Chapter 714 Home is Just One Word [4k4 chapters per update, please vote!]

Ouyang Rong is one of the few who comes to the quiet courtyard by Xingzi Lake early in the morning.

He now has a three-day holiday, followed immediately by a one-day celebration, which is almost like not working, meaning he can rest for four days at once.

Since I have plenty of time, I can be a little capricious.

As soon as Ouyang Rong's carriage arrived on the street outside the quiet courtyard, Yan Liulang and Pei Shisan Niang followed closely behind.

These are some routine reports.

Pei Shisan Niang only came over to massage Ouyang Rong's legs, then acted coquettishly like a mature woman, and went through the motions before continuing to attend to the ice-making business, running back and forth between Mount Lu and Xingzifang.

Her newly established ice-making business is called Drinking Ice Room.

It was originally named the same as Ouyang Rong's study, but he picked up a vermilion brush, circled it, and changed one character.

The name of this study was inherited by Ouyang Rong from his mentor Xie Xun.

It is taken from the sentence in Zhuangzi: "Now I receive orders in the morning and drink ice in the evening, am I not burning inside?"

On the day of the low-key opening, Ouyang Rong even helped write a couplet: "Receiving orders in the morning and drinking ice in the evening, doing nothing during the day and unable to sleep at night."

Pei Shisan Niang happily took the couplet away.

Yes, the more business people are, the more they like to associate themselves with cultured people.

Of course, the young master's personal inscription also served as a protective charm for Pei Shisan Niang.

In addition, before Pei Shisan Niang left this morning, she specifically asked about the chilled mung bean soup.

The soup was brought to her by Xiu Niang. When Ouyang Rong was not around, Pei Shisan Niang would help take care of the quiet courtyard. Xiu Niang had a good impression of this warm and enthusiastic merchant woman, and the two of them had become friends. Whenever there was extra food, Xiu Niang would naturally send some over.

Pei Shisan Niang seemed very interested in the chilled mung bean soup. Ouyang Rong knew what she was thinking at a glance, but didn't explain in detail. He sent her away first, telling her to focus on the affairs of the Ice Drinking Room, ensuring the daily supply of ice to the Xunyang Prince's Mansion, and having it delivered by a private carriage.

Of course, a carriage wouldn't be filled entirely with ice, nor would it contain that much ice.

Ice chests and other heat-preserving equipment, as well as professional staff to look after them, also occupied space inside the carriage.

Because of the expansion of the ice cellar in the Xunyang Prince's Mansion, four or five carriages now enter and exit the mansion daily through a special back gate.

Li Congshan and the other White Tiger Guards, along with other groups outside who were paying attention to the Prince's residence, were already used to it. They couldn't help but marvel at the wealth and power of the Xunyang Prince's family. The amount of ice used in their summer cooling measures, including chilled mung bean soup, chilled rice wine, and chilled cheese, was considered extravagant even among the top nobles of the Great Zhou Dynasty. And this was just before summer; imagine what it would be like when summer truly arrived—it was practically comparable to the Luoyang Imperial Palace.

However, the purpose of establishing this new trading company was certainly not just as simple as producing ice for the Prince's Palace.

The other new retreat route involving Mount Lu that Ouyang Rong discussed with Li Xian and others in the study of the Xunyang Prince's Mansion that night was hidden in this matter.

It was hidden in the ice-carrying carriages that came and went from the Xunyang Prince's Mansion at irregular intervals every day.

However, when Pei Shisan Niang and Ouyang Rong met this morning, neither of them mentioned it, tacitly understanding each other's intentions.

Ouyang Rong had arranged this matter for Pei Shisan Niang and Yan Liu Lang to carry it out together.

Ali's carriage stopped deliberately near the quiet courtyard to make it easier for the young master to meet people.

After Pei Shisan Niang left, Yan Liulang arrived early in the morning, dressed in a black outfit and carrying a waist knife; he was lean and capable.

Ouyang Rong could take leave to rest, but Yan Liulang could not.

"Your Excellency, there are a few developments."

"explain."

Ouyang Rong closed his eyes to rest.

Yan Liulang explained it all.

Nothing serious happened. It was just a few people that he had previously instructed Yan Liulang and his men to keep an eye on, and they were all in Xunyang City.

First, there's Princess An Hui's side.

Her carriage hadn't left the Xiushuifang mansion with its red walls much lately, nor had the people around her, such as the coachman wearing a white cloth strip.

Apart from the unusual behavior of that thin-faced man not long ago, these people haven't done anything suspicious in the city recently.

Secondly, there's the old state prison, the family in the south of the city, and Li Yu's place at Chengtian Temple.

They all reported that they were safe and sound, and nothing unusual had happened.

But when Yan Liulang finished talking about the honest and upright Li Yu, his expression became somewhat strange.

"What's wrong? Is there anything else with Li Yu?"

Ouyang Rong asked.

Yan Liulang coughed and said:

“Master Li is fine, but… but Chief Clerk Yuan, who lives with him, had some trouble last night.”

“He does have a lot on his plate.” Ouyang Rong nodded, his expression unsurprised.

"Just like the past few days, Commander Yi entered the city last night and went to Chengtian Temple to find Chief Secretary Yuan."

"I don't know if they had a fight, but there was some commotion in the courtyard. Master Li was kicked out. The brothers who were keeping watch at Chengtian Temple said that it didn't stop even in the middle of the night. The lights in the courtyard were on until the third watch. Commander Yi slammed the door and left, leaving the city overnight and returning to Shuangfengjian."

"I don't know if he didn't sleep, but early this morning, Chief Clerk Yuan arrived half an hour early before his shift. As soon as he arrived, he buried himself in his papers, which was quite unprecedented..."

