Ouyang Nuan gently pushed the window open a crack and looked outside. In the courtyard, the ironwood tree stood proudly in full bloom. Its flowers were cylindrical, resembling corn cobs, layered upon one another in a brilliant golden hue, exceptionally beautiful.

Today, she had used this ironwood tree to lure Old Madam Li over, aiming to obtain power from her in a clear and undeniable manner. At the same time, she wanted to sow dissatisfaction toward Lin Wanru in both Old Madam Li’s and Ouyang Zhi’s hearts. Judging by the current outcome, her plan had been somewhat effective.

Ouyang Jue came running over, his footsteps thudding against the ground. “Sister, don’t be angry. It’s not worth it for those petty people!”

Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly. “I have never been angry because of them. Jue’er, today I let you watch how I dealt with these people because I want you to understand that no matter how insolent the servants are, they are still just servants. Their life and death can be decided with a single word from their master. When you hold power in your hands, everyone will fear you. But if you are too lenient and kind-hearted, these people will all climb over your head. Over time, you— the master— will instead become their servant, unknowingly being led by them.”

“Mm!” Ouyang Jue listened carefully, half-understanding, half-confused.

Using such thunderous methods to deal with a few servants was something the Ouyang Nuan of her past life would never have done. Back then, she had been kind and sincere, sympathizing with them for their hardships. But when she had fallen into misfortune, aside from Nanny Fang and Hongyu, these very same people had all turned on her, kicking her while she was down. Not a single one had spared her even a sliver of sympathy.

Ouyang Nuan smiled slightly. “From now on, everything in this courtyard must follow proper rules. The maids must carry out their duties according to the regulations. Do you understand?”

Ouyang Jue looked at the sheet of paper Hongyu had laid out, filled with meticulously detailed rules, and his eyes widened. “Sister, you didn’t come up with this on the spot— you planned this long ago!”

Ouyang Nuan reached out and tapped his little forehead with her finger. “You little fool!”

By doing this today, she was openly declaring war on Lin Wanru. That woman was deep and calculating. She certainly wouldn’t take this lying down. Although Ouyang Zhi was currently furious, it wouldn’t take long for Lin Wanru’s sweet words to soothe him again.

But this was just the beginning.

If she remembered correctly, Ouyang Manor would soon be welcoming an unexpected guest— a terrible news for Lin Wanru.

────ρя


From then on, Ouyang Nuan visited Old Madam Li every day without fail.

On this particular day, as soon as she arrived, Old Madam Li greeted her warmly, “Come quickly and meet your aunt ^[1]father’s female cousin via female line.”

Ouyang Nuan took a closer look. Sitting beside Old Madam Li was indeed a beauty, around seventeen or eighteen years old. The other party’s hair was styled into a delicate fallen horse bun, with her long black hair casually draped behind her. A simple silver floral filigree hairpin adorned her bun, complementing the teardrop earrings she wore. Dressed in a soft goose-yellow jacket and skirt, she resembled a lively and graceful thrush.

Ever since the last incident, Old Madam Li’s attitude toward Ouyang Nuan and Ouyang Ke had noticeably changed. When Ouyang Nuan arrived, Nanny Zhang hurriedly instructed a maid to bring over a high-backed wooden chair with thick cotton padding and placed it close to the heated brick bed. “Eldest Miss, Old Madam has been thinking about you!”

Ouyang Nuan smiled gently and said, “Nanny Zhang, I heard that Grandmother has a fairy-like beauty by her side, so I came especially to take a look and bask in some of her divine presence.”

Her words immediately made Old Madam Li and the beauty laugh. Old Madam Litook the young woman’s hand and introduced her warmly, “You always know just what to say. This is my cousin’s^[2]younger male cousin daughter— your aunt. Hurry and greet her properly!”

An aunt so young was indeed rare. However, Ouyang Nuan did not find it awkward in the least and affectionately called out, “Aunt.”

Li Yue’e curiously observed this eldest daughter of the Ouyang family.

