Chapter 100 ROTNDOAHRF

FlamingoBees

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

Rebirth of the Noble Daughter of a High Ranking Family

Chapter 100:

The most difficult thing is to accept the favor of a beauty.

That night, the silver moonlight spilled into every corner of the front courtyard, where the flowers bloomed exuberantly, emitting a faint fragrance that lingered in the air.

Due to the events of the day, Ouyang Nuan felt somewhat uneasy. She stood on the veranda, looking up at the sky in surprise. Just an hour ago, the sky had been covered with dark clouds, as if it were about to rain. But now, the gloom had dissipated, the clouds had dispersed, and the stars filled the sky, shining brilliantly and illuminating the courtyard with crystal clarity. She murmured to herself, "They say everything is predestined by fate, but I don't believe human effort is powerless to change it!"

Suddenly, she heard a slight sound outside the courtyard. Ouyang Nuan looked up and saw a figure standing on the wall under the crescent moon. The figure was tall and slender, with his clothes fluttering in the breeze. He smiled faintly, then gracefully leaped down from the wall, landing soundlessly on the ground. A few strands of hair brushed across his cheek, accentuating his jade-like face and enchanting eyes.

© 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.

With just one glance, Ouyang Nuan recognized the man – unmistakably, it was the noble and arrogant Xiao Tianye. It was clear that no one else would dare to be so bold as to climb over the wall of the Assistant Minister's house in the middle of the night, let alone break through the layers of security to reach the Ting Nuan Pavilion.

Originally standing behind her, Dupu uttered a soft exclamation, but Ouyang Nuan decisively stopped her, saying, "It's alright, you can withdraw for now." Though she spoke calmly, she gave Xiao Tianye a fierce glare. If it weren't for the fact that her courtyard was now filled with her own people, wouldn't it ruin her reputation for a man to climb over her wall in the dead of night?

He casually walked up to her, a faint smile playing at his lips. His eyes shimmered like spring water under the moonlight, devoid of any guilt as he blinked at her, appraising her carefully in the moonlight. "The more I look at you, the more beautiful you appear," he said with a smile, his face devoid of any hint of frivolity, filled only with admiration.

Ouyang Nuan looked at him, and under the moonlight, Xiao Tianye's black eyes sparkled, faintly reflecting her own image. She smiled back, not in anger but in amusement. "What brings the prince to visit in the middle of the night? I wonder what important matter you have," she said, her clear eyes shimmering with charm. Xiao Tianye was momentarily taken aback by her radiance, but he quickly pretended not to notice any underlying irritation in her smile and replied, "I have something to give you." With that, he presented a box to her. Opening it, a dazzling array of jewels greeted Ouyang Nuan's eyes, momentarily blinding her. She frowned slightly and asked, "What is the meaning of this?"

"I've been to the Treasure Pavilion, but I felt that those jewels didn't quite measure up to you, so I had some custom-made. Each piece is unique in the world," Xiao Tianye said casually as he picked up a delicate golden hairpin adorned with a thin emerald green jade. After a moment's thought, he set it aside and picked up a finely carved peony hairpin, presenting it to her as if to please her. "Do you like it?"

Li Shi had once gifted her a box of jewels, but just one glance was enough for Ouyang Nuan to realize that compared to the jewels Xiao Tianye had given her, Old Madam Li's were nothing more than trendy trinkets meant to please a young girl. She casually selected a magnificent emerald gemstone hairpin, its green brilliance shimmering through, truly a gem of the highest quality. She wore a smile that was neither warm nor cold as she said, "Prince, such precious gems. A daughter of an assistant Minister couldn't possibly afford them. Are you trying to arouse suspicion?"

Xiao Tianye blinked his eyes without hesitation. "Then I'll just keep them all. There will be times in the future when you can wear them," he replied.

Ouyang Nuan was momentarily stunned, not expecting him to speak so boldly. "In the future?" Such words were too ambiguous, and involuntarily, she couldn't help but ponder their deeper meaning.

