Ouyang Zhide pursed his lips, his eyes filled with complex emotions as he looked at Ouyang Yue. However, the worry on her face betrayed no sign of anything amiss to anyone: "Do you really think that way?" Ouyang Zhide couldn't possibly fail to investigate the actions of Aunt Hong and Ouyang Rou; they were practically enemies of Ouyang Yue. Yue'er, this is…
"Father, you should go to the palace and ask the Emperor for mercy. However, as the head of the household, you have allowed this to happen, so you must ask the Emperor to punish you and grant you mercy."
Ouyang Zhide's heart skipped a beat, and he suddenly stared wide-eyed at Ouyang Yue. Ouyang Yue simply glanced back at him indifferently. Ouyang Zhide remained silent for a moment, then stood up and walked to Ouyang Yue's side, gently patting her shoulder: "Father did not expect that Yue'er would have such a clear understanding of the court situation and how to read people's hearts. Father is ashamed of his own inferiority."
Ouyang Yue looked at Ouyang Zhide with a puzzled expression: "What is Father talking about? Yue'er doesn't understand."
Ouyang Zhide looked at Ouyang Yue with some complicated feelings, then pushed open the door and went out, taking Hei Da to the palace. Ouyang Yue had a faint smile on her face.
Upon arriving at the palace, Ouyang Zhide knelt and requested an audience with the Emperor. He declared that he had failed in his duties as a steward and had unjustly received the Emperor's favor. Furthermore, he claimed that Aunt Hong and Ouyang Rou were his family, and he could not bear to see them die. He was willing to exchange all his achievements for their lives and the consequences of their crimes, and that Ouyang Zhide would bear all the blame himself.
Ouyang Zhide's actions immediately sparked much discussion. Many said he was simply insane; pleading for mercy at such a time was tantamount to walking into the line of fire, and the Emperor's wrath would surely befall him. Others lamented Ouyang Zhide's foolishness, arguing that even if he were truly guilty, he shouldn't have spoken out. The Emperor hadn't intended to punish him initially, but this outburst made punishment inevitable. Still others speculated that Ouyang Zhide was completely unaware of his concubines and illegitimate daughters' plea, perhaps even being involved himself, using the concubines as a smokescreen. Of course, there were also those who expressed concern and praise. At such a critical juncture, Ouyang Zhide's willingness to humble himself and plead for mercy for his concubines and illegitimate daughters was something few men could do, demonstrating his sincerity, loyalty, and sense of responsibility—the conduct expected of a head of household.
No matter how many times Ouyang Zhide knelt and begged for an audience, the Emperor refused to see him, seemingly unwilling to listen to any of his explanations. Meanwhile, other implicated officials in court harshly criticized Ouyang Zhide's behavior, saying that he had received imperial favor but failed to serve the Emperor, instead prioritizing personal relationships within his own household—a truly unacceptable act. While ostensibly criticizing Ouyang Zhide, the Emperor was actually praising his own selfless indifference towards his family. The Emperor remained silent, allowing Ouyang Zhide to continue kneeling. Ouyang Zhide knelt before the palace for a full day and night, finally collapsing from exhaustion and being carried back to the General's Mansion. The Emperor also decreed that the tomb-robbing case was unrelated to Ouyang Zhide and the General's Mansion, but warned that anyone daring to cause further trouble would not be spared. Furthermore, Ouyang Zhide was banned from attending court for a month and had his salary deducted for six months.
Some people gloated, thinking that Ouyang Zhide had indeed fallen out of favor with the emperor. Only a few insightful people understood the emperor's meaning and secretly admired Ouyang Zhide's actions.
Even if Ouyang Zhide didn't plead guilty himself, as the head of the general's mansion, he wouldn't escape responsibility for the misdeeds of his family members. At the very least, he would be held accountable for neglecting their upbringing. However, Ouyang Zhide was stationed at the border year-round, and he genuinely couldn't manage the affairs of the household. Old Madam Ning should have been implicated, but since she was still a member of the Ning family and had a bad reputation, it would seem like kicking someone when they were down if the Emperor directly punished her. It was better for Ouyang Zhide to plead guilty and atone for the family members' sins, which would make things easier for the Emperor.
