Ouyang Zhide sneered: "Since you feel that you, as the mistress of the household, have no authority in the mansion and have to rely on beating and scolding the eldest daughter to establish it, I think you're better off without it. Starting tomorrow, the household affairs will be managed by Concubine Ming, assisted by Concubine Hua and Concubine Liu. I've taken care of this problem for you. Are you satisfied?"
Ning's eyes widened in shock, and in an instant, they turned bloodshot, her gaze turning crimson. She trembled violently with rage, shaking like a leaf, prompting Zhang Mama to rush to her aid. Ning, however, angrily shoved Zhang Mama aside, roaring, "You dare steal my power over the household affairs! You dare humiliate me like this! Ouyang Zhide! I've worked hard all these years, if not meritorious, at least, and you show no regard for our past relationship! You dare insult me like this! I'll fight you to the death!" Ning charged at Ouyang Zhide like a madwoman, her face contorted with rage, startling all the servants in the mansion. Was this still the same aloof and reserved lady? She seemed like a madwoman!
Old Madam Ning, sitting in her chair and leaning slightly back, exclaimed in alarm, "Quick! Quickly, support Madam! Stop her!" Mama Xi immediately ordered several maids to step forward and restrain Madam Ning from rushing forward, secretly alarmed. Why was Madam so out of control today? This was completely unlike her usual self. Even when she was furious, she would never act like this!
This... it's like he's a completely different person!
Ouyang Yue hadn't expected Ning Shi to suddenly become so enraged. Ning Shi's eyes were wide and bulging, bloodshot, her mouth agape as she screamed, her face filled with hatred. This… why did she seem somewhat deranged? Was Ning Shi acting solely out of anger? Ouyang Yue's gaze darkened as she intently observed Ning Shi's expression.
Aunt Ming, Aunt Hong, and Aunt Hua were all stunned. They had been married into the General's Mansion for so many years and had never seen Ning Shi so out of control. What was going on? After their initial surprise, Aunt Hong and Aunt Hua were secretly delighted. Yes! That's it! As long as Ning Shi continued her madness, the Master would only become more furious and angry, which would only benefit them!
Aunt Hua was even thinking to herself with delight that the master had just said he wanted to hand over the management of the household affairs to her, something she had dreamed of for many years, and now it was almost a reality!
You shameless wretch, make a scene! Make a scene! The bigger the scene, the better! Make a scene!
Aunt Hong was somewhat dissatisfied. Ouyang Zhide hadn't even included her. But considering Ouyang Rou's current situation, it was clear that Ouyang Zhide was also tired of her. Since returning to the capital this time, he had only visited her courtyard once, which was unusual for him before! How hateful!
However, Aunt Ming looked at Ning Shi, who was struggling to rush towards Ouyang Zhide, with a thoughtful expression. Her eyes carefully examined Ning Shi's face, and a cold smile appeared on her lips.
However, the most furious person in the courtyard right now was Ouyang Zhide. He looked at Ning Shi's crazy appearance, his lips were tightly pursed, and his eyes were constantly narrowing, as if he was enduring something!
"What are you standing there for? Do you want all the servants to see Madam acting like a madwoman? The legitimate daughter of one of the five great families has lost her composure in front of everyone. Where is your demeanor as a lady of a prominent family? How can you manage the household affairs now?" Ouyang Zhide scolded gruffly.
Old Madam Ning rushed over and said urgently, "Enough! Why are you two having your business handled in Mingyue Pavilion, by the servants? Caiyue is just angry for a moment. Don't you know how proud she is? You can't talk things out properly; you always have to argue, so naturally she can't stand it. However, Caiyue is also at fault. For now, we'll have Concubine Ming, Concubine Hua, and Concubine Liu temporarily manage the household affairs. Once Caiyue has thought things through, she can take back the management. Now, take Madam back to rest!" Old Madam Ning scolded Ouyang Zhide, which somewhat restored some of Ning's face. She then turned to Zhang Mama, who was sweating profusely and terrified. Even she had never seen Madam so frantic before; she was completely dumbfounded!
Ouyang Zhide suddenly roared, "These three troublemaking, gossiping bastards, beat them to death! If they can't be beaten to death, you can take their place!"
The servants who were originally carrying the torture boards were startled and raised them fiercely, striking Li'er, Ye'er, and Tanxiang.
