Chapter 664 Blood Bronze! [Seeking monthly votes!]

The finishing touches on the giant Buddha statue at the Xunyang Grottoes are in full swing.

Ouyang Rong and Rong Zhen, who were in charge of the Donglin Buddha, had some free time and spent it traveling with the old musician surnamed Yu.

Since the peach grove was cleared out, the old musician never went there again.

In just a few days, the three of them had explored the entire Mount Lu.

Crossing Songxi Creek, passing Yuanqiao Bridge, climbing Daiyan Rock, traversing Cuishan Mountain, admiring Liting Pavilion, and strolling through Shenggu Valley...

The old musician seemed to really like Mount Lu, as he left his mark on some of the mountain's famous scenic spots.

They come on a whim and leave on a whim. For example, at scenic spots like Daiyan and Liting, they would climb up and arrive, sit for a while, play a piece of music, and then get up and leave.

There is no pattern.

To paraphrase what Rongzhen overheard Ouyang Rong complaining about in private, Senior Yu is just putting on a show.

An eighty-year-old man and an eight-year-old child share the same mischievous nature.

Ouyang Rong observed carefully and discovered that, apart from the old musician's impromptu performance of a piece of music at the beginning of the babbling brook, he had not played any other pieces of music.

Subsequently, in five different locations—under the bridge, under the rock, under the pavilion, and in the valley—an impromptu melody was composed and left behind.

There are a total of six pieces.

Ouyang Rong silently counted, and just like in the Stream and Pine Creek, he honestly played the piano again on the spot.

Rongzhen, on the other hand, had her hands behind her back, looking aloof and indifferent.

After all, she was the Lady Historian in charge of the Censorate in the entire Jiangnan region, capable of mobilizing the White Tiger Guard and the Black Tortoise Guard. She should have been staying at the Xunyang Grottoes right now, overseeing the overall situation and having the power of life and death. The fact that she was patiently accompanying the senior officials of the Imperial Observatory on their aimless strolls and sightseeing was already a testament to her patience.

Ouyang Rong expressed his understanding.

Every time the old musician stopped to play an impromptu zither, Rong Zhen's pretty face would show anticipation, as if she was about to snatch the guqin that someone was carrying all over the place.

However, each time, the anticipation turned into a look of disappointment.

She listened to five or six songs in a row, but none of them contained the legendary military music she was looking for.

The lady historian was too lazy to patiently recall the memories.

After all, there's a lackey around.

Although Ouyang Rong only listened to the piece once and couldn't fully master it or play it perfectly, he had a general idea of ​​its structure and could play it somewhat well.

When Ouyang Rong first met the old musician in the bamboo forest of Shuangfengjian, he tested him and found that, given his spiritual understanding, he needed to listen to the music twice with his eyes closed before he could imitate it properly.

But the old musician was easygoing and easygoing, and he didn't linger too long at any part, giving no second chances and never going back to play it again.

Ouyang Rong strongly suspected that he did it on a whim, and that he might have forgotten about it after playing it.

However, Ouyang Rong did not let his guard down.

The golden blessing from a few days ago still lingered in his mind, and he suspected it was related to this senior Yu and the zither music, so he naturally became serious.

That evening, the three bid farewell to Mount Lu, having finally explored the entire mountain. There were still some remote corners that the old musician had not visited.

They took the main road down the mountain. Xunyang City was built against the backdrop of the Kuanglu Mountains, so they went directly into the city after descending the mountain.

After passing through several neighborhoods, the three exited the city through the west gate, preparing to return to Shuangfengjian.

On the official road, a dazzling white wave rushed towards us.

Yi Qianqiu arrived with three hundred riders to greet them, and reined in his horse in front of Ouyang Rong and Rong Zhen.

They brought the old musician back to the city.

"Did you enjoy yourself, sir?"

Yi Qianqiu, still wearing the silver tiger mask, asked in a muffled voice.

Although he couldn't see her exact facial expression, Ouyang Rong could detect the respect in her voice.

