Chapter 13: The Truth

Chen Hong found the affairs of this family utterly absurd.

Ouyang Feng’s cries were full of agony, but so what? What was the truth? Perhaps, it was nothing but merciless.

Faced with Ouyang Feng’s furious outburst, Ouyang Fu sighed and said:

“Half a year ago, Ouyang Xun confided in me, telling me that Ouyang Feng was born of a maid. Though he was registered under the First Madam, she had long passed away. The Second Madam’s household held considerable power, and with a son and daughter, her influence grew stronger.”

“The Old Madam also wholeheartedly supported the Second Madam, leaving Ouyang Xun torn between them.”

Chen Hong replied, “Even so, that wouldn’t drive you to murder.”

Ouyang Fu glanced at Chen Hong. “Indeed. But Ouyang Xun later told me to keep an eye on Ouyang Feng, because he felt Ouyang Feng didn’t resemble him.”

Once suspicion takes root, it never ends.

Chen Hong sighed, “So you hired an assassin. That man named Ah Feng was your contact, wasn’t he?”

Ouyang Fu nodded. “Correct. Over the years, I’ve traveled extensively, serving the Ouyang family in many matters, and I know much. That Ah Feng came from the Assassin’s Hall. I thought their killers would act swiftly, but he dawdled.”

Chen Hong said, “Then you changed your plans. Ouyang Xun’s corpse showed traces of medicine in his stomach, indistinguishable from ordinary pills, dissolved in wine. The bruise on the back of his head—surely you knew about that as well.”

Ouyang Fu praised him, “Chief Chen, your iron hand lives up to its reputation, discerning every detail. The assassin delayed, and Ouyang Xun, agitated by Ouyang Yun’s unruly conduct, fell ill. When Ouyang Yu sought medicine for her father, I simply went along with it.”

“That night, pressured by the Second Madam, Ouyang Xun drowned his sorrows in drink. Once a distinguished figure, now a middle-aged man troubled by family affairs, he pulled me to accompany him and spoke with resolve—he’d soon announce Ouyang Feng’s separation from the Ouyang mansion.”

Ouyang Feng’s face was filled with confusion; he knew nothing of these events.

Ouyang Fu continued, “I thought Ouyang Xun had given up the idea. I intended to intimidate him with an assassin, but he intensified his resolve. Drinking triggered his illness, so I replaced his tonic with the prepared medicine.”

“I never expected the poison to act so quickly. Ouyang Xun sensed something amiss and tried to call for help. In my panic, I knocked him unconscious.”

Chen Hong added, “You staged the scene to make it look like a theft.”

“Exactly.”

Chen Hong pressed further, “The person who attacked Ouyang Xun’s corpse—that was your doing as well, wasn’t it?”

Ouyang Fu replied, “I wanted to frame the assassin, but he was alert and skilled, rendering my backup plan useless.”

Chen Hong said, “It was unnecessary. Among the dead men in black, one was the owner of the mutton soup shop. It seems you’ve been watching Ah Feng all along. But why did you kill the Second Madam?”

Ouyang Fu chuckled softly. “Since I had already acted, I had to eliminate all obstacles. Otherwise, everything would have been for naught.”

Chen Hong fell silent. Reflecting on the current situation: Ouyang Xun dead, Second Madam dead, Ouyang Yun bedridden, Ouyang Yu imprisoned—though rescued today, she would not recover quickly.

Within the household, only the Old Madam and Ouyang Feng remained capable of taking charge.

And Ouyang Feng was the recognized eldest son of the Ouyang family—everything fell into place.

Thinking this, Chen Hong couldn’t help but sigh. “You painstakingly orchestrated all of this, yet in the end, it’s still the Old Madam who decides with a single word!”

Ouyang Fu pointed to Ouyang Ping lying on the ground and laughed.

“Haha, do you know who Ouyang Ping is?”

Chen Hong remained silent.

Ouyang Feng turned to look at the half-dead Ouyang Ping on the floor, lost in thought.

Ouyang Fu said, “He is Ouyang Xun’s son, born of a woman I hid many years ago. I raised him myself. At first, I only wanted a memento, but today’s events—though set up by others—have inadvertently aided me greatly. You may reveal the truth to the Old Madam and see what she chooses.”

Chen Hong replied, “Even so, you cannot escape the law’s punishment. Surrender yourself and come with me to the magistrate’s office.”

Ouyang Fu smiled gently. “At this point, what does it matter?”

Suddenly, with lightning speed, Ouyang Fu took something from his sleeve and swallowed it.

Chen Hong tried to stop him, but it was too late.

That was a potent poison, as Ouyang Fu immediately coughed up blood.

With his last breath, Ouyang Fu said to Ouyang Feng, “Don’t overthink. Live well.”

And with that, he died.

Chen Hong looked at Ouyang Fu’s corpse, at the devastated Ouyang Feng, and at Ouyang Ping, who seemed beyond saving. The truth of this family was exposed, but there was no joy.

Suddenly, Chen Hong remembered Ah Feng and the missing servant. He quickly sent people to search.

Despite everyone’s efforts, nothing was found.

...

Chen Hong led Ouyang Feng to the Old Madam’s residence.

