However, the servants kneeling on the ground immediately panicked and begged for mercy, saying, "Madam, please spare us! Madam, please spare us! We will not dare to do it again next time."
"Madam, I wouldn't dare to do it again. Besides, I didn't spread the word at all. I was just saying it along. I'm not the culprit. I'm innocent!"
"Please, Madam, have mercy! We were just curious and chatted with them for a bit. We were absolutely not the instigator. Please, Madam, have mercy!" The servants immediately pleaded for mercy.
Aunt Ming, who was initially furious, now said with some doubt, "Madam, what they said makes sense. They did nothing but gossip today, which is certainly despicable. But if they hadn't spread the word first, punishing them like this wouldn't be convincing to the public."
Upon hearing this, the servants nodded repeatedly and said, "Yes, Madam. We were just saying what was going on. We meant no harm. If anyone should be punished, it should be the one who started this trouble!"
"Yes, yes, that troublemaker deserves to die! She spread rumors about Madam's innocence and Miss's background, so she should be arrested!"
"Shut up! How can you presume to say such things about my innocence? Even if you weren't the instigators, daring to speak ill of your mistress deserves a severe beating. Fifty strokes of the cane wouldn't be light!" Ning Shi's face grew increasingly grim as she listened. Ever since her argument with Ouyang Zhide and the loss of her management of the household affairs, she had fallen ill upon returning home. Therefore, the servants hadn't told her about the rumors circulating in the mansion these past few days, fearing it would upset her. It wasn't until Aunt Ming brought these servants in and summoned them that she heard the news. She was furious; these damned servants dared to speak so openly to her face—it was like pulling the tiger's mane!
Upon hearing this, the servants trembled even more violently, but one of them mustered the courage to whisper, "Madam, these words were not spread by me. I only just heard them myself. If you're going to investigate, you should start from the beginning and question everyone. Otherwise, how can I be convinced? Isn't Madam trying to cover up the truth and silence us?"
Fifty strokes of the cane is no small number. If you don't die from it, you'll be half-dead. And if you're lucky enough to survive, you probably won't be able to get out of bed for at least eight months. When it comes to your own safety, even a servant can't help but struggle.
"How dare you! You lowly servant, how dare you question my decision! Drag her away and beat her to death!" Madam Ning slammed her hand on the back of her chair, stood up, and roared, her eyes blazing with fury at the servant who had interrupted. This person had implied she was impure in front of so many people—no woman could tolerate that!
Aunt Hua sighed, "It's normal for Madam to be angry. Anyone would be furious in this situation. But what the servant said is right. Madam was so eager to drag the person away to be punished that she beat her to death. It was indeed a mistake. The person who spread the rumors at the beginning is still living freely in the mansion. No one can accept that."
Ning Shi coldly stared at the meddlesome Aunt Hua. Weren't these words implying that Ning Shi did indeed intend to kill someone to cover up the truth? Otherwise, why would she, in her anger, want to execute someone when everyone else would investigate the cause of the incident? Ning Shi's continued recklessness only made her appear more guilty. Her eyes grew even colder as she stared at the servants on the ground: "Who told you that!"
The women breathed a sigh of relief, and after thinking for a moment, they said one after another, "This servant heard it from Granny Li, who works in the kitchen..."
"This servant is Xiao Cui from Ting Caiyun Courtyard..."
"This servant heard..." These people kept making accusations, and the scope of the matter grew wider and wider. The faces of the people in the hall were somewhat gloomy. They did not expect that the servants in the mansion would spread the word so quickly.
Old Madam Ning said coldly, "Go, summon them all. I'm determined to find the culprit today!"
This matter could be a big deal or a small one. Not only was Ning Shi from the same Ning family as her, but she was also her own niece. Moreover, she had controlled the General's Mansion for so many years. If, under her very nose, Ning Shi were to commit adultery and give birth to Ouyang Yue, she would lose all face. The Ning family would be utterly disgraced! Originally, Old Madam Ning wanted to investigate the matter secretly before taking action, but these servants were implicating each other, involving so many people. If she suppressed the matter, it would only make people think there was more to it. To let Ning Shi go unpunished would be to embarrass her son and Ouyang Zhide. At this point, a secret investigation was less troublesome than a public confrontation!
