However, Ouyang Yue's expression remained unchanged. Aunt Liu thought for a moment, then lowered her head and said, "Moreover, when Master was drunk, I overheard something about why Madam and Master were at odds. I wonder if Third Miss would like to hear it."
Ouyang Yue raised an eyebrow. Since Aunt Liu had come to beg her today, she would naturally have to pay a price. She had managed to stay safe in the mansion all these years, so she must have her own ways of protecting herself. Moreover, she knew as many secrets as anyone else, perhaps even more: "Oh, is that so?"
Aunt Liu gazed intently at Ouyang Yue, feeling deeply embarrassed. She didn't know if Ouyang Yue would help her after revealing this, or if it would cause even more trouble. She had no time to think about these things. Finally, she gritted her teeth and said, "I don't know the specifics. But that day, Master suddenly rushed in, reeking of alcohol, and hugged me… Then, as if he had lost his mind, he stroked my face and called out a woman's name. He said things like, 'If it weren't for Ning Caiyue, you wouldn't have died back then. I'm the one who killed you.' I suspect this is largely due to Master's gradual neglect of Madam. I could see that Master deeply loved that deceased woman."
"Hmm..." Ouyang Yue pondered for a moment, "What was the name Father mentioned?"
Aunt Liu's eyes flickered slightly, as if some emotion surged within them, but then vanished: "Master calls her Yan'er, only Yan'er, he hasn't said anything else."
Ouyang Yue raised an eyebrow: "Oh, didn't Aunt Liu take advantage of Father's drunkenness to ask more questions about what you wanted to know, such as what this woman's identity was and why she was killed by Mother?"
Aunt Liu shook her head: "I won't be sad or upset if I don't ask. Although I tricked my way into the mansion to avoid trouble, I lived with Master for several years. Although we didn't spend much time together and Master didn't favor me the most, I'm not made of stone. I don't want to know things that would make me unhappy, so I didn't ask. Besides, that night Master only murmured those two sentences before going to sleep. I didn't have a chance to ask."
Ouyang Yue pondered the truthfulness of Aunt Liu's words: "Aunt Liu, you've asked me for help today. If I help you, you should know that we're on the same side now and in the future. We share the same hatred for a common enemy, and what I hate most is a traitor. I've always been ruthless towards such people. Unless you can kill me, even if I help you get your brother back today, I can send him to the Yellow Springs in the future as well."
Aunt Liu's body trembled and swayed before she slid down and knelt on the ground: "If only the Third Miss can help me this time, I swear to heaven that I will never betray you. If I break this oath, may I be struck by lightning and die a horrible death!" People in ancient times took oaths very seriously, especially oaths involving life and death.
Ouyang Yue simply asked, "So, Aunt Liu, what is the final result you want? Is it just to get my younger brother back from Mother for a short time, or do you want a permanent solution?"
Aunt Liu looked at Ouyang Yue with some doubt. The Third Miss was only helping her get it back; wasn't that a permanent solution? Ouyang Yue explained to her, "It's just a few tricks. It can naturally make Mother temporarily calm down, but it doesn't mean she'll give up. And the consequences will be very serious. Even if she gives up, when she makes her move again, she will either completely get my brother or kill him." Aunt Liu's face paled. Ouyang Yue continued, "And this permanent solution will cause my brother a lot of pain in the short term, but it will completely dispel Mother's idea and ensure that the person who vouches for her will never be qualified."
Aunt Liu was still puzzled: "Of course, I want a solution that will solve the problem once and for all, but that solution..."
Ouyang Yue sighed: "The method is a bit cruel for a child like you, so you must think it through before I tell you."
Aunt Liu was torn. She had spent a long time in the courtyard trying to find a solution, which was why she had come to ask Ouyang Yue for help. She knew that Ouyang Yue's seemingly foolproof method wouldn't be easy, but the thought of Tong'er suffering in the short term was unbearable. But…
"I understand. No matter what, it's all worth it to save the young master from disaster."
Ouyang Yue glanced at Aunt Liu and nodded, saying, "Come closer."
