Hahaha! Ouyang Yue will die a miserable death, and she will climb higher over Ouyang Yue's corpse and live her life of wealth and luxury. All of that originally belonged to her, it was hers! A crazed light flashed in Ouyang Hua's eyes.
The next morning, Ouyang Yue was meditating on the bed when Chuncao hurriedly walked in, her steps very fast, her face filled with undisguised joy. The servants of Mingyue Pavilion were all very curious when they saw her, but Chuncao did not stop and rushed directly into Ouyang Hua's inner room. Ouyang Hua opened his eyes when he heard the sound.
Upon seeing this, Chuncao immediately smiled happily and said, "Miss, good news! The general is coming back soon. You should hurry up and make preparations. The news will spread throughout the mansion soon. Let's quickly prepare to welcome the general."
Ouyang Yue was stunned. Her cheapskate father was coming back?!
☆, 046, a handsome man with a poisonous tongue!
Upon hearing this, Chuncao was secretly annoyed and quickly replied, "It's all my fault for being too happy and speaking unclearly. I overheard it when I ran into the messenger nanny on my way back to Mingyue Pavilion. She said that Master will be returning to the capital in two days, and that the Emperor attaches great importance to the General's return, having specially ordered the Crown Prince to welcome him on behalf of the Emperor, and then to hold a banquet for the General in the palace. The General is coming back soon, and Miss should also make preparations. Right now, this mansion is in chaos, and everyone sees Miss as someone to be targeted. Only the General dotes on Miss. After the General returns, Miss won't have to live in such fear every day. So Miss should prepare a gift for the General, so that when the General is happy, our Mingyue Pavilion will naturally be secure."
Chuncao is usually very composed and capable of considering the big picture. Having served Ouyang Yue for the past few years, she's come to understand her better. The young lady was impulsive, yet she's the most esteemed legitimate daughter in the household, which has attracted a lot of attention. However, the madam ignores her, even favoring the second young lady. If this continues, with no one protecting her and the young lady's reputation tarnishing, finding a husband will become increasingly difficult.
Now that the general has returned, it's the perfect time; how could Chuncao not be happy?
Ouyang Yue, however, was thinking about another piece of news that Chuncao had mentioned.
For years, Ouyang Zhide had been stationed in the eastern part of the Great Zhou Dynasty, a region inhabited by nomadic tribes. The people there were known for their warm and unrestrained nature, and their army was fierce and adept at guerrilla warfare, posing a significant threat to the Great Zhou's borders. Fortunately, the nomadic tribes had become fragmented and independent, with many smaller tribes operating independently. While they were as troublesome as locusts, they posed little real threat.
This year, a mid-sized tribe suddenly elected a young Khan. This Khan was brave, resourceful, ruthless, and eloquent. He quickly won over several other Khans from similar tribes, and they decided to attack the Great Zhou's border passes, even nearly losing them twice. The Emperor was furious. However, just over a month ago, when this Khan again rallied his troops for an attack, Ouyang Zhide pulled off a daring maneuver, forcing the enemy to retreat and severely wounding the Khan. The Khan died shortly after returning home. Now, without a leader and a rallying force, and fearing further pursuit from the Great Zhou, the smaller tribes fled far away, unlikely to dare invade the Great Zhou for at least a year or two.
Ouyang Zhide fought a brilliant battle, and it's normal that the Emperor will take him seriously now that he's returned in triumph.
Moreover, Ouyang Zhide's expedition lasted for more than a year, and he is unlikely to leave again for a while after returning to report for duty. Could this have caused a change in the power dynamics of the court? Thinking of this, Ouyang Yue felt that she should thank Ouyang Rou. If it weren't for Ouyang Rou's scheme to have Hong Yicheng break off the engagement, Ouyang Zhide's return would have implicated them with the Crown Prince's residence, which would not have been beneficial to the general.
"Since the Emperor is hosting a banquet to welcome Father, we should naturally prioritize His Majesty. However, with such a grand affair, the capital is bound to be bustling. If we can't bring Father back directly, we can go to the streets to see what's going on the day after tomorrow." Ouyang Yue was also somewhat curious about this adoptive father. In the original owner's memories, Ouyang Zhide genuinely loved this daughter. Strangely enough, Ouyang Yue's personality was rougher compared to the other two concubine's daughters. Despite having Ouyang Hua, the eldest daughter, and Ouyang Tong, the only son, Ouyang Yue's affection had never diminished. As her only support here, Ouyang Yue knew she had to curry favor with him.