As more and more servants accumulated in the general's mansion, every question inevitably implicated even more servants, and the news spread like wildfire throughout the entire general's mansion.
Old Madam Ning, Ouyang Zhide, and Madam Ning all paled. Ouyang Zhide also understood that the matter had reached this point and needed to be investigated, so he remained silent. However, as more and more servants gathered, his expression grew increasingly grim. The entire mansion was now spreading rumors that Yue'er wasn't his daughter. What would Yue'er think?
Ouyang Zhide looked up and saw Ouyang Yue standing gracefully to one side. Today, she was dressed in a white flowing dress, the gauze skirt draped low. A gentle breeze blew through the hall, causing the hem of her skirt to sway slightly as she stood there, giving her an air of ethereal elegance and captivating beauty. But how old was Ouyang Yue? Where had she learned such grace? Ouyang Zhide was often away leading troops and rarely returned home, but he still regularly sent messages to the border regarding Ouyang Yue. Therefore, he was well aware that the Ning family had mistreated her over the years. Old Madam Ning was a stern old woman who couldn't tolerate anyone acting extravagantly, and Ouyang Yue was exactly like that, naturally falling out of favor. By the time this was discovered, Ouyang Yue's personality was already difficult to change; her actions were both unexpected and predictable.
But Ouyang Zhide suspected the messenger was trying to deceive him! The letter never mentioned when Ouyang Yue had learned cooking, nor did it mention her increasingly serene and composed demeanor, or her more reserved and introverted nature. While Ning Shi was furious over the rumors spread by the servants, Ouyang Yue simply listened quietly, her expression unchanged, as if it were none of her business. She was so different from before, almost like a completely different person! Ouyang Zhide felt a little dazed, wondering who he was trying to recall through Ouyang Yue.
"This servant heard it from Liu Mama of Rouyu Courtyard!"
"Yes, yes, it was Liu Mama who spread the word. I heard it from her too!"
"That's right, the culprit is Liu Mama, she's the one who implicated us servants!"
One of the servants shouted something, and the servants kneeling on the ground cried out in protest, which dragged Liu Mama into the fray.
When Ouyang Yue heard about Liu Mama, she raised an eyebrow slightly. Aunt Hong was also taken aback. Then she looked to the side and saw that Ouyang Rou was also there today. However, because she had recently made a big mistake, she had been keeping a low profile and waiting quietly to the side, so Ouyang Yue did not see her at first.
At this moment, she was also surprised. She obviously did not expect that such a thing would happen to Liu Mama. Moreover, the involvement of Liu Mama must be related to Ouyang Rou and Aunt Hong. After all, Liu Mama was a member of Rouyu Courtyard. When something happened to her, most people's first reaction was that it was instructed by Ouyang Rou.
When Ouyang Rou saw everyone's gaze sweeping over her, she immediately shook her head. She looked at Ouyang Zhide's squinting expression and her heart skipped a beat as she explained, "Father, Rou'er doesn't know anything about this. Rou'er absolutely did not have the servants spread such rumors. Daughter absolutely did not do it!"
"Alright, quickly go and bring Liu Mama from Rouyu Courtyard over!" Old Madam Ning's eyes were stern. A moment later, Chunming's servants pulled in a middle-aged woman wearing a gray jacket. The woman looked somewhat frightened. As soon as she was brought in, she was pushed and immediately fell to the ground in a disheveled state. Then, she was frightened and quickly got up.
"This old servant greets the old lady, master, mistress, and all the masters. May you all be well." Liu Mama's voice trembled slightly, clearly indicating that she had heard about the Anhetang incident outside and was feeling somewhat guilty.
Old Madam Ning looked at her coldly: "You are a lowly servant who doesn't follow the rules and spreads rumors! How dare you maliciously slander the Madam's reputation and the young lady's background! Even beating you to death wouldn't be enough to vent my anger!" Old Madam Ning's voice was extremely cold, and Liu Mama was immediately terrified, her face turning pale, and she repeatedly knelt down and begged for mercy.