Aunt Liu leaned closer, and Ouyang Yue whispered something in her ear. Aunt Liu immediately sat down on the ground: "This...this kind of thing...if it's not handled well, wouldn't the young master...wouldn't he..."
"Yes, so this is a risky move. We'll see if Aunt Liu dares to go."
Aunt Liu was in a state of utter confusion, her hands trembling uncontrollably. When she finally looked up, tears were streaming down her face: "Third Miss, can you answer me? If this happened to you, would you have done the same?"
Ouyang Yue pursed her lips slightly: "I will gain the child's understanding, but if it comes to his danger, I will not listen to his wishes, and the final outcome will not change." There is a domineering element in her personality.
Aunt Liu wiped away her tears: "Alright, this lowly concubine will do whatever the Third Miss says. Whatever you say, this lowly concubine will do her best to cooperate."
Ouyang Yue smiled faintly. This Aunt Liu was clever, patient, and knew how to make choices at crucial moments. She was truly a talented person. Winning her over would be a great help to her. "In the coming period, you must not only refrain from trying to get your younger brother back at every turn, but you also need to suddenly realize the many benefits of your younger brother being with his foster mother. You must be proactive and show enthusiasm for this matter, understand?"
“This…” Aunt Liu thought for a moment, then her eyes suddenly lit up, “But what about the young master’s medicine?”
“Those are all minor matters. As long as my younger brother is healthy and strong, he will be more relaxed, and Mother will be happier. As a concubine in the household, you should know how to respect the legitimate wife. What harm is there in making Mother happy for a few more days?” Ouyang Yue’s expression was indifferent, but there was no warmth in her eyes. Aunt Liu felt a tightness in her heart.
Over the years, she had observed the interactions among the various members of the household quite clearly, and she considered herself to understand them to a great extent. However, the Third Miss was becoming increasingly unfathomable to her. She wasn't surprised by the Third Miss's actions, though, given that the Madam had never fulfilled her responsibilities as a mother, and who was that woman named Yan'er that the Master had been talking about? She certainly wasn't as indifferent as she claimed, but she wasn't so indifferent as to feel the need to know the truth. She knew that the truth was often quite cruel.
What she needs to do now is to win back Tong'er, even if the trouble this brings will be endless, she absolutely cannot give up now. If she could truly give up, she wouldn't have done it in the first place, gritting her teeth and persevering even though Tong'er was drinking medicine that wasn't good for her health every day. Now it's time for her to harden her heart!
“Aunt Liu is indeed a clever woman. Now, go back pretending to be angry. I haven’t helped you, and you should shut yourself in your room in anger. Oh, and have someone go to Father and complain. Don’t forget Grandmother either. Whoever sows the seeds must reap the consequences. Let Grandmother have some trouble. She’s been too idle lately. Once all this is done, it’s time for you to change. That’s when the real show will begin.” Ouyang Yue said with a light smile, but Aunt Liu felt a chill run from the top of her head to her feet, and she trembled all over.
The Third Miss is really too terrifying. If possible, we should never offend her. However, the next moment, a cold look flashed across Aunt Liu's face.
The third young lady is right. The old lady is indeed too carefree. It's time to wake her up!
☆、083、A way to save lives!
Ouyang Yue sat on the soft couch in the room, gazing out the window with a quiet expression. Two sycamore trees were planted in front of Mingyue Pavilion. At this moment, a gust of wind blew, and two sycamore leaves fell one after another, and the air seemed to have become cooler.
Ouyang Yue couldn't help but murmur, "When a single leaf falls from the paulownia tree, the whole world knows autumn has arrived." Chuncao, who was serving beside her, was slightly taken aback. Her mistress's words sent a chill down her spine. Moreover, her mistress rarely read books before, but her writing was so elegant and full of artistic conception.
"Miss, it's already autumn, and the weather is getting a bit chilly. You should put on another layer of clothing so you don't catch a cold."
Ouyang Yue waved her hand and said, "Just put breakfast on the couch and bring a blanket to cover yourself. This view is quite rare, so I'll eat here today."
