Chapter 12 ROTNDOAHRF

FlamingoBees

Translating Chinese Historical Dramas for your enjoyment... and mine! :)

Rebirth of the Noble Daughter of a High Ranking Family

Chapter 12:

Cousins are like Siblings in a Family

Li Yue'e adjusted her coat, adorned with intertwined gold and silver threads and fox fur, as she sat in the warm reception hall. In the center of the room stood a bronze heater engraved with the character for "happiness," radiating warmth continuously.

Ouyang Nuan instructed Hongyu and the others to prepare plenty of fruits and snacks, filling the table. Li Yue'e glanced at Ouyang Nuan's hand casually resting on the table. Her nails, painted with a translucent pink hue, were shiny and smooth, reflecting her pampered upbringing. It was evident that she was a privileged young lady. Li Yue'e couldn't help but sigh at her own fate as a lonely and destitute girl. She found it even more unfathomable how such a high-born lady could bear to converse with a girl from a humble background like herself.

"Thank you for the robe, Miss. I am truly grateful," Li Yue'e responded with a hint of trepidation. While it was understandable for the young lady to show some warmth in front of Old Madam Li, her overly friendly demeanor towards herself now, when no one was watching, was perplexing. After all, judging from the expressions of Madam Lin and the Second Miss, they clearly regarded her as a poor relative seeking refuge, barely worthy of acknowledgment.

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"Where do you get such words, Aunt? You've traveled all the way from the south to the capital, enduring hardships along the journey. Naturally, you wouldn't know how cold it gets here. We should have prepared these for you long ago," Ouyang Nuan replied with a charming smile.

"Yes, indeed. It should have been Madam Lin, the mistress of the house, who prepared everything for the guests. But she didn't do anything," Li Yue'e thought to herself, naturally developing a dislike for Madam Lin.

In the room, only Hongyu and Fang Mama remained. Fang Mama poured a cup of tea for Li Yue'e and asked warmly, "How long will Miss Li stay in the capital this time?"

Li Yue'e's expression froze for a moment, immediately feeling a bit embarrassed.

Ouyang Nuan chided, "Mama Zhang, now that Aunt has come to my house, it's just like coming back home. She won't leave in the future. She can accompany Grandma and teach me embroidery. What a good thing."

Li Yue'e's complexion immediately eased, and her pale face seemed to regain some vitality. "Miss, I—"

"Please don't call me Miss anymore, just call me Nuan'er. That's what Grandma and Father call me. Since you're family, it's more intimate that way," said Ouyang Nuan with a smile. The winter sunlight streamed into the hall, illuminating her face, making her skin appear translucent. Her eyes were as tranquil as a clear spring, yet faintly flickered with a peculiar flame, alternating between brightness and darkness, unpredictable.

Li Yue'e's smile became more natural, and her attitude towards Ouyang Nuan was no longer as distant as before. They discussed a few more embroidery matters, then Ouyang Nuan suddenly sighed, "It's a pity that you'll also have to marry someday and can't stay with me at home forever."

Before Li Yue'e could respond, her maid Pei'er chuckled and said, "Miss is right. Grandma just mentioned our Miss's marriage!"

Li Yue'e's face flushed red immediately, and she scolded, "You little thing, don't talk nonsense!"

After hearing this, Ouyang Nuan showed an expression of interest and said, "Oh, which family is it? Auntie, don't be shy. Although I don't like going out much, I have been living in the capital for many years. If you tell me which family it is, I can help inquire about them."

Li Yue'e's heart stirred. Although it wasn't appropriate to discuss a daughter's marriage openly, Ouyang Nuan wasn't just a daughter of the Ouyang family; she was also the legitimate granddaughter of the Marquis's wife. With such a status, she naturally had access to firsthand information within the circles of the capital's young ladies. As for her own marriage...

Pei'er noticed her mistress's contemplative silence and immediately spoke up: "One is the third son of the Wang family, a collateral branch of the Imperial Pasture Bureau, and the other is the eldest son of the Sun family, the head physician of the Imperial Pharmacy Bureau."

