The incident of Ouyang Nuan falling into the water and getting injured stirred up a great commotion. Not only did Lin Wanru come, but even Ouyang Zhi himself made an appearance.

Ouyang Nuan’s feelings regarding this father of hers were just as complicated. Back then, when Nanny Fang had pleaded for help in every possible way, he had turned a deaf ear to his own daughter. In his heart, this daughter was a disgrace to the Ouyang family, and he wished she could disappear from the world entirely.

But this was not surprising. Under Lin Wanru’s subtle but relentless instigation and alienation, Ouyang Nuan and her father had never been close. What existed between them was only distance and fear.
“Father, your unfilial daughter has troubled you to come in person.” Ouyang Nuan said with a gentle smile, appearing obedient and well-mannered.

Ouyang Zhi glanced at his eldest daughter. Her delicate features and dark, lustrous eyes bore a faint resemblance to his late wife. A memory surfaced of when Ouyan Nuan was first born, he had once held her, kissed her, and cherished her. But later, when his first wife passed away and a second wife entered the household, this daughter had grown distant from him, and he gradually disliked her. Compared to Ouyang Ke, who was lively and clever, Ouyang Nuan seemed dull and unlikable.

Now, seeing Ouyang Nuan looking so frail and pitiful, he was reminded that she was, after all, his own flesh and blood. More than that, she had risked her life to save his eldest son. A rare feeling of tenderness arose within him, and he softened his expression into a smile.

“You foolish girl, I know you were anxious to save Jue’er, but you must also take care of yourself. Your illness has worried your mother terribly.”

Ouyang Nuan’s smile grew even more demure. “It was reckless of me. At that moment, I did not think of anything else— only of saving my younger brother. But I have disturbed the household, calling for physicians and visitors, and even troubled Father……”

Hearing her words, Ouyang Zhi found her exceptionally understanding and his tone grew even gentler, “Does your head still hurt?”

Ouyang Nuan sniffled slightly, her voice unconsciously carrying a hint of childish complaint, “It does.” She paused, and tears began to fall.

Ouyang Zhi, feeling distressed, pulled her into his arms and comforted her. “Don’t be so rash in the future. Your brother’s life is precious, but if something happens to you, Father would also feel heartache. Do you understand?”

Ouyang Nuan buried her face into his embrace and nodded firmly. “Mm!”

So obedient, endearing, and irresistibly lovable— Ouyang Zhi thoroughly indulged in the pleasure of being a doting father. Satisfied, he took his leave. Now that his daughter had been reassured, he needed to comfort his second wife, who was still fretting over the girl’s health.

Watching his retreating figure, Ouyang Nuan curled her lips into a slight smile. Very soon, she would make sure he and Lin Wanru turned against each other.

After resting in her room for three short days, a constant flow of medicinal herbs and tonics had been sent in by Lin Wanru. Outsiders all praised Lin Wanru for her generosity and kindness in treating her stepdaughter well. Nanny Fang was infuriated by this and told Ouyang Nuan about it, but the latter merely smiled faintly, unconcerned.

On the fourth day, Ouyang Nuan was able to get out of bed on her own. After dressing simply, she said, “It’s time to pay my respects to Grandmother.”

Hongyu hesitated and advised, “Young Miss, your body has not fully recovered yet. The old madam already said that you may skip the morning greetings.”

Ouyang Nuan smiled softly. Her grandmother, Old Madam Li, was an important piece on this chessboard and could not be ignored.

“You really don’t understand.” Nanny Fang scolded. “The young miss should make more appearances before the old madam. Otherwise, those petty people—” She stopped mid-sentence, seemingly realizing something, and fell silent.

Nanny Fang glanced at Ouyang Nuan, who was dressed in plain and elegant attire, and changed the subject. “Young Miss, how about wearing that crimson fox-fur cloak?”

Ouyang Nuan pondered for a moment before replying nonchalantly, “Bring out the crane-embroidered cloak that Grandmother gifted me last year.”

Nanny Fang nodded approvingly and carefully retrieved the garment from the wardrobe. The rose-purple cloak was embroidered with golden-thread peonies and the hood was lined with soft fur, making Ouyang Nuan’s complexion appear even more radiant and exquisitely beautiful.

Lin Wanru, the battle is about to begin. I’m looking forward to it.

Ouyang Nuan gazed at her reflection in the mirror and smiled faintly.

