The banquet in the main hall had just ended when Ouyang Zhi was invited to Furuì Courtyard by Lin Wanru.

Lately, he had been quite annoyed with Lin Wanru and had intended to visit Li Yue’e that evening. If it weren’t for Nanny Wang personally coming to invite him, saying that Lin Wanru had something urgent to discuss, he wouldn’t have come at all.

“What did you say?” Ouyang Zhi asked in confusion. “You want Madam Su to stay in the manor?”

Lin Wanru smiled and said, “Husband, you know that Madam Su and I have always been close. She couldn’t find a place to stay in the capital for now, so I thought it wouldn’t be a big deal to lend her a courtyard for the time being. The two courtyards to the south of the manor are empty anyway. Letting her stay there for a while shouldn’t be an issue. Once she finds her own residence, she will move out.”

Ouyang Zhi did not particularly mind having more people in the household, but he found it odd. “The Su family is wealthy and must have many servants. How could they all fit into just two courtyards?”

“Husband, what are you saying? Madam Su herself mentioned that having too many people would be troublesome for us, which is why she was initially reluctant to move in. There’s no issue at all. If there really isn’t enough space for her servants, they can stay at the Su family’s country estate on the outskirts of the capital.”

“This…… Have you consulted Mother?” Ouyang Zhi hesitated.

“I have already spoken to her in person.” Lin Wanru replied evasively, omitting whether the old madam had actually agreed. As long as Ouyang Zhi consented, it wouldn’t matter. He was the head of the household, and even the old madam wouldn’t be able to object.

“But that Young Master Su is quite good-looking, and our family has two daughters. Wouldn’t that be……” Ouyang Zhi still had concerns.

Lin Wanru smiled slightly. “I know you’re worried about propriety, but Ke’er is still young, so it doesn’t matter much. As for Nuan’er, she is indeed of age now. If necessary, we can ensure they avoid meeting each other, which would prevent any gossip from spreading.” In truth, she wished for rumors to spread.

Ouyang Zhi frowned. “Nuan’er? I’m not worried about her. She has a steady temperament, is well-mannered, and would never do anything inappropriate. It’s Ke’er I’m concerned about. She’s too young and too impulsive, and I’m afraid she might cause trouble! As her mother, you should discipline her more. She can’t keep running around wildly all day. She should stay inside and learn embroidery. That would be proper! She should take after her elder sister— steady, dignified, and meticulous in her actions. I heard Nuan’er even presented the Hundred Longevity Characters Scroll to Mother today. I saw the calligraphy myself, and it was carefully done. By tomorrow, the entire capital will probably hear about it. Everyone will know that my family has an exceptionally filial and talented eldest daughter. I don’t expect Ke’er to be as intelligent as Nuan’er, but she should at least focus on needlework and calm her mind.”

What nonsense! Lin Wanru was furious. She had gone to great lengths to acquire that jade Buddha, yet not a single word of praise had come her daughter’s way. Instead, Ouyang Nuan had completely stolen the spotlight, and Ouyang Ke had been criticized so harshly! Gritting her teeth, Lin Wanru forced herself to endure it. She walked over to Ouyang Zhi, gently kneaded his shoulders to ease his tension, and leaned in close, whispering with fragrant breath, “Ke’er is still young. She will understand things in time. But Nuan’er is already of age. Today, I noticed that Young Master Su is quite a handsome and outstanding young man……”

Ouyang Zhi abruptly turned his head, looking at her in disbelief. His previously heated mind immediately cooled. “What are you saying? What does Nuan’er have to do with Young Master Su?”

Lin Wanru had not intended to bring this up so soon, but after hearing Ouyang Ke’s words earlier, she was unsure of the situation and did not want to risk any unexpected changes. Thus, she decided to test the waters first and continued speaking directly, “I just think that Young Master Su is truly outstanding. Many people couldn’t take their eyes off him. And Madam Su seemed incredibly fond of Nuan’er. So perhaps……”

Ouyang Zhi suddenly stood up, forcefully shaking off Lin Wanru’s hand. He stared at her without speaking, his gaze sending chills down her spine. Forcing a smile, she asked, “Husband, what’s the matter?”

“What’s the matter?” Ouyang Zhi let out a cold laugh. “I didn’t know that Nuan’er’s marriage could be decided by you! How old is she? How dare you arrange a marriage for her without consulting me, her father? Even the old madam, her grandmother, doesn’t know about this! And yet, you think you can make the decision?”

Lin Wanru clutched her sleeves tightly, her voice trembling, “In other families, isn’t it the lady of the house who first evaluates a potential son-in-law? It’s not like I’m forcing Nuan’er to marry him. I just thought that Young Master Su was likable. Husband, are you blaming me for meddling? Did I say something wrong?”

