Chapter 23 ROTNDOAHRF

FlamingoBees

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

Rebirth of the Noble Daughter of a High Ranking Family

Chapter 23:

Stepmother is the Worst

"Little sister, don't cry. I've never blamed you for anything. I'm just glad you could say all this to me!" With a gentle and reassuring expression, Ouyang Nuan comforted her and helped her sit down on a chair, then gestured for Hongyu to fetch some water.

Ouyang Nuan repeatedly assured her that she harbored no resentment, and as her stepsister finally left, appearing reluctant to depart, it seemed as if she truly valued their relationship. Ouyang Nuan couldn't help but think that although Ouyang Ke was easily provoked, she was still Madam Lin's daughter through and through; their hypocrisy was indeed cut from the same cloth.

Upon seeing her mistress, Fang Mama's gaze was inquisitive. "Miss, did Second Miss Ke come to apologize to you?"

Ouyang Nuan nodded lightly, and Fang Mama couldn't help but sneer, saying, "She was just roaring to fight a moment ago, and now that she realizes the tide has turned, she comes to apologize. It's not that easy! Miss, don't be deceived by her. You don't know, Miss Ke might be young, but she's full of schemes. She always sets traps in secret and often complains to Master that Young Master has bullied her. Who doesn't know that Young Master has simply ignored her and has never bullied her! Despite her young age, she's quite cunning. There might be some conspiracy behind this. You really need to be careful!"

Ouyang Nuan smiled and said, "Indeed, she's smiling so sweetly. Perhaps Madam Lin promised her something. We do need to be careful."

© translations belonging to flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com. If you read this somewhere else instead of flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com then the translations has been posted WITHOUT permission of translator.

That night, Ouyang Nuan didn't retire to rest as usual. Instead, she sat under the lamp reading a book. Surprisingly, Fang Mama and Hongyu didn't urge her to sleep either. The two maidservants, Wenshou and Zilin, who usually assisted her, found this behavior quite strange. Normally, the young mistress would have retired to bed by now. They wondered why she had suddenly changed her routine, keeping everyone in the courtyard and extinguishing all the lanterns outside. However, aware of the differences in their mistress's behavior lately, they dared not ask too many questions and simply remained alert outside the room.

In the quiet night, only the sound of the night watchman could be heard. Ouyang Nuan turned another page of her book and casually noticed Fang Mama still keeping watch. She then set the book down and said, "Fang Mama, you should go and rest first. Hongyu is here, so she can stay guard."

"Miss, I just can't shake this feeling of unease. I doubt I'll be able to sleep anyway. But do you really think they would dare to be so bold? After all, this is the inner residence. Who would dare..."

"In the daytime, I forced Ouyang Ke to reveal her true colors. Madam Lin dotes on this daughter, so she's bound to strike sooner rather than later. I think it's either tonight or tomorrow night. It's always better to be cautious."

"Who's there? Stop lurking around!" Ouyang Nuan's voice had barely faded when a voice from the courtyard suddenly exclaimed.

Ouyang Nuan swiftly stood up, strode towards the door, and abruptly swung it open.

Just then, they witnessed a seemingly slender maid toss a burly man who had been pressing down on her. The man screamed as he was sent flying high into the air, only to land precariously on a branch of the plum tree in the courtyard, hanging upside down.

The astonishment rippled through the courtyard, leaving everyone, including Ouyang Nuan, momentarily speechless. When did she acquire such a strong and unusual maid? Fang Mama stepped forward to shield Ouyang Nuan, equally taken aback by the bizarre scene unfolding before them.

"Who is this maid, Hongyu?" Ouyang Nuan asked in a low voice.

Hongyu hesitated for a moment before replying, "Miss, this maid is called Changpu, a third-tier maid. She's known for being simple-minded."

Fang Mama, too, recognized the maid and sighed softly, covering her face. "Miss, Changpu's mother is my old friend. Although she's a bit unusual and simple-minded, she's obedient and hardworking. I thought of her first when you mentioned guarding the courtyard today."

