collusion
The palace corridors were long and silent. Sunlight filtered through the carved window lattices, casting patches of light on the ground, but it couldn't penetrate the layers of darkness deep within my heart. I stroked my slightly swollen belly, where a new life was being nurtured, and it was the only reason I had to be strong at this moment.
Ouyang Feiying is no easy man to deal with. I once assisted him in government affairs and know his ruthless nature: suspicious, fickle, and ruthless. Tomorrow... he's ultimately too desperate for his father's love, so confidently believing his father has repented. I can no longer pin my hopes on the illusory awakening of family affection. I must prepare for the worst.
However, this matter cannot be discussed tomorrow. I understand his desire for fatherly love, and if I point out his father's faults now, I am afraid it will only embarrass him.
I found Chou Doufu, a man of pure kindness, one of the few people in the palace I could speak to with some confidence. I presented my concerns as "objective possibilities," hoping he would understand the importance of being cautious.
He was puzzled and asked me with wide eyes, "Brother is very talented, why don't you go and discuss it with him?"
A trace of bitterness welled up in my heart. I lowered my eyes and whispered, "In this world, the highest things are like the sun and the moon, the closest things are like husband and wife. You won't understand."
He scratched his head and said frankly, "I don't understand why you people always make such simple things so complicated. Yingying and I wouldn't do that."
Seeing his complete trust, I had to expose the cruel reality to him: "Then, will you tell Yingying what I'm saying to you? If Ouyang Feiying really intends to deal with my sisters and Yingying ends up siding with him, then your actions could kill my sisters and their friends. If Yingying stands on the side of justice, wouldn't you be adding to her burden by telling her?"
He was stunned and opened his mouth, but ultimately speechless.
At this moment, Yingying suddenly rushed in from outside, her face pale and her voice trembling: "Sister-in-law... I heard everything!" The news she brought was even worse than I had imagined - Ouyang Feiying not only knew about her fake pregnancy, but also because he was afraid that Stinky Tofu might "take away" the position of city lord of the Ouyang family, he had conspired with Hu Weiyuan to harm them!
Yingying was shocked and scared, and just wanted to grab Chou Doufu and run away immediately.
I stopped her. "Escape? Under heaven, all land belongs to the king. Where can they escape to? What's more," I took Yingying's hand. "If there is a conflict between City Lord Ouyang, my sister, and the Sima brothers, and any one of them dies, you will live in pain for the rest of your lives. Besides, this is no longer a family feud, it's a national hatred!"
I looked at them, my tone heavy and sharp. "Yingying, Choudoufu, as princesses and their husbands, have you ever thought about why you have no worries about food and clothing, and can enjoy more than ordinary people? Because you want them to live a stable life. This is your responsibility! You know it very well, and you can't pretend nothing happened!"
Stinky Tofu was the first to react and held Yingying's hand tightly: "Yingying, sister-in-law is right! We can't just leave!"
Tears welled up in Yingying's eyes, filled with struggle and pain: "But I'm stuck between you and Dad. Do you know how difficult it is for me? I..."
Seeing her helpless look, my heart softened and I lowered my voice: "When we encounter problems, we should find a way to solve them together. I just have an idea, Yingying, you have to cooperate with me. If it goes well, your father and Stinky Tofu will be fine."
As if grasping a lifeline, Yingying immediately asked, "What's the solution? Sister-in-law, tell me and I'll do it!"
I lowered my voice and laid out my long-planned plan: "For the next few days, pretend you know nothing and just stay in your room. Otherwise, with your eldest brother's brain, nothing you think will be hidden from him!" I took out the carefully treasured Turtle Breathing Pill and handed it to Yingying. "If City Lord Ouyang decides to deal with Stinky Tofu, Yingying, you will pretend to commit suicide and take this pill in advance. You and your eldest brother are City Lord Ouyang's only weaknesses. If he doesn't experience the pain of losing a loved one firsthand, he will never understand how deeply his actions have hurt you two."
Yingying looked at the pill in her hand, her eyes gradually changing from fear to determination. She and Stinky Tofu exchanged glances and said solemnly, "Okay!"
Watching them depart, I leaned gently against the porch pillar, my palm resting on my belly, feeling the faintest movement of my baby. "Don't be afraid, child. Mother will protect this family and everyone she deserves. Even if the road ahead is difficult, even if I have to bear the weight of this plan alone."
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