Xiao Tianye's gaze lingered on her delicate and graceful neck for a moment before he reached into his pocket and took out another item—a pendant carved from a blue gemstone, intricately crafted with exquisite clarity and beauty. It featured a dragon-shaped knob on one side and various patterns of bats, auspicious clouds, lingzhi mushrooms, and tiny dragons on the other side, all suspended from a delicate gold chain. It looked like a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Suddenly, he took a step forward, standing close to her, and gently spoke, "This necklace suits you well. Put it on and let me see."

Ouyang Nuan was startled, her back hitting the pillar of the corridor unexpectedly. His sudden gesture stirred a slight turmoil in her heart. She hurriedly declined, "I dare not trouble the Prince!"

Xiao Tianye said nothing more, nor did he approach further. He simply extended the pendant towards her.

Ouyang Nuan hesitated to take it. However, he persistently gazed at her, as if he wouldn't leave until she accepted it. She looked at the gemstone pendant in his hand and suddenly noticed a change in its color under the moonlight—it seemed to emit a faint red glow amidst the blue. She couldn't help but pause, "This is..."

"This is a bixi stone. It has the function of warding off evil spirits. Last time, I accidentally touched your hand and found that they were cold. The imperial physician said that wearing a bixi stone can improve blood circulation, which is beneficial for people with weak health and cold hands and feet!"

Ouyang Nuan looked into his eyes, feeling somewhat dazed. However, he had already taken her hand and forcefully placed the bixi stone in her palm. They were standing so close that he could almost see the faint blush on her fair earlobes, and her black eyes seemed slightly embarrassed. A subtle and strange sensation arose in his heart, and his gaze involuntarily lingered on her eyebrows, cheeks, and lips for a moment, feeling somewhat infatuated and unable to look away.

She tried to pull her hand away from his grasp, but he suddenly tightened his grip. Though gentle, his force carried an undeniable sense of dominance. Eventually, she relented, lifting her head to meet his gaze. In that moment of eye contact, the shimmering stars in his eyes were unrestrained, appearing both fiery and deep. His audacious and intense gaze, coupled with his unabashed emotions, stirred a complex mixture of feelings within her—shame, annoyance, and perhaps a hint of something else. With determination, she shot him a glare and exerted force with her hand.

"Let go quickly, I've accepted it!" she said hastily.

Reluctantly, Xiao Tianye loosened his grip a bit. Ouyang Nuan clasped her hands together to accept the gift. However, he remained standing in place, effectively trapping her between his body and the pillar of the corridor. Ouyang Nuan arched an eyebrow. "What else do you want?"

He looked at her, sensing her discomfort, and gently coaxed, "Nuan'er, just talk to me."

"Who gave you the right to call me that?" Her heart skipped a beat, feeling the heat rising to her cheeks. Unexpectedly, her face flushed with a rosy hue.

"No one needs to give me permission. I just want to call you that way." He gazed at her intently. "When will you start liking me as much as I like you?" His tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction and lament.

Ouyang Nuan was infuriated by his impudence, her face turning red like a burning flame one moment, and then pale with anger the next. "Don't bother me with such nonsense! Xiao Tianye, it's late, and I need to rest. Get out of my way!"

Xiao Tianye chuckled like a rogue. "It's still early, spend some more time with me!" Chatting with Ouyang Nuan, watching her blush while trying to maintain composure, was truly amusing.

Xiao Tianye was always unpredictable. Ouyang Nuan grit her teeth, looking at him. "Are you ordering me as the prince, or requesting as a friend?"

Xiao Tianye smiled faintly, a hint of cunning in his eyes. "What's the difference?"

Ouyang Nuan replied, "If you're ordering me as the prince, then I have to stay here with you until dawn as the prince commands. I'll comply, but it won't make me happy. If you're asking as a friend, well, friends should consider that staying up late isn't good for my health, right?"