In her past life, Ouyang Nuan remembered that this aunt had been born into a scholarly family. Li Yue’e’s father, Old Madam Li‘s distant cousin, had not only passed the imperial examination but also ran a private academy. Unfortunately, within two years, both of Li Yue’e’s parents had passed away. Though it was said she had come to visit her aunt, in truth, she was an orphan with nowhere else to go. Back then, she had never been favored by Lin Wanru. And sure enough, within half a year, Lin Wanru had schemed to marry her off.

But now, Ouyang Nuan welcomed this unexpected guest with open arms.

Before they could exchange many words, Lin Wanru arrived with Ouyang Ke in tow. These days, Old Madam Li always treated her coldly, yet Lin Wanru still came every day without fail, maintaining her affectionate and composed demeanor. Ouyang Nuan couldn’t help but sneer inwardly. To be reprimanded so openly and still act as though nothing had happened— Lin Wanru was truly not to be underestimated.

Seeing them enter, Old Madam Li merely said indifferently, “Sit.”

But Lin Wanru did not sit. Instead, she personally took the fruit platter from Nanny Zhang and placed it on the small black lacquered inlaid table beside the brick bed. She then turned around to take the tea from the maid’s hands.

Li Yue’e smiled sweetly. “Sister, let me do it.”

It was merely a polite remark— after all, there were plenty of maids, and the tea was always handed over properly. There was no real hardship involved. Li Yue’e’s gesture was simply an attempt to gain favor with Lin Wanru, hoping for an easier life under her roof.

However, the moment she spoke, Old Madam Li‘s face darkened. She said coldly to Lin Wanru, “You are of noble status. Don’t tire yourself out on my account, it’s not worth it. You should go and rest.”

Lin Wanru’s smile stiffened. Though she was being reprimanded for no reason, she had to force a smile and say, “Mother, you don’t have to be so concerned about me. I’m not tired at all.”

“Then all the more reason for you to leave.” Old Madam Lisaid coldly, her anger deepening. “Lest you tire yourself out and have no energy to manage the household properly. If the servants become unruly, wouldn’t it seem as if I don’t care for my daughter-in-law? You should go.”

A surge of frustration rose in Lin Wanru’s chest, nearly choking her. She had busied herself tirelessly yet gained no gratitude— worse, she had attracted her mother-in-law’s displeasure. And now, she was being scolded in front of her stepdaughter and an outsider. How was she supposed to maintain her dignity? How could she still be the mistress of the Ouyang family?!

Leaving felt humiliating, but staying was even worse.

Sensing her predicament, Ouyang Ke quickly stepped forward to support her mother. “Mother, since Grandmother insists, why don’t you rest for a while?”

Ouyang Nuan added softly, “Yes, Mother, Ke’er is right. With me here to serve Grandmother, what is there for you to worry about?”

Lin Wanru looked at Ouyang Nuan and forced a smile. “Then I’ll trouble Nuan’er to take care of things.” Holding back her resentment, she withdrew.

As Ouyang Ke lifted the curtain for her mother, she shot Ouyang Nuan a glare full of anger. However, Ouyang Nuan merely smiled slightly and said, “Ke’er, don’t forget the Yingshan Yunwu tea you promised me.”

With a sharp snap, the curtain fell, startling Li Yue’e.

────ρя


As they were leaving Old Madam Li‘s courtyard, Ouyang Nuan suddenly called out, “Aunt, Grandmother mentioned that you’re skilled in embroidery. Would you come to my courtyard and give me some guidance?”

Li Yue’e was momentarily stunned.

At that moment, Ouyang Nuan’s hair was adorned with a ruby magpie-and-plum blossom hairpin. She wore a light almond-colored brocade jacket trimmed with rose-red satin and lined with gray squirrel fur— elegant and extravagant. Her radiant smile shone as she looked at Li Yue’e.

Unable to refuse, Li Yue’e hesitated for a moment before saying, “Alright.”

Ouyang Nuan’s smile deepened.

Since Lin Wanru had no enemies, Ouyang Nuan would create one for her. Wouldn’t it be delightful to give her something to worry about?