Chuncao responded and went to prepare breakfast. After the servants had set it out, Ouyang Yue slowly ate her bowl of porridge with some vegetables. Chuncao looked at her, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back. Ouyang Yue glanced at her indifferently and asked, "What do you want to say?"
Caught by Ouyang Yue, Chuncao blushed slightly but still said, "Miss, when Aunt Liu came to see you last time, a lot of things happened in the manor after she went back, and there were some rumors that were not good for you."
"Hmm?" Ouyang Yue chewed her food slowly, seemingly uninterested, but Chuncao was very angry. "Speaking of this Aunt Liu, she's really a dog that only bites but doesn't bark. How come I never saw her like this before? Madam treats Miss coldly, but she is still Miss's biological mother. Aunt Liu came to Miss to beg her to get the young master back. What kind of nonsense is this? Isn't it just making things worse for Madam and Miss? It's only right that Miss doesn't help her. I don't know what she said when she went back, but now there are rumors in the mansion that Miss is a bully who picks on the weak and fears the strong. Moreover, Aunt Liu goes to the Old Madam and Master's place every day to make a scene. Now the Old Madam has even exempted her from paying her respects because she's tired of Aunt Liu crying every day."
"Madam is, after all, the mistress of the General's Mansion. It's a blessing for her to raise a concubine's child. Wasn't it because Madam favored the Second Miss that she gained favor? For Concubine Liu to make such a scene and slander the young lady is truly infuriating." Chuncao had no affection for Ning Shi, and even less for Old Ning Shi and the others. Concubine Liu's antics actually made her feel better. However, Concubine Liu's biggest mistake was involving the young lady. For whatever reason, the young lady couldn't possibly be involved in this matter. She wondered if Concubine Liu's usual intelligence and discretion were genuine or just an act.
“That makes sense,” Ouyang Yue replied calmly. “What happened to Grandmother after that?”
"The old lady exempted Aunt Liu from the greetings, which was actually a scolding. She then told Aunt Liu to go back and reflect on her actions. Today, we haven't heard of Aunt Liu causing any more trouble. She deserves it; who told her to be so reckless?" If Aunt Liu were still causing trouble, Chuncao wouldn't dare tell Ouyang Yue, lest Ouyang Yue get angry and start another disturbance. Only now has Mingyue Pavilion calmed down.
“Yes, that’s what we should do. Grandmother is right.” Ouyang Yue said calmly, then put down the bowl. “Take it away. Find a few sets of autumn clothes later. It’s getting a bit chilly. I’ll change out of them.”
"Yes, Miss." Qiuyue had breakfast cleared away, then found clothes for Ouyang Yue. The matter of Aunt Liu hadn't caused much of a stir in the mansion, and things quickly calmed down. Strangely enough, Ouyang Tong's condition improved after only one day at Shanyu Pavilion, much to the surprise of Old Madam Ning. She kept saying that Ouyang Tong and Madam Ning were destined for each other, and that it would be best to bring Ouyang Tong over soon.
After all, Ouyang Tong was the only grandson of the General's Mansion. While Aunt Hua had disappointed Old Madam Ning, she had now redeemed herself through Ouyang Tong. Old Madam Ning was naturally happy, and even her previous prejudice against Ning had lessened somewhat. Ning was naturally delighted because, upon hearing this, Ouyang Zhide, who hadn't visited Shanyu Pavilion in a long time, had actually come to see her. Naturally, he had to coax her with sweet words. Ning dressed herself up carefully and greeted him attentively. Although Ouyang Zhide didn't stay long and returned to his study to work, this was enough to invigorate and delight Ning. Indeed, her plan had been very successful; she was already seeing benefits in just a few days.
After seeing Ouyang Zhide off, Lin Mama returned and immediately greeted Ning Shi with a beaming smile, saying, "Madam, you were right after all. Judging from how concerned Master is, it won't be long before he favors you again."
