"I'm leaving." Baili Chen didn't want to listen to Master Minghui's nagging, so he got up and walked out. The wind blew Master Minghui's white eyebrows, and he was already smiling amiably.
The next morning, Ouyang Yue packed up and went to Master Minghui's room. Leng Jue was leaning against a tree, arms crossed, looking rather unhappy. Then the door to the room closed, cutting off his view.
Master Minghui had already made preparations. At this moment, all the tables and chairs in the side room had been removed, leaving only two prayer cushions on the ground. He was already sitting inside, and Ouyang Yue immediately understood and sat down. Master Minghui did not say anything, but slightly raised his eyes and began chanting incantations to perform the ritual of deliverance.
These three days were extremely difficult, because during these three days, Master Minghui and Ouyang Yue had to fast and not drink until the ritual was over. Not only were their minds tormented, but their bodies also suffered. Ouyang Yue's expression was solemn, and she did not show the slightest hesitation or regret from beginning to end. Afterwards, she also followed Master Minghui in chanting the incantation.
If letting go ensures Su'er's safety, they will still have a chance to reunite. She will wait for that day, and all the trials and tribulations beforehand will make them cherish their mother-son bond even more, and will also allow her to handle things outside.
Inside the room, only the chanting of mantras by Master Minghui and Ouyang Yue could be heard. Outside, Leng Jue had set up a tent, furnished with tables, chairs, tea, wine, food, and fruit. He leaned against the soft couch, looking rather lonely. Just as his ears were about to become calloused from listening to the mantras, the sounds from the room finally stopped. Leng Jue was overjoyed, but did not rush in immediately.
"Mom..."
Ouyang Yue looked excitedly at Ouyang Su, who had flown out. The latter also missed Ouyang Yue and immediately reached out his arms to hug her. Although the two could not be together in person, the feeling of blood ties made them feel very satisfied.
“I was suffocating in there, but why is Mom so useless? She looks so pale. Did that old monk bully you?” Ouyang Su hugged Ouyang Yue for a while, then sat on her shoulders and raised an eyebrow at Master Minghui opposite him.
When Master Minghui saw Ouyang Su, his expression visibly stiffened, and he said softly, "Everything is predestined, so that's how it is... so that's how it is..." He kept muttering to himself as he looked at Ouyang Su.
Ouyang Su asked with a suspicious look, "What's wrong with this old monk? Why is he muttering to himself? It's so strange."
Ouyang Yue had never seen Master Minghui so distraught before. A hint of doubt crossed her mind. Master Minghui seemed particularly interested in Su'er, but she noticed that Su'er's soul was even weaker when she came out. Her heart ached. Were they really going to be separated?
"Su'er, Mom won't be able to be by your side all the time from now on."
Ouyang Su stiffened, paused for a moment, and said in a muffled voice, "Well, I heard there's some big news down there. I'm going down to play. I'm really worried that Mom will be bullied. How can you manage without me by your side?"
Ouyang Yue's lips curled up, but there was no smile on her face: "Yes, you're going down there to continue to harm other people. I'm really afraid you'll cause chaos down there, and if ghosts come up to me to complain, I'll be annoyed to death."
"Tch!" Ouyang Su curled his lip, looking completely unconcerned: "They dare? I'll make sure they don't see the sun rise tomorrow."
Ouyang Yue's lips curled slightly. There was no sun there at all, but she remained silent: "My son won't let you suffer. If he bullies you, he'll bully you back twice as much. I'll interrogate you later."
"I know, you're so annoying! It's not like I'm never coming back. Mom, hurry up and find a decent man to father my child with. Don't make me stay too long, but I can't just settle for anyone. I want to be born incredibly handsome and exceptionally intelligent, loved by everyone and admired by all. If you give me a bad child, I'll crawl into your belly and make you give birth again!" Ouyang Yue said seriously, pulling on Ouyang Yue's hand.
