Every time she arrived here, Ouyang Rou would wake up in fright. How could this dream be so terrifying, and so vivid as if it were real? It was as if it foreshadowed her future fate: she would be strangled to death by the vengeful ghost that Aunt Hong had transformed into, and she would die at Aunt Hong's hands.
Ouyang Rou was so frightened that her hands and feet turned cold. She sat on the bed, trembling uncontrollably, and kept muttering, "Auntie, you can't blame me. You know I'm innocent. I'm just stating the facts. It was you who sent Cao'er to find those tomb raiders. If anything, it's your fault. Things wouldn't have gotten so serious. It was only when those tomb raiders were caught by the soldiers that so many things happened. I didn't want this either."
Then Ouyang Rou murmured again, "You've raised me for so many years, didn't you say I was your everything? So when things come to this, shouldn't you be like those mothers in plays, willing to give up everything for your child? It's just that you've taken the blame for me. You weren't even sure you'd survive anyway, now you're just taking another blame for me. You've taken the blame, but at least you can save my life. Isn't that what a mother should do? Why are you seeking revenge? I didn't want to either, but I had no other choice. Aunt, even if you die, please don't come looking for me. This has nothing to do with me. It's your own fault for being greedy and having contact with these people. Now that you've committed a crime, it's your own fault. Why are you coming to me? Why are you looking for me?"
Suddenly, a sinister glint flashed across Ouyang Rou's face: "By the way, Aunt, you can't come looking for me even if you're dead. You should come looking for Grandpa. If he hadn't been caught and sent to the capital for his reckless behavior in Shanbian County, you wouldn't be worrying about him and looking for those tomb raiders. You should come looking for him. Oh, and you should also come looking for Dad. If Dad hadn't kept refusing to let you save Grandpa, none of this would have happened."
Ouyang Rou chuckled softly, her eyes chillingly cold: "You should blame Ouyang Yue the most. If she hadn't been Father's favorite, taking away my affection, we wouldn't have had to find other ways to make money all these years because we had no one to rely on in the mansion. It's all Ouyang Yue's fault, all the unfair treatment we received from the people in this mansion. Aunt Hong, if you have a spirit in heaven, go find these people. They're the ones who caused us to end up like this. Your death has nothing to do with me. Find them... you must find them, kill them all, then this entire General's Mansion will be mine. Then I can build a mourning hall, put your memorial tablet in a temple, and let you go to the Western Paradise to enjoy happiness as soon as possible. You'll have died a worthy death, won't you? Didn't you say you loved me the most? Now show it. Don't look for me anymore. If you really loved me, you should know that this will scare me. Isn't everything I've done taught me? I'll sell anything for myself—my self-respect, money, and even my body."
Ouyang Rou smiled faintly, "Back then, you were the one who taught me how to seduce Hong Yicheng, how to tempt him in bed, how to climb higher by stepping on Ouyang Yue. Don't worry, I'll continue doing the same thing after you die, and I definitely won't let you down. Since I've done everything you said, and I've always listened to you, don't come looking for me, please don't come looking for me. I'm your own child, born after ten months of pregnancy. If you want to find someone, go find the other people in the General's Mansion and kill them all." A ghostly green glint seemed to flash in Ouyang Rou's eyes, making her appear even more eerie and unpredictable in the darkness.
Of course, Aunt Hong knew nothing of all this; if she had, she would probably have been furious. Although Ouyang Rou was acquitted during the trial because there was no evidence to prove her connection with the tomb raiders and that she was directly involved in the matter, Aunt Hong and the others were still implicated in some families. Therefore, the trial would not proceed immediately, and the case would not be decided on the spot. At least two or three court hearings would be held before the evidence could be presented to the Emperor for a final decision. For now, Aunt Hong and the others were only temporarily imprisoned, and the final outcome was not yet determined, yet Ouyang Rou was already convinced that Aunt Hong would die.
