Nanny Fang glanced at Concubine Zhou, who was closely following behind them, and lowered her voice to say to Ouyang Nuan, “Young Miss, why wade into these muddy waters?”

Ouyang Nuan responded calmly, “Nanny, I never promised to help her with anything. I merely couldn’t bear her persistent pleading and reluctantly did her a small favor by bringing her to see Grandmother. What happens next will depend on her own abilities.”

Concubine Zhou could have come to find Ouyang Nuan in private, yet she had deliberately chosen a bustling garden, fully confident that Ouyang Nuan wouldn’t simply stand by and do nothing. If Ouyang Nuan had allowed Concubine Zhou to kneel there crying, what kind of person would she appear to be? How would others talk about her? Especially now, when Concubine Zhou’s health was delicate. If anything happened to her, wouldn’t Ouyang Nuan end up shouldering the blame for harming the Ouyang family’s descendants in Lin Wanru’s place? Concubine Zhou had calculated all of this, which was why she had boldly schemed against Ouyang Nuan. She was indeed a clever and shrewd woman. But since she had chosen such a desperate move, she must have been prepared to stake everything on it. As for whether she would cry to Old Madam Li about being persecuted by the main wife or beg for mercy to keep the child, that was no longer Ouyang Nuan’s concern.

Since Concubine Zhou wanted to use Ouyang Nuan as a means to see Old Madam Li, Ouyang Nuan would naturally go along with it and ensure she gained the greatest benefit from the situation. If Concubine Zhou was incompetent, Lin Wanru would simply turn the situation against her. If she had some skill, then she would undoubtedly make Lin Wanru suffer. This dog-eat-dog drama was bound to be a spectacular show— one that would not disappoint.

Thinking of that, Ouyang Nuan smiled slightly. “Changpu, Concubine Zhou is weak, why aren’t you helping her along?”

The moment Concubine Zhou saw Changpu reaching out, she instinctively shrank back in fear, worried that just a touch from those iron hands would leave her sore for days. She quickly said, “Eldest Miss is kind-hearted. There’s no need! No need! I can walk by myself!”

Ouyang Nuan’s smile grew even more gentle. “Then be careful, Concubine Zhou.” The other party knelt so hard just now, so her knees must be bruised. Yet her expression doesn’t betray even the slightest discomfort. She certainly had remarkable endurance.

Indeed, in recent years, Ouyang Zhi had taken in many women, but only a handful remained by his side. Anyone who could survive under Lin Wanru’s watchful eyes was no simple character.

Ouyang Zhi had always been enamored with beauty, yet he also firmly believed Lin Wanru to be gentle and magnanimous— a suitable wife. As long as he thought highly of her, he would continue to protect her, as could be seen in the matter concerning Zhang Wending. It was clear that he had been biased toward Lin Wanru. However, as a man, his dignity and status were paramount. If Lin Wanru had indeed obstructed his bloodline, that would have been a serious offense. The question was— would he remain heartless and turn against them?

As Ouyang Nuan pondered this, her smile became even more warm and inviting.

When they arrived at Old Madam Li’s Shou’an Hall, Nanny Zhang was already waiting with a welcoming smile, her attitude exceedingly warm. However, the moment she caught sight of Concubine Zhou, her expression became subtly unreadable.

Ouyang Nuan smiled kindly at Concubine Zhou. “Concubine Zhou, please wait outside for a moment. I’ll inform Grandmother first.”

Nanny Zhang observed Ouyang Nuan’s actions and couldn’t help but nod in approval. The eldest miss was indeed a prudent person. She understood that bringing someone in without the old madam’s permission would only invite reprimand.

Nanny Zhang personally lifted the curtain for Ouyang Nuan. “Eldest Miss, please.”

Ouyang Nuan stepped inside and Old Madam Li’s face lit up with a smile upon seeing her. She waved her over, saying, “Nuan’er, come and have a taste.”

Ouyang Nuan glanced at the small lacquered table placed on the kang^[1]heatable brick bed and saw an array of fruit and vegetable pastries, including southern sour jujube cake, mandarin orange cake, carrot cake, and pumpkin cake. There were also preserved snacks like clove plums, acacia plums, fresh bayberries, pecan nuts, dried fruits, candied tangerine slices, and candied dates, all filling an entire tea table. She couldn’t help but smile. “Grandmother, what’s the occasion for such a feast?”

