Chapter 106 ROTNDOAHRF

FlamingoBees

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

Rebirth of the Noble Daughter of a High Ranking Family

Chapter 106:

There is an omen in the sky, indicating that the marriage matter is difficult to settle.

The afternoon sun had begun to spread its warmth, filtering through the gauze window into the study.

The Grand Princess stormed in with anger, dismissing the palace attendants and loudly declared, "Your Majesty, my daughter cannot marry Tianye!"

"Oh," the Emperor set down the document in his hand, "The news has spread so quickly..."

The Grand Princess took a deep breath, locking her gaze onto the Emperor, "Father, I implore you to reject Tianye's marriage proposal."

Her words hung in the air, filling the study with silence.

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The Emperor toyed with a jade paperweight in his hand, his expression serene like water, revealing no hint of emotion. His eyes, however, sparkled with intensity. After a moment, he smiled faintly and addressed the Grand Princess, "Ling Yue, it's been years since I've seen you this agitated."

"Father," the Grand Princess's gaze turned icy, "I ask that you grant my request!"

The Emperor's gaze was as sharp as the gleam of a precious gem, deeply scanning the Grand Princess's cheek. "Ling Yue, you're confused. Go back and cool your head with cold water before coming back to talk to me," he said.

The Grand Princess remained motionless, her voice cold and sharp: "Father, unless you agree to call off this marriage, I will not give up today."

The Emperor's body trembled slightly. His nostrils flared, and his breathing became heavier. The only eunuch allowed to stay, Kong De, hastily offered him a cup of tea, saying, "Your Majesty, please calm down."

The Emperor glanced at him, reluctantly took a sip, then set it down. A glint flickered in his eyes as he made a concerted effort to suppress his anger. Slowly, he said, "Not to mention Princess Yong'an, even the princes of my blood don't have their say in their marriages. When is it your turn to speak?"

The Grand Princess's resolute gaze bore down on the Emperor, surrounded by pearls and jade, her face involuntarily assuming an icy and stern demeanor. "Father, many years ago, you also said these words!" It had been many years since the Grand Princess had brought up the old matters. The Emperor was taken aback, then responded somewhat indifferently, "You must have a reason for not approving of this marriage. The alliance cannot reject Ye's goodwill just because of your words."

The Grand Princess felt nothing but anger surging in her chest, like a raging torrent of wild horses. She held her breath, slowly enunciating each word with the weight of stone hitting the ground, "Indeed, Tian Zha is indeed clever and capable. But now, it seems he has been too clever for his own good! The power of the Prince of Qin has already reached its peak. Yet he remains so greedy, encouraging his son to seek a marriage grant. If he truly had good intentions, why did he wait until after I took in Nuan'er as my adopted daughter before coming to ask? Who knows what ulterior motives lie behind his actions..." She didn't continue, just glared angrily at the Emperor.

The Emperor's face changed drastically. He spoke sternly, "Nonsense!"

The Grand Princess slowly adjusted her attire, then knelt down again, saying, "Father, please reconsider! The Prince of Qin harbors great ambitions! Tian Ye has deep schemes! If he truly marries my daughter, I will be constantly under their control. Wouldn't it mean that the Prince of Qin is stepping onto the throne of the Emperor?!"

The Emperor was momentarily stunned, his right hand jerking up a teacup from the table, spilling its contents. He watched as it almost fell to the ground, then slowly lowered it back down. The emerald tea splashed onto the moonlit brocade carpet, adding a sense of desolation. The Grand Princess didn't even glance at it, remaining silent.

The Emperor, furious yet amused, said to the Grand Princess, "Well! Well! You dare to say anything at all!"

The Grand Princess remained kneeling on the golden brick floor, feeling a faint ache in her knees. She calmly lifted her head and said, "Father, my objection to this marriage is not because I dislike Prince Qin and the little Prince. I oppose it because I cannot support certain people's ambitions, which would disrupt the harmony of the royal family!"

