Chapter 108 ROTNDOAHRF

FlamingoBees

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

Rebirth of the Noble Daughter of a High Ranking Family

Chapter 108:

Beauty Bathes, Assassin Visits

Since Xiao Yan left the capital, in just two short months, the situation in the capital not only did not improve but even continued to deteriorate.

"Prince Ming went west to quell the rebellion, the little Crown Prince went to manage the waterways out of the capital, the Crown Prince had an unexpected fall from his horse, the Grand Prince Yan suddenly encountered an assassination attempt... Prince Zhou angered the Emperor and was confined to his residence..." Ouyang Nuan listed one event after another, recounting the recent upheavals with a chilling sense of dread.

© 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.

Though reluctant, she had to admit the adversary's tactics were indeed sophisticated. Each move seemed to tread dangerously close to the edge, leaving others bewildered before they could even react. Such calculated maneuvers, such manipulation of hearts and minds—who was pulling the strings behind the scenes?

Perhaps this was the true chaos, with each person setting their own plans in motion. Although she didn't know the extent of what the Grand Qin Prince had prepared, one thing was certain: if true chaos were to descend upon the capital, it would be akin to stepping into an abyss, with no turning back.

"Miss, the bathwater is ready," the servant announced.

Ouyang Nuan was startled by the remark before regaining her composure. "Alright, bring it in."

Two servants lowered their heads as they carried the wooden tub, silver-trimmed, into the corridor. Four maids took over and carried it into the room, where an oiled cloth had already been laid out. With gentle movements, they placed the tub down. Carved on the tub was the delicate pattern of sea hibiscus, exuding elegance and refinement. Changpu slowly poured hot water from the bucket into the tub, filling the room with a quiet fragrance, interrupted only by the sound of water gushing into the tub.

Hongyu, accompanied by several other senior maids, stood nearby holding a tray of bathing cloths and soap nuts. Deep down, Ouyang Nuan had always harbored a deep-seated fear of water, perhaps a memory from a previous life. Except for that one year when she jumped into the water to save her little brother, she rarely dared to approach the lakeside. She dared not tell anyone about her fear, let alone let anyone discover it. She always suppressed it, not wanting anyone to notice.

"You all may leave now. I can manage by myself," Ouyang Nuan instructed Hongyu.

Hongyu had long been aware of Ouyang Nuan's habit of bathing alone. With a respectful acknowledgment, she replied, "We'll be right outside the door, Miss. Just give us any orders if you need anything."

Though it was winter, the room was heated by silver-threaded charcoal, and the steam from the hot water rose warmly. Beads of sweat formed involuntarily on Ouyang Nuan's forehead. She was about to remove her outer garment when a hand covered her mouth.

"Don't speak!" came a man's voice, deliberately lowered, with hints of restrained breaths. The hand covering her lips felt damp and sticky, carrying a strange odor. "It's me!"

"Prince Ming?!" Ouyang Nuan's heart suddenly skipped a beat. She forcefully pushed away the hand covering her mouth, sensing a strange taste of blood in her mouth. Surprised, she turned around to see Xiao Zhonghua, his brow furrowed, his expression stern. She couldn't help but exclaim softly, "How did you..."

But then, she froze!

Xiao Zhonghua wore a narrow-sleeved casual attire, which made his tall figure even more slender. However, he exuded an unusual air of casualness, with his full head of black hair not tied up with jade hairpins but left loose, appearing rather unkempt. This was a stark contrast to his usual calm and composed demeanor.

At this moment, he covered his left shoulder with his hand, lowering his voice. "I'm sorry for startling you." He released his hand from his shoulder, revealing a wound that tore through his clothes, displaying a shocking crimson.

"You're injured?!" Ouyang Nuan exclaimed in horror. Xiao Zhonghua nodded.

Without further ado, Ouyang Nuan helped him quickly deal with the injury and carefully wiped away the bloodstains that had inadvertently gotten on her face. To be honest, she was genuinely concerned about Xiao Zhonghua's well-being. Not only because he had repeatedly extended his help to her, but also because his presence held significant importance in the political landscape of the capital, affecting the Crown Prince and the Zhenguo Marquis Mansion. Therefore, she couldn't just stand by and watch him die here.