Ouyang Nuan silently glanced at the man hanging from the tree and then at the seemingly fragile maid standing in the courtyard, nodding. "Fang Mama, well done."

"Bring the man over," Fang Mama instructed the maid.

The little maid, Changpu, had thick eyebrows and big eyes. Her bangs were blown by the wind, giving her a cute appearance. However, when she lifted the man as if he were a chick, the other maids and servants couldn't remain calm. Was this really a young lady? Was she truly a girl? Heavens, how much strength did she possess?

Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly, holding Hongyu's hand as she took a few steps forward. "Lift his head up..."

The man lifted his head to gaze at Ouyang Nuan, who stood tall on the steps. He saw this young girl dressed in a silver-white silk jacket embroidered with auspicious flowers and silver threads. Underneath, she wore a moon-white satin inner garment with a small standing collar, paired with a long green skirt. Although her figure had not fully developed, her facial features were exquisite, her face akin to a budding flower, radiantly beautiful. Involuntarily, he thought of Madam Lin's promise, and joy surged in his heart.

Ouyang Nuan observed him, noting his age of seventeen or eighteen, with decent looks but a frivolous gaze. Despite being caught, he showed no sign of fear. She let out a cold sneer before speaking in an unusually icy tone, "Who are you?"

"I'm Zhang Wendin, Miss. I work in the mansion. Today, Master entertained guests, and I also attended the banquet. I got drunk... and accidentally wandered into this courtyard..."

It appeared that this man was still one of Ouyang Zhi's guests.

Fang Mama immediately descended the steps and gave the man a sharp slap across the face! Though young, this man was quite useless. He was drunk and confused, staggering after being slapped, nearly falling down. Changpu quickly grabbed him by the collar, rendering him immobile.

In that brief moment, Hongyu had already rushed forward. While it seemed like she was helping Fang Mama restrain the man, she swiftly reached into his pockets, retrieving something and discreetly stashing it away in her own sleeve. The man, dazed from the blow, was too disoriented to notice anyone tampering with him.

As soon as Hongyu stashed away the item, the other maids who were supposed to be guarding the courtyard arrived. Fang Mama pointed at Zhang Wendong and shouted, "Dare to intrude into the inner courtyard? Give him a good beating!"

Changpu's face turned slightly dark, but she exuded a fierce air. Seeing the maids rushing forward to hit him, she thought they lacked strength. Grabbing a broom used during the day, she swung it at Zhang Wendong without hesitation. Zhang Wendong screamed in pain. While the others' hits were bearable, this stubborn maid wielded the broom as if it weighed a ton, each strike landing heavily on his body!

He no longer cared about anything else and cursed vehemently, "I am your new young master, your young miss's fiancé! If you don't stop, I'll have you all sold! Ouyang Nuan, tell your maid to stop this damn nonsense!"

Fang Mama, upon hearing these outrageous words, turned red with anger: "Keep hitting! Beat him to death!" Everyone initially thought this was just a thief, but hearing such audacious and lawless words from the thief, they all began to strike with all their might.

Ouyang Nuan stood tall on the steps, observing the scene below. She was witnessing Madam Lin's malicious nature once again. If this man stayed hidden in the courtyard tonight and was discovered by someone the next morning, Madam Lin would accuse him of having a secret relationship with Ouyang Nuan, presenting the personal item stolen from her room as evidence.

Such an act would tarnish the reputation of the Ouyang family, and Ouyang Zhi would be compelled to marry her off to this man in anger. She wouldn't be able to defend herself, and her reputation would be ruined. She wouldn't be able to marry anyone else besides him.

However, Madam Lin didn't anticipate that Ouyang Nuan knew Xiao Tao had entered her room. Upon discovering that her cherished ink jade hairpin was missing, Ouyang Nuan realized that Madam Lin was plotting against her. She immediately became more vigilant but never expected her stepmother to stoop so low. It was truly despicable behavior!

•••