Yue said, her heart filled with complex emotions. No one was a fool; even if Leng Caiwen hid it well, the occasional, seemingly unintentional glances he cast at Ouyang Yue, brimming with affection, were unmistakable. But Leng Caiwen had fallen out with his family and come to the Chen Prince's residence. One was his cousin, the other his friend; no one would refuse Leng Caiwen. However, this would likely make Baili Chen uncomfortable as well.
Baili Chen remained silent for a while, until Ouyang Yue turned her head nervously. What greeted her was an exceptionally passionate kiss that made Ouyang Yue's whole body go weak and she could hardly breathe. Only then did Baili Chen stop. Ouyang Yue looked at Baili Chen with hazy, alluring eyes. He then reached out his slightly rough hand and gently stroked her cheek: "Then tell me, my wife, do you love me more or Caiwen?"
Ouyang Yue reached out and wrapped her arms around Baili Chen's waist without the slightest hesitation: "Of course it's you! Do you think I would get pregnant for a man I don't love?" She couldn't help but feel a little aggrieved as she spoke. Although she had indeed thought about it before, that was before she didn't believe in love and didn't think she would ever have one. Now it was different. With Baili Chen by her side, she would absolutely not agree to marry just anyone and have Su'er.
Baili Chen smiled with satisfaction: "That's it. Although I have some bad intentions, letting Caiwen stay in the manor and watch us fall in love will eventually make him unable to bear it, and he will also have the idea of marrying another woman he loves. Caiwen is a smart man, so don't worry." Although he said this, Baili Chen's heart sank slightly. However, if they were in a different situation, with Caiwen as him and him as the one he could not have, he would not give up so easily.
Ouyang Yue's eyes flickered slightly. She said nothing, but gently kissed Baili Chen's lips and said, "It's enough that my husband trusts me."
"Go to sleep, it's getting late. Or are you deliberately trying to seduce me so neither of us can sleep?" Baili Chen switched to his shameless act again, making Ouyang Yue roll her eyes in annoyance. She lightly patted his chest, then grabbed his arm and placed it under her head, finding the most comfortable position to wrap her arms around Baili Chen's waist, saying, "Sleep!"
"Okay!" Baili Chen gently kissed Ouyang Yue's forehead, then wrapped his arms around her and fell asleep.
The next day, Ouyang Yue and Baili Chen personally saw Leng Caiwen off. Watching Leng Caiwen's horse gallop away from afar, they felt a mix of emotions. For Leng Caiwen's safety, Baili Chen still sent a team to follow, and Leng Caiwen ultimately did not refuse.
Time flew by, and Leng Caiwen did not return for the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet. However, the banquet would not be postponed because of him alone.
Early that morning, Ouyang Yue and Baili Chen got up early. With the help of servants, the two were dressed in exquisite robes, both wearing purple, with jade belts and jade rings of different styles around their waists. Coupled with their extraordinary appearances, they looked like a perfect couple as they walked by, attracting the attention of passersby from time to time.
The Empress Dowager's birthday banquet naturally invited all court officials, and today it was specially opened to all officials of the seventh rank and above, allowing them to bring their families. This was a tremendous favor to those lower-ranking officials of the sixth and seventh ranks who had always been excluded. This imperial birthday banquet was always attended by the most powerful and noble families, people rarely seen in public, who were now able to feast their eyes on the spectacle. Everyone was dressed to the nines, but once inside the palace, they realized the difference was stark; some things couldn't be concealed by appearances alone. The refined manners of those truly well-educated young masters and ladies were enough to make these people feel inferior, let alone the highly respected Prince Chen and Princess Chen of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
Many people murmured among themselves, their eyes filled with envy, jealousy, and resentment as they looked at the couple. It was like a painting depicting the myriad aspects of life. The two people walking in the very center of the painting were so natural and unaffected by the comments of others, nor did they feel inferior because of it. Their dignified and majestic demeanor was truly remarkable.
On a two-story pavilion in the palace, which was originally a favorite spot for the concubines, princes, and princesses to enjoy the view, the pavilion was the tallest building in the palace, except that it was shorter than the main hall and the Mingxian Emperor's bedroom.