"There's no golden sore medicine here, so I can only do a simple dressing," Ouyang Nuan said.

"It's okay, it's my fault," Xiao Zhonghua's voice carried a hint of apology.

Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly, "If you waited for me to undress before speaking, then you would have something to apologize for."

Xiao Zhonghua was momentarily taken aback, his expression faltering as he lowered his gaze, unsure of how to respond.

Ouyang Nuan took a deep breath. He was hiding in her boudoir. She wasn't without anger, but she also understood that the Warm Pavilion was the safest and quietest place in the Ouyang residence. Only here would he be less likely to be discovered. Moreover, if he went elsewhere, no one would dare to take him in.

However, she was still a young lady from a noble family. Just a moment ago, she was preparing to bathe. If she hadn't asked the others to leave, he wouldn't have shown himself. It was embarrassing to be seen in such a state. Nevertheless, she could endure it. She suppressed her displeasure and said, "Your Highness, please don't misunderstand. I don't mean anything else... "

"Just what are you doing coming back here in such good health? Do you know what fate awaits a general who returns to the capital without authorization? If news of this reaches the Emperor's ears..."

Xiao Zhonghua paused slightly before truthfully replying, "I've been in Linzhou for a month now, and I haven't received any news from the capital. On the surface, everything seems as calm as ever. But the calmer it appears, the more suspicious it becomes, doesn't it? And there are constantly people around me who are eager to act, each wanting to seize my life. If this is happening even when I'm far away, it can only mean that the situation in the capital is even more tense!"

Though these words were simple, they pointed out a fact.

After giving it some thought, Ouyang Nuan suddenly remembered another crucial point and couldn't help but ask, "By the way, how did you enter the city? Nowadays, the guards at all the gates of the capital have changed quite a bit. Aren't you afraid of being recognized by them?"

"I have my ways. Even though the Prince of Qin may control the capital, he doesn't have absolute power," Xiao Zhonghua replied, his voice carrying a hint of warmth. "Don't worry, I sneaked in on a cart through the West Huamen Gate. Everything was going smoothly until I went to visit my father at the Mansion, and that's when the news leaked out, leading to my pursuit."

Ouyang Nuan nodded, then couldn't help but ask, "Is Prince Yan seriously injured?"

Her serious demeanor bloomed like an orchid, causing him to momentarily lose focus. He couldn't help but say, "It's serious. That sword nearly pierced his heart."

How serious is it? Is he unable to get up anymore, or is he on the brink of death? Ouyang Nuan wanted to ask clearly. But she knew now wasn't the time for detailed questions. Glancing back at the quiet door, she finally made up her mind: "There are probably many eyes watching the Prince's residence, the Marquis's residence, and even my place. And Prince Qin must already know about your return to the capital. There's likely to be an immediate citywide search. You can't stay here. We must find a way to get you out!"

"Miss Ouyang's kindness is indeed admirable, willing to take such risks to save me," Xiao Zhonghua gazed at her for a moment, speaking frankly.

Ouyang Nuan shook her head with a sigh. "If I were born in an ordinary family, I wouldn't have encountered such life-and-death matters for no reason. I just hope that the Marquis will have good luck, so I don't end up losing my life for nothing."

"That's natural. Miss, your kindness tonight will be remembered by me," Xiao Zhonghua responded.

Their eyes met, hers filled with worry, his gaze steady. If possible, Ouyang Nuan would prefer not to be involved in such matters. But in this situation, could she afford to act alone? Qin Wang was currently just waiting for the right moment. When the time comes, how would he treat the Prince's residence? How would he treat the Marquis's residence? Even if he had no grudge against the Ouyang family, what about Lin Wenyuan and her, Ouyang Nuan? That would certainly not end well!

Just then, several people had already broken into the Ouyang residence.

The steward Sun, upon hearing the ridicule, hurriedly led people to the door, only to see a troop of soldiers in the garden, appearing at some point. The leading man had a cold and stern face, towering in stature, with a long scar running down his left cheek, giving him a fierce and menacing appearance. His soldiers were arguing with the maids guarding the garden gate, and from their tone, it seemed they intended to search the garden.