As for gifts, if Ouyang Zhide truly dotes on her, what could be better than something he made himself!
"Yes, Miss, then I'll go and book a room at one of the nearby restaurants in the city." Chuncao then turned to leave.
“Wait, now that Anhetang has received the news that her son has returned to the capital, the old lady will probably go to see him. Let’s wait a bit.” Ouyang Yue stopped her. Originally, it wouldn’t have been a problem for Chuncao to ask, but the chaos in the mansion hadn’t subsided yet. If Chuncao went so eagerly, it would make Old Madam Ning think that she, as a mother, was less concerned about her son than her granddaughter, which would definitely cause unnecessary trouble.
Sure enough, not long after, the green-clad maidservant beside Old Madam Ning came to deliver a message, saying that Old Madam Ning had sent someone to book rooms at the restaurant, and that Ouyang Yue would go with her to the restaurant the day after tomorrow to wait for Ouyang Zhide's returning party.
The news of Ouyang Zhide's early return to the capital spread quickly throughout the General's Mansion, but the reactions of the various courtyards to the news were quite different.
"You said the general is coming back! Didn't you say it would be another half month? It's so much earlier than expected! Is it true?" Madam Ning excitedly grasped Lin Mama's hand. Lin Mama smiled and nodded, "Madam, it's true, absolutely true. The girl in blue just came to deliver a message, saying that she will go with the old lady to see the returning troops the day after tomorrow. Madam has been hoping for the general's return soon, and heaven has indeed heard your wish."
Ning was a little agitated. She sat in her chair for a long time without reacting. After a while, she jumped up and said, "Mama Lin, quickly call Rainbow Bell in. I want to choose a few outfits to try on. I can't let those bitches beat me to it."
"Yes, yes, Madam, rest assured, you are definitely the most beautiful. You were brought into the house by the General in a grand procession. In terms of status, none of them can compare to you. The General respects you the most." Madam Lin did not forget to take the opportunity to flatter her, which made Madam Ning's face glow with happiness, and she did indeed become even more beautiful.
Soon after, Rainbow Bell came in with Ning's clothes and jewelry. Ning looked around for a long time but couldn't find anything she liked: "No, Zhang Mama, come with me to Jinxiuxuan to pick out two sets of clothes, and then go to Langhuan Yuge to get two sets of jewelry made. How can these things be shown to people?"
Madam Lin was also dumbfounded. Madam Ning came from a prominent family, and her dowry consisted of dozens of loads of fine items. However, the lady was too concerned about the general. Jinxiuxuan and Langhuanyuge were the best clothing and jewelry shops in the capital, and even a single item from them would be shockingly expensive.
Madam Lin muttered to herself, but dared not speak, and had to agree with her. Madam Ning changed her clothes and left the mansion with her servants.
At Rouyu Courtyard, Ouyang Rou had just been carried back when a doctor was summoned. As Ouyang Yue had expected, the doctor prescribed some internal medicine and remedies for external injuries. Regarding Ouyang Rou's miscarriage, the doctor prescribed some tonics to replenish qi and blood, subtly implying that Ouyang Rou could no longer conceive. The doctor then took the money and fled the General's Mansion as if fleeing. She secretly wondered, "How could the Second Miss of the General's Mansion miscarry, and be beaten so badly? What exactly happened?"
Two maids, Xiang'er and Cao'er, were busy preparing and applying medicine for Ouyang Rou. Ouyang Rou lay on the bed, howling and screaming, which filled the Rouyu Courtyard with a gloomy atmosphere. After a while, Aunt Hong, who had just been released from the Buddhist hall, rushed in: "Second Miss, how are you?"
When Ouyang Rou saw the person who came, she burst into tears: "Auntie, it hurts, it hurts so much, it hurts so much!" Aunt Hong immediately pulled Xiang'er over and asked, "How is the second young lady? What did the doctor say before?"
Xiang'er hesitated, knowing she couldn't say anything more now that the Second Miss couldn't have children, or they were afraid the Second Miss would take her anger out on them. Aunt Hong's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't dare to ask any further, at least not in front of Ouyang Rou: "Second Miss, please apply the medicine obediently, your injury will heal soon."