The Emperor looked coldly at the Grand Princess and said, "I bestowed honor upon that child, and she should also make a return. You say the Prince of Qin has ulterior motives, then I will send Princess Yong'an to Tianye's side. I will see what kind of ulterior motives they have!"

This is to let Ouyang Nuan become a chess piece placed by the Emperor in the Prince of Qin's Mansion. It's also to let the Princess's Mansion and the Prince of Qin's Mansion mutually restrain each other. Just as the Empress Dowager wants to marry Princess Rong to Xiao Zhonghua, the Emperor also wants someone who can always keep track of the movements of the Prince of Qin's Mansion! Xiao Tianye has a keen mind. He seized this opportunity and accurately grasped the Emperor's intentions!

The Grand Princess felt a chill in her heart, and her face gradually became sorrowful: "I have endured bitterness for half of my life. After finally accepting a gentle and considerate adopted daughter, I only hope that she can often be by my side, marry a husband who loves her, and live a peaceful and happy life as a county princess. I cannot bear to see her fall into someone else's conspiracy again. I beg the Emperor to pity his daughter!"

The Emperor frowned slightly and said, "In this world, things seldom go as planned. In the royal family, everyone has something they lose. Although the decree has not been formally issued, I have already agreed to this marriage. Are you now trying to go back on my word?"

The Grand Princess choked up, but her voice gained a hint of toughness and determination. She said loudly, "Father Emperor, as long as the decree has not been issued, this marriage cannot proceed!"

The Emperor remained unfazed by the words, his gaze cold and piercing, devoid of warmth as if it were a concentrated bolt of lightning. Suddenly, he chuckled lightly and said to the Grand Princess, "Ling Yue, no matter what you say, this Emperor will not change his mind!"

The Grand Princess grew increasingly frustrated, realizing she had no recourse. With a sudden movement, she stood up and briskly left, sweeping her sleeves as she went.

Exiting the imperial study, she immediately whispered to Tao Mama, who was waiting outside, "Send a message to the Prince of Yan's Mansion. Quickly!"

Taiji Palace

When the Emperor arrived, the Empress Dowager was reclining on the beauty couch with a support pillow, while the Empress, Imperial Consort Xu, and several other favored consorts sat beside her. They were all adorned in exquisite attire, surrounded by splendor and luxury.

The Empress Dowager smiled seemingly concernedly at the Empress and said, "I heard that Tianye has requested a marriage decree from His Majesty. Is there any truth to this?"

The Empress glanced at Imperial Consort Xu and then smiled gently before answering, "As per Mother's words, indeed, there is such a matter."

The Empress Dowager's eyes flickered, but her smile remained unchanged. "This child is getting more mischievous as he grows older. Daring to say anything."

Hearing this, the Emperor chuckled and lifted the curtain of the beautiful bead screen as he walked in. "Mother, even though Tianye has grown up, you still see him as a child! This Emperor takes this matter very seriously indeed. He won't marry anyone other than the Princess of Yong'an!" With a casual glance at the Empress, he added, "The Prince of Qin's Mansion wishes to use Ouyang Nuan to control the Grand Princess. But who would care about Xiao Tian Zha's true intentions?"

Imperial Consort Xu gently touched her cheek with her hand, and when she looked at the Empress again, a hint of mockery appeared in her beautiful eyes. She slightly raised her lips, and a trace of amusement slowly emerged.

The Empress Dowager spoke slowly, "Children's antics cannot be taken seriously. When the late Emperor was still alive, the Princess of Xingping insisted on marrying the son of the Prince of Li, but the late Emperor was adamant against it. He arranged another marriage for her, causing an uproar at first. But eventually, she married and lived well. Marriage matters have always been decided by the elders. How could a child like him have a say?"

