Ouyang Yue looked at Old Madam Ning and saw that her eyes were sincere and genuine. Knowing her past experiences, Ouyang Yue was confident in her ability to observe people's expressions and details. She believed that Old Madam Ning was sincere and couldn't help but say, "Grandmother, what are you doing? You are my elder. Even if an elder does something wrong, a junior can't say anything. Besides, you had no choice at the time, and I can understand that. Why do you need to apologize like this? There's really no need."
"Moon, is it that you can't forgive me?"
Ouyang Yue sighed, "No, I forgive you, really."
Old Madam Ning looked at Ouyang Yue earnestly, then smiled with relief, "Good, good, good. These are the happiest words I've heard in a long time. Thank you, Yue'er, thank you so much." Old Madam Ning hugged Ouyang Yue tightly, her body trembling slightly. Ouyang Yue even felt a slight dampness on her shoulder and was momentarily stunned. But when Old Madam Ning left her, there were no tears on her face, only slightly red eyes. "Yue'er, see if there's anything you're not satisfied with in these things. I'll have them remade. If there's anything else you like, just tell me, and I'll have someone buy it for you right away," Old Madam Ning said happily.
Ouyang Yue shook her head: "Grandmother, I don't lack anything now, I really don't need it."
Old Madam Ning simply smiled, then sat down with Ouyang Yue, and after a moment of silence, asked, "Yue'er, what do you think of Tong'er?"
Ouyang Yue smiled meaningfully: "Tong'er is very good. He has always been innocent and a good child. Moreover, Aunt Liu is not short-sighted. I think she will definitely be able to teach Tong'er well."
Old Madam Ning's heart tightened. She carefully observed Ouyang Yue, her mind filled with other thoughts. Finally, she sighed and said, "De'er has only had Tong'er as his male heir all these years. Tong'er will inherit the Ouyang family line in the future, but his background is too low."
Ouyang Yue lowered her eyes and remained silent. Old Madam Ning hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "I'm considering making Concubine Liu my principal wife. I wonder what your thoughts are, Yue'er?" Ouyang Yue gave a faint "Mmm," and then asked, "Does Father know?"
"When he had this idea, De'er had already gone off to carry out his mission, and he was unaware of it."
Ouyang Yue smiled faintly: "Grandmother is the old lady of the General's Mansion. You can make all the decisions in the mansion. Why do you need to ask Yue'er about such matters?"
Old Madam Ning paused for a moment: "Tong'er's health has improved a lot over the years. You've seen that Tong'er is still very lively and adorable. Aunt Liu has also been very kind and doesn't compete for anything over the years. I like her very much. And she is the only one in the household who has given birth to a child. I should give her a better title. This will be good for Tong'er's future."
Ouyang Yue nodded slightly: "Grandmother is right."
"So, Princess, you agree?" Old Madam Ning asked anxiously, looking at Ouyang Yue who was smiling faintly at her. Only then did a hint of embarrassment appear on her face: "Princess, you had a good relationship with Aunt Liu and Tong'er before. I just wanted to ask for your opinion."
"Grandmother, I know, and I like Tong'er very much. I have no objection to this matter." Old Madam Ning finally relaxed and smiled. She immediately said to Xi Mama, "Quickly, go and prepare. Change the documents today."
"Grandmother, why are you in such a hurry?" Ouyang Yue finally showed a hint of surprise. Old Madam Ning smiled and said, "I'm just getting all these things done and waiting for De'er to come back so I can sign his name. Only then will it be truly established. I'm so happy and can't wait." As she said this, Old Madam Ning's eyes reddened again. Ouyang Yue looked at her thoughtfully and said nothing.
Madam Xi immediately busied herself running around, while Ouyang Yue only chatted with Old Madam Ning for a long time. Old Madam Ning seemed particularly excited today, perhaps because Consort Liu had been promoted, and there was finally a legitimate son in the mansion to carry on the family line. She chatted with Ouyang Yue until almost evening before letting her leave. When she left, Consort Liu and Ouyang Rou were still sitting on either side of her in the main hall of Anhe Hall, watching Ouyang Yue leave with a pile of exquisite boxes. Ouyang Rou's face immediately twisted with jealousy, and she gritted her teeth and forced a smile as she saw Ouyang Yue off.
"Grandmother is so biased!"
