Aunt Ming nodded and smiled. "Ouyang Yue, you're dead this time!"
However, at the same time, a strange incident suddenly occurred in the capital, and everything pointed to the General's Mansion.
When Old Madam Ning heard the news, she smashed everything in the house, from the most valuable vases to pieces: "Who spread this false information? Who dares to insult my General's Mansion and slander my integrity like this? They're simply courting death!" She angrily yelled at Madam Xi, "Go and find out who did this! Arrest them all! I will not let them get away with this! These ignorant fools!"
"Old...Old Madam, the Old Madam and the eldest wife of the Ning family request an audience." At this moment, the woman in green walked in and said cautiously.
Old Madam Ning paused, her expression changing slightly, but her heart skipped a beat: "What are they doing here?" She had a bad feeling, but still waved for someone to come in.
Old Madam Ning then had happy Mama help her dress up and carry her to the main hall of Anhe Hall. When she came out, the old lady of the Ning family, Madam Huang, and Madam Shang, the wife of Ning Baichuan of the eldest son, were already sitting in front of the hall. Old Madam Ning was about to speak with a smile when Madam Huang immediately said with a stern face, "I say, Peach Blossom, how could you be so careless in your actions? You actually let someone find a handle to ruin your reputation, and our Ning family is also implicated because of you!"
Old Ning's face darkened; these two wretches had come with ill intentions!
☆、095, demand justice, punish!
Old Madam Ning was displeased, but pretended not to know: "Why did you suddenly come to the General's Mansion today, sister-in-law? What happened? If you have any difficulties, feel free to tell me. I will help without hesitation if I can."
Madam Huang coldly stared at Old Madam Ning. Having known Old Madam Ning for so many years, how could she not know that Old Madam Ning was pretending? But today she had come to confront her, and she would not give Old Madam Ning a chance to fool her. So she said, "Peach Blossom, haven't you heard the rumors in the capital?" Madam Huang's lips twitched slightly, making the lines at the corners of her mouth deepen a bit. This was a habitual gesture of hers. Madam Huang would always show this expression when she was mocking or ridiculing others, and it was mostly directed at Old Madam Ning.
Old Madam Ning's eyes darkened, and her smile vanished as she coldly stared at Madam Huang: "I don't quite understand what you mean, sister-in-law."
Ning Baichuan's legal wife, Madam Shang, was dressed exquisitely today in a red lily-patterned dress and adorned with several pearl hairpins. She lightly touched her mouth with an embroidered handkerchief, her eyes sweeping across the hall. Anhe Hall, usually bustling, now seemed much quieter. It seemed the rumors were true. Madam Shang lowered her head and sneered, patting her lips with the handkerchief. Madam Huang, observing this, grew even more mocking: "Are you truly oblivious or feigning ignorance? I've heard quite a few interesting things have happened in the General's Mansion lately. Peach Blossom, you're really being a stranger. You're also from the Ning family; we're all family. What's so hard about talking about this? You're keeping it all to yourself. We have to hear about what's happening in the General's Mansion from outsiders. Peach Blossom, that's where you shouldn't be. How can you not distinguish between insiders and outsiders?"
Old Madam Ning's face immediately darkened. Of course, she knew that Madam Huang and Madam Shang's visit to the mansion was definitely not a friendly affair; they had probably heard the rumors circulating outside. However, she had been fighting with Madam Huang and Madam Shang for many years. Although they had always been hostile, she still had to give each other some face. Today, they dared to criticize her as soon as they entered the house. This was clearly a sign that they were about to break off relations. How could they be so bold? "What do you mean by not being able to distinguish between inside and outside? It's just rumors spread by outsiders. How could you, sister-in-law, imitate those common people? You even went to the General's Mansion to reprimand me. Outsiders will laugh at you for not being right."
The feud between Madam Ning and Madam Huang has lasted for decades. Back then, Madam Ning was the most favored legitimate daughter of the Ning family. Not only was she loved by her elders, but her two older brothers also doted on her. Madam Ning was truly pampered like a precious gem, so naturally she became somewhat arrogant and spoiled.
Originally, Madam Huang and Old Madam Ning were close friends since childhood, sharing even the most intimate secrets. It was Old Madam Ning who secretly arranged for Madam Huang to marry into the Ning family, naturally strengthening their bond. However, an irreparable rift developed between them regarding Old Madam Ning's marriage. Although Old Madam Ning had fallen for Ouyang Zhide's father, Ouyang Hai, the general's mansion at that time was not as prosperous as it is now. Ouyang Hai already had two concubines, but fortunately, neither was pregnant. However, as a military general, he was often away from the mansion, and the two concubines were not favored. The Ning family was one of the five great families of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and they were naturally very selective about the husbands of their eldest daughters. Even though Old Madam Ning was in love with Ouyang Hai, he was not her ideal husband at the time, and the elders in the mansion did not approve.