With just a few words, the implication was clear. Imperial Consort Xu glanced at the Empress Dowager and understood that she did not approve of this marriage. The Empress Dowager had always wanted to select a woman from the main line of the Wu Duke's Mansion to marry into the Prince of Qin's Mansion. Initially, she had chosen Chen Lanxin. However, Lanxin was married off elsewhere for some reason. Recently, the Empress Dowager summoned the eldest daughter of the second branch of the Wu Duke's Mansion, Chen Lanmin, to accompany her on her carriage ride.

It was evident that she had chosen her. For the Empress Dowager, only by firmly grasping the Prince of Qin's Mansion in her hands would she be satisfied. Imperial Consort Xu smiled faintly as the sunlight streamed in through the window, casting a cold, faint glow on the jade hairpin on her head.

The Empress Dowager sat up straight, her demeanor not one of anger or urgency, but the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes added a sternness to her solemn expression. Her tone remained calm and composed, "It is said that the Princess of Yong'an is not only intelligent and beautiful but also worthy of Tianye's favor. However, while others might overlook it, the Prince of Qin's Mansion is no ordinary place. It's not just anyone who can become the Crown Prince's consort. The Princess of Yong'an has only recently been ennobled, and I haven't had the opportunity to meet her or assess her character. How can we casually agree to her marriage with Tianye?"As she received a cup of tea from a palace maid, the Empress Dowager's sleeve, a pale green, rippled like water.

"You worry too much, Your Majesty. Yong'an not only possesses both talent and virtue but is also beautiful, gentle, and virtuous. Didn't she personally paint a longevity painting? You praised her filial piety, did you not?" The corners of Imperial Consort Xu's mouth curled up gradually, giving the impression that she was attentively listening, but in reality, her back was covered in a thin layer of sweat.

The Empress Dowager gently placed the teacup in her hand down and whispered to the Empress beside her, "After all these years of not meddling in affairs, what do you think about this marriage?"

The Empress replied calmly, "Your Majesty is right. The Princess of Yong'an is indeed beautiful, intelligent, and graceful. She is undoubtedly suitable to be the consort of Prince Qin. However, considering she has just been ennobled, the Grand Princess may not be willing to see her daughter marry so soon!"

Such meticulous courtesy and gentle response brought comfort to the Empress Dowager, leaving her smiling.

In this silent confrontation, there was no room for the Consort Yu to speak. She glanced at Imperial Consort Xu's faint smile, hanging delicately on her indifferent face. For some reason, a chill suddenly passed through the Consort Yu's heart.

After a while, the Emperor spoke lightly, "The marriage can be arranged for now, and the wedding can take place later."

In the bright light, the Empress Dowager's face appeared exceptionally dignified. She let out a long sigh and said, "Emperor, have you asked for the Grand Princess's opinion? After all, she is the mother of Princess Yong'an. It would be best if she agrees to this matter willingly."

"The Empress Dowager's considerations are very thoughtful. However, being born into the royal family, one should understand that within these palace walls, one cannot always have one's own way. Not to mention a small princess, how many common women outside the palace can freely choose their husbands? Moreover, with Tianye's status, appearance, and demeanor, there is not a single flaw that she could find fault with! Empress Dowager is wise and truly loves Yong'an. Considering this matter, she wouldn't oppose it either!" The Emperor's smile was light and airy, but his tone was unquestionable, leaving no room for debate.

The Empress Dowager knew he was skirting around the issue, her face becoming increasingly solemn.

At that moment, a female voice suddenly rang out in the hall, "Imperial Grandmother, the Grand Princess naturally approves of this marriage."

All eyes turned towards the entrance, where the Grand Princess walked in with a smile, surprising the Emperor with a hint of astonishment in his eyes.

The Empress Dowager pondered for a moment, her eyes gleaming as if she could see through the Grand Princess. She slowly said, "So, you approve of this marriage?"

The Grand Princess glanced at the Emperor and smiled faintly, "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager sees clearly. After all, Yong'an is my daughter." She paused, meeting the Empress Dowager's gaze, and continued, "In terms of virtue, talent, and appearance, she is unmatched by anyone. Your Majesty need not worry. If you are still uncertain, you can summon her into the palace to see for yourself."