Strictly speaking, the imperial palace and the emperor's sleeping quarters are actually only half a story higher than the carved dragon jade walls above them. In terms of actual height, this two-story pavilion is the tallest, which is why it is a place that the masters of the palace like very much.
Standing here, one can see a third of the palace's scenery, as well as the emperor's sleeping quarters and the imperial court. Countless concubines have waited for Emperor Mingxian from afar here, eventually intercepting him to curry favor. Therefore, this two-story pavilion was very popular with the empress.
Outside the pavilion stood a number of people. At the very front stood a woman in an exquisite gold-embroidered robe with peacock motifs, adorned with a jade phoenix hairpin, and surrounded by magpies perched on plum blossoms—this magnificently dressed woman was none other than the Second Princess, Baili Jing. Beside her stood Baili Cai, whose attire was far more ordinary. She wore a pink floral robe and pearl and jade ornaments, appearing much simpler and more unassuming. However, Baili Cai lacked Baili Jing's flamboyant and sharp nature; she was the demure and unassuming type. Among the several princesses, each with their own unique charm, Baili Cai was not among the most prominent and remained quite unremarkable.
As Baili Jing watched the two luminous figures slowly walk in, a cold glint flashed in her eyes. Suddenly, she said to Baili Cai beside her, "Look at our Seventh Brother, he's really in high spirits when something good happens. I can see that his cunning face is shining. It seems that Seventh Brother's personality has changed quite a bit since Seventh Sister-in-law is pregnant. Don't you think so, Fourth Sister?"
Baili Cai looked up at Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue. When she saw Ouyang Yue, a hint of envy flashed in her eyes. She lowered her head and said, "Yes, anyone would be very happy to encounter something like this."
Baili Jing let out a cold snort: "You know, I've hated Xuan Yuan Yue ever since I first saw her."
Baili Cai was startled. There were quite a few young ladies standing around them, and it was bound to be noisy and chaotic here. Even if Baili Jing was arrogant in the past, she would never do something so out of line. What was she doing today? Baili Cai didn't dare to answer. She had always been a dispensable figure in the palace. Neither Baili Jing nor Xuan Yuan Yue were people she could afford to offend.
Looking at Baili Cai, Baili Jing's eyes flashed with a hint of mockery and disdain: "Most of the people I hate don't have a good ending, don't you think, Fourth Princess?"
Looking at Baili Jing's sparkling eyes, Baili Cai felt a sudden tightness in her heart for some reason. Baili Jing always had this expression when she was about to use some trick. What was she going to do? At this moment, Baili Jing beckoned with her finger, and Baili Cai obediently moved closer. But after hearing Baili Jing's words, Baili Cai's eyes widened suddenly, and a look of fear and astonishment flashed across her face!
☆、209, chess pieces, a chaotic dance of snakes!
Baili Caixin tensed up, her expression strange, as if she wanted to laugh but couldn't: "Second Imperial Sister, this...this..."
Baili Jing squinted and glanced to the side. The palace maid who had been guarding her saw this and immediately signaled the other young ladies to step back. After descending the pavilion, Baili Jing stood in front of the wooden railing, her hand lightly resting on it. She turned to look at Baili Cai, whose face kept flashing with a strange expression: "What, are you scared? Don't dare to do it?"
Baili Cai hurriedly said, "Second Imperial Sister, this is going too far. If things go wrong, it won't do you any good either."
Baili Le's eyes narrowed to slits: "What, you don't want to do it...?"
Baili Cai's face was full of hesitation. She pursed her lips but didn't speak. Baili Le's expression darkened, and he said in a cold voice after a moment, "What, you don't dare to go?"
Baili Cai was startled and quickly said, "Second Imperial Sister, I just felt that it wouldn't do you any good, so..."
"Slap!" Before Baili Cai could finish speaking, she was met with a slap from Baili Jing. Baili Cai's head jerked back as she was hit, a flicker of fear crossing her heart. Then she heard Baili Jing's cold voice: "Fourth Princess, have you forgotten that you have no right to say no in front of me? I'll ask you one more time, do it or not!"