"Ah! Master, spare me! Master, spare me!"
"Master, spare me! I don't want to die! I was wrong! I'll never do it again! Ah!"
"This servant... Pfft!"
"Bang bang bang!"
These servants went berserk, and after just a few strokes of the cane, Li'er and the other two died one after another. Ouyang Zhide watched coldly, snorted, and turned to leave!
Watching Ouyang Zhide's furious figure disappear into the distance, Ouyang Yue could still sense his extraordinary rage emanating from his broad, angry silhouette. Was it because the three maids, Li'er and the others, were gossiping and disrupting the peace of the manor? Impossible! Was it because Ning Shi wanted to beat her without even asking what happened? Perhaps a little, but such anger was excessive. Moreover, Ouyang Zhide was so focused on his anger that he didn't even glance at the woman he was angry about before leaving.
Ouyang Yue felt that Ouyang Zhide's anger today was partly due to her, but the main reason lay with Ning Shi. Ouyang Yue was puzzled. Over the years, Ouyang Zhide and Ning Shi had maintained a respectful relationship. In the original owner's memories, they rarely argued, and Ning Shi had always liked Ouyang Zhide, always trying to please him. Under such circumstances, how could they have quarreled?
Just once, and they've already started arguing so fiercely?!
Today, Ouyang Yue was going to launch a counterattack against the Ning family. She originally wanted to use the management of the household affairs as leverage, but now Ouyang Zhide had done everything, and the results were even better than she had expected. However, she felt uneasy about it.
Because it's so abnormal!
Old Madam Ning's face darkened: "Anyone who speaks of what happened today, gossiping and spreading rumors, see? This is what will happen to these three lowly maids. Now get back to what you were doing!" Old Madam Ning and Ouyang Zhide had come to see what was happening in the manor, only to witness this scene. Just now, when Ouyang Zhide was scolding Madam Ning, he even used the reputation of the eldest daughter of the Ning family to criticize her. She knew that Ouyang Zhide was angry and might have said something wrong, but Madam Ning felt as if she had been stabbed in the heart.
She had initially disagreed with Ning's marriage to Ouyang Zhide, but Ning had always been in love with her son. She had even nearly caused a rift with the Ning family by refusing to reciprocate, so she had no choice but to accept Ning's marriage. Ouyang Zhide disliked Ning at the time, but out of filial piety and respect, he married her. Ouyang Zhide was a great man and a good husband. When he married Ning, they were considered a perfect match, and they enjoyed a period of mutual respect and affection.
Unfortunately, with Ouyang Zhide frequently leading troops into battle, and Ning Shi having been pregnant for several years, Old Madam Ning feared that Ouyang Zhide might never return. She had to consider the continuation of the Ouyang family line, so she successively brought Concubine Ming and Concubine Hong into the household. Ouyang Zhide had initially objected, but under the weight of filial piety, he relented. Old Madam Ning successfully arranged for Concubine Ming and Concubine Hong to enter into the household. Although their backgrounds weren't exceptional, they each possessed their own unique beauty and charm. Ouyang Zhide, not being a paragon of virtue, naturally accepted this arrangement.
However, Madam Ning was unusually furious at the time, and even had a quarrel with Old Madam Ning. Their already strained relationship was shattered from that point on, resulting in their current superficial harmony masking underlying scheming. Of course, Old Madam Ning did indeed have her own calculations back then, because the conflict between Old Madam Ning and Madam Huang wasn't limited to Madam Ning alone. That conflict existed even when Old Madam Ning married, and she harbored the idea of bringing Madam Huang's daughter into the household to suppress any dissent.
But in the end, it turned into hatred!
The conflict erupted when both Aunt Ming and Aunt Hong became pregnant. It would be a lie to say that Old Madam Ning had no regrets, especially seeing the situation today, she was deeply saddened.
"Alright, everyone disperse. Be more careful in the future. If the same thing happens to those three lowly maids Li'er again, they will not be let off lightly. They will all be beaten to death!" Old Madam Ning frowned. Seeing that she looked tired, Mama Xi immediately helped her back to Anhe Hall.
At this moment, Aunt Hua was beaming with joy. She was going to take charge of the household affairs! She was going to take charge of the household affairs! She was so happy that she didn't care about her personal maid being beaten to death, and she walked towards her Liucui Courtyard with a smile. Aunt Hong was quite depressed and naturally didn't want to stay, so she left with her people.