Upon hearing this, a trace of concern shadowed Ouyang Nuan's smile. She looked at Li Yue'e, who seemed hesitant to speak. Meanwhile, Fang Mama on the side exclaimed, "How could someone with Miss Li's character be matched with families like those!"

Li Yue'e was taken aback by Fang Mama's words and couldn't help but ask, "What do you mean by that, Mama?"

Ouyang Nuan scolded softly, "Mama, don't speak nonsense. We must never interfere with people's marriages!"

"Zhongmu Supervisory Office holds the rank of sixth grade, although he is a commoner son, his family background is high. The Chief Physician of Shang Pharmacy Bureau holds the rank of eighth grade, and although his family background is not high, he is a legitimate son. If it weren't for the Ouyang family's status, these two families would never agree to this marriage. Even so, it's still a step up for her. Why would Mama say such things?"

"You don't know, that son of the Wang family indulges in all sorts of vices, while the eldest son of the Sun family is often ill and has been wanting to marry for a while now. There are no good girls in the capital who want to marry into either of these families!"

No wonder, no wonder they are willing to come and propose! Li Yue'e's face turned pale... With her family background, how could she possibly marry into a prestigious family? But from a humble background, she silently gritted her teeth, unwilling to endure hardships!

"Aunt, you still need to think more for yourself—" said Ouyang Nuan with great concern. Seeing Li Yue'e's still troubled expression, she smiled faintly and waved her hand for Hongyu to bring a box adorned with gold and inset with rubies. "This is a gift my father sent me a few days ago. I have received quite a few gifts on ordinary days. This box is for you, Aunt, as a token of gratitude for your embroidery guidance."

Hongyu brought the box to Li Yue'e and opened it casually. Li Yue'e took a glance and was startled by the splendid sight of gold and jade inside. "This is not appropriate!" she exclaimed.

"Aunt, now that you are part of the Ouyang family, you are one of us. This is just a small token of my appreciation. If you refuse, it would truly hurt my feelings," Ouyang Nuan said with a smile, patting her hand reassuringly. Seeing Li Yue'e's eyes involuntarily drawn to the box, her smile deepened.

The two chatted for a while, and then Li Yue'e got up to take her leave. Ouyang Nuan also didn't insist on her staying, smiling as she rose to see her off. However, just as they reached the entrance of the courtyard, Li Yue'e almost collided with someone. It was a man in his early thirties, tall and elegant, with a scholarly demeanor. He was none other than Master Ouyang, Ouyang Zhi, who had just returned from outside, looking a bit dusty.

Perfect timing!

"Dad," Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly, then turned to introduce the person beside her, saying, "This is my cousin from the Li family."

Li Yue'e hadn't expected to encounter Ouyang Zhi, especially after almost colliding with him just moments ago. Her face flushed slightly as she greeted him, "Cousin, hello."

Ouyang Zhi suddenly bumped into a charming and beautiful lady at the entrance of his daughter's courtyard. He was momentarily stunned, his eyes uncontrollably fixed on Li Yue'e. Ouyang Nuan coughed softly to bring him back to his senses. Realizing that Li Yue'e was an unmarried young lady, even though they were cousins, he refrained from saying too much. He could only smile and say, "Cousin, are you settling in comfortably? If you need anything, just let your cousin-in-law know."

Li Yue'e felt her cheeks warming inexplicably and lowered her head. "Yes, thank you, cousin," she murmured.

Ouyang Nuan escorted Li Yue'e all the way out and smiled, saying, "Auntie, go rest now. I'll come over tomorrow to chat with you."

Li Yue'e hurriedly responded, "Yes, it's chilly outside. Nuan'er, you should go back quickly. Cousin... seems to be waiting for you."

She walked away until she was out of Ouyang Nuan's sight, then found a secluded spot to quickly open the box. Inside were a jade-inlaid plum blossom hairpin, an emerald teardrop hairpin, a hefty twisted gold bracelet, a jadeite bracelet, a pair of pearl earrings... Half a box full of treasures, enough to dazzle her eyes.

Pei'er exclaimed, "Miss is so generous!"

Li Yue'e couldn't help but be astonished as she looked at the box of jewelry. She sighed and said softly, "You think, if the family I marry into has such wealth and luxury, wouldn't that be wonderful?"

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