If Aunt Hong hadn't taken the blame, Ouyang Rou wouldn't have been released. Now, she's hoping Aunt Hong dies so she can become a vengeful ghost and seek revenge on the General's Mansion. Just as she said, she's learned everything Aunt Hong taught her, and her insidious and selfish nature is even more remarkable, surpassing her teacher entirely. It's truly astonishing.
However, once she quieted down, Ouyang Rou's face darkened, and it was unclear what she was thinking.
The next morning, Ouyang Yue was having her meal at Mingyue Pavilion when she heard a loud wailing outside. She was slightly taken aback and said, "Chuncao, send someone to find out who is making such a commotion outside."
A moment later, a maidservant came to report. Upon hearing this, Chuncao immediately said, "Miss, it's the Second Miss blocking Master from leaving the manor, saying she's pleading for Concubine Hong." As she spoke, Chuncao gave a disdainful snort. This Ouyang Rou had forced Concubine Hong to take the blame in prison; what was she pleading for now? Utterly hypocritical! She had never seen such shamelessness. She had seen shamelessness before, but compared to the Second Miss, it was like heaven and earth. The Second Miss was truly despicable.
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Yue put down her chopsticks and said, "Oh, what is my second sister up to now? Let's go out and see."
Chuncao helped Ouyang Yue out of the house, and Dongxue followed behind. On the way from Mingyuexuan to Anhetang, the wailing and lamenting grew louder and louder. When they arrived at Anhetang, they saw a crowd of people gathered in layers. When they saw Ouyang Yue coming, they all stepped aside to let her in.
In the crowd, Ouyang Rou clung tightly to Ouyang Zhide's leg, her face streaked with tears, her expression one of utter sorrow and despair: "Father, please save Auntie! Rou'er begs you! Rou'er can't bear to see Auntie leave me like this. Please, Father, do something to save Auntie! Auntie was deceived and tricked, and she regrets it now. Please, Father, save Auntie! Rou'er begs you! Rou'er begs you!"
"Tch." Chuncao looked at Ouyang Rou with undisguised sarcasm on her face and whispered to Ouyang Yue, "This second young lady is too hypocritical and despicable. She knows best what she has done. What is she pretending for here? Who is she trying to impress?"
Ouyang Yue smiled faintly: "Of course I showed it to Father. When she was in the Ministry of Justice, no one in this household knew how she betrayed her birth mother, Concubine Hong, for her own sake. After she was released, everyone in the household only knew that the misunderstanding had been cleared up and that Ouyang Rou was indeed innocent. But Concubine Hong is still outside. If she doesn't care, wouldn't she seem too cold-blooded and heartless? After all, she was born after Concubine Hong carried her for ten months. If she doesn't plead for Concubine Hong, even the servants in the household could drown her in their spittle."
Chuncao looked down on Ouyang Rou even more: "Hmph, as long as we reveal what happened in the Ministry of Justice, wouldn't the Second Miss be slapping herself in the face?"
Ouyang Yue smiled at Ouyang Rou and said, "No, why should we say anything and be the bad guy? If we tell the truth, Ouyang Rou will turn around and accuse us. Not only can we not say anything, but we will also have to do everything we can to cover it up for her."
"Why...why is this? Wouldn't this be letting the Second Miss off too easily? Her ugly face should be exposed so that everyone can despise her too," Chuncao said in a low voice, puzzled.
Dongxue interjected, "I heard that since the Second Miss returned, she's been having nightmares. She's been sitting up all night for the past few days. Even without us saying anything, if she continues like this, she'll eventually drive herself mad. In fact, the more the Second Miss tries to pin the blame on others, the clearer she is about who killed Aunt Hong. Cao'er testified against the Second Miss, and the Second Miss was able to get Aunt Hong to confess. Similarly, if Aunt Hong doesn't confess, she'll be released without charge. In this matter, it's either Aunt Hong or me; there are no external factors involved. They all know that it was the Second Miss who directly pushed Aunt Hong to the executioner's block. The more intensely the Second Miss acts, pleading for Aunt Hong, the more afraid she is inside. She's just trying to put her mind at ease."