Ouyang Zhi’s face darkened. Coldly, he said, “Do you still think you’re in the right? Nuan’er’s maternal grandfather and uncle have the title of Marquis Zhengou! Do you even know how they obtained it? That was granted by the late emperor himself for meritorious service in protecting the throne! Although the dowager marchioness is a woman, she is a first-rank lady of noble status, known for her strong character and integrity. Even the princesses must show her due respect! If it weren’t for Wanqing’s insistence on marrying me back then, do you think their family would have considered me at all? Now, you see Eldest Brother-in-law’s poor health, but the emperor still grants him lavish gifts every year. Do you know what that means? It means the emperor is making a statement to the world! And have you heard the rumors about Nuan’er’s cousin, Lin Yuanxin? I overheard the minister of personnel today. He said the crown prince intends to betroth her to the heir. Whether it’s just a rumor or not, these are people we cannot afford to offend! And you, a mere stepmother, think you can simply arrange Nuan’er’s marriage like in any ordinary family? Do you think you have the authority to decide?”

Lin Wanru’s eyes turned red with fury. She felt like she might faint from sheer anger. She gasped, “Husband, what are you thinking? No matter how precious she is, she is still your daughter! No matter how powerful Marquis Zhengou Manor is, they are outsiders. Do you really think they would oppose us marrying off our own daughter?”

Ouyang Zhi lashed out furiously, “Foolish!”

Without hesitation, he scolded, “Even if we don’t mention Marquis Zhengou Manor, with Nuan’er’s talent and beauty, who knows what kind of esteemed noble she will marry in the future? How could I possibly betroth her to a mere merchant? That would be sheer stupidity, an utter waste! A complete waste!” He repeated the words twice, still unable to suppress his anger. Yet, he dared not reveal that Prince Ming had once sent his people with gifts. If Nuan’er could one day forge a connection with Prince Yan Manor, Ouyang Zhi himself would rise to prominence alongside her.

What was the Su family compared to that? Nothing!

Ouyang Zhi’s mind was filled with thoughts of rare commodities, especially after seeing the Hundred Longevity Characters Scroll today. He felt that all the noble daughters in the capital combined could not compare to his eldest daughter. Thinking of that, his confidence swelled to an extreme, and he blurted out uncontrollably, “Hmph, if not for the fact that our family’s status is insufficient, Nuan’er would be more than worthy to marry the crown prince’s heir as his principal consort!”

Lin Wanru stared at the overly confident Ouyang Zhi in disbelief and said, “Husband, have you lost your mind?”

Ouyang Zhi regretted his words as soon as they left his mouth. His family’s status was not exactly low, but to climb into the imperial ranks…… The di daughter of Marquis Zhengou Manor might at best become a secondary consort, yet Ouyang Zhi was merely an assistant minister of personnel, and others might not even consider his family. Truthfully, the position of the heir of the crown prince was too high, and Prince Ming was even more dazzling. Those two were nothing more than fantasies for him. But so what? There were plenty of imperial princes and grandsons. As long as Ouyang Nuan could marry into one of those noble households, his own status would rise accordingly.

However, another thought crossed Ouyang Zhi’s mind. The emperor’s intentions remained unclear, and no one could say for certain who would inherit the throne in the future. Ouyang Nuan was just one person and could not be married off to multiple husbands. He had to make the right bet! The more he thought about it, the more he felt that he was incredibly shrewd, completely forgetting Lin Wanru’s words. As he mulled over his plans, he declared, “Just wait and see. With Nuan’er’s talents and beauty, which noble household wouldn’t want her? In two years, our doorstep will be trampled by matchmakers. There’s no need for you to worry uselessly!”

Lin Wanru felt as if a basin of cold water had been poured over her, chilling her heart. She refused to give up and hesitantly said, “There may be many noble households in the capital, but those aristocratic young masters are not necessarily as outstanding as Young Master Su.”

Ouyang Zhi sneered, “Such shallow insight from a woman like you! You should think before you speak, or you’ll make others laugh until their stomachs hurt! When have the sons of the imperial family and noble households ever flaunted themselves in public? Forget Crown Prince Manor and take the four princes whom His Majesty currently favors— Prince Qin, Prince Jin, Prince Yan, and Prince Zhou. They all still have heirs who have yet to take a principal consort. And if those are too high for us to reach, what about Prince Chu, Prince Qi, Prince Lu, Prince Shu, Prince Xiang, Prince Dai, and Prince Su? I refuse to believe that with Nuan’er’s talents and beauty, she cannot even secure a single imperial grandson!”