Xiao Tianye looked at Ouyang Nuan earnestly, listening to every word she said with a smile. He had long envisioned that his wife didn't necessarily need to possess peerless beauty or excel in all the arts and graces. She didn't have to conform to the standards of a traditional lady. She could be cunning, shrewd, and have her own way of doing things. But she must have personality, strength, and be able to touch his heart just like she did now. He wasn't sure if he could find such a woman, and for a long time, he was indifferent about the type of woman he would marry. But at this moment, his Nuan'er stood by his side, making him feel that she was already enough.

Thinking this, he chuckled lightly. "Don't go too far." With that, he reached out and lightly tapped her nose, as if warning her. The slightly lowered eyes made it hard to discern the gleam within them. "I came here today with a serious matter to ask you." Despite calling it a serious matter, his tone was gentle and enticing, like the most charming words of affection.

Now Ouyang Nuan was truly puzzled. What exactly was he up to?

"Are you hiding something from me?" Xiao Tianye looked at her with a lazy and mischievous smile. Ouyang Nuan was taken aback for a moment, then instinctively asked, "What do you mean?"

The faint smile hidden in Xiao Tianye's eyes deepened as he saw her confusion. The dark eyes shimmered with a hint of malicious intent, and his tone was indifferent, betraying no emotions. "Nuan'er, don't take me for a fool."

Ouyang Nuan lowered her eyelids, her eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings. A faint shadow of regret passed through her eyes, and she sighed softly, "I don't understand what you're talking about." Subconsciously, she concealed the proposal from the Duke of Wu Guo. Knowing Xiao Tianye's temperament, she feared that revealing this matter would cause a great disturbance. However, considering his power, how long could she keep it hidden?

Xiao Tianye fell silent for a moment upon hearing her words, as if he no longer wanted to pursue the matter. He smiled faintly and said, "It's fine if you don't say it." Then, he let go of her hand. Ouyang Nuan was puzzled by his sudden change in behavior. He quickly turned around but didn't leave. Instead, he quietly said, "I hope you know that whatever I do, it's all for you."

Ouyang Nuan stood still for a long time, until Hongyu came out to find her, only then did she realize that she was clutching the piece of jade tightly in her hand, her face pale with worry. "Miss?"

Slowly, Ouyang Nuan turned around, her eyes filled with an indescribable complexity. "I'm fine, let's go inside."

Duke Wu's Residence

Ever since learning about the Ouyang family's approval of the marriage, Chen Jingrui's heart had been filled with excitement. When he received the message from his father urging him to return quickly, he thought it was the Ouyang family's wedding invitation. He hurried back on horseback, and as he strode into the hall, he was momentarily stunned.

In the hall, sat the Chief Eunuch Zhou Kang, followed by four young eunuchs and more than ten members of the Imperial Guards. In the main hall, the members of the Chen family were gathered together. The Old Madam Chen, his father, Duke Wu, his mother, and others were all dressed in their finest clothes, their faces solemn, not daring to breathe heavily.

"The eldest son has returned? Very well, then let's proceed with the announcement!" Zhou Kang straightened his clothes and stood up.

The Old Madam Chen, supported by Duke Wu, knelt down, and the others naturally followed suit — paying their respects. For some reason, when Chen Jingrui felt the gaze from Zhou Kang was peculiar, his heart filled with a sense of foreboding. He couldn't help but take a deep breath, calming himself down before kneeling to listen to the decree.

"The late Princess Ke Jingzhong's daughter, Ke Rong, hailing from a prestigious family, gentle and virtuous, possessing a quiet and refined disposition. She is bestowed in marriage to the eldest son of Duke Wu's Residence, Chen Jingrui, and the wedding shall take place on an auspicious day. This is the imperial decree."

Duke Wu Chen Feng and his wife exchanged a glance, seeing a trace of panic in each other's eyes. It turned out that all their plans had been exposed right under the emperor's nose...

