Chapter 35 ROTNDOAHRF

FlamingoBees

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

Rebirth of the Noble Daughter of a High Ranking Family

Chapter 35:

No One Is Getting Out of This Unscathed

Madam Lin's words were choked in her throat, and her face no longer showed its previous pitiful expression. Instead, her eyes gleamed with hostility as she hoarsely admitted, "What Zhang Mama said is true. It's just that I truly didn't know about such matters. Every time items were distributed, I simply instructed the servants below to handle it. I never personally inspected those things, leading to such a grave mistake. It's all my fault!"

Finally catching her breath, Old Madam Li sneered, "Are the maids below just idling around? If everything required your personal attention, wouldn't that be a colossal joke! Without your tacit approval, would they dare to act so recklessly?"

Madam Lin knew that such an answer wouldn't satisfy both Old Madam Li and Master Ouyang. The only solution now was to find a scapegoat, and the best candidate was the current situation. Li Yiniang herself.

She had to stick to her story and not back down: "Madam, after falling ill, I haven't personally overseen many matters. I simply instructed the maids below to follow the usual procedures. However, there have been no mistakes until recently. Since I handed over the affairs to Li Yiniang a few days ago, I've been confined to my chambers for rest and recuperation, truly unaware of anything that has transpired!"

Li Yiniang couldn't believe that Madam Lin was still clinging stubbornly to her story. She glared at Madam Lin with resentment, opened her mouth as if to speak up, but ultimately chose to remain silent, swallowing her words with bitterness. However, the fury burning in her eyes towards Madam Lin only intensified, seething deep into her bones.

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Old Madam Li coldly snapped, "Shut up! Lin Wanru, as the mistress of this household, it's only natural that I ask you about such matters in the backyard. Are you suggesting that I'm intentionally framing you? Or perhaps you're simply dissatisfied with my decision to have Li Yiniang oversee the backyard?"

Madam Lin still wore a sorrowful expression on her face as she said, "Old Madam, heaven is my witness, I truly knew nothing about this. If you insist on blaming it on me, I'd rather smash my head against the wall right here to prove my innocence!" With that, she began to rise from the ground, as if to hurl herself against the nearby wall. The scene descended into chaos as the maids rushed forward to restrain her, causing a commotion in the room.

Suddenly, Old Madam Li seized a teacup and flung it to the ground, the sharp shattering sound startling everyone into silence. Even Madam Lin herself was momentarily stunned.

Ouyang Nuan saw Madam Li smash the teacup and hurriedly stepped forward to gently pat her on the back, soothingly saying, "Grandmother, calm down. Your health is the most important thing." Then, she glanced at Ouyang Zhi and softly pleaded, "Father, since it's come to this, why don't we just let it go? There's no need to cause further unrest in the household. Let's all compromise, especially for the sake of the child in Aunt Zhou's womb. Let's take a step back."

To Old Madam Li's ears, however, the message sounded like pouring oil on the fire. She was the elder in the family, and yet Madam Lin dared to pressure her into compromise!

Preposterous!

She coldly retorted, "Nuan'er, you're mistaken. Today's matter is not just a personal affair but a potential calamity for the entire Ouyang family lineage. If we don't investigate thoroughly, it may bring disaster to future generations of the Ouyang family! We must investigate! There's no other option."

Upon seeing the situation, Zhang Mama respectfully said, "Madam, usually you conduct yourself with wisdom and decorum. How could you behave so rudely today? What kind of place is Shou'an Hall? How can you cause a disturbance here?"

She continued; "You come from a marquisate, should Madam go back to your maiden home and report this matter to Old Madam Ning? Even if your actions are understandable due to the situation with the master's heirs, they cannot be condoned. Both of the Young Misses are grown-ups now, and your behavior will set a bad example for them. It won't bode well for them when they marry into their in-laws' families. Alas... Old Madam Li is always the mistress of the inner courtyard, right or wrong... Everything is to be judged by her. How can you behave so recklessly? If the servants gossip about this and it spreads outside, won't it tarnish the master's reputation?"

"Father, forgive me for speaking out of turn, but this matter must not reach grandmother. If the Marquisate hears of it, the matter of mother threatening grandmother with death to force her will would spread throughout the capital. Most importantly—you know, the gravest sin is that of disobedience and lack of filial piety!"