Steward Sun approached with a furrowed brow. "Who do you think you are? Open your eyes wide and see clearly! This is the residence of the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Justice, not a place for your wild antics! If you don't leave now, be prepared for our master to report this to the Emperor and have you punished!"

The leading officer snorted coldly and signaled to his men. Immediately, two soldiers came forward and grabbed Sun. Sun was stunned for a moment, about to call for the guards nearby to rescue him. But before he could speak, his mouth was covered, and he was bound and thrown to the ground.

The officer said coldly, "We are ordered to apprehend an assassin. Anyone who dares to obstruct will be killed without mercy!"

Hearing the commotion outside, Hongyu frowned involuntarily and asked Changpu, "What's going on outside?"

Changpu hesitated for a moment, then reacted, "I'll go out and take a look!"

"No, something seems off. Wait and see what's happening first!" Fang Mama waved her hand.

Just then, a voice outside faintly shouted, "Search thoroughly! The person must be here!"

Then another voice chimed in, sounding ingratiating, "General, I saw clearly earlier. That person climbed over the wall into the backyard of this house! It's only been a short while; he could not have gotten far!"

In the distance came a commotion, "Caught him, caught him! Quickly tie him up!" "Let's go! Move fast!" The officer shouted loudly, "Bring the person over here!" His voice was filled with joy.

Inside the house, Ouyang Nuan suddenly stood up and looked at Xiao Zhonghua, "You're not alone?"

Xiao Zhonghua shook his head, lowering his voice, "No, they didn't catch my people."

Ouyang Nuan frowned, then heard someone outside shout, "Get out of the way! This isn't the person we're looking for! Search again! Leave no room unchecked!"

"Stop!" Ouyang Zhi's rebuke came, followed by Ouyang Jue's voice, "Bold! You dare to intrude into our home and cause trouble. Are you trying to rebel?"

The leading officer said coldly, "Sorry, even if this is a royal mansion, it can't withstand the decree of the Emperor! If your family harbors assassins and deceives the Emperor, it's a capital offense!"

"You keep mentioning the Emperor's decree, then where is it? Where is this decree?" Ouyang Jue retorted coldly.

"This is the decree of the Emperor!" The officer's voice was unwavering.

"Insolent!" Ouyang Zhi exploded, "Who do you think you are?! Which battalion are you from?! Who is Shang Zheng?! Who gave you the audacity to falsely claim an imperial decree with just a few men?! You dare intrude into my courtyard, fabricate false accusations out of thin air! What? Are you trying to frame loyal subjects or set up innocent people?!"

The officer seemed momentarily at a loss for words, feeling somewhat embarrassed under Ouyang Zhi's stern reprimand. His arrogant tone softened, "Master Ouyang, I am under the command of Prince Qin to search the city for assassins. Every household on this street has been searched, even the residence of the Prime Minister was not spared. Why make things difficult for us? If you have any complaints, take them up with Prince Qin!"

"You—" Ouyang Zhi was momentarily speechless.

Beside him, Ouyang Jue sneered and interjected, "If this is indeed the order of Prince Qin, why isn't he leading the troops himself? You're clearly afraid of being exposed, hence all this nonsense! Furthermore, even if you are under Prince Qin's command, you have no authority to search the homes of government officials. If you truly intend to search, present the imperial decree!"

"The imperial decree is right here!" At this deadlock, a person dressed in official robes arrived gracefully. Ouyang Zhi turned to look and immediately furrowed his brow, "Brother Lin."

The newcomer was none other than Lin Wenyuan, the Minister of War. He respectfully gestured to a eunuch beside him, who then proceeded to read out the emperor's decree. Ouyang Zhi's expression darkened with each passing moment, but he couldn't erupt in anger. Instead, he forced a smile and said, "So it is indeed the Emperor's will."

"Don't take offense, Brother Ouyang. I'm just sharing the burden for His Majesty! With the recent assassination attempt on Prince Yan, His Majesty has been restless. He ordered the citywide hunt for the assassin, and someone happened to inform that they spotted the assassin on this street. Prince Qin immediately sought an audience with His Majesty to request this decree, all in the pursuit of finding the real culprit. I advise you to step aside." Lin Wenyuan waved the imperial decree in his hand.

