Old Madam Ning's meals were always strictly controlled by her. Before each meal, Old Madam Ning would inspect the ingredients and preparation, and she would also test for poison before the meal. Therefore, she knew very well that if Rui Yuhuan wanted to poison her, she would not have the opportunity! Could it really be that the old lady and Rui Yuhuan were just old friends?
This idea seemed utterly ridiculous; it seemed she needed to investigate further. Moreover, her master had said… Mama Xi shook her head slightly, concealing all her emotions.
After leaving Anhe Hall, Ouyang Zhide did not return. Instead, he turned around and went to Mingyue Pavilion. The atmosphere in Mingyue Pavilion was very lively today, with everyone chatting and laughing. However, when they saw Ouyang Zhide enter the courtyard, their expressions changed.
"master."
Ouyang Zhide waved his hand and strode towards Ouyang Yue's room. Hearing the servants' greetings, Chuncao immediately came out: "This servant greets Master. Master, you're here at this hour..." Chuncao glanced at Ouyang Zhide. Although Ouyang Yue had thoroughly enjoyed leading Mingyue's men to vandalize Xiangning Courtyard, it wasn't exactly a glorious affair. Furthermore, given that it involved Ouyang Zhide's bedmate, Chuncao feared he might take his anger out on her. However, she couldn't sway her mistress's temper. Of course, she also felt that Xiangning Courtyard deserved to be vandalized; after all, they had such a vicious and ruthless master!
Ouyang Zhide's arrival made her a little nervous: "Master, it's getting late, Miss has already rested." After thinking for a moment, Chuncao took a deep breath and said, "Given how much Master dotes on Miss, even if he's angry, he should calm down in a day. It's better to use the delaying tactic."
Ouyang Zhide looked at Chuncao with a half-smile, which made her stiffen, her expression frozen, seemingly at a loss. At this moment, Ouyang Yue's voice came: "Chuncao, is that Father? Please come in quickly."
Chuncao immediately bowed her head to invite Ouyang Zhide in, but saw Ouyang Yue sitting at the table in the room. On the table were three plates of pastries: golden, spherical pastries, purplish-red chestnut cakes, and a fruit platter made of apples, pears, and other fruits. Ouyang Zhide's eyes immediately flickered. It seemed that he was about to be unable to enter.
Ouyang Yue's expression was indifferent, because Ouyang Zhide's expression when he entered the room was far from pleasant. His brows were slightly furrowed, his face somewhat dark, and he looked like he was there to interrogate her. Ouyang Yue pursed her lips and didn't offer him any more tea. Instead, she poured herself and the person opposite her a cup of tea, then picked it up and took a sip with her eyes half-closed. Seeing her like this, Ouyang Zhide smiled bitterly to himself, stepped inside, sat down, picked up a golden, ball-shaped pastry from the table, examined it carefully, and then bit into it. Instantly, a sweet and sour, soft texture spread in his mouth, and his brows relaxed. He finished the pastry in no time. However, the sweet and sour taste of the pastry, combined with the fact that Ouyang Zhide hadn't eaten much during dinner after hearing about Ouyang Yue's situation, made him even hungrier. He reached for another one, when suddenly the plate flew up.
He looked over and saw Ouyang Yue pick up the plate, take out a piece of pastry, and stuff it directly into her mouth, looking like she was going to eat it all and not give him a single one. Ouyang Zhide chuckled and said, "Why is Yue'er so stingy? She's just staring at a piece of pastry, won't she give any to her father?"
Ouyang Yue snorted: "Oh, Father, did you come to Mingyue Pavilion specifically to scold Yue'er? Since I'm going to be scolded anyway, why should I entertain you properly? At worst, I'll just get scolded a few more times, and that will make me feel better." As she spoke, she began to chew the pastry in her mouth vigorously, glaring at him with a very unconvinced look.
Ouyang Zhide was visibly taken aback by what he heard, because Ouyang Yue was right; he had indeed intended to give her a warning. While he knew Ouyang Yue's actions of vandalizing Aunt Ming's Xiangning Courtyard stemmed from resentment—a reaction anyone would have after nearly being framed and killed—her behavior was clearly impulsive. Ouyang Zhide's willingness to go to Anhe Hall to stop Old Madam Ning from doing unnecessary things didn't mean he completely approved of her actions. Since he thought the vandalism was justified, he couldn't say it aloud.
