Chapter 515 A Good Teacher

Ouyang Rong arrived at the Pagoda of Merit.

The Blessing Bell and the small wooden fish remain quietly inside the tower, just as always.

If it weren't for people visiting this tower, its furnishings and decorations would seem to have remained unchanged since ancient times.

Ouyang Rong looked up, his eyes fixed on the ancient bronze bell suspended in mid-air in the center of the tower.

In fact, he had been waiting for the extraordinary phenomenon of the Blessing Bell these days.

Unfortunately, no unusual phenomenon occurred.

This blessed bell, like a stone sculpture of a deity, hangs high in the air, silently looking down upon the insignificant figures of mortals below.

It's as if it's questioning him: why don't you ask for help yourself?

"Do not seek externally, do not seek externally..."

Ouyang Rong murmured a few words, rubbed his right cheek which he had been lost in thought, turned his head, turned his back to the Blessing Bell, and stared straight at a certain merit-making wooden fish.

Above the small wooden fish is a long string of cyan-gold characters.

The amount was rather large, which slightly surprised Ouyang Rong.

But upon further reflection, it makes perfect sense.

In the days since he refused to obey the imperial edict, day and night, he had been constantly hearing the clear sound of a wooden fish.

Especially during mealtimes, the prime time for gossip after meals.

However, in the days leading up to this, Ouyang Rong deliberately avoided entering the Pagoda of Merit to check on things, not wanting to concern himself with such matters, and was waiting for a blessing to bring him some peace of mind.

Now, as if he understood something, he stopped waiting.

"Over 8,100 merits... Subtracting the 3,000 merits accumulated previously, this wave has resulted in an increase of 5,000 merits. Can this be considered a blessing in disguise?"

Ouyang Rong shook his head and muttered to himself.

His name, which is famous for his series of events including refusing to obey the imperial edict, confronting the Wei family head-on, and being unyielding even in the face of defeat, has now spread throughout the country.

According to what Zhen Shuyuan, Ye Weilai, and Banxi had been enthusiastically discussing, in addition to his reputation as a virtuous gentleman and his refusal of officials from the capital, he now had another prestigious title.

Yang Lianghan refused to obey the imperial edict even unto death.

Yes, Ouyang is a compound surname. During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, there was a trend of anti-Hu people among the scholars and commoners in Jiangnan. Compound surnames similar to those of Hu people were also affected, and one character would be omitted from the title. Therefore, his name Ouyang Lianghan can sometimes be shortened to Yang Lianghan.

Ouyang Rong had never been interested in such empty titles before.

Since empty fame can't put food on the table, doing a good job in things like building the Zheyi Canal and Shuangfengjian is what really matters.

Indeed, this is true. Based on his experience, the merit gained from a good reputation is far less than that gained from directly doing good deeds and benefiting others, because very few people are genuinely influenced by this "good reputation."

However, even with this significantly reduced increase in merit points, it still increased by about five thousand at once.

Ouyang Rong stared silently at the little wooden fish of merit for a while.

He turned and left the Pagoda of Merit.

There were no lights on in the study.

After emerging from the Pagoda of Merit, Ouyang Rong rested his chin on his hand, sat down at the dark table, and fell into deep thought.

The sword case has been put away.

Not long ago, when Ouyang Rong was observing swordplay under the moon, Ye Weilai got up to use the restroom in the middle of the night, rubbing her eyes, which interrupted him.

The little girl loves to drink water before bed, which causes her to wake up frequently to pee at night. No wonder her skin is so fair.

The room was quiet; Ye Weilai had fallen asleep again.

Ouyang Rong snapped out of his thoughts, went to retrieve a few items, and placed them on his desk.

A bronze mask called "Mirage Mask" and a golden fierce mask called "Square Face Mask".

A sandalwood pill box contains a top-grade Qi-replenishing pill, the Black Dragon.