Ouyang Zhi's smile carried a hint of suspicion, but he still took a step back. "Then please proceed. But let me make one thing clear beforehand: if you can't find anything—"

"I will naturally apologize to Brother Ouyang for any inconvenience caused!" Lin Wenyuan interrupted sharply, waving his hand.

Soon, the soldiers searched every corner. The lead officer reported back to Lin Wenyuan, "No one was found."

Lin Wenyuan's face, previously filled with a smug smile, suddenly turned grim and calculating. However, he seemed to notice something amiss, and his sharp, penetrating gaze revealed a hint of darkness. He paced a few steps seemingly nonchalantly and then casually inquired, "Brother Ouyang, are there any places left to search?"

Ouyang Zhi frowned, "This mansion isn't that big. What other places could there be left unchecked? Or do you suspect there are secret passages or hidden rooms in my house? If you do, feel free to search."

"Hahaha..." Lin Wenyuan chuckled, "You're quite the joker. Secret passages, hidden rooms... I never thought about that. But it seems Miss Ouyang's courtyard hasn't been searched yet."

"Uncle, what you're saying is really inappropriate!" Ouyang Jue suddenly frowned, interrupting him. "According to Uncle, if you can't find anyone here, you'll just barge into my sister's room?! Hmph... How can you casually intrude into a young lady's chamber? What kind of logic is that?"

"I will naturally restrain my subordinates and ensure they do not disturb Nuan'er!" Lin Wenyuan replied coldly.

"Father, you can't let them act recklessly! If Sister gets frightened by them, we won't be able to explain it to the Grand Princess!" Ouyang Jue reminded.

"Yes, Nuan'er is still an unmarried girl. If I let you do this, I won't have the face to go out and see people tomorrow!" Ouyang Zhi, unusually resolute, not only because he cherished Nuan'er like a treasure now, fearing that damaging her reputation would affect her future marriage, but also because Nuan'er was currently the Princess of Yong'an, and any inadvertent mistake could offend the Grand Princess! So he firmly said, "That's enough! Please leave immediately!"

Lin Wenyuan showed a hint of surprise on his face. He hadn't expected Ouyang Zhi, who had always been soft, to be so firm this time.

The lead officer was General Zuo Li, under the command of the Prince of Qin. He whispered to Lin Wenyuan, "Lord Minister, the Prince of Qin has strictly ordered today that we must see either the person or the corpse. If we return empty-handed like this, we won't be able to justify it!"

Lin Wenyuan frowned, glanced at Ouyang Zhi for a moment, weighed the pros and cons, then sneered and gestured to the soldiers, "Go in and search! I don't believe he can escape anywhere!"

"Who dares!" Ouyang Jue stood in front of the entrance to the Nuan's Pavilion.

Lin Wenyuan signaled, and Zou Li coldly said, "Young Master Ouyang, you're being disrespectful!"

Ouyang Jue stared coldly at him, showing no intention of giving way. Zou Li drew his long sword and swung it towards Ouyang Jue. Ouyang Jue, without any weapons on him, quickly grabbed a knife from the belt of a nearby soldier and blocked Zou Li's sword!

In the blink of an eye, the two were already engaged in combat! Zou Li had initially thought Ouyang Jue was just a pampered young man, but he didn't expect Ouyang Jue's martial arts to be no weaker than his own, and even more agile. The only drawback was his lack of combat experience. After a few rounds, Ouyang Jue's arm was injured, but he became even more serious, showing no intention of backing down!

Ouyang Jue, seeing Zou Li pressing relentlessly, couldn't help but harden his heart and mercilessly strike down at Zou Li!

Suddenly, a sharp cold wind swept towards Zou Li.

He quickly dodged, but still felt a sharp pain on his forehead as something pierced it, causing him to break out in a cold sweat. He covered his forehead and stepped back, realizing that a small piece of his scalp had been sliced off by Ouyang Jue. If Ouyang Jue's blade had deviated even slightly, his head would have been chopped in half by this inexperienced young man! The intensity of the killing intent made even Zou Li, who had come down from the battlefield, feel shocked.

