Chapter 16 ROTNDOAHRF

FlamingoBees

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

Rebirth of the Noble Daughter of a High Ranking Family

Chapter 16:

To Lean On Someone Powerful

Madam Lin quickly said, "I'm feeling better today..." As soon as the words were out, she realized her mistake. Just now, Ouyang Ke clearly stated that she needed more rest, even suggesting she should stay in bed for half a month. How did it suddenly become that she was feeling better? Damn it, Ouyang Ke fell into Ouyang Nuan's trap! She deliberately set a trap for her to fall into! Now, she found herself in a dilemma. It was neither appropriate to refute nor to agree.

She felt like she was being forced into a corner. Madam Lin took a deep breath, her smile becoming even more sincere as she continued, "I know I'm not in good health, but isn't the household still in need of assistance? Nuan'er and Ke'er are still young, and there's much they can't handle. We can't afford to be short of help in the household."

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Li's brows furrowed, showing a hint of hesitation. Ouyang Nuan walked over, leaning against Old Madam Li, and said with a smile, "Mother is right. Last time, didn't things almost get out of hand in Younger Brother's courtyard? If these servants aren't properly restrained, who knows what mischief they might get up to."

Old Madam Li's initial hesitation vanished in an instant. Indeed, wasn't it true that when Madam Lin was in charge of the household, even Young Master's courtyard fell into chaos? Now, to say that the household couldn't function without a mistress was simply self-contradictory! Was she perhaps banking on the fact that she held no cards to play?

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Old Madam Li sneered inwardly, but her smile softened on her face, appearing more affectionate. "What nonsense you speak. How can I allow you to exert yourself further while you're unwell? It would only make our Ouyang family appear heartless if word got out. Rest assured, relax and recuperate for half a month. There will be someone to take care of household matters."

Madam Lin's heart skipped a beat and she asked, "I wonder who Old Madam has in mind to take charge?"

"Isn't there an obvious candidate?" Old Madam Li gestured towards the corner, where Li Niniang, who was serving the mistress calmly, stood. If it were Yue'e in charge, she belonged to her, and ultimately, she would have the final say in everything.

"She's just a concubine!" Ouyang Ke exclaimed at first, but upon seeing the ambiguous look in Ouyang Nuan's eyes, she immediately realized her mistake. After all, she was just a child, and compared to Madam Lin, she couldn't hold her emotions.

Madam Lin's glare shot like daggers towards Li Yue'e, but she quickly turned to the Old Madam with a smile. "Mother is jesting. Sister Li has only just entered our household and isn't familiar with our affairs yet. Isn't that so...?"

"Just entered the household, so what? I took charge of the household on the second day after marrying in. Everyone has a first time," Madam Li retorted.

"Grandmother, perhaps... Sister Li may not gain everyone's approval," Ouyang Ke gently reminded, attempting to dissuade Old Madam Li's intentions.

"Nuan'er is grown up now. If Yue'e has any difficulties, let Nuanner assist her in learning. Cultivate them well, they will be your good helpers in the future, won't they?" Could it be that even the young mistress of the Ouyang family can't control those servants?! Old Madam Li said so, squinting slightly, "Or is it that my old woman's words are not effective, and I have to let Zhi'er come and talk to you?"

Madam Lin thought that the Old Madam Li had decided to usurp her authority? No, it shouldn't be that. She probably just wanted to assert her dominance. After all, her people were everywhere in the Ouyang mansion. Even if someone else took charge, those people would still be obedient. If things went wrong, she couldn't blame anyone but herself! Thinking this, she smiled, "Of course not, Madam. I'll listen to everything you say. I apologize for causing you any trouble. Once I recover, I'll be sure to serve you dutifully."

The Old Madam got up and left with a flourish, leaving Madam Lin seething with anger, her eyes reddening. Wang Mama cautiously advised, "Madam, try to be more open-minded. It's just half a month, it won't turn the world upside down."