It wasn't until the eunuch delivering the decree had left that Chen Jingrui slowly stood up. His gaze was icy and his face turned extremely unpleasant. He spoke to Chen Feng word by word, "Father, we've been played by that old fox Ouyang Zhi! He pretended to agree to the marriage just to deceive us! If it weren't for his meddling, how could it be so coincidental that the Emperor would grant Princess Rong to me!"

Chen Feng barely had time to react before Chen Jingrui angrily added, "Father, who doesn't know that Princess Rong is a flirt? The Empress Dowager intends to use her to curry favor with Prince Ming, and now the Emperor wants to force her upon me!"

Chen Feng raised his eyebrow, "Jingrui, have you lost your mind? What nonsense are you spouting?" He then ordered everyone unrelated to the matter to leave.

"No, I'm perfectly clear-headed. I refuse to marry a woman nobody else wants!" Chen Jingrui watched as the hall quickly emptied of bystanders, letting out a cold laugh.

"You watch your mouth!" Chen Feng's face twitched, his teeth clenched. However, Chen Jingrui remained coldly composed, "Even if I have to leave this residence of Duke Wu, I refuse to accept such a woman..."

Chen Jingmo was taken aback by his older brother's threatening expression. Chen Feng, in a fit of rage, grabbed Chen Jingrui by the collar, his eyes burning with a fierce fire that Chen Jingmo had never seen before, appearing incredibly fierce and terrifying.

Chen Jingrui, anticipating a harsh slap from his father's hand, remained unfazed, only coldly sneering at Duke Wu. However, as Chen Feng's hand rose, it seemed unable to strike down. Chen Feng had agreed to the proposal from Duke Dingyuan's residence, partly because he tacitly sided with the Crown Prince, and partly because this marriage was strategically advantageous.

Everything was going smoothly until the Emperor's sudden decree interrupted everything! Princess Rong was nothing more than a hollow title, without the backing of a powerful family, with only an aged Empress Dowager behind her, along with unclear troubles... Chen Feng's inner anger was no less than Chen Jingrui's, but what could he do? Defy the imperial decree?

"Kneel!" Just then, Old Madam Chen grabbed a cup of water from the table and with a splash, poured it fiercely over Chen Jingrui's head, while coldly rebuking him. Chen Jingrui shivered, almost unable to breathe from being drenched, and involuntarily knelt down on the ground.

Madam Chen pointed at him, her scolding words hitting him like heavy stones raining down on his head: "You worthless coward! Have you forgotten all the teachings I've given you? How dare you lose your composure over such a trivial matter? How can you be worthy of being a descendant of the Chen family?" Chen Jingrui was stunned. His grandmother had always been gentle and loving, filled with hope for him. Yet now, she erupted like a volcano, berating him: "Let me tell you, no matter what you think, she is a princess! Even if you don't want to, you will marry her and treat her well!"

Chen Jingrui was drenched from head to toe, initially shocked, then embarrassed, his face flushing red, and eventually, his expression calmed down. His earlier anger was fueled by the rumors he had heard about the princess's flirtations with the Crown Prince, but now he suddenly became clear-headed. He looked around at the various expressions of the people present, sneered coldly, stood up, and quickly walked towards the back hall.

The Lady of the Chen Family looked at him anxiously, but Chen Feng waved his hand dismissively. "Let him go."

Chen Jingrui returned to his study with a dark expression, and Chen Jingmo quickly followed. Seeing his brother's demeanor, Chen Jingmo hurriedly spoke up, "Brother, the princess is also a beauty. What's there to be dissatisfied about?"

Chen Jingrui's handsome face revealed a cold smile as he found a chair and sat down. "Unfortunately, she lacks propriety in her behavior."

Chen Jingmo shook his head, sighing. "It's not that serious. She just likes to attract attention. You were originally going to marry Ouyang Nuan, who was renowned as a great beauty in the capital. Now you've got an even more beautiful woman. What's the problem? Why bother about what others say?"