Ouyang Yue nodded, and Ouyang Su nodded in satisfaction, preparing to leave. But the next moment, he tightly embraced Ouyang Yue, his light lips pressing against her face. Tears instantly streamed from his eyes. Master Minghui began chanting a spell, and Ouyang Su's body grew increasingly faint until it vanished without a trace. At that moment, Ouyang Yue turned and rushed out of the room, running away suddenly. Leng Jue jumped up and quickly chased after her. Ouyang Yue ran to the back of the temple, taking deep breaths repeatedly. Finally, her eyes reddened, and she squatted down, burying her face in her hands and weeping bitterly.
Leng Jue's eyes narrowed slightly as he walked over, crouched down, and reached out to embrace Ouyang Yue, comforting her. However, Ouyang Yue stiffened, suddenly lunging at Leng Jue and kissing his iron mask, her hands tugging at his clothes. Leng Jue was startled, seeing the fervor in Ouyang Yue's eyes and her hand already reaching for his lower body, he was immediately alarmed: "What are you doing!"
"Didn't you say you were going to take responsibility? Now I'm asking you to take responsibility." Ouyang Yue just stared at him, her expression somewhat strange.
“You…you’re not such a shameless woman,” Leng Jue said immediately, his heart skipping a beat.
Ouyang Yue gave a cold laugh: "What, you've gone back on your word? Don't worry, this is the only time. I won't force you anymore. From now on, you go your way and I'll go mine. I only want this one day from you. Will you give it to me or not?"
Leng Jue's eyes were incredibly deep: "Anything can be resolved, just don't hurt yourself."
Ouyang Yue bit her lip tightly: "Men really can't be trusted. Don't worry, it doesn't matter if you disagree. I will definitely find a man who is willing to give me one night."
"What on earth happened? Why are you giving up on yourself!" Leng Jue roared angrily. If Ouyang Yue had taken the initiative before, he would have definitely agreed, but not now. She herself didn't even know who the person in front of him was, or why she had to submit to him. He didn't know if his anger was directed at Ouyang Yue or at him.
"Just tell me if you're willing or not, that's all. The rest is none of your business." Ouyang Yue's expression turned cold. Seeing the darkness in Leng Jue's eyes, she sneered, stood up, and turned to leave. The faint mockery in her gaze before she left startled Leng Jue. He leaped forward, striking Ouyang Yue directly on the neck. He then caught her limp body, his chest heaving with anger. This damned woman! He didn't agree, and she really went to find another man?!
Leng Jue held Ouyang Yue tightly, his strength so great it seemed he wanted to crush her.
Another day, Ouyang Yue woke up slowly in bed, stared at the ceiling of the room for a while, and said: "You're awake."
Ouyang Yue turned her head and saw Leng Jue resting his chin on his hand, looking at her from the table. Ouyang Yue's face stiffened slightly, and she responded with a faint "Mm".
"You seem calmer now," Leng Jue continued, "What happened?"
Ouyang Yue pursed her lips slightly, recalling the scene of her about to pounce on Leng Jue, and let out a long breath: "It's just a matter of performing a ritual to help someone who is very important to me pass on. I feel a little sad, so just forget about it."
Leng Jue stared silently at Ouyang Yue, then suddenly said, "If you were to pounce on me now, I would be more than happy to."
Ouyang Yue's lips twitched as she stared at Leng Jue's mask, which gleamed with a chilling aura, and then at his eyes, which shimmered with an eerie light. She lowered her head slightly, unsure of what to say. Leng Jue sighed, "Old Monk Minghui is waiting for you to wake up so you can see him. He says he has something to say."
Ouyang Yue nodded, sat up and glanced at Leng Jue before leaving the room to find Master Minghui. Leng Jue touched his iron mask: "If I had known, I should have agreed to let her pounce on me yesterday, and then let things become a fait accompli. This woman has changed her mind again. Women's minds change too quickly."
When Minghui saw Ouyang Yue enter, she smiled and said, "It seems that after a day, you have come to terms with things. Congratulations!"