He had underestimated this delicate young man who seemed like fine jade in golden attire! Who would have thought that this delicate young man, when provoked, would fight as if he had no regard for his own life!

"Ouyang Jue, are you defying the imperial decree?!" Lin Wenyuan, seeing the situation turning unfavorable, sternly reprimanded.

Ouyang Zhi, fearing his son would be injured, hurriedly went up to restrain him. "You little beast, stop it now!"

Ouyang Jue stared at the imperial decree in Lin Wenyuan's hand, unconsciously clenching his fist, a strong killing intent flashing in his pitch-black eyes. Lin Wenyuan couldn't help but feel alarmed by how terrifying this kid had become. He spoke with a severe tone, "Everyone, go in and search!"

At that moment, Ouyang Nuan'er decisively removed the jade bodhisattva from her hair bun and took off her outer garment, leaving only a duduo and a thin silk underskirt. She coldly ordered Xiao Zhonghua, "Hide!"

At the same time, she called out, "Hongyu, Changpu, come in!" Then, she quickly went down into the water.

Hongyu and Changpu exchanged a glance, swiftly entered the room, and promptly closed the door.

Outside, Zou Li sneered coldly at Ouyang Jue and led the way into the listening pavilion. The mothers and maidservants in the courtyard looked at him with shocked expressions. Zou Li remained expressionless, striding purposefully towards the main hall.

At this moment, the door was tightly closed, and there was no sound except for the faint rustling of footsteps, making the atmosphere incredibly quiet. The subtle fragrance lingering in the air added to the indescribable sense of tranquility.

Zou Li proceeded with utmost caution; he knew that the woman inside was of high status. Therefore, he showed extra respect and bowed before the door, announcing loudly, "I am here to conduct a search in accordance with the decree. Please forgive the intrusion, Miss."

"What audacious person dares to intrude into Miss' chamber?" A woman's voice rang out sharply as she burst through the door. "How dare you trespass into a young lady's private quarters?"

In a fleeting glance, Zou Li only caught sight of a slender figure darting behind a delicate screen. Changpu had already rushed out from the room, blocking his line of sight, and snarled, "Who do you think you are, acting so presumptuously?"

In that moment, inside the room, Ouyang Nuan had hastily thrown on her outer garment, but her hair remained damp and disheveled.

"Apologies, Miss," Zou Li ignored the fierce maid in front of him, instead raising his voice to address the occupants of the room. "Miss, please step aside and allow us to search the premises."

Ouyang Nuan sneered. With a push, she swung the door wide open, letting in a rush of cold air that tousled her damp locks against her face.

The maids and servants in the courtyard were shocked and immediately knelt down. Fang Mama hurriedly exclaimed, "Miss, how could you come out to meet such people!"

"Kneel before the Princess of Yong'an!" Changpu scolded loudly.

In the courtyard stood several armored men with swords at their hips. Zou Li, upon seeing Ouyang Nuan, was stunned into silence. He seemed unaware of the need to lower his head in deference, his gaze fixed directly on her face. After a moment, he snapped out of his trance and was the first to kneel, followed by the others who knelt behind him, their iron armor emitting a chilling gleam and producing a dreadful scraping sound.

Ouyang Nuan, far from being angry, smiled coldly and asked, "May I ask, General, whom do you intend to investigate?"

"I am ordered to investigate the assassin who attempted to murder the Prince of Yan," Zou Li replied. For some reason, he felt a sense of inferiority in front of Ouyang Nuan, causing him to furrow his brow and soften his tone, no longer as assertive as before.

Ouyang Nuan chuckled lightly and said, "The assassination attempt on the Prince of Yan occurred half a month ago. The assassin likely left the city long ago. How did they end up in my courtyard? Are you suspecting that the assassin has some connection to me, or do you believe that this assassination attempt was orchestrated by the Grand Princess herself?"

The man blushed deeply and bowed deeply, "Princess, forgive me, I had no such intention!"