What others say? He had seen the princess's carriage stop at the back entrance of the Crown Prince's residence with his own eyes. If everything was aboveboard, why use the back entrance? It was ridiculous! Such a woman was actually going to marry into the Chen family! With these thoughts, Chen Jingrui's expression became even more grim. "Never mind that I have no interest in someone like Ke Rong, who is withered and past her prime. Do you think I wanted to marry Ouyang Nuan because I liked her?"

Chen Jingmo looked at Chen Jingrui with a puzzled expression. He couldn't understand why his brother was so fixated on Ouyang Nuan.

Facing his dull-witted brother, Chen Jingrui gritted his teeth as if he was about to explode, but ultimately had to restrain himself. After a moment of silence, he suddenly spoke up, "Since this matter cannot be accomplished as planned, so be it. But I won't let her have it her way either!" With that, a cold smirk appeared on his face. Chen Jingmo, noticing this, furrowed his brow.

Just then, a guard rushed into the study in a fluster. "Young Master! Young Master, those two individuals... they've disappeared!"

Chen Jingmo was taken aback, glancing at Chen Jingrui with confusion. Chen Jingrui stood up abruptly, his expression growing even darker, his brows almost knit together in a way that had never been seen before. "What did you say?!" The guard knelt to the ground, trembling. He, too, was bewildered. Under heavy guard, how could those two individuals suddenly vanish? It was as if something incredibly rare had happened in this world.

They heard from the main hall of the Nuan Pavilion.

A faint, refreshing fragrance wafted from the incense burner, soothing the senses. Hongyu and Changpu stood quietly by the side. Outside the window, the sound of the wind grew louder, causing the slightly ajar window to rattle. Hongyu walked to the window, carefully closing it, then bowed her head and stood quietly by.

Ouyang Nuan looked at Ouyang Jue incredulously. "Are you saying that Father has an outside concubine?"

Ouyang Jue nodded, his young eyes deep like the cold stars of autumn. "Sister, Cousin's men have already investigated this matter. This woman comes from the brothels and has a daughter. Judging by the dates, the child was born during the time of Empress Dowager's mourning period. Father has caused quite a stir this time." When he spoke of Ouyang Zhi, a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes.

Ouyang Nuan remained silent, only sighing after a while. She murmured softly, her words carrying a bitter and icy tone, as if even her breath was filled with bitterness. Each word she uttered seemed hoarse and sour. "I just... feel sorry for Mother."

How could she marry such a man? Why? This man not only caused Lin Wanqings death, but also never protected her or Jue for a single day in these past ten years. Not only that, he was going to ruin her life because of his own mistakes! Such a father... truly the best father in the world! His actions left her speechless. No words can describe him!

"Sister, I heard that the Emperor has already gone to the Wu Duke's Mansion to decree. Chen Jingrui might soon become angry and make a big deal out of this matter!" Ouyang Jue hesitated, his expression showing uncertainty. "Unfortunately, Cousin couldn't find out where he's hiding them, otherwise we could have taken action first!"

Ouyang Nuan stared at him and said slowly, "Even if we find them, it won't help. Don't forget, this woman once stayed in the brothels. The pimps and servants there may have seen Father. When the time comes, with both witnesses and evidence, he won't be able to escape punishment. It will also implicate the Ouyang family."

Ouyang Jue's mind raced with thoughts. "Or... we could find a way to get someone to help suppress the Wu Duke's Mansion."

Ouyang Nuan's breathing grew heavier. Finally, she gritted her teeth and nodded. "No, let me think about it again." Ouyang Zhi's selfishness and callousness were something she had known early on. But his audacity was something she hadn't anticipated. Besides, suppressing the Wu Duke's Mansion wouldn't be a simple matter.

Ouyang Jue couldn't bear to see it any longer. He stood up abruptly, strode forward, and grabbed Ouyang Nuan's hand. "Sister, let's leave the capital, okay? Don't worry about that selfish father of ours. He doesn't care about us at all! Why bother trying so hard to cover up for him here? All of this has nothing to do with us!"

