Ouyang Yue smiled and said, "Mother, don't worry, I will learn a lot from my two elder sisters." After saying that, she grinned at Ouyang Hua and Ouyang Rou, "I hope my two elder sisters will not hesitate to give me their guidance."
Ouyang Rou and Ouyang Hua nodded with disdain in their eyes, and Ning Shi smiled and said, "Don't dawdle any longer, we'll talk about it when we get back."
The General's Mansion dispatched a total of three carriages. The main carriage was for the mistress, Ning, and was noticeably more luxurious and grand than the other two. Ouyang Yue's carriage was smaller and more delicate. The last carriage was plain and unadorned, and was for the maids.
The car moved slowly, but both cars were very quiet. Seeing that the two of them were not speaking, Ouyang Yue's eyes flickered and she moved her buttocks to get close to Ouyang Rou. Suddenly, she felt the latter's body stiffen and asked, "Second sister, how are you feeling? Are you feeling better? Are you still in pain?"
A cold glint flashed in Ouyang Rou's eyes. She gritted her teeth, but smiled gently. "Thank you for your concern, Third Sister. I'm fine now. I've been recuperating and visiting the Buddhist temple to pray recently. I haven't thanked you for your request back then. I wouldn't be alive without you, Third Sister." She looked coldly at Ouyang Hua at the end.
If it weren't for Ouyang Hua's insistence that day, her secret wouldn't have been exposed, and she wouldn't have been injured. Ouyang Yue might have been causing trouble for her out of personal motives, but Ouyang Hua was actually hoping for her death!
Ouyang Rou gritted her teeth, her eyes flashing coldly, and she thought viciously, "It won't be long before I punish Ouyang Hua and Ouyang Yue today!"
Ouyang Yue's heart skipped a beat; Ouyang Rou's expression...
The carriage fell silent again, even more so than before. No one dared to break the silence until the carriage approached the imperial city gate. After inspection, they were allowed to pass. From there, they continued on foot. Since the banquet had not yet begun, the imperial palace would open areas such as the Imperial Garden.
As soon as Ouyang Yue and her entourage arrived at the Imperial Garden, they encountered members of the Ning family. After exchanging greetings, the Ning family members chatted with Madam Huang, the matriarch of the Ning family, as well as her elder sister-in-law and two sisters-in-law.
Wu Xishan walked over with a smile, grabbed Ouyang Yue's arm, and said familiarly, "Come on, the young ladies from various families are admiring the flowers in the garden ahead. Let's go over and say hello." As she spoke, she forcefully pulled Ouyang Yue forward. Just as Ouyang Yue was about to resist, Ouyang Rou also joined her on the other side, saying, "Cousin knows more people. Eldest sister and third sister, let's go take a look." With that, the two of them each took one of her arms and led her forward.
Ouyang Yue's eyes narrowed immediately, and Ouyang Hua's lips curled into a smile.
As soon as they arrived at the garden in front, the young ladies who had been chatting and laughing suddenly fell silent, their expressions towards Ouyang Yue filled with undisguised mockery and disdain.
In the garden, the young ladies whispered and gossiped, discussing topics that interested everyone. Ouyang Yue was not interested. A woman in a yellow dress walked gracefully out of the crowd, her disdainful gaze sweeping over Ouyang Yue. She sighed, "Today is the Imperial Summer Banquet. Why are just any kind of people being let out? Some of them are no different from mad dogs when they go crazy. I hope they don't hurt any of the noble ladies."
As soon as the woman in yellow spoke, the ladies around her immediately burst into laughter, their gazes falling on Ouyang Yue as if by prior arrangement.
Ouyang Yue narrowed her eyes. This woman had memories in her mind. She was Lin Baiqian, the eldest daughter of the Huaiyuan Earl's Mansion, who had helped Ouyang Rou make a scene to break off the engagement. These words were clearly aimed at her!
Ouyang Yue squinted at the cold smile on Ouyang Rou's face. So this was her scheme? Ouyang Rou ruined her reputation for her own selfish desires, and now she wanted Lin Baiqian to publicly humiliate her with that incident!