"Please forgive me, Madam! I was drunk and misspoke! I was drunk and misspoke! Please forgive me, Madam! Although I made a mistake, I didn't mean to spread it. They deliberately spread it. I'm innocent!" Liu Mama kowtowed repeatedly, begging for forgiveness.
Her words offended all the other servants, who shouted at her, "If it weren't for you, Mama Liu, saying this, how could we have told anyone? It's clearly your fault for breaking the rules and acting maliciously. Everyone has a curious nature, and we were just speculating about the truth. If you hadn't sworn so confidently, who could have fabricated such a story out of thin air? It's clearly your fault, yet you're blaming others! How despicable!"
"That's right, that's right, it's all Liu's mother's fault!"
"Mother Liu should be beaten to death to save others from being implicated."
Ouyang Yue smiled faintly, glancing at the person who had first reprimanded her. This was someone from Consort Ming's courtyard; her words were clearly reasonable, hardly the words of a servant. At this moment, Consort Ming turned her head, seemingly sensing something, her eyes also carrying a hint of a smile, as well as coldness.
It really is Aunt Ming! This is truly a two-birds-with-one-stone strategy.
First, rumors of Ning's infidelity spread throughout the household; second, it raised doubts about Ouyang Yue's background, directly damaging Ning's prestige. She was already ill from anger, had been stripped of her management duties, and this incident had undoubtedly left her severely weakened, making it difficult for her to compete with Consort Ming. Of course, if this were true, it wouldn't just be a matter of weakening her. Ouyang Yue couldn't help but glance at Old Ning, only to see the latter's face was cold, her eyes filled with fierceness and murderous intent.
If this is true, and Ning Shi had an affair and conceived her, Old Ning Shi probably wouldn't do anything to her directly and would even help her cover it up in every way, but on the contrary, she would definitely take her life!
Ouyang Zhide had just returned victorious, basking in the glory of his victory, when Ouyang Hua and Ouyang Rou were embroiled in scandals at the Ning Mansion. Old Madam Ning was furious, and then Ouyang Hua committed suicide. This incident further exacerbated the conflict, but it also garnered sympathy from the people of the capital, who praised Ouyang Hua for her chastity and willingness to die, deeming her a noble woman. Although the scandals severely damaged the General's Mansion, this incident provided a temporary respite. At this critical moment, the General's Mansion could not afford any more scandals. If these things became a reality, Old Madam Ning would never allow the scandals to spread. However, if Ouyang Yue was an illegitimate child, she would definitely find a way to eliminate her to prevent future troubles!
Furthermore, this matter originated from Ouyang Rou's Rouyu Courtyard. Ouyang Zhide has always doted on Ouyang Yue, and being cuckolded and having his beloved child, whom he has raised for so many years, become someone else's—he's been raising a bastard for so long—will undoubtedly enrage him. He will naturally seek revenge on Ouyang Rou and Concubine Hong, causing both Ning Shi and Concubine Hong to fall from grace. Concubine Ming, who is now in charge of the household affairs, is the undisputed successor to the position of the next wife!
The most insidious aspect of this scheme is that it aims to kill her! Moreover, from the outside, it appears to have nothing to do with Aunt Ming. Ouyang Rou and Ouyang Yue were originally close, but after their repeated attempts to frame each other, it's clear to everyone that these two seemingly amicable sisters are not actually on good terms. It's simply the Second Miss trying to cause trouble for the Third Miss; how could she possibly succeed? Whether it succeeds or fails, Aunt Ming will be the one who benefits!
That was a brilliant move, but the crucial issue requires evidence!
Seeing the confidence in Aunt Ming's eyes, Ouyang Yue's heart skipped a beat. Aunt Ming dared to take this step; did she really have some evidence? She thought Ning Shi wasn't stupid. Regardless of whether this matter was true or false, Ouyang Yue had investigated what happened back then, but to avoid alerting the culprit, she couldn't delve deeper, only finding the events of that year very strange. Ning Shi wouldn't have left any incriminating evidence for others to use against her!