Ouyang Yue nodded politely: "I am very grateful to Master Minghui for the three days of salvation. You have helped me a lot. I left in such a hurry yesterday that I didn't have time to thank you."
Minghui shook his head and said, "Actually, the reason I asked you to come here today is to discuss something with you."
"Hmm? Master Minghui, please speak freely."
Minghui pondered for a moment and said, "Amitabha Buddha, to be honest, I saved a person in my early years. That person was suffering from a serious illness and needed a certain medicine to save his life, but I did not have the opportunity to obtain that medicine."
"What is it?" Ouyang Yue immediately understood Master Minghui's intention.
"You must have heard of this, benefactor. It is the Tian Shan Snow Lotus."
"What?! Heavenly Snow Lotus!" Ouyang Yue exclaimed in surprise. The Heavenly Snow Lotus was a supreme treasure of the Xuanyuan Continent, rumored to possess the power to grant immortality and even resurrection. Countless people coveted it, but the Heavenly Snow Lotus grew on the Heavenly Mountain, a place shrouded in mist year-round. Over the years, few had ever been known to enter the Heavenly Mountain and return alive. Although the Heavenly Snow Lotus was priceless, one needed to be alive to enjoy it. Many coveted it, but the constant disappearances of people from the Heavenly Mountain made it a daunting prospect.
"Yes, it is indeed the Tianshan Snow Lotus. This person needs the Tianshan Snow Lotus to cure his illness."
Ouyang Yue's expression was solemn. After thinking for a moment, she said, "Alright, I will do my best to obtain the Tianshan Snow Lotus to repay Master Minghui's favor."
Minghui shook his head: "You flatter me. It is my duty to perform a rite for your son. This is not a request, but a supplication. You may refuse."
Ouyang Yue replied, "I never like owing favors to others. Even if Master Minghui hadn't mentioned this matter, I would have definitely found an opportunity to repay you. It would be better if you told me, but the premise is that Master Minghui must keep my affairs a secret."
“Amitabha Buddha, monks do not lie.”
Ouyang Yue stood up and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Master Minghui. I will be setting off in the next two days."
Master Minghui nodded and said, "I have been traveling around here for a year. After that, I will leave for the Five Elements Temple in the capital. You can find me there."
“Okay!” Ouyang Yue nodded, turned and left without hesitation, but her expression was very serious.
General's Mansion in the Capital
Today, Aunt Hong, dressed in a long dress adorned with vibrant chrysanthemums, and Ouyang Rou, in a red dress sprinkled with gold flowers, walked along the path. Behind them followed two rows of servants. The two women chatted with smiles on their faces, saying, "Ouyang Yue has been gone for almost three months now, and we haven't heard from her at all. Could she have died out there?"
Aunt Hong said with a smug look on her face, "Second Miss, you can't say such things carelessly. It's just that Third Miss's life is really unfortunate. She competed for favor with an outsider and ended up losing and leaving the mansion. It's heartbreaking to hear. But that's Third Miss's fate. She can't blame anyone else."
Ouyang Rou sneered, but said with a hint of regret, "What Auntie said is true. Third Sister really acted impulsively. Look at her, abandoning the General's Mansion and leaving. Now her life is uncertain. Even if she suffered some grievances in the General's Mansion, it's still better than her being so reckless. If I were her, I would definitely be smart and wait for an opportunity to win back favor."
Aunt Hong smiled faintly: "Second Miss is exceptionally intelligent, and also gentle and patient. These are qualities that a woman with extraordinary achievements should possess."
Ouyang Rou's expression stiffened. She knew Aunt Hong meant well, but it still pained her. Ouyang Hua was dead, and she was now the eldest daughter of the household. She was almost fourteen, the age for engagement and marriage, yet no one had come to propose. Hong Yicheng, who had initially agreed to her proposal, was now nowhere to be found. She had sent people to him, but they were all turned away with various excuses. Hong Yicheng clearly didn't want to take responsibility.