Ning's room was decorated in a luxurious and grand style, with carved beams and painted windows. It was decorated according to her own boudoir in the Ning Mansion. The furnishings in the room were very exquisite, with gold and jade objects piled up, making everything very gorgeous. However, an inappropriate child was lying on the head of the bed. Ning was sitting on the head of the bed, but now she looked at Ouyang Tong coldly with disgust on her face: "At least this little bastard is somewhat useful. Quickly let the wet nurse take him away. I find him annoying."
Lin's mother immediately ordered someone to take Ouyang Tong away, but Ning frowned and said, "Change the sheets again and light some incense. The whole room smells like sour milk. What a lowly bastard. He's not cute at all, yet my aunt likes him. She must be blind."
Madam Lin quickly agreed, but inwardly she thought that the old lady liked children and wanted more offspring in the household. However, she wouldn't be foolish enough to say it out loud and upset Madam Ning. She busied herself again, changing the bedding and lighting incense. Only then did Madam Ning sit down, pinching her nose: "That wretched Aunt Liu went to make trouble at Aunt's place again?"
Madam Lin scoffed, "She's just a lowly concubine. No matter how much trouble she causes, she can't stir up any waves. Even the master avoids seeing her when he hears about this. He's currently in Ningxiangzi reflecting on his mistakes behind closed doors. How could she possibly cause any trouble?"
"Hmph, if Ouyang Tong weren't useful to me, do you think I would raise her son for nothing?"
Seeing Ning's barely concealed disgust and jealousy, Madam Lin cautiously asked, "But now it seems that Master and Madam are very happy with him. Does Madam intend to raise the young master indefinitely?"
Ning sneered, "Raise him? And then give him the entire General's Mansion, and to Concubine Liu? Dream on!" Lin's mother was even more puzzled. If not for this, Madam had no trump cards left. She realized she understood Madam less and less, and recently Madam seemed to be intentionally withholding information. Just as Lin's mother was about to ask, Ning said, "Alright, this brat has been making a ruckus these past two days, keeping me from resting. I'm going to sleep now. Don't wake me up, and don't let anyone disturb me. During my rest, no one is allowed to visit Ouyang Tong, understand?"
"Yes, Madam, this old servant understands." Madam Ning hummed in acknowledgment, undressed, and lay down to sleep, while Lin Mama hesitated before retreating...
In the following days, Aunt Liu calmed down completely. After a few days, she suddenly became smarter and stopped crying and making a fuss. Instead, she went to Old Madam Ning to apologize.
"Madam, I was blinded by greed before, only thinking that the young master had been by my side since he was little, and that he was weak. I was afraid he wouldn't be used to living in a different place, so I didn't want to let him go. But I didn't expect that he and you would be so destined for each other. As soon as I sent him to you, his illness was cured, and I was finally relieved. At the same time, I deeply realized that I had acted impulsively and rashly before. Fortunately, you are a wise person. Last time you advised me, I regretted it after I went back and thought about it. I haven't been able to eat lately, so I had to come to you to apologize." Today, Aunt Liu was wearing a light blue brocade dress with several embroidered patterns tied at the collar. She was wearing heavy makeup and light makeup, and her hair was different from usual. She was wearing two magpie hairpins, which made the usually modest Aunt Liu look more noble. Although she came to apologize, she couldn't hide the joy on her face.
Old Madam Ning gave a barely perceptible snort. Sure enough, she came from a humble family; her understanding was indeed limited. Originally, when Madam Ning took Ouyang Tong, Concubine Liu only felt that Madam Ning had stolen her trump card, which was why she made a fuss. Now, being reprimanded by Old Madam Ning and sent back to her room to reflect, she must have realized the serious implications. Although Madam Ning had taken her son, she had also elevated Concubine Liu's status. Although Ouyang Tong was still young and didn't understand much, with proper education from Madam Ning, he might even disown his own mother. But he was still Concubine Liu's son, and that could never be changed. If Madam Ning were to recognize Ouyang Tong as her legitimate son in the future, this General's Mansion would belong to this mother and son. Thinking of all this, it was hard to imagine anyone not being tempted.