"Auntie, I've miscarried! That was Hong Yicheng's child! My last hope of marrying into the Hong family is gone! What am I going to do? What should I do?!" Ouyang Rou's reputation was now completely ruined. She had known for a long time that she was pregnant with Hong Yicheng's child, but it was her last trump card, and she dared not reveal it. She had planned to wait until this matter was settled, until Ouyang Yue died, and then, using her pregnancy as leverage, she could force Hong Yicheng to acknowledge her and marry her as his principal wife. Then, without Ouyang Hua needing to resort to any more tricks, she would be the most glamorous young lady in the General's Mansion.
Who knew that not only was Ouyang Yue not dead, but she was also beaten half to death, her whole body aching, and she had even lost her last trump card. How could she not know Hong Yicheng's cold-heartedness in the palace that day? Even if she weren't pregnant, she would still have to pay a price. Now she definitely has nothing left; Hong Yicheng would never admit it. Ouyang Rou was truly at her wit's end.
"Don't panic, don't panic, there's still a way, there definitely will be a way, don't worry!" Actually, Aunt Hong wasn't sure herself either. The reason she ran here as soon as she was released from the Buddhist hall, before even returning to her courtyard, was because she heard that Ouyang Zhide was coming back. She was afraid that Ouyang Zhide would blame her when he returned, so she ran to Rouyu Courtyard first to say hello to Ouyang Rou. Seeing that Ouyang Rou was still like this, if she were to become even more afraid, it might not be good, so she had no choice but to wait a little longer.
"Second Miss, listen to me. The General is returning to the manor soon. The Old Madam has sent word that she will be picking up the returning troops from the restaurant the day after tomorrow. I know your injuries haven't healed yet, but you must go. This was our oversight, so we must remain humble and avoid confrontation for now. We must bide our time. When we get the chance, we will make those despicable people pay a hundredfold price."
Ouyang Rou's face turned pale: "Father is coming back! What are we going to do? Father has always doted on that little bitch Ouyang Yue the most! What are we going to do? Father will definitely not forgive us!" She was already in such a state; if something else happened, Ouyang Rou really couldn't imagine what would happen!
Aunt Hong held Ouyang Rou and gently advised, "So, Second Miss, you must please the General during this time. This is what we must do now. And if I can keep the General in my courtyard, your matter will naturally be resolved!"
Ouyang Rou excitedly grabbed Aunt Hong's hand: "Aunt, I'm counting on you. You must help me!"
"Don't worry, Second Miss, you're my own daughter, I'll naturally make plans for you." Then, Aunt Hong looked at Ouyang Rou with some pity. Ouyang Rou needed to rest after her miscarriage, but her buttocks had been beaten, and even a slight touch felt like a needle prick. Now Ouyang Rou could only lie face down, which was putting pressure on her stomach and was doing her a disservice. Unfortunately, what could be done at this point?
Aunt Hong comforted Ouyang Rou, glanced at Xiang'er, and Xiang'er left with Aunt Hong: "What did the doctor say!"
Xiang'er lowered her head: "The doctor said... said that Miss might not be able to... get pregnant again!"
"Smack!"
"Nonsense! You lowly servant, how dare you curse the Second Miss! You're asking for death!" Upon hearing this, Aunt Hong angrily slapped Xiang'er across the face.
Xiang'er's eyes welled up with tears of grievance, and she immediately knelt down to beg for mercy: "Auntie, please spare me! I will never do it again."
Aunt Hong trembled with rage. Although she had a bad feeling, hearing this now made her feel cold all over. Her teeth were grinding, and her eyes were burning like flames: "You sluts, those sluts, I'll make you wish you were dead!"
Aunt Hong completely ignored Xiang'er. No one knew who she was talking about. After cursing, she turned around and left with a hateful look on her face, heading back to her Caiyun Courtyard. She was still injured and needed to apply medicine.
Xiang'er knelt on the ground. Cao'er, who had just finished brewing the medicine, came over, put down the medicine bowl, and helped Xiang'er up: "Don't be sad. Auntie is really angry. She is injured, and Miss is like this. Sigh... It's only natural."
Xiang'er nodded, her head bowed, and said, "Yes, I know. Let's go in quickly, or Miss will start making a scene again, and then things will be even more difficult for us."
Two days later, in the morning, Ouyang Yue dressed simply, changed into a green dress with red flowers, and did not decorate her hair much, only pinning three jade plum blossoms to fix her hairstyle. She stood tall and graceful, like a fresh and pleasant early spring flower in a garden, full of vitality and vigor. Just one glance was enough to describe her beautiful and charming appearance.