However, if Hong Yicheng didn't agree to marry her, her past in the Ning family would be a scandal to anyone, and respectable families probably wouldn't marry her. Ouyang Rou was extremely anxious, but she was an unmarried woman and couldn't just go out on the street and marry anyone. Although she was infertile, there were still four children in the General's Mansion: Ouyang Hua was dead, Ouyang Yue was missing, and Ouyang Tong, though a boy, was too young to compete for power. She was considered the most promising heir in the General's Mansion, and suitors should have been lining up at the gates of the mansion, but now no one was interested. Thinking of this, Ouyang Rou was filled with anger.
Aunt Hong sensed Ouyang Rou's anger and sighed inwardly. She was just as anxious about this matter. She had originally thought that with their intelligence, entering the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor's mansion would guarantee them a bright future, but their plans in the Ning Mansion had shattered their dreams. However, Ouyang Rou was currently the safest and healthiest woman in the General's Mansion, yet she hadn't expected that even ordinary families wouldn't propose marriage to her. If this continued, as Ouyang Rou grew older, she would truly become an unwanted old maid, making it even more difficult for her to marry.
Although Aunt Hong and Ouyang Rou had good intentions—Ouyang Zhide only had her as his daughter, and anyone wanting to win him over would definitely marry Ouyang Rou—the situation was unfortunate. Ouyang Zhide was currently out suppressing bandits, and his safe return was uncertain. The affair between Old Ning and Rui Yuhuan had become such a scandal that outsiders wanted to spit on the General's Mansion. Who would want to marry into the General's Mansion, especially not Ouyang Rou, a woman who had openly slept with men? Who wouldn't be out of their mind to deliberately marry such a woman and invite ridicule?
Ouyang Rou grew angrier the more she thought about it: "Hmph! Even though Ouyang Yue has left, she has caused us so much trouble. I'll make sure she can't come back even if she wants to!"
Aunt Hong nodded in agreement: "Oh, this Third Miss..."
The two chatted idly along the way and had already circled around to Mingyue Pavilion, where Ouyang Yue was staying. Because of Ouyang Yue's departure, the servants of Mingyue Pavilion had been disliked by Old Madam Ning and had been transferred to other places to work. Only two or three servants occasionally cleaned Mingyue Pavilion. When they saw Ouyang Rou and Aunt Hong walk in, they immediately straightened up and came over to pay their respects: "This servant greets Second Miss and Aunt Hong."
Ouyang Rou nodded lightly and said, "Hmm, you are all very loyal. Third Sister has been away from the manor for so long, and it is still unknown whether she will be able to come back. You are still here guarding her. It is really not easy. Such loyal servants are rare. You should be rewarded."
The three servants were taken aback, then startled, sensing a hint of annoyance in Ouyang Rou's words. They immediately replied, "Replying to Second Miss, we were merely assigned to clean Mingyue Pavilion. If any courtyard in the manor is short-handed, we can be transferred there at any time." This indicated that they were not merely Ouyang Yue's servants, but rather from the General's Mansion, and as for loyalty, that was naturally out of the question.
Ouyang Rou sneered, "So that's how it is. But now that Third Sister is gone, I, as her older sister, do miss her a bit. Go open the door, I'll walk around Mingyue Pavilion and reminisce about my sister."
The three servants hesitated, which made Ouyang Rou frown: "What, am I not allowed to leave Mingyue Pavilion?"
"No, Second Miss, this servant will get you the keys to each room right now." One of the maids immediately turned around and left in fright. A moment later, she came back with a bunch of keys. Ouyang Rou smiled coldly, and a maid behind her immediately picked them up.
Ouyang Rou looked in the direction of the storeroom and said, "I gave my third sister a lot of high-quality tonics before. She hasn't been back to the manor for so long, and these things are all very valuable. I hope they won't get damp and be lost. Let's go to the storeroom and take a look first."