After glancing at the three maids who had been beaten to death, Aunt Ming reached out for Yang'er to support her arm before leaving Mingyue Pavilion. As she walked, her eyes lingered on Qiuyue's face, her smile enigmatic and unfathomable. Before departing, she deliberately turned back to look at Ouyang Yue one last time!
Ouyang Yue's mood was also inexplicably complicated, her doubts kept swirling in her mind, and she asked Chuncao to take Qiuyue downstairs to wash up.
She went back to her room, sat down and thought for a moment, then suddenly jumped up and called out, "Dongxue, go and call Chuncao and Dongxue! I have something to tell you!"
☆、064、Provocation!
Dongxue, skilled in martial arts, was on guard outside. She knew immediately of any movement from Ouyang Yue and went down to summon Chuncao and Qiuyue. The three of them returned together. Their hurried steps naturally attracted the attention of the other servants at Mingyue Pavilion.
After all, something had just happened at Mingyue Pavilion today, and things had just calmed down. Ouyang Yue's shout made them all very nervous, worried that something else might happen.
Naturally, a few nosy servants tried to get closer, but Dongxue stood outside the door, her face turning cold: "You don't need to serve me here. Go do what you're supposed to do!" After saying that, she gave them two more cold looks, and seeing that Mingyue's servants had been dismissed, she turned and went into the house.
The other servants at Mingyue Pavilion were somewhat dissatisfied upon seeing this.
The other maids surrounded a pretty woman in a light pink dress and said, "Sister Xique, look at Dongxue! She's really getting more and more arrogant. She's clearly the last one to arrive at Mingyue Pavilion, yet she's gained the Third Miss's favor and suddenly become a first-class maid. It's so unfair! Our Sister Xique was only a second-class maid in the courtyard before, and she's been surpassed by her. Look at how smug she is! It's infuriating for Sister Xique. Judging by her attitude, I think she might offend the Third Miss someday and then be dealt with. Let's see how arrogant she is then!"
The woman named Xique had bright, gentle eyes that curved slightly, appearing to smile even when not actually smiling. She was incredibly sweet and lovely. At this moment, she spoke very gently, "Miss has her reasons for mentioning Dongxue. These are matters beyond our jurisdiction. This is just a private conversation. If Dongxue hears this and complains to Miss, we'll see what you do then. Alright, the commotion at Mingyue Pavilion just ended today, and Miss is already troubled. Stop crowding around and get back to work. Don't let Miss worry about anything else."
Upon hearing this, the servants' expressions changed. One of the maids still muttered in dissatisfaction, "Sister Xique was better than Dongxue and Qiuyue. If you ask me, if they hadn't come from that kind of place, Li'er and the other two wouldn't have misunderstood. Now, three lives have been lost because of them. They are clearly jinxes! Ever since they came to the General's Mansion, nothing good has happened at Mingyue Pavilion."
happy Que shook her head: "Alright, alright, I know you're standing up for me, but don't let me cause trouble. Let's not say things like that. Come on, let's get to work. You still need to carry water, let me help you."
The little maid was immediately startled: "How can this be? Sister Xique is not one to do rough work." After saying that, the little maid immediately ran over.
The magpie stood outside the door and peered inside, her sweet smile widening...
As soon as Dongxue, Chuncao, and Qiuyue entered, Ouyang Yue immediately said, "Qiuyue, it seems you can't stay in this General's Mansion."
Qiu Yue's face immediately paled, and her eyes reddened slightly. Ouyang Yue continued, "Don't misunderstand, I'm not trying to get rid of you. This kind of thing just happened in the manor. Although it was Li'er and the other two who made up the story, the reason is you. Furthermore, Madam and several concubines were also embarrassed. I think once things calm down today, someone might come looking for trouble for you."
Upon hearing this, Chuncao nodded vigorously: "Yes, Qiuyue, Madam had such a big fight with Master today. Even if Master and Madam don't hold it against you, you'll probably be talked about in this household." Chuncao was a servant in this household, and her parents and brother all worked in the household, so she naturally understood some of the intricacies of this household.