In this way, Ouyang Zhide not only completely absolved the General's Mansion of any responsibility but also avoided appearing heartless and ungrateful, thus convincing the Emperor that he had made the right choice. Considering the families implicated, who could so ruthlessly abandon their own relatives? Who could believe they were truly loyal to the Emperor? Furthermore, Ouyang Zhide's actions gave the Emperor a reason to distance himself from the situation. Those who try to escape punishment are either overly cunning or genuinely innocent. The Emperor's seemingly angry punishment of banishing Ouyang Zhide from court for a month and withholding his salary was, in reality, a way of protecting him, providing a pretext to silence any future criticisms.
Of course, there are reasons why Ouyang Zhide would not plead for mercy, but that would only bring more trouble. This plan may seem to cause trouble for the General's Mansion, but it is actually the best way to protect it.
After returning home, Ouyang Zhide sat quietly in his study for a long time. Suddenly, he sighed, "Yue'er, you are becoming more and more like your mother. Your intelligence cannot be hidden, but you are only fourteen years old."
In Mingyue Pavilion, upon hearing that Ouyang Zhide had returned to the mansion, Ouyang Yue's lips curled slightly. She slowly stood up and said to Chuncao and Dongxue, "Put away the load, I'm going out."
Chuncao was slightly taken aback and said, "Miss, if we go out at a time like this, it might cause trouble."
Ouyang Yue smiled with a strange glint in her eyes: "No, I must go. I have to go into the prison to see Aunt Hong and Second Sister. At times like this, we should show our sisterly affection. How can I not go?"
Ouyang Yue spoke very gently and showed great concern for Ouyang Rou. However, Chuncao was startled. Why did she feel that her mistress looked even more strange? Ouyang Yue smiled, but her eyes were cold.
What she needs to do now is to kick a man when he's down!
☆, 115, Mother and daughter turn against each other! (Monthly vote~)
Ouyang Yue, along with Chuncao and Dongxue, arrived by carriage and soon reached the Ministry of Justice prison. After paying some money, Ouyang Yue led the two women to the female prisoners' cell.
Upon entering the cell, a pungent, fishy stench assaulted her nostrils. Chuncao immediately covered her mouth with a handkerchief, her brows furrowed tightly at the unpleasant smell. In contrast, Ouyang Yue and Dongxue appeared quite natural, as if this wasn't the first time they had witnessed such a scene. Chuncao paused slightly, then withdrew her handkerchief, pursing her lips as she followed behind Ouyang Yue.
In general, the women's prisoners in this cell are those who have committed misconduct or are implicated by their husbands' families and punished together. When Ouyang Yue and the others came in, many of the female prisoners rushed to the cell door, stretched out their arms, and shouted in a hoarse voice, "Injustice! I'm innocent! I haven't had any affair with anyone! Help me out! Help me out!"
"Waaaaah, my life is so miserable! That damned master, he was instigated by a woman to commit a crime, and now I'm dragged into it! Why did I have to marry such a man? My life is so miserable..."
"Waaaaah..."
Suddenly, cries and screams rose and fell throughout the cell. Ouyang Yue calmly walked over, her arms disappearing behind her like a shadow. Dongxue looked at Ouyang Yue with some surprise. If this were an ordinary young lady from a wealthy family, she would be disgusted to enter a prison cell. Even Chuncao, a maid from a noble household, seemed a bit spoiled. But Ouyang Yue, as a young lady, seemed quite used to it. Besides, among these people with ferocious faces, who had become self-pitying and angry in prison, the young lady seemed a bit too calm. However, Dongxue secretly admired her. Even she herself was able to ignore these things because of her past experiences and cruel training. The young lady, on the other hand, could be so composed. Clearly, the young lady had a very strong inner strength.