Hmph! Dream on!
☆、022、Malicious framing!
While everyone was gloating over Ouyang Yue's embarrassment, she started looking around nervously. Everyone assumed she was feeling guilty and ashamed, but as time went on, they realized something was wrong.
Ouyang Rou's expression changed, and when she turned her head to look, Ouyang Yue had already taken her arm and said with a smile, "Second sister, I didn't see the dog. I remember you said that Consort Sun raised a white dog that was very cute and very smart. Not only did Consort Sun like it very much, but many of the ladies in the palace also liked it very much."
As she spoke, Ouyang Yue's gaze swept over the young ladies from various households, led by Lin Baiqian, a cold glint in her eyes: "So, none of you young ladies like that dog? Or is Second Sister just trying to coax me? Judging from your expressions, isn't that dog cute at all?"
As soon as Ouyang Yue finished speaking, everyone in the courtyard froze, their eyes flashing with surprise!
Consort Sun was not only the eldest daughter of the Sun family, one of the five great families of the Great Zhou Dynasty, but also the favored concubine of the court, who gave birth to the gentle and refined Fifth Prince Baili Jian and Fifth Princess Baili Le. It can be said that in the harem, apart from the Empress Dowager and the Empress, she was the most powerful woman. The dog named Xiaobai was found by the Emperor after a long search in order to please Consort Sun. It was truly Consort Sun's favorite.
Who dares say that dog isn't cute? Aren't they afraid of offending Consort Sun? Aren't they afraid of offending the Emperor?
Lin Baiqian didn't explicitly name Ouyang Yue when she scolded her, so Ouyang Yue naturally steered the conversation towards Consort Sun's little white dog. As a result, Ouyang Yue's unintentional words sent a chill down everyone's spines, especially Lin Baiqian, whose face turned pale instantly!
Although the palace banquet was not being held and they were waiting here, there were still many palace maids around. If this got out, it would offend Consort Sun. Lin Baiqian became more and more afraid as she thought about it, and hurriedly defended herself: "Consort Sun's beloved dog is naturally cute and obedient. Don't talk nonsense!"
Ouyang Yue blinked cutely, looking puzzled: "I'm not making this up. You were the one who called Xiaobai a mad dog just now. All the ladies here can testify to that!"
"No, of course not, I didn't insult Xiaobai, I meant... I meant..." Lin Baiqian's face turned pale and then flushed, looking very unpleasant.
These young ladies preferred to insult others subtly and without using vulgar language. If she admitted to cursing Ouyang Yue, she would lose face in public and be ridiculed. But if she didn't speak up, she might offend Consort Sun. Lin Baiqian never expected to find herself in such a predicament in an instant.
Even those who were usually on good terms with Lin Baiqian instinctively stepped back, afraid of being caught in her crossfire.
Ouyang Yue hugged Ouyang Rou's arm and shook it, asking in confusion, "Second Sister, do you think Miss Lin was scolding Xiaobai? It's the only dog in the palace."
Ouyang Rou's expression was also very unpleasant, because she could feel everyone in the garden looking at her. Although she liked being the center of attention, she didn't like this kind of gaze. Then she looked at Ouyang Yue, whose eyes were very bright, so bright that they reflected her unpleasant expression. Ouyang Rou's lips twitched stiffly: "This... Miss Lin would not have said 'Little White,' it should be used to describe the scenery. Perhaps the wording is a bit inappropriate."
Ouyang Rou is used to using her gentleness and understanding to deceive people. It is hard to see her offend people easily. But Lin Baiqian's words just now are there. Ouyang Rou wanted to defend herself but couldn't think of anything better. What everyone heard was full of mockery. Seeing that the effect had been achieved, Ouyang Yue immediately lowered her head, pursed her lips, and said nothing more.
Lin Baiqian is, after all, the eldest sister of the Marquis of Huaiyuan's mansion. She has been studying poetry and songs since childhood. Would such a noble lady compare scenery to a mad dog? Wouldn't that be an insult to Lin Baiqian, implying that she is ignorant, vulgar, and lacking in knowledge?