Madam Lin thought to herself, indeed, even though it's about managing the inner courtyard, there's a lot of intricacy involved! With a cold snort, she thought, "Let's see, Old Madam, when the time comes for you to come asking for my help."

As Old Madam Li left, Ouyang Nuan could guess what Madam Lin was thinking. However, in this world, things don't always go as planned, especially when it comes to power. It's easy to give it away, but getting it back is another matter entirely...

Ouyang Nuan escorted Old Madam Li back and returned to her own courtyard, instructing the maid lightly, "I'm tired. I'll rest for a while."

Fang Mama nodded. Miss Ouyang always had the habit of taking a nap in the afternoon. Today, she had been busy all day, paying respects to Old Madam Li and visiting Madam Lin, and in the end, she was detained for dinner when she escorted Old Madam Li back, which wasted a lot of time. However, after giving it some thought, Fang Mama reminded her, "Miss, about Li Niniang..."

Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly, "Let's wait until she comes begging for help."

Although Li Yue'e came from a humble background, she was not ignorant. Today, when entrusted with such an important task, she didn't show an overly surprised expression, indicating that she still had some intelligence. However, relying solely on this wasn't enough for her to control those people...

After some time passed, Ouyang Nuan woke up feeling refreshed. As she turned over slightly, the veil of the curtain was gently lifted, revealing the slightly smiling face of Hongyu. She said, "Miss, you're awake. Li Niniang has been waiting outside for more than an hour."

“Why didn't you wake me up?" Ouyang Nuan's voice still sounded a bit ethereal.

"I wanted to come in and inform you, but Li Niniang insisted it was her sudden visit and wouldn't let me in. Now, Fang Mama is accompanying her outside." Hongyu handed a plain embroidered jacket to Ouyang Nuan.

Upon seeing Ouyang Nuan, Li Niniang stood up with a smile on her face and greeted her respectfully, addressing her as "Miss". She was dressed in a peach-colored embroidered silk jacket, adorned with a jade hairpin on her temple, presenting a delicate yet luxurious appearance.

Ouyang Nuan nodded slightly, "Niniang, there's no need for such formality."

Li Yue'e used to call her "Nuan'er", but now she respectfully referred to her as "Miss", indicating her understanding of her current status. This was for the best; for a concubine who had just entered the household to establish herself, the best way was to gain powerful support.

"Old Madam's favor is truly overwhelming, entrusting me with the household affairs, but considering I've just arrived, how could I act independently without deferring to the mistress? Thankfully, Old Madam mentioned involving Miss in the management, which puts my mind at ease. If anything seems improper, I'll defer to Miss—"

"Aunt Li, you're being too polite. Since Grandmother has entrusted you with the household affairs, feel free to act decisively."

"Yes, all the housekeepers are waiting in the main hall to receive Miss's instructions. If you'd like..." Li Niniang's smile was warm, her demeanor sincere.

She was just a concubine, and had only recently entered the household. It was only because Grandmother valued her that she got the opportunity to manage affairs for half a month. Grandmother's intention was not only to regain some authority through this matter, but more importantly, to show Madam Lin some authority, letting her see that life in the Ouyang Residence wasn't the same for everyone. If Li Niniang couldn't manage things properly and caused any trouble, it would be like Grandmother slapping herself in the face. In the future, Grandmother wouldn't be so inclined to intervene in Madam Lin's affairs.

So, Ouyang Nuan nodded and didn't refuse: "In that case, please lead the way, Li Niniang."

Ouyang Nuan walked straight ahead, without casting a sideways glance, over the dark red plush carpet laid on the floor. She headed directly towards the north-facing high-backed redwood chair and took her seat. A maid was already standing by with a tea tray, ready to offer greetings. Ouyang Nuan nodded slightly and looked up, only to see that outside the hall, from the bottom of the stairs upward, the space was densely packed with people...

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