Ouyang Yue walked very slowly, her steps perfectly synchronized, ignoring everything around her, and leisurely made her way to the last cell. The further back in the cell, the bigger the crime. Recently, no major cases had occurred in the capital, but this tomb raiding had become the talk of the town. Since Aunt Hong and Ouyang Rou were implicated and imprisoned, they were naturally placed in the back.
When she reached the end, Ouyang Yue did not rush over, but stood quietly. At this moment, Aunt Hong and Ouyang Rou were sitting together in the cell, embracing each other. They were disgusted by the pile of weeds and the nauseating smell of the cell.
Ouyang Rou frowned and said, "Really, that brat Cao'er wasn't locked up with us. Otherwise, I would have made her pay. How dare she betray me, that wretched girl." Ouyang Rou's face was full of malice.
Aunt Hong frowned and remained silent. Ouyang Rou couldn't help but look at Aunt Hong and said, "Aunt, why aren't you saying anything? What are we going to do now? Cao'er isn't with us either, otherwise we could have coordinated our statements and coerced her into changing her story. But things are not going to be easy now."
Aunt Hong sighed deeply: "It's not that it's difficult, it's extremely difficult. We have no one around us right now. We're both locked up here, and we can't even move around outside. I'm at my wit's end."
Ouyang Rou was startled: "How could this be? Auntie is the most resourceful. How could you not have a solution? You must be able to think of a way. You can definitely get us out of here, right?" Ouyang Rou gripped Auntie Hong's arm tightly and said anxiously. She didn't want to stay in this awful place any longer. Not only was it stinking, but there were also those stupid women crying and making a fuss there. Moreover, at night, cockroaches and rats were buzzing and crawling around. Ouyang Rou hadn't slept at all last night since she arrived here. She was afraid that if she lay down, she would be bitten by a rat and get some strange disease. In just one day, she had already had enough of this place.
Aunt Hong frowned: "Now we can only hope that your maternal grandfather will stick his tongue and not admit to having any connection with us, or that the tomb raiders will change their story. Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to get away with it."
Ouyang Rou's heart skipped a beat, but she still couldn't believe it: "No, Father will save us. Aunt, do you think Father will save us?"
Aunt Hong remained silent. Seeing this, Ouyang Yue chuckled and walked over, saying, "Second Sister is right. Father did indeed intend to save you."
Aunt Hong and Ouyang Rou were surprised to see someone come to visit them. They looked up in surprise, but their expressions darkened when they saw Ouyang Yue. Ouyang Rou immediately said coldly, "Ouyang Yue, what are you doing here? Are you here to laugh at me?"
Ouyang Yue blinked and looked at Ouyang Rou, whose fine clothes were now wrinkled and whose face was a little dirty. Ouyang Rou's eyes were wide and her fists were clenched tightly, as if she was about to quarrel with her. Ouyang Yue said lightly, "How could I? Why would I come to see my second sister make a fool of herself? No matter what, we are sisters. I would never do such a thing. Actually, I intended to save you."
Aunt Hong sneered, "You really have a joke to tell us, Third Miss. After all that has happened, you would want to save us? Do you think it would be meaningful for you to lie to us at a time like this?"
Aunt Hong was surprisingly calm now, because she knew that escaping this incident would be extremely difficult. First, Cao'er was caught on the spot, and Cao'er implicated her and Ouyang Rou. If that were all, things would be easier for them. But those tomb raiders, who usually seemed shrewd and capable, with first-rate skills in escaping and hiding, had failed to escape this time and were caught. Although Aunt Hong was captured, it didn't mean she was unaware of what was happening outside. Which of those implicated families didn't have some wealth and influence? It was just that the trial hadn't officially started yet, and if they wanted to escape, they could only take advantage of this opportunity. But how could they escape?
Ouyang Yue claimed she intended to save them, but what right did she have? Aunt Hong thought to herself that so many powerful families might be implicated and ruined because of this incident. Ouyang Yue was merely relying on her status as the eldest daughter of the General's Mansion; what ability did she have to save them? Besides, Ouyang Yue wasn't stupid. She and Ouyang Rou had been scheming to get rid of Ouyang Yue all this time. Anyone with a brain would take this opportunity to kick her while she was down. She didn't believe Ouyang Yue would suddenly have a change of heart and save them; it was more likely she would harm them than save them.