The old musician nodded kindly, politely declining the female official's offer to carry his zither for him. He turned around with his zither in his arms and pointed towards Xunyangfang, which he was passing by.

“Previously, Rong said that Xunyang Tower has a famous pipa music from Jiangnan, which Ouyang Xiaoxueshi also knows. When will you take me to see it and broaden my horizons?”

Rong Zhen and Ouyang Rong exchanged a glance, and Rong Zhen answered crisply:

"For safety's sake, if you're not in a hurry, sir, could you please wait a few days and allow the Censorate to conduct another security check on the city?"

Ouyang Rong continued, speaking sincerely:

"I am quite familiar with Qin Guan, the pipa master of Xunyang Tower. In the next few days, I will ask her to gather more famous pipa masters from Jiangzhou and hold a gala so that Mr. Yu can enjoy the music and exchange musical skills."

The old musician laughed heartily and stroked his beard: "Good."

Rong Zhen cast an approving glance at Ouyang Rong.

Immediately, the old musician boarded the carriage, and the group rode horses to take him back to Xunyang Grottoes.

The dark night wind on the official road brushed against one's temples like a comb.

Beside the carriage shaft, Rong Zhen casually moved closer to Ouyang Rong and said:

"You've worked hard these past two days. The senior colleague seems quite pleased to see you like this."

"Has Lady Rong found the piece she wanted?"

"Not yet, but it should be soon. Tonight, Elder Song and I will go and talk to the old gentleman."

Ouyang Rong stroked the zither case on the horse's back and asked gently:

"Should we still organize the pipa performance at Xunyang Tower?"

Rongzhen didn't think for long:

"You can make the arrangements first."

"good."

"In the next two days, the Censorate and the White Tiger Guard will send people into the city to assist you in strengthening the security of Xunyang City."

Ouyang Rong glanced at Rong Zhen.

The latter, as if remembering something, casually added:

"Don't worry, these people will follow your instructions when they enter the city. They won't trespass on private property or damage Xunyang's reputation without your permission."

Ouyang Rong nodded slightly.

Just then, Yi Qianqiu rode his horse closer.

Ouyang Rong and Rong Zhen stopped chatting.

Yi Qianqiu glanced at the sandalwood prayer beads that Ouyang Rong was playing with in his hand and asked:

"Was this a gift from a sage?"

Before Ouyang Rong could react, Rong Zhen had already nodded on his behalf:

"Yes, the Emperor's favor is no less than what Lin Cheng received back then."

Yi Qianqiu's face was covered by a silver tiger mask, and the two eye holes exposed by the mask seemed to be looking back and forth between Rong Zhen and Ouyang Rong.

The way they looked at the handsome man and beautiful woman was quite meaningful.

Ouyang Rong asked casually:

"By the way, how is General Duan doing in Hukou County?"

Yi Qianqiu turned around, his gaze sharpening.

“Those river pirates are very cunning. There are too many marshes in Hukou County. Every time we get a clue and chase them to the edge of the marshes, these river pirates scatter. It’s not easy for the White Tiger Guard’s cavalry to chase them. If they dismount and walk into the marshes, they are easy to get lost. Although Captain Duan found a local to guide them, the river pirates are scattered... so the pursuit is not very effective.”

Ouyang Rong frowned slightly:

"This guerrilla tactic seems more like military strategy than something that ordinary, undisciplined, lazy江湖人士 (jianghu figures) could organize. They are clearly well-trained."

"That's right."

Yi Qianqiu nodded, and after listening, he glanced at Ouyang Rong with some admiration.

She squinted as she rode her horse, gazing at the hazy lights of the Xunyang Grottoes at the end of the official road in the distance, and analyzed:

"Based on the intelligence gathered so far, it seems that a small group of the Kuangfu Army has infiltrated the area, and these river pirates are their accomplices in disguise. Among them are also some Jianghu figures from Tiannan. The leader should be that young man named Du Shuqing who works alongside Li Zhengyan. He comes from the Du family of Jingzhao, and is on par with the Wei family, from which Wei Duwei came. Both are elite scions of aristocratic families and are quite capable..."