Lin Baiqian was furious and retorted, "Ouyang Rou, you dare to laugh at me? Humph, someone as promiscuous as you, do you have the right to criticize me? No matter how bad I am at speaking, my character is far superior to yours!"
Yes, Lin Baiqian resented Ouyang Yue for causing trouble at the Huaiyuan Marquis's mansion, but she also hated Ouyang Rou. Recently, rumors have been circulating in the capital that Ouyang Yue's engagement was called off and that Hong Yicheng was going to marry Ouyang Rou. Although it has not been confirmed, everyone knows that it is probably true.
No one present was stupid. If Ouyang Rou really didn't want Ouyang Yue to break off the engagement, would Ouyang Yue succeed? Why did no one from the General's Mansion stop Ouyang Yue when she came to make a scene? Many people suspected that the General's Mansion wanted to break off the engagement, but didn't know how, so they used Ouyang Yue to cause trouble.
Therefore, Lin Baiqian also hated Ouyang Rou for breaking off the engagement!
Ouyang Rou was stunned by the scolding. She meant well, but Lin Baiqian, that bitch, didn't know what was good for her!
Seeing this, Ouyang Hua suppressed her smile. Ning Xishan, who had been watching Ouyang Yue's antics, was also stunned. She never expected that this matter would involve Ouyang Rou. She immediately said coldly, "Lin Baiqian, what do you mean? Who are you calling promiscuous! Apologize!"
Lin Baiqian sneered disdainfully: "If you're capable of doing it, why are you afraid of being talked about? Ha, are you that kind of person too, so you're afraid of being criticized?"
"You..." Ning Xishan was also furious, and just as she was feeling resentful, a palace servant in the Imperial Garden shouted loudly, "Second Princess, Fourth Princess has arrived!"
The people in the courtyard were taken aback for a moment, then knelt down and greeted her loudly: "Welcome, Second Miss, Fourth Princess."
Lin Baiqian, Ouyang Rou, and Ning Xishan, who were originally arguing, were a step behind the others and also bowed. Ouyang Rou glanced coldly at Ouyang Yue. Otherwise, would this idiot have been held grudge by Lin Baiqian and publicly insulted? Fine, this brat can just wait and see how she dies!
At the corner of the Imperial Garden, a group of people slowly approached. The person in the lead wore an exquisite light gold floral gauze dress and a beautiful winged hairpin. She had a beautiful face, an extraordinary demeanor, and a very proud appearance. She was none other than the Second Princess Baili Jing, the daughter of the current Empress and of noble status.
Just as Ouyang Yue was about to bow, she suddenly felt a disturbance beside her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that Ouyang Rou had quietly approached her. Ouyang Yue had a cold smile on her lips. She felt Ouyang Rou reach out to push her. She lowered her head, and a cold light flashed in her eyes.
"ah!"
"Thump!"
"Thump!"
Baili Jing had only taken a few steps when two figures suddenly pounced on her. Startled, she was immediately shielded by two skilled palace maids behind her, and then two more women collapsed in front of her. Baili Jing's face darkened instantly: "How dare you block this princess's path! You're courting death!"
Ouyang Rou, who was still dizzy from the fall, was startled and suddenly looked up. With her back to the sunlight, she saw Baili Jing's cold expression, and her heart skipped a beat.
What happened? Wasn't she going to push Ouyang Yue forward? How could it have turned into her and Ning Xishan being pushed together?!
Baili Jing coldly declared, "For offending this princess, drag her away and give her fifty lashes!"
"Hiss!" A gasp of cold air rang out. The caning punishment in the palace was more severe and cruel than that in other prefectures. Fifty strokes of the cane would leave one half-dead, if not dead. Moreover, the Second Princess was known for her domineering and ruthless nature. If she held a grudge against him, it would be even more painful if he didn't die!
Ning Xishan and Ouyang Rou turned pale with shock, trembling with fear. Ouyang Rou suddenly turned around and angrily pointed at Ouyang Yue: "Third sister, why did you push me down and commit such a heinous crime as offending the princess!"