Ouyang Rou also had a cold face: "Ouyang Yue, you came to see us make a fool of ourselves, and now you see. Let me tell you, we are living much better than you think. This matter will not involve us at all. We are just staying here temporarily and will return to the General's Mansion soon. Stop gloating. I will not give in to your wishes."
Ouyang Yue raised an eyebrow at Ouyang Rou and said softly, "Is that so? If so, why does Second Sister seem so nervous? Speaking of which, the environment in this prison is really terrible. Ugh, I don't even dare to breathe in it too deeply. I've been holding my breath the whole time, or I'll really suffocate from the stench. Second Sister and Aunt Hong are quite the capable and flexible people, yet they seem so comfortable here. That's not something ordinary people can do. But I don't want to be like them. Just walking into this prison makes me feel unlucky. If I were to stay here like Aunt Hong and Second Sister, I might get executed. I don't want that."
Ouyang Rou shouted, "Ouyang Yue, you really came here to laugh at me. You even said you would save me. You are a despicable person."
Ouyang Yue ignored Ouyang Rou's insults and just laughed, "Why are you so angry, Second Sister? You are not ordinary people. Do you need to be afraid of this small Ministry of Justice prison? You will be out sooner or later."
Ouyang Rou paused, and was taken aback, saying, "I...can we really get out? Are you serious?"
Ouyang Yue nodded seriously and said, "Why would I need to lie to my second sister? Lying to my second sister in her current state wouldn't do me any good either."
Ouyang Rou's face lit up with joy: "When can we get out? Oh right, you said before that Father wanted to rescue us, right? Father is pulling strings, isn't he? Who has Father approached now? When can we leave? Father is now a favorite of the Emperor, even the Minister of Justice wouldn't dare to offend him easily. Aunt, didn't you suspect before why Grandfather and the others hadn't used torture to interrogate us? It seems Father must have secretly intervened. We're saved! That's great, we're about to get out."
Aunt Hong was also taken aback, because Ouyang Yue's demeanor didn't seem fake. She hadn't even considered the possibility of leaving the prison unscathed, but now, listening to Ouyang Yue's words, getting out didn't seem so difficult. Could it be that the master was truly considering their years of affection and was planning to help her? A glint of light flashed across Aunt Hong's face, her lips curving into an undisguised smugness. Ouyang Yue looked at her, a cold glint in her eyes.
“What the Third Miss said is true. Has the Master said what his plans are? Why hasn’t the Master shown up?” Aunt Hong asked, now that she had let her guard down.
Ouyang Yue replied earnestly, "You know how serious this incident is. Father needs to make more of a move around to assess the situation and figure out the next steps. For the time being, I'm afraid Aunt Hong and Second Sister will have to stay here."
Ouyang Rou's face darkened: "Still have to stay here? It stinks here, and there are rats at night. I don't want to stay here for another second. Since Father is already moving around, we'll get out sooner or later. Why don't we ask the people here to get me a clean cell? I feel like I'm going crazy with those other crazy women. Third Sister, you take care of this. Get me a new place before tonight."
Ouyang Yue smiled and said, "I would very much like to serve my second sister, but the Ministry of Justice is not under my or Father's control. I'm afraid I cannot meet your request."
Ouyang Rou's expression changed: "What do you mean? Father is already on the move. Is there anything he can't do? Don't you think Father is powerful and influential? Would he be afraid of the Minister of Justice?"
Ouyang Yue seemed somewhat emotional as she said, "Speaking of which, I'm afraid I've dragged my second sister into this. You haven't forgotten about the Minister of Justice, have you? He's Mu Cuiwei's father. I have some grudges against Mu Cuiwei, and I'm afraid she'll use this to torment my second sister and make me suffer. It won't be that easy. Even if Father wants to pull strings, it won't be so easy for him to plead on my behalf."