Chuncao nodded thoughtfully, carefully recalling the events, but then paused, and when she looked at Ouyang Rou again, her eyes became even colder.
In front of Anhe Hall, Ouyang Zhide was being held by the legs by Ouyang Rou and was unable to walk. Old Madam Ning and others, drawn by the commotion, gathered there, their expressions varying as they watched Ouyang Rou weep with great grief and indignation. Old Madam Ning sighed, seemingly with some sympathy, but her face remained cold. Over the years, Concubine Hong had been subservient and obsequious, but secretly only listened to Madam Ning and opposed her. If Concubine Hong were dead, it would alleviate some of her displeasure. She had brought Concubine Ming and Concubine Hong into the household, firstly for the sake of an heir, and secondly to control Madam Ning. Concubine Hong had dared to betray her in secret; to Old Madam Ning, the dead were merely her enemies, and she was naturally happy to see it happen.
In the past, Ning might have stood up for her, but after Hong's repeated betrayals, Hong was just a traitor to Ning. She had no sympathy for Hong, but was happy that there was one less concubine competing with her for favor.
As for Aunt Ming and Aunt Hua, they naturally felt much the same way.
Rui Yuhuan dragged her feet a few steps in the crowd and stopped, then suddenly said, "Third Miss is truly a clever person."
Standing next to her was Aunt Liu, who looked up at her and calmly asked, "What do you mean by that, Miss Rui?"
"What do you mean? Aunt Liu is a smart woman, how could she not know? Everyone in the manor understands the scheme that Second Miss and Aunt Hong used to frame me. Aunt Liu knows very well, and even a smart woman like Third Miss knows very well. We don't know what she did during the year she was away from the capital, but with the General protecting her, no outsider could interfere. But now look, as soon as Third Miss returned, Aunt Hong was arrested. Isn't that strange? It seems that Third Miss has come back for revenge." Rui Yuhuan said calmly, but her eyes remained fixed on Aunt Liu.
Aunt Liu simply looked back at Rui Yuhuan calmly: "Miss Rui, what do you want to do by telling me all this?"
Rui Yuhuan suddenly smiled, her eyes curving upwards, but unlike Ouyang Yue's bright, watery gaze, hers held a sinister glint: "Aunt Liu, you're a smart woman, you don't mince words. With Third Miss's methods and her temperament, she's not one to tolerate others. She can deal with Aunt Hong and Second Miss now, leaving them with nothing, and she'll do the same to others in the future, even you and Fourth Young Master! Don't you think about yourself and Fourth Young Master? Can you really befriend someone like Third Miss?"
Aunt Liu froze, then suddenly looked back at Rui Yuhuan!
☆、117、Soul Summoning Technique (Monthly Ticket)
Aunt Liu looked at Rui Yuhuan with an uncertain expression, then said softly, "But logically speaking, since the Second Miss tricked Miss Rui into taking the blame, shouldn't Miss Rui be causing trouble for the Second Miss? And this matter is related to the Third Miss?"
Rui Yuhuan chuckled lightly, but her eyes were exceptionally cold: "Second Miss and Concubine Hong, hehehe." She looked at Concubine Liu with a meaningful smile and said, "Concubine Liu, tell me, after I returned to the manor, I didn't directly deal with Second Miss and Concubine Hong. Are they living comfortably now?"
Aunt Liu's expression changed, and she stared intently at Rui Yuhuan. Yes, Rui Yuhuan hadn't made a move, but as soon as Ouyang Yue returned, Aunt Hong and Ouyang Rou suffered a terrible fate. They didn't know if Ouyang Yue was involved, but Ouyang Rou and Aunt Hong couldn't escape blame. Rui Yuhuan hadn't done anything, yet Aunt Hong and her daughter had both fallen, seemingly more seriously than if Rui Yuhuan had acted herself.
Aunt Liu glanced at Ouyang Yue, who was calmly looking at Ouyang Rou, who was crying her heart out. As if sensing her gaze, Ouyang Yue looked over, and Aunt Liu immediately composed herself.