A glint of tears flashed in Baili Cai's eyes, and she immediately took out a handkerchief to gently stroke her slightly flushed cheeks: "I will obey Second Princess's orders."
Baili Jing's lips curled up slightly, but her gaze towards Baili Cai was filled with mockery and disdain. Her face was all smiles as she gently stroked Baili Cai's cheek and said, "Oh dear, it was Second Princess who lost her composure just now. Fourth Princess's face must be hurt. I was too rough and didn't hurt her properly."
Baili Cai shrank her neck and smiled with a twitch at the corner of her mouth, "It doesn't hurt at all. I'm sorry to have worried you, Second Sister. It's my fault."
Baili Jing didn't dwell on the topic, but simply said, "Make sure you remember everything I just said. There can't be any mistakes in this matter. Go and do it."
Baili Cai bit her lip slightly and lowered her head, saying, "Second Imperial Sister, rest assured, I will do my best."
"Yes, I'm quite at ease about that, because Fourth Princess is a smart person." Baili Jing glanced at Baili Cai with a half-smile, then her body tensed up, her face showing a look of bitterness and helplessness. Baili Chen and Ouyang Yue were naturally unaware of everything that was happening in the pavilion.
Today is the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet. They are to first go to the Empress Dowager to pay their respects and present gifts. Only when the time comes will they go to Chengde Hall to attend the banquet. At this time, the Empress Dowager's place is packed with people. The noble ladies of the capital are all gathered inside. Although the Empress Dowager cannot speak to everyone, it is an honor to be able to get close to them. Ouyang Yue naturally saw some acquaintances here, such as Madam Huang of the Ning family and Madam Xie of the Leng family. Of course, these people cannot compare with the imperial relatives. Seeing that Ouyang Yue was invited to the front as soon as she entered, all the ladies and young ladies of the famous families were extremely envious.
The Empress Dowager chuckled and gestured for Ouyang Yue to sit in the front. If it weren't for the occasion, she probably would have pulled Ouyang Yue to the front to chat and laugh: "Oh, it's the seventh prince's wife. How have you been feeling lately? Is there anything you're not feeling well about?"
Ouyang Yue smiled gently and said, "Grandmother, apart from feeling a little tired, I don't feel any discomfort. It's just that I can eat more than before, and I'm really afraid that I'll get fatter and fatter." No matter what, women always love beauty, and Ouyang Yue's words did not arouse any dissatisfaction. Instead, they made the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and others laugh.
The Empress glared at Ouyang Yue and said, "You're just being cheeky. No woman can give birth without gaining weight. Being able to eat is good; that's how you give birth to a healthy baby."
The Empress Dowager smiled and nodded: "That's right. Seventh Prince's wife, just tell me what you want to eat. Your grandmother is old and can't eat much all day long. If my great-grandson wants to eat something, I will do everything I can to get it for him."
Ouyang Yue smiled modestly: "Thank you for your concern, Grandmother. I understand."
The Empress Dowager and the Empress both inquired about Ouyang Yue's recent situation, treating her like a precious treasure. This aroused some jealousy among the concubines, princesses, royal relatives, and ladies of various households present, especially the principal and secondary wives of the Crown Prince's residence, the Third Prince's residence, and the Ninth Prince's residence.
They've all married into the royal family, some even longer than Ouyang Yue, yet they still don't have any babies. Ouyang Yue is the first, making everyone envious. If she's pregnant with a boy, it'll be a real problem for their respective husbands.
The two concubines of the Crown Prince's residence, Lin Yingying and Mu Cuihuan, the concubine of the Prince of Zhi's residence, Sun Meng'er, and the concubine of the Prince of Sheng's residence, Leng Caidie, all looked at Ouyang Yue with cold faces. Consort Sun was now dead, and not in a glorious way. The Sun family was trying to send someone to the palace, but with the Empress in charge, it was probably impossible to send another Consort Sun. The Sun family had been keeping a low profile recently, and even the second wife of the Leng family had been instructed to do so. Therefore, although Sun Meng'er and Leng Caidie were very dissatisfied, they dared not do anything at this time, and could only glare at her a couple of times.