"No such intention? If you had no such intention, then why did you enter this courtyard armed with swords? Were you planning to kill someone in front of me?" Ouyang Nuan said, noticing Lin Wenyuan entering the courtyard. "Or perhaps my uncle intended for these men to barge into the house and tarnish my reputation!"

Lin Wenyuan was taken aback to see Ouyang Nuan's wet hair, clearly not expecting her to have just finished bathing. He felt embarrassed and gave Zou Li a stern look, then awkwardly smiled, "Nuan, were you frightened? Rest assured, we only intend to apprehend the culprit. We won't disturb you."

Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly, a cold gleam flashing in her eyes. "Uncle, there is no one in my house that you seek. Yet you insist on barging into each courtyard, disturbing the privacy of the family. Tell me, what does this culprit look like? Tall or short, fat or thin? You'd better be clear, down to every mole! Otherwise, you might just grab any servant in the yard and claim they are the assassin, then accuse me of harboring a criminal. I cannot afford to bear such accusations! And if you go further and actually kill someone you claim to be the assassin, there will be no evidence. My entire family will be accused of collusion in the assassination! It's puzzling to me. Uncle, you hold a high position of power, why go through all this trouble? Why not trust even your own niece? It will only make us a laughingstock."

This remark truly hurt Lin Wenyuan's feelings, his face darkening with anger. Unable to contain himself, he scolded, "Nuan, watch your words! I'm just following the imperial decree without any personal agenda. Don't make baseless accusations!"

"Is that so?" Ouyang Nuan smiled lightly, "The Emperor is currently ill, yet these people forcibly intrude into my residence. I simply want to ask, was the decree issued before their intrusion, or did they act before the decree? If they entered the residence before the decree was issued, then it's a blatant disregard for military discipline. Can Uncle bear such accusations?"

Ouyang Nuan's guess was correct. The decree had just been issued by the Prince of Qin, but Zou Li, fearing that Xiao Zhonghua might escape, had already entered the residence ahead of time. Lin Wenyuan was momentarily stunned by her question, then chuckled, "Regardless, the decree from His Majesty has been issued. Nuan'er, are you questioning the decree?"

Ouyang Nuan replied coldly, "Resistance to the decree leads to death. If we don't clarify this matter and allow these people to barge into my boudoir, tarnishing my reputation, I will still be too ashamed to face anyone. It's a dead end either way. Since that's the case, what is there to fear?"

This time, Lin Wen was furious. "You...!" he began, but Zou Li stepped forward and stopped him, casting a glance at Ouyang Jue, who was coldly watching them from the side, and then at Ouyang Nuan, whose expression remained calm.

Their demeanor hinted that they were not concerned about catching anyone; they just felt ashamed to search a woman's chambers in this manner. This left him uncertain. Perhaps they truly came up empty-handed this time. But hadn't the scouts said they had forced someone here? Or were the Ouyang family members just putting on an act?

At that moment, Ouyang Nuan subtly stepped aside and calmly remarked, "If Uncle really insists on searching, then go ahead. But when you find nothing, I will truthfully report everything to the Grand Princess. Even if it causes a commotion and reaches His Majesty, I believe Mother will ensure justice for me!"

The standoff was momentarily interrupted by a voice filled with sarcasm. "What's going on here?" it said.

Zou Li paused, then knelt down and greeted, "Greetings, Your Highness!"

"What greetings!" Xiao Tianye, dusty and disheveled as if just dismounted from a horse, cracked his whip in the air. "What's all this commotion here?" he demanded, lifting Zou Li by the collar, noticing the blood on his head and the missing patch of scalp. Enraged, he exclaimed, "Didn't I give orders? No one is allowed to barge in here! Do you all take my words for granted?!"

Zou Li, fearful, glanced at him and stammered, "Your Highness, calm down. It's Prince Qin... he... he..." He glanced at Lin Wen, who immediately put on a smile and interjected, "Your Highness, we're just following orders."

“Following orders? My father instructed you to search for assassins, yet you come here causing a ruckus in front of Princess Yong'an. Have you no respect for hierarchy and authority?” Xiao Tianye thundered.

"We were informed by an anonymous report that the assassin was here. It was His Majesty's decree to investigate," Lin Wen struggled to explain.