Chuncao originally disliked Ouyang Yue for dressing so plainly, but after seeing the effect, she immediately had nothing to say.
Ouyang Yue brought Chuncao and Dongxue with her on this trip. Mingyue Pavilion was managed by Qiuyue. When the three of them arrived at Anhe Hall, Ning Shi Ouyang Hua and Ouyang Rou also happened to arrive. Even Aunt Ming, Aunt Hong, Aunt Hua, and Aunt Liu, who couldn't go out today, were waiting in the hall. Everyone knew that although Ouyang Zhide had been taken away by the Emperor, when he returned to the mansion, everyone would still have to give him a grand welcome. No one could rest today.
As soon as Ouyang Yue entered, Old Madam Ning's eyes lingered on her for a moment, scrutinizing her. Seeing that Ouyang Yue's status was neither particularly joyful nor impolite, and was quite appropriate for her age, she didn't say much.
Today, Old Madam Ning wore a dark brown embroidered chrysanthemum jacket, with a row of ruby gold hairpins in her hair, and ruby jewelry around her ears and neck, making her look dignified and magnificent.
Ning was dressed in a bright long gown, with intricate vine patterns embroidered in gold thread at the collar, hem, and hem. She stood ramrod straight, her chin slightly raised, exuding an air of arrogance. An emerald headdress added to the grandeur of her outfit.
As for Ouyang Hua, she wore a pale yellow gauze dress, her movements ethereal and graceful. Her waist was as slender as a willow, and two golden butterfly-shaped hairpins swayed gently on either side of her ears, making her appear like a lady emerging from a misty landscape painting. However, both Ouyang Hua and Ouyang Rou had pale complexions. Although they had applied powder, the weariness in their eyes was undeniable. Ouyang Rou, however, was better at using her flaws to conceal her appearance. She wore a white dress adorned with interspersed plum blossoms, a striking sight in the summer heat.
Unfortunately, although the dress had the shape of a flower, it lacked the essence of a flower. Ouyang Rou's natural image was that of a delicate woman, and this dress of red plum blossoms braving the snow, combined with her deliberate attempt to appear weak, looked completely out of place on her. Old Ning clearly didn't want to pay any attention to Ouyang Rou. If Ouyang Rou hadn't come with a tearful face, saying she missed Ouyang Zhide and wanted to personally greet him, Old Ning would have been willing to just glance at her, adopting an extremely humble posture. Old Ning also didn't want to waste time with her, which is why she brought her along.
"Alright, everyone get in the carriage." Old Madam Ning waved her hand, and on the other side, Madam Ning helped her into the first carriage. The second carriage was a slightly smaller and more elegantly decorated one, which was naturally for Ouyang Yue and the other two. The rest of the servants could only walk around the carriages today.
Ouyang Yue was the last to board the carriage. As soon as she lifted the curtain, Ouyang Hua and Ouyang Rou's eyes swept over her. They saw the two of them in a half-squatting position, with thick soft cushions underneath them, yet they preferred to squat rather than sit down, showing how severe their injuries were—even the slightest touch hurt. The look in their eyes as they gazed at Ouyang Yue was anything but kind.
Ouyang Yue strolled in leisurely and sat in the middle, with Ouyang Hua and Ouyang Rou sitting on her left and right. When they saw Ouyang Yue's relaxed demeanor, their expressions became even more unpleasant.
Ouyang Rou took a deep breath, thinking that she couldn't stoop to Ouyang Yue's level. She couldn't afford to make any more mistakes today, or her image would be hard to salvage. In that moment of relaxation, she forgot her current situation, and with a sudden drop, she sat down on her bottom. Ouyang Rou's eyes widened instantly, and she screamed "Ah!" before jumping up violently. "Bang!" Her head slammed heavily against the car roof, and she clutched her head, kneeling on the ground.
"Miss, are you alright?" Xiang'er asked anxiously as soon as she heard Ouyang Rou's voice from outside.
Ouyang Rou was furious: "Nonsense, why would I call you if there's nothing wrong with me!" After saying that, she maintained her half-squatting posture, her face dark and gloomy. Ouyang Hua's lips curled up, but unfortunately, thinking about his own appearance, he was not in the mood to laugh.