The Empress Dowager's expression changed slightly, her gaze sharp as it fell upon the Grand Princess, with a hint of surprise and anger mixed in, "What was it that you said earlier this afternoon? How come you've changed your mind now?"

The Grand Princess chuckled, "Originally, I opposed this marriage because I couldn't bear to see my daughter married off so soon. But after listening to His Majesty's words, I reconsidered. His Majesty is the ruler of a country, always concerned about state affairs, sacrificing rest and sleep. I am His Majesty's eldest daughter, and being able to serve him is already a great honor. Now, I just hope that His Majesty can be pleased, and how can I go against his wishes?" She pondered for a moment before adding, "As long as His Majesty approves of this marriage, what do I have to worry about?"

The Emperor's brow slightly relaxed, "That's good. I'll immediately instruct someone to draft the decree."

The Grand Princess bowed respectfully, "Yes."

A satisfied smile finally appeared on the Emperor's face. Just then, a palace attendant reported that Abbess, Mater Huian from the Ningguo Temple was seeking an audience.

The Emperor paused, instinctively looking towards the Empress Dowager, who also seemed surprised.

The Grand Princess smiled, "I invited her to come and calculate the compatibility of the two children's horoscopes, to see if their marriage will be harmonious."

The Emperor glanced at her askance, his smile ambiguous, "Since the union is personally arranged by the imperial family, it's naturally destined to be a splendid match. Why are you resorting to such folk practices?"

The Grand Princess lowered her eyes and smiled, "Yong'an is now my daughter. What harm is there in me worrying a bit more for her?"

The Empress Dowager's face revealed a faint smile, "Since that's the case, let's hear what fate has to say. Bring her in."

Master Huian entered slowly from outside, her face radiating kindness. She greeted everyone before her gaze paused briefly on the Grand Princess, then continued as if nothing had happened.

The Grand Princess smiled, "It's nothing serious, just wanted to ask you to calculate the fate of Yong'an and the Prince Qin."

Abbess Huian respectfully replied, "Yes."

The Emperor watched the scene with a smile, suddenly understanding why the Grand Princess had come. However, he realized that this kind of ploy had no use here.

The calculated outcome was indeed inauspicious, greatly so. Master Huian sighed with regret, "The destinies of these two are highly mismatched. If they are forcefully wedded, disaster may befall the palace."

"The will of heaven cannot be defied. Since it's extremely inauspicious, I implore Your Majesty to consider the well-being of these two children and abandon this idea," the Grand Princess said solemnly.

Imperial Consort Xu was slightly moved but maintained her gentle smile as she softly remarked, "master, it seems you've become the spokesperson for the Grand Princess."

The Emperor chuckled dismissively, "It's utter nonsense!"

The Grand Princess's expression suddenly changed, "Father!"

The Emperor's voice turned cold, "A dignified royal princess resorting to such crude methods. Ling Yue, you have truly disappointed me!"

Imperial Consort Xu showed a hint of disdain, saying in a curt manner, "Princess, His Majesty has spoken. It would be better for you not to be so stubborn."

The Empress shook her head slightly. Her fingers played with the dangling pearls, and she spoke lightly, "Your Majesty, it's just that heaven doesn't align with human wishes. There's no need to be angry."

The Empress Dowager pondered for a moment before saying, "It's not that heaven refuses to comply with human wishes; it's just that the Emperor seems to be going against the will of heaven."

Upon hearing this remark, the hall fell into a dead silence. Each person harbored their own thoughts, and even the Emperor's expression turned as solemn as water.

In the study room, eunuch Kong De presented the drafted decree: "Your Majesty, shall we issue the decree for the marriage now?"

The Empress, tenderly attentive, served beside him. The Emperor was about to nod when suddenly, a thunderous roar erupted from the sky, echoing with deafening cracks, shaking the entire palace to its core. Following this were a series of tumultuous noises, almost no longer resembling thunder but rather the sounds of the sky tearing apart and collapsing.