His words were sharp and forceful, cutting into Lin Wanru like steel blades. She felt a rush of panic. If Ouyang Nuan truly married into one of those households, she would soar to the highest branches, and by then, not only Lin Wanru but everyone else would be unable to suppress her! She and Ouyang Ke would be doomed! Tears welled in her eyes as she said sorrowfully, “Husband, I do not understand these matters, but hearing you speak this way, I am truly happy for Nuan’er if she has a brighter future ahead! There is no need for you to be upset. We can discuss things properly. But your words make me uneasy. Have you forgotten that we also have Ke’er? She too can help pave a path for you in the future!”

“Her?” Ouyang Zhi scoffed. “If not for that incident with Zhang Wending, I might have believed she could bring me honor. But look at what she has done! If not for your relentless efforts to cover it up, I fear the whole capital would know by now. Who would want a daughter-in-law like that? She is foolish and ignorant. If she married into such a household, she wouldn’t survive a year. And you expect me to rely on her? Don’t try to drag me down with you!”

Lin Wanru’s eyes stung, and she began to cry. “Husband, if you must speak, must you wound others with every word? Ke’er is your own flesh and blood too. Do you not wish to secure a good future for her? Besides, she is just as beautiful as Nuan’er. How much worse could she be?”

“How much worse?” Ouyang Zhi’s voice was filled with contempt, “She’s far worse! You have an inflated sense of self-worth and a foolish mind, dreaming of things beyond reach! Even if one wants to climb high, there must be limits! Consider your own origins. Ke’er is your daughter, so what kind of family would look at her favorably? You understand nothing, yet you persist in your delusions. Truly absurd!”

Hearing those words, Lin Wanru felt as if a steel blade had pierced her heart. The thing she hated most was people reminding her that she was born a concubine’s daughter. Her expression changed as she said, “Are you saying that I, as her mother, have ruined Ke’er’s future?”

Ouyang Zhi snorted and said, “You already know the answer, so do I even need to say it? The imperial family values legitimate birth above all. You are of concubine birth, so how high could your daughter’s status possibly be? Stop indulging in wild fantasies!”

Lin Wanru’s heart twisted in agony, but amidst her pain, her mind grew clearer. She sneered internally. You speak so confidently, yet you have no idea that your precious daughter is already tangled up with Young Master Su. It’s too late. Everything is too late! Your grand ambitions of climbing to the top are all doomed! That thorn in my eye, Ouyang Nuan, will soon be uprooted completely!

At that thought, she softened her tone, leaned against Ouyang Zhi, and with eyes full of tears, murmured coquettishly, “Zhi Lang, listen to yourself. I was merely talking about our daughters, yet somehow, the conversation turned to me. You have always known about my lowly birth, so why do you despise me now? If that is the case, I might as well end my life……”

Ouyang Zhi saw that her tone had softened, and his initial anger subsided slightly. He let out a long sigh and said, “You don’t need to be like this. Now that you are pregnant, you should take good care of yourself and stop thinking about unnecessary things. If you truly like that Young Master Su, you can marry Ke’er to him in the future. But as for Nuan’er, don’t even think about it.”

Lin Wanru realized that her usual tricks had failed. She knew that Ouyang Zhi had already been captivated by the young and beautiful Li Yue’e and was no longer as interested in her. Moreover, due to her pregnancy, she had gained weight and no longer possessed the slender beauty she once had. Especially after hearing that Ouyang Zhi intended to marry Ouyang Ke to that man, she gritted her teeth in fury but dared not show it. Instead, she continued, “Husband, I did find Young Master Su likable at first, but after hearing what you said, I understand now. He is merely a merchant’s son, no matter how outstanding he may be, he is not a match for our family. Ke’er may not be as talented as Nuan’er, but she is obedient and adorable, and she is also quite beautiful. If I teach her well, her future marriage will not be bad. Husband, she is also your biological daughter, so you must not neglect her.”

Ouyang Zhi found Lin Wanru’s words irritating and impatiently nodded. “I know, I know. Stop talking about this. I have matters to attend to. I won’t be staying here tonight.” With that, he got up and walked away without a trace of reluctance.

Lin Wanru watched his departing figure, a cold sneer curling at her lips. Go on, leave. Soon, you will see your so-called proud daughter bringing disgrace upon herself. Let’s see if your perfect little plan still holds up then!

As Ouyang Zhi stepped into the yard, he suddenly saw a maid from Shou’an Hall rushing toward him, bringing urgent news. She reported that the old madam had summoned both him and the madam immediately. Ouyang Zhi found it strange, but Lin Wanru, on the other hand, smiled brightly as she followed along. She thought that Old Madam Li had already discovered Ouyang Nuan and Su Yulou alone together, and she was so thrilled that she could hardly contain her glee. Her face unknowingly betrayed her smugness.