Huang was quite fortunate; she became pregnant shortly after entering the household, and her first child was Ning Baichuan, the eldest son. Therefore, as the eldest son and daughter-in-law, she held considerable influence in the Ning household. Since Old Madam Ning was on good terms with Huang, she naturally sought Huang's help. Huang didn't want to interfere much in Old Madam Ning's marriage, as it was tantamount to going against the elders of the household. Moreover, as a friend and sister-in-law, she felt that Ouyang Hai was not a good match. A general might sound impressive, but he risked his life; what would happen to Old Madam Ning if something happened to him? However, Old Madam Ning was stubborn and unyielding; once she made up her mind, nothing could change it. Huang couldn't persuade her otherwise and had no choice but to agree.
Old Madam Ning waited confidently, only to receive news of her engagement to the eldest son of a second-rank scholar in the imperial court. Old Madam Ning was furious and confronted Madam Huang. Madam Huang was the eldest sister-in-law, not her biological mother. Old Madam Ning's birth mother was still alive; how could Madam Huang have overstepped her authority? Even if she wanted to interfere, she could only offer suggestions and advice; whether the elders would accept them was not her decision. Madam Huang naturally explained it this way, but Old Madam Ning only listened more. She was single-mindedly determined to marry Ouyang Hai, a fact Madam Huang knew better than anyone. For Old Madam Ning, who had insisted on marrying no one else, Madam Huang should understand her feelings. Besides, if it weren't for Madam Ning's matchmaking, allowing Madam Huang and her brother to interact, would Madam Huang have thrived in the Ning household when she first married in?
In Old Madam Ning's eyes, Huang was clearly a traitor who had used her kindness and then discarded her, showing no gratitude whatsoever, let alone any effort Huang had made in arranging her marriage. Huang might even have given her advice on her engagement; she had betrayed her. Huang was naturally aggrieved. Marriage was a major life event, arranged by parents and matchmakers. Old Madam Ning was always favored in the household, and the Ning family rarely went against her wishes. Therefore, the Ning family's strong stance on this matter puzzled and aroused Old Madam Ning's suspicion. Huang, being the middleman, naturally became a suspect, but unfortunately, Huang had no real influence in such matters. The two women completely fell out over this incident. Old Madam Ning began to secretly sabotage Huang's life, causing her considerable distress. Huang was no pushover either, and the two engaged in open and covert struggles, each stabbing the other in the back, their relationship becoming increasingly irreparable.
When Madam Huang saw that Old Madam Ning disagreed with the marriage she had arranged, she tried to mediate and facilitate the arrangement. Old Madam Ning, with her stubborn temper flaring up, threatened to run away from the marriage and even went on a hunger strike, trying every possible method to annoy the old master and madam. Finally, they agreed to Old Madam Ning's request. However, Madam Huang avoided getting involved in the dowry and other matters as much as possible, and frequently tried to dampen Old Madam Ning's enthusiasm for the marriage. Even on the day of Old Madam Ning's wedding, the two were still fighting fiercely.
Old Ning's fate was also unfortunate. At the time, Ouyang Hai still had a mother-in-law, who came from a humble family. Old Ning disliked her mother-in-law's behavior, and the mother-in-law, feeling pressured by Old Ning's perceived lower social standing, tried every means to control her. After Old Ning married into the household, two more concubines and three maids were added. Ouyang Hai was rarely home, so one can imagine how fierce the conflicts among the many women were. Under such circumstances, Old Ning gave birth to Ouyang Zhide and established herself in the chaotic inner quarters, scheming against and causing the deaths or injuries of those women. The illegitimate children in the household either couldn't have children or didn't live long, and ultimately, Ouyang Hai's mother died. Just when she thought good days had arrived, Ouyang Hai returned to handle his mother's funeral and led his troops out, only to die a violent death. Old Ning felt as if the sky had fallen.
Not only that, but coincidentally, just a month after Ouyang Hai's death, before the mourning period was over, the old lady of the Ning family passed away. Three funerals had occurred in quick succession between the General's Mansion and the Ning Mansion, all closely related to Old Lady Ning. One can imagine the rumors that circulated about her at that time. Old Lady Ning's hardships were indescribable; even the people of the Ning Mansion feared her. She tried to avoid meeting them with various excuses, but Old Lady Ning was resolute and gritted her teeth to raise Ouyang Zhide. She played a crucial role in Ouyang Zhide's later development, and Ouyang Zhide himself proved himself capable, first winning the title of Martial Arts Champion and entering officialdom, eventually rising to the rank of General. Seeing this, the people of the Ning Mansion naturally sought out Old Lady Ning. Old Lady Ning's actions at the time were somewhat excessive, but the relationship between the two mansions was unbreakable. She also knew that without the Ning Mansion as her natal family's support, it would only be detrimental to her.