Although Xiang'er was somewhat worried, she dared not speak again upon hearing Ouyang Rou's extremely angry voice.
"Oh, Second Sister, what's wrong with you? You just knelt down before Eldest Sister. It wasn't entirely your fault before, you don't need to be so polite." Ouyang Yue's cool voice came, clearly with schadenfreude.
Ouyang Hua's face stiffened. Sure enough, Ouyang Rou's gaze was icy cold. She ground her teeth a couple of times, and then her expression suddenly changed. She actually laughed: "What happened before was all a misunderstanding. We are sisters, and we should work together to bring glory to the General's Mansion. Both my elder sister and I have been punished, so why are you still so relentless, younger sister?"
Ouyang Yue lightly rested her chin on her hand: "Punishment? What punishment? I didn't see any. Compared to trying to kill me, if I hadn't been lucky, I would be nothing but a lonely ghost now. The ones talking to you now would be evil spirits. In my opinion, this kind of thing doesn't count as punishment unless my eldest and second sisters are all dead."
Ouyang Hua and Ouyang Rou's hearts skipped a beat, only to see Ouyang Yue narrowing her eyes, a half-smile on her face, her words unreadable, yet a bad feeling crept into their hearts. Was Ouyang Yue planning to embellish what had happened before and tell their father? If so, they would be in deep trouble!
Ouyang Hua and Ouyang Rou exchanged a glance, their previous hostility vanishing. Instead, they smiled warmly at Ouyang Yue: "Third sister, what are you saying? Everyone makes mistakes in life. Second sister was just blinded by greed. Why are you blaming her? Have you forgotten how we've been inseparable since childhood? I love you the most, how could I possibly harm you? It's just that I was deceived, and now I'm filled with regret."
Ouyang Hua glared at Ouyang Rou. Weren't these words implying that she was the one who had deceived her? But she couldn't get angry: "Third sister, we've been together all these years. When have you ever seen your eldest sister make things difficult for you? It's all a misunderstanding."
“Oh,” Ouyang Yue replied casually, her expression somewhat indifferent.
Seeing that Ouyang Yue didn't believe him, the two persisted, saying, "Third sister, what eldest sister said is true. We are sisters, how can we hold a grudge overnight? How can you forgive eldest sister?"
"Yes, Second Sister will definitely apologize sincerely," Ouyang Rou nodded in agreement.
"Really?" Ouyang Yue's eyes lit up, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
"It's true!" Ouyang Hua and Ouyang Rou nodded together.
Ouyang Yue rested her chin on her hand, gently stroking it as she pondered how to make the two apologize. After a moment, she clenched her right fist and tapped her left palm: "I've got it!"
"What is it?" Ouyang Hua asked immediately.
Ouyang Yue coughed lightly: "I heard that my eldest sister owns a well-profited clothing shop in the capital, is that true?"
Ouyang Hua's expression slowly darkened, and a gloomy look gradually spread in her eyes. The clothing shop was sold to her at a low price by Old Ning Shi, and it was also considered her future dowry. Over the years, it was thanks to this clothing shop that Ouyang Hua was able to rival Ouyang Yue in terms of prestige.
As for this clothing shop, Ouyang Hua had deliberately sabotaged it, causing Old Madam Ning considerable annoyance and leading her to consider selling it. Later, Ouyang Hua seized the opportunity to express her interest in managing it. Old Madam Ning treated her like her legitimate daughter, educating her on the skills required of a future matriarch, including managing accounts and servants, which included running the shop. Ouyang Hua's interest in managing it would certainly provide her with some experience. However, in the end, Consort Ming bought it at a low price. After Ouyang Hua's reforms and reorganization, the shop thrived. Although Old Madam Ning had her reservations, since it was a younger generation's business, she couldn't bring herself to object.
The shop was bought at a low price, making a clean profit. It would easily yield several thousand taels a year. Such a treasure trove, Ouyang Hua would never let it go! In his heart, however, he despised Ouyang Yue's insatiable greed. So what if she complained to her father about what had happened before? There was no evidence, and she had already been punished. Did they really expect her to use the shop as collateral? She was simply daydreaming!
"My sister has quite the big heart; she's trying to get something for nothing!" Ouyang Hua couldn't help but make a few sarcastic remarks at the end.