Everyone was stunned, while Baili Jing's cold gaze swept over Ouyang Yue, who was kneeling quietly.
Ouyang Yue, with her head down, had a smile that carried a hint of coldness!
☆、023, Wash away the infamy!
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Ouyang Yue slowly raised her head, her brows furrowed in confusion: "Second sister, what are you talking about? When Yue'er heard that the princess was coming, she knelt down long ago to avoid being impolite to the princess. How could she have pushed you?"
After being reminded, everyone immediately looked over and widened their eyes in realization. They saw that Ouyang Yue was four or five steps away from where Ouyang Rou had fallen. If Ouyang Yue had pushed Ouyang Rou, she would have first stood beside her and then pushed her forcefully. To prevent others from noticing her situation, she would have immediately knelt down.
Putting aside how strict the requirements were, Ouyang Yue couldn't do it without anyone noticing. Even after doing all this, she had to run four or five steps away and kneel down. Just now, Ouyang Yue wasn't alone. Judging from Ouyang Hua's bewildered expression, he obviously hadn't seen it either.
Therefore, it is absolutely impossible for Ouyang Rou to say that Ouyang Yue pushed her!
Baili Jing stared at Ouyang Rou with extremely cold eyes. Ouyang Rou's rudeness and impudence were already serious offenses. In order to exonerate herself, she actually tried to blame others for deceiving her, the princess, in front of all the young ladies from noble families. Wasn't this a slap in the face of a princess?
Baili Jing's birth mother was the Empress, and she was born into a life of luxury and privilege. How could she tolerate such deception!
"Guards! This shameless woman, spouting lies and attempting to deceive this princess while trying to frame her own sisters, shall be severely beaten! Let her ignorant mouth learn a lesson!"
"Yes!" Two palace maids immediately came out from beside Baili Jing, while Ouyang Rou was already terrified.
She pushed Ouyang Yue, but she didn't know why she only felt her hand go weak and then she fell forward. She still didn't know how she fell. She also didn't expect that Ouyang Yue, who was so close to her a moment ago, would be several steps away. Otherwise, she would definitely be blamed. But now all the evidence points to her!
However, at this moment, the two palace maids approached her coldly. Ouyang Rou trembled with fear, shaking her head repeatedly, "No, no!" Seeing the fear on her face, Baili Jing's expression softened a bit. Looking at Ouyang Rou's pale face, she curled her lips and said, "Stop!"
Ouyang Rou's face lit up with joy, thinking that Baili Jing was going to let her go, but then she heard Baili Jing's cold voice ring out again, "You two go and carry out the execution!"
Two stern-faced guards stepped forward, and all the women's expressions changed. Ouyang Rou screamed, "Princess, I know I was wrong! Please forgive me! I will never do it again! Don't let them come any closer! No!"
The saying goes that men and women should not touch each other. In this era, women were bound by social constraints, and even the slightest touch of a man's or woman's sleeves was considered immoral. If these two were to slap Ouyang Rou, her reputation would be ruined. She was, after all, a concubine's daughter from a general's mansion. Would she really marry a mere guard? This would ruin Ouyang Rou's entire life!
Ouyang Yue lowered her eyes. She felt no sympathy whatsoever. If Ouyang Rou hadn't wanted to do something malicious, she wouldn't have acted this way. If she hadn't been a special agent with outstanding agility, especially in close combat, she would be the one being humiliated now. She didn't believe that Baili Jing's attitude would be different if it were someone else!
Ouyang Rou struggled, but the two guards grabbed her and raised their hands to throw her away. Ouyang Rou trembled with fear and immediately cried out in terror, "Stop! No! I am Hong Yicheng's fiancée! You can't touch me! Get away! Get away now!"
Gasps rose in unison as the young ladies from noble families present looked at Ouyang Rou with utter contempt. Since ancient times, a woman's marriage has been arranged by her parents and matchmakers. How could a woman discuss such matters in private? At best, it shows a lack of self-respect; at worst, it shows a lack of shame and depravity!