However, both families shared the same sentiment: self-interest outweighed kinship. While Huang and Old Ning appeared to get along on the surface, they were secretly at odds with each other. Now that Huang had a chance to mock Old Ning, how could she possibly pass it up?
Madam Huang laughed, "So it was just a misunderstanding. I was really worried for nothing. It's good that it was a misunderstanding. Where are Caiyue and Yue'er? Taohua, hurry up and call them out. I haven't seen them since the Ning family's birthday banquet. You know, I really miss them. I came to ask you about this today just by chance. My main purpose is to see the two of them. Taohua, why don't you send someone to call them over? Yue'er will be very happy to see her grandmother." As she spoke, she looked at Old Madam Ning with a deep smile.
Old Madam Ning was a little embarrassed. She knew that Madam Huang wouldn't be so easy to deal with, so she braced herself and said, "It's really unfortunate. Yue'er is an extremely filial child. Some time ago, she went to the Five Elements Temple to offer incense and pray for the elders in the family. Her father was just sent by the Emperor to suppress bandits, and her maid went out to find a temple to pray for him out of concern."
Madam Shang exclaimed in surprise, "Yue'er is truly filial! However, the best Buddhist temple in our Great Zhou Dynasty is Wuhua Temple, but the journey there is very long. I hope Yue'er won't encounter any danger on the way. Why doesn't this maid Yue'er think things through more carefully? Wuxing Temple in the capital is also very popular, and besides, she just offered incense and prayed for blessings there. As long as she is sincere, Buddha will naturally see it. Why does she need to travel so far?" Madam Shang appeared worried and annoyed with Ouyang Yue, but her words were clearly directed at Old Madam Ning, and what she said was not without reason.
Since we've already visited the Five Elements Temple, why bother going all the way out to pray for blessings? Nothing earth-shattering has happened at the General's Mansion. We can easily offer incense in the mansion's Buddhist hall for everyday matters. It's really not reasonable for Ouyang Yue to be praying for the elders and Ouyang Zhide out of filial piety.
Old Madam Ning frowned, but Madam Huang continued, "Yue'er is indeed being quite unreasonable. As long as you have Buddha in your heart, it doesn't matter where you are." As she spoke, she raised her eyebrows and looked at Old Madam Ning, "If Yue'er really misunderstood because of the matter of praying for blessings, then I thought that you, Peach Blossom, were even persecuting your own granddaughter because of some lowly brat from who-knows-where."
"What nonsense! Yue'er is a descendant of the General's family. How could I possibly harm her? You've only heard some gossip and come here to make veiled accusations against me. You even say you're worried about Yue'er. Do you think I don't know?" Hearing this, Old Madam Ning could no longer hold back. They all knew very well why.
After their parting at the Five Elements Temple, Mu Cuiwei and Fu Meier felt increasingly aggrieved. Rui Yuhuan, an orphan who was utterly insignificant, had framed them. Even though they had avenged themselves, they felt utterly unsatisfied. The Seventh Prince disliked Fu Meier; how could a few beatings and licking of Rui Yuhuan's shoes suffice to appease him? Besides, only they knew of Rui Yuhuan's disgraceful behavior; no one else knew, so what harm could it do to her? The more they thought about it, the more dissatisfied they became, and finally, they both secretly sent people to spread the news of Rui Yuhuan's actions throughout the capital.
Outsiders only knew that Ouyang Zhide had brought back an orphaned girl who had lost both her parents. However, this girl was not only ungrateful but also tried to frame the legitimate daughter of the General's Mansion, displaying utter arrogance and conceit, naturally earning her widespread dislike. Even the noble young men and women present at the time, after hearing Rui Yuhuan's explanation, felt she was innocent, but they weren't foolish enough to antagonize the Mu and Fu families for her sake. Naturally, they remained silent, and Rui Yuhuan's reputation plummeted. However, Rui Yuhuan was ultimately an orphan with no fame or background, so the topic only surfaced briefly before fading away, without causing much of a stir.
Just as Fu Meier and Mu Cuier were feeling dissatisfied, news suddenly arrived that the old lady of the General's Mansion doted on Rui Yuhuan so much that she disregarded the lives of the other daughters in the mansion, even willing to watch Ouyang Yue die rather than let Rui Yuhuan be safe. Mu Cuiwei and Fu Meier, who already hated Ouyang Yue intensely, intended to ridicule her, but the news spread like wildfire. No one thought Ouyang Yue deserved it; they only felt that Ouyang Yue's life as the legitimate daughter of the General's Mansion was incredibly aggrieved. The noble legitimate daughter of the General's Mansion was treated worse than even a single finger of an orphan. Wasn't the old lady of the General's Mansion her own grandmother and great-aunt? How could she treat her so differently? Later, after much speculation, a reason emerged.
