Lin Wanru’s words were stuck in her throat, and the delicate expression on her face vanished. A fierce glint appeared in her beautiful eyes as she rasped, “Nanny Zhang is right. However, I truly knew nothing about such matters. Every time the supplies were distributed, I merely instructed the servants to handle them. I never personally reviewed those items, which led to this grave mistake. This is entirely my fault!”

Old Madam Li finally caught her breath and sneered. “Do you think the stewards in this household are all useless? If every little thing required your personal oversight, wouldn’t that be the greatest joke of all? Without your instructions, would they have dared to act this way?”

Lin Wanru knew such an excuse would never satisfy Old Madam Li or Ouyang Zhi. The only way out now was to find a scapegoat, and the best candidate was none other than Li Yue’e standing before her. She had to pin the blame on her no matter what. “Old Madam, ever since I fell ill, I haven’t been able to personally handle many affairs. I merely instructed the stewards to follow routine procedures and nothing ever went wrong before. However, since I entrusted these matters to Concubine Li a few days ago, I have been resting behind closed doors, completely unaware of anything!”

Still refusing to let go! Li Yue’e glared at Lin Wanru with hatred, her lips parted as if to protest, but in the end, she clenched her jaw and remained silent. Yet, the fury in her eyes burned even brighter and her hatred for Lin Wanru now ran bone-deep.

Old Madam Li barked coldly, “Enough! Lin Wanru, as the mistress of this household, you are naturally responsible for everything that happens in the rear courtyard. Or are you suggesting I am deliberately framing you? Or perhaps you’re simply dissatisfied with my decision to let Concubine Li manage the household?”

Lin Wanru still wore a sorrowful expression. “Mother, the heaven bears witness— I truly know nothing of this. If you insist on blaming me, then I would rather take my own life here and now to prove my innocence!” As she spoke, she scrambled to her feet and rushed toward the nearby wall, ready to slam her head against it. The scene instantly descended into chaos as the servants rushed forward to restrain her, squeezing into the already crowded room as the shouting grew louder.

Suddenly, Old Madam Li grabbed a teacup and smashed it onto the floor. The sharp sound of breaking porcelain startled everyone into silence, and even Lin Wanru froze for a moment.

Seeing that Old Madam Li had gone as far as throwing a cup, Ouyang Nuan quickly stepped forward, gently patting the old woman’s back to soothe her. “Grandmother, please calm down. Your health is the most important thing.” Then she turned to Ouyang Zhi and softly persuaded, “Father, if that’s the case, perhaps there’s no need to investigate further. Why stir unrest in the household? Besides, Concubine Zhou and her child are unharmed, so why not let this matter rest?”

On the surface, her words seemed to plead for Lin Wanru, but to Old Madam Li, they only fueled her anger further. She was the elder of this house, and yet Lin Wanru dared to push her into making concessions? Dream on! She said icily, “Nuan’er, you are mistaken. Today’s incident concerns the very survival of this family. If mishandled, it could bring disaster upon the Ouyang family’s lineage! This must be investigated. There is no other option!”

Seeing this, Nanny Zhang spoke respectfully, “Madam, you have always been educated and sensible. Why are you acting so recklessly today? This is Shou’an Hall. How can such a ruckus be allowed here? You were born into a marquis family, so do you expect Old Madam to report this matter to Grand Madam Ning? Harming the master’s child, even if for a reason, is an unforgivable offense. Both the young misses are almost of age now— if they see your example and follow suit in their future marriages, it would bring disgrace to their households! The old madam is the head of the rear courtyard, and right or wrong, all matters fall under her judgment. How can you, as a junior, behave so outrageously? If the servants gossip and spread word of this outside, wouldn’t it ruin the master’s reputation?”

Ouyang Nuan spoke in a low voice, “Father, if I may, this matter must not reach the grand madam. If Marquis Zhengou Manor finds out, rumors of Mother threatening Grandmother with her life will spread throughout the capital. Most importantly…… you know well that the gravest offense of all is filial disobedience.”