Rui Yuhuan watched Liu Yiniang's reaction with a hint of a smile, her eyes cold. Ouyang Rou had wronged her so badly, driving her out of the General's Mansion by Ouyang Zhide; could she possibly remain inactive? She wished she could tear Hong Yiniang and the others to pieces. However, because the group of men in black was truly terrifying, Rui Yuhuan, even though she wanted revenge, was waiting for an opportunity. She was clever, because the opportunity had arrived. Now, without even lifting a finger, she could see Hong Yiniang and the others suffer. What could be more gratifying than this? She had watched such a good show without lifting a finger.
Rui Yuhuan couldn't forget the orders from the men in black. Her most important task now was to take control of the entire General's Mansion. She didn't know what those people were planning, but she didn't want to be tortured by Pink Butterfly and her gang a second time. No matter how stubborn Rui Yuhuan was, she knew that resistance was futile at this point and would only make things worse. So, she was now implementing her plan. She was also very grateful that Ouyang Yue had returned. Now, things were much better than when she was struggling with how to carry it out. The person who had always been the most invincible in the mansion was this Aunt Liu. As long as she could defeat her, things would be much easier. From her observation, Aunt Liu was a rare intelligent and patient person. Such a person could be ruthless when she really took action, and she was very confident in that.
Aunt Liu said calmly, "Miss Rui is truly an exceptionally intelligent person. Your method of using someone else to do your dirty work is something that not everyone can do."
Rui Yuhuan smiled and said, "Aunt Liu, you're wrong to say that. Using someone else to do your dirty work? I didn't use anyone's help or take advantage of anyone. I was just watching the show from the sidelines. How can that be called using someone else to do your dirty work?"
"That means Miss Rui knows how to be patient. This ability to endure is something that ordinary people can't do. I'm afraid that if it were someone else, they would have already taken action against the Second Miss, Aunt Hong, when the Third Miss returned to the manor. But Miss Rui got the opportunity that others couldn't wait for. I admire you, I admire you," said Aunt Liu.
Rui Yuhuan turned sideways to block the others and whispered, "So, Aunt Liu, you've agreed?"
Aunt Liu didn't answer her, but only watched as Ouyang Rou tightly hugged Ouyang Zhide. Rui Yuhuan's eyes flickered slightly, and she smiled. This Aunt Liu was certainly a clever woman, and clever women also like to be clever. Just watch Ouyang Rou's current fate. As long as she was provoked, she would surely understand that Ouyang Yue would return for revenge, and then Ouyang Rou's fate would likely be the same as Ouyang Tong's, and Aunt Hong's fate would be the same as all the other concubines in the mansion. Aunt Liu hadn't fought or competed all these years. Was she really unwilling? No, it was because she knew that fighting required the right opportunity. Right now, the only one in the mansion who could rival her was Aunt Hua. Aunt Hua was nothing more than a little cleverness, not up to any real responsibility, and couldn't possibly defeat Aunt Liu. At this time, if she really wanted to remain invincible in the mansion, defeating Ouyang Yue was the only proper thing to do.
Looking at Ouyang Rou's tear-streaked face, Ouyang Zhide felt a pang of pity. He reached out and pulled Ouyang Rou up, saying, "Rou'er, your father cannot interfere in this matter. The Emperor has already made his stance clear: this time, he will deal with it severely. There is nothing your father can do."
Ouyang Rou kept shaking her head, her face still pitiful and sorrowful: "No, Father, you have a way, you must have a way! You are a favorite of Father, how could the Emperor not give you any face? Aunt Hong is just a contact person, she doesn't deserve to die! I beg you, Father, please save Aunt Hong! Father!" Ouyang Rou stepped forward and hugged Ouyang Zhide tightly, as if she wouldn't let go if he didn't agree.
Ouyang Zhide was really at a loss and somewhat annoyed, but he understood Ouyang Rou's behavior and was somewhat relieved that she was so worried about Aunt Hong.