Upon being accused, Liu Mama immediately broke out in a cold sweat and shook her head at Old Madam Ning, pleading for forgiveness: "Old Madam, this old servant only misspoke because I had a few drinks with some familiar old women that day. I didn't mean it. Those old women must have spread rumors on purpose. I'm innocent!"
Old Madam Ning had no desire to waste words with her: "Guards, take her away and beat her to death!"
Upon hearing this, Liu's mother was so frightened that her legs went weak and she collapsed to the ground. Her face filled with terror, she said, "Madam, I'm innocent! I was just drunk and spoke carelessly. It's really understandable. Someone must have deliberately spread this. Even if you want to blame someone, you should blame those people. Besides, everything I said was the truth. I didn't lie at all and I didn't mean to frame anyone!"
As soon as Liu Mama finished speaking, Ouyang Yue immediately noticed a change in Ning Shi's expression. Her hands gripped the back of the chair tightly, her expression twisted with malice. She turned coldly, staring at Ouyang Yue with a chilling gaze. Ouyang Yue was startled; those eyes were filled with endless coldness and hatred, as if facing her father's killer, wanting to tear her to pieces.
This moment!
Ouyang Yue was absolutely certain that this was not the look a mother gave her child; it was the look of someone looking at an enemy!
Ouyang Zhide, who was standing in the hall, darkened his eyes and looked down at Liu Mama, who was kneeling on the ground in a state of disarray. A cold light flashed in his tiger eyes!
Seeing that Ouyang Zhide's expression had changed, Aunt Ming immediately exclaimed in shock: "You audacious lowly servant, how dare you say that Madam is impure! What is your punishment!"
Madam Liu was terrified, her face drained of color. She cautiously looked up at the various masters of the General's Mansion; each of them had a different expression, none of them friendly. Her heart trembled with fear, but if she didn't say something now, she would be dragged away and beaten to death for no reason. Wouldn't she be unjustly killed? Besides, she had only heard those things, and they were true. Why should she risk her own safety to clear Ning's name? There weren't that many fools in the world!
"No, everything this old servant said is true!" Liu Mama gritted her teeth and said ruthlessly, "When Madam entered the manor many years ago, there was no sign of pregnancy in her belly. Madam consulted many doctors, but there was no improvement. So, this manor... After the eldest and second young ladies were born one after another, Madam's belly still did not show any signs of pregnancy."
"You lowly servant! How dare you criticize me!" Ning's face was extremely gloomy. This matter had always been a source of hatred and resentment in Ning's heart. If it weren't for the fact that she hadn't been able to produce a child after entering the mansion, Aunt Ming and Aunt Hong wouldn't have been able to enter the mansion one after another, stealing Ouyang Zhide's favor. As a result, the two of them gradually drifted apart. Ning hated it most when others brought up her past, and even implied that her womb was not fertile.
"Madam, please don't be hasty. Why not listen to what this old servant has to say? If she's lying, we can kill her later," Aunt Ming advised gently, seemingly concerned for Ning's sake, though her eyes were gleaming. Ning harbored resentment, grinding her teeth. Just as she was about to speak, Old Madam Ning cast a glance at her, and Ning immediately pursed her lips in frustration, coldly staring at Liu Mama.
Now that things have come to this point, if Madam Ning were to punish Liu Mama now, it would truly be killing her to silence her. However, Madam Ning also felt a pang of embarrassment. She vaguely felt that revealing this matter would be disastrous. But because of her earlier concerns, this matter could not be resolved hastily now!
Since Madam Liu had already spoken, she wasn't afraid anymore and boldly said, "She was probably traumatized. At that time, the Madam's relationship with the Master wasn't good, and she was also ill, so the Madam was even more...unable to conceive. But later, the General was ordered to go to the border, and after a while, he suddenly returned to the capital. During that time, news spread that the Madam was pregnant. This should have been a cause for celebration, but because the Madam's condition fluctuated, the General was particularly considerate and forbade anyone to disturb her. Later, the Madam finally gave birth to a child, the Third Miss, but the delivery date was a full half month earlier than the Madam had originally expected. The doctor's explanation at the time was that the Madam's body was weak, so the pregnancy period was likely uncertain. But the real reason was more than that. All of this was a scheme by the Madam to deceive others; the child wasn't the General's at all!"