Old Madam Ning had a precedent of bringing Concubine Ming and Concubine Hong into the household for Ouyang Zhide. Now that the concubines in the mansion were getting old, seeing the young and beautiful Rui Yuhuan, they were bound to be tempted to bring her into Ouyang Zhide's household as well. However, Rui Yuhuan was too young, about the same age as the original eldest daughter of the General's Mansion, and neither the young lady nor Ouyang Zhide might agree. So Old Madam Ning began to curry favor with Rui Yuhuan, agreeing to anything she wanted. Rui Yuhuan was also a vain and ruthless woman. Seeing that Ouyang Yue had gained Ouyang Zhide's favor, she was resentful and used Old Madam Ning to suppress Ouyang Yue. Therefore, as soon as Ouyang Zhide left the capital by imperial decree, Ouyang Yue was tormented and hurriedly "escaped" the capital to avoid the persecution of Rui Yuhuan and Old Madam Ning.
As soon as the news broke, it was immediately reported that Old Madam Ning dared to turn against her own granddaughter in order to win the favor of a young orphan girl, a future concubine in the household. She had completely disregarded ethics and morality, and even abandoned family ties and kinship. Some people even criticized the Ning family for not raising their daughters properly, allowing Old Madam Ning to commit such a crime of favoring a concubine over the legitimate daughter.
Moreover, the news spread extremely quickly. As soon as it came out, it happened to be linked to the previous incident where Rui Yuhuan framed Ouyang Yue at the Five Elements Temple. This was solid evidence. There were piles of memorials impeaching Ouyang Zhide. Ouyang Zhide was currently on imperial orders and away from home. How could the emperor let such a domestic matter affect Ouyang Zhide's mood? Naturally, he would try to suppress it.
But with the Emperor's suppression, the rumors circulating among the people became even more outrageous. From the moment news broke that Ouyang Yue had run away from the mansion, five or six versions of the story of Old Madam Ning and Rui Yuhuan conspiring to harm her had already spread. Some said they were plotting to kill Ouyang Yue, while others said Rui Yuhuan feared that Ouyang Zhide would favor Ouyang Yue too much after she entered the mansion, thus stealing her affections, so she wanted to frame Ouyang Yue and marry her off to someone else so she could fulfill her wish as soon as possible. There were also tales of how they tried to force Ouyang Yue to drink poison in the mansion, and so on. In the end, Old Madam Ning and Rui Yuhuan were portrayed as venomous snakes and scorpions! They were practically universally hated, causing widespread outrage.
Madam Huang stopped pretending and said coldly, "Yes, I'm just worried about Yue'er. For some bastard who I don't know, you actually went so far as to force Yue'er to leave the manor. Can't I even ask for justice? Ning Taohua, you really are as tough and domineering as ever, just like before."
"What are you saying? I know Yu Huan's character best. Besides, those rumors are just that—rumors. Yu Huan has no intention of giving herself to De'er. She gets along well with everyone in the manor. Where did these rumors come from? I think they're just jealous of Yu Huan's talent and beauty. And don't even mention forcing Yue'er for her sake. I would never have done such a thing," Old Madam Ning retorted coldly.
Shang blinked, "Aunt, but the news I heard is not like that. The news came from the General's Mansion. Yue'er has suffered a lot in the mansion these days. This Rui Yuhuan is nothing but a jinx, yet you treat her like a treasure, causing endless chaos and disasters in the General's Mansion. This is completely different from the wise and insightful grandmother you used to be." Shang spoke softly, but she was practically pointing her finger at Old Ning's forehead and scolding her for being senile and foolish. How could she treat a jinx like a treasure? And she blamed the constant troubles in the General's Mansion on Rui Yuhuan. Old Ning was the culprit who pushed all of this forward.
Old Madam Ning's face flushed red with anger, her eyes wide with fury. She immediately scolded, "Is this how you talk to your elders? It's simply outrageous!"
Madam Huang said coldly, "Alright, Peach Blossom, don't hold it against the child. She was just worried about what she overheard from the household affairs. If you have to blame someone, blame the mess in this household for making people gossip. Do you think your General's Mansion is some kind of impregnable fortress? Can you really cover things up when something happens? Besides, did the child say anything wrong? If you couldn't bring yourself to kill that Rui Yuhuan, someone else would have taken care of her for you. You've gone to such lengths for an orphan girl. I really don't know what to say to you. Didn't you go out on the street and hear what people were saying about you? You're almost being treated like a demon, yet you're still siding with her. You're really possessed. That's fine, you have to bear the consequences of your own actions. But now these people are pointing the finger at our Ning Mansion. They'd love to stand around the gate and curse our Ning Mansion for being a century-old family with no real reputation. Our family's honor is about to be ruined by your foolish actions. What else is there to be angry about? Deal with that orphan girl as soon as possible."