Ouyang Yue is, after all, a girl. Ouyang Zhide said that Ouyang Yue's true nature was better than those hypocritical young ladies from prestigious families in the capital, but as a father, how could he not worry that Ouyang Yue would never be able to get married if things continued like this! Who knew that he had only put on a face and hadn't even said anything, but the person in question threw a tantrum first.
Ouyang Zhide coughed lightly: "Yue'er, do you know you're wrong?"
Ouyang Yue pursed her lips tightly, looking like she would never admit her mistake. Ouyang Zhide said coldly, "You acted too impulsively. If Father hadn't gone to Anhetang to block you, do you think you would still be sitting in Mingyue Pavilion drinking tea and having a meal, throwing a tantrum at me!"
Ouyang Yue's eyes flickered, and after a long while she said, "Didn't Father already stop it? Anyway, someone will clean up my mess in the end, so what am I afraid of?"
Ouyang Zhide glared at him: "Nonsense! What are you saying? How can a young lady always use such vulgar words as 'buttocks'? It's outrageous!"
Ouyang Yue sighed, "Father only allows officials to set fires, but forbids ordinary people from doing so. You clearly often say that, and I learned it from you."
Ouyang Zhide choked again. He was a military officer, usually stationed at the border surrounded by men. How could he speak as elegantly as a woman? He realized he often spoke rudely, and Ouyang Yue had indeed followed suit; it was truly his fault. Ouyang Zhide's face flushed red, somewhat embarrassed: "You still don't know you're wrong!"
Ouyang Yue snorted, "Father came here to interrogate me anyway. What difference does it make whether I admit my mistake or not!" Ouyang Yue deliberately acted like she was throwing a tantrum, but her heart sank. In fact, she had three purposes for smashing up Xiangning Courtyard this time: first, to vent her anger; second, to establish her authority; and third, to test how much Ouyang Zhide doted on her. She knew that if this matter was not handled well, she would be in trouble, but at most she would be confined to her quarters or given a beating. If she could achieve all three goals at the same time, Ouyang Yue didn't care.
So when Ouyang Zhide approached with a sullen face, she felt a pang of unease. Was this Ouyang Zhide's bottom line? If so, she would not only have to be careful in the future, but also maintain a certain distance from him. Although Ouyang Zhide had been extremely kind to her before, that was because their interests didn't conflict. Ouyang Yue, while having feelings for Ouyang Zhide, remained uneasy, after all, she wasn't Ouyang Zhide's real daughter.
Seeing Ouyang Yue's defiant expression, Ouyang Zhide finally couldn't hold back any longer: "You just can't let things go when you're in the right." Seeing that Ouyang Yue was glaring at him, he added, "But Aunt Ming deserves to die for what she did."
Ouyang Yue was taken aback and said doubtfully, "Oh, Father doesn't care at all? Yue'er doesn't believe it."
A hint of sarcasm flashed in Ouyang Zhide's eyes. He didn't reply, but simply said, "But next time you do something, you'd better think it through. The outside world is not like the manor. Everything is fine in the general's manor, and I can suppress it. Outside, there are hundreds of eyes watching. If something happens to you, those people will attack you without mercy."
Ouyang Yue stood up with a smile and handed the pastry back in a very ingratiating manner: "Father, please try it. This pastry is called Golden Cake. It's not only appetizing and good for your complexion, but also very delicious. I made it especially for you." As she spoke, she placed the Golden Cake on the table, stood up, and began to massage Ouyang Zhide's shoulders. "I know Father is doing this for my own good. I will pay attention next time. Father, you must be tired. Let me massage you."
"Pfft." Ouyang Zhide couldn't hold back any longer. He found Ouyang Yue's fawning manner quite amusing. After laughing, he quickly withdrew his laughter, gave a serious snort, picked up a piece of hawthorn cake and ate two pieces, then two chestnut cakes and a few pieces of fruit, all while Ouyang Yue massaged his shoulders, without saying a word to stop.
