Ning felt gloomy. This Ouyang Yue had only just obtained the title of princess, yet she no longer took her seriously. She maintained the same way of addressing Ouyang Yue and Old Ning, but called her Madam Ouyang, which made her seem so distant and cold. Why should she be polite? "Princess Mingyue, you are too kind. I did mean well for Princess Mingyue back then, but so many things have happened in such a short time, which is quite unexpected."
Ouyang Yue laughed, a glint of light flashing in her eyes, and nodded with a smile: "Madam Ouyang is right, I just hope you always keep this in mind." She then turned to look at Old Madam Ning and Ouyang Zhide, "Grandmother, Father, I've taken Chuncao, Dongxue, and a few other things and I'm heading back to the Princess's residence first. Princess Grandmother was just saying yesterday that she was very grateful for the care you and Father had given her in the past. I was hoping to stay at the Princess's residence for a few days to chat with her, but I don't know how Grandmother's health is."
Old Madam Ning was taken aback, then her face lit up with joy. What kind of status was Princess Shuangxia? Even if she couldn't walk, she would carry her there. She immediately said, "It is my honor."
Ouyang Yue smiled and said to Ouyang Zhide, "Father, I'll head back now. If you miss Yue'er, you can come to the Princess's residence anytime. And if Yue'er has time, I'll come to the General's residence to see you."
Ouyang Zhide nodded with great emotion, and then the group saw Ouyang Yue off as she left the mansion. Before leaving, Ouyang Yue gave Ning a meaningful smile, which made Ning feel uneasy.
"Ning Caiyue, you must settle the marriage immediately, I don't care what method you use! Otherwise, you can just go back to your parents' home." Ouyang Zhide turned his head and stared coldly at Ning.
Ning snorted coldly, raising her head: "Master, I chose this marriage out of the best interests of the princess, and I didn't hold anything back. It's truly disheartening to be wronged like this. Besides, Caiyue has been devoted to the General's Mansion for so many years, and she has never wronged you. Yet you want to divorce me? Which of the seven grounds for divorce has I violated? Just because I chose a marriage for my junior and she's not satisfied, you can arbitrarily find a crime to divorce me? No matter where you go to complain, you won't find any reason to do this."
Ouyang Zhide's face was gloomy as he coldly stared at Ning Shi, then turned and left with a flick of his sleeve.
Seeing this, Concubine Hua chuckled sarcastically, "Madam, you're truly remarkable! Your silver tongue has even managed to drive Master away. I don't think I can blame Master for this, though. Tsk tsk tsk, look at Huang Yu and He Shi—they're nothing but country bumpkins and lowlifes! Even I, a woman from a brothel, am probably inferior to He Shi. Madam has always been so proud of her noble status; when did she lower herself to associate with such people? Tsk tsk tsk, has Madam's judgment become too shallow? Hehehe, Madam, you've made a good choice in marriage!" With that, Concubine Hua swayed her slender waist and turned to enter the mansion.
Aunt Liu glanced indifferently at Madam Ning, thinking to herself, "Anyone who isn't completely stupid can see there's something fishy about this marriage. Yet they've secretly signed the marriage contract and the wedding ceremony is already halfway through. Madam Ning is truly vicious and her schemes are insidious. Even for Princess Ouyang Yue, it won't be easy to peacefully annul this marriage. What will she do?"
On the other side, the guards, acting on Ouyang Yue's orders, ignored He Shi and Huang Yu's struggles and shoved them into the carriage, gagged them, and led them all the way to the outskirts of the capital: "Get out of the carriage!"
As soon as the carriage arrived, the guards immediately and without gentleness dragged the two women off. Inside the carriage, He Shi and Huang Yu grew increasingly frightened, fearing that Ouyang Yue would secretly harm them. When they stood outside the imperial city, they were completely stunned. Ouyang Yue had actually sent someone to bring them to the palace… what did this mean? Was Ouyang Yue really not afraid of them reporting her to the emperor? Did Ouyang Yue have some other reliance on her? Their minds instantly raced. If Ouyang Yue was afraid they would cause trouble, it wouldn't be surprising if she took them out to kill them, but bringing them to the palace was absolutely illogical. Did the emperor have some promise to her? If they went in like this and offended the emperor, they would probably be in even worse shape. Thinking of this, their faces turned completely pale.