Ouyang Rou didn't care about any of that. Hong Yicheng was the eldest son of the Crown Prince's tutor and one of the three great talents of Jingcheng. The Crown Prince valued him highly. Baili Jing was the Crown Prince's half-sister, so she shouldn't disrespect her, Hong Yicheng's fiancée.
However, Baili Jing's gaze towards Ouyang Rou instantly turned even colder, even flashing with a chilling killing intent. Ouyang Yue was slightly startled. Could it be that Baili Jing liked Hong Yicheng? Then Ouyang Rou's words were undoubtedly like throwing an egg against a rock, courting death!
Baili Jing's red lips curled slightly, a smile appearing on her face, but her voice was surprisingly cold: "Fine, not only did she offend this princess and deceive this princess, but she even threatened this princess. She is disrespectful and disrespectful, simply trampling on the face of the royal family. Why should this princess be polite to such a heinous woman!"
"Men, go and summon a squad of guards! Beat this vile woman to death with clubs!"
Ouyang Rou's face turned ashen. Realizing her slip of the tongue, she immediately knelt down before Baili Jing and slammed her head against the ground repeatedly. The crisp sound made the hearts of everyone present tremble.
The guards arrived shortly afterward. Upon seeing them, Ouyang Yue pursed her lips slightly and said, "Princess, please forgive me. My second sister... she was just being irrelevant. She had no intention of offending you. Please forgive my second sister."
Baili Jing sneered: "Oh, she was just trying to frame you and get you off the hook, and you're pleading for her?"
Ouyang Yue bit her lip lightly: "Second sister has always treated me very well. I was just scared just now. We are all from the Ouyang family. I really can't bear to see second sister being humiliated."
Everyone present changed their expressions and stared intently at Ouyang Yue. Seeing the worry on her face and the resolute look in her eyes, it didn't seem like she was faking it.
Then, considering that Ouyang Rou's first reaction to taking the risk was to pull her away to escape punishment, this comparison makes Ouyang Rou seem even more despicable and lowly. And Ouyang Hua, who quietly stayed to the side and watched his sister being tortured without any indifference, makes Ouyang Yue's pure heart and simple kindness even more apparent.
Ouyang Yue's infamy had spread throughout the capital, but it was all hearsay; few people had actually seen her. Now, some couldn't help but suspect that Ouyang Yue wasn't as arrogant and despicable as the rumors suggested. Perhaps someone was deliberately defaming her. Looking at Ouyang Rou, who was trembling with fear, everyone's thoughts raced even faster.
Just then, a hearty laugh rang out: "Oh dear, your fiancée has been bullied! Young Master Hong, you'd better go and be a hero!"
Everyone turned to look and saw several young men turning into the rockery of the Imperial Garden. They were all handsome and extraordinary, but the first three were the most eye-catching. These three were none other than the Three Talents of the Capital.
The one speaking was Leng Caiwen, the head of the Three Talents, who was walking in the middle, dressed in bright green, with an extremely flamboyant smile and a face full of peach blossoms. The man on the other side was in stark contrast to him. His eyebrows and eyes were sharp and cold, and his very presence exuded an aura that kept strangers at bay. However, his features were three-dimensional and his temperament was outstanding, which made people yearn for him. He was Dai Yu, the second of the Three Talents and the current Minister of Rites.
Leng Caiwen had just spoken to Hong Yicheng, who was dressed in white and looked quite dashing, on the left. The three of them standing there presented three different scenes, which immediately caught the eyes of the noble ladies present.
Of the three, Hong Yicheng, who was originally the most gentlemanly and gentle and humble towards women, had a livid face. Looking at Leng Caiwen beside him, who was clearly laughing at him, and at Ouyang Rou's expectant gaze, he felt boundless anger rising in his heart: "Young Master Leng, please don't ruin my reputation. I have absolutely no relationship with this woman!"
☆、024, must be punished (please add to your favorites)
The scene fell silent for a moment, then Ouyang Rou shouted, "What did you say?!"