It's not so much about Qiu Yue's actions, but rather that she instigated the infighting among the masters of the household, causing so much trouble and making the situation spiral out of control. Those who were wronged naturally want to seek justice or vent their anger on someone. Ouyang Yue, being the legitimate daughter, and given that this whole affair was caused by Ning Shi's attempt to punish her, with Ouyang Zhide in the household, no one would dare to cause her trouble. But Qiu Yue is different. Although Ouyang Yue has given her the indenture, it's still within the household, and it would be easy for someone to devise a wicked plan to deal with Qiu Yue later.
With tears in her eyes, Qiu Yue knelt down in front of Ouyang Yue with a "plop": "I was extremely grateful when Miss took me in. This time, because of my mistake, such a big thing has happened. I feel guilty. I will pack my things and leave the manor now. I will definitely not cause Miss any unnecessary trouble because of me." Qiu Yue raised her head, still reluctant to part with Ouyang Yue, but her face was resolute.
Ouyang Yue smiled and her eyes curved into a smile: "Qiuyue, have you thought about what you'll do after you leave the manor? How do you plan to live?"
"Now that I've regained my freedom, I want to go home and visit my family. I'm sure I can support myself and my family," Qiuyue said after thinking for a moment, though there was still some confusion in her eyes.
Ouyang Yue sighed: "Qiuyue, have you thought about what will happen to you after you come here? Since your father sold you once because of gambling debts, he will naturally sell you again for gambling debts. You are not young anymore. This time, he won't let you off the hook just because you can't take customers. Have you thought about what kind of life you will live then!"
Qiu Yue stiffened, her face as pale as snow. How could she not have considered this? It was precisely because she had considered it that she hadn't wanted to leave the General's Mansion. But this trouble had arisen because of her, and her mistress was also planning to let her leave. That's why Qiu Yue wanted to leave. But if what her mistress said was true, what way would Qiu Yue have to live? It was precisely because she didn't want that kind of life that she escaped. If she were forced into that situation, she wouldn't want to live anymore…
Ouyang sighed softly and helped Qiuyue up: "Qiuyue, you are good in every way, but you are soft-hearted and insecure. Even before things have happened, you always think the worst. You are someone I want to protect, so no one can bully you. I'm letting you leave the manor, but that doesn't mean I'm giving up on you. On the contrary, I'm letting you leave the manor because I have important matters to entrust to you."
Qiu Yue was startled, then looked at Ouyang Yue with delight: "Whatever Miss asks me to do, I will do it with all my might and will never let Miss down!"
Ouyang Yue smiled: "Why would you risk your life? Have you forgotten? I took Chuncao to the capital to look at shops. I plan to open a place called Meiyi Pavilion, specializing in making women's undergarments such as bellybands and embroidered shoes. That requires a good embroiderer. I originally planned to let you leave the manor after it was done, but it seems the plan will have to be brought forward. Qiuyue, are you willing?" Ouyang Yue's eyes were filled with tenderness, which immediately brought tears to Qiuyue's eyes.
She initially thought she was doomed this time, but in truth, if Ouyang Yue hadn't tried so hard to protect her, Qiu Yue would have certainly lost her hand today. If Ouyang Yue hadn't acted quickly and cleverly, and if Dong Xue hadn't possessed martial arts skills and quietly left to take their contractual agreement, Qiu Yue's hand would have been crippled without that crucial step. From her initial terror to the averting crisis, and then to Ouyang Yue letting her leave the manor, Qiu Yue's heart was tossed and turned like a small boat.
"Bang, bang, bang!" Qiu Yue kept kowtowing to Ouyang Yue, "Miss, no matter what, Qiu Yue will never let you down!"
Ouyang Yue helped Qiu Yue up again and said in a low voice, "That's enough. Stop kneeling and kowtowing. If you keep doing that, this pretty little face will be ruined. I trust your skills."
Dongxue looked at Ouyang Yue, her eyes sparkling with eagerness, and a rare smile touched her lips. Chuncao smiled broadly. Since her mistress regained consciousness from her serious injuries, she had indeed changed. Not only was she more impartial in her rewards and punishments, but she was also smarter, more decisive, and even seemed more gentle. No, it should be said that her mistress had become more adept at interpersonal relationships, and perhaps even more beautiful. Whenever her mistress smiled sincerely, it was dazzling, and her heart softened involuntarily.