A red and black talisman can be used to perform the Shangqing secret technique "Divine Pardon".

A small booklet of Taoist scriptures that can be used as high-quality talisman paper.

In addition, there is a luminous pearl from the Pure Land Palace.

Aside from the [Craftsmanship] in the sword case and a Moonlight Longsword, this is all I have now.

Ouyang Rong checked the items around him.

He closed his eyes again and felt the eighth-grade deep blue spiritual energy flowing through his meridians.

Lin Cheng should be wary of the owner of the Butterfly Love Flower, who is hiding in Xunyang City.

Even after the incident of Ouyang Rong's death in disobeying the imperial edict ended, and Ouyang Rong was demoted by the emperor, Lin Cheng still appeared and disappeared mysteriously, never showing his face in public.

It's possible that besides being wary of the Xunyang Prince's Mansion and Ouyang Lianghan's "outburst of anger," they were also wary of the owner of the Butterfly Love Flower.

Ouyang Rong felt that, in addition to the known feud between the owner of the Butterfly Love Flower and the Wei family, it might also be related to the Donglin Buddha.

Ouyang Rong had long wondered why Rong Zhen, Lin Cheng, and others were so certain that Li Zhengyan and other Kuangfu rebels would join forces with the Yue women to destroy the Donglin Buddha.

However, ever since learning that a golden Buddha head would be transported from Luoyang, and that Rong Zhen and other Yin-Yang School Qi cultivators might use the completion of the Donglin Buddha as a ritual for advancement.

He then had some general guesses.

The four Buddha statues, including the Donglin Buddha, as well as projects such as the Songde Tianshu, are definitely not just vanity projects.

This includes the fact that His Majesty in Luoyang chose Lin Cheng's plan during his journey, all in order to complete the construction of the Donglin Buddha ahead of schedule or even ahead of schedule.

All indications suggest that the Great Zhou Songde Tianshu is involved in the Yin-Yang School's Qi Refining Dao, which makes even rebels across the land, including Li Zhengyan, wary.

It is very likely a "ritual object" that exceeds Ouyang Rong's imagination...

Given this speculation, Lin Cheng's cautious attitude is understandable. He probably wants to wait until the Donglin Buddha is completed. Perhaps by then, he can find out the owner of the Butterfly Love Flower just like he did with the Moonlit Pond Array in the old courtyard.

Ouyang Rong crossed his arms, elbows resting on the table, chin supported by the back of his hand, and fell silent, his eyes somewhat gleaming...

The next day.

Ouyang Rong went to the main hall of Jiangzhou to take up his post.

Yuan Huaimin was not late today, but judging from his dark circles, he seems to have had a bad time lately.

"Lady Rong, what brings you here?"

At the doorway, Yuan Huaimin called out in surprise.

"Chief Clerk Yuan, I need to speak with you. I'm just passing by, so you won't have to make the trip..."

As Rongzhen spoke, she glanced into the main hall out of the corner of her eye.

She exchanged a glance with Ouyang Rong, who was standing in a corner of the main hall.

After a short while, Rongzhen finished discussing matters with Yuan Huaimin and turned to go to the back door of the Jiangzhou main hall.

Ouyang Rong also got up and followed.

My junior sister isn't here today. I told him about this yesterday; it seems she was going to pick someone up.

Ouyang Rong and Rong Zhen arrived at the back door.

In front of Dongmei's stable, the two looked at each other silently for a while.

While feeding the horses, Ouyang Rong said:

"Rong Nu Shi is here well."

"I'm fine, how about you?"

"I'm just like this."

Ouyang Rong shook his head and asked again:

"What brings you here today, Lady Historian?"

Rong Zhen paused for a moment, then lowered her eyes and said:

"His Majesty has ordered me to continue serving as the supervisor of the Xingzifang statue-making project."

Ouyang Rong glanced at her again:

"Ms. Rong is still the most capable. No matter how much Lin Cheng tries to pull strings, he can't take your position."