Seeing the two locked in a stalemate, Old Madam Ning spoke up, "Rou'er, can't you see the situation clearly? It's not that your father is unwilling to help, but that he can't. You must know how much our Great Zhou hates tomb raiders. I still remember the first few cases; they were all classified as plots to usurp the throne, which resulted in the execution of the entire family. Many years later, this case of tomb raiding has reappeared. The fact that the Emperor hasn't ordered the entire General's Mansion to be implicated is already a sign of leniency. If you continue to make trouble like this, not only will Aunt Hong's life be in danger, but you yourself might also be in grave danger."
Ouyang Rou trembled, her lips quivering as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she gave in.
Chuncao couldn't help but scoff softly, and whispered to Ouyang Yue, "Second Miss was just putting on an act after all. The old lady was only trying to scare her. When it comes to her own affairs, she immediately quiets down. It's really..."
Ouyang Yue's lips curled into a cold smile as her eyes turned to the other side, where Rui Yuhuan and Aunt Liu stood together. Both of them looked at Ouyang Rou but didn't seem to interact with her. However, Ouyang Yue's eyes narrowed slightly, and it was unclear what she was thinking. When she turned her eyes again, they radiated an inexplicable cold light.
The Ministry of Justice quickly reached a verdict, and the Emperor decreed that all the tomb raiders implicated in the case would be punished by having both legs severed and being beheaded—a punishment no different from what people had imagined or from previous punishments, except that this time the entire household was not implicated. Many saw this as a sign of the Emperor's favor towards the General's household; without Ouyang Zhide in charge, the outcome would have been uncertain.
Two days later, the entire General's Mansion mobilized to watch Concubine Hong's execution. The official pretext was to send Concubine Hong to her execution, but who truly harbored such intentions was another matter entirely. Early that morning, however, Ouyang Rou suddenly claimed illness and couldn't go.
Old Madam Ning frowned and said, "Go and see what's wrong with the Second Miss. If she's sick, call a doctor quickly."
A moment later, Madam Xi returned and said, "Madam, the Second Miss is probably missing Aunt Hong too much. When I went there, the Second Miss had a high fever and was still talking in her sleep, calling out for Aunt Hong. The servants have already found a doctor to see her, but judging from the Second Miss's condition, I'm afraid she can't go to the execution ground."
Old Madam Ning sighed, "No wonder she's like this. Oh well, if she can't go, she can't go. We've done our part for her, and that's enough."
Ning nodded in agreement, saying, "Anyone would be upset about this, so let's just let her be."
Rui Yuhuan added, "Madam, it's almost time. The general is still in court and won't be back yet, so we'll have to go together."
Old Madam Ning nodded and said, "Alright, let's go."
Today, three carriages departed from the General's Mansion. The first and most exquisite carriage belonged to Old Madam Ning, who was accompanying her inside. The next carriages were for Ouyang Yue and Ouyang Rou, but Rui Yuhuan said she was afraid Ouyang Yue would be sad, so she accompanied her in the carriage. The last carriage, which was obviously the simplest and had no excessive decorations, belonged to Aunt Liu and Aunt Hua. As for Aunt Ming, she wanted to go, but her dilapidated appearance would frighten people, so Old Madam Ning only told her to rest at the mansion.
Once inside the carriage, Ouyang Yue seemed tired and immediately closed her eyes to rest. Rui Yuhuan looked at Ouyang Yue and sneered, "Second Miss is quite pitiful. Aunt Hong has been her only family for over ten years. Second Miss must be very sad right now. Alas, anyone would be sad in her situation."
Ouyang Yue did not answer, seemingly asleep, but Rui Yuhuan leaned against the side and continued, "There has always been a rumor in this mansion that there is a jinx, but I don't know if this jinx is the Third Miss, me, or the Second Miss. I am really curious."