"Ouyang Yue, it's all your fault! What were you doing showing off at the Ning Mansion? You offended Miss Mu, and now I'm being dragged down by you. You're a jinx, you're just here to ruin me!" Ouyang Rou shouted angrily at Ouyang Yue.
Ouyang Yue just sighed, looking troubled and regretful: "That's right, I often regret it too. If I hadn't been an enemy of Mu Cuiwei back then, I'm afraid my second sister wouldn't be in this prison now. I really don't know what to do. I've really dragged my second sister down with me."
"Of course it's you who dragged me down, Ouyang Yue, you brainless thing! You've only grown taller and never developed a brain since you were little, and you haven't changed at all these years. You're truly hateful, clinging to the status of a legitimate daughter, always superior to me in every way. What do I lack compared to you? Yet you get all the good things, why? I'm clearly more outstanding than you, I deserve everything good, I should crush you. It's infuriating that you still try to crush me now. If it weren't for you, I would be out of here by now!" Ouyang Rou roared at Ouyang Yue, leaning against the prison door, scolding her like she was scolding a grandson. The latter just smiled faintly, as if Ouyang Rou's words were directed at someone else and had nothing to do with her. Even the maids Chuncao and Dongxue beside her clenched their fists in anger, coldly staring at Ouyang Rou.
Seeing Ouyang Yue's attitude of letting her beat and scold her at will, Ouyang Rou became even angrier: "You bitch, this time I'm in jail is all your fault. I should have let you come in for me in the first place. Who told you to be the one to be tortured by the Ministry of Justice? You offended Miss Mu, so you should be the one to be tortured by the Ministry of Justice. I'm being dragged into this innocently. It's hateful."
Ouyang Yue nodded repeatedly in agreement, saying, "Second Sister is right. This imprisonment shouldn't be your fault." Chuncao and Dongxue exchanged glances. Based on their understanding of their young lady, she was definitely not the type to remain silent or uncomplaining. Now, she was even agreeing with Ouyang Rou's angry outburst. Had their young lady taken the wrong medicine today? What was she planning?
Ouyang Rou glared at Ouyang Yue hatefully: "You still know that all of this is your fault? I think you should hurry up and turn yourself in. Just say that you did all of this and let me out quickly. Anyway, this matter is related to you, so it is only right for you to turn yourself in."
Chuncao and Dongxue couldn't help but sneer. They didn't know if Ouyang Rou was truly foolish or pretending. Even if their young lady really went to turn herself in, she would need evidence. The person Cao'er was implicating wasn't their young lady, but herself. So what if Ouyang Yue turned herself in? Did Ouyang Rou really think their young lady had come to comfort them or to tell them good news?
Aunt Hong looked up at Ouyang Yue, her eyes somewhat gloomy, while Ouyang Rou, her face dark, continued to berate Ouyang Yue. Aunt Hong said in a deep voice, "Does the Third Miss find it amusing to toy with me and the Second Miss like this?"
Ouyang Yue suddenly smiled, a smile so radiant it seemed to bring a spring breeze to the prison cell. She said, "Fun, of course it's fun! Seeing Second Sister so reckless and oblivious to her impending doom, of course I'm happy. It's a pity, Aunt Hong is smarter than Second Sister; she reacted so quickly. I had so many jokes prepared to tease her, but now they're all useless." Finally, Ouyang Yue looked at Aunt Hong with a hint of reproach.
Ouyang Rou was stunned, then angrily shouted at Ouyang Yue: "Ouyang Yue, what do you mean? Are you playing me for a fool? Didn't Father pull some strings? Didn't he say he could get us out of here? Have you been lying to me all this time? You slut, you shameless hussy, how dare you lie to me!"
"Bang!" Dongxue suddenly stepped forward, her legs moving quickly and forcefully, kicking Ouyang Rou in the abdomen. The latter immediately gagged and fell to the ground, writhing in pain. Dongxue looked at Ouyang Rou on the ground expressionlessly: "Dare to insult Miss, you're asking for death."