When they arrived at Shou’an Hall, Ouyang Zhi stepped in first, but upon seeing the scene inside, his expression darkened in shock. Lin Wanru followed closely behind, expecting to see Ouyang Nuan and Su Yulou bound and kneeling before the elders. However, to her astonishment, the one crying her heart out was Ouyang Ke.

Ouyang Nuan and Li Yue’e were both standing beside Old Madam Li. Li Yue’e couldn’t hide her gloating expression, while Ouyang Nuan appeared full of sympathy and concern. As soon as she saw Ouyang Zhi and Lin Wanru, she hurried over anxiously and said, “Father, Mother, you’re finally here! Please, quickly persuade Grandmother. She’s going to beat Ke’er to death!”

Lin Wanru’s face instantly changed, her mind filled with doubt as she looked at Ouyang Nuan, then at Ouyang Ke, who was kneeling on the ground.

Under the candlelight, Ouyang Nuan’s face was delicate and pure, like a lotus flower emerging from the water— breathtakingly beautiful. Coupled with her worried expression, she seemed completely genuine, as if she truly feared for her sister’s life. However, the sight sent a chill down Lin Wanru’s spine. To her, Ouyang Nuan looked like a vengeful specter, terrifying beyond words! She rushed forward and demanded, “Mother, what is going on here?”

“What’s going on? I should be asking you, as her mother— what on earth is wrong with your daughter?!” Old Madam Li said in a chilling tone. “During my birthday banquet, in front of so many noble ladies, what kind of scandalous display was that?!”

Lin Wanru was stunned. She instinctively turned to Ouyang Ke, completely at a loss. Her plan had been flawless, so how could this have happened? Why was Ouyang Nuan perfectly unharmed, while Ouyang Ke was the one kneeling there as if she had committed some unforgivable sin?

“Ke’er, what happened?” Ouyang Zhi demanded sharply.

Ouyang Ke burst into tears. How was she supposed to explain? Was she to admit that she had given her handkerchief to Su Yulou, who then wrote a poem and sent the handkerchief back to her along with the poem? If that wasn’t an act of secret intimacy, then what was? How could she dare to confess it?

What Ouyang Ke didn’t know was that Su Yulou had casually tossed the handkerchief to Yinxing. It had then ended up in Ouyang Nuan’s hands. Ouyang Nuan had instructed Hongyu to ask Ouyang Jue to find a personal belonging of Su Yulou. Ouyang Jue, playing along, retrieved the poem Su Yulou wrote and handed it to Ouyang Nuan, who then gave both the poem and handkerchief to Yinxing, forcing her to return them to Ouyang Ke. When Ouyang Ke received the handkerchief and saw the lover’s knot tied to it, her heart fluttered with excitement. She hadn’t even noticed that there was something else hidden inside. In front of so many people, she didn’t dare to untie the love knot and examine it closely, so she simply kept it. But then Ouyang Nuan deliberately steered the conversation, prompting the others to ask to see the handkerchief. Oblivious to the trap, Ouyang Ke took it out, leading to this disaster……

Step by step, it was all merely a clever trick. The only one to blame was Ouyang Ke herself— for her bad luck and her utter foolishness. What kind of proper young lady would hand her handkerchief to a man? Any man with half a brain would know better than to accept it!

Standing in the room, Ouyang Nuan wore an expression of sympathy, but her eyes remained icy cold as she watched the scene unfold.

Nanny Zhang explained, “Master, everything was fine at the old madam’s birthday banquet today. But who would have thought that the eldest miss from Marquis Zhengou Manor would insist on seeing the second miss’s handkerchief? When the second miss took it out, somehow there was a poem hidden inside. Upon seeing it, the old madam became furious……”

“What poem? Bring it here!” Ouyang Zhi frowned. A maid quickly handed him a red-lacquered tray. Ouyang Zhi first examined the handkerchief, then picked up the poem and read it. His face instantly contorted with rage. He stormed over and kicked Ouyang Ke violently. “Shameless wretch!”

Lin Wanru immediately tried to rush forward to shield Ouyang Ke, but Ouyang Nuan grabbed her arm and said earnestly, “Mother, you are still carrying my little brother. You mustn’t get hurt too!” Her pitch-black eyes were filled with an endless, chilling light, carrying an unfathomable hatred. However, her voice was gentle, soothing to the bone. Lin Wanru shuddered under Ouyang Nuan’s gaze, biting her lip unconsciously. Ouyang Nuan gave her a faint smile before handing her over to the anxious Nanny Wang. “Nanny Wang, you must take good care of Mother. If she gets hurt, none of you will survive.”