A fierce blast of cold wind tore through the halls like a raging hurricane. Large raindrops began to pelt down. Looking outside, all the roofs of the buildings in the palace emitted fearful moans under the assault of this tempestuous wind. The sky turned dark, black as a pot bottom. The Emperor stood there stunned, while Kong De was already petrified with fear.

Under the shock, Consort Yu's face turned ashen. The porcelain plate in her hand trembled uncontrollably. The teacup on the plate shattered into pieces, its lid rolling far away with a clatter, leaving behind pools of spilled tea on the ground.

Kong De, now startled awake, hastily instructed the nearby palace maids to clean up the mess.

Consort Yu, her voice trembling, said, "Your Majesty, it was fine in the afternoon, how did the weather suddenly turn so frightening by evening?"

The Emperor casually tossed the memorial aside and embraced her, saying, "It's nothing, just rain, what is there to be afraid of?"

Glancing out the window, Consort Yu's heart still palpitated with fear. "The thunder is so frightening," she murmured. The Emperor nodded thoughtfully, "Indeed, it did come quite suddenly..."

Consort Yu cast a glance at the decree of marriage that had yet to be issued, feeling that the timing of this weather change was too coincidental. From her perspective, she certainly didn't want Ouyang Nuan, who had no ties to the Cao family, to marry into the Qin Prince's residence. That wouldn't benefit the Cao family at all...

After about half a cup of tea, the rain gradually subsided. A eunuch, drenched like a drowned rat, ran towards them, shouting, "It's bad! The Yanzi Pavilion is flooded, it's bad, the Yanzi Pavilion is flooded!"

The Emperor frowned, and Kong De hurriedly went out. After a while, he returned with a look of relief on his face. "Your Majesty, the Yanzi Pavilion caught fire, but it was extinguished by the heavy rain!"

The Emperor nodded, with a hint of imperceptible surprise on his face. Before he could speak, another, even louder thunderclap resounded, as if it had exploded right above the study, shaking the glazed tiles on the roof.

Imperial Consort Yu immediately darted into the Emperor's embrace, as if frightened to the bone. "Your Majesty, there are strange signs in the sky, and water is flooding the palace. Could it be because..." She paused, her voice tense. "The abbess also mentioned that this marriage is inauspicious..."

The Emperor's voice was cold. "Enough! How can even you believe in such groundless talk?"

As soon as the words fell, two tightly consecutive thunderclaps resounded, causing the windows of the study to rattle, and one even cracked open wide.

The Emperor kept his brows tightly furrowed, staring at the edict on the desk as if trying to bore a hole through it. He absolutely did not believe what Master Huian had said, nor did he believe in any ominous talk. This marriage was going to happen, no matter what! Just then, the rain outside had started to lessen, and the thunder was gradually fading away.

He breathed a long sigh of relief, his complexion returning to normal, when a eunuch entered to report, "Your Majesty, one of the palace maids outside was struck dead by lightning."

The Emperor was stunned, a faint hint of disbelief flashing in his eyes. At that moment, Kong De had already walked to the door with the edict in hand, one foot already outside. But he suddenly heard the Emperor roar, "Wait!"

Kong De looked back at the Emperor in confusion, only to hear his voice turn dark as if it could drip water. "Let's... reconsider this marriage."

Back at the Princess's residence, Tao Mama gestured, and all the maids serving there withdrew from the room.

The Grand Princess took the teacup but had no intention of drinking, just taking a slight sip. Worry crept onto her brow. "Can this matter truly succeed?"

"Although Venerable Master Huian said this marriage was inauspicious, His Majesty the Emperor does not believe her words. Now, naturally, there is a celestial omen to prove it," Xiao Zhonghua gently held the teacup, lost in thought for a moment, then said, "So, Aunt need not worry."