In the past, Aunt Liu liked to wear simple clothes. Even though Old Madam Ning felt uncomfortable and told her off, she still never liked to wear bright colors. Today's outfit, even if it wasn't flashy, was much more luxurious than what Aunt Liu wore before. This was something that people unintentionally expressed when they were in a good mood. Old Madam Ning immediately understood what Aunt Liu was thinking.
If this had happened in Old Madam Ning's place, she would have found a way to kill Concubine Liu afterward to avoid future trouble, provided that Madam Ning decided to raise Ouyang Tong as her legitimate son. Old Madam Ning wouldn't have proactively told Madam Ning about this; she didn't want Madam Ning to grow stronger in the household and surpass her.
"Very well, how could I not understand your feelings? You're just worried and confused, so I can't blame you. Just think it through and get up to talk." Old Madam Ning thought to herself, but said with great satisfaction.
Aunt Liu let out a sound of relief, her face respectful, but her eyes couldn't help but crinkle with joy, which she couldn't hide. Old Madam Ning saw this and a hint of mockery flashed in her eyes: "You've always been clever. What you do from now on is up to you. Madam isn't stingy, and she certainly won't let you suffer. You should assist her well; it's for Tong'er's future." This was a way of telling Aunt Liu to visit Madam Ning more often and try to get closer to her.
Aunt Liu nodded earnestly, her face beaming with joy: "Thank you for your guidance, Madam Ning. I have taken it all to heart and will certainly not disappoint you. I will not disturb you any longer and will take my leave now."
"Yes, go ahead." Old Madam Ning waved her hand, and Aunt Liu got up and left. After a while, Mama Xi came in and said, "Old Madam, Aunt Liu went to Madam's Good Words Pavilion. She is really obedient. After Old Madam gave her some pointers, she did as she was told."
Old Madam Ning's expression remained calm: "Clever as she may be, there are certain things a woman can't simply understand through cleverness. How could Aunt Liu truly entrust her child to Madam? It's nothing more than a delaying tactic, hoping to use Madam Ning to climb higher. Unfortunately, she doesn't realize that the position of the principal wife in the General's Mansion is something that people of their status simply cannot fulfill."
Madam Xi didn't say anything, but simply stood respectfully to the side with her head bowed.
Aunt Liu then arrived at Shanyu Pavilion, but Lin Mama stopped her outside the courtyard: "Aunt Liu, it's really unfortunate. Madam played with the young master for a long time today, and they are both tired and resting now. Madam instructed that no one should disturb her while she is resting. It seems that Aunt Liu will have to come over at another time."
Aunt Liu's cheerful face flashed with disappointment, and she compromised by saying, "Then let me see the young master, Mama Lin. I'll just take a look and then leave. I won't disturb the young master's rest."
Madam Lin shook her head and said, "Aunt Liu, you know that the young master is the most difficult to coax to sleep. I think it's better for you to avoid trouble today. Let's leave it at that and come back another day."
"Waaaaah!" Coincidentally, just as Madam Lin said this, the sound of a baby crying came from Shanyu Pavilion. Madam Lin's expression changed, and Aunt Liu was already nervously about to enter, but Madam Lin blocked her way. "Someone, take Aunt Liu out of the hospital. The young master must be having another nightmare. We can't let outsiders disturb him now. What is the wet nurse doing? Hurry up and go and comfort the young master."
Two servants rushed out of Shanyu Pavilion and pushed Aunt Liu out. Lin Mama had already ignored her and went inside to coax Ouyang Tong, giving Aunt Liu no chance to object. A cold glint flashed in Aunt Liu's eyes, but she didn't make any further entanglement and returned to Xiangning Courtyard with Lü'er and Lüye.
"Madam is going too far. After all, our concubine is the young master's biological mother. How can she deliberately prevent her from visiting him? There's no reason for that!" As soon as she returned, Green couldn't help but complain.