Ouyang Yue remained silent. Rui Yuhuan's eyes grew even colder as she said, "Why pretend to be confused, Third Miss? I would never believe you weren't involved in this matter. I truly admire your methods, Third Miss. You've taken down Aunt Hong and her entire family. That's something no ordinary person could do. I'm quite curious how you did it, managing to leave no trace whatsoever. Excellent technique."
Ouyang Yue opened her eyes, her gaze clear and lucid, clearly not asleep at all. She simply gazed calmly at Rui Yuhuan, her fair face showing only serenity, without a trace of anger or fear at having her thoughts exposed. Such a person was either truly innocent or an exceptionally good actor. Rui Yuhuan's eyes darkened, and Ouyang Yue looked at her, saying, "Miss Rui, since you became disabled, your mouth has become even more incessant. Is it because of your physical disability that you've become increasingly verbose?"
Rui Yuhuan's expression stiffened. She hated it most when people talked about her being crippled. Because of Old Madam Ning's words and Rui Yuhuan's punishment of several gossipy servants, no one in the General's Mansion dared to touch her taboo. Ouyang Yue's words were like hitting her sore spot: "What are you saying, Third Miss? I am only concerned about Second Miss and you. It is better to resolve enmity than to resolve it. You are, after all, sisters. If you continue to become enemies, the General and the Old Madam will be heartbroken."
Ouyang Yue said without changing her expression, "Oh? Miss Rui is going to let my second sister off the hook? Then I really have to thank you on my second sister's behalf. I didn't expect Miss Rui to be so magnanimous. You can even forget the time when my second sister made you take the blame. Miss Rui's tolerance is something I should learn from. I really admire you."
Rui Yuhuan was taken aback, then sneered, "Why does Miss Yuhuan need to say such nonsense to me? You know better than anyone that you orchestrated this whole thing, didn't you?"
Ouyang Yue's face suddenly darkened, and she said in a low voice, "Miss Rui, please be careful with your words. You must know that this is a major case involving the Great Zhou Dynasty. Everything is being handled by the Ministry of Justice, and the Emperor will make the final decision. Does Miss Rui mean that my Emperor can actually order him to do things? Although I may not mean anything by it, it's hard to guarantee that others won't misunderstand. Father is absolutely loyal to the Emperor. In the end, others might think that Miss Rui has some improper thoughts. After all, you came from the border, a place where all sorts of people mingle. It's hard to say whether Miss Rui has been bribed. In that case, not only will the Old Madam not be able to save you, but even Father won't be able to. If you are truly convicted, Miss Rui's punishment will be even more severe than that of Aunt Hong."
Rui Yuhuan was startled, and fear flashed in her eyes, but she quickly calmed down: "Why would Miss Yuhuan need to threaten me? We were just having some private conversations in the carriage. How could it get out? Unless that person is Miss Yuhuan."
Ouyang Yue said with a half-smile, "Miss Rui, have you forgotten? You should hate me the most right now. It's only right that I deal with you now in order to eliminate future troubles. You've given me this opportunity to bring you down. Do you think I won't take advantage of it?"
Rui Yuhuan was startled: "How could that be? Third Miss is not the kind of despicable person who would tip someone off. Besides, even if you were doing this for the sake of the old lady, you wouldn't do something so foolish."
Ouyang Yue raised an eyebrow slightly and said, "Miss Rui really knows me well. I'm certainly not a traitor, but when my life is threatened, it's okay to be a traitor for once. As for Grandmother..." Ouyang Yue raised a finger slightly, seemingly looking towards the front of the carriage, and said lightly, "Miss Rui, how long do you think someone will be remembered after they die? Grandmother dotes on you now, but what about after you die? A day, a month, a year later, will Grandmother still miss you? I am, after all, her granddaughter. If you try your best then, do you think she would kill me for you?"
Rui Yuhuan stiffened: "I just misspoke before. Does the Third Miss really think she can use that to expose me? Isn't that ridiculous? Who would believe that?"