Aunt Liu looked at her coldly: "If the second young lady continues to behave herself, the old lady will never show favoritism."
"Hmph, do you think I don't know? She's trying to win over Ouyang Yue with this. She's a princess now, why would she care about those things? She's practically offering herself up, let's see if she'll even appreciate it." Ouyang Rou sneered disdainfully.
Aunt Liu chuckled: "Why are you being so sour, Second Miss? No one ever complains about having too much of this good stuff. What does it matter if you appreciate it or not? Princess Mingyue has already taken it with her."
"Don't be so smug. Let's see how long you can keep it up." Ouyang Rou sneered.
That very day, Madam Xi had already taken care of all the arrangements for Consort Liu to be promoted to the position of principal wife. Once Ouyang Zhide returned, signed his name, and stamped the official seal, everything would be settled. That evening, Old Madam Ning ate quite a bit and, supported by Madam Xi, took a walk around the General's Mansion. Standing in front of Ouyang Zhide's study, Old Madam Ning smiled and said, "De'er, you'll be back soon, won't you?"
Madam Xi's eyes were a little red: "Yes, Madam, I heard that the master will be back soon in the next few days."
Old Madam Ning smiled, her eyes filled with tender affection: "I raised De'er myself. When he was little, I was afraid he would be harmed, so I always kept him by my side. From the time he was born, all wrinkled and looking like a little monkey, to when he was babbling and waving his hands, to when he started talking and called me 'Mother' for the first time, I watched him stumble and walk, and then slowly grow up. Now, when I think about it, time really flies. He's already married and established himself in the court, a title that few in the court have. Most importantly, he has a great influence among the people. He is truly my lifelong pride. Although this pride has made me do many things, it doesn't matter. As long as he's doing well, I'm content. I'm truly content."
"Madam..." Madam Xi couldn't help but call out.
Old Ning laughed and said, "Mother Xi, please help me back. I'm a little tired and want to rest."
“Yes, Madam…” Mama Xi carefully helped Madam Ning into Anhe Hall, into the inner room, into the bedroom, and towards the bed.
Old Mrs. Ning lay on the bed, covered with a soft quilt, a faint smile on her face, sleeping peacefully...
The next day, Ouyang Yue received news that Old Madam Ning had passed away. Ouyang Yue remained calm about this, as she was already mentally prepared. Given Old Madam Ning's arrogance, why would she suddenly invite her to the mansion to apologize when she had been holding back for so long? Moreover, Old Madam Ning was suffering from illness and was physically weak. When she was first cured of the Gu poison, she looked more than ten years older than before, but yesterday she looked like she had suddenly become five or six years younger. At that moment, a thought flashed through Ouyang Yue's mind: "a final burst of energy before death."
For the sake of Aunt Liu and Ouyang Tong, Aunt Liu was promoted to the position of principal wife, all to give Ouyang Tong a legitimate status. She even subtly tricked Ouyang Yue into revealing her intentions, hoping she would protect Ouyang Tong. Although Old Madam Ning ultimately outmaneuvered her, Ouyang Yue didn't blame her. She feared that if Ouyang Zhide married another woman in the future, she wouldn't be able to see or help that woman, fearing it would ultimately harm Ouyang Tong and the General's Mansion. Therefore, Ouyang Yue understood this urgent situation. She just hadn't expected Old Madam Ning to leave so soon.
Princess Shuangxia couldn't help but sigh: "You should also go and see, after all, there are still more than ten years of friendship left. Don't let her say it out loud."
Ouyang Yue nodded and said, "Grandmother, Yue'er understands."
The news of Old Madam Ning's death caused quite a stir in the capital. Old Madam Ning had always been very famous, known for her strong-willed nature and her ability to raise Ouyang Zhide into a great general. She was known for her decisive and efficient methods. However, she was later embroiled in some scandals. Nevertheless, she was still a well-known figure in the capital, and her death was a cause for lament. Regardless of whether it was for Ouyang Zhide or Ouyang Yue, prominent families in the capital immediately prepared a funeral and came to pay their respects. However, what slightly displeased them was that the General's Mansion actually sent Concubine Liu to greet and send off the guests. But now, they had no choice. The General's wife had been divorced, and the other concubines were either involved in trouble or dead, so Concubine Liu was the one in charge.