The Grand Princess nodded, then took another sip of tea, feeling its soothing warmth spread from her throat to her heart and lungs. She spoke slowly, one word at a time: "That would be best." After a moment's pause, she added, "But how do you know about the celestial omen?"

Xiao Zhonghua smiled faintly, her gaze deep. "The Chief Astronomer of the Qintian Observatory visited the Prince of Yan's Mansion three days ago and inadvertently mentioned it. He had been severely reprimanded by His Majesty the Emperor a few months ago for mishandling the news of flooding in the southern regions, so this time he chose to remain silent. It's just a coincidence."

The Grand Princess responded with a thoughtful "Hmm," acknowledging the stroke of luck.

Xiao Zhonghua suddenly chuckled. "To think he only sought the Emperor's permission for the marriage today, it shows how tightly he kept it under wraps."

The Grand Princess's lips curved upwards slightly. "Indeed. When the Empress Dowager first mentioned this matter, I couldn't believe it myself. Fortunately, neither of us was willing. After all, there is still a Miss Chen would be waiting to become Prince Qin's consort!"

Xiao Tianye was not to be underestimated. His sudden request for marriage stirred up a storm out of nowhere. If the Empress Dowager hadn't received the news beforehand and the Grand Princess hadn't known everything when she did, it might have been too late. After a moment of contemplation, she said, "Regardless, I won't let Nuan'er become a tool for Prince Qin to control me."

Xiao Zhonghua narrowed his eyes, and two fiery lights burned in the dim darkness of his black pupils, radiating a complex and inscrutable glow. "Grand Prince Qin may be so, but Xiao Tianye... I'm afraid he has other plans."

"Fortunately, your method arrived in time. If it had been any later, it would have been too late," the Grand Princess said, not particularly concerned about whether Xiao Tianye's intentions were genuine or not. She spoke as if relieved.

Xiao Zhonghua remained silent at her words. Because of the darkness outside, bright candles were lit in the room, casting his seated figure in a long shadow on the window paper. There was an indescribable complexity in his eyes, and in his heart, an inexplicable emotion had taken hold without him realizing it. He suddenly wanted to know... what exactly was Ouyang Nuan thinking? Did she know that Xiao Tianye would act like this? Or would she approve...?

In the Listening Warm Pavilion, the rain outside gradually ceased. Hongyu carried a basin of freshly changed jasmine flowers, replacing the withered roses by the window, and smiled at Ouyang Nuan. "Miss, do you think these jasmine flowers look nice?"

Ouyang Nuan smiled. "Very beautiful..."

Hongyu set down the jasmine flowers, observing Ouyang Nuan's calm demeanor with a slight sense of unease, and asked tentatively, "This morning, the Grand Princess sent someone to pass a message to you, hoping you would be mentally prepared early. But you seem as indifferent as ever. This is a matter of a lifetime, you know!"

"What's the hurry? My marriage matters are naturally on the minds of those people," Ouyang Nuan replied calmly, taking a small silver scissors and carefully trimming the excess leaves of the jasmine flowers without looking up. "Is there any news from outside?" she asked casually.

Hongyu shook her head. "All quiet on the western front."

Ouyang Nuan responded with a nonchalant "Oh," adding, "Then there's no need to worry."

Hongyu still couldn't shake off her concern. "Miss, what if His Majesty..."

Ouyang Nuan's hand with the silver scissors paused for a moment, then there was a crisp snip as she cut off a dead branch. Her tone carried a hint of coldness for some reason. "If it doesn't come now, there won't be an imperial decree."

Hongyu looked at Ouyang Nuan with confusion, while Ouyang Nuan gazed at the branch she had just trimmed off, speaking softly, "Few people would likely approve of this marriage. Xiao Tianye certainly understands that the timing isn't ideal, but he still spoke out. Why do you think that is?"

Thinking of Xiao Tianye's profound gaze, Hongyu shook her head instinctively. "This humble servant can't fathom the thoughts of the Young Master."