Ouyang Zhi’s heart trembled. Those words were as good as a death sentence! Indeed, the emperor despised unfilial conduct. He recalled how a noble official had concealed his father’s death to avoid mourning obligations, only to be stripped of his title and status. He also remembered how another high-ranking official had been caned to death for breaking mourning rites during the grand empress dowager’s bereavement period. His palms grew damp with sweat.

Old Madam Li sighed. “Enough. I am old and should not interfere in such matters. But today’s incident is far too serious. I can overlook many things, but if it threatens the Ouyang bloodline, I will not tolerate it!”

Li Yue’e dabbed at her face with a handkerchief, weeping softly. “Old Madam, you entrusted me with the household, yet such a calamity occurred. I have truly failed you!”

The room buzzed with murmurs, but Ouyang Zhi no longer wished to listen. The root of all this trouble lay there. His mind worked quickly, and after a brief moment of contemplation, he finally pronounced, “No one shall speak of Concubine Zhou’s matter again. Lin Wanru, as a daughter-in-law, you have defied your mother-in-law and shown no virtue or propriety. From today onward, you are confined to your courtyard for one month to reflect and cultivate your character. Without my permission, you are not to step outside!”

Lin Wanru and Ouyang Ke were both stunned. Ouyang Ke immediately shrieked and pleaded, but Ouyang Zhi shot her a sharp glare and roared, “My decision is final! Say another word, and I will have you confined as well!”

With that, his authoritative gaze swept over the crowd before he turned to Lin Wanru and declared coldly, “From now on, you are to have minimal contact with the children. Do not lead them astray!” His tone was severe. Lin Wanru covered her face and wept, attempting to grab his robe, but he flung her off without so much as a glance.

Lin Wanru felt as though she had been plunged into an icy abyss, nearly fainting from despair. Old Madam Li watched coldly and said, word by word, “Concubine Li, from now on, you must thoroughly clean up the household servants. Those who should be sold, sell them. Those who should be punished, punish them. Who knows how many harmful elements lurk in these courtyards? You must investigate carefully, especially in your own quarters— after all, that is where the master often stays. If there are any such threats, even he could fall victim!”

Li Yue’e was overjoyed but struggled to suppress her smile. Ouyang Nuan, however, remained expressionless and softly reassured, “Grandmother, don’t take it to heart. Every household in the capital has its share of troubles. This is but a small matter. Concubine Li will handle it well, and the rear courtyard will regain its peace.”

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Leaving Shou’an Hall, a faint smile finally surfaced on Ouyang Nuan’s lips. Lin Wanru probably never imagined she would one day end up like this. She had played a dangerous game and survived for now, but unfortunately for her, anyone who threatened the Ouyang family’s reputation or Ouyang Zhi’s power would ultimately become his enemy!

Back in her room, even Nanny Fang couldn’t hide her delight. She cheerfully remarked, “Young Miss, you truly predicted this well. The master only went easy on Old Madam Lin today out of consideration for Marquis Zhengou Manor and to avoid public scandal. But judging from his attitude, it’s clear he has lost all favor for her. From now on, regaining his affection will be as difficult as ascending the heavens!”

Hongyu entered, carrying tea with a light step. Ouyang Nuan took a sip and replied unhurriedly, “Nanny, don’t celebrate too soon. Old Madam Lin is no paper tiger. Today, she was merely caught off guard. I expect she will retaliate. Whether she or Concubine Zhou prevails remains to be seen.”

Nanny Fang frowned. “How is that possible? The master was so furious today. How could she possibly coax him back? Young Miss, you overestimate her.”

“If you don’t believe me, just wait and see.” Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly and said no more. No matter how Lin Wanru fought back, she would simply sit back and enjoy the show. After all, the fire had already been lit, and no one would escape unscathed!