Green Leaf was also furious: "Auntie, weren't you always against Madam taking the young master away? Why didn't you insist later? I thought if we had gone to the Old Madam to make a scene again, there might have been a chance to get the young master back, and we wouldn't be like now, unable to see each other, and having to watch the attitude of Lady Shanyu to see him. You saw it today, Auntie, the young master didn't rest at all, and they're still blocking him like this. Who knows how they'll raise him to not recognize you in the future." The worst thing is that Madam Ning is malicious, not only preventing the young master from recognizing his aunt, but also turning them mother and son against each other. That would be the worst thing.
Aunt Liu's eyes flickered with some emotion, but she quickly suppressed it: "Lü'er, go and take all the toys and food that the young master used to like to Shanyu Pavilion."
Greenie couldn't understand Aunt Liu's behavior at all, and her eyes widened: "Aunt, are you condoning this? How can this be allowed to make a wedding dress for the Madam?"
Aunt Liu suddenly turned hostile: "Just do what I tell you to do. The young master has been taken away, I have lost power, and even you have other intentions. If you feel that staying in Ningxiang Courtyard is not a good place, say so now. If you understand, I will report it to the old lady, and you can choose another good master."
Greenie and Green Leaf's expressions changed, and they both knelt on the ground with a "plop": "Auntie, please don't be angry. We were just angry for a moment, and we would never have any disloyal intentions. We will do it right now, please calm down, Auntie." Greenie and Green Leaf were not servants of the general, but were brought into the mansion by Aunt Liu. Over the years, the three of them had depended on each other for survival. Nominally, they were mistresses, but in private, they were like sisters. Aunt Liu had never lost her temper with them before, and the two were immediately frightened and dared not say another word, both retreating into their knees.
Greenie's eyes were filled with tears: "Madam has gone too far!"
Green Leaf comforted her, "Don't be angry. Your aunt is only doing this for your own good. Even if your aunt makes a fuss, she's still the young master's biological mother, so the old lady won't do anything to her. But if you make a fuss, you'll just be a servant. How can you expect to get anything good out of her? Your aunt knows everything. Let's just do as she says."
Greenie bit her lip, her face full of dissatisfaction, but finally nodded. Aunt Liu was not as calm as she appeared; she was also very angry. Her fists clenched tightly, and when she opened them again, she held a small porcelain bottle in her hands, her eyes growing even colder.
Ning, you forced me into this situation. I didn't want to take the final step and make everyone unhappy, but you won't even let me see Tong'er, which is a major taboo for me. Now everything is out of our hands!
Afterwards, Greenie and Green Leaf brought over all of Ouyang Tong's clothes, toys, and food. Madam Lin initially wanted to refuse, but Aunt Liu's actions were out of kindness, and besides, she had just sent Ouyang Tong back home. It would be unreasonable to refuse even her things, and it would be even worse for Ning Shi's reputation. To steal someone's child after ten months of pregnancy and then not even allow them to see the child—what would Ning Shi be said about then? It was hard to say. Madam Lin reluctantly accepted the gifts.
Sitting in the room listening to the servant's report, Madam Ning frowned but didn't stop it. She then examined the items and had Lin Mama check them, finding nothing amiss. Although Shanyu Pavilion had made some preparations for Ouyang Tong, Madam Ning ultimately disliked him, so she couldn't possibly have prepared everything perfectly. Naturally, there was no reason not to accept him. Actually, Madam Ning was quite troubled by Ouyang Tong's arrival. Although Ouyang Tong was only one year old and didn't understand much, he used to see Aunt Liu's gentle and loving face every day, but now he saw Madam Ning's gloomy face every day. Whenever he saw her, he would either cry loudly or cry himself to sleep. If she didn't still need Ouyang Tong, Madam Ning would have loved to grab him and throw him to the ground to his death!
In the following days, Aunt Liu would visit Ning Shi from time to time, always bringing things that Ouyang Tong liked. Ning Shi couldn't stop her every time, so in the end, she let Ning Shi come to visit her every day under the pretext of paying her respects. When Aunt Liu came, Lin Mama would follow behind and keep an eye on her. Only when she saw that there was no problem could Aunt Liu leave, which made everyone happy.
