Chapter 28 ROTNDOAHRF

FlamingoBees

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

Rebirth of the Noble Daughter of a High Ranking Family

Chapter 28:

Seeking Miss' Help

Madam Lin said sorrowfully, "A'Zhi, did Old Madam tell you this? Did she also say that I did this to get rid of Nuan'er and Li Yiniang? Think about it, although Nuan'er is not my own daughter, we've been together for many years, just like mother and daughter. How could I harm her? She's a girl after all, and will eventually marry. What would I gain from targeting her? As for Li Yiniang, she was brought here by Old Madam for a reason. Everyone in the mansion knows it's because Master loves and pities me, and since I couldn't bear a son, Old Madam is displeased. To avoid angering her, I willingly relinquished the management duties to the mistress and kept a low profile. But now, when trouble arises, Old Madam blames me instead of questioning Li Yiniang? It's so unfair! If I have made countless mistakes, the biggest mistake is not being able to bear a son. That's why Old Madam despises me so much!"

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Ouyang Zhi felt a twinge in his heart but remained silent. He lifted the teacup and took a sip as Madam Lin slowly sat beside him, resting her head on his shoulder, and began to speak softly, "Husband, we've been married for ten years. Do you think I'm the kind of ruthless person they say? When my sister was alive, I tended to her every need, never leaving her side. When she passed away, Nuan'er was heartbroken and crying. I was there for her day and night, caring for her even more diligently than for Ke'er. Do you really not believe me?"

"Is it really not you?" Ouyang Zhi relaxed his furrowed brows momentarily, but then remembered what Madam Li had said and quickly withdrew his hand, pushing away from Madam Lin.

Madam Lin, who usually knew how to handle Ouyang Zhi's temperament, was surprised by his rejection. However, she didn't show any sign of anger on her face. Instead, she looked at Ouyang Zhi with teary eyes and said, "If I had done such a heartless thing, may I be cursed and never find peace in this life!"

Ouyang Zhi nodded. "After so many years of marriage, I know your character very well. Naturally, I believe you're not that kind of woman. But unfortunately, my mother now harbors suspicions about you. She's my biological mother, the one who raised me and helped me establish a family. Even if you're wronged, she's still our elder. You should endure it. Otherwise, it will be said that I condoned my wife's disrespect towards my mother, a charge of great disrespect!"

Madam Lin listened to Ouyang Zhi's last words in silence. She understood that while Ouyang Zhi might be easy to deceive, Old Madam Li was a shrewd character. Now that Ouyang Zhi brought up filial piety, she knew she had to endure everything and not defy Old Madam Li. The incident was her doing, and now that it had failed without implicating herself, Ouyang Zhi only wanted her to act humbly. It was fortunate he didn't blame her for anything else. Being a clever woman, she knew when to stop pushing. Hastily, she replied, "Naturally, I will serve Old Madam Li attentively."

Seeing her compliance, Ouyang Zhi patted her shoulder. "I'm sorry for putting you through this."

Madam Lin smiled and said, "What's there to apologize for? In marriage, everything I have is yours. As long as you're happy, I don't feel wronged." Then she added, "I don't want Old Madam Li to harbor any grudges because of this. In a few days, I'll arrange for a theater troupe to come and entertain her, to lift her spirits."

Ouyang Zhi firmly pulled Madam Lin into his embrace and sighed, "You truly are my virtuous wife!" Despite entering the household later, Madam Lin was exceptionally considerate, devoted to him, and handled everything with grace and warmth. Naturally, he adored her. As for Zhang Wendin, if he could falsely accuse Nuan'er, why wouldn't he do the same to Madam Lin? It must be that Old Madam Li had misunderstood her!

Madam Lin replied, half teasingly and half sourly, "I'm not as good as others!"

Ouyang Zhi chuckled softly, whispering, "They can't compare to you..." With that, he completely forgot about the intention to investigate further and led her into the inner chamber.

After the incident involving Zhang Wendin, Madam Lin strictly prohibited any discussion within the household. However, it's challenging to silence people's tongues, and within just two days, rumors began to spread.

They claimed that Second Miss Ouyang had clandestine meetings with Zhang Wendin and deliberately framed her elder sister... Despite the event, Ouyang Nuan continued her daily activities as usual, displaying a demeanor of openness and integrity.

On the other hand, Ouyang Ke was furious and shut herself in for a whole month, refusing to come out even when Madam Lin personally went to persuade her.

This behavior only fueled the rumors that Second Miss Ouyang had indeed been involved in illicit activities and falsely accused her sister. Despite Madam Lin's efforts to suppress these rumors, they only seemed to grow stronger with time, and soon, everyone in the household realized that the dynamics had shifted.

Ouyang Nuan continued her routine of paying respects to her grandmother. As she passed through the garden, a woman suddenly stepped forward a few paces and blocked her path, bowing politely. Her voice was soft as she greeted, "Greetings to Eldest Miss."

Ouyang Nuan glanced at the woman before her. She was dressed in a honey-colored cotton jacket, with a silver marten-lined coat and a light yellow silk skirt. Her face was beautiful, her demeanor graceful, exuding a gentle and charming aura. She was none other than Zhou Yiniang, the concubine gifted to Ouyang Zhi by his superior, the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

Zhou Yiniang had been in the household for five years. Initially, she had enjoyed favor, but under Madam Lin's schemes, she soon found herself marginalized. Despite her lack of favor now, she leveraged her status as Ouyang Zhi's concubine to maintain a strained relationship with Old Madam Lin.

It was evident that Zhou Yiniang had approached Ouyang Nuan intentionally. Intrigued by her motives, Ouyang Nuan smiled and said, "Zhou Yiniang, there's no need for such formality."

Although Ouyang Nuan maintained a friendly demeanor, Zhou Yiniang appeared visibly nervous. She stole a glance at Ouyang Nuan and couldn't help but notice the young lady's striking beauty and grace, surpassing many of the prominent young ladies in the capital.

Despite her young age, Ouyang Nuan possessed an otherworldly charm and elegance. Reflecting on the events of the past, where Ouyang Nuan had seemingly sided with Madam Lin, Zhou Yiniang realized that there might be an opportunity for her own advancement.

With newfound courage, she placed a hand on her abdomen and spoke, "Miss, I've come here specifically to speak with you."

"Oh?" Ouyang Nuan tilted her head slightly, her expression tinged with mild suspicion, yet her gaze carried a hint of scrutiny.

Observing Zhou Yiniang closely, Fang Mama's eyes narrowed coldly. What did she mean by specifically coming to find Miss? If she wanted to speak with Miss, why not do so in the Warm Pavilion? Why choose to intercept her in the garden, in front of so many servants? There seemed to be ulterior motives behind this!

Zhou Yiniang felt her heart pounding in her chest under Fang Mama's scrutinizing gaze. With trembling hands, she lowered her head, beginning to doubt whether her decision to approach Ouyang Nuan was right or wrong. But now, at this critical juncture, for the sake of her own life, future, and prospects, she had to take the risk! With a determined look in her eyes, Zhou Yiniang suddenly knelt down, pressing her forehead firmly against the cold ground, trying her best to steady her voice and suppress any signs of trembling. "I beg Miss to save my life!"

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