Upon hearing the news of Old Madam Ning's death, Ning Xihe was the most upset. She had been preparing to hold a banquet to entertain the noble ladies of the capital, and the date was set for the near future. However, Old Madam Ning had to die at this time. The two events were not contradictory, but Old Madam Ning was her elder after all. If she did not take it into consideration, people would talk. She cursed Old Madam Ning for a long time, but she still had to come to pay her respects according to the rules.
The servants in the General's Mansion were very efficient. The entire funeral was almost entirely organized by Mama Xi and presided over by Aunt Liu, and it went very smoothly.
"Princess Mingyue has arrived!" The announcement rang out from outside. The mourning halls, which had been filled with people from various mansions, instantly became even quieter. Those who were paying their respects did not rush to leave but instead stepped aside. Ouyang Yue, dressed in plain white clothes and accompanied by a maid in the same plain clothes, slowly walked in. Her face was calm, her lips were slightly pursed, and her expression seemed to show no sadness at all, but it made people feel a tightness in their hearts.
Ouyang Yue knelt on the ground and kowtowed three times to the coffin of Old Ning Shi. Her body remained bent over, and no one knew what to say. They just felt that Ouyang Yue was feeling somewhat depressed.
Just then, a white figure rushed into the mourning hall, lay on the coffin, and burst into tears: "Grandmother, why did you leave so suddenly? Yesterday you were full of energy and invited Princess Mingyue to meet. How could you leave so soon after the princess left? Rou'er didn't even have time to see you one last time. Grandmother, how could you leave like this? How could you be so cruel!"
Ouyang Yue suddenly raised her head, her eyes coldly fixed on Ouyang Rou, who was constantly weeping. The people from various families in the mourning hall were extremely surprised and looked at Ouyang Yue in disbelief. Ouyang Yue had just seen Old Ning Shi yesterday, and Old Ning Shi died as soon as she left. What did this mean?
Old Ning was killed by Ouyang Yue!
Everyone was shocked. If this was true, Ouyang Yue would be in big trouble. She had harmed her elders and her grandmother. Even though this grandmother was not her biological mother, she had still raised Ouyang Yue. She was too unfilial and too cruel. Even the royal family would punish her!
☆、168、Colluding with each other, monthly gifts and bribes! (Monthly votes)
Ouyang Yue gave a cold smile, then stood up and ignored Ouyang Rou. The mourners were stunned and couldn't figure out why Ouyang Yue was doing this. Did she mean that Ouyang Rou was telling the truth and that she was scared, or did she simply not care?
Just then, a woman dressed in a beautifully embroidered white brocade robe with green leaves, surrounded by many ladies and young women, walked in. Upon seeing this scene, she angrily said, "Mingyue, what are you doing? Do you agree with your second cousin that your aunt's death is really related to you?" The appearance of this woman caused some embarrassment among the people present, because this person was none other than Ning Xihe.
Ning Xihe is not yet married to the Crown Prince, nor is she the Crown Princess. She is still just a legitimate daughter of the Ning family and cannot be expected to receive greetings from others. However, it will not be long before Ning Xihe is married, and it is an imperial decree. Her status is already set, so it would be inappropriate not to receive greetings. She is in a dilemma. As soon as Ning Xihe speaks, she immediately receives a lot of support.
"That's right, Princess Mingyue, what can't you say? The way you're keeping things to yourself only makes people more suspicious and curious, unless... what Miss Ouyang said is true?"
“Princess Mingyue is high above everyone else and is a royal princess. How could she possibly do something to harm her grandmother? Although her grandmother is not her biological grandmother, she still raised her. How different is she from a biological grandmother? If she really did it herself, she would be a terrible person.”
"Hehe, you can know a person's face but not their heart. It's hard to say, hard to say."
Ouyang Yue simply stood quietly, calmly observing these people. Her demeanor was serene and gentle, showing no anger whatsoever despite their malicious mockery. She simply watched them calmly, and it was precisely because of this that their voices grew softer and softer until, for some reason, they dared not speak at all. Although Ouyang Yue remained composed, their gaze instilled a sense of fear in them—an indescribable fear—causing them to fall silent.
"Mingyue, aren't you going to say anything?" Ning Xihe sneered. If Ouyang Yue wouldn't speak, then she would naturally find a way to make her tacitly agree. It would be best if she stayed like this. She wanted to see how Ouyang Yue would fight her.