All the way, Chen Hong pondered how best to explain everything.

Ouyang Feng remained silent until they reached the Old Madam’s door, where he finally spoke.

“Chief Chen, what do you make of this matter?”

“I’m not sure which matter you mean, Master Feng.”

“The things Ouyang Fu said—are they true?”

“Perhaps all true, perhaps half true. But one fact cannot be denied: he murdered the head of the Ouyang family.”

Ouyang Feng fell into silence, evidently unsatisfied with the answer.

“How does Chief Chen intend to report this to my grandmother?”

Ouyang Feng’s gaze was intense, fixed on Chen Hong.

At that moment, Chen Hong understood: Ouyang Fu’s words were likely true, and Ouyang Feng had begun to consider his own power.

Just as the current analysis suggested, all those who could lead the family were dead, the Old Madam was aged, and none of the remaining could shoulder the responsibility.

Chen Hong scrutinized Ouyang Feng once more. Was all of this truly unconnected to him?

Ouyang Fu was truly formidable—meticulous in his actions. Even with everything exposed, he died having accomplished all he intended.

He cleared the path for Ouyang Feng and successfully awakened his desire for power.

Once attained, the fear of losing it follows.

This is the common flaw of human nature.

Chen Hong looked at Ouyang Feng and said, “Master Feng, I must report the truth as it is—this is my duty. Whether it is believed or not depends on the Old Madam.”

Ouyang Feng breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you for the reminder, Chief Chen. After this, I’ll remain here and will repay you in the future.”

Chen Hong sighed softly and said no more.

The two entered the Old Madam’s chambers and greeted her.

The Old Madam asked, “Chief Chen, what brings you here? Has there been progress?”

Chen Hong answered, “Madam, the matter is indeed resolved.”

Ouyang Feng stood silently by.

The Old Madam asked, “Who was the culprit?”

Chen Hong replied, “It was the steward, Ouyang Fu.”

The Old Madam was shocked. “Impossible! How could it be him? He’s served my family for over twenty years, always loyal. Where is he? Bring him to me—I want to question him myself!”

Chen Hong listened quietly, and when the Old Madam calmed down, he said, “Madam, Ouyang Fu has already taken poison and ended his life.”

“What?”

The Old Madam could hardly believe it.

“Ouyang Fu confessed his actions. He killed the family head, Ouyang Xun, and ordered the men in black to assassinate the Second Madam. Miss Ouyang Yu has been found—she was in the secret chamber of Ouyang Fu’s courtyard.”

“Xiao Yu is found? That’s good, that’s good.”

The Old Madam kept repeating herself, lost in thought.

Chen Hong glanced at Ouyang Feng, who still stood there without a word.

He continued, “Madam, before his death, Ouyang Fu said some things. I dare not conceal them and must report them to you. As for their truth, that is for you to decide.”

The Old Madam regained her composure. “What did he say?”

Chen Hong then recounted Ouyang Fu’s words in full detail.

When the Old Madam heard that Ouyang Fu had sold himself into the Ouyang household for a woman, she was astonished. Upon learning that the woman bore a son, she looked at Ouyang Feng, who lowered his head in silence.

Hearing that Ouyang Ping had been raised by Ouyang Fu, she asked, “Where is Ouyang Ping?”

Chen Hong replied, “He has been carried to a room to rest and is being looked after.”

After a pause, Chen Hong continued, “There is another matter I must report.”

He then described how, when Ouyang Yu was found, Ouyang Ping was naked and had behaved improperly toward her.

The Old Madam listened in silence for a long time.

The room became quiet, with only soft breathing breaking the stillness.

At length, the Old Madam spoke. “Chief Chen, Ouyang Fu killed my child and sent someone to kill my daughter-in-law—he deserves a thousand deaths. Now, before dying, he spreads lies to sow discord within my family. Truly despicable. I hope Chief Chen will clear my child’s name.”

Hearing her words, Chen Hong understood her meaning. In the end, Ouyang Fu’s claims were dismissed as nonsense.

Chen Hong replied, “Yes, Madam, I understand.”

With nothing more to be gained, Chen Hong prepared to leave. The Old Madam thanked him briefly, without asking him to stay.

Chen Hong knew the grandmother and grandson would have much to discuss and quietly took his leave.

Outside the Ouyang mansion, Chen Hong looked at the sign above the gate, which read “Ouyang Mansion,” and couldn’t help but laugh wryly.

In the end, Ouyang Fu had won. Even in death, he had anticipated the Old Madam’s response.

From her words, it was clear she was wavering.

When it came to Ouyang Ping, the Old Madam must have been full of hope. Yet the incident with Ouyang Yu—even if true—completely eliminated any possibility of accepting Ouyang Ping.

Ethical conduct is the cornerstone of a family. Once rumors spread, the Ouyang family would have no place left.

This time, the plan backfired.

Ouyang Fu had no such intention, but Ah Feng’s scheme and Chen Hong’s cooperation made Ouyang Fu the winner.

Fate is fickle, and destiny unpredictable.

Chen Hong and his companions departed, leaving only a gentle breeze to sweep away the dust.

To be continued.