Nanny Wang desperately supported Lin Wanru, not daring to meet Ouyang Nuan’s gaze. She was truly terrified of this eldest miss, feeling as if she were a vengeful specter come to claim her mistress’s life, yet wrapped in the bewitching guise of a stunning beauty, capable of ensnaring everyone’s senses. It was truly frightening!

Lin Wanru forced herself to calm down and shouted, “Husband, what’s wrong with this poem? Tell me! What happened to Ke’er?”

Ouyang Zhi flung the poem at her face. Lin Wanru took one look at it and saw the lines, ‘A tree full of spring breezes carries my fond wishes. The faint fragrance fades, a graceful shadow lingers. In this life, I care not for mundane peach and plum blossoms. After beholding the winter plum, I slumber through the spring.’
Seeing that the handwriting was not Ouyang Ke’s, Lin Wanru’s eyelid twitched, and a sense of alarm surged in her heart. She glanced at Ouyang Ke with suspicion. This girl…… Could it be……?

“This is a poem Su Yulou wrote today!” Ouyang Zhi’s voice exploded like thunder, leaving Lin Wanru utterly stunned.

How could this be? How was this possible?! Lin Wanru nearly fainted from rage. Seeing Ouyang Ke looking timid and cowering, she immediately assumed that the girl had taken Su Yulou’s poem. A storm raged in her heart. What was she supposed to do now?

Li Yue’e, smiling at the side, said, “Master, the second miss is still young and acted foolishly in a moment of confusion. Just discipline her properly in the future. There’s no need to resort to violence.”

“Hmph! She has already thrown away her own dignity, so why should I save face for her? A young lady, yet she dares to secretly keep a man’s poem!”

“Master!” Lin Wanru snapped back to her senses and loudly interrupted, “Even if this poem was written by Su Yulou, so what? It’s not a love poem! How can you be so sure that Ke’er has done something disgraceful?”

“‘In this life, I care not for mundane peach and plum blossoms. After beholding the winter plum, I slumber through the spring!'” Ouyang Zhi’s voice grew harsher. “Read it carefully! Doesn’t this verse carry hidden affection? Do you not know how to read?” The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became that Su Yulou’s poem was not merely an ode to plum blossoms. It seemed to hold a deeper meaning— ‘After beholding the winter plum, I slumber through the spring.’ Wasn’t that implying that after seeing Ouyang Ke, no other woman could catch his eye? What an audacious young man! How carefree and bold he was!

Ouyang Ke wailed in grief, but Lin Wanru suddenly stepped forward, grabbing her sleeve and shouting sternly, “No crying!”

Ouyang Ke was instantly startled by the terrifying expression on her mother’s face and momentarily forgot to cry. Lin Wanru clutched her tightly, her face harsh and resolute. This could not be admitted, not even under torture!

Finally grasping the situation, Ouyang Ke sobbed, “Father, I’ve been wronged! I didn’t do it! I have no idea how that poem ended up in my handkerchief!”

Lin Wanru turned back decisively and said, “Mother, Husband, although Ke’er is young, she would never do something so improper! Young Master Su was writing poetry outside, while she was watching a play in the rear courtyard, so how could the poem have ended up in her hands? Someone must have deliberately framed her!”

“Framed?” Old Madam Li sneered and asked coldly, “Ke’er, answer me, is the handkerchief yours?”

Ouyang Ke’s face was covered in tears, filled with fear and anxiety. Seeing her grandmother’s indifferent expression, she instinctively nodded.

“That handkerchief has always been on you. Tell me, then— who could have reached into your bosom to frame you?” Old Madam Li’s voice was chillingly indifferent.

Ouyang Ke clenched her teeth and stammered, “Grandmother, that handkerchief…… that handkerchief……”

Lin Wanru loudly interjected, “It must have been lost at some point, isn’t that right, Ke’er?”

Hearing that, Ouyang Ke immediately nodded and echoed, “Yes, yes! I did lose it!”

Ouyang Nuan smiled and said, “That makes sense. Someone must have picked it up. But then, where exactly did you lose it, and how did you get it back?”

Ouyang Ke froze, her lips trembling as she dared not speak. She had clearly given the handkerchief away herself. Should she now claim that Su Yulou had returned it? No! Under no circumstances could anyone know that Su Yulou had returned it, nor could they learn that Yinxing had passed it to her. If Yinxing were summoned and questioned, she would undoubtedly reveal that Su Yulou had ordered the handkerchief to be delivered. That would cement her guilt beyond doubt, and she would be utterly ruined!