Ouyang Yue puffed out her cheeks and continued massaging helplessly. After a while, she felt her hands getting a little sore and couldn't help but say, "Dad, does it feel good? Yue'er will massage you again next time."
Ouyang Zhide snorted: "You have no perseverance. You've only been pressing for a short while and you're already exhausted?" Then he shook his head and sighed, "You've always been like this since you were a child, working hard for three days and resting for two, and in the end you haven't learned anything."
"No, no, no." Ouyang Yue immediately shook her head in denial. "Father, you're wrong. If I hadn't learned anything, where would these golden cakes and chestnut cakes come from? Yue'er was just ignorant and didn't want to learn when she was little. Yue'er is very smart and learns everything very quickly."
"Really!" Ouyang Zhide looked doubtful. Ouyang Yue immediately stopped and sat down opposite him. Then she looked at Ouyang Zhide and smiled ingratiatingly, "Yue'er is still very grateful for Father's love. If it weren't for you this time, Grandmother would definitely blame Yue'er, hehehe."
Ouyang Zhide glared at her coldly: "Good that you know. Don't act impulsively next time. At least ask your father first."
Ouyang Yue chuckled. This Ouyang Zhide was quite protective of his own. He had just been making things up, which had made her worry. "If it were Father, what would you do about this?"
Ouyang Zhide's expression changed slightly. He coughed lightly, stood up, and said to Chuncao, "I have to work in the study tonight, and I'm afraid I'll be hungry. Pack up your things and send them to my Yihexuan. You should go to sleep early too. Father is leaving."
Ouyang Yue immediately smiled and bowed respectfully to see Ouyang Zhide off, a hint of amusement in her eyes. Ouyang Zhide, who had plundered Ouyang Yue's pastries, blushed slightly. He couldn't very well tell Ouyang Yue that if it were him, he would have razed Xiangning Courtyard to the ground. He was a military man by training, his mission always being to defeat the enemy. Although he had told Ouyang Yue to think things through, given his temperament, he might have done something even more horrible! He certainly couldn't stay; otherwise, he would lose face!
Chuncao saw Ouyang Zhide off. Dongxue watched his strong and steady figure walk away, a glint in her eyes, and said to Ouyang Yue, "Miss, Master really dotes on you."
Ouyang Yue nodded, "Yes, he's genuinely good to me." But how good could he be? Or was there truly no ulterior motive in his kindness? Judging from the actions of Madam Ning and Old Madam Ning, Ouyang Yue had once doubted her background and felt somewhat disappointed. Of course, she would always remember Ouyang Zhide's protection.
Your principle has always been: "Treat me with respect, and I'll treat you with even greater respect; offend me even slightly, and I'll retaliate a hundredfold."
Inside the Shanyu Pavilion, Madam Ning was sitting by the window drinking tea when Lin Mama dismissed the servants and came over: "Madam."
Ning Shi responded indifferently. Ever since she had fallen out with Ouyang Zhide and was neglected, she had been quite calm lately, not competing for anything, which made her seem detached. However, she sneered at this moment: "I didn't expect the manor to be so lively today. There was a conspiracy and framing during the day, and now there's someone smashing up the courtyard. It's been a long time since the General's Mansion has been so lively. It's really quite interesting."
Madam Lin laughed, "It's all because Aunt Ming was so arrogant. She seemed so clever all along, but in the end, she was outsmarted by the Third Miss. Truly, her cleverness backfired. Now Aunt Ming is disfigured, blind, and has a broken leg. Her courtyard has been smashed. I just heard the news; Master is furious and has ordered Mama Xi not to send any damaged items to Xiangning Courtyard. If she wants to replace them, Aunt Ming has to pay for them herself. This time, she's truly lost everything—her wife and her health. This is truly gratifying!"
Ning's eyes were icy: "That bitch has been fighting with me for years, but I never expected her to fall for this. Do you think she's gotten stupid, or Ouyang Yue has become smarter?"
Madam Lin looked at Madam Ning, not quite understanding what the lady meant, but thinking that Ouyang Yue was, after all, Madam Ning's own daughter, and that she had disliked the Third Miss because of her impulsive behavior, she thought things should have improved now. She immediately softened her voice and said, "This servant sees that Miss has grown up and seems much smarter; Aunt Ming is no match for her!"