Rong Zhen remained silent, her sleeves draped over her head.

After a while, she pursed her lips and said:

"I really don't want to take this position, but it's His Majesty's decree and my responsibility; the Great Buddha is truly important..."

She didn't continue, but said earnestly:

“Ouyang Lianghan, I have never hated the phrase ‘being unable to control one’ as much as I do now, and I also… envy your carefree attitude and recklessness.”

Ouyang Rong waved his hand:

"No, please don't learn that. It's easy to go astray. This is not something to be encouraged. Everyone has their own difficulties. Lady Rong, there's no need to blame yourself. Go. If you don't go, it will benefit others, well, it will benefit Lin Cheng."

He paused for a moment, then changed the subject and asked, "What has Lady Rong been busy with lately?"

"They're heading towards Longcheng, searching for Liu Zilin, a key suspect, based on the clues you and the Wei family provided last time..."

When it came to serious matters, Rongzhen spoke eloquently.

Ouyang Rong listened silently for a while.

"That's the current progress, Ouyang Lianghan. Do you have any additional suggestions?"

Ouyang Rong shook his head, only praising:

"Lady Rong is very capable. If you need anything, you can speak with Chief Secretary Yuan. I cannot help you right now."

Rongzhen looked at him for a while.

He said with a serious expression:

"I don't want to help the Wei family. It's just that the matter of the Butterfly Love Flower Master has had too much of an impact on me, even affecting my state of mind. Ouyang Lianghan, do you know how much I want to grind this person to dust right now?"

"Moreover, the Imperial Observatory suffered heavy losses, and with the Buddha statue nearing completion, this man is eyeing it covetously. We must eliminate him, and also retrieve the secret treasure, the Face of the Diviner..."

"I understand."

Ouyang Rong sighed.

After chatting for a while, the two prepared to part ways.

Before leaving, Rongzhen stopped and said:

“Ouyang Lianghan, you looked quite handsome the day you defied the imperial decree…”

Ouyang Rong was slightly taken aback.

Before he could react, the cold, aloof girl in palace attire had already turned and left without looking back, disappearing from sight.

Ouyang Rong scratched his head and muttered:

"Really... Haven't you always been handsome?"

He nodded.

The little ink sprite inside the sleeve couldn't resist any longer. When they found a secluded spot, she poked out of the sleeve, expertly climbed onto Ouyang Rong's shoulder, pinched his ear, and shouted:

"Ouyang Lianghan, you shameless bastard! You actually believe a few compliments from others?"

Ouyang Rong said calmly, "So you slander because you can't have it?"

"You're the most vain person, bar none!"

"Go back, so no one sees you."

"Hmph, this fairy is good at hiding. I can conceal my aura. If it weren't for Xiao Xuan's eyes, I probably wouldn't have been discovered for another hundred years, and I could still be sleeping in the storeroom..."

"I hope you'll still be this tough next time Rongzhen catches you."

Miao Si's face stiffened slightly, then she said with a resentful expression:

“Ouyang Lianghan, don’t yell. You’ve been caught by that cold-faced scoundrel. You’re in a much worse situation than me. At least I’m beautiful and cute, so I can play the victim. As for that guy, he’s a lecherous thief who stole a woman’s undergarment. He even touched it in front of Huang Xuan when he appeared at her house that day… That cold-faced scoundrel will definitely skin you alive, hehe.”

Little Ink Spirit crossed his arms, head held high, and analyzed with smug satisfaction.

Anyone who didn't know better would think she got some incredible bargain.

"You dare compare these things? Compare who died a more tragic death? Who was more unlucky?"

Ouyang Rong shook his head.

"I'm still happy if you're a little unlucky, but don't be extremely unlucky, or you'll drag me down with you. Remember that."

Miao Si gave a serious and earnest instruction.

Ouyang Rong pursed his lips.