Aunt Hong was startled and immediately helped Ouyang Rou up. She said coldly to Ouyang Yue, "Third Miss, what do you want to do? Even if you are lawless in the General's Mansion, this is still the Ministry of Justice prison. If you hurt a prisoner here, you will not get away with it. You are not qualified to interrogate prisoners in front of the Minister of Justice."
Ouyang Yue shook her head, looking completely innocent: "Aunt Hong has misunderstood. When did I say I would privately interrogate you? I only came to visit you in prison today and to express my sisterly affection for my second sister. But it seems that my second sister doesn't appreciate it. It seems that I have been a good person in vain."
Ouyang Rou clutched her stomach, gritting her teeth in hatred, and said, "You call yourself a good person? You bitch, how dare you come here and act so arrogantly in front of me? When I get out of here, I will make sure you suffer a terrible death."
Ouyang Yue stood before the cell, smiling gently at Ouyang Rou through the cell door. Her tone was exceptionally soft: "Oh, so Second Sister still hopes to get out of here? You've always looked down on my stupid brain, but now it seems that it was you who had no brains. You probably don't know how Cao'er testified against you, nor do you know what Hong Dabao and the tomb raiders said about you. Hehehe, it seems difficult for Second Sister to get out."
"Father will find a way. He won't watch me die," Ouyang Rou said in a low voice, her lips pressed tightly together. In truth, she wasn't very confident. In the General's mansion, Ouyang Zhide always doted on Ouyang Yue the most. While he wasn't particularly biased towards his other children, his affection for them couldn't compare to that for Ouyang Yue. However, this was one of Ouyang Zhide's good points: he didn't discriminate between his children, which was why Ouyang Rou always felt that Ouyang Zhide would come to save her.
Ouyang Yue nodded and said, "Second sister is right. Not long ago, Father knelt in the palace for a whole day because of your matter. In the end, he was too exhausted and had to be sent back to the General's Mansion. Now he is ordered to stay at home and not go out."
"What!" Ouyang Rou was shocked and collapsed to the ground, her face deathly pale. Ouyang Yue's words had shattered all her hopes. But Ouyang Yue's eyes flashed with a strange smile: "But it's not necessarily true that Second Sister has no chance to go out."
"What opportunity? Tell me quickly." A glimmer of hope instantly ignited in Ouyang Rou's eyes, and even Aunt Hong looked over. However, her thoughts differed from Ouyang Rou's; Ouyang Yue must have some wicked idea.
Ouyang Yue's smile turned colder: "Even if I knew, why would I tell you, Second Sister? Just now you were calling me a slut. Even if I care about our sisterly bond, I shouldn't have helped you after you insulted me like that."
"Third sister, it's all my fault. I was confused for a moment. I shouldn't have said those foolish things. You know I've always loved you the most since we were little. We used to have the best relationship. Third sister, please help me this once. I'm begging you, I'm begging you." With that, Ouyang Rou knelt down in front of Ouyang Yue with a "plop." Aunt Hong was shocked and quickly went to help Ouyang Rou up, saying anxiously, "Rou'er, how could you be so foolish? Ouyang Yue clearly came to humiliate you today. How could you kneel down to her? If she really had the ability to get you out of here, why would she need to say so much to you? She's just playing you."
Ouyang Yue smiled faintly and said confidently, "No, Aunt Hong, you are wrong. I do have a way to rescue Second Sister."
Ouyang Rou pushed Aunt Hong away and said urgently, "Third Sister, tell me! What way do you have to get me out of here? If you can get me out of here, I'll serve you like a horse for the rest of my life."
Ouyang Yue shook her head: "We are sisters, how could I ask my second sister to serve me? I can't accept that, second sister is too kind." Ouyang Rou didn't want to beat around the bush with Ouyang Yue any longer, "Third sister, tell me quickly, what's your idea?"