Lin Yingying and Mu Cuihuan, however, were not so discreet. With the Empress's family now holding absolute power in the palace, and the Crown Prince's bid for the throne providing further security, they had no need to be discreet. Lin Yingying, always appearing gentle and pitiful, softly said, "Princess Consort Chen is truly blessed. She's been married into the Chen Prince's household for less than a year and is already pregnant. Such a thing is rare, showing how good her relationship with Prince Chen is." Ouyang Yue smiled faintly, saying little, clearly indicating Lin Yingying had more to say. Sure enough, Lin Yingying continued, "However, Princess Consort Chen's pregnancy must be quite inconvenient for Prince Chen. But I've heard that the Chen Prince's household doesn't even have a single concubine or maidservant. Isn't that a hardship for Prince Chen? A considerate and understanding person like Princess Consort Chen would certainly not allow Prince Chen to live such a miserable life."
A hint of coldness flashed in Ouyang Yue's eyes, but the corners of her mouth curled up slightly: "Consort Lin really knows how to think of others. She's even getting involved in the affairs of my prince's room. Anyone who doesn't know the situation would think she has something going on with my prince."
"You!" Lin Yingying was startled, but her face was full of anger. What did Ouyang Yue mean by those words? If someone with ulterior motives heard them, wouldn't they say that she was thinking about Baili Chen or had inappropriate thoughts? She was going to marry into the Crown Prince's mansion and would become the Empress in the future. If she had such a stain on her life, it would be very detrimental to her future.
Lin Yingying's face darkened, and she looked coldly at Ouyang Yue: "Princess Consort Chen, I meant well, how did it become a mistake in your mouth? People should be kind-hearted, otherwise they will be disgusted by others' kindness." This was an accusation that Ouyang Yue was dark-hearted and could not accept kind words.
Ouyang Yue simply took a sip of water and said quietly, "So Consort Lin didn't mean it that way. That was my fault. I was thinking that, no matter what, I, as the head mistress of the Chen Prince's Mansion, should be in charge. How come others can interfere in matters I haven't even decided? Do they not respect me, or do they look down on my Prince, or are they simply envious of my Prince's unparalleled beauty and have feelings for him, so they meddle in other people's business? It turns out that all of this was a misunderstanding on my part. Consort Lin, please forgive me. I was judging others by my own petty standards. Hehehe, my mind has become confused since I got pregnant. I would never have made such a mistake today. I shouldn't have said those words, but it is indeed hard to keep them to myself. I hope Consort Lin won't be angry."
No wonder I'm angry! And you say I shouldn't have said those things? Then what did I say?!
Lin Yingying's face flushed, but in public, she always maintained a gentle demeanor, unable to reveal her angry and gloomy side. The more she suppressed her feelings, the more unbearable it was. Lin Yingying gritted her teeth slightly. No matter how handsome Baili Chen was, or how many women he could charm, he was just a sickly man. Yet, he had gotten Ouyang Yue pregnant first. Even in his illness, he still had so much energy; it seemed he wouldn't live much longer. Her heart was filled with resentment and gloom, and naturally, she couldn't think of Baili Chen in a positive light.
Mu Cuihuan was about to make a sarcastic remark, but seeing Lin Yingying suffer a loss, she kept quiet, secretly pleased with Lin Yingying's humiliation. Although there was no principal wife in the Crown Prince's residence, that wretched woman Lin Yingying was extremely favored by Baili Cheng, her influence far surpassing Mu Cuihuan's. While the Crown Prince's residence had many concubines and maids, none could rival Lin Yingying. There were many grudges among the women in the Crown Prince's residence, but Lin Yingying still had her aunt, the Empress. Who dared to do anything to her? Anyone who dared to lay a hand on her would likely be their executioner the next day.
"Princess Consort Chen is joking. How could I possibly be angry?"
Ouyang Yue took a sip of water and nodded: "That's right, Consort Lin is a magnanimous person, how could she be so petty as to get angry?"