Ouyang Yue smiled faintly, her eyes like pools of spring water, sparkling with dazzling beauty under the sunlight: "Since Miss Rui thinks that I was responsible for Second Sister and Aunt Hong's affair, then it's not impossible for me to make this a big deal. Such rebellious words of yours can often turn a small matter into a big one, and a big matter into a death sentence. If I expose this, Miss Rui will not get away with it."
Miss Rui's body stiffened even more, and her expression froze completely: "What is Third Miss trying to say? We all live in the General's Mansion, and we should love each other."
Ouyang Yue glanced at Rui Yuhuan indifferently: "I can be loving and affectionate, but can you? Miss Rui, how clever do you think you are, manipulating everyone in the General's Mansion? Don't be surprised if you end up losing everything. To be honest, you are indeed quite clever, but at the same time, you are extremely foolish. With this contradictory combination, if you want to do evil, I guarantee that you will be the one who suffers the most in the end."
Rui Yuhuan stared coldly at Ouyang Yue, then lowered her head and said, "What the Third Miss says is true. I am not smart enough, and I have made the Third Miss laugh at me."
Ouyang Yue nodded and said, "I didn't make fun of you, because I didn't consider you an opponent either, so why would I make fun of you?"
Rui Yuhuan clenched her fists tightly and placed them on her lap, suppressing her surging anger: "Yes, I am indeed no match for the Third Miss."
Ouyang Yue suddenly looked at Rui Yuhuan with amusement: "Yes, it's rare that Miss Rui is willing to admit it."
Rui Yuhuan trembled slightly with anger, and said, "No matter what, I don't have much of a grudge against the Third Miss. We all hope that the Old Madam and the General live to be a hundred years old and that the General's Mansion becomes more and more prosperous. I don't know how many people outside are waiting to see us make a fool of ourselves. I think the Third Miss thinks the same way. If we start fighting now, wouldn't we just become a laughing stock? Don't you think so?"
Ouyang Yue nodded, and Rui Yuhuan only said, "What about before..."
Ouyang Yue was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized and said, "Miss Rui, how could you take what I just said seriously? I was just joking with you. My words carry little weight, who would believe such a thing? I was just teasing Miss Rui, and you actually believed it? What treasonous nonsense? With Miss Rui's status and influence, I'm afraid she's not qualified. I think these words would never reach your ears, and would probably be blocked before you even enter the palace. If it were a princess from a prince's family, this might be possible, but Miss Rui... tsk tsk tsk..." After saying that, Ouyang Yue turned around, lifted the carriage curtain, and jumped down, arriving at the restaurant they had booked.
Rui Yuhuan was furious inside the carriage. Her original intention was to probe Ouyang Yue's words, since no one knew how much Hong Yiniang was involved in this matter, and no one knew whether Ouyang Yue was involved. However, Rui Yuhuan had always been suspicious of Ouyang Yue, because she and Ouyang Yue were probably the ones in the General's Mansion who hated Hong Yiniang and Ouyang Rou the most. However, the matter was very meticulous, and it happened suddenly, becoming a major case that was directly taken over by the imperial court. No matter how you looked at it, Ouyang Yue didn't seem to have the ability to get involved.
It was truly bizarre that the matter of Concubine Hong was exposed the moment Ouyang Yue returned to the capital. She planned to investigate and use it to blackmail Ouyang Yue, determined to make her suffer the same pain that Pink Butterfly had inflicted on her. However, Ouyang Yue seemed even smarter, easily deflecting her with a few words and even humiliating her. Miss Rui sneered, her eyes flashing with icy light. But Ouyang Yue's confident disregard for her was actually a good thing for her; the more arrogant Ouyang Yue was, the easier it would be for her to get things done. Such people who look down on others often end up falling victim to them. She didn't believe that Ouyang Yue, having harmed Concubine Hong and succeeded, wouldn't have other intentions.
General's Mansion, Rouyu Courtyard.
As soon as Old Ning and the others left, Ouyang Rou sat up and leaned against the headboard. Her face was no longer dazed; she was pretending to be asleep as well.