"Who goes there!" Their presence outside the imperial city immediately attracted the attention of the imperial guards, who came over and shouted.
The accompanying guard said, "I am a guard from Princess Shuangxia's residence. I am here on Princess Mingyue's orders to escort these two people to the palace to file a complaint with the Emperor."
"Huh?" The guards on the city wall were a little stunned and frowned. "You want to file a complaint with the Emperor? Who do you want to sue?" Normally, it would be impossible for Huang Yuhe to see the Emperor, but since it was sent by Princess Shuangxia's residence, they still needed to inform him.
The guard answered directly for Huang Yu and the other person: "To Princess Mingyue."
"What!" The city guard was stunned, looking at the princess's guards and then at Huang Yu, wondering what was going on at the princess's residence. Someone had filed a complaint with the emperor, and they had even delivered it in person. "Wait here, I'll go in and inform them."
Huang Yu and He Shi exchanged a glance and said at the same time, "No, no, no, we will not file a complaint with the Emperor. We have no intention of filing a complaint with the Emperor."
The guards on the city wall immediately stopped in their tracks. A guard from the princess's residence sneered, "Why aren't you reporting it? You were all so confident in front of Princess Mingyue, using all sorts of threats and inducements. But now you're not reporting it? Are you playing us for fools? Do you think being a guard is so easy? You're just serving you for nothing."
Upon hearing this, the city guard's face immediately darkened: "What are you doing here causing trouble instead of reporting to the Emperor? You're just playing me for fools! Damn it, brothers, beat them up!" As soon as the city guard spoke, he summoned seven or eight men, each wielding a weapon, who began to beat Huang Yu and He Shi. The two screamed in pain, "No, we didn't..." But who cared about their explanations now? Huang Yu and He Shi were beaten until they were covered in bruises and fled like madmen.
The princess's guard smiled and took out a bag of silver, handing it over: "I didn't expect these two to be so ignorant, causing you brothers to go to so much trouble. This is just a small token. When you have some free time, you can have a few drinks with them as an apology."
"Don't mention it, you're too kind. These two are just being silly, and it's made you spend money, brother." Although the city guard spoke politely, he still held out some silver in his hand. Their work was not as good as that of the palace, and they didn't often have the opportunity to earn money. He immediately beamed with joy.
"What? These two dare to threaten you!" Princess Shuangxia exclaimed angrily. Ouyang Yue had just returned, and before she could say anything, Liu Cai recounted everything that had happened at the General's Mansion. Upon hearing this, both Princess Shuangxia and Xuanyuan Chaohua's faces darkened.
Xuan Yuan Chaohua said coldly, "The Huang family is so troublesome. They're clinging to this marriage certificate. It's really a hassle. I think I should send someone to kill them and get rid of them once and for all."
Ouyang Yue shook her head: "Brother, I know you care about me, but if you do this, the whole capital will probably think it's you. Killing the son of a court official here will probably make things even more complicated."
Princess Shuangxia said in a deep voice, "I still can't let you marry into such a family. Tomorrow I will go to the palace and ask the Emperor to cancel this marriage directly."
Ouyang Yue shook her head again: "Grandmother, if such a trivial matter alarms the Emperor, it will be difficult for you to ask to enter the palace to see him in the future."
Princess Shuangxia's expression softened slightly as she pulled Ouyang Yue along, saying, "You are my granddaughter. If not for you, then for whom? We can talk about the future later. Right now, there is no one more important than you. I will absolutely not let you marry into a family like the Huang family and suffer."
Ouyang Yue looked at Princess Shuangxia, a slight smile playing on her lips, and took her hand in return, saying, "Grandmother, actually, Yue'er had an idea back in the General's Mansion. If it succeeds, it will reduce some trouble for the Princess's Mansion for a while. However, this matter will inevitably have some impact on the Princess's Mansion..."
Xuanyuan Chaohua opened his eyes wide and said, "If you have an idea, just say it. As long as we get rid of the Huang family, what does it matter if there's any impact?"