The three servants of Mingyue Pavilion exchanged glances, a bad feeling creeping into their hearts. In that storeroom…
Ouyang Rou's face lit up with excitement. Even before, she rarely had access to Ouyang Yue's small storeroom. The key was always kept by her most trusted maid, and inside, let alone precious medicinal herbs, even rare antiques—Ouyang Zhide would get them for her if she wanted them. In this General's Mansion, besides the main storeroom and the small storerooms of Old Madam Ning and Madam Ning, Ouyang Yue's storeroom was probably the most valuable. Now that Ouyang Yue had been away from the capital for three months without returning, she was most likely dead outside. Even if her father returned, he couldn't do anything to her; after all, Ouyang Yue had left the mansion on her own, and it was her own fault for dying outside.
However, Ouyang Rou didn't want Ouyang Yue's collection to fall into someone else's hands. She had to give up at least a portion of it first. Thinking of the collection she had seen by chance before, Ouyang Rou was very excited. These things were all hers now. Even if no one came to the manor to propose marriage for the time being, she didn't believe that no one would ask for her hand in marriage once she had saved up a large dowry.
Why should Ouyang Rou worry about getting married!
"Miss, the door is open."
“Let’s go in and take a look.” Ouyang Rou’s face lit up with joy, and Aunt Hong quickly followed. However, when the two rushed into the small storeroom of Mingyue Pavilion, they were stunned. Ouyang Rou shrieked, “You bunch of dog servants dare to lie to me! This is not a storeroom at all. There’s nothing in here.”
There was absolutely nothing there; it was completely empty, so empty you could see dust on the ground.
The three servants trembled with fear: "Second Miss, how could we dare to lie to you? This little storeroom was empty when Third Miss left the manor. We... we know nothing..."
"What!" Ouyang Rou gritted her teeth: "That little bitch Ouyang Yue actually secretly sent all the things out of the manor, that little bitch."
A sharp glint flashed across Aunt Hong's face: "The old lady probably doesn't know about this yet. The third young lady took things out of the mansion without permission and ran away with the money, which violated the family rules."
“Yes, go to Grandmother’s!” Ouyang Rou was stunned, and a cold look immediately flashed across her face. Now, Old Madam Ning was even more troubled by Ouyang Yue’s disappearance. She wished she could swallow Ouyang Yue’s hatred. She might as well add a stroke to this hatred.
Soon after, Aunt Hong and Ouyang Rou rushed to Anhe Hall. Seeing them rushing around so hastily, Old Madam Ning frowned and said, "What are you doing? Don't you have any manners? Walking so hurriedly, how can you be a proper lady? Your reputation is ruined, but you need to pay more attention to your manners, otherwise who will dare to come and propose marriage?"
As soon as Ouyang Rou entered the door, she was scolded by Old Madam Ning. Her heart was filled with resentment, but she held back and cried, "Grandmother, it's not that Rou'er was rude, but Rou'er just returned from Third Sister's Mingyue Pavilion, only to find it deserted, and the small storeroom had been emptied. All the precious items inside are gone. Third Sister has gone too far. She left the manor without permission, ruining your reputation, and then she stole valuables from the manor and ran away with the money. She has no respect for the family rules, and even less for you, Grandmother!"
"What? The small storeroom of Mingyue Pavilion is empty? What happened?" Old Madam Ning's face immediately darkened.
Ouyang Rou immediately embellished the story, and the more Old Madam Ning listened, the darker her expression became: "That shameless scoundrel actually stole valuables from the mansion and left the capital. Go, report it to the Prefect of the Capital. There's a thief in our General's Mansion."
Upon hearing this, the maidservant beside her, Xi, changed her expression. If this matter were to involve the Prefect of the Capital, things would only spiral out of control. Old Madam Ning was already being portrayed as wicked and cruel; if the Prefect of the Capital were to issue a warrant for her arrest, wouldn't that be pushing herself into a corner? She glanced at the fleeting malice on Ouyang Rou and Aunt Hong's faces and said, "Madam, it is indeed inappropriate for the Third Miss to leave the manor without permission, but in my opinion, this matter should not be reported to the Prefect of the Capital."