Summoning her courage, she said, “I…… I lost it in the garden…… Later, later I realized it was missing and went to look for it. I found it in the garden, and since I was in a hurry to return, I picked it up without noticing that anyone had tampered with it!”

“So, you’re saying that someone deliberately picked up your handkerchief, tampered with it, and then put it back exactly where you would find it? Do you take everyone for a fool?!” Ouyang Zhi scolded furiously.

Ouyang Nuan sighed and said, “Father, there’s no need to be so angry. There were many people in the manor today. Perhaps someone was just playing a prank?”

“Who would make such a joke? It’s far more likely that she and Su Yulou were secretly exchanging affections without any sense of shame!” Ouyang Zhi roared.

Old Madam Li sneered. “Nuan’er, you’re too kind-hearted to believe such nonsense. There were many guests present today, but none of them had any grudges against her. Who would go out of their way to frame her? Even if someone intended to frame her, do you really think they would go so far as to place poetry on her handkerchief just to falsely accuse her? Is she blind? Couldn’t she have opened the handkerchief and checked before taking it back?”

Even Lin Wanru found the excuse too weak, glaring at Ouyang Ke with a look of bitter disappointment. Ouyang Ke shrank back and threw herself onto Lin Wanru, wailing, “Mother, save me! I truly don’t know anything!”

Ouyang Zhi growled in frustration, “Listen to yourself! You still refuse to reflect on your actions! Instead of examining your own faults, you only insist that others are framing you! I’d like to know— who in their right mind would bother to harm you, a sheltered young lady in the rear courtyard? Why didn’t they frame your elder sister instead? What, are you so outstanding that you provoke jealousy? I have always protected and doted on you. Compared to other young ladies, your life has been far more comfortable! It is said that a woman of good breeding must read thousands of volumes of the sages’ teachings to become cultured and wise. I never expected you to be as intelligent and courteous as your elder sister, but I at least expected you to stay quietly in your chambers! You can’t even manage that! You’re still so young, yet first, it was Zhang Wending, and now it’s Su Yulou. What’s next? Do you love every man you see? Do you have any sense of shame at all?”

His words were sharp, cutting straight to the bone. Ouyang Ke burst into uncontrollable sobs, rubbing her tear-streaked face against Lin Wanru’s skirts. Lin Wanru’s heart ached as if pierced by a blade, and she quivered as she pleaded, “Master, Ke’er is truly innocent! Perhaps it was Su Yulou who took a fancy to her and schemed to use this as a way to ingratiate himself with you!”

At this point, Lin Wanru no longer cared about dealing with Ouyang Nuan. Protecting Ouyang Ke was the only priority!

“That young man framing her? Stop flattering yourselves! Su Yulou at least comes from a wealthy family. He’s seen all kinds of beauties, so why would he be interested in her? Do you think your daughter is a celestial fairy?” Ouyang Zhi scoffed coldly.

“Father,” Ouyang Nuan said gently, “there’s no need to be so harsh. Ke’er is lively and charming, and it’s understandable that she attracts attention. But from what I can see, Young Master Su doesn’t seem like that kind of person. Besides, he is just a young man, and he didn’t even bring a maidservant with him today. How could he have possibly tied such a delicate lover’s knot? Perhaps this is all just a misunderstanding……”

Ouyang Zhi looked at his kind and sensible eldest daughter and felt an even deeper disgust for Ouyang Ke. He remained silent, but a sudden thought struck him like lightning.

Ouyang Nuan was right. Su Yulou was young and handsome, but he was also calculating. The Su family had grand ambitions and was not lacking in schemes. If they wanted to curry favor with powerful families, they had many ways to do so. Why would he bother setting up a mere young girl like Ouyang Ke? If he had any intentions, wouldn’t it be towards Ouyang Nuan instead? Furthermore, Su Yulou had come alone today, without any servants. How could he have thought to prepare something as intricate as a lover’s knot?

Looking at it this way, this was not some mutual exchange of affection— it was Ouyang Ke’s own wishful thinking! She must have stolen the poem and secretly tied it into the lover’s knot herself. That made her behavior all the more disgraceful! She had shamed the family name!

Ouyang Zhi glared at Ouyang Ke, his hatred deepening with every second. He wanted nothing more than to kick her to death. His gaze became so terrifying that Ouyang Ke trembled in fear, shrinking behind Lin Wanru.

Lin Wanru had never seen Ouyang Zhi wear such a murderous expression before. A chill of terror rose in her heart. Sensing the situation was spiraling out of control, she immediately cried out, “Husband! There were so many people coming and going in the garden today, so who can say for sure if that handkerchief was untouched? Ke’er must have been falsely accused! Even if not, perhaps another young lady used her handkerchief to wrap her sweetheart’s poem but panicked and abandoned it in the garden!”