Princess Shuangxia nodded, and Ouyang Yue thought for a moment and said, "I think..."
Princess Shuangxia and Xuanyuan Chaohua stared blankly at Ouyang Yue after hearing this. Then, Princess Shuangxia laughed first: "Your maid is quite clever! How did you come up with such an idea? We were so worried that we didn't even think of this aspect. You..."
Xuan Yuan Chaohua looked at Ouyang Yue and couldn't help but smile. This was his sister, extremely intelligent. However, he still said in a calm voice, "But if this matter succeeds, it will affect my sister's reputation. How can my sister suffer even the slightest damage because of such a person?"
Ouyang Yue smiled at him: "Brother, I used to be the most ugly of the three in the capital. What's this? We should be thanking them instead."
Princess Shuangxia looked at Ouyang Yue with shining eyes: "Someone, help me dress up and change into my court robes. I will go to the General's Mansion now."
Xuanyuan Chaohua looked at Ouyang Yue, still frowning with some disapproval. Ouyang Yue couldn't help but chuckle, "Brother, you're so young, yet you always frown like that. You look old. It'll be terrible if you can't find a wife in the future." As she spoke, she reached out and smoothed Xuanyuan Chaohua's furrowed brow. Xuanyuan Chaohua was taken aback. In this era, even siblings always had some taboos about being too close. Ouyang Yue's intimate gesture was quite abrupt. However, Xuanyuan Chaohua felt a sense of joy in his heart. He and Yue'er had only recognized each other after more than ten years. Before that, he had thought of many ways to get along with his sister after their recognition so that she wouldn't feel so distant. In the end, his sister accepted it even faster than he did.
Ouyang Yue used to feel that Xuan Yuan Chaohua was strange, but now that she has accepted their relationship as siblings, she thinks back to how cute he is. How could it be bad to be close to a brother who always thinks of her? She can't help but want to tease him.
Xuan Yuan Chaohua said thoughtfully, "It's good that he's older. He seems more mature. Otherwise, without a man in charge of the household, people will think he's easy to bully. I always have to act like an older brother."
Ouyang Yue was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but laugh and hug Xuan Yuan Chaohua's arm tightly: "Brother, how can you be so cute?" That wasn't what she originally meant, but she didn't expect Xuan Yuan Chaohua to actually think of it that way.
Xuan Yuan Chaohua frowned. "Yue'er can't say brother is cute; that's for girls. You should say brother is mighty and has a manly air." But the tips of her ears seemed to turn slightly red. Ouyang Yue laughed so hard she almost cried. Xuan Yuan Chaohua's face stiffened for a moment, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl into a smile. Then his lips pursed up again. Had he really not had enough contact with women? Why did he always feel like he was making a fool of himself in front of his sister, losing his brotherly demeanor?
Just after Ouyang Yue left the General's Mansion, Princess Shuangxia arrived, causing immediate chaos. They respectfully invited Princess Shuangxia to a high seat in the main hall. Princess Shuangxia was dressed in her imperial court robes, the phoenix design on her robes exuding an imposing and noble aura. Even her quiet presence commanded respect. Her gaze swept over everyone before she looked at Madam Ning: "You are the General's wife, Ning Caiyue from the Ning family?"
Ning Shi stiffened. Ouyang Yue had barely returned when Princess Shuangxia arrived. It seemed Ouyang Yue had gone back to complain, and Princess Shuangxia had come to uphold justice. Ning Shi scoffed inwardly. Was justice so easily upheld? The fact that things had escalated to this point meant even Ouyang Yue found it difficult to resolve. Even if Princess Shuangxia came, she couldn't simply disregard etiquette and law and act recklessly. Princess Shuangxia had maintained a good reputation over the years and would likely be more mindful of such matters.
"Your Highness, I am Ning Caiyue."
"Oh, so you're the one who chose a marriage for Yue'er. Bring me the marriage certificate to take a look." Princess Shuangxia didn't say much and directly gave the order.