After court today, Ouyang Zhide suddenly craved Ouyang Yue's cooking. He went back to his residence, sat at Anhe Hall for a while, and then came to Mingyue Pavilion.
Upon hearing Ouyang Zhide's purpose, Ouyang Yue couldn't help but laugh at him: "Father, you're such a glutton! This is really troublesome. I used to make these just to show off my skills to you, but I didn't expect you to get addicted to them. This is troublesome. You have to run to the kitchen every day. It's very tiring."
Ouyang Zhide scolded her, "Alright, I know your skills. My Yue'er's cooking skills are so good that even some of the top chefs in the capital are ashamed of themselves. You should make it a few more times and make them so frustrated they'll die."
Ouyang Yue raised her eyebrows and glared at him: "How would they know I'm in the manor? Humph, Father is just full of sweet talk. I don't care, the meal I'm making today will cost money."
Ouyang Zhide exclaimed, "When did Yue'er become so concerned about material possessions? Is there something you like? Tell me and Daddy will buy it for you."
"No, I want to buy it myself. It's pointless if Father buys it. What do you say?" Ouyang Yue put her hands on her hips and glared at Ouyang Zhide. The latter immediately smiled. "Alright, alright, whatever you say. Father will spend a thousand taels to buy today's meal. Is that alright?"
Ouyang Yue's eyes lit up immediately: "Father, you said so, it's settled then. I'll go make it right away. I'm going to make ten dishes today, so get the money ready. Chuncao, quickly take some people to get it." After saying that, Ouyang Yue left in a flash.
Ouyang Zhide chuckled and scolded, "This greedy little money-grubber." Turning to look at Chuncao, who was staring at him hesitantly, he coughed lightly and said, "Go with Heida to get the silver." Chuncao immediately agreed and went to get ten thousand taels of silver. She thought to herself, "Miss really knows how to make money. Look at how the master was swindled out of so much silver, yet he still has a smile on his face. That's what you call a master."
What's that saying again? Cater to their preferences. Yes, that was brilliantly done!
Ouyang Yue meticulously prepared four meat dishes, four vegetable dishes, a soup, and a pastry. Each dish was exquisitely presented and had an unforgettable flavor. Dishes like the hibiscus shrimp, Kung Pao rabbit, diced chicken with peach kernels, and panda-shaped bamboo shoots, which he had never eaten before, made Ouyang Zhide exclaim that the money was well spent. Ouyang Yue kept praising him by serving him food. Ouyang Zhide not only did not complain about the money spent, but also ate with a beaming smile.
Just then, a servant from Mingyue Pavilion rushed in, but in his haste, he missed a step and fell with a loud thud. Ouyang Yue and Ouyang Zhide were startled, but the servant cried out in pain and quickly raised his reddened face, exclaiming, "Master, Third Miss, you must go and see! The young master is probably not going to make it."
Ouyang Zhide was taken aback, then angrily retorted, "What nonsense are you spouting!"
The servant shrank back in fear, but still said, "Master, it's true. Madam just sent word from Shanyu Pavilion that the young master accidentally ingested gold and is in terrible pain. The servants at Shanyu Pavilion are saying that the young master is... is afraid he won't make it..."
"Father, let's go take a look quickly." Ouyang Yue said with a serious expression, and Ouyang Zhide had already strode out the door.
"Waaaaaah!"
"Don't come any closer! Don't come any closer! Murderer! Murderer! You're all murderers! You're the ones who killed the young master! It's you!" As soon as he arrived at Shanyu Pavilion, he heard a sharp scream from inside. The voice was trembling with anger. Ouyang Zhide pushed people aside and saw Aunt Liu with disheveled hair and a messy appearance. She was holding the crying Ouyang Tong and angrily scolding the people in front of her.
The people standing in front of her were none other than Madam Ning and Mama Lin. Old Madam Ning, who had arrived later, was also there. At this moment, Aunt Liu's face no longer showed any gentleness, but rather an unspeakable hatred.