Ouyang Yue sighed and said, "I'm sure Aunt Hong and Second Sister know this too. Our Great Zhou Dynasty has always deeply abhorred tomb raiders. Every time they're caught, they're severely punished. The lightest punishment is losing both hands and legs, and in more serious cases, beheading or slow slicing are possible." Aunt Hong and Ouyang Rou's expressions changed. They naturally understood, which was why they were so eager to leave. Ouyang Yue continued, "Father also cares about Aunt Hong and Second Sister. He did indeed go to the palace to plead for them, but the Emperor's attitude was very firm. Not only did he refuse to see Father, but he also made him kneel until he fainted and was sent back to the General's Mansion. He also punished Father by banishing him from court for a month and deducting his salary. This shows how much the Emperor values and is angry about this. It seems that Father's plan to rescue them is doomed."
Ouyang Rou said resentfully, "Then why did you say you had a way?"
Ouyang Yue nodded: "Yes, Father's idea won't work, but I have thought of a plan that might work."
"What is it?!" Aunt Hong gritted her teeth and spoke up. Ouyang Yue had been speaking in circles ever since she came in, and even she couldn't figure out what Ouyang Yue was here for. But in her heart, she desperately hoped that the only sliver of hope that Ouyang Yue wanted to save them was real.
Ouyang Yue stared at Ouyang Rou and Aunt Hong, who remained motionless, their eyes unwavering. When the two women felt a chill run down their spines, Ouyang Yue sighed and said, "The most crucial part of this matter is the testimonies of Hong Dabao and Cao'er. They confirmed that Aunt Hong and Second Sister were also involved, making what should have been a simple matter complicated. But if you break it down, it's actually quite simple: if they recant their testimonies, you'll be fine."
"You make it sound so simple. We're all in separate detention centers now, we can't even see each other. How are we supposed to get them to recant their testimonies? Isn't all this nonsense? We know that all too well," Ouyang Rou said resentfully.
Ouyang Yue looked at her and continued, "Aunt Hong and Second Sister seem to have overlooked something. The most direct link to you in this matter is actually Cao'er's testimony. Cao'er testified that Second Sister asked her to make contact with those tomb raiders, and Cao'er is Second Sister's maid, which is why Second Sister was implicated. Otherwise, given Second Sister's sheltered upbringing, most people wouldn't suspect you."
Ouyang Rou was startled, suddenly realizing the truth. Yes, if it weren't for Cao'er, she wouldn't have been captured. No, if Cao'er hadn't implicated someone she had sent, she wouldn't have been in trouble. The General's Mansion could escape responsibility, and so could Ouyang Rou, but the problem was that Cao'er was someone close to her, which was why she was implicated. Although Ouyang Rou knew that Aunt Hong had connections with tomb raiders over the years, she hadn't actually had any direct contact. This time, because Aunt Hong had sent all her men out to find connections to rescue Hong Dabao, and she had no one else available, Ouyang Rou sent Cao'er to make contact with the tomb raiders. Originally, she didn't need to be involved. If Cao'er hadn't gone, how could she have been discovered, let alone captured?
Everything, all of this...
Aunt Hong's calm expression changed drastically as she angrily growled at Ouyang Yue, "Ouyang Yue, how wicked you are! You actually tried to sow discord between us!"
Ouyang Yue looked at Aunt Hong calmly, a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing on her lips: "Aunt Hong, you're wrong. I had no intention of sowing discord. I was merely stating the facts. Do you intend to refute that, Aunt Hong? Am I wrong?"
Aunt Hong pursed her lips tightly, her face unusually cold as she glared at Ouyang Yue: "Hmph, Third Miss has indeed become clever. In the past, you would never have thought of such a thing. You came in with such a friendly greeting, but you had already set a trap, trying to get information out of us, all for this moment."
Ouyang Yue shrugged noncommittally, while Ouyang Rou's eyes darted around and suddenly fixed on Aunt Hong. Aunt Hong was startled by her gaze, but Ouyang Rou seemed to be bewitched, suddenly hugging Aunt Hong's arm tightly and crying, "Aunt Hong, I am the child you carried for ten months and gave birth to. You can't hurt me! I don't want to die!"
Aunt Hong's face stiffened, her eyes flickered, and she said softly, "Second Miss, what are you saying? How could I harm you? I love you so much."