Ning's face stiffened, and a thought flashed through her mind. Could it be that Princess Shuangxia wanted to snatch the marriage certificate and pretend that nothing had happened? In that case, she couldn't show the marriage certificate to her. Upon seeing this, Princess Shuangxia's face darkened: "What? As Yue'er's grandmother, I can't even look at my granddaughter's marriage certificate? Ning Caiyue, do you want to embarrass me in public?"
Ning's heart tightened, and she couldn't help but say, "Your Highness, this marriage certificate was issued by the government. Even if you obtain it, there's still a copy there. I'm afraid this method..."
"How dare you! Does the princess need you to tell her what to do? Hurry up and fetch the marriage certificate!" Granny Shan shouted coldly. "If you don't do it now, you will be punished for disrespect."
Ning gritted her teeth. In this situation where she was in a stronger position, she had no choice but to bow her head. However, she had a different thought in her mind. Even if Princess Shuangxia wanted to destroy the marriage certificate, the marriage certificate needed a third party to witness it. The Huang family also had another copy. It was not enough to destroy the marriage certificate in her hand. Moreover, if Princess Shuangxia destroyed the marriage certificate in her hand, it would be to some extent an acknowledgment of the marriage. If she did not acknowledge it, why destroy the marriage contract? Then they would have even less reason to argue.
Soon after, Ning brought the marriage certificate, which the two empresses presented. Princess Shuangxia picked it up and glanced at it, a cold glint in her eyes. She read softly, "...Huang Yu and Ouyang Yue are a perfect match, a match made in heaven. This is hereby approved!" Princess Shuangxia's expression was somewhat unpleasant. She slammed the marriage certificate shut. "There's no problem with this marriage certificate. Alright, fine. Let the marriage proceed as planned."
"Ah, what?" Ning was taken aback. She had prepared a whole host of answers to Princess Shuangxia's difficult questions, but now she didn't need to say a single one. Princess Shuangxia had actually agreed. It seemed that she really cared more about the reputation she had built up over the years. Hmph, that Ouyang Yue thought she had found some powerful backer, but it seems she's nothing special. She's actually given her a helping hand.
Ouyang Zhide was stunned: "Princess, this..."
Princess Shuangxia looked directly at Old Madam Ning and said, "I heard that you are not feeling well. I have a nice courtyard in my residence that is very suitable for recuperation. Why don't you stay there for a few days and chat with me about Yue'er's childhood?"
Old Madam Ning was truly baffled by Princess Shuangxia's intentions. If she didn't care about Yue'er, why had she so warmly invited her? This was a great honor for Yue'er, demonstrating her respect for the General's Mansion and preventing Yue'er from feeling awkward. But if she did care, why had she so readily agreed to let Ning Caiyue participate in the marriage arrangements? This was truly incomprehensible. However, Old Madam Ning was a sensible person, and not daring to ask further, she simply said, "This humble woman is most honored."
"Very well, elder sister, come with me to the princess's residence. You don't need me to teach you what to do, do you?" Princess Shuangxia glanced coldly at Ning Shi, who immediately lowered her head and agreed. Ouyang Zhide, not trusting her, had some things carried away and escorted Old Ning Shi to the princess's residence. Ning Shi stood outside the general's residence, her eyes gleaming.
"Prepare the carriage; we're going to the Huang residence."
Huang Yu and Madam He, hissing in pain from the beating, returned to the Huang residence. They were furiously cursing Ouyang Yue when a servant announced that the General's wife had arrived. Madam He was startled: "What's she doing here at this time? It must be about breaking off the engagement again."
Huang Yu gritted her teeth and said, "These bitches! I didn't really care about this marriage, but Ouyang Yue is so disrespectful and humiliating. If I don't marry her, where will I put my face? I'll never be able to face anyone again."
"Hmph, let her in. It was Ning who insisted on this marriage in the first place. I want to see how she explains herself." He Shi's face was swollen, and her gloomy expression was not visible to outsiders, but her small, beady eyes looked particularly eerie.
Soon after, Ning Shi walked in dressed in fine clothes. When she saw He Shi and Huang Yu covered in injuries, her brows twitched. Ouyang Yue really did drag the two of them out and beat them up. That's perfect. Before they were even married, she had already made her mother-in-law and husband resentful. After they got married, Ouyang Yue would suffer ten or a hundred times more torment.