Ning's eyes grew even colder, startling Lin Mama. When she looked again, Ning had regained her composure and no longer brought up the previous topic: "However, Concubine Hua's miscarriage is actually a great benefit to me. That little wretch only happened to be favored by the master and was fortunate enough to become pregnant, yet she didn't even put me in her eyes. Her miscarriage is retribution!" But Ning seemed to be deep in thought as she said, "This incident has reminded me that this household cannot be without offspring. Women cannot support this general's mansion. As the head mistress, I must have a son to rely on."
Madam Lin's heart skipped a beat. Although she wasn't in the household when Madam Ning gave birth, as Madam Ning's closest confidante, she knew that Madam Ning had been searching for a fertility formula all these years, and she also knew that Madam Ning's health likely prevented her from conceiving again. "Madam, does this mean..."
"Madam, this... if the false pregnancy is exposed, I'm afraid..."
Ning glanced coldly at Lin Mama: "Who said I was faking a pregnancy? Isn't there a male heir in the manor?"
Madam Lin was startled: "Madam, you mean..."
Ning Shi took a sip of tea quietly. How could the legitimate daughter of the Ning family only have a stubborn temper and impulsive nature? She had many tricks up her sleeve!
The next morning, Ouyang Yue had breakfast as usual, then went to Anhe Hall to pay her respects to Old Madam Ning. However, Old Madam Ning didn't give her any face and didn't even see her. Ouyang Yue didn't mind, simply bowed and turned to leave. The servants she encountered along the way, seeing Ouyang Yue's expression, were clearly more wary and cautious. This time, her attempt to establish her authority had obviously been very successful.
As soon as they returned to Mingyue Pavilion, Chuncao went down to give instructions, and Dongxue soaked a handkerchief to wipe Ouyang Yue's hands. Ouyang Yue used it and handed it to her before saying, "What do you want to say?"
Dongxue immediately said, "Miss, after the dispute with the Fu family at Meiyi Pavilion last time, Qiuyue said that there have been people secretly monitoring Meiyi Pavilion ever since then. Leng Can also said that he sent people to investigate the matter you proposed. But it seems that someone is suppressing it, and he can't find out for the time being, but he will continue to follow up."
Ouyang Yue responded lightly. She hadn't expected it to be so soon; it was all within expectations. However, she raised an eyebrow and said, "Meiyi Pavilion will be opening soon, right?"
"Yes, Miss, it was you who booked it for the beginning of next month."
Ouyang Yue nodded: "Then there are only half a month left. How is Meiyi Pavilion doing now?"
"Everything is ready, just waiting for the opening. Leng Can, as instructed by Miss, has found many eloquent women and skilled embroiderers. Their backgrounds are all very clean. Qiu Yue is also almost ready." Ouyang Yue has always been reluctant to leave the manor, and matters of contacting the outside world have always been handled by Dong Xue. Therefore, she knows some details better than Ouyang Yue.
"Really!" Ouyang Yue thought for a moment, "Then I need to go and take a look before Meiyige opens. Let's do it tomorrow."
"Yes, Miss."
Chenyu Hall
Baili Chen, dressed in a loose-fitting white brocade robe, lay slumped on the couch, his eyes half-closed, his face serene. The soft sunlight outside cast a gentle glow on him, making his exquisite features even more captivating.
At this moment, two palace maids entered. One of them, upon seeing Baili Chen's appearance, was immediately captivated and couldn't look away. She had always known that the Seventh Prince was the most handsome among the princes, but he was in poor health and, despite the Emperor's favor, had little future. Yet, this kind of beauty, though fleeting, was unforgettable; one glance was enough. This palace maid was newly transferred and this was the first time she had seen Baili Chen so closely. She was immediately mesmerized, forgetting even to walk properly. Her foot slipped, and the tea she was carrying fell to the ground with a sharp sound.
The palace maid who was carrying the fruit platter in front was also stunned for a moment, but she and the palace maid who caused the trouble knelt down at the same time to beg for forgiveness: "This servant deserves to die, please forgive me, Seventh Prince."