Old Madam Ning sneered: "I think you just want to take this opportunity to strike at me. Now that Yu Huan has been pushed into the limelight, do you think you can all get away with it if something happens to them at this time? You will only be accused of murder to cover up the crime. You think you can get away with it? You're dreaming."
Madam Huang slammed her hand on the chair pillar: "What are you saying? As the matriarch of the Ning family, who else should I think of if not the Ning family? You, as the legitimate daughter of the Ning family, have committed a crime by disregarding the family's reputation. Now that the matter is clear, you show no remorse whatsoever. Do you still deserve to call yourself a daughter of the Ning family? Ning Taohua, don't think that just because you are the legitimate daughter of the Ning family, you can keep ruining the family's reputation. Let me tell you, if you don't give the Ning family a satisfactory answer to this matter, don't blame me, your sister-in-law, for being heartless. Whatever the Ning family does will be your own fault!" Madam Huang stared coldly at Old Madam Ning, but inwardly she felt extremely pleased. For so many years, she had been fighting with Old Madam Ning, and now she finally had something she could control. If Old Madam Ning didn't give a satisfactory solution and answer, she would definitely keep her word. Because it wouldn't be easy to find this opportunity to deal with Old Madam Ning again. As for seeking justice for Ouyang Yue, that was no longer important.
Shang immediately stood up and helped Huang up. Huang sneered at Old Ning, "You'd better watch yourself. I really don't know if your intelligence before marriage is real or just an act. You're getting worse as you get older. I've said all I can say, and I'm not joking. Let's go back to the Ning residence."
Shang responded and immediately helped Huang out of the mansion carefully. Along the way, the servants of the General's Mansion bowed their heads and kept their eyes down. This Old Madam Huang was not weak, and she had not suffered any loss with Old Madam Ning, so they dared not be negligent.
After Huang and Shang finished speaking, they left. Old Madam Ning, however, was so angry that she was panting heavily in her chair. Her chest heaved violently, as if she might catch her breath at any moment. Mama Xi immediately and dutifully tried to soothe Old Madam Ning's chest, but she didn't improve. She continued to groan and gasp for air, her voice making strange "hoarse" sounds. Her face was flushed red with anger, her body trembled, and her eyes rolled back slightly. Seeing this, Mama Xi rushed to the woman in green and said, "Quick, go fetch a doctor! The old lady is unwell!"
The woman in green immediately stepped back and ran out of Anhe Hall.
Old Madam Ning's lips trembled with rage: "Those two... shameless... shameless women, how dare they come and rebuke me! What do they think they are? If it weren't for me, would Huang Shi be where she is today? That ungrateful wretch, she sabotaged my marriage back then, and now she dares to interfere in my own household affairs! It's outrageous! Does she really think I, Ning Taohua, am easy to bully? Wait till I... I will definitely not let them off! Those two shameless women, and that bastard Ouyang Yue is truly hateful, daring to leave the manor at a time like this, letting such ridiculous rumors spread throughout the capital! She's putting my reputation on the fire! What have I gained with my whole life's efforts? That ignorant bastard, utterly unfilial! She can forget about coming back; she'd better die out there! I'm so angry... so angry!" Old Madam Ning felt a heat rising in her head, so angry she felt like blood was about to burst from her brain; she was utterly speechless.
Madam Xi simply stroked Old Madam Ning's chest gently. She had tried everything to persuade her during this time, but Old Madam Ning didn't take it to heart at all. She wasn't about to invite trouble. Old Madam Ning retorted angrily, "Why aren't you saying anything? You're usually so talkative, aren't you? Now you're playing dumb? What, are you laughing at me too?"
Madam Xi immediately knelt on the ground: "This servant dares not, this servant just feels... Madam should rest well first and take care of her health before we talk about it, otherwise the General will definitely be heartbroken when he returns."
“He’s heartbroken. His heart is completely occupied by Ouyang Yue. How can I, as his mother, have any place in his heart? I sacrificed so much for him back then, yet he dotes on that useless Ouyang Yue more than he respects me. How can I bear it?” Old Madam Ning’s eyes were like copper bells as she shook her head excitedly. Her hair was neatly combed into a bun, but the hairpins on both sides were slightly loose, making her look somewhat disheveled.
Madam Xi pursed her lips slightly: "The old lady is not planning to do as Madam Huang said..."