In truth, Ouyang Yue was not Leng Yuyan and Ouyang Zhide's biological daughter. Madam Ning should have let go of past grievances, but seeing Ouyang Yue's face increasingly resembling Leng Yuyan's, she grew angrier. If it weren't for her husband's infatuation with Leng Yuyan, would she have suffered such humiliation, being raised for over a decade by a wild woman with no good end in sight? Since the marriage was already arranged, she might as well give it a push; otherwise, she would be doing herself a disservice. She wanted that vile Leng Yuyan to watch from below as her own daughter suffered, to make her forever regret seducing her husband.
Ning gave a cold laugh, then immediately changed her expression and said with a smile, "Congratulations, Madam Huang and Young Master Huang. Princess Shuangxia just left the General's Mansion. She has agreed to this marriage. The Huang family should hurry up and prepare for the wedding, the sooner the better."
He Shi was filled with rage and was about to berate Ning Shi and accuse her, but she froze and said in disbelief, "What did you say? Princess Shuangxia agreed, and my son's marriage to Ouyang Yue is settled?"
Madam Ning nodded: "That's right. The Princess said it herself in the hall. There were a lot of masters and servants in the mansion at the time. I wouldn't dare to lie to you about such an important matter. The Huang family is about to have a happy event. It would be a great benefit for the Huang family if Young Master Huang could marry Ouyang Yue, the new princess. Madam Huang, please remember my kindness after this marriage is arranged."
A cold glint flashed across He Shi's face. Ouyang Yue had been so unwilling before, but now she had compromised so readily. It seemed Yu'er's act of complaining to the emperor had intimidated her. Although she had appeared tough at the time, she was ultimately insecure and guilty. "That bitch, she's realized it too late. She's hurting all over now. Ouyang Yue, you'd better not marry me sooner, or I'll torture you three times a day! You bitch, you damned bitch!" He Shi's expression immediately stung, and she covered her face, her expression becoming even more unsightly.
Looking at it, Ning felt smug: "I think we still need to discuss this matter with Lord Huang. The marriage is only missing the betrothal gifts and the wedding procession. In my opinion, it's better to do this sooner rather than later, lest things change if we delay. The rest can be discussed between Madam Huang and Lord Huang. I'll head back now."
He Shi absentmindedly saw Ning Shi out, then suddenly burst into laughter: "Good, good, Ouyang Yue has finally given in. As long as we marry her, not only will your father and your career be smooth sailing, but I can finally vent all my recent resentment."
Huang Yu smiled, but couldn't help but remind her, "Mother, you can't go too far. After all, Ouyang Yue is a princess, and that will only cause unnecessary trouble."
He Shi sneered: "Doesn't your mother know these things? Does she, as a princess, not even understand filial piety? I'll make her establish rules and regulations every day. There are many intricacies involved. I don't believe I can't subdue her!"
That evening, after Huang Qi returned home, He Shi and Huang Yu immediately told him the news. Huang Qi was unusually excited, and the three of them immediately found the steward to start preparing the betrothal gifts. Since Ouyang Yue was a princess, the betrothal gifts naturally could not be too meager and would be a laughing stock. The group hastily arranged a date, and three days later, they carried the betrothal gifts to the princess's residence in a grand procession. Along the way, whenever anyone asked, a servant from the Huang family would immediately explain that Huang Yu and Ouyang Yue's marriage was approaching. The people were talking about it, and many followed the procession of betrothal gifts to the princess's residence.
Huang Qi was summoned to the palace early this morning, and Huang Yu and He Shi personally delivered the betrothal gifts. When they arrived at the princess's residence, He Shi looked proud of the imposing entrance. The guards at the gate frowned and asked, "Who are you? What are you doing blocking the princess's residence?"
Huang Yu's face darkened, thinking that the guards of the princess's residence were really clueless. He said seriously, "Can't you see? I am Princess Mingyue's fiancé. Today, I have chosen an auspicious day to deliver the betrothal gifts and set a wedding date with Princess Mingyue. The wedding day is not far away. Why don't you quickly inform them and send someone to pick me up?"