Looking at Ouyang Jue, his eyes sparkling with hope, Ouyang Nuan was taken aback for a moment, then felt a slight stirring in her heart. Jue was right. Such a father wasn't worth their painstaking efforts to help him. Let the Wu Duke's Mansion completely ruin him. For them it would be a total liberation. However, her mind suddenly flashed with Lin Wanqing's earnest instructions before her death, then the detestable face of Su Yulou, and then Lin Yuanxin's smile. In that instant, she even remembered what Xiao Tianye had said last night...

Her emotions became complicated and difficult to express. She knew that her brother's proposal was very good, but she had too much she couldn't let go of. Most importantly, it wasn't that she didn't want to let go—it was that she couldn't.

So, she shook her head slowly but firmly, holding onto Ouyang Jue's hand and smiling. "Jue, if we leave here, you'll just be an ordinary teenager. We'll have to abandon everything related to the Ouyang family and start over from scratch. Are you willing?"

Ouyang Jue nodded solemnly, his expression serious. "I'm willing! It's better than watching my sister unhappy."

Ouyang Nuan shook her head gently. "You can give up all those things, but what about our maternal grandmother? What about the relatives in the Zhenguo Marquis Mansion? Don't you want them?"

Ouyang Jue bit his lip, a hint of determination flashing through his dark, bright eyes. "As long as my sister is okay, I can give up everything!"

Ouyang Nuan's gaze froze for a moment. There was a fleeting trace of emotion on her face, a slight furrowing of her eyebrows, but then it disappeared, replaced by a coldness that gradually returned to her features, calm and serene like the still waters of a lake.

"You can, but I can't! Fang Mama once mentioned something to me... When mother died, she said she had already done something that disappointed Grandma. She hoped for my happiness and success, to not repeat her mistakes. Jue, think about it. If I leave, would I be abandoning those who genuinely care for us siblings? And what about our enemies who have plotted against us, leaving us with no choice? Instead of thinking about running away, why not think about how we can live more gloriously and happily, making our enemies pay the price they deserve? Isn't that what a man should consider?"

Ouyang Jue listened silently, a bitter smile lingering on his lips. He gazed at his sister for a long time, and gradually, an indescribable sharpness gleamed in his eyes, like swords and spears. "Sister, no matter what decision you make, I'll be by your side!"

Ouyang Nuan nodded, about to speak, when at that moment, a maid entered to report, "Miss, Master requests your presence in the study."

Ouyang Nuan and Ouyang Jue exchanged a glance. Ouyang Jue quickly said, "Sister, I'll accompany you." His fingers trembled slightly, but his voice was firm. Ouyang Nuan nodded. "Alright."

Ouyang Zhi paced back and forth in the study, looking restless.

Ouyang Nuan stood at the door, observing his expression, and couldn't help but reveal a cold smile. But when he looked her way, her face had already transformed into a gentle and submissive smile.

Ouyang Zhi was taken aback when he saw Ouyang Nuan smiling at the door. The current Ouyang Nuan was graceful, with black hair and fair skin, gentle and elegant. She bore a striking resemblance to Wanqing, which was unexpected to him.

Looking at the young girl before him, he couldn't help but feel a sense of daze. Everyone thought Wanqing had married beneath her, and even he had once believed she was attracted to his talent. But no one knew of her coldness towards him after their marriage, a coldness that always stirred up a shiver and resentment within him.

Ouyang Nuan smiled and greeted him, and Ouyang Zhi quickly offered a helping hand, laughing, "Please, rise."

"Thank you, Father." Ouyang Nuan's face bore a faint smile, appearing obedient and gentle.

Ouyang Zhi glanced at his son standing behind his daughter, suppressing his impatience, and deliberately asked Ouyang Nuan, "What have you been doing these days?" He usually wouldn't bother much about Ouyang Nuan's affairs, but today, there was something important that required her assistance, so he asked a few words to show closeness.

