"Seventh Prince, what's wrong with you...?"
"How could this be...Seventh Prince, are you feeling unwell...?"
Emperor Mingxian frowned and suddenly roared, "What are you standing there for? Quickly help the Seventh Prince down to find the imperial physician! The Seventh Prince is so ill and you don't even know how to take good care of him. Every palace maid who served him today will receive thirty strokes of the cane!"
"yes."
The Seventh Prince had been in poor health since childhood, and Emperor Mingxian granted him special permission to bring two guards with him. These two guards were efficient and quick, and soon helped the Seventh Prince to see the imperial physician. Even the chief eunuch of the emperor's side followed.
The expressions of those attending the banquet in the palace suddenly changed.
The Seventh Prince was guilty of disrespect, but he passed away because he vomited blood, so no one would be foolish enough to mention it.
Many of the noble ladies attending the banquet were somewhat disappointed. They had come with the expectation that the Seventh Prince would be favored by the emperor, but it turned out that the Seventh Prince was indeed sickly from birth, just as rumored. Moreover, judging from his appearance, he probably wouldn't live long. No matter how noble his status, he was destined for a short life. What a pity!
"I am very pleased that all of you ministers have brought your families to this banquet. Let us all raise our glasses."
"Long live the Emperor, whose benevolence is unparalleled."
"..."
Then everyone raised their glasses to offer compliments and smiles, as if nothing had happened. Ouyang Yue glanced at Emperor Mingxian, Empress, and Consort Sun, then looked away. They seemed to be used to it. Is the Seventh Prince's health really that bad?
Shaking his head slightly, he thought, "Even when the Seventh Prince looked sickly by the rockery, he wasn't this badly injured. Here..."
A short while later, the eunuch who had gone with him returned and whispered a few words in Emperor Mingxian's ear. Emperor Mingxian simply nodded, his expression unchanged, but it was clear to everyone that he was somewhat absent-minded. If the host had no interest in the banquet, how could the banquet continue? After watching a few more dances, the banquet ended.
On their way back to the manor, Ouyang Hua, Ouyang Rou, and Ouyang Yue sat in the carriage without saying a word. Ouyang Yue even closed her eyes to rest, while Ouyang Hua and Ouyang Rou's eyes swept across her face, creating a somewhat heavy atmosphere in the carriage.
This trip to the palace was a huge loss. Ouyang Rou was sitting in an awkward and uncomfortable position. Her whole body was in pain. It was fifty strokes! Not only here, but also the pain from the slaps on her face. Every time the pain came, it reminded her of the humiliation she suffered today!
She hated Baili Jing and Hong Yicheng, but she couldn't afford to offend either of them. Even if she hated them, she couldn't show it for the sake of her future. So she transferred all her hatred to Ouyang Yue!
Ouyang Rou felt she had been extremely unlucky lately, and nothing she did went smoothly. All that she had done in the past was enough to ruin Ouyang Yue, but these past few times, Ouyang Yue had benefited instead. She couldn't even understand what was going on!
Ouyang Hua also squinted at Ouyang Yue, his lips tightly pressed together, gently stroking his cheek, his eyes dark and unfathomable!
Ning Shi, who was in the carriage in front, had a dark and gloomy face as she came out of the palace. She had never been so embarrassed at a banquet before!
However, as soon as Ning and the others returned to the General's Mansion, Shang's maid came over, so Ning had to go to the front hall first.
"Why is Aunt Tian here now? Is there something wrong with my sister-in-law?"
This Madam Tian was plump and very prosperous-looking. She had a friendly smile, but what she said angered Madam Ning quite a bit: "Didn't Madam invite a few ladies to the palace tomorrow to go to the Treasure Pavilion? She wanted to ask if you, my lady, would like to go with us, or if you need to bring back anything?"
Ning's face immediately darkened. She knew that Shang hadn't given up on her idea of fleecing her. Although Zhenbaoxuan on Chenghua Street wasn't as famous or valuable as Langhuan Jade Pavilion, it was still a force to be reckoned with. This was going to cost her a fortune! But this time, she had to accept it!
Suppressing his anger, he said, "Mother Lin, go and get some silver for Mother Tian. My sister-in-law is going on a trip, so I won't go. Just have her bring me something."
"Oh, don't worry, my lady, I will definitely relay the message truthfully!"
