Shou’an Hall

Old Madam Li sat in the main hall with a solemn expression. Below her sat Ouyang Zhi, who, upon seeing her displeased expression, felt a wave of nervousness.

“Mother, tonight’s incident was utterly disgraceful. Rest assured, I will ensure that Zhang Wending is severely punished and restore the reputation of our Ouyang family!”

“Reputation? Is there even any left to speak of?!” Old Madam Li was furious, slamming the table hard before letting out a sudden cough. Seeing that she had spoken too hastily, Nanny Zhang immediately brought a teacup to Old Madam Li’s lips while gently patting her back.

Ouyang Zhi became even more flustered at the sight, anxiously saying, “Mother, please take care of yourself. Whatever you instruct, your son will obey!”

“I originally thought that over the years, you had grown more seasoned in handling matters and thus let you make your own decisions. Who would have thought you would entrust everything in the household to Lin Wanru, allowing chaos to run rampant? Not only that, but even the once-pristine reputation of the Ouyang family was nearly lost!” Old Madam Li’s voice was cold.

Ouyang Zhi took out a plain handkerchief from his sleeve and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

Old Madam Li took a deep breath and glanced at him. Holding her teacup, she gently stirred the tea leaves. Nanny Zhang, perceptive as ever, quietly gestured for the servants in the room to leave before returning to attend to the oldm madam. Just as she stepped back into the hall, she heard Old Madam Li speaking, “I never wanted to meddle too much, lest I become annoying. Over the years, most of the people in the household have been cleared out by that wife of yours. Go ask around, what respectable family has a man your age with only one son? Giving her some face was one thing, but she never knew restraint. First, she harmed my grandson, and now she’s finally gone as far as fabricating false accusations!”

Ouyang Zhi’s face was filled with guilt as he stood up and bowed repeatedly. “It is all my fault! I was foolish. I kept thinking that, after all, she is a marquis’s daughter and became my second wife. She has dutifully cared for our children and shown filial piety to you all these years. Naturally, I felt some tenderness toward her. I never imagined that my indulgence would make her even more reckless. I will be sure to discipline her properly!”

Hearing that, Old Madam Li realized he was still speaking in defense of Lin Wanru. She let out a few cold chuckles without saying anything further. Seeing this, Nanny Zhang stepped forward and spoke up, “Master, the old madam is kind-hearted. Some matters she does not wish to interfere in, and some words are not convenient for her to say. Today, this old servant shall take the liberty of speaking frankly, and I hope Master will not take offense.”

Ouyang Zhi quickly responded, “Nanny, what are you saying? You have served Mother with utmost devotion all these years. To me, you are like a family elder. Please, speak freely.”

Nanny Zhang bowed slightly before continuing, “Both the first wife and the second wife came from the marquis’s household— one was a di daughter, the other a shu daughter. However, since the latter grew up beside the dowager duchess, their bond was deep. The first wife was virtuous, generous, and carried herself with the grace of a noblewoman. When her shu sister came to stay at our residence, the first wife treated her with utmost kindness, ensuring she had the best food, clothing, and accessories. But who would have thought that this concubine-born lady had her own ambitions? In secret, she developed feelings for Master.

The old madam was against it from the start. She brought her here to care for her elder sister, so how could she create such a scandal with her brother-in-law? If the matter spread, it would damage Master’s reputation. But the first wife, ever understanding and kind, not only spoke on Master’s behalf but even personally went to the marquis’s household to request permission for her sister to marry in. The first wife’s illness had been improving, yet after that incident, she deteriorated day by day and ultimately passed away. Looking back, no matter how magnanimous a woman may be, she still has her pride……”

Ouyang Zhi’s face burned with shame. He was speechless.

Everyone had always believed that his first wife had personally chosen this second wife for him. No one knew that he and Lin Wanru had already been secretly involved while Lin Wanqing was ill. Thinking about it now, Lin Wanqing’s early passing was something they could not entirely absolve themselves from.

Nanny Zhang glanced at Old Madam Li’s expression before sighing and continuing, “When the first wife was still alive, she and the old madam got along harmoniously, discussing everything together. In the early years after the second wife married in, she was still somewhat respectful toward the old madam. But in recent days, she has become increasingly out of control— first turning the young master’s courtyard into a mess and then expecting the old madam to personally visit when she fell ill. And now, tonight’s disgraceful incident…… Master, you cannot blame Old Madam for being angry. The second wife has truly broken her heart!”

With a loud thud, Ouyang Zhi fell to his knees before Old Madam Li, his eyes brimming with tears. “I am utterly unworthy! I have caused Mother so much distress. I am an unfilial son, an unfilial son!”

Nanny Zhang hurried forward to help him up, but Ouyang Zhi refused to rise, repeatedly pleading for forgiveness.

Old Madam Li sighed, “Stand up first.”

Ouyang Zhi finally got to his feet. Nanny Zhang handed him a warm towel to wipe his face and brought over a chair for him to sit.

Old Madam Li took another deep breath and said, “Your official career may seem smooth sailing for now, but do you know how many people outside are waiting to find fault with you? Tonight’s incident may seem minor— just a false accusation by a scoundrel— but if word spreads, it will become a matter of improper household management. If the wrong people hear about it, they could impeach you for failing to govern your family properly. Do you think you would still be able to hold your position?”

Ouyang Zhi’s heart trembled and he broke out in a cold sweat, “Mother’s warning is wise. But I do not believe lonight’s matter was instigated by her. She would never be so ruthless……”

“Hmph, you still believe in her?” Old Madam Li sneered. “Yue’e was originally from a family of scholars. Had her family not fallen on hard times, she would never have agreed to become a concubine. She took charge of the household matters for only two days, yet your wife dared to pin the blame on her when something went wrong! Can’t you see? There must be a malicious schemer behind all this. If she could harm Nuan’er today, tomorrow she could target someone else. How could the Ouyang family tolerate such a person? If this matter is to be investigated, it must be done thoroughly— starting with your wife!”

“Yes! I will go back and question her properly. If she is truly responsible, I will not show any leniency!”

The moment Ouyang Zhi stepped out of Shou’an Hall, he headed straight for Furui Courtyard. Unexpectedly, Lin Wanru was already waiting for him.

As soon as he entered, Lin Wanru personally stepped forward to attend to him. Clad in a thin robe, her long, dark hair cascaded loosely over her shoulders, making her appear weak and frail, as if she had just recovered from an illness. She looked so pitiful that half of Ouyang Zhi’s anger dissipated instantly.

“Just now in the main hall, I spared you some dignity. According to Zhang Wending, were you the mastermind behind tonight’s events?” Ouyang Zhi asked coldly, his voice laced with severity.

Tears shimmered in Lin Wanru’s eyes. “Husband, you have given me face— how could I not know? Since you have come to speak with me alone today, I will lay everything bare. Zhang Wending is the son of an old acquaintance of yours. After his family fell into ruin, he came seeking refuge. You kept him here, treating him as a retainer. But tonight, after drinking too much, he barged into Nuan’er’s courtyard. To save himself, he falsely accused her. When he was exposed, he started spouting nonsense and even dragged me into it. Anyone with eyes can see the truth. Husband, do you truly suspect that I instructed him to do such a thing?”

“Hmph, rumors don’t arise without cause. Why is it that of all people, he pointed only at you?”