Ouyang Nuan watched Concubine Zhou quietly, her gaze carrying a trace of coldness. Ever since Concubine Zhou entered the household, the other party had never interacted with her. In the past, before Ouyang Nuan had realized Lin Wanru’s sinister intentions, she had even sided with Lin Wanru in mocking and ridiculing the other party. So why would Concubine Zhou suddenly come to her for help without any reason? It was no wonder she was suspicious— anyone in this residence could be an enemy, and she needed to be cautious in all matters.

With that thought, Ouyang Nuan did not ask the other party to rise but instead spoke indifferently, “Concubine Zhou, you are mistaken. If anything happens in this household, you should first report it to the nanny in charge of your courtyard and have her inform the madam. Now that the madam is ill, you should seek out Concubine Li. Why have you come to me?”

“Eldest Miss, I already begged Concubine Li, but she dared not make a decision for me. Now I cannot see the master or the old madam, so I had no choice but to muster the courage to seek your help. If you refuse to save me, I will end my life by crashing into this rockery!” Concubine Zhou straightened up, staring resolutely at the stone floor beneath her feet, her voice filled with unmistakable determination.

“Why say such things? The ground is cold. Concubine Zhou, you should get up and speak first.” Although Ouyang Nuan said that, her mind raced through countless thoughts in an instant.

“No! If Eldest Miss does not agree, I will not get up!” Concubine Zhou’s eyes held the resolve of someone ready to perish together with her enemy, which made Ouyang Nuan change her mind. “Hongyu, why aren’t you helping Concubine Zhou up?”

Concubine Zhou had been pregnant twice in the past, but neither child survived. Thinking back, Lin Wanru was likely behind it, making her Lin Wanru’s sworn enemy. If her current plea was something that even Li Yue’e dared not handle, then it must be related to the household’s mistress. If it was something that could trouble Lin Wanru, Ouyang Nuan was more than willing to intervene.

Concubine Zhou refused to stand, but Hongyu and Changpu forcibly lifted her. Her eyes widened in horror as she glanced at the foolishly grinning Changpu, wondering when the eldest miss had acquired such a strangely strong maid. However, she felt somewhat relieved. Since Ouyang Nuan was willing to listen, she would not ignore the matter entirely. Even if Ouyang Nuan dared not take action, word would surely spread to the old madam or the master, which would only benefit Concubine Zhou.

“Eldest Miss, today I risked my life to escape from my courtyard. Normally, I would never dare trouble you with the filth of the rear courtyard, but I have no other way out. At this point, I will not hide anything. Half a month ago, I felt unwell and asked Nanny Cui to report to Madam, requesting a physician. After the physician examined me, he congratulated me, saying I was pregnant. However, when he reported this to Madam, she summoned another physician to reexamine me. This second physician hesitated and claimed I was not pregnant but merely suffering from digestive issues. He then prescribed me a medicinal remedy. I grew suspicious and secretly had my maid, Huan’er, take the prescription outside for verification. To my horror, the medicine contained safflower— a herb that induces miscarriage!

The master had few children and everyone in the household eagerly anticipates the birth of a child. I could not believe the madam would be so ruthless, so I pleaded desperately with Nanny Cui to let me see the master. But from that day on, I was locked in my courtyard. Nanny Cui even spread the word that I was ill and must not be exposed to the wind, preventing even the master from visiting me. She refused to let me see anyone. When I refused to take the medicine they brought, she mocked and oppressed me. If not for Huan’er risking her life to hold Nanny Cui back today, I would not have escaped!”

As soon as Concubine Zhou began speaking, Ouyang Nuan understood the situation. Concubine Zhou already had a low status in the household and had recently fallen out of favor. Yet she had grasped a rare opportunity to conceive, which undoubtedly provoked Lin Wanru’s jealousy and drove her to destroy her. It was not surprising that Lin Wanru had concealed the pregnancy and confined her. However…… since Lin Wanru had imprisoned her, she must have had countless ways to get rid of the child. The fact that Concubine Zhou had managed to keep it and even break through Lin Wanru’s blockade to escape showed she was no simple woman. Furthermore, with Li Yue’e now managing household affairs, it was uncertain whether she had played a role in this as well……

“Everyone in my courtyard has taken turns bullying and tormenting me, but that is not the worst of it. Lately, they have become more excessive, even placing ice blocks outside my door on purpose. If I had not been extremely cautious, my unborn child would have been lost long ago. I do not mind my own suffering, but if the master finds out, how disappointed he would be……”

Ouyang Nuan did not care whether Ouyang Zhi would be disappointed or not. She smiled slightly and interrupted Concubine Zhou, “Concubine Zhou, although I am the eldest daughter of the Ouyang family, I have no right to interfere in my father’s courtyard’s affairs. Telling me this is useless. Furthermore, the person you are accusing is my mother. As a junior, how could I dare criticize my elders? As I said earlier, Concubine Li is now in charge of household matters. If you seek help, you should go to her. Hongyu, we are leaving.”

Ouyang Nuan ignored her and gestured for Nanny Fang and the maids to prepare to leave.

Seeing that Ouyang Nuan was about to go, Concubine Zhou’s eyes turned red with urgency. She had spent so much effort to see the eldest miss today. If she missed this opportunity to convince the eldest miss, Lin Wanru would only torment her more ruthlessly when she returned. Though she had secretly disposed of the food they sent, she was always under their watchful eyes. Avoiding their schemes for a while was possible, but how long could she protect her child?

Desperate, Concubine Zhou lunged forward to grab the hem of Ouyang Nuan’s skirt, but Changpu swiftly caught her wrist. “Do not touch the eldest miss!” Changpu’s almond-shaped eyes widened with seriousness.

Changpu was small, yet immensely strong. Concubine Zhou let out a startled cry.

Ouyang Nuan spoke softly, “Changpu, do not be rude.”

Nanny Fang hurriedly stepped forward to check Concubine Zhou’s wrist, noticing it had turned red. She shot a glare at Changpu, who shrank back innocently.

Concubine Zhou, however, ignored the pain and fell to her knees, pleading bitterly, “Eldest Miss, I beg you! I have already pleaded with Concubine Li, but she said she was powerless to help! If I were not utterly desperate, I would never have come to trouble you! You are the only one in this household who can help me! Please, save me and my unborn child! As long as you agree, I will be forever indebted to you, willing to serve you as a slave in repayment! Please, I beg you!” She then began knocking her forehead forcefully against the ground, the loud sound sending chills through those who heard it.

Changpu rolled up her sleeves, ready to help her up, but Concubine Zhou shrank back in fear, forcing Hongyu to step in instead. However, Concubine Zhou remained steadfast, continuing to kowtow desperately.

More and more people gathered in the garden. Watching the spectacle, Ouyang Nuan sneered inwardly. This woman was certainly no simpleton. By pleading in public, she forced Ouyang Nuan into a dilemma. If she coldly refused, it would damage her reputation. With a calm smile, she said, “I am going to see Grandmother. Come along.”

Concubine Zhou was overjoyed, scrambling to her feet despite her bruised and swollen forehead, repeatedly expressing her gratitude.

Ouyang Nuan’s lips curved slightly. She would give Concubine Zhou the opportunity to plead her case, but the outcome would depend on Concubine Zhou’s own abilities……