The guard glanced at him coldly, waved his hand behind him, and another guard immediately opened the door and went in. Huang Yu also had a smile on his face. However, the next moment a group of fierce-looking guards rushed out of the princess's residence. The previous guard immediately shouted coldly, "Quickly arrest this villain who insulted the princess's name and maliciously damaged the dignity of the royal family."
"What are you doing? I am Princess Mingyue's fiancé! How dare you disrespect me! I will sentence you to death!"
"Slap! Bang!" One of the guards kicked Huang Yu impatiently, and he rolled twice on the ground, spitting out a mouthful of blood. "Guards, take this man to the Prefect of Jingzhao. How dare he tarnish the reputation of the noble princess of the royal family and show disrespect to the royal family. Inform the Princess that the Prefect of Jingzhao is to punish him according to the law."
He Shi trembled with fright. To defame a royal princess and disrespect the royal family was a capital offense. He Shi immediately rushed over and cried out, "What are you doing? Release Yu'er! Release my son! He is Princess Mingyue's fiancé! How dare you be so disrespectful..."
"Bang!" A guard kicked He Shi directly into the stone lion at the entrance of the princess's residence. He Shi slammed heavily against the stone lion from behind, feeling as if her whole body was about to fall apart. But then she heard the guard say, "If you dare to talk nonsense again, I'll drag you to the Prefectural Magistrate of the Capital for questioning and take you away." With that, the guard from the princess's residence dragged the struggling Huang Yu away, cursing and hitting her.
The commoners who had come with Huang Yu were dumbfounded. The Huang family hadn't said they were there to deliver betrothal gifts, so how had it become disrespect for the royal family before they even arrived? This was a serious crime, punishable by beheading! What exactly had happened? He Shi, lying on the ground, hadn't gotten up yet, and was filled with anger and resentment. She opened her mouth to shout, but then remembered the guard's words and immediately shut her mouth.
What exactly is going on? Didn't Ning Shi say before that the Eldest Princess personally went to the General's Mansion to agree to the marriage between Ouyang Yue and Yu'er? It seems that the Princess's Mansion didn't mean it that way at all.
It's Ning Shi! That bitch! Could it be that she deliberately said those things because she couldn't resolve the pressure from the Princess's Mansion, so that they would come to her door to frame them? If something happens to them, the marriage won't go through and Ning Shi will be fine.
"You bitch, ahh, Ning Caiyue, you bitch, I will never let you go!" He Shi suddenly went crazy, ignoring her injuries, and pushed people away as she desperately ran towards the General's Mansion.
When she arrived at the General's Mansion, strangely enough, no one stopped her. This He Shi had been to the General's Mansion before and met Ning Shi, so she naturally knew where Ning Shi lived. She came to Shanyu Pavilion like a madwoman, which frightened the servants there. No one dared to step forward to stop her. He Shi ran straight into the main hall.
At this moment, Madam Ning was sitting in the hall drinking tea. When she saw Madam He walk in, she was taken aback and said, "Madam Huang, what brings you here..."
Upon seeing her, He Shi roared, "You wretch, how dare you lie to me!" With a speed and strength that seemed to come from nowhere, she rushed towards Ning Shi, grabbed her hair, and slammed her violently against the low table next to her!
☆、151, blatantly lying, dogs fighting! (Monthly pass)
"Ah, stop, stop!" Ning Shi hadn't even realized what was happening yet, only knowing that she was in great danger. She immediately screamed in terror, while struggling to break free from He Shi's grip.
He Shi was a village girl who had worked in the fields since childhood. She was nothing like Ning Shi, a noble lady who couldn't lift a finger. He Shi's strength was far greater than that of an ordinary maid, and Ning Shi couldn't possibly break free. He Shi grabbed Ning Shi's hand and pressed it down hard, no matter how much Ning Shi struggled.