“It’s all because of your aunt.” Old Madam Li replied warmly. “She knows I love these treats and said that while the pastries in the capital are exquisite, they can’t compare to the original flavors. She specially arranged for these to be brought from the south.”

The ‘aunt’ naturally referred to Li Yue’e.

Ouyang Nuan sat beside Old Madam Li, casually picking up a pecan nut to eat. “Indeed, the taste is different from those in the capital. Aunt is truly filial, and I get to share in the blessings as well.”

Hearing that, Old Madam Li’s smile grew even brighter. “It’s not about the value of these things— it’s the thought that matters. In this household, apart from you, who often brings gifts, only your aunt truly shows such consideration.”

Old Madam Li was not wrong. Though Ouyang Nuan came to pay respects openly, she had also sent many gifts in secret. Among them was a rare double-sided Guanyin embroidery, which had been carefully preserved by Lin Wanqing. It had taken multiple skilled embroiderers three years to complete using advanced needlework techniques, including the lost art of gold couching. The piece was grand and breathtaking. Back then, Old Madam Li had been fond of it at first sight, but Lin Wanqing had refused to part with it since it was a gift from the dowager marchioness. This had left Old Madam Li secretly displeased.

After learning of this from Nanny Fang, Ouyang Nuan’s first move had been to present the embroidery to Old Madam Li. To her, objects were lifeless, but people were not. To deal with Lin Wanru, she needed to win Old Madam Li over. Now, with Old Madam Li showing such warmth, it was clear that her efforts had paid off.

Nevertheless, Ouyang Nuan’s expression revealed nothing. She simply smiled sweetly and said, “It is my duty to be filial to Grandmother. Now that aunt is also here to keep you company, Grandmother must be even happier.”

Old Madam Li nodded approvingly, gently patting Ouyang Nuan’s hand. “Good child, you have not let down my efforts in protecting you and your brother.”

Ouyang Nuan’s smile grew even more tender. Old Madam Li was indeed a formidable shield in front of her and Ouyang Jue. As long as Old Madam Li was there, Lin Wanru wouldn’t dare openly turn against them.

She deliberately said nothing about Concubine Zhou waiting outside and instead accompanied Old Madam Li in drinking tea and enjoying the refreshments, occasionally sharing small anecdotes about Ouyang Jue to amuse the old woman.

Nanny Zhang watched from the side, feeling perplexed. What was the eldest miss up to? She had dragged Concubine Zhou all the way to the old madam’s courtyard, yet now she wasn’t even mentioning her? Was she really going to leave Concubine Zhou standing outside in the cold? This was too unpredictable……

After pondering for a long while, Nanny Zhang finally spoke. “Eldest Miss, Concubine Zhou is still standing outside. The wind is strong. Should we send her back?”

At those words, Old Madam Li immediately frowned.

Ouyang Nuan acted as if she had just remembered Concubine Zhou’s presence, a flicker of regret flashing across her eyes. As though worried about being misunderstood, she hastily explained, “Oh, I was so engrossed in talking with Grandmother that I almost forgot. Earlier, I was passing through the garden when Concubine Zhou stopped me……”

Old Madam Li chuckled kindly. “Take your time, there’s no rush. Why did you bring her here?”

Speaking softly and demurely, Ouyang Nuan recounted the events exactly as they had happened, without embellishment or personal commentary, omitting only the details of Lin Wanru imprisoning and tormenting Concubine Zhou. That part was best left to the victim to reveal for the greatest impact.

After finishing, she put on a worried expression and said, “I originally didn’t want to get involved, but when she spoke of carrying Father’s child while looking so pitiful, I couldn’t help but feel compassion. She insisted on following me, and I truly didn’t have the heart to turn her away. Grandmother, please don’t be angry with me!”

Old Madam Li was momentarily stunned. The moment she heard that Concubine Zhou was pregnant, her eyelids twitched, and her expression darkened.

Seeing her reaction, Ouyang Nuan’s face instantly showed unease. “Grandmother, did I do something wrong?”