"How dare you, you vile servant! How dare you slander my reputation! I'll beat you to death!" Madam Ning jumped up and charged at Liu Mama, her voice trembling with rage.
With a mocking expression, Liu's mother said, "Why is Madam so angry? Because this is the truth!"
"You lowly servant, I'm going to kill you!" Ning glared fiercely and was about to grab Liu Mama when Aunt Ming gave a signal. Two rough-looking women rushed out from among the servants and stopped the seemingly crazed Ning, saying, "Madam, please calm down. Don't let Liu Mama upset your health."
"Yes, madam, please sit down. You're still not well."
The two women forcibly pulled Ning back to her seat, while Aunt Hua said with a mocking expression, "Madam, don't be anxious. It's just a servant's accusation, only one side of the story. How could the Old Madam and Master believe it? It's your strong reaction that's the strangest thing!" These words clearly implied that Ning had something to hide. If you have a clear conscience, why are you so angry because of a servant's accusation? Originally, what Liu Mama said only aroused suspicion, but Ning's reaction was exactly what they wanted, making them believe it even more.
Ouyang Yue sneered. Everyone in the manor knew Ning's temper. She usually pretended to be dignified and composed, but she was actually arrogant and looked down on people. She was the most easily angered person in the manor. It wasn't surprising that Ning would get angry at this time, but precisely because it was at this time, this anger only made her seem more suspicious.
Ouyang Yue couldn't help but ask, "My mother gave birth to me twelve years ago, and Liu Mama looks to be only in her early thirties. So you're a servant in the household? Otherwise, how would you know about this?" Originally, if this matter only involved Ning Shi, Ouyang Yue wouldn't have been willing to speak up. But if Ning Shi were to be given an unclean name at this time, regardless of whether Ouyang Yue was Ning Shi and Ouyang Zhide's child, she would not escape the fate of death!
Ouyang Yue does have the ability to protect herself, but she has only recently transmigrated and her foundation is not deep; there is still much she needs to do. Most importantly, if she were to be hunted down by Old Madam Ning at this time, while Old Madam Ning may seem like just a woman in the inner quarters, she has the Ning family behind her. Every prosperous and powerful family has some forces behind them that are not open to outsiders. Being hunted down by such forces is not something Ouyang Yue wants.
It wasn't that she was afraid, but rather that it would cause her a lot of trouble. She was currently weak and insecure. The reason she dared to fight against others before was because she had the General's Mansion and Ouyang Zhide as her backers. Now, overnight, she had nothing left, which was not something she wanted to see.
Everyone was taken aback by her words, then realized it made sense. This Granny Liu wasn't very old; twelve years ago, she was only about twenty years old. She wasn't even a member of the Ning family's household, so how could she know so much? This was strange. Furthermore, Granny Liu wasn't born into the household; she was bought in later and then married off to a servant. She couldn't possibly know such private matters! Upon realizing this, everyone immediately felt that Granny Liu was making things up and looked at her with disgust.
Only Aunt Ming's eyes were brighter, while Madam Ning's face was gloomy, as if she was thinking about something, and there seemed to be bulging veins on her forehead, which was quite terrifying!
"Because my husband was a servant born into the household, and his mother served in Madam's Shanyu Pavilion back then. After Madam gave birth to the Third Miss, the servants in Shanyu Pavilion either fell ill, died, or were punished and sold off. Now, I'm afraid no one can be found. But my mother-in-law saved Madam once when she went on a trip. At that time, Madam couldn't bear it and sent my mother-in-law away. But to keep the secret, she had someone poison my mother-in-law and make her mute! My mother-in-law had already sensed these things, so she told my husband about them first. That's how I found out!" Liu Mama looked at Ning Shi with resentment in her eyes.