Lin Yingying gave a soft snort and turned her head away without saying a word. She had originally wanted to make Ouyang Yue feel uncomfortable, but she couldn't help but shut her mouth. The Empress Dowager just smiled and watched, but the Empress couldn't help but narrow her eyes and look at Ouyang Yue with a faint smile on her lips.
There was still some time before the banquet, but the Empress Dowager wouldn't stay with these congratulatory guests for too long. Some time before the banquet, the Empress Dowager would let them leave first and go to Chengde Hall, while she would stay a little later.
Dongxue and Chuncao had been watching over Ouyang Yue all day. Baili Chen, still worried, added four more maids to keep an eye on her, just in case Ouyang Yue was short-handed. Ouyang Yue had just stepped out of the palace gate when she heard someone calling her from behind. Turning around, she saw it was the old lady of the Ning family, Madam Huang, being helped over by the wives of the first and second branches of the family. "So it's Old Madam Ning. What brings you here, Princess?" Ouyang Yue's voice was indifferent; she had no real connection with the Ning family.
Madam Huang looked somewhat embarrassed, but still smiled and said, "I've come to congratulate Princess Chen on her pregnancy. I was afraid of disturbing her rest, so I only brought a gift and left. Today, I finally got to see Princess Chen at the palace, so as her grandmother, I naturally wanted to send my regards."
“Grandmother?” Ouyang Yue glanced at Madam Huang with a mocking look, then turned to leave with a smirk. Madam Huang’s expression darkened, but she quickly followed. “The Prince Chen’s mansion has everything, but as an old woman, I can’t help but worry. I wonder if the Princess Chen needs anything? If so, I will go back and prepare it right away.”
Ouyang Yue's expression was cold. This Ning family was truly shameless. Back when Ning Shi was still her fake mother, because Ning Shi herself disliked her, not a single person in the Ning family was genuinely kind to her. In fact, Ning Xishan and Ouyang Rou often bullied her, and everyone in the Ning family knew this, but did anyone do anything about it? Now they're trying to claim kinship with her, without even considering whether Ning Shi deserves to be her mother? Grandmother, it's utterly laughable!
"Princess Chen..."
"Madam Ning, I do have a maternal grandmother, but she doesn't have the surname Huang. It's best to avoid saying such things in the future, otherwise people will think that my mother's given name is bad. If I hear any rumors, don't blame me for being impolite." Seeing that Madam Huang was about to continue talking, Ouyang Yue finally lost her patience, waved her hand, and gave Madam Huang a cold look before leaving, which immediately silenced Madam Huang, who had a lot to say.
The eldest daughter-in-law, Madam Shang, who had been subservient to Ouyang Yue, couldn't even get a kind look from her. She couldn't help but shout, "Princess Consort Chen, my sister-in-law has been missing you terribly since she returned to the manor. Now, because of her longing, she has become thin and her health is failing. Before she dies, she only wants to see you. After being her daughter for more than ten years, can you not even grant your adoptive mother this last wish? Even if you don't agree, your mother-in-law has already humbled herself to beg you. How can you be so heartless?"
Emerging from the Empress Dowager's palace, Ouyang Yue was surrounded by ladies and young women from various households. Shang Shi's shout immediately drew attention. Hearing Shang Shi's words, those people looked at Ouyang Yue with strange expressions. Supported by Chuncao, Ouyang Yue stopped walking, turned her head, and gave a meaningful look to Huang Shi, Shang Shi, and the silent Ding Shi. Seeing their indignant expressions, Ouyang Yue's mockery deepened: "Madam Ning, there's one thing you must understand. First, I, the Princess Consort, have absolutely no relation to the so-called Ning family. I only have one mother, Leng Yuyan. I have no second mother, nor a second maternal grandmother. People who don't know the situation will only think my mother has bad morals. As the eldest daughter-in-law of one of the five great families, Madam Ning should understand this. Second, this is the Imperial Palace; it cannot tolerate strangers." "Shouting and yelling without any manners is unacceptable. This is directed at me, the Princess Consort. No one else would tolerate such nonsense. For this alone, twenty lashes would be too lenient. Thirdly, your so-called foster mother has repeatedly tried to kill me, even forcing me to marry into a family like the Huang family. If such a person deserves to call me foster mother, it is an insult to the noble title of 'mother.' If Ning Shi truly repented and felt remorse for her past actions, she should sincerely worship Buddha and atone for her sins, not come to me, a thorn in her side, to feign remorse. Madam Ning, you'd better put aside your petty schemes. I'm not holding this against you today not because of any past relationship. If I truly cared about our past relationship, I would be dragging you down to confront the perpetrators!" Having said this, she looked at Chuncao and said, "Let's go."