"Why should I forgive her and pardon her for doing such a thing!" If Ouyang Yue were in front of her now, Old Madam Ning would want to eat her flesh and drink her blood.
Madam Xi said softly, "Madam, the things in the Third Miss's small storeroom are all from her daily allowances and the rewards given to her by the Master and other elders. How the Third Miss spends them is her own business, and no one else can interfere. If the Master comes back and hears about this, he will surely be angry, which will also tarnish your reputation as a kind lady."
Old Madam Ning was startled, then suddenly realized with a start, "Oh, right, how could I have been so foolish?" The small storerooms in each household were their private property. Even if Ouyang Yue threw those things into the street, that was Ouyang Yue's own business. If this matter reached the Prefect of the Capital, she would become an even bigger laughingstock. Old Madam Ning's eyes suddenly darkened, and she glared coldly at Ouyang Rou and Aunt Hong. These two wretches actually dared to come here and spread rumors; hadn't she already caused her enough trouble?
"Look at you all dressed in gold and silver, so you're actually short of money. You went to Ouyang Yue's place to plunder her. Who gave you permission to do that!"
Ouyang Rou's face paled, and she glared at Xi Mama with resentment. Just as she was about to explain, a limping person walked out from the inner hall. His face was covered with a thick veil, revealing only a pair of sinister eyes, which looked extremely creepy. Who else could it be but the disfigured and crippled Rui Yuhuan?
"Madam, I think the Second Miss and Aunt Hong were worried about the Third Miss, so they went to check on her. Who knew that the Third Miss's storeroom was empty? They must have been too anxious and lost their composure. Please don't take it to heart."
When Madam Ning saw Rui Yuhuan come out, her expression immediately changed: "Yuhuan is the most thoughtful. I'll let you off this time." However, Rui Yuhuan said, "Although this small storeroom is the Third Miss's private property, her stealing it is really damaging to the reputation of the General's Mansion. Even if the General returns and hears about this, he will probably be furious. Does the Third Miss intend to sever ties with the General's Mansion? Isn't this putting the Old Madam in a difficult position?"
Old Madam Ning's face darkened, and she sneered, "That wretched Ouyang Yue, she hasn't wronged me enough! She wants to sever ties with the General's Mansion? Fine, I'll grant her wish. Guards, seal off Mingyue Pavilion! Let's see if that beast Ouyang Yue dares to come back. If she does, I'll break her legs!" Old Madam Ning roared angrily. Thinking of the injustices she had suffered recently, she couldn't forgive Ouyang Yue for causing her such trouble. She refused to believe that a weak woman like Ouyang Yue could hide outside for long. When she returned, it would be time for her to punish her severely!
Rui Yuhuan's eyes were cold and dark. "Ouyang Yue, you actually implicated me, causing me to be disfigured and have my leg broken, ruining my life. I will make you wish you were dead!"
Aunt Hong and Ouyang Rou exchanged a glance, both breathing a sigh of relief. They were thankful that Rui Yuhuan was ruthless and vengeful, and had suddenly come to their rescue; otherwise, they would have been in real trouble. They had originally planned to take advantage of Ouyang Yue's departure to gain some benefits, but now that they hadn't, if they could torment Ouyang Yue to death because of it, that wouldn't be bad at all.
Madam Xi glanced coldly at Rui Yuhuan and the others, a faint sneer playing on her lips.
Linzhou Five Elements City
Ouyang Yue was traveling alone, but whenever she turned around, a masked man in black robes would immediately appear behind her, leaving her speechless. She had said she wouldn't let anyone follow her, but Leng Juezi completely ignored her. He followed her wherever she went, and his martial arts skills were so high that even she couldn't shake him off, which led to the current situation.
Ouyang Yue stopped and waited for Leng Jue to step forward. She sneered and said, "Your wounds haven't fully healed yet. If you die on the way, I won't care about you."
Leng Jue chuckled softly: "Getting on the road is the priority."