Ning suddenly shouted, "You're talking nonsense! None of this is true, sir! I have absolutely never done anything to betray you!"
Ouyang Zhide looked at Ning Shi with somewhat dark eyes, then turned to Liu Mama: "Drag this baseless wretch away and beat her to death with sticks!"
Liu Mama's expression suddenly changed, and she said urgently, "Master, what I said is true. Madam did indeed do something immoral. My mother-in-law can testify to this. As long as you investigate, you will surely find some clues. I am not lying. If Madam had not done such an immoral thing, I would not have known! I am not satisfied with your punishment!"
Aunt Hong, Aunt Hua, and Ouyang Rou's expressions changed, their eyes flashing with joy. This was truly unexpected. Ouyang Rou had initially worried that Liu Mama's appearance would ruin things, making her father dislike her even more. But if Ning Shi had indeed cuckolded her father, then Ouyang Yue wouldn't be a legitimate daughter of the household, her birth even lower than Ouyang Rou's. The General's Mansion had no need for illegitimate children; whoever tried to cover it up would surely take Ouyang Yue's life!
Ouyang Yue had only ever relied on her father's favor before, but this time, she refused to believe he would still protect her so much! The one who would most want to kill Ouyang Yue then would be her father! That way, the eldest daughter of the manor, Ouyang Hua, would commit suicide, and Ouyang Yue would certainly be dealt with cleanly. Even if her reputation was bad, she would still be the only daughter in the manor. She could spread the news about the Ning family's affairs, claiming she was innocently implicated. Who knew she might actually benefit from the misfortune and become a sought-after figure in the manor!
Ouyang Rou was so excited that her face turned red. She wished Ouyang Zhide would get rid of Ouyang Yue immediately, and naturally she didn't want anything to happen to Liu Mama.
Concubine Hong and Concubine Hua were also eagerly anticipating Ning's downfall, and they couldn't help but feel nervous. Concubine Hua couldn't help but say, "Master, this Liu Mama is speaking with such conviction. Why not let Qi Mama come into the mansion to give a reply? Otherwise, dealing with Liu Mama so unclearly is a small matter of punishing a servant, but it will inevitably give people something to talk about!"
Ouyang Zhide immediately glared coldly at Aunt Hua, who shrank back in fear, but couldn't take her words back. This sentiment echoed the thoughts of everyone in the hall. Where there's smoke, there's fire; Liu Mama's detailed account suggested no malicious intent. Besides, Liu Mama was a senior member of the household; she knew perfectly well what to say and what not to say. If Liu Mama hadn't drunk too much and rambled on, this matter wouldn't have come to light. Otherwise, she might have taken this secret to her grave. Those who had drunk with Liu Mama in the hall immediately felt that what she said was almost certainly true!
Old Madam Ning's face was extremely ugly, and she looked at Madam Ning with great disappointment. Madam Ning's face was pale. Over the years, she and Old Madam Ning had been fighting openly and secretly, but in the end, they had not damaged their harmony. If this matter was confirmed to be true, she would have no place in the General's Mansion! Moreover, she absolutely could not bear such a reputation!
Besides, what happened back then was not her intention, so why would she take the blame for it! She had kept it a secret for Ouyang Zhide for so long, hoping that he would forget what she had done back then and forgive her, but unfortunately, Ouyang Zhide had no intention of forgiving her at all! So why should she continue to hide it for him!
Thinking of this, Ning looked at Ouyang Yue with a cold gaze, her face filled with undisguised jealousy!
"No, this isn't true. The truth back then wasn't what Mother Liu said at all. It was actually my husband..."
Ouyang Zhide's eyes suddenly flashed with a fierce light as he stared at Ning Shi, causing the words Ning Shi was about to utter to catch in her throat. Looking at Ouyang Zhide's unfriendly expression, Ning Shi felt an indescribable sense of frustration and resentment! For that woman, he had completely disregarded their years of marriage!
Why should she! That woman is clearly a shrewish woman who specializes in such despicable acts. How could she be allowed to steal Ouyang Zhide's affection? She did nothing wrong!