“Miss Ning, given your status, is it appropriate for you to address Mingyue?” Ouyang Yue finally spoke, which surprised everyone. Ning Xihe was also quite astonished. Ouyang Yue’s voice was very calm: “The royal family has its own rules. Before Miss Ning becomes the Crown Princess, she should still keep to her proper place.”
"You..." Ning Xihe's eyes widened. She felt there was a clear threat in Ouyang Yue's words, but she wasn't afraid of threats. On the contrary, it showed that Ouyang Yue felt guilty. If that was the case, why not seize the opportunity to teach this arrogant person a lesson? If she married the Crown Prince, she would be the Crown Princess. Whether as the Seventh Prince's wife, calling her "Empress Sister-in-law," or as Princess Mingyue, she would be considered Xuan Yuan Yue's elder. How could she be so disrespectful? This was clearly a guilty conscience.
Ning Xihe sneered inwardly: "Princess Mingyue has such good manners. I will remember them and will not repeat them before I marry the Crown Prince." However, even if you marry the Crown Prince, you will not get any good results. Many people also sensed the meaning behind Ning Xihe's words. "I just wonder what explanation Princess Mingyue has for the accusations made by Miss Ouyang."
"Accusations?" A hint of amusement flashed in Ouyang Yue's eyes. "What accusations does Miss Ning mean?"
Ning Xihe sneered, "At a time like this, you're still trying to stall for time, but it's no use at all: 'Yesterday, after Princess Mingyue entered the General's Mansion, my aunt passed away that same day. Didn't Princess Mingyue have anything to say? How could things be so coincidental? Princess Mingyue, could you tell me what you and my aunt talked about yesterday, so that as soon as you left, my aunt passed away, without even the people in the mansion being able to see her one last time? My aunt is so pitiful, to be harmed like this, it's truly heartbreaking.'"
Ouyang Yue sneered: "Yes, such a person should be torn apart by a thousand cuts, he deserves to die a thousand deaths, isn't that right, Miss Ouyang?"
Ouyang Rou had been sobbing softly, but her body stiffened at this moment. She continued to cry softly without looking up or speaking. Ouyang Yue's words drew the attention of many people. Since Ouyang Rou rushed in and made her veiled remarks about Ouyang Yue, she hadn't spoken again. But if it weren't for her, no one would have suspected Ouyang Yue. Now, her silence was truly suspicious.
Ning Xihe sighed and said, "Alas, is my cousin too heartbroken? She never expected to have such a vicious wolf by her side, while she used to treat her like a sheep. It must be extremely painful." Then she looked at Ouyang Yue with disapproval, "Princess Mingyue, you should explain things clearly, otherwise it will only make everyone suspicious and cause my second cousin to be so heartbroken."
“That’s right, if Princess Mingyue is innocent, why should she be afraid to speak?” The young ladies and maids who were with Ning Xihe echoed the accusations. Some of these people had been on good terms with Ning Xihe before, while others had come to curry favor with her after hearing that she was going to become the future Crown Princess. In any case, they had been following Ning Xihe around lately, so they were obviously her people. Most of the people standing by to mourn were muttering quietly. Some echoed the accusations with malicious expressions, while others watched quietly, unsure of whom to believe. For the time being, no one spoke up for Ouyang Yue.
"Princess Mingyue has been unwilling to say, could it be that you're afraid? If you dare to do something, you dare to say it? Everyone has moments of confusion." At this moment, a charming voice suddenly came, and everyone was stunned. They saw that Fu Meier, followed by two followers and several maids, walked in. It was she who had just spoken.
"I don't think it's worth getting hung up on baseless accusations. How can you all behave like this on the anniversary of my grandmother's death? It's a great disrespect to the deceased."
Fu Meier laughed: "Yes, it is disrespectful to the dead, but to let the dead die with a grievance is even more disrespectful. I have always admired Madam Ning, so today I will play the villain. What I want more is for Madam Ning to rest in peace in the afterlife."
"Ms. Fu is right, it's best to find out the truth."
"Yes, yes, we should investigate thoroughly and absolutely not let those vicious people get away with it."