Ouyang Nuan just smiled and remained silent, sighing inwardly.

This man was ready to label her. Whether the marriage was approved or not, who would dare mention her marriage to the Emperor again? Wouldn't that be going against Prince Qin? This person seemed to treat her like a bone, rushing to take a bite without any regard for consequences. What a despicable behavior.

Just then, Changpu entered to report, "Miss, there's news from Furui Courtyard. Madam hasn't eaten for two days and insists on seeing the Old Madam."

Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly, "Oh? What did the Old Madam say?"

Changpu's eyes sparkled with vitality as she said confidently, "The Old Madam said, 'Please let Miss come and take a look.'"

Ouyang Nuan raised an eyebrow slightly and said, "Well then, let's go and see."

Furui Courtyard

The gatekeeper greeted them with a fawning expression as they entered. Ouyang Nuan noticed a sudden change in the atmosphere. Madam Lin sat by the bedside, her clothes neat but her face haggard, her gaze cold and sharp.

Upon seeing Ouyang Nuan, she sneered sharply, "Are you here to see if I'm dead or alive? Sorry to disappoint you!"

Ouyang Nuan remained composed and smiled calmly, "A daughter naturally wishes for her mother's longevity, to continue enjoying such blessings."

Madam Lin, whose once almond-shaped eyes now looked sunken and fierce, retorted angrily, "What do you have to be proud of? You've only schemed to frame me!" Growing increasingly agitated, she continued, "Not only that, you've also harmed Ke'er! You're trying to marry her off to Su Yulou, aren't you? Tell me, what do my daughter and I owe you? Why are you treating us like this?" With her anger escalating, Madam Lin suddenly lunged towards Ouyang Nuan, but Changpu swiftly intervened, forcefully pushing her away.

The two maids rushed over and held Madam Lin firmly in place as she continued to struggle, calling Ouyang Nuan a wicked and despicable woman.

It seemed that Li Yiniang had already used Ouyang Ke's marriage to provoke Madam Lin. Ouyang Nuan waved her hand and instructed the others, "Leave only Changpu and Hongyu here. Everyone else, go out."

The mamas exchanged a glance and quickly released Madam Lin before retreating out of the room. Madam Lin, seeming exhausted from her earlier outburst and hunger, struggled to get up, her voice filled with severity, "Ouyang Nuan, tell me, why do you treat us like this?"

Ouyang Nuan shook her head with a smile, the tassels on her golden hairpin jingling softly as she replied, "You still don't understand where you've gone wrong. How my mother died, how Jue fell into the water, who instructed Zhang Wendan to frame me, why Su Yulou ended up at the Ouyang Residence, how the carriage on the official road was ambushed, and how Wang Mama risked her life to falsely accuse me of Ouyang Hao's death. Each of these events is vivid in my memory. You've tried to kill me multiple times, even joking about sacrificing your own son's life. Do you think no one knows about these things?"

Madam Lin's expression changed rapidly, and she retorted disdainfully, "That's because you blocked Ke'er's path. You deserve to die!"

Ouyang Nuan smiled, "Then allow me to return the favor. We're even!"

Madam Lin raised her eyebrows, her breathing heavy, "You think marrying Ke'er off will solve everything? One day, she will avenge me!"

Ouyang Nuan stood before her, speaking softly, "Yes, do you think her marriage to a merchant's son is so simple?"

Madam Lin's left hand tightly gripped her right hand, as if trying to restrain some inexplicable spasm, and she demanded sharply, "What are you trying to say?"

Ouyang Nuan's smile grew even warmer on her face as she continued slowly, "Ke'er is pregnant, didn't Li Yiniang mention it?"

Madam Lin felt as if struck by lightning. Her body began to tremble involuntarily, her gaze at Ouyang Nuan filled with disbelief!