Baili Chen didn't even blink, his voice indifferent yet devoid of warmth: "Since you deserve to die, then go and accept your death."
"Ah, this servant... this servant didn't mean it, it's just that the Seventh Prince is too..."
"Shut up!" The palace maid in front turned around angrily. This new palace maid was so unruly. She had clearly told her not to talk about the Seventh Prince's appearance, but she still dared to say it!
Baili Chen lay quietly on the bed, and the palace maid was still begging for mercy. Suddenly, someone flashed out of the room, grabbed her neck with both hands and twisted it. The palace maid's eyes widened, and she died before she could even utter a sound.
Leng Sha coldly looked at the trembling palace maid kneeling on the ground: "Quickly pack up this place and leave immediately."
"Yes...yes..." The palace maid scrambled to grab her things and ran away. As for the dead palace maid, who cared?
Only then did Baili Chen open his dark eyes, which seemed to be shrouded in black mist. He coldly glanced at the lifeless palace maid lying on the ground, and then, as if thinking of something, a flash of anger appeared in his eyes, which he then concealed: "What is it?"
Leng Sha walked over and whispered in his ear, Baili Chen's eyes grew even darker, black without any emotion!
☆、080、Female hooligan!
Bai Lichen's bright red lips curved into a cold smile: "The fish has indeed taken the bait. Send more people to carry it out. Shu Jin Nupan."
Leng Sha immediately obeyed and replied. Baili Chen's eyes flickered slightly. "You just said that there was some excitement at the General's Mansion again."
Leng Sha nodded: "One of the concubines miscarried, and another concubine from the Ministry of Revenue's household was found to be the one who framed her. She lost an eye and was subsequently executed by General Ouyang. That night, Miss Ouyang, along with her servants, smashed the concubine's courtyard, especially her room, to pieces. The concubine fainted on the spot." At this point, Leng Sha raised an eyebrow. He was quite surprised when he heard this news. To smash a concubine's courtyard to pieces and then frighten her into fainting—that was truly impressive! Even Mu Cuiwei, one of the three ugliest women in the capital, gained a bad reputation for her lack of restraint in interfering with her father's affairs and killing someone. In this matter, Ouyang Yue was the victim. She didn't cause the blinding or broken leg; she simply led a group to smash someone else's courtyard—an act that seemed like she was indignant at the victim's fault.
But he felt that Miss Ouyang was the most cunning. Even though she did this, he couldn't help but think about her. She must have suffered too much injustice. Otherwise, no one would risk damaging their reputation to do such a thing. But Miss Ouyang didn't seem to care much about reputation. In the end, she not only smashed up other people's courtyards but also went unpunished and made people think that she did the right thing!
That's a true master! Compared to him, Mu Cuiwei is simply too impulsive!
Baili Chen smiled knowingly, flipped his hand over, and when he opened it again, there was a bright and beautiful peach blossom in his hand. Baili Chen held it in his hand and twirled it: "I've been so bored staying in the palace lately, let's go out and wander around tomorrow."
Leng Sha looked at Baili Chen. He shouldn't have left the palace during this time, but he knew very well that no one could question what their master wanted to do!
The next day, Ouyang Yue went to pay her respects to Old Madam Ning as usual. Old Madam Ning, Rui Zuohuan, Madam Ning, Aunt Hong, Aunt Liu, and Ouyang Rou were all in Anhe Hall. No one knew what funny story Rui Zuohuan told, but it made Old Madam Ning laugh out loud. Seeing this, the others also laughed along.
A second-class maid from Anhe Hall respectfully entered: "Madam, the Third Miss is outside requesting an audience to pay her respects on your behalf."
The atmosphere in the originally warm and harmonious Anhe Hall suddenly changed. Old Madam Ning said with a stern face, "Can't you see I'm busy? I won't see you!"
The maid hesitated for a moment, but Old Madam Ning said with a dark face, "What, my words have no effect? Throw her out! I won't see this unfilial daughter!"
The maid's face showed even more fear before she whispered, "The Third Miss also said that she wanted to go out of the manor for a walk..."