Chuncao felt that if she were Qiuyue, even if she regained her freedom, she would always follow her mistress's lead and would never betray her. Perhaps that was the effect her mistress wanted.
"Alright, help Qiuyue pack up. I'll take her out of the manor in a bit." Chuncao and Qiuyue went back to tidy up. This time, Ouyang Yue didn't bring Dongxue. She took Chuncao and Qiuyue out of the manor and headed to Baohao Money Shop.
After returning to Anning Courtyard, Aunt Ming dismissed the servants, leaving only Mama Qi behind. As soon as Mama Qi entered the room, she beamed and said, "Congratulations, Aunt! You have finally achieved your wish of taking charge of the household affairs."
For years, Aunt Ming had been eyeing Ning Shi covetously, waiting for her to make a mistake so she could deliver a devastating blow. Aunt Ming always believed she was no less capable than Ning Shi, and even surpassed her in intelligence. Despite waiting all these years, she never gave up her ambition to become the general's wife.
As soon as Aunt Ming sat down, Mama Qi immediately poured her a cup of tea and respectfully handed it to her. Aunt Ming flicked the tea leaves and said with a faint smile, "Managing the household affairs is only the first step. Once this is handed over to me, don't even think about taking it back. The next step is to force Ning Shi to step down!"
Madam Qi laughed and said, "With your intelligence, Auntie, this matter is surely not far off. Take this time as an example, Auntie thought of having Tanxiang take Li'er and Ye'er to see Qiuyue overstep her bounds and make a big fuss. Now that Madam has been punished, Auntie has taken control of the household affairs in one fell swoop, which is truly gratifying."
“The Ning family is nothing to fear!” Aunt Ming said calmly, but her delicate brows furrowed slightly. “It’s just that today’s events, although I had a general idea of what was going to happen, did not expect things to develop in such an unexpected way. Mother Qi, do you see how strange the Ning family is today?”
Madam Qi nodded repeatedly and said earnestly, "What you say is true, Aunt. I also find this matter rather strange. Madam's behavior is like that of someone who has gone mad. I have never seen her lose her composure in all these years. It is really too strange."
Aunt Ming's eyes lit up strangely, and a cold smile appeared on her lips, which she then concealed: "I have long suspected Ning Shi. Over the years, she has always been lukewarm towards Ouyang Yue. I originally thought that she was just proud and arrogant, and that she had hurt her mother because she gave birth to a young lady like Ouyang Yue who was so arrogant and disregarded her reputation. But look at her behavior today, she treats Ouyang Yue like an enemy."
Madam Qi wholeheartedly agreed, saying, "What you said, Auntie, makes me feel very strange too. Even if Madam doesn't like the Third Miss, she shouldn't harbor hatred towards her."
Aunt Ming quietly took a sip of tea, the lingering fragrance on her lips prompting her to close her eyes. A leisurely smile graced her beautiful face: "So the first thing I need to do after taking over the management of the household is to find out whether Ouyang Yue is actually Ning Shi's biological daughter."
Madam Qi's eyes lit up: "Auntie, what a great idea! If it can be proven that Madam is not the Third Miss's biological mother, then she has deceived the Old Madam and the General. Moreover, the greatest of the seven grounds for divorce is having no offspring. Madam has been tyrannical for so many years, it's time for her to step down."
Aunt Ming wasn't as optimistic as Madam Qi. She remembered how, when Ning gave birth, she was closely watched by Ouyang Zhide. At the time, it was said that Ning was unwell and needed rest. Now, it seemed there was a secret behind it all. But she had a feeling that this secret would definitely shake Ning's position. As long as she could prove that Ning and Ouyang Yue weren't biological mothers and bring Ning down, then Ouyang Yue would be nothing to fear!
Aunt Ming's eyes lit up: "Now is the perfect opportunity! Mama Qi, send someone to retrieve the records of the servants in the General's Mansion over the years. Find out who the original servants of Shanyu Pavilion, the Master's side, and Mingyue Pavilion were, and what their backgrounds were. It would be best to find some who are still in the mansion. Make sure to keep it a secret."
Madam Qi nodded and said, "Don't worry, Aunt. Now that you've taken over the management of the household, it's only natural for you to check the servants' records. I know what to do."