"Bah! She dares to tell me what to do? What right does she have!" Old Madam Ning was furious. Thinking of Huang's threatening words earlier, she wasn't as dismissive as she appeared. She felt a sliver of fear. This matter had spread so widely, indeed causing extremely bad influence not only on the Ning family but also on her. But her reputation, built up over the years, wasn't for nothing. She had managed to overcome the stigma of being a jinx with Ouyang Zhide; what could possibly be difficult for her? What was there for her to fear? What a joke!
Inside a private residence in the capital city, a frail, helpless, trembling girl knelt on the floor, uttering soft moans. Suddenly, her dark hair was violently pulled up. The girl, her eyes brimming with tears, looked up, her beautiful face, streaked with pear blossoms, evoking a protective instinct in anyone. However, as she stared at the person who had so mercilessly grabbed her hair, a look of terror crossed her face. Kneeling before her was a person dressed entirely in black from head to toe. Seeing the girl's frail state, the person showed no pity, raised their head, and slapped her hard across the face.
"Slap!" Five claw marks immediately appeared on the girl's face, very conspicuous on her fair skin. The girl cried out in pain, "Slap slap slap!" Then the slaps continued to fly out, the girl's jaw clenched in pain, and her whimpers grew louder: "Waaah, spare...spare me...I...I was wrong, please give me another chance, please, don't hit me anymore, it hurts so much..."
The girl clung to the black-clad man's leg, pleading and crying. The man stood up, lifted the girl's chin with his foot, and spoke in an unusually hoarse voice, which sounded somewhat eerie at this moment: "You useless wretch! Your master gave you orders, and not only did you fail to complete them, you even dared to think about those private matters. You even dared to have improper thoughts about the Seventh Prince of the Great Zhou? It seems you don't understand your place. Rui Yuhuan, you are just a dog that your master can use for the time being. If you obediently obey your master's orders, we will take good care of you. But now you dare to disobey your master's orders and have been kicked out of the General's Mansion by Ouyang Zhide. You are no longer of any use. Do you know what your master will do with a dog that has no use?"
Just then, a chilling sound suddenly rang out in the room. Rui Yuhuan looked up in terror and saw a green, trembling snake slowly crawling on the shoulder of the man in black. The snake's head was triangular, its eyes glowing with a ghostly green light, and its bright red tongue flickered with a terrifying sound. Rui Yuhuan felt her heart clench violently and cried out, "No...no, I won't do it again. I'll listen to my master in everything from now on. I'll listen to everything. Don't kill me, please don't."
The venomous snake slowly slid down the black-clad man's shoulder, crawled down his outstretched arm, and coiled towards Rui Yuhuan. Rui Yuhuan's face turned deathly pale with fright, and she stammered, her body drenched in cold sweat as if she were dehydrated: "No! I'll agree to anything, I'll do whatever you ask, I'll never do anything unnecessary again, I'll never have any improper thoughts again, don't kill me, don't... I'll do anything..."
The snake's head suddenly stretched forward, and Rui Yuhuan was so frightened that she leaned back and barely dodged it. Her legs trembled, and her whole body shook like a sieve.
"It's a pity you met him too late. During this time, you have disobeyed your master's orders many times. Your master kept you around to seduce Ouyang Zhide and control the General's Mansion, but you haven't made any progress at all. You have really disappointed your master." The man in black's voice was still hoarse and cold, and the venomous snake in his hand moved even more frequently.
Rui Yuhuan exclaimed in surprise, "No, no, it's not like there's been no progress. I've already taken control of the old lady of the General's Mansion, Madam Ning, and I also have a way to deal with and control Aunt Ming. Just give me some more time, and I'll definitely get it done. Even if your master finds someone else to complete this task, it will have to start all over again. It's much easier for me to continue the task. I'm the better one, I'm the better one!"
The man in black paused, then withdrew his arm, the snake naturally coiling from his arm to his shoulder: "Hmm, what you said does make some sense."
Rui Yuhuan was terrified and covered in sweat, but the man in black suddenly took a step forward, his voice as unpleasant as grinding sand: "You think you still have a chance to enter the General's Mansion?"
"Yes, yes, yes, I have more. I'll find a way." Rui Yuhuan nodded repeatedly, afraid that the man in black wouldn't believe her and would take her life.
The man in black seemed to be pondering something: "At least you have some awareness, but letting you off the hook is too lenient." The man in black raised his head and looked at Pink Butterfly, who was standing quietly beside Rui Yuhuan, and said, "Strip her clothes off."
Pink Butterfly replied, "Yes, Your Excellency." She immediately grabbed Rui Yuhuan and pulled her towards her collar. Rui Yuhuan immediately covered herself with her hands, "You... what are you doing? You're going to do this to me! Get out of here!"
Pink Butterfly sneered, and with a flick of her other hand, she slapped Rui Yuhuan hard across the face. This Rui Yuhuan was incredibly stupid. Her master had sent her to help her, and she was only temporarily cooperating. At this time, she actually thought that she could still be ordered around when the tiger was down on its feet. Humph!
