At dusk, the guards in front of Ouyang Manor suddenly heard the sound of hooves thundering like rolling thunder. Startled, they widened their eyes and saw over ten riders on gallant steeds charging forward like a fierce wind. The riders were uniformly dressed in black felt cloaks over dark brocade robes, and each horse was robust and entirely black. As they drew closer, the guards felt momentarily dazzled by a golden gleam, as each horse’s hooves were shod with gold.

As the cavalry approached, they suddenly split into two columns, allowing the last rider to emerge from the center. The young man on horseback had a handsome face with sharp, cold eyes. He spoke loudly to the gatekeeper, “By the order of Prince Ming, I have come to request an audience with the eldest daughter of the Ouyang family.”

At those words, the guards at the gate were so startled that they rushed inside to report the news.

Moments later, Ouyang Zhi personally came out to welcome them, his face beaming with a warm smile as he invited them into the residence. However, the riders remained rigidly stationed outside, refusing to step forward. Only the young leader, holding a delicate jade box, followed Ouyang Zhi into the manor.

Ouyang Zhi had already sent someone to summon Ouyang Nuan. At that time, Ouyang Jue happened to be in Tingnuan Pavilion. Upon hearing of such an unusual event, he decided to accompany them. To everyone’s surprise, Ouyang Zhi’s smile was exceptionally warm as he turned to the slightly astonished Ouyang Nuan and said, “Nuan’er, this honored guest has been sent by Prince Ming. He has come specifically to see you.”

Prince Ming was an influential figure in the capital. Ouyang Zhi had no idea how his daughter knew him, but the fact that such an untouchable noble had sent someone to visit left him both astonished and thrilled.

Ouyang Nuan lowered her head slightly and greeted the young man with a soft voice, “May I ask what guidance the esteemed guest wishes to offer?”

The young man seemed equally surprised upon seeing Ouyang Nuan. The girl before him was very young…… At first glance, he noticed her delicate brows like distant mountains and lips as red as rubies. She wore a simple yet elegant brocade robe adorned with cloud and wild-goose patterns, featuring a wide dark-green collar. The fabric was pristine and untainted by dust. At this moment, she bore a calm and faint smile, her bright eyes fixed upon him with an effortless charm. She was like a vibrant green plum blossom unexpectedly entering his sight— fragrant, fresh, and strikingly beautiful.

Despite having encountered countless beauties over the years, his heart still skipped a beat. Quickly lowering his head, he respectfully asked, “Are you the eldest daughter of the Ouyang family?”

Ouyang Nuan nodded. “I am.”

The young man bowed again and presented the white jade box with both hands. “This is a gift from His Highness, Prince Ming. Please accept it.”

A gift? From Prince Ming? Ouyang Nuan was utterly astonished. Prince Ming was the beloved son of Prince Yan, a noble young lord who had captivated the hearts of countless esteemed ladies in the capital. When had she ever made his acquaintance?

After a moment of contemplation, she gestured for Ouyang Jue to step forward and take the box. Ouyang Jue opened it and found a pair of pure white wolf tails inside.

Ouyang Nuan took a glance, her surprise deepening. Just then, she recalled the events from the afternoon. Could it be related?

To confirm her thoughts, she carefully received the jade box and politely asked, “May I ask why Prince Ming is bestowing such a precious gift upon me?”

The young man spoke loudly, “His Highness said that since the young lady was willing to part with such a rare ancient book this afternoon, he ought to return the favor with an equally valuable gift.”

What he did not mention was that this pair of pristine white wolf tails came from the first white wolf king Prince Ming had ever hunted. For six years, they had been proudly displayed in his study— something others could not even dream of catching a glimpse of. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, he had suddenly decided to gift them to a young noble lady. The idea was utterly baffling.

Ouyang Zhi was thoroughly confused. Leaning toward Ouyang Jue, he asked in a low voice what had happened earlier that day. Ouyang Jue recounted the afternoon’s events, leaving Ouyang Zhi filled with regret. He sighed inwardly. If only he had been present! Perhaps he could have met Prince Ming in person!