After Lin Mama left with Tian Mama, Ning Shi's sharp eyes immediately swept over Ouyang Rou, who was bowing her head. Ouyang Rou was startled and immediately knelt on the ground, pleading, "Mother, I know I was wrong. I didn't mean to offend the princess, but the princess..."
"Shut up! You're utterly unrepentant, still trying to justify yourself. You claim that offending the princess was unintentional, and that you blamed your sister because the princess forced you to! You're a wicked girl, framing your own sister! How can my General's Mansion tolerate such a wicked and immoral woman like you!"
☆、029, I'll offer my advice!
Enraged, Madam Ning yelled at her personal maid, Cailing, "Go find two old women and take this unfilial daughter to the villa immediately. She is not to leave the villa without my permission!"
Ouyang Rou collapsed to the ground, her face deathly pale. Even Ouyang Hua and Ouyang Yue were stunned. Ouyang Rou had indeed embarrassed herself in the palace, but Ning Shi usually doted on her and would at most scold her a few times. Why would she be punished so severely?
Going to the villa was ostensibly for recuperation, but in reality, it was exile. If Ning didn't speak up, Ouyang Rou would have to die there, which was even more cruel than being flogged!
"Mother, please forgive me! Rou'er really knows she was wrong. Sister, please beg Mother! It was my fault. I was so scared that I didn't know what I was doing. I regret it now. Please beg Mother!" Ouyang Rou cried and pleaded. Seeing that Ning Shi was unmoved, she immediately turned and knelt down, grabbing Ouyang Yue's sleeve and refusing to let go.
Ouyang Yue pursed her lips slightly: "Second sister, get up quickly. How could Mother blame you? Mother is just worried about you and thinking of you. Although you are a concubine's daughter of the General's Mansion, if the Second Princess wants to cause you trouble, there will be plenty of opportunities. Sending you to the villa is already a great punishment for Mother. Even if the Second Princess has resentment, she can't do anything about it. Second sister, don't misunderstand Mother's good intentions."
The speaker meant no harm, but the listener took it to heart. Ning's expression darkened further; she hadn't meant to protect Ouyang Rou at all.
Hong Yicheng interrupted Ouyang Rou's path to marry into the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor's mansion by saying he didn't know Ouyang Rou in front of so many people in the Imperial Garden!
Although Ouyang Rou was a concubine's daughter, she was very good at being subservient. The marriages of all the young ladies in the General's Mansion had to be arranged through Ning Shi. She didn't mind arranging for Ouyang Rou and Hong Yicheng to get closer to the Crown Prince.
Now that Ouyang Rou is useless, she has sent her to the villa and has already decided to give up on Ouyang Rou. Now Ouyang Yue reminds her that Ouyang Rou offended the Second Princess today, and who knows if the Second Princess will settle scores later!
Ning's eyes darkened, and her gaze towards Ouyang Rou was filled with murderous intent. Ouyang Rou was immediately startled and stunned, as Ning had never looked at anyone with such eyes before.
Just then, a person rushed out of the hall and knelt down in front of Madam Ning: "Madam, please forgive the Second Miss this time. The Second Miss has been sensible and obedient since she was a child. Her kind nature comes from Madam. The Second Miss has always said in private that you are the best stepmother in the world and never mistreat her. She regards you as her own mother and is filial to you. Madam sent the Second Miss away in a fit of anger. Afterwards, weren't you the one who was most heartbroken!"
Aunt Hong arrived just in time. She first praised Ning Shi, but then she thought, if Ouyang Rou were as kind as Ning Shi, wouldn't Aunt Hong be cursing Ning Shi as a hypocritical and mistreating mistress of a concubine's daughter? This would be a serious blow to Ning Shi's good reputation!
Ouyang Yue sneered. Seeing Ning Shi hesitate, Aunt Hong jumped up and cried out, "This lowly concubine is willing to atone for the Second Miss's sins! This lowly concubine is willing to die for the Second Miss!"
Ouyang Rou was stunned for a moment, then her eyes suddenly lit up. She stood up and said sadly, "No! It was Rou'er's own fault. Rou'er made a mistake and offended the Second Princess. In order not to cause trouble for the manor, Rou'er is willing to die!" As she spoke, she rushed towards a pillar to the side like a madwoman.
Startled by the actions of Concubine Hong and her son, Ning immediately cried out, "Quick! Stop them!"