With a "rip," Pink Butterfly ripped open Rui Yuhuan's front garment. Rui Yuhuan was terrified. She had just stood up and hadn't even dressed properly when the men in black forced her to kneel on the ground. She was only wearing a bodice underneath. However, Pink Butterfly didn't care at all and tore at Rui Yuhuan's clothes in a few quick rips. Rui Yuhuan was now completely naked. She cried out in a hushed voice, "No... don't come any closer." At this point, what didn't she understand?
However, the man in black kicked her, sending her flying through the air like a streamlined arc before crashing heavily onto the bed. Rui Yuhuan tried to get off the bed, but the next moment she felt short of breath. The man in black pressed tightly against her neck: "I left you with your virginity so you could seduce Ouyang Zhide. Since you don't know how to cherish it and still dare to dream of ruining your master's plans, today I will let you, this slut, fulfill your dream of losing your virginity."
"No!" Rui Yuhuan kept twisting her neck to try to dodge, but she was no match for the man in black. The man in black gripped her hand tighter and tighter: "Bitch, leave your innocence or die, you choose one."
Rui Yuhuan stared wide-eyed in disbelief. What?! This devil dared to treat her like this! Her virginity was meant for the Seventh Prince; only someone as noble and handsome as him was worthy of him. How could this man, who wouldn't even show his face, be worthy of her? How could he possibly be worthy of her? Was she destined to suffer and endure his evil deeds? Why was fate so unfair to her? She only wanted to find a better happiness. Besides, wouldn't marrying the Seventh Prince be more beneficial to them? He was the Emperor of Great Zhou's most beloved son, who might one day ascend the throne. If she had a chance to fight for it, she might even become Empress. Wouldn't that be more advantageous for them? Why wouldn't he listen to her arguments? Why was he treating her like this?
Weren't they supposed to be cooperating? She was just going along with them, so why was she being controlled like this now? She was unwilling, she was truly unwilling. Tears of resentment and grievance streamed down her face uncontrollably. Rui Yuhuan cried out, "I...I don't want to die, I'm willing, willing..." After saying that, tears flowed even more freely.
The man in black snorted coldly, indicating that no matter how Rui Yuhuan answered, the answer would not change.
Rui Yuhuan cried out in anguish, her eyes blurred with tears as she stared at the figures swaying before her. A surge of anger welled up within her; she felt an intense pain, not just physical, but also emotional. These people had destroyed everything she had, and tragically, she had no chance to fight back. She wanted a better life, she wanted to climb higher—what was wrong with that? She hadn't done anything wrong. It was just a few unfounded rumors circulating, just Ouyang Zhide kicking her out of the General's Mansion. She had plenty of ways to make Old Madam Ning regret taking her back; she was absolutely certain of that. Why was she wrong?
At this moment, Rui Yuhuan felt deep regret. If she hadn't associated with these vicious people, she wouldn't have given her father the drug that would stimulate him on the battlefield and make him more valiant. Perhaps her father wouldn't have died. Her sacrifice was nothing to these people. She had become an orphan whom everyone could bully because of them. It wasn't her fault. She came to the General's Mansion because Ouyang Zhide hadn't taken a liking to her. Was she supposed to strip naked and seduce Ouyang Zhide in bed? If she were to do such a thing, it would only be for the Seventh Prince. How could an old man like Ouyang Zhide be worthy of her? She hadn't done anything wrong, and what did she get in return? If her father hadn't died, she wouldn't have been an orphan, and perhaps she would have had a better chance to marry the Seventh Prince.
These people are so despicable, yet she was powerless to resist and lost her virginity to this scumbag. She hated it!
Those two vile women, Ouyang Rou and Ouyang Yue, deserve to die! If it weren't for them, she wouldn't have been kicked out of the General's Mansion by Ouyang Zhide, this wouldn't have happened, and she wouldn't have been humiliated by this despicable man. It's all their fault, and she won't let it go. They harmed her, and she will take revenge two, a hundred times over!
Ouyang Rou wanted to grind her teeth to dust, but at that moment, she suddenly felt a lightness in her body. Just as she was about to relax, her body was suddenly thrown up with a "bang." She felt as if her bones were about to shatter. Then she felt a shiver run down her spine from the stimulation. That bastard had actually kicked her off the bed after he finished with her. This was truly hateful! Rui Yuhuan immediately shivered and shrank back, feeling cold.
The man in black stretched out his hand: "Give me my clothes."
Pink Butterfly immediately went over and carefully helped the man in black get up. The man in black looked at Rui Yuhuan, who was lying naked and in a very disheveled state on the ground, and said coldly, "Remember, you only have this one chance now. Find a way to sneak back into the General's Mansion as soon as possible. If you can't do it, the next time we meet will be the day you die."