With a loud "bang," Ning felt her mind go blank, followed by a sharp pain. Something began to drip from her forehead, and her vision blurred with crimson. Ning stared in terror, her mouth agape, completely stunned. After what she had done, He Shi shuddered and came to her senses. She had been so enraged that she had stormed into the General's mansion without thinking. Seeing Ning sitting calmly in a chair, drinking tea, only fueled her anger. By the time she realized what was happening, she had already grabbed Ning's head and smashed it open.
Madam Ning slumped into a chair, while Lin Mama, who was beside her, was also terrified. She paused for a moment, then stammered, "Quick, quick, call the doctor! Madam, are you alright?" As she spoke, she took out a handkerchief to wipe away the blood from Madam Ning, but the more she wiped, the more blood seemed to flow. Madam Ning felt dizzy and sat there blankly for a while. Lin Mama instructed the servants to take care of her for a long time before the bleeding finally stopped. At this moment, the doctor arrived with a medicine box, saying that it was just an external injury and that some medicine would be enough. He then wrote a prescription and left.
Ning was relieved to hear this, but the next moment her face darkened. She hadn't thought much about it before, because she was busy with the medical treatment. Now that her injury was fine, she suddenly remembered that He Shi had come in like a madwoman and attacked her without giving her a chance to speak.
"Bang!"
"Madam Huang, what do you mean by this? You actually attacked someone! What are you trying to do!" Madam Ning's face was very gloomy. Because of the bleeding earlier, her head was still wrapped in cloth, and her face was very pale. Combined with her gloomy expression, she looked somewhat frightening.
He Shi's earlier actions were somewhat impulsive. Already feeling guilty, seeing Ning Shi's condition made her tremble. She genuinely hadn't thought about these things; seeing Ning Shi's face covered in blood, she was stunned. She suddenly remembered that Ning Shi was apparently a noblewoman, and if something happened to her, she might be in trouble. Naturally, she was flustered and didn't consider running away. However, Ning Shi's sudden cry jolted He Shi awake. How could she forget why she came here? Wasn't it because Ning Shi had previously humiliated them? Yu'er was still with the Prefect of the Capital, and she hadn't even questioned her yet. What right did Ning Shi have to boss her around!
He snorted coldly, his voice becoming sharp: "You dare to ask me? You dare to bully and frame me? I'm being lenient by hitting you. You're lucky you didn't die."
Ning Shi grew increasingly disgusted with He Shi's behavior. Country folk are indeed country folk; they can't stand up to scruples. She dared to be so arrogant after hitting someone. Since Ouyang Yue was already a certainty of marrying into the Huang family, and Ning Shi had achieved her goal of punishing Ouyang Yue, there was no need to be polite to the Huang family anymore. The more impolite Ning Shi was, the worse it would be for Ouyang Yue if He Shi suffered at her hands—that was Ning Shi's true purpose. She no longer needed to pretend: "What do you mean by that? You hit me and you're still so arrogant, He Shi? You should know that Lord Huang and my master are officials in the same court, both under the Emperor's command. My master holds a higher rank and is more trusted by the Emperor. I, on the other hand, am a titled lady. In every respect, I am superior to you. You trespassed into the General's mansion and maliciously injured me; I can take you directly to the authorities."
He Shi was initially a little scared, but upon hearing the last part, she jumped up and angrily charged towards Ning Shi. Upon seeing this, Ning Shi immediately remembered the sight of her head being broken and bleeding earlier, and screamed in fright, "You dare to come any closer! Quickly call for help! Quickly take her to see the officials! Hurry!"
To demonstrate her loyalty, Lin's mother went to stop them, but He Shi shoved her aside. Lin's mother, caught off guard, stumbled and fell to the ground with a thud, howling in pain. Her face turned pale, and her shinbone felt like it was broken. She rolled around screaming in agony, unable to get up. Seeing this, Ning Shi was terrified. She stood up and threatened, "He Shi…you…what are you going to do? If you dare touch me, this marriage won't go through, and you'll regret it!"
He Shi roared, "You vile woman, you still want to threaten and deceive me with words? You came to our mansion before saying that the princess's mansion had agreed to the marriage, but that was just to frame us. Now that my son has been arrested and taken to the Jingzhao Prefecture, you still dare to use these excuses to scare me. You vile woman, today I will make you pay for my power!"