Aunt Hong rushed towards Ouyang Rou, crying out, "Second Miss, I will atone for all your sins!" While saying this, she didn't need to bang her head against the pillar. Instead, she turned around and leaned against the pillar. If Ouyang Rou bumped into her, she would bump into her body and would be fine!
That was a great performance!
Ouyang Yue's eyes sparkled with interest, and a smile involuntarily crept onto her lips.
Ouyang Rou suddenly felt that she could not stop and rushed forward. Looking at Aunt Hong, who was winking and making faces at her, she was also very anxious.
"Bang!"
"Bang!"
"ah!"
"Ouch!"
Ouyang Rou charged directly at Aunt Hong's stomach. The latter was in so much pain that her head snapped back and hit a pillar. Although the impact was reduced, the cracking sound was still quite loud. Aunt Hong immediately crouched down on the ground, clutching her head and screaming. Ouyang Rou was stunned!
"Aunt...Auntie, what's wrong..."
At this moment, Madam Ning walked over with her entourage, her eyes filled with coldness, but her tone was gentle: "Look at you all, I have always doted on Rou'er, how could I really punish her? I was just trying to scare them. Look how frightened you are, were you badly injured? Should we call a doctor to take a look?"
Ouyang Yue's lips curled coldly. Ning Shi did have the intention to kill Ouyang Rou, but she could not bear the reputation of driving Hong Niang and Ouyang Rou to their deaths. She could only make a light start to the matter. However, Hong Niang's actions in forcing Ning Shi to back down would only strengthen Ning Shi's determination to get rid of the two of them!
"Thank you for your understanding, Madam. I'm fine, I just need to lie down for a while." Aunt Hong was happy that Ouyang Rou had escaped a disaster, so she naturally didn't think of the deeper reason.
Ning nodded slightly and said, "However, Rou'er's behavior in the palace is too abrupt. If she is not punished, the reputation of the General's Mansion will be ruined! How about this, Rou'er can stay in the Buddhist hall and worship Buddha in peace from now on."
Ouyang Rou stiffened. The Buddhist hall was so desolate. She had sworn never to go in again after her last visit, but it was still better than being sent to the villa. At least her aunt could visit her, and she still knew everything about the mansion. Despite her reluctance, Ouyang Rou still had to say gratefully, "Please rest assured, Mother. When Rou'er enters the Buddhist hall, she will wholeheartedly pray for Father and Mother and reflect on her mistakes."
Ning ignored her and turned to look at Ouyang Hua, her voice indifferent: "Hua'er, do you know your mistake?"
Ouyang Hua's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately replied, "Hua'er knows she was wrong. Today, Hua'er acted rashly, which led to a misunderstanding between the General's Mansion and the Ning family. I was just about to pick out some gifts to send to my aunt to apologize, but Hua'er is not good at choosing. Why don't I have someone send some things to Mother later, and Mother can choose and send them over?"
Ning's lips finally curved into a smile: "As expected of the eldest daughter of the General's Mansion, she is much more sensible. Let's call it a day." After saying that, she got up and was helped back to her room by Cailing.
Ouyang Hua's face remained unchanged, but her eyes flashed with anger. Her so-called selection was nothing more than an attempt to offset the loss of money given by the Ning family, which would eventually fall into the hands of the Ning family!
Her scheme in the palace failed, and she ended up losing many treasures. Ouyang Hua was so angry that she gritted her teeth and looked at Ouyang Yue as if she wanted to slap her twice.
Ouyang Yue turned her head and looked at her, then chimed in, "Big sister is indeed the most sensible one among us sisters!" After saying that, she chuckled and left.
Ouyang Hua's eyes widened in anger as he turned and went back to Huacai Courtyard.
Ouyang Rou and Aunt Hong rushed back immediately, but as soon as they got back to the courtyard, Ning sent someone to tell Ouyang Rou to go to the Buddhist hall quickly. Ouyang Rou was unwilling but had no choice but to go!
Upon arriving at the Buddhist hall, he angrily smashed a bunch of things to vent his anger.
"My sister has such a temper. If Mother finds out, she'll be in even more trouble explaining herself..."
Ouyang Rou was startled and saw Ouyang Hua standing at the door looking at her with a half-smile. He said coldly, "What are you doing here!"
Ouyang Hua moved closer and said softly, "Don't you want revenge, little sister? I'm here to offer some advice!"