Old Madam Li resided in Shou’an Hall. Surrounded by a cluster of maids, Ouyang Nuan entered the warm chamber. In the center of the room, on a heated couch, sat an elderly woman clad in a sky-blue brocade robe adorned with Wufu Pengshou^[1]rebus that depicts five bats surrounding the symbol for longevity patterns. Her head was adorned with a marten headpiece inlaid with emerald jade. She was conversing with someone when she noticed Ouyang Nuan entering and greeting her with a graceful bow, prompting her to smile.

Before Ouyang Nuan could complete her curtsy, someone pulled her up. Lin Wanru smiled gently and led her before Old Madam Li. “Mother, Nuan’er has come to see you.”

“Nuan’er, your mother just told me you were able to get out of bed. And now you’re already here? Why not rest a few more days?” Old Madam Li’s tone was uncharacteristically kind.

Ouyang Nuan had only just regained mobility, and yet Lin Wanruhad hurried to report to Old Madam Li. It was obvious that Lin Wanru intented to make the old lady aware of Ouyang Nuan’s recovery, thereby prompting the question— if she was well enough to get up, why hadn’t she come to pay respects sooner?

Fortunately, Ouyang Nuan had not given Lin Wanru the chance to drive a wedge between them.

“Grandmother, you have sent people to inquire about me again and again. I felt so uneasy about it that I had to come and personally thank you for your concern.”

Lin Wanru pulled Ouyang Nuan to sit beside her and said to Old Madam Li, “Mother, look at how much better Nuan’er’s complexion is now. Perhaps this was a blessing in disguise!”

“Indeed. Thanks to you, who spared no expense in sending all kinds of rare delicacies and valuable medicines to her courtyard, I can rest assured knowing she is in good hands.” Old Madam Li scrutinized Ouyang Nuan briefly, then nodded and smiled.

From memory, Ouyang Nuan recalled that she had always feared and revered her paternal grandmother, while Old Madam Li treated her with nothing more than indifference. Old Madam Li’s sudden warmth was undoubtedly because Ouyang Nuan had saved Ouyang Jue.

To Old Madam Li, losing one granddaughter was insignificant, but the safety of her eldest grandson was paramount. Ouyang Nuan understood this well.

“I have yet to thank Mother.” She said, smiling subtly. “Unfortunately, the physician said my body is too weak to handle excessive nourishment, so most of it will go to waste. There was, however, a thousand-year-old ginseng among the gifts— an exceedingly rare treasure. I have often heard that such an item is meant for those with great fortune to prolong their lives. I could never deserve such a thing, so I will send it to Grandmother this afternoon.”

Old Madam Ligently patted Ouyang Nuan’s hand, smiling warmly. “It’s rare for someone in this family to still remember this old woman. You are a thoughtful child.” She then glanced at Lin Wanru, her smile growing noticeably cooler.

Lin Wanru‘s radiant expression stiffened for a moment.

Ouyang Nuan had changed after her injury. She was still gentle on the surface, but her words were laced with hidden barbs, piercing without a trace.

Lin Wanru had deliberately sent the thousand-year-old ginseng to Ouyang Nuan, knowing that if she consumed it, her weakened body would be unable to handle such a strong tonic, causing more harm than good. At the same time, this act would earn Lin Wanru a reputation as a generous and virtuous woman.

Who would have thought that Ouyang Nuan would turn around and gift it to Old Madam Li instead? Now, didn’t that make Lin Wanru look like someone who had been hoarding such a precious item all along and keeping it hidden from her mother-in-law?

Lin Wanru clutched the handkerchief in her hand tightly, her fingers digging into the fabric. It took her a moment to compose herself before she regained her usual demeanor.

Just then, a curtain lifted, and a lively voice rang out, “What a lively gathering!”

A young girl stepped inside, dressed in a five-colored embroidered gown with a white fox-fur cloak draped over her shoulders. A glass butterfly hairpin adorned her bun, its long pearl tassels swaying brilliantly. She exuded an air of charming elegance.

Even before she fully entered, her sweet voice had already filled the room.

It was Ouyang Ke.

Seeing that familiar face, which Ouyang Nuan had once wished she could cut down with a single stroke, Ouyang Nuan narrowed her eyes and smiled ever so softly.

Standing beside her, Hongyu instinctively shuddered at the sight of her mistress’s expression.