Ouyang Yue curled her lips slightly and looked toward the coffin. Ouyang Rou was still lying there, her body trembling slightly, her voice whimpering. She looked pitiful, but her eyes grew colder: "Second Miss Ouyang, what you just said has aroused so much suspicion among so many people. Why are you hiding there now and refusing to explain to the ladies? Just go ahead and say it. If you say I did it, I will admit it."
Everyone was shocked. Ning Xihe suddenly said angrily, "At this point, you still threaten my second cousin? What are you doing? Princess Mingyue, although you are of noble status, you can't be too presumptuous. Everyone here is a person of importance, and no one is allowed to cause trouble."
Ouyang Yue ignored her completely and just looked at Ouyang Rou and said, "Miss Ning, just tell me. If I did it, I'll admit it. This is not a threat. Just tell me."
Ouyang Rou's body stiffened, and she didn't dare to turn around. Fu Meier sneered: "It seems that Miss Ning is really too heartbroken. Or maybe she just happened to see someone committing evil yesterday and threatened him."
Those who had previously harbored doubts about Ouyang Yue were now staring at her in astonishment. Could it be true?
Ouyang Yue sighed, "Today is my grandmother's funeral. I didn't expect so many unexpected things to happen. I, the princess, am even being accused of murder. Hehe, what a peculiar funeral. I am not afraid of being wronged, but I can't stand seeing such villains stirring up trouble here, manipulating some self-righteous clever people at will."
"Amitabha, benefactor Mingyue, I am late."
"Master Minghui!"
"Ah, it really is Master Minghui!"
"Good heavens, didn't Master Minghui leave the capital to pursue ascetic practices? Why is he back in the capital now?"
"Yeah, yeah, I just heard that news. Could it be false?"
An old monk in a kasaya with a kind face slowly walked into the hall. Many people bowed to Master Minghui, showing great respect and love. At the same time, they were also very surprised. Ouyang Yue in the hall bowed to him as well: "Master Minghui has come, which is already very kind of you. I dare not accept this."
Master Minghui said with a kind face: "Princess Mingyue is kind and filial, which is very rare. I will come from thousands of miles away to fulfill Princess Mingyue's request."
The conversation between the two startled everyone, and someone asked in surprise, "Master Minghui, may I ask why Princess Mingyue sent you here?"
"Princess Mingyue sent someone to invite me to perform a ritual to help Madam Ning pass on to the afterlife."
"ah!"
"Please invite Master Minghui!"
Everyone was astonished. Leaving aside the fact that Master Minghui had already left the capital, how could he have returned so quickly? Even ordinary families couldn't possibly persuade Master Minghui to come. Although Master Minghui was of high moral character and refused to become the Grand Preceptor of the Great Zhou Dynasty, in the hearts of the people of the Great Zhou, he was already a Grand Preceptor with boundless magical power. Such a person was not someone an ordinary person could associate with. For Ouyang Yue to be able to persuade him was an immense favor. Furthermore, given Master Minghui's high moral standing and prestige, he wouldn't work for an evil person. Therefore, Princess Mingyue certainly couldn't be the so-called murderer of her ancestor.
Ning Xihe frowned: "The deliverance? As far as I know, those deliverances are for vengeful spirits who died with resentment and were unwilling to leave. It seems that Master Minghui also knows that my aunt was wronged."
“Amitabha Buddha, female benefactor, please forgive others when you can. Know that if you commit too many verbal transgressions, you will be punished equally in the future.”
"You!" Ning Xihe's face flushed red and then turned pale with rage. "Fine, you actually tried to exonerate a sinner and even threatened people. Isn't Master Minghui supposed to be highly respected? Could it be that he's just a fraud who used tricks to deceive people all along? There were witnesses here who testified that my aunt's death was related to Princess Mingyue. Am I not allowed to seek justice for her as a family member?"
Master Minghui's expression remained unchanged as he continued to mutter. Many Buddhist believers present were dissatisfied with Ning Xihe's angry rebuke. For them, Master Minghui was their last channel of communication with the Buddhas, and their deep-rooted beliefs made them intolerant of Ning Xihe's disrespect.
"Second cousin, tell me quickly, did you see Ouyang Yue kill our aunt? Just say it, I don't believe that with so many people present, anyone could have killed them all or silenced them all. There must be someone who is fair and just, and will never let the evildoer get away with it."