Ouyang Nuan smiled and replied, "In response to Father's question, my cousin asked me to embroider a folding screen. I've been working on it these past few days, hoping it won't delay the Princess Consort's birthday banquet."

Upon hearing the words "Princess Consort," Ouyang Zhi's eyes lit up. He hurriedly said, "Of course, you should spend more time at the Prince's residence!"

Indeed, they were getting to the point now. Ouyang Jue stood aside, watching his father's performance with a cold sneer in his heart. Suddenly, he understood why his sister chose not to leave. Isn't it also enjoyable to stay and watch this family jumping around like clowns?

Ouyang Zhi must have called Ouyang Nuan to the study upon hearing about the Emperor's arranged marriage, fearing that the matters of the Marquis of Wu's residence would be uncovered, and wanted Ouyang Nuan to find a way to deal with Crown Prince.

Yet, he still wanted to maintain the appearance of a loving father, which was laughable. Looking at Ouyang Nuan, he saw her wearing a gentle and calm smile on her face. He realized that in her heart, there was no longer any respect or admiration for Ouyang Zhi as a father, nor any trace of disappointment or sadness. Thinking of this, a faint smile crept onto his lips.

Ouyang Zhi rubbed his hands together and suddenly glared at Ouyang Jue, saying, "What are you still doing here?"

Ouyang Jue smiled faintly and replied, "In response to Father's summons, I was at sister's Pavilion accompanying her in conversation. When I heard that Father had summoned her, fearing that you might have some instructions, I came along."

Ouyang Zhi was momentarily taken aback. He didn't expect Ouyang Jue to be so slick with his words, leaving him unsure of how to send him away. Just then, the steward Sun hurriedly entered the room. Bowing respectfully, he said, "Master, someone delivered a large box last night, claiming it was a special gift from one of your good friends." As he spoke, he carefully observed Ouyang Zhi's expression. He continued, "It was too late at night, so I hesitated to disturb your rest. I insisted on not accepting it until I could confirm who sent it. However, they left the box at the back door and departed. I was worried that it might seem suspicious if someone saw it in the morning, so I took the liberty of bringing it in."

"For me?" Ouyang Zhi's face showed a look of doubt. Then, assuming it was just some gift from an acquaintance, he waved his hand nonchalantly and said, "Bring it in then."

Ouyang Nuan watched as two sturdy servants carried in a large black lacquered wooden box. The two men were panting heavily, drenched in sweat, as if they were about to collapse from exhaustion. Indeed, there were a few words on the box written in Ouyang Zhi's own handwriting, and for some reason, she suddenly felt a strange sensation in her heart... If this box was indeed brought in last night, it might be related to Xiao Tianye.

The box was not locked but sealed tightly with a seal. Ouyang Zhi frowned and only after a long while asked, "What's inside?"

Sun He replied, "Without your orders, I dare not open it."

"Very well. You may all leave," Ouyang Zhi said in a low voice.

Sun He and all the servants quietly left. Ouyang Nuan smiled and said, "Father, we'll take our leave now." Ouyang Zhi nodded absentmindedly as he looked at the large box. Ouyang Nuan and Ouyang Jue then left the study, the latter continuously turning back to glance at the box. For the first time in his life, he felt curious about what might be inside a box.

In the study, Ouyang Zhi opened the box. In the moment he lowered his head, his face turned pale, followed by a dreadful scream.

Ouyang Nuan and Ouyang Jue had just reached the courtyard when they heard the scream. They exchanged a glance and quickly turned back towards the study. Upon entering, they saw Ouyang Zhi collapsed on the ground, his face drained of color, trembling uncontrollably. They could even hear his teeth chattering.

Sensing something amiss, Ouyang Jue stepped forward, his expression filled with shock. Inside the box were not gold or jewels, but two human heads.

One belonged to a young woman, and the other to a little girl.

As Ouyang Nuan witnessed this scene, she stood frozen in shock, her face drained of all color, resembling a blank sheet of paper.

•••

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Chapter 100 ROTNDOAHRF

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