The original host was clearly the legitimate eldest daughter of the State Uncle’s mansion. No matter what, her status was there—even in the State Uncle’s mansion, no one dared to treat her so harshly!
Yet Bai Ruyan and others, taking advantage of the distance from the capital, deliberately spread malicious rumors about the original host’s reputation in the capital. They even misled the original host, making her believe that everything Bai Ruyan and Liu Xinrou did was for her own good.
Liu Lihu had always despised shameless women, and the sight of Yin Youyue filled him with disgust. Moreover, as a military governor, he spent most of his time in the military camp and rarely visited the inner courtyard. He hardly saw Yin Youyue a few times a year, so how could he have noticed what she wore?
Catching the anger in Yin Youyue’s eyes, a flicker of guilt flashed across Liu Lihu’s face.
Seeing this, Bai Ruyan could not allow Yin Youyue to continue tarnishing her reputation. She hurriedly defended herself:
“Youyue, how could you slander me like this? Back then, I clearly said I wanted to give you the best courtyard to live in. It was you who insisted on cultivating your character, refused the servants’ service, and drove them all away. Now you turn around and accuse me of mistreating you. If such words spread, how could I go on living?”
As she spoke, Bai Ruyan dabbed at nonexistent tears with her handkerchief, looking aggrievedly at Liu Lihu, her voice choked with sobs:
“Master, just two days ago, Youyue beat Granny Liu so badly she couldn’t get out of bed. I didn’t dare tell you. If you don’t believe me, you can ask these servants.”
The other servants immediately nodded in agreement:
“That’s right. Miss Yin also beat the kitchen granny and ate all the Blood Bird’s Nest that Master gave to Madam.”
Upon hearing this, Liu Lihu flew into a rage:
“What more do you have to say?! To frame your own aunt, you would stoop to such despicable acts. Aren’t you afraid of bringing shame to your State Uncle’s mansion? You truly have no regard for the law. If I don’t discipline you properly today, how can I face your parents’ trust? Someone, take her to the ancestral hall!”
Bai Ruyan and Liu Xinrou’s faces lit up with delight.
Two days ago, they had failed to seize the opportunity to lock Yin Youyue in the ancestral hall. This time, Yin Youyue had dug her own grave, and no one could save her.
Bai Ruyan and Liu Xinrou could hardly contain their joy, exchanging meaningful glances with the approaching matrons.
Yin Youyue naturally did not miss Bai Ruyan’s gesture.
She remained completely unruffled, smiling as she said:
“Uncle, are you sure you want to lock the legitimate eldest daughter of the State Uncle’s mansion into the Liu family’s ancestral hall? People might think I’ve become a member of the Liu family. Perhaps I should first return to the capital and ask my parents whether I’ve become a child of the Liu family, since my uncle can casually lock me in the ancestral hall.”
Liu Lihu’s expression changed. How could he not understand the implication of Yin Youyue’s words?
No matter what, Yin Youyue was the legitimate eldest daughter of the State Uncle’s mansion, a person of noble status. Even as her biological uncle, he could not punish her arbitrarily!
Moreover, he had read his sister’s letter from the capital last night, in which she asked him to find a way to prevent Yin Youyue from returning to the capital.
If Yin Youyue were pushed too hard now and insisted on going back, he would be unable to stop her.
“Youyue, your status is too noble. I’m afraid our Liu residence cannot accommodate you. I will write to the capital shortly to ask your parents which family might be willing to take you in.”
Liu Lihu’s words carried a subtle threat.
The original host had always feared being driven out by the Liu family and left homeless—a fact Liu Lihu and the others knew all too well.
At this moment, they used such words to threaten Yin Youyue. If it were the original owner, she would have immediately backed down, not daring to defy Liu Lihu and Bai Ruyan any further.
Upon hearing this, Yin Youyue smiled instead:
“That’s wonderful. I’ve long wanted to return to the capital. Originally, I still had half a year left before I could go back and marry the Crown Prince. If I can return earlier, that would be even better. When the time comes, I’ll be sure to tell my family all about how I lived in a dilapidated courtyard at my uncle’s house to cultivate my character, eating worse than the servants every day.”
Liu Lihu and Bai Ruyan’s expressions completely changed.
If the mistreatment of Yin Youyue were truly reported in the capital, Liu Lihu could forget about any further promotions in his official career!
Thinking of this, Liu Lihu fell silent for a moment before speaking to Yin Youyue with earnest sincerity:
“Youyue, seeing how angry and upset you are now, your uncle suddenly realizes that over these years, you must have been heartbroken leaving your hometown to come to the Liu residence. Your aunt and I only wanted to fulfill your parents’ wishes by strictly guiding you, but we overlooked your true feelings. Upon reflection, I realize I have been inconsiderate all along. This matter cannot be blamed on you.”
As he spoke, he turned and angrily reprimanded Bai Ruyan:
“I am usually busy with military affairs. How could you, as the mistress of the household, be so negligent? To think Youyue has suffered so much injustice in this residence! Hurry and arrange for Youyue to move to the best courtyard, and assign more servants to attend to her properly! In fact, let Youyue stay in the Elegant Seclusion Courtyard.”
Upon hearing this, Bai Ruyan nearly gritted her teeth in frustration.
The Elegant Seclusion Courtyard was the finest inner courtyard in the residence. Originally, she had intended to give it to Liu Xinrou and Ye Yixuan after their wedding, so its furnishings were of the highest quality. But now, it would fall into Yin Youyue’s hands!
Liu Xinrou glared furiously at Yin Youyue. That courtyard had been prepared for her! She had already placed many precious items inside as decorations, and now they would all benefit Yin Youyue instead!
Seeing the disgusted expressions on Bai Ruyan and Liu Xinrou’s faces, Yin Youyue felt quite pleased.
Deliberately feigning surprise and delight, she bowed in gratitude:
“Thank you, Uncle. You truly care for me, and I will remember this kindness.”
Liu Lihu secretly breathed a sigh of relief before turning to Bai Ruyan and ordering impatiently:
“Hurry and make the arrangements! Prepare everything as quickly as possible, and do not neglect Youyue any longer!”
Bai Ruyan looked at the triumphant Yin Youyue, feeling as if a suffocating anger was trapped in her chest, making her entire body uncomfortable with no way to vent it.
They had come gloating with schadenfreude, only to leave in stifled frustration.