Ning Xihe pulled Ouyang Rou up, and she struggled not to get up: "What are you afraid of? Speak up!" Ning Xihe secretly pinched Ouyang Rou's waist hard. She had only accused Ouyang Yue before to take the opportunity to put her down, but now that things had come to this point, regardless of the truth, she had to say that Ouyang Yue was the murderer, otherwise she would lose too much face.
"Ah!" Ouyang Rou suddenly screamed. Ning Xihe's face darkened. "Ah!" Before she could speak, Ouyang Rou screamed a second time. Of course, she was going to scold her, but when she saw what was inside the coffin, she couldn't help but scream as well.
The crowd rushed over immediately. Had Old Madam Ning's death been so gruesome? Otherwise, why would they be so terrified? Could she have truly been murdered? However, when they saw the person in the coffin, their hearts skipped a beat. Old Madam Ning was dressed in exquisite clothes, her hands clasped over her stomach, and her expression was serene and kind—a peaceful and contented look, indicating she had passed away peacefully without regrets. The body stiffens after death, and after a night, Old Madam Ning's body was already rigid. Therefore, her expression was unmistakable; her death had been gruesome, and it remained so; her death had been peaceful, and it remained so. Such a demeanor suggested she had been murdered. Were those who dared to say this blind?
Everyone stared at Ouyang Rou's fleeting panic and shock. Clearly, she had never witnessed Old Madam Ning's death either. How could she have seen Ouyang Yue kill Old Madam Ning? She was obviously lying. Those who had been whispering amongst themselves before, or who had remained silent until now, all looked at Ouyang Rou with displeasure. Those who had previously mocked and criticized Ouyang Yue were even more displeased. They had been tricked, truly tricked. If this person were Ning Xihe, the future Crown Princess, or Fu Meier, the future concubine of the Fifth Prince, they might have tolerated it. But a lowly concubine's daughter from a general's mansion dared to play them like this.
Moreover, in their eyes, Ouyang Rou was a terrible person. Her grandmother's body was barely cold, and she was already fabricating lies to harm people. What a vicious thought that was! It was also disrespectful to the deceased and should be condemned by heaven and earth.
Ning Xihe's face turned even uglier. She had been tricked by Ouyang Rou to this extent and had lost face in front of everyone. Seeing this, Ning Xihe's previous behavior was extremely shameful. The future Crown Princess was tricked without even realizing it and kept pressing her. She was incredibly stupid. To be tricked like this by a concubine's daughter was really unbecoming of a royal wife.
Ouyang Yue glanced at the group and suddenly smiled. "Grandmother passed away peacefully and without regrets. I never expected such a commotion after her death. However, Master Minghui will be performing a ritual to help Grandmother ascend to the Pure Land, so it's inconvenient for anyone to stay here. Please, ladies, leave. Miss Ning and Miss Fu have just finished their prayers and are quite tired. It's not appropriate for the General's Mansion to keep you here. We'll send someone to escort them back to their residences. If any of you ladies wish to stay, you may. But if you disturb Master Minghui with your noise, please leave the General's Mansion." Chuncao immediately responded. Ouyang Yue continued, "No one is allowed to come into the main hall to worship today. If you wish, you can place three prayer cushions outside."
The people present all looked very uncomfortable. Ouyang Yue was clearly kicking them out, accusing them of causing trouble at someone else's funeral. There were many taboos at the funeral, and this was one of them. Ouyang Yue was being quite magnanimous. It was also because Ning Xihe and Fu Meier had somewhat complicated identities; otherwise, it would have been their own fault if they had been thrown out directly!
Ning Xihe and Fu Meier looked extremely ugly. They were the most aggressive and troublemaking people just now, and now even the people present were implicated. They might even be resented by Ouyang Yue. They were angry at these two troublemakers, but dared not speak out. However, their eyes were clearly filled with accusation and dissatisfaction.
Ning Xihe and Fu Meier stormed out of the General's Mansion, enduring whispers and pointing fingers along the way. Every glance they received seemed to mock their overestimation of their abilities and their malicious intentions. They felt extremely uncomfortable. Ning Xihe boarded the carriage, but instead of calming down, she overturned the low table inside. Suppressing her anger, she gritted her teeth and said, "Ouyang Yue, how dare you kick me out! You're despicable! Just you wait, I will never let you get away with this!"