Ouyang Rou looked at Aunt Hong and cried, "Aunt Hong, can you promise me that you'll take full responsibility for this? Although Cao'er is my maid, you are my birth mother. How could she not give you face? She would do anything you asked. So you sent her to make contact, but she thought it was my order and therefore believes I was involved. If you clarify things, I'll be innocent. Aunt Hong, please save me! I don't want to end up like Aunt Ming, with my hands and feet cut off. You saw how Aunt Ming looked, neither human nor ghost. Can you bear to see me live like that for the rest of my life, even in the underworld? Aunt Hong, I was born after you carried me for ten months. You can't be so selfish and only think of yourself! Please clarify things. If you take all the blame, I'll be fine. We can get my freedom back without relying on anyone else. Aunt, you have to help me with this!"
Aunt Hong's face paled, staring at Ouyang Rou in disbelief. Wasn't Ouyang Rou's statement a pawn sacrifice to save the king? If Aunt Hong took full responsibility, Ouyang Rou could absolve herself of blame. This was indeed true, but Aunt Hong couldn't accept it at all. She looked at Ouyang Rou as if she were a monster. Even though she was just a concubine in the General's mansion, the fact remained that she had given birth to Ouyang Rou. She had never imagined that her daughter, whom she had raised so many years ago, would, in a time of crisis, listen to mere idle gossip and be willing to abandon her to save herself. Had she raised Ouyang Rou to be nothing more than a beast? Now she only cared about herself; had she even considered her?
She was afraid of being executed, of becoming like Aunt Ming, a pitiful and helpless woman. Could she really accept that? Ouyang Rou knew how difficult her ten months of pregnancy had been, yet she could say such things. Aunt Hong felt as if she had been struck by lightning; her mind went blank, and she couldn't think straight.
Seeing that Aunt Hong remained silent, Ouyang Rou assumed that Aunt Hong was also afraid of death and was deliberately avoiding responsibility. Over the years, Ouyang Rou had only used the money from selling the tomb-raiding treasures; she had only heard about many things from Aunt Hong and hadn't directly participated. If she were to die directly because of Aunt Hong, wouldn't she suffer a great loss? Moreover, at this moment, a thought suddenly occurred to Ouyang Rou. She remembered that it was Aunt Hong who suggested that Cao'er take Fang'er's place to contact the tomb raiders. Why was it such a coincidence that nothing happened before, but this time something went wrong? Could it be that Aunt Hong had foreseen this incident and deliberately sent Cao'er for this moment? Now that Cao'er was insisting that she had sent her, Ouyang Rou couldn't escape responsibility. If Aunt Hong wanted to absolve her, she could say that it was all Aunt Hong's doing and that she had nothing to do with it, making Ouyang Rou take the blame.
Ouyang Rou grew increasingly horrified, the possibility of this becoming more and more apparent. She angrily retorted, "Fine, Aunt Hong! I've been filial and respectful to you all these years, yet you completely disregard our mother-daughter bond. Now that this has happened, you're pushing me out to take the blame for you! How vicious you are! I truly doubt what your heart is made of. You can even betray your own daughter; what else wouldn't you do? No, this time I absolutely cannot comply with your wishes. No matter what, I will not take the blame. I've been by your side all these years, and I know all your hidden secrets. If you're smart, just take the blame and find a way to clear my name. Otherwise, you'll only compound your crimes. It won't be as simple as just cutting off your hands and feet. The Great Zhou Dynasty's punishments are extremely cruel. If you don't want a more painful death, just obediently confess your guilt, and we'll both be free."
Aunt Hong stared wide-eyed at Ouyang Rou, as if seeing her for the first time. Ouyang Rou had always been very obedient and well-behaved in front of Aunt Hong, and all of Ouyang Rou's skills were taught by Aunt Hong herself. It could even be said that Aunt Hong was responsible for Ouyang Rou's initial success in seducing Hong Yicheng. She never imagined that her own daughter, whom she had painstakingly nurtured and raised to be her future support, would turn on her so heartlessly and abandon her without hesitation. This was utterly beastly behavior! She was Ouyang Rou's own mother! How could Ouyang Rou do such a thing?