Ouyang Zhi's heart trembled. This remark was tantamount to a death sentence! Yes, the current emperor detested nothing more than unfilial behavior! He recalled the powerful figures in the court whose titles were stripped by the emperor for deliberately concealing their father's death and refusing to return home for mourning, as well as the high-ranking officials who were publicly beaten to death for violating mourning regulations during the period of mourning for the Empress Dowager. His palms grew damp at the thought.

Old Madam Li sighed and said, "Forget it, I'm old and shouldn't meddle in such matters. But today's issue is too serious. I can overlook other things, but if it threatens the descendants of the Ouyang family, I cannot turn a blind eye to it."

Li Yiniang wiped her tears with a handkerchief and said softly, "Old Madam, you entrusted me to take care of this courtyard, but now such a thing has happened. I really feel like I've let you down."

The crowd fell silent as soon as Master Ouyang spoke. He seemed to have made up his mind swiftly, deliberating for a moment before rendering his verdict: "No one is to mention the matter of Madam Zhou again. As for Madam Lin, despite being a daughter-in-law, she has shown disrespect to her mother-in-law, lacking the proper conduct expected of her. Therefore, starting from today, she is confined to the courtyard for one month. She must reflect on her behavior and conduct herself properly. Without my permission, she is not allowed to leave!"

Madam Lin and Second Miss Ouyang were both shocked by Master Ouyang's decision. Second Miss Ouyang immediately began to plead and beg, but Master Ouyang silenced her with a stern glare and a sharp tone: "My decision is final, there's no need for further discussion! Say another word, and I'll confine you along with her!"

Having delivered his verdict, Master Ouyang cast a stern glance over the assembled individuals. He then addressed Madam Lin icily: "From now on, you are to have minimal contact with the children! Don't let your corrupting influence extend to them!" His tone and demeanor were intimidating, causing Madam Lin to weep while attempting to grasp his robe. However, he shrugged her off without acknowledgment.

Madam Lin felt as if she had plunged into an icy abyss, nearly fainting from the shock.

Meanwhile, Old Madam Li regarded her with cold eyes and spoke deliberately to Li Yinyiang: "Starting from today, you must thoroughly clean up the servants and maids in the mansion. Those who deserve to be sold should be sold, and those who deserve punishment should be punished. There may be many such harmful elements lurking in the courtyard, and you must investigate carefully, especially in your domain, as it is where the master frequently resides. If such elements exist, even he may suffer!"

Li Yiniang was very pleased, although she had to suppress her smile. Meanwhile, Eldest Miss Ouyang remained composed and whispered to comfort her, "Grandmother, don't let it bother you. Every household in the capital has its own troubles. These are just minor issues, and Aunt Li will surely handle them well. The main goal is to maintain peace and tranquility within the household."

After leaving Shou'an Hall, the corners of Ouyang Nuan's mouth finally curved slightly upwards in satisfaction. Madam Lin probably never imagined there would come a day like this. Her move today was a desperate one, but unfortunately, anyone who threatens the reputation of the Ouyang family or the official power of Ouyang Zhi will be regarded as an enemy by him, no matter who they are.

Back in the room, even Fang Mama couldn't contain her joy, and she couldn't help but express her inner delight to Ouyang Nuan, saying, "Miss, you've indeed judged the situation correctly. Today, Master only refrained from being overly harsh on Madam Lin due to the face of the Marquisate and his reluctance to expose family disgrace. But judging from his attitude, it's evident that she has completely lost his favor. It's going to be extremely difficult for her to regain his favor from now on!"

Hongyu brought the tea over briskly, and Ouyang Nuan took a sip before speaking slowly, "Mama, don't celebrate too early. Madam Lin is not to be underestimated. Today, she was caught off guard, but I believe she will retaliate. It's uncertain who will emerge victorious in the struggle between her and Zhou Yiniang."

Fang Mama frowned, somewhat skeptical, "How could that be possible? Master was really furious today. It's unlikely that Madam will be able to placate him with just a few words. Miss, you might be overestimating her."

"If Nurse doesn't believe me, then just wait and see," Ouyang Nuan said with a faint smile, choosing not to say more. Regardless of how Madam Lin retaliated, she was content to sit back and watch the drama unfold. After all, the fire had been ignited, and no one could expect to emerge unscathed!

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