Lin Wanru was grasping at straws now.

Ouyang Nuan smirked but maintained a look of polite surprise. “But the garden was filled with young gentlemen today, while the young ladies were all in the pavilion. None of them even dared to step near that area……”

Old Madam Li sipped her tea and said coldly, “No one else dared to go there— but she did! She knew full well that the garden was full of young men, yet she still went. What was she thinking?! No wonder she insisted on going to the garden while the rest of us were watching the play. So this was her plan all along!”

Ouyang Ke was speechless with despair. She had gone to the garden because Lin Wanru wanted to create an opportunity for Ouyang Nuan and Su Yulou to meet. But now, this had turned into her crime instead!

Ouyang Nuan did not wait for Lin Wanru to react before sighing and saying, “Father, there were so many people present at the time. If others find out that this is Young Master Su’s handwriting, Ke’er’s life will be ruined! If it were just a poem, it wouldn’t be so bad. We could simply say that Ke’er admired Young Master Su’s literary talent and secretly kept it. At most, her reputation would suffer a little. But unfortunately, the poem was wrapped in a handkerchief tied in a lover’s knot. Everyone saw it. Even if they don’t say anything outright, they will still harbor suspicions. If this turns into gossip, not only will Ke’er’s reputation be utterly destroyed, but you, Father, will also be blamed for failing to properly discipline your daughter. Fortunately, Grandmother acted wisely and hid the poem away first. Most people will assume that Ke’er was merely amusing herself by composing poetry in her free time……”

“Nuan’er, there’s no need to cover for her. Do you think the madams present today are fools? Do you think they will believe whatever I say? Let me tell you, every single one of them is shrewd. They may keep their mouths shut, but they understand perfectly well! This birthday banquet has been a complete humiliation, and it has even implicated you and Jue’er. In the future, people will mock you for having such a shameless sister!” Old Madam Li sighed, slamming her teacup heavily onto the kang table.

“Grandmother, how could you say such a thing? We are family. Do you think I would be worried about Ke’er dragging me down? Even if that were true, Ke’er will always be my sister, and of course, I will protect her.” Ouyang Nuan said with a smile, displaying the perfect image of sisterly affection. Lin Wanru gritted her teeth in hatred, but she had no way to refute it.

Lin Wanru’s hand pinched Ouyang Ke hard, snapping her out of her daze. Immediately, Ouyang Ke reacted and said, “Father, the other young ladies might not dare to go near the garden, but the maids do! It was Qiuyue! It must have been Qiuyue! No one else could have gotten so close to me. The handkerchief was definitely stolen by her! She must have first tricked Young Master Su into writing the poem under my name. Then, fearing that I would find out, she secretly returned the handkerchief, but with something indecent added! I knew nothing about this, Father, you must believe me!”

Ouyang Nuan watched the ridiculous spectacle unfold with an icy gaze. If shamelessness was a competition and this mother and daughter were in second place, no one would dare claim first! First, they said the handkerchief was lost. Then, they claimed that Su Yulou had sent the poem in admiration of Ouyang Ke. When Ouyang Zhi didn’t believe them, they blamed it on another young lady. And now, they had gone so far as to pin it on an innocent maid! But their fabricated story was full of holes and Old Madam Li was an astute woman. Moreover, who would actually believe such a flimsy excuse?

Lin Wanru, as if finally finding an outlet for her anger, turned to the stunned Qiuyue and shouted, “You audacious little wretch! You first seduced Young Master Su in the garden, then stole your mistress’s handkerchief and tricked Young Master Su into writing a poem. You even tied it into a lover’s knot to frame your mistress! Speak honestly now, and I may grant you a whole corpse!”

Qiuyue was completely dumbfounded. With a loud thud, she fell to her knees. She had never imagined that the second miss would frame her for everything! She had clearly seen with her own eyes that the second miss had personally given the handkerchief to Young Master Su, yet now Qiuyue was accused of stealing it! Heaven help her! How could a mere maid like her dare to do such a thing? Terrified, she kowtowed repeatedly, crying, “This servant would never dare! This servant would never dare! Please, Old Madam, Master, Madam, see the truth clearly!”

Ouyang Nuan returned to Old Madam Li’s side, her expression carrying a faint, unreadable smile.