Aunt Ming chuckled, "Also, have someone keep an eye on Qiuyue; she might come in very useful in the future. In addition, keep an eye on the people from Mingyue Pavilion as well."
Madam Qi replied, "This servant understands."
While Aunt Qi went downstairs to handle matters, Aunt Ming sat alone in the room, drinking tea, the smile on her lips gradually turning cold.
She had already sensed that Ouyang Yue had been acting strangely lately, so she had someone set up this scheme to test the waters. This time, it had truly been very rewarding. Not only did it make her even more certain that there was a problem between Ning Shi and Ouyang Yue, but it also proved that Ouyang Yue herself did indeed have some issues.
Aunt Ming considered herself the most observant person in the household. She was constantly comparing Ouyang Yue's behavior before her serious injury with her current behavior, and found that they were vastly different in every aspect.
The former Ouyang Yue was clumsy with words, but the current Ouyang Yue is eloquent and persuasive. The former Ouyang Yue possessed only the title of legitimate daughter but lacked the ability to win people's hearts; now, she dared to defy Ning Shi for the sake of a mere maid, Qiu Yue, which subtly established her image as a good mistress among the servants. Without her having to do anything further, she was bound to win many people's favor. The former Ouyang Yue acted impulsively, without considering the consequences, often turning good intentions into bad ones. But the current Ouyang Yue… while not actively doing anything, has managed to evade Ming Yiniang's schemes several times, which is quite different.
So, it seems like Ouyang Yue has become a completely different person.
Aunt Ming was suddenly startled by this thought. How could someone change so suddenly? Back then, Ouyang Yue was seriously injured in the back garden, and a doctor had said she was going to die, but she later came back to life. Could this be the reason? Did she suddenly become enlightened, or is there some other reason...?
Aunt Ming narrowed her eyes, seemingly lost in thought...
The Good Words Pavilion at this time.
Ever since Zhang Mama helped Ning Shi back home, Ning Shi went berserk, smashing half of the things in the house until she was exhausted. She sat down in a chair, panting heavily, her eyes wide like copper bells, flashing with a fierce and malevolent light. Even Zhang Mama, who had served her for many years, was too frightened to approach her.
"Bitch, bitch, that little bitch, how dare she go against me, she's asking for death, she's asking for death!" As soon as Ning sat down, she started cursing heavily. Zhang Mama wanted to go forward and persuade her, but when she saw Ning's ferocious appearance, she was afraid and could only lower her head and stand aside.
Ning Shi had been muttering curses and swearing for a long time before she finally calmed down a bit, but the cold look in her eyes remained unchanged: "That little bitch actually made me lose control of the household affairs, how hateful, how utterly hateful!"
Seeing that Madam Ning's complexion had improved, although her expression was still bad, her emotions were not as impulsive and frantic as before, Zhang Mama couldn't help but whisper, "Madam, please don't be angry. You must take care of your health."
Ning sneered, "Protect me? Who am I protecting? My master doesn't care about me at all. All these years, he's always been so indifferent to me. My relationship with him over the years is not even as good as that little bitch Ouyang Yue's. How can I not be angry? I hate him to death!"
Zhang's mother paused slightly, somewhat incredulous. Hearing Madam's words, she realized that Madam hated the Third Miss to the extreme. Over the years, Madam had been indifferent to the Third Miss, and even Zhang's mother had shown no respect for her. But why this hatred?
Madam Zhang, mustering her courage, asked, "Madam, do you hate the Third Miss that much? This old servant doesn't think the Third Miss did it on purpose. Besides, the General dotes on the Third Miss so much now. If you and the Third Miss become enemies, I'm afraid it won't be good for the General to say anything. Why don't you..."
“That little slut is nothing…” Madam Ning’s eyes widened, then she suddenly stopped, “I’m talking about that little slut, Aunt Ming. Who does Mama Zhang think she is?”
Zhang Mama's heart tightened. She clearly sensed that something was wrong with the madam's change, but she still smiled and said, "This time, Aunt Ming got away with it. It's really hateful!"
Ning sneered: "Hmph! She's just a pawn used by my aunt. That old woman won't live much longer. She really thinks she can suppress me with her help? She's dreaming! She doesn't even know whose daughter I am. She's a lowly concubine's daughter born with a lowly birth. How dare she compare herself to me? She's delusional!"