"I didn't cheat on you, Ouyang Yue, she..."
"Madam, there's a blind old woman outside, claiming to be Granny Qi from the former Shanyu Pavilion in the mansion. She says she has something important to report!" A servant suddenly rushed into Anhe Hall. Ouyang Yue's eyes darkened as she looked at the servant. This person's arrival was too coincidental, as if she deliberately interrupted Madam Ning! And this Granny Qi, ah, what a coincidence!
"Bring him in!" Old Madam Ning said with a stern face. The matter had reached this point, and there was no other way but to get to the bottom of it. At the same time, she felt a pang of worry; if the truth came out, she didn't know how to handle it.
At this moment, a middle-aged man in a gray robe, supporting an elderly woman with white hair and coarse clothes, slowly walked into the main hall of Anhe Hall. Everyone looked at them, but when the two looked up, everyone couldn't help but stare in surprise.
The old woman's face was aged and wrinkled, her eyes were yellow and dull, and her lips were tightly pursed. Her lips were thick and coarse, twice as thick as an average person's, and very dry and cracked, making her look somewhat frightening! But this was not what surprised them. The middle-aged man supporting the old woman was quite handsome. He was dressed in gray clothes, but his demeanor was refined. What was most surprising was that when they looked closely at his face, he bore a striking resemblance to Ouyang Zhide, especially between his eyebrows, which looked as if they had been carved from the same mold.
When Ning saw the man, a look of panic flashed across her face. Her hands trembled slightly, her eyes widened, and her lips quivered. She tried her best to purse them, but she couldn't control herself at all.
A strange look flashed across Ouyang Yue's face. She had always felt that her background was unusual, so she had always wanted to investigate it. Therefore, although she had been somewhat worried that if the truth were revealed and it was discovered that Ning Shi had done something wrong, she would be implicated. But just now, after carefully observing Ouyang Zhide's expression, she realized that most people, faced with such a situation—with Liu Mama speaking so confidently and having witnesses—would have become suspicious. Yet Ouyang Zhide hadn't shown the slightest anger or displeasure towards her, as if he were certain she was his daughter!
But looking at Ning Shi, she felt the gaze between them wasn't that of a mother and child. Suspicion lingered in her heart, and she thought it best to use this opportunity to uncover her own origins. So she remained quietly to the side. But Ning Shi, looking at the gray-clad man's expression, wondered… could it be that Ning Shi had truly committed adultery and given birth to her? But fearing exposure, was she unable to wholeheartedly care for her? Perhaps even resented him? Was that possible?
At this moment, the man in gray helped the old woman into the hall, bowed to Old Madam Ning and the others, and then looked up at Madam Ning with deep affection in his eyes!
"Slap!" Ning's expression changed drastically, and she couldn't help but slap the back of the chair.
At this moment, Consort Ming exclaimed in surprise, "Ah! This person... I recognize this person!" Consort Ming's face was full of astonishment. "Isn't this your cousin, Madam? When he couldn't find a job, you recommended him to work as the accountant in the manor for a while, but then, for some reason, he suddenly resigned. I remember that Master returned to the manor just two days after him, so I remember it very clearly! This... could it be..." Consort Ming was shocked, and her body trembled with shock!
Because of Liu Mama's words, the appearance of the gray-clad man, and the timing mentioned by Aunt Ming, everything makes sense now! This clearly indicates that Ning Shi did indeed have an improper relationship with this man, and it is entirely possible that she committed adultery with him and gave birth to Ouyang Yue!
Ouyang Zhide's eyes suddenly narrowed as he coldly stared at Ning Shi, then at the gray-clad man. Clearly, he was also unaware of the matter!
The mute Qi Mama suddenly started gesturing wildly, making noises that seemed to indicate she was trying to say something. Rui Yuhuan, who was standing next to Old Madam Ning, suddenly changed her expression: "This old woman means... that Madam did something wrong to the General with this man back then!"
"What!"
Ning suddenly shouted, "No, absolutely not!" But her face betrayed her panic.