Old Madam Li’s face darkened. To her, this entire situation had turned into a farce, yet Lin Wanru remained oblivious and continued to rebuke Qiuyue, “You still hope to wash yourself clean of this? The second miss is just a young girl, so how could she possibly give a man her handkerchief? But you, you’re the only one who can serve her closely. Stealing her handkerchief would have been effortless for you. Do you think that by framing the second miss, you’ll be able to enter the Su family as a concubine?”

The room was filled with servants, all looking at Qiuyue with pity. They watched as the madam and the second miss pushed all the blame onto a lowly maid. Qiuyue trembled all over, her teeth chattering, unable to utter a single word in her defense. The madam always carried herself with an air of kindness and dignity, and the second miss had always treated Qiuyue with some degree of trust and reliance. Yet when faced with trouble, this mother and daughter pair ruthlessly push out an innocent girl as a scapegoat. What kind of terrifying mistresses were they?

Ouyang Nuan silently observed, taking in every expression in the room. Finally, her gaze fell on Lin Wanru, who was still ranting. A cold, mocking smile played on Ouyang Nuan’s lips. Lin Wanru, in her endless accusations, probably hadn’t realized that she had completely lost the hearts of those around her. A mistress who discarded her servants without hesitation whenever it suited her— a woman who pushed all responsibility onto her subordinates when things went wrong— who would remain wholeheartedly loyal to her? How utterly laughable!

Ouyang Nuan sighed, her face full of sympathy, and said, “Father, let’s leave it at that. If we investigate further, it will only damage Ke’er’s reputation. I doubt that a mere maid like Qiuyue would dare commit such an outrageous act. Let’s just treat it as a misunderstanding and move on.”

Everyone in the room turned to look at the eldest miss. Her expression was as gentle as spring flowers and her face was full of compassion, which made them sigh inwardly. Qiuyue had truly placed her trust in the wrong mistress. If she had served the kind and benevolent eldest miss, she would never have ended up like this! The eldest miss had no personal ties to Qiuyue, nor did they share a master-servant bond, yet she still spoke up in her defense. In contrast, the madam and the second miss, who relentlessly pushed to sacrifice Qiuyue, seemed utterly terrifying.

Ouyang Zhi stared coldly at Lin Wanru and Ouyang Ke, his face full of disbelief. Meanwhile, Old Madam Li had lowered her head to sip her tea, as if watching a farcical play unfold before her.

At this point, Lin Wanru had no way out. She crouched down beside Qiuyue and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear, “With your death, your family can enjoy peace and prosperity.”

Qiuyue’s entire body trembled. When she looked into the madam’s cold, merciless eyes, her face finally showed despair. If she did not take the blame for Ouyang Ke today, her family would not escape death either. Madam, Second Miss— how truly ruthless you are! Quiyue lowered her head, all hope extinguished, and said bleakly, “Yes, everything was done by this servant. This servant…… admired Young Master Su’s talent and foolishly sought to frame the second miss, hoping to follow her into the Su family’s household……” Before she could finish, she was already sobbing uncontrollably.

Lin Wanru slowly stood up, lifted her chin, and said coldly, “Mother, Husband, no matter how careless Ke’er may have been, she is still a daughter of the Ouyang family. Would you truly stand by and watch her be falsely accused and completely disgraced?”

Lin Wanru was gambling that Old Madam Li and Ouyang Zhi would accept this flimsy lie to preserve Ouyang Ke’s reputation!

Ouyang Zhi fixed his gaze on Lin Wanru, his eyes filled with barely restrained fury. In the end, he let out a long sigh and said slowly, “The madam is right. This servant girl harbored ill intentions. Now that she has confessed, grant her a swift death. Someone, take her out and beat her to death with rods!”

The servants outside responded in unison, dragged Qiuyue to the yard, and bound her tightly with hemp ropes before mercilessly striking her with wooden boards. For a time, the entire house echoed with Qiuyue’s piercing screams and the heavy thuds of wood striking flesh.

Inside, Ouyang Ke remained expressionless, Lin Wanru listened indifferently, and Ouyang Zhi’s face was devoid of warmth. Even Old Madam Li had closed her eyes slightly, as if she were asleep. The gathered servants all showed looks of pity and reluctance.

For the sake of propriety, even though they knew Ouyang Ke was the true culprit, they still chose to sacrifice an innocent maid’s life. Ouyang Nuan’s nails unconsciously dug into her palms. These people— her so-called family— were so cold-blooded and so terrifying, like a pack of wolves in human skin!

Over the years, Qiuyue had followed Ouyang Ke, and though Qiuyue had not committed great evils, she had certainly taken part in bullying others. So Ouyang Nuan had remained silent in the beginning. But after thirty strikes had already been dealt and she was sure that Qiuyue had learned her lesson, she finally stepped forward and said, “Grandmother, Father, may I say a word?”