☆、030, A thrilling knock on the door!
Ouyang Rou sneered, "Hmph, you're just here to laugh at me. You make it sound so nice." She then mocked, "Although I was punished and confined to the Buddhist hall, it's still better than you losing so many treasures. You must have been saving those things for a long time."
Ouyang Hua's face darkened, but remembering the purpose of this trip, she suppressed her anger. Ouyang Rou was no threat now, and she could deal with her later. She said softly, "It's understandable that you're angry, sister. I'm angry too! We sisters know what we want to do, but look, the people we're trying to scheme against are doing very well, while we've suffered heavy losses. Can you swallow this anger, sister?"
Of course she couldn't swallow this insult, but Ouyang Hua had always been arrogant and looked down on her, so why was he being so attentive now!
As if understanding her thoughts, Ouyang Hua sighed: "Let's not mince words. To be honest, my sister and I have different pursuits and no conflict of interest, but you and my third sister do. As for me, having her as the legitimate daughter is also hindering my progress. Our enemy is the same person!"
Ouyang Rou raised an eyebrow, looking at Ouyang Hua's indignant expression, which seemed genuine: "What exactly do you want to say!"
Ouyang Hua held Ouyang Rou's hand: "We can ruin Ouyang Yue's reputation in the palace, but if we fail, we can't do the same thing again."
Ouyang Rou raised an eyebrow but remained silent. Ouyang Hua chuckled and said, "What do you think can completely ruin a woman's reputation, little sister? It's just hearsay. You've seen how unreliable it is!"
Today, Ouyang Yue only pleaded for Ouyang Rou in front of everyone, and she managed to reverse Ouyang Rou's bad reputation. This made Ouyang Hua very resentful. She also regretted not stepping forward to plead for her at the time, allowing Ouyang Yue to get away with it!
Ouyang Rou's eyes lit up instantly: "What does Big Sister mean..."
Ouyang Hua smiled and nodded: "That's exactly what you thought."
Ouyang Rou immediately grasped Ouyang Hua's hand in return: "Then do you have someone in mind?"
Ouyang Hua smiled meaningfully and said, "We need to plan this matter carefully. We can't just find anyone. We need to do it properly to kill Ouyang Yue! However, we still need my sister to find someone to inquire about this person."
Ouyang Rou's expression darkened slightly, and Ouyang Hua immediately interjected, "Sister, don't misunderstand. Isn't your cousin at Feicai Courtyard? Wouldn't it be more convenient to inquire about someone there? And then..."
Ouyang Hua whispered a few words in Ouyang Rou's ear. The more Ouyang Rou listened, the brighter her eyes became, and the colder her expression grew: "It's a good idea. We've reached a consensus on this matter. With my sister's help, I don't think there will be any more mistakes."
"nature!"
After the conversation, Ouyang Hua went directly to Xiangning Courtyard, where Aunt Ming lived, unaware of the hatred in Ouyang Rou's eyes as she watched her retreating figure.
As soon as she entered the courtyard, she was ushered in by a maid. Aunt Ming was drinking tea and was about to get up when Ouyang Hua waved for the servants to leave. Aunt Ming immediately sat back down and said with a smile, "Judging from Miss's expression, things have been settled."
Ouyang Hua smiled and nodded: "Ouyang Rou only knows a little bit of cleverness, so she will naturally do things that benefit both her and me." As she spoke, Ouyang Hua walked over, took Aunt Ming's arm, and said sweetly, "Auntie's plan is still the best."
Aunt Ming chuckled: "No matter how bad Ouyang Yue's reputation is, she is still the legitimate daughter, and the general dotes on her. With her around, it won't be easy for you to get past her. Besides, Ouyang Yue has been much more composed in her dealings lately than usual, so we can't let her live."
Furthermore, Ning Shi's consistently cold attitude towards Ouyang Yue makes things even easier for them! And if that plan succeeds, given Ning Shi's personality, she certainly won't tolerate Ouyang Yue. Watching the mother and daughter kill each other would be quite amusing!
At Mingyue Pavilion, Ouyang Yue first took a nap on the couch, and when she woke up, it was just time for dinner.
At this moment, Dongxue followed her in. Ouyang Yue saw that she didn't say much, but simply told the servants to set out the dishes and then sent them away: "Dongxue, come and set out the dishes."