The Ning family watched as Ouyang Yue walked away slowly, her back ramrod straight, the exquisite hairpin on her head shimmering dazzlingly in the sunlight, even stinging their eyes.
Huang, Shang, and Ding all looked rather unwell. Huang even glared at Shang, rebuking her for speaking loudly earlier. Not only did she not gain any benefit, but now people from other households were pointing fingers at them.
The incident involving Ning Shi caused quite a stir back then. Many people witnessed her and He Shi's street brawl. Seeing the ugly way they fought and cursed each other, and considering the incoherent nature of their words, coupled with Ouyang Zhide's subsequent divorce, anyone with a modicum of common sense could easily understand what had happened. They had been momentarily misled by Shang Shi's words, and now they felt as if they had been tricked by her. Fortunately, everyone had remained calm and silent, otherwise they would have offended the Princess Consort of Chen.
Ning had forced Ouyang Yue into marriage with the Huang family. Huang Yu's character was witnessed at the banquet hosted by Emperor Mingxian, and everyone there knew it perfectly well. It was only because Ouyang Yue's status had risen that these people were clinging to her. Furthermore, what kind of family was the Huang family? They dared to privately manufacture weapons and use them to frame loyal officials—a heinous crime. Ning had arranged for Ouyang Yue to marry into such a family only because the Princess Consort of Chen was clever and had powerful backers. If she had truly married into the Huang family, even as a princess with Princess Shuangxia behind her, she wouldn't have escaped punishment. Thinking of this, they all felt how vicious and insidious Ning's actions had been.
Ouyang Yue had been raised by Ning Shi for over a decade, but they also believed that Ning Shi had harmed her countless times during those years. After all, she wasn't Ning Shi's biological child. Being raised by Ouyang Zhide for so many years, no woman would feel good about it. Coupled with the forced marriage, it was a miracle that Ning Shi hadn't directly retaliated and killed Ning Shi. Now that they saw Ouyang Yue's abilities—not only had she become the Princess Consort of Chen, but she was also pregnant and wanted to see her—it made Ning Shi and her group appear treacherous. Shang Shi's shout not only didn't harm Ouyang Yue, but it also made those people look at the Ning family with mocking expressions.
"A person's heart shouldn't be too crooked, otherwise even their appearance will become ugly."
"Oh, you don't understand. Who wouldn't want such an opportunity to climb the social ladder? There was already a woman in the manor who held a high position, but she was unlucky and died not long after. Now, shouldn't we settle for second best and find another backer?" He was naturally referring to Ning Xihe.
"Hey, that's a prestigious family, even if they're doing it, they shouldn't do it so obviously, it makes them seem so low-class."
"What do you know? You've already gone shameless, so what's there to be afraid of, whether it's low-level or high-level? You can probably do anything even more despicable, but people just don't buy it."
"Hehehe, you're right. If I had been nicer to them from the beginning, things wouldn't have come to this."
"They have no use for you, they're short-sighted. You should be more careful about that. When you go back, you should treat your distant relatives better. Maybe one of them will become successful in the future, and you won't have to shamelessly try to get close to them like this."
"That's right, that's right."
Those people laughed to themselves. Although they didn't name names in their conversation, they were all looking at Huang, Shang, and Ding. This made the Ning family members feel extremely embarrassed, and their faces turned as red as could be from embarrassment.
Huang was so angry that she said to Shang, "Useless thing, if you can't speak properly, then shut up. You're making a fool of yourself. You're completely brainless." With that, she hurriedly left, as if there were vicious wolves behind her. However, as soon as she left, she felt a burst of laughter behind her, as if they were mocking her panicked escape.