Ouyang Nuan smiled faintly and said, “In that case, please convey my gratitude to His Highness.”

Her smile was as radiant as the first light of the moon, stirring admiration in the young man’s heart. He nodded. “I will be sure to pass along your words. I shall take my leave now.”

Ouyang Zhi hurriedly said, “Please wait!”

The young man stopped and looked at him. With a smile, Ouyang Zhi said, “We have received Prince Ming’s generous gift. Naturally, we must offer a token of appreciation in return. Please allow us to send a gift to His Highness.”

However, upon hearing that, the young man’s expression grew even colder. He said firmly, “There is no need, Sir. His Highness has given clear instructions— he is not to accept any return gifts. As long as the young lady accepts his present, that will suffice.” With that, he turned and strode away without another glance at Ouyang Zhi.

Ouyang Zhi hurriedly followed him out, while in the guest hall, only the siblings remained.

“Sister, so the person in that carriage earlier was Prince Ming!” Ouyang Jue exclaimed. “Do you think he—”

Before he could finish, Ouyang Nuan had already turned toward the rear courtyard. Anxious, Ouyang Jue called after her, “Sister! Why did you leave before hearing me out?”

“The imperial family is not so easy to get close to.” Ouyang Nuan replied softly, flashing a mischievous smile. “If you aren’t afraid of Father bombarding you with questions later, then stay here as long as you like.”

At that, Ouyang Jue immediately understood. If their father got involved, he would be endlessly interrogated. Stomping his foot, he quickly followed after her.

────ρя

This translation is by Pocketrobbin at S h a n g h a i f a n t a s y . c o m

Back in Tingnuan Pavilion, Hongyu held the jade box, looking for a prominent place to display it. Ouyang Nuan glanced at it and instructed lightly, “Put it away.”

“Why, Young Miss? This is a gift from Prince Ming. It’s an extraordinary honor!”

“You all see it as an honor, but I do not.” Ouyang Nuan said with a hint of coldness in her expression. “I have never met this Prince Ming before, yet he suddenly sends such a gift. Isn’t this simply inviting trouble?”

Most people would think forming ties with the imperial family was an easy path to power, but she did not see it that way. The current emperor was aging, the crown prince was frail and sickly, and Prince Qin was eyeing the throne hungrily. The situation was already treacherous enough, and to complicate matters further, Crown Prince Manor housed an exceptionally talented and wise heir. No one could predict whose hands the empire would ultimately fall into.

In her previous life, until the day she died in wrongful grievance, the court had remained in turmoil, locked in constant struggle. In this lifetime, who knew what the final outcome would be? At such a critical time, Ouyang Zhi was eager to curry favor with the imperial family, but if he accidentally got entangled in the battle for the throne, that would be the height of foolishness!

────ρя


Meanwhile, in the dimly lit Furui Courtyard, Lin Wanru, under house arrest, remained unaware of Prince Ming’s messenger’s visit. Ouyang Ke, still shaken from the day’s events in Shou’an Hall, continued to cry. Lin Wanru sat silently beside her, her fury having settled into an eerie calm. She gazed at her daughter, pulled her into an embrace, and whispered, “It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t overlooked Concubine Zhou, we wouldn’t have ended up like this. I dragged you down with me.”

Ouyang Ke, her face pale, said anxiously, “Father said I’m not allowed to see you anymore. What should I do?”

Nanny Wang wiped Ouyang Ke’s tears and consoled her with a smile, “Don’t worry, Second Miss. The master is just angry right now. The madam has endured far worse storms. She won’t fall here. What matters most is that you stay strong. Stop crying now, so you don’t upset the madam.”

Ouyang Ke wiped her tears away, still hesitant. “Father has always doted on me. Once he calms down, I’ll persuade him to release you.”

Lin Wanru shook her head and gently held her daughter. “Ke’er, don’t worry. Since your father wants us apart, then listen to him and stay away. Just go back for now. Within ten days, I will walk out of here with my head held high.”