Ouyang Rong listened in silence.

Rong Zhen remembered something, took out a memorial from her sleeve, and handed it to Ouyang Rong.

"I almost forgot, take this."

Ouyang Rong asked curiously, "What is this?"

"The latest imperial edict issued from Luoyang."

Using the light from the lantern hanging on the carriage shaft, Ouyang Rong quickly scanned the scene and exclaimed in surprise:

"A ban on women crossing the border?"

Rong Zhen nodded, her voice turning cold:

"That's right, the imperial court has officially issued a decree. From today onwards, any family in Jiangnan or Lingnan who is involved with the Yunmeng Yue Nu or who privately possesses the Yunmeng Token will be punished severely according to the laws of the Great Zhou Dynasty. Those who assist will be exiled, and their descendants will be barred from holding official positions in the court..."

"This restriction order will be issued by you and the Jiangzhou Grand Hall, and will be implemented first in Jiangzhou and Hongzhou. The other prefectures and counties in the two provinces will follow suit."

Ouyang Rong pursed his lips, not speaking immediately.

If the conflict between the Great Zhou Dynasty and Yunmeng Sword Marsh was not yet fully public, or if the Great Zhou Dynasty did not initially pay much attention to Yunmeng Sword Marsh and the martial arts figures associated with it.

Now, with the issuance of this restriction order, the conflict has become completely public, with a sense of irreconcilable differences and no room for compromise. Everyone in Tiannan Jianghu has to choose sides, or face the death penalty without any room for negotiation.

"This edict was actually pushed by the King of Wei and the King of Liang. The former was grieving the loss of his son, and the entire court was quite sympathetic to him..."

Rongzhen continued her story:

“Ouyang Lianghan, didn’t you say before that the martial world wasn’t about fighting and killing, but about human relationships and social interactions? Then look at the martial world of Tiannan. How many heroes are willing to abandon their families and obey the orders of that Yunmeng Yuanjun?”

The aloof, palace-dressed girl slightly raised her chin, speaking each word clearly:

"What belongs to the sage belongs to the sage, and what belongs to the sovereign also belongs to the sage."

Seeing Ouyang Rong staring ahead, seemingly deep in thought, Rong Zhen waited a moment, then frowned.

"Ouyang Lianghan, what are you daydreaming about?"

Ouyang Rong slowly tucked the imperial edict into his sleeve.

default.

Rong Zhen carefully observed Ouyang Rong's expression.

She seemed to pay close attention to someone's subtle reactions.

Yi Qianqiu suddenly said:

"This decree is well issued. The previous measures taken by Lady Rongzhen and Governor Ouyang to strictly search Yunmeng were also very timely."

She took out a bloodstained bronze dagger and gestured with it, her eyes sharp:

"This thing must absolutely not be allowed to flow into Jiangzhou in large quantities, especially near Xunyang Grottoes. Anyone carrying this thing will be killed without exception!"

Ouyang Rong asked, "Does Commander Yi know how to use this item? Does he know how the rebels in the Jianghu of the Southern Regions would use it?"

Yi Qianqiu glanced at him sideways, remaining silent.

Ouyang Rong also met her gaze openly and naturally.

Yi Qianqiu shifted his gaze to Rong Zhen's face, a half-smile playing on his lips.

Ouyang Rong also frowned and turned to look at Rong Zhen.

At this moment, Yi Qianqiu turned around, his tone slightly cold:

"Since you don't know, that's fine. Governor Ouyang is a civil official; he should just do his job. There's no need for him to know. This is a court secret..."

Rongzhen suddenly interrupted:

"Now that things have come to this, there's really nothing I can't say. I trust Governor Ouyang."

Ouyang Rong shook his head: "Never mind, Commander Yi is right, I am indeed an outsider."