Ouyang Yue gave Ouyang Hua a strange look: "What? I just wanted to exchange some money with you, and you're being so cold and harsh. So you're such a stingy person? Speaking of which, you got this shop from Grandmother. Why don't I ask her if she has any other good deals for me?"
Ouyang Hua's eyes were cold, but she quickly laughed out loud: "Sister, you've misunderstood me. I thought you thought opening a shop was easy and wanted to try it out. You don't know, although I don't take the lead in this shop, it's very troublesome throughout the year. I learned a lot of skills from Grandmother to be able to handle things. Sister is still young, so naturally you don't need to work so hard at such a young age. I'm just concerned for you, but since you don't want the shop, the money is negotiable."
Ouyang Rou also breathed a sigh of relief. It was just a matter of money, and she felt it was worth it to avoid punishment: "Yes, although Second Sister doesn't have as much money as Eldest Sister, she will try her best to satisfy Second Sister."
Ouyang Yue smiled immediately: "Since my eldest and second sisters are so generous, then I won't stand on ceremony. Ah, you all know me, I'm usually very extravagant. The day before yesterday, I checked and found I only had a few taels of silver left. As you all know, Father is coming back soon, and I don't have any money to prepare a gift for him. If I upset Father, the whole household will be unhappy. Don't you sisters agree?"
“Of course.” Ouyang Hua and Ouyang Rou nodded, but cursed inwardly.
Fine, they'll use their money to please Father. The more I think about it, the angrier they get. But I can't take it back now that I've said it. Otherwise, if Ouyang Yue tells Father that she asked the two sisters for money to buy gifts and they were stingy and refused, wouldn't Father dislike them even more?
"My sisters are so understanding, knowing my difficulties and being so generous. Alright then, I still need 20,000 taels of silver. When will you give it to me?" Ouyang Yue stretched out her hand, her smile completely innocent.
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Hua and Ouyang Rou both cried out in alarm, their bodies involuntarily tilting forward. Two loud thuds followed by screams of pain. Ouyang Hua and Ouyang Rou clutched their foreheads, collapsing to the ground and groaning. The maids outside asked worriedly, but the two were afraid of making a scene and displeasing Old Madam Ning, so they dared not speak directly. They rubbed their heads for a while until the pain subsided somewhat, though their foreheads were still red.
The two men's lips twitched and their bodies trembled slightly, but this time they didn't dare to squat back down and instead squatted directly on the car.
Ouyang Hua raised his head, his face darkening: "Twenty thousand taels, you're not going to rob me!"
Ouyang Yue pursed her lips, feeling somewhat wronged. "I really do need 20,000 taels of silver to buy Father a gift. That gift is something I've put my heart and soul into; Father will definitely be happy to see it. My eldest and second sisters praised it highly just now, so why are they unhappy now that we're talking about something important? Are my two sisters just flattering me and deliberately trying to deceive me? Humph! If I can't afford a gift for Father, and he gets angry and says something wrong, I can't guarantee what will happen. After all, in Father's heart, I'm innocent, cute, and naive; he'll definitely believe me!"
They are still innocent and adorable, completely unaware of the ways of the world!
Ouyang Hua really wanted to rush forward and slap her twice. So naive and clueless, why would she try to take advantage of her? This silver—she only earned a few thousand taels a year, and she'd only had it for three years. If she really agreed to give Ouyang Yue the silver, then all her efforts in the past would have been for nothing! What's the difference between this and directly demanding her shop!
Ouyang Rou's lips trembled with anger. She wasn't as wealthy as Ouyang Hua, and she couldn't possibly come up with ten thousand taels. She said softly, "Don't be angry, little sister. I really can't come up with ten thousand taels. Can't you give me a smaller amount?"
Ouyang Yue frowned in annoyance: "You can't even come up with 20,000 taels? You're the young ladies of the General's Mansion, how can you be so poor? Besides, there's no way my eldest sister can't afford it. She gave Mother so many nice things back then, but she's reluctant to spend money on me?"
What do you mean you can't come up with 20,000 taels? You yourself don't have any money! How dare you say that!
"Don't push your luck!" Ouyang Hua shouted. Ouyang Yue shrugged and said, "Fine, you were the ones who wanted to apologize and resolve the conflict, so I didn't care."
????"you!"
Ouyang Hua was furious. Ouyang Rou squinted and said, "Elder sister, I can only take five thousand taels. With your wealth, you should be able to take fifteen thousand taels without any problem, right?"