Rui Yuhuan froze, disregarding her naked body, and immediately prostrated herself on the ground in fright, saying, "Yes, this time I will definitely do a good job, I will definitely not disappoint you, I definitely won't."
The woman in black snorted coldly, and Pink Butterfly immediately followed her out. She returned shortly after, only to see Rui Yuhuan slowly making her way to the bed, her body a mess. A chilling smile flashed across her face. Upon seeing her return, Rui Yuhuan immediately glared at her and said coldly, "What are you standing there for? Hurry up and help me to bed. Go get me some hot water for a bath. You bitch, you must have been the one who tipped me off! You've gotten me into this state. I'll let you off the hook once I'm better."
Pink Butterfly gave a mocking smile: "Rui Yuhuan, you have long lost your original value. Now I am not here to take care of you as your master, but to guard you. You are now just my slave. Don't get me wrong."
"What did you say! I'm your slave? How is that possible? What are you? You think you can make me serve you? Don't even think about it!" Rui Yuhuan roared angrily. She was already furious after being treated inhumanely, and now even that lowly girl Fen Die wanted to ride on her head. It was simply too much. "Your master still wants me to work for him. How could he be so unwise? Judging from your appearance, you can only be a servant for life. You still want to ride on my head? Keep dreaming."
Pink Butterfly had already narrowed her eyes. Pink Butterfly's appearance had always been quite good, no less than Rui Yuhuan's. Rui Yuhuan was not satisfied with assigning this beautiful maid to her. Looking at Pink Butterfly's cold and arrogant expression, Rui Yuhuan rushed over in anger and raised her hand to strike.
The next moment, with a loud "bang", Rui Yuhuan was kicked to the ground by Pink Butterfly and coughed up blood in pain!
☆、096, Old Grudges!
"Cough cough cough, you...you actually hit me..." Rui Yuhuan knelt on the ground, clutching her chest, her whole body trembling with anger. She never expected that she would have such a miserable day. Not only was she framed by Ouyang Rou and made to take the blame, but she was also kicked out of the General's Mansion by Ouyang Zhide. Furthermore, she was punished by the men in black for failing to complete her mission, and now even a maid could humiliate her!
Rui Yuhuan felt extremely humiliated and repressed. She hated it so much that she seemed to have lost her mind just now and wanted to beat Pinkie to vent her anger, but the result was completely unexpected.
"Hmm." Pink Butterfly raised her leg and stomped on Rui Yuhuan's chest, coldly laughing: "Rui Yuhuan, do you understand now who is the master and who is the slave?"
Rui Yuhuan whimpered, wanting to shake her head but not daring to. The man in black hadn't shown her any kindness before, and she was in excruciating pain below, feeling like her bones were about to fall apart. Then the man in black kicked her to the ground, but she couldn't withstand the torment of Pink Butterfly.
"I know, I know, I'm a slave... Pfft." Rui Yuhuan was still somewhat aware of the situation and was about to admit her mistake when Pink Butterfly kicked her again. Rui Yuhuan burst into tears of humiliation: "I know I was wrong, why did you still hit me..."
Pink Butterfly scoffed, "I am the young lady, what should you call yourself?"
Rui Yuhuan's face changed, turning both dark and white. She bit her lower lip, unwilling to speak for a long time. Pink Butterfly watched her with a low laugh, waiting for Rui Yuhuan to speak. She knew that Rui Yuhuan had no choice. Sure enough, after a long while, Rui Yuhuan, her face pale, said in a trembling voice, "Miss... I... I understand... Waaah!" As soon as she finished speaking, Rui Yuhuan knelt on the ground and cried out in pain. Her fair and smooth back trembled repeatedly. However, Pink Butterfly just watched coldly, without the slightest sympathy on her face.
"Alright, you know what's good for you. I'll let you off this time. Oh, since you're already my maid, then Bean Sprout is no longer needed. I've already had her taken care of. From now on, you'll take good care of my food and daily life. If you're dissatisfied with anything, don't blame me." Pink Butterfly chuckled softly, "You know, the reason you ended up being kicked out of the General's Mansion by Ouyang Zhide is because you had dreams you shouldn't have had and thoughts you shouldn't have had. That's why you ended up like this. You still don't recognize your own status. When you try to get the General's Mansion to accept you back, you naturally have to lower your expectations. I'm doing this to help you." Pink Butterfly lifted Rui Yuhuan's chin, her face full of mockery, "Do you understand?"
Rui Yuhuan wanted nothing more than to tear apart Pink Butterfly's arrogant and shameless face, but she could only pant heavily, her body trembling, her heart pounding with hatred, and she could only nod repeatedly: "I...no, this servant knows...this servant will definitely take good care of...Miss."
"Slap, slap."