Ouyang Nuan chuckled softly, her laughter pure and genuine, like a light morning cloud. Her expression gradually became calm as she spoke slowly, "And there's something even Li Yiniang doesn't know. This child isn't Young Master Su's. Isn't that interesting?" Ignoring Madam Lin's horrified gaze, Ouyang Nuan sighed softly, "What will happen when Young Master Su discovers his bride isn't pure? Ah, yes, he also is a ready-made father. He should be very happy, shouldn't he?"

Madam Lin's expression reached the pinnacle of rage, almost bordering on madness, her voice filled with intense despair, "You madwoman! Madwoman!"

She raised her hand, a slap about to land on Ouyang Nuan's face, but Ouyang Nuan firmly grasped her wrist, smiling gently, "Mother, you're so impatient. Your daughter hasn't finished speaking yet. This child belongs to the Cao family. Cao Rong will soon perish due to excessive consumption of elixirs. In a few years, if the Cao family discovers there's still a child left behind, what do you think their reaction will be? Once it causes a city-wide uproar, will the Su family still be willing to cover it up for the sake of their reputation?"

Madam Lin, filled with suspicion and fear, desperately tried to free her hand, but Ouyang Nuan's grip only tightened, leaving faint traces of blood on Madam Lin's pale arm. Ouyang Nuan chuckled lightly, but her eyes held a glint of tears and intense hatred.

Madam Lin's face twisted with anger and fear, appearing terrifying, "You're so ruthless..."

Ouyang Nuan sneered repeatedly, "Ruthless? Compared to you, Mother, I'm being quite polite. When you gave birth to Ouyang Hao, you should have died. Yet, I saved you. Do you know why?"

In those eyes, Madam Lin saw a deep-seated resentment.

Ouyang Nuan spoke each word deliberately, "Because I want you to witness with your own eyes your beloved daughter step by step into hell, watch her joyfully embrace destruction. I'm sure, Mother, you'll be very happy, very happy... Isn't this the most delightful thing in the world?"

Madam Lin's horrifying scream echoed over the Furui Hall. Servants exchanged glances but kept moving, not daring to look any longer.

"Mother, you should rest well. Your presence is still needed at your daughter's wedding!"

Madam Lin struggled violently, reaching out her left hand as if to grab Ouyang Nuan's skirt. However, after a few futile attempts, her hand fell weakly. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Trying to stand up, she found herself unable to move half of her body.

Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly, "Mother, you haven't eaten in these past few days, but you've been drinking water, haven't you? Perhaps you've had quite a lot of it."

"Water... water..." Madam Lin's voice couldn't escape her throat no matter how loudly she tried to speak.

"Don't worry. How could I harm you, Mother? It's just that Li Yiniang noticed your poor health and paid a little more attention to you. Maybe she just forgot that Aunt Yi from the Marquis's residence died of a stroke. So, in this water..." Ouyang Nuan looked down at Madam Lin and smiled lightly. "Of course, I wouldn't watch you die. I'll even give you a special gift later."

As she spoke, she glanced at Hongyu, who opened the door, and the two entered one after the other.

Their green vests and moon-white clothes caught Madam Lin's eyes. When she saw their faces clearly, her pupils shrank involuntarily, as if she had seen ghosts.

"Qiu Yue needs no introduction, of course. The other is Ning Xiang, Sister Zhou's younger sister. Don't they look alike? They could almost be twins," Ouyang Nuan said with a smile, as cold as sunlight on ice. "From now on, they will accompany you here, taking care of you day and night, never leaving your side."

•••

**A Note From the Author**

People often ask me why the female protagonist spared Madam Lin's life. They say that when you strike a snake, you should kill it.

However, I believe keeping Madam Lin alive to make snake soup out of her would be even more satisfying, wouldn't it?

PS: This is how the female protagonist deals with enemies. Because they are mortal enemies, whether it's Madam Lin or Ouyang Ke in power, the female protagonist's fate would be equally grim. Asking the female protagonist to show mercy is impossible. Some may find her cold, terrifying, malicious, selfish, and unlikeable, but I like her.

(*^__^*) Hehe...

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