Ouyang Rou clenched her fists tightly. She didn't want to go to the execution ground, and she dared not go. She clearly remembered the nightmares she had been having these past few days—dreams that took place on the execution ground. If she went, would Aunt Hong bite her before she died? Would she be in danger again? The dream was growing stronger; in it, Aunt Hong transformed into a vengeful ghost, relentlessly demanding her life. She kept screaming, "If she hadn't forced me, I wouldn't have died! You deserve to die! Die!" Then Aunt Hong pounced on her, biting her face, biting her entire body. She trembled in agony, screaming incessantly, but no one paid her any attention.
Old Ning's father and the rest of the general's family looked at her coldly with contempt, saying she had forgotten her parents' kindness and had even betrayed her closest relative, Consort Hong. They declared her actions deserved punishment. Then, armed with various weapons—swords, kitchen knives, daggers, and scissors—they pounced on her, stabbing her repeatedly. She was instantly mangled and bloodied, but she didn't die on the spot. She cried and begged, but no one paid her any attention; they continued to stab her until… she was stabbed to death.
The thought of that scene made Ouyang Rou tremble with fear. No, her father wouldn't do that, he wouldn't.
Aunt Hong wouldn't turn on her. She'd coerced and bribed her for ages in prison, and she'd already agreed. Mingyi then gently comforted her, saying that for the sake of the last remaining bloodline of the Hong family, she couldn't die. Those directly involved, like Hong Dabao and Hong Xuetian, had no hope of survival. Wasn't she the last bloodline of the Hong family? Aunt Hong had agreed; she had agreed.
Ouyang Rou's face was deathly pale, cold sweat dripping from her forehead. Should she rush over now and make sure Aunt Hong died so she wouldn't come looking for her? No, if she went now, wouldn't Aunt Hong be even angrier and hate her even more? Why didn't Aunt Hong just die already? She'd been having these nightmares for so many days, keeping her on edge. How hateful!
Damn it!
Ouyang Rou sat on the bed, her mind in turmoil. But in her repeated thoughts, she never considered that there was anything wrong with letting Aunt Hong take the blame for her.
Xiang'er had been keeping watch in the outer room. She could even hear Ouyang Rou's rapid breathing. Even from outside, she felt the breathing was very rough and somewhat eerie. Ever since her mistress was taken to the Ministry of Justice and then released, she had become increasingly strange, and sometimes her actions were chilling, like now. At the same time, a chill ran through her. She had always been Ouyang Rou's maid, so she knew very well that Aunt Hong had genuinely been good to the second young lady over the years. She would always think of her when she had something good, and she was willing to offer advice when something happened. Although those things were very insidious, it was enough to show Aunt Hong's concern for Ouyang Rou. Unexpectedly, at this time, the second young lady would not even go to the execution ground to see Aunt Hong.
This heart is so cold-hearted.
The execution grounds in the capital were usually built in the suburbs, occupying a fairly large area, but there was more than one. For some serious cases, as a warning to the people, the executions were held in the city. Aunt Hong and her group were at the intersection of Juyuan Street in the city, a street that was usually deserted. It was an open space, and at this moment, the open space was crowded with people from the capital.
In recent years, the Great Zhou Dynasty has been peaceful and prosperous. At least in the capital, apart from some rumors and scandals, there have been no major cases. However, this major case of tomb raiding spread like wildfire, and the area around the execution ground was now packed with people and bustling with activity.
The restaurants, inns, and other establishments around the execution ground, which were usually deserted, were completely packed today. Ouyang Yue and her group booked a room on the second floor of one of the restaurants, which faced the execution ground directly across the street. Compared to some of the more famous restaurants in the capital, the environment here was naturally inferior. Old Madam Ning frowned as she looked at it, but said nothing, only ordering the waiter to bring tea and snacks. However, the tea and snacks were even worse than those usually served at the General's Mansion, and after trying them, no one touched them.
As soon as Rui Yuhuan got out of the car, she obediently helped Old Madam Ning. Seeing that Old Madam Ning was in a bad mood, she immediately spoke to her softly.