"Investigate? With so many of you here, glaring like hawks, is it investigation or intimidation?" Xiao Tianye's anger flared, and he lashed out at Zou Li with his whip. "Assassin? What assassin? Why haven't I heard anything about this?" he demanded.

Zou Li, struck by the whip, trembled with fear but immediately bowed his head and pleaded, "It's the assassin who attempted on Prince Yan's life. I didn't have the chance to inform you, your highness... It's my negligence. Please forgive me!"

Ouyang Nuan stood on the steps, her voice calm. "There's no need for anger, Your Highness. General Li intended to investigate for the assassin on this street. When they arrived at my courtyard, my maidservant informed them I was bathing. However, they disregarded it and attempted to force their way in. It was only because of my brother's concern for my reputation that he intervened. Later, my uncle brought the imperial decree, and they entered my courtyard. However, as a young maiden, it's inappropriate to allow a group of unfamiliar men into my premises, which is why I stopped them. It seems that General Li and my uncle were unaware that this was my residence, hence the misunderstanding."

Xiao Tianye paused, looking at her. Ouyang Nuan returned his gaze, her beautiful eyes slightly raised, enhanced by her long, thick eyelashes, resembling the night sky. Her fair face held a hint of blush, perhaps from the bath. Xiao Tianye's gaze, filled with heat and confusion, fell upon her face, and for a moment, he felt as if he was witnessing peach blossoms blooming under a clear blue sky, petals fluttering around. He had only seen her serene beauty before, never this alluring charm. He felt a momentary infatuation.

"Very well," Xiao Tianye sighed deeply, his tone still somber. "Since it was a misunderstanding caused by General Li's oversight, we'll let it go for today. General Li, apologize to the Princess and return."

Zou Li clenched his teeth almost to the point of breaking them, bowing his head. "I, as a young and impulsive subordinate, beg for the forgiveness of Your Highness."

Ouyang Nuan looked at him indifferently, neither confirming nor denying his request.

Xiao Tianye stared coldly at Lin Wenyuan. "Minister Lin, even if my father granted the decree to apprehend someone, it doesn't include the Ministry of War's participation, does it? Do you have nothing better to do than meddle in this matter?"

Lin Wenyuan's expression darkened, but constrained by Xiao Tianye's status, he dared not react strongly. Instead, he wore a benign smile and said, "It's all a misunderstanding... just a misunderstanding! My dear Xiao Tianye, please don't be angry. I just happened to stumble upon this matter in order to alleviate His Majesty's concerns." Then, he turned around and added, "Everyone, let's all return now."

Even as he spoke, his gaze lingered on Ouyang Nuan's room, attempting to peer inside.

Ouyang Nuan no longer paid them any heed, directly instructing Hongyu, "Go and inquire everywhere, find out if anyone is injured, if any valuable items have been damaged! Check if grandmother has been disturbed, and how much damage has been done! See if there's anything that needs repairing!"

Upon hearing this, Ouyang Jue couldn't help but cover his mouth and chuckle.

"Yes!" Hongyu responded promptly and left.

Ouyang Nuan noticed Lin Wenyuan's immediate change in expression at her words, and couldn't help but sneer. "Uncle seems to be aware of the compensation matters..."

Lin Wenyuan broke into a cold sweat, saying, "Oh dear, it's getting late. I should return to report to the Crown Prince. I'll come bother you another day!" With that, he abandoned the others and hurriedly left.

Xiao Tianye chuckled as he looked at Ouyang Nuan, only to hear her say, "Prince, please leave. I won't see you off." She then turned around and stepped into her room, the door closing firmly behind her.

Due to the last sentence from Ouyang Nuan, Xiao Tianye was even more furious. As he walked out of the Ouyang residence, he was still boiling with anger. Mounting his horse, he cast a cold glance at Zou Li.

Zou Li's scalp tingled with fear, and he stepped forward, saying, "Your Highness, my army camp is not far from here. Why don't you rest there for a while?"

"Not going anywhere!" Xiao Tianye lashed out with his whip, striking Zou Li across the face. "Back to the Prince of Qin's residence!"

•••

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Chapter 108 ROTNDOAHRF

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