Rongzhen shook her head:

"No, you've already gotten involved. Since you've accepted the imperial edict to issue the decree restricting women from crossing the border and to help the court collect the Yunmeng decree, you should know even more about its uses to avoid being caught in the crossfire."

Ouyang Rong asked curiously, "What do you mean?"

Yi Qianqiu lowered his eyes and remained silent, while Rong Zhen turned her head to meet his gaze.

Ouyang Rong saw the cold glint in her eyes:

"According to legend, Yunmeng Jianze guards a large array left over from the pre-Qin period. This array covers a vast area. According to the records of the Imperial Observatory, it seems to be able to cover the Jiangnan Road and Lingnan Road that the Great Zhou has designated. This is exactly what people call the Jianghu of the South, which is the area of ​​influence of Yunmeng Jianze."

Rong Zhen's gaze fell on the bronze short sword in Yi Qianqiu's hand, and she narrowed her eyes, saying:

"The material of this Yunmeng Token is very special. It is suspected to be a clone of the array eye of this great array, a replica of it, and closely related to the real array eye. This material is called... Blood Bronze."

"If the records about this object in the Imperial Observatory are correct, it can mobilize the unknown killing power of this great formation at any time."

Ouyang Rong's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Blood Bronze?"

...

Snowwood Manor.

Spring Pavilion.

The morning was sunny and bright.

Outside the pavilion, under the pear tree, Yu Nianyuan feeds the insect maiden.

Inside the pavilion, Xue Zhongzhu sat cross-legged, wiping his sword with a white cloth, with an urgent secret report on the floor in front of him.

"A ban on women crossing borders?" She chuckled softly.

Yu Nianyuan nodded in agreement:

"It was issued by the Jiangzhou government. Currently, the officials of the Jiangzhou government should have close ties with the Xunyang Prince's Mansion. The Xunyang Grottoes have also recently received reinforcements... It seems that the last time the eldest sister asked the Three Pure Ones to deliver something to the Xunyang Prince's Mansion, they didn't take it seriously."

The candle in the snow nodded, its expression unchanged.

"That's normal. After all, they are of noble birth. It saves us from endless explanations. They can be clear and unambiguous in their actions, which is convenient. Just don't blame them for being ruthless."

She lowered her head slightly, stroked the snow-white longsword, and asked in a cool voice:

"Second Junior Sister, when was the last time our sect was issued a death warrant by the Northern puppet dynasty?"

Yu Nianyuan described it casually:

"In the ninth year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty, northerners invaded the south, Jiankang fell, and the Southern Dynasty collapsed."

The candle in the snow asked, "How does the situation compare to today?"

Yu Nianyuan seemed very familiar with the question and answered immediately without hesitation:

"At that time, many seniors of the Queen's Palace did not issue the Yunmeng Order, nor did they use the great formation. Despite the imperial court's warrant for their arrest, no one dared to set foot in Yunmeng Marsh. The order was a mere formality. Even though everyone knew that the Yue women of our Queen's Palace had the bloodline of the royal families of the Six Dynasties, who in the world dared to come here?"

Xue Zhongzhu gripped the sword hilt tightly, his hand trembling slightly, then slowly relaxed, his tone tinged with self-mockery:

"I am ashamed."

Yu Nianyuan shook his head:

"It's not the eldest sister's fault. The situation didn't give our generation of the Queen's Palace time to recuperate. Some things had to be done, and someone had to step up. The Queen's Palace elders in heaven would be gratified to know that there is still an eldest sister who can stand up on her own."

Xuezhongzhu pursed his lips and remained silent, then turned his head and asked:

"By the way, what's the meaning of Junior Sister's words? Has her cultivation broken through?"

Yu Nianyuan paused, released Chongniang, walked into the pavilion, and took out a secret letter from Xingzifang from his sleeve.

The two ladies of Yunmeng handed over the letter with a somewhat strange expression.

The tall, blonde, waist-length oriental woman took the letter with a curious expression...

——————

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(End of this chapter)