Miao Si tapped her chin with her finger, thought for a moment, and then asked curiously:

“Ouyang Lianghan, what do you think your expression would be if Leng Bingbing’s debt-ridden face really found out it was you? Would she still do it? Didn’t she just say she’d grind him to dust? She really does seem to hate you to the bone.”

Ouyang Rong walked forward silently, without answering the question.

This is actually what I dreamed about last night.

He has been having similar dreams frequently lately.

"Go back and stay there."

Ouyang Rong stuffed the gossipy little head that had popped out of his sleeve back into the main hall and returned to the main hall.

The day passed quickly. In the evening, Ouyang Rong finished his shift as usual, and declined all of Li Dalang and Yan Liulang's invitations to go out.

When Ouyang Rong returned home, Zhen Shuyuan happily ushered him in.

"My love, look who's here."

He walked into the courtyard and heard several familiar voices. Upon closer inspection, he saw the figure of a refined middle-aged man.

"Teacher?" Ouyang Rong asked in surprise.

Xie Xun put down his teacup, smiled, and turned back.

"Lianghan, how have you been?"

Ouyang Rong immediately went to greet him.

"Why didn't you say anything when you went back to Jiangzhou, teacher?"

"I had some business to attend to recently and went back to Jiangnan. I happened to be passing through Jiangzhou, so I came with E'niang to visit you... Oh, you've lost weight?"

Xie Xun offered a casual explanation, even making a joke.

"The teacher has lost weight too," Ouyang Rong said earnestly.

"Have you lost weight? Wanwan and Amei said I've gained weight since I went there, hahaha."

Ouyang Rong turned his head and saw Xie Xue'e and Xie Lingjiang, an aunt and niece, who had come with Xie Xun.

Xie Lingjiang looked at him with bright eyes.

Ouyang Rong nodded at her.

The two had a tacit understanding.

Xie Xue'e's demeanor and posture remained aloof, unchanged from before.

She was scrutinizing the surrounding courtyard and the women, including Ye Weilai and Banxi, with a critical eye.

Then the tall, elegant lady turned her gaze to Ouyang Rong.

She stepped forward and gracefully sat down beside the tea table where Ouyang Rong and Xie Xun sat facing each other. As she poured tea for the master and apprentice, she began to speak:

“Young Master Ouyang, I have heard about your refusal to obey the imperial edict. Although you have gained great fame this time, it was still too dangerous. You are not the same as before, no longer the poor scholar with nothing to lose. There is no need to take such a big risk.”

"You need to think more about Wanwan and your family, you know?"

Xie Xue'e patiently gave her instructions.

Ouyang Rong pursed his lips and remained silent.

"Aunt! What are you saying? Senior Brother knows what he's doing, there's no need for us to say anything more..."

Xie Lingjiang frowned and scolded, then tugged at Xie Xue'e's sleeve.

However, the tall, elegant lady brushed her aside and glared at her beloved niece.

"Would I possibly harm you and Young Master Ouyang? These are words from someone who has been through it all. I wouldn't bother talking to anyone else."

Ouyang Rong reached out and stopped his junior sister from speaking, shaking his head to indicate that it was alright.

Xie Xun, standing to the side, looked helpless, picked up his teacup, and gestured to Ouyang Rong. The master and apprentice then raised their cups together to sip their tea.

Xie Xue'e then turned her head and continued to nag and admonish Ouyang Rong:

"Although the Emperor has demoted you from your post as Prefect of Jiangzhou, it is not a bad thing. If you are not punished at all for disobeying the imperial edict, then you should be trembling with fear."

"Demoting you to the position of Sima of Jiangzhou, or keeping you in Xunyang City, is more of a warning, and also a show for everyone in the court and the country. We can't let you go unpunished, otherwise, where will the emperor's face be?"

"The fact that they've imposed a fine now actually means that this easy matter has been dropped..."

(End of this chapter)