Old Madam Ning sneered, "Did I say she lacked filial piety? She even paid her respects to me. Clearly, she's just using that as an excuse to leave the manor. Anyway, someone else is standing up for her. She doesn't even need to ask me to tell her to appear in front of me less often. I should be thanking her for that!"
Old Madam Ning's ruthless manner caused the maid's expression to change. As a servant, she couldn't say these things to Ouyang Yue. With a bitter face, she lowered her head and walked out to reply. Because of Ouyang Yue's matter, Old Madam Ning clearly had no more interest in idle chatter. With a cold face, she left the hall, supported by Xi Mama and Rui Yuhuan.
In the main hall, Aunt Hong and Ouyang Rou immediately bowed to Madam Ning and left. Previous events had pushed them out of Madam Ning's control. Now, they dared only act discreetly in the mansion, hoping to win Madam Ning's forgiveness and support. However, Madam Ning had recently been neglected, and no matter how hard they tried, she remained cold. The two no longer persisted, but dared not easily offend Madam Ning again. At this time, it was best to say less and make fewer mistakes, and leave as quickly as possible.
Aunt Liu bowed to Madam Ning and was about to leave when Madam Ning smiled at her and said, "Aunt Liu, don't be in such a hurry. We both serve the master, so we're family. Why are you being so formal? Speaking of which, Aunt Liu has always been quiet and unassuming, the most sensible one in the household. I've been wanting to find an opportunity to talk to you, but I haven't had one."
Aunt Liu's eyes flickered slightly as she glanced at Madam Ning. Knowing Madam Ning as she did, she knew that this unsolicited flattery was not a good thing.
Madam Ning smiled gently: "Aunt Liu, there's no need to be nervous. It's just some everyday matters. I heard that you like to get some tonics to strengthen your body. It just so happens that I've been feeling a bit weak lately. I'll go to your place later to get some, is that alright?"
Aunt Liu immediately said, "If Madam needs it, you only need to send someone to inform me. How could I dare to trouble Madam to go and get it in person? I will go back now and have someone wrap it up and send it to Madam's Shanyu Pavilion."
Madam Ning waved her hand: "I just want to travel around more. Why does Aunt Liu look so unwilling? Is there something shameful going on in your Ningxiang Courtyard that you're so afraid of me going there!"
Aunt Liu's expression changed slightly, and she immediately said respectfully, "How dare I, your humble servant? I will be waiting for you, Madam, at Ningxiang Courtyard."
Ning nodded in satisfaction, took Lin Mama's arm and left first. Greenie, who was next to Aunt Liu, couldn't help but mutter, "What good intentions does Madam have? Why would she come to Ningxiang Courtyard for no reason?"
Aunt Liu stopped talking: "Don't say any more, go back quickly."
Ouyang Yue had already anticipated the maid's cautious report, so she waved it off without paying any attention and took Chuncao and Dongxue out of the mansion in a carriage. The carriage wandered around the streets, stopping occasionally, and Ouyang Yue only paused briefly before continuing on her way. After about an hour, Ouyang Yue finally entered through the back door of the Meiyi Pavilion.
Qiu Yue had been waiting by the door for a while. When she saw Ouyang Yue coming over, she immediately bowed respectfully and said, "Miss."
Ouyang Yue nodded, first going upstairs to change into the Ghost-Faced Young Master's outfit, and then Qiu Yue led Ouyang Yue to the training ground for new recruits.
This clothing store occupies a considerable area, consisting of front and back courtyards. The back courtyard is divided into three sections. One section has several large rooms specifically set aside for the embroiderers to work in. Another section is for rest and meals for those working at the clothing store, and the third section is for storage. The front courtyard of the clothing store is mainly for sales. The store has two floors. The first floor is for selecting and purchasing, and the second floor has private rooms for changing and trying on clothes. All of these are decorated in a bright and eye-catching style. Ouyang Yue inspected the store again and nodded in satisfaction.
"Yes, take me to see the new brides." Qiu Yue immediately agreed and led Ouyang Yue to the backyard. The embroidery room in the backyard was already under construction, and some others were practicing walking in the courtyard. They all wore smiles, and when they saw Ouyang Yue enter, they immediately bowed politely: "Young Master."