Ouyang Rong listened with great interest and then smiled and said:

"These two are just like a young couple arguing. It's normal for them to bicker and make up. It's probably because of the painting incident on the day of the celebration ceremony. Brother Huaimin didn't appreciate it and even had some rebellious thoughts."

"It seems that's true."

Yan Liulang chuckled and pondered:

“This morning, I was passing by and stopped by the main hall of Jiangzhou to pick up something. Chief Secretary Yuan grabbed my sleeve and asked where you were and when you would be available to see me. He said he wanted to see you and had some things to say about the celebration… I couldn’t make the decision for you, so I told him to wait and that I would give him an answer a few days from now.”

Ouyang Rong thought for a moment, gazing at the bright red walls of a quiet courtyard not far away outside the car window, and casually said:

"Tomorrow morning, I might have to go to the Xunyang Prince's Mansion. He can come and see me."

"Yes, Your Excellency, I will take the message back immediately."

"Um."

After finishing his daily report, Yan Liulang picked up his sword, got off the carriage, and went back to his work, no longer disturbing Ouyang Rong.

The latter sat in the carriage, resting his chin on his hand, and pondered for a moment.

Currently, in Xunyang City, Yan Liulang and Pei Shisan Niang each have their own tasks; in Hukou County, Wang Caozhi, Lu Ya, and Magistrate Meng are keeping an eye on things, so there shouldn't be any major problems, and no news has come in yet; at the Xunyang Grottoes, Rong Zhen and Yi Qianqiu are there; and at the Xunyang Prince's Mansion, Junior Sister, Li Guo'er, and Wei Mei are keeping an eye on things. Within the Xunyang Prince's Mansion, women truly hold up half the sky…

After considering each point, everything seemed safe and secure.

Ouyang Rong let out a long sigh, dusted off his sleeves, and lightly jumped off the carriage.

He was now completely free, and walked with his hands behind his back towards the red-walled courtyard in front of him.

...

Red, delicate hands, yellow wine.

A pretty young girl, blindfolded with a ribbon and dressed in a plain white dress, held a cup of wine in her hands and walked to the swing under the pear tree in the courtyard.

The pear trees rustled in the midday wind.

A few rays of sunlight filtered through the branches of the pear tree, falling on a young man in a blue scholar's robe standing beside the swing. The pale yellow sunlight made his profile appear exceptionally handsome and radiant, his face lean and revealing a serious and resolute air.

Unfortunately, Zhao Qingxiu couldn't see this scene.

"Wait a little longer, it'll be fixed soon. We just need to replace it with an old part..."

Ouyang Rong squatted on the ground, surrounded by repair tools. He buried himself in the swing for a while, muttering to himself:

"Um, I'm not thirsty yet. Put it on the table, I won't drink it now... Embroiderer, this swing thing needs to be checked and reinforced regularly. It wouldn't be good if it flew off, especially for those who like to swing high..."

Zhao Qingxiu took her glass and walked to the stone table next to her, where she sat down. After putting down the cold glass, she rested her chin on her hands and tilted her head slightly in the sunlight.

She seemed to be looking intently at Ouyang Rong, who was squatting on the ground repairing the swing, as if through a ribbon.

Tanlang arrived in the morning. He's usually very busy, but today he didn't do anything important. He spent most of the day rolling up his sleeves, carrying a small hammer, a crowbar, and other tools, inspecting the yard, tapping and tinkering. If he found something missing, he would run to the market to find a replacement and bring it back himself. If he found any loose furniture, he would tinker with it and repair it...

Zhao Qingxiu noticed that Tanlang seemed to be very serious and focused in everything he did, from daily official duties to small things like repairing things at home.

He seemed to have inexhaustible energy. Despite his frail physique, he was a person full of energy and had a strong sense of execution; he would do whatever he thought of.

Zhao Qingxiu was no lazy person. So, for most of the day, she quietly did the laundry and cooked, watching her husband repair the swing in the yard.

Although Zhao Qingxiu didn't usually play with this, when they first moved into the courtyard, Tanlang seemed to be afraid that she would be bored, so he made one by hand. She would only sit on it occasionally to feel the wind rushing past her ears, but when he wasn't around, she didn't dare to go up and play with it for long.

Zhao Qingxiu wasn't afraid of falling; she had spiritual cultivation and an excellent sense of balance, so she wouldn't fall.

But for some reason, when faced with the swinging swing, the feeling of her feet leaving the ground the moment she started to swing made her a little scared.

Some fears are without reason.

So this swing was previously used by the Fang sisters, especially the great heroine Fang, who loved to stretch out her legs and swing very, very high with a "whoosh".

After the two girls left, the swing was left idle. Apart from Sister Xie coming over and sitting on it twice, only Tingzhongfeng played with it.

Zhao Qingxiu, however, quite enjoyed listening to it; the wind carried its sound.

"Ah ah."

At the table, Zhao Qingxiu "stared" at Ouyang Rong for a while, then suddenly made a sound.

Ouyang Rong looked up curiously, wiping his sweat: "What's wrong with the embroiderer?"

He stood up slightly and saw the blindfolded girl dip her fingers in the cold liquor and write words on the table:

[Tanlang doesn't need repairs. Isn't he leaving soon? Apart from the swing, nothing else is broken, just not as good as before, but it's still usable.]

In fact, Zhao Qingxiu had noticed that the swing was broken a few days ago. Yes, she noticed it by sound, from the slight creaking sound it made when it swayed, but she had never mentioned it to Tanlang.

“That’s what they say, and it’s true that they’re leaving.” Ouyang Rong smiled, then composed himself and said very seriously, “But as long as I’m staying here for another day, this is home. Of course, I should take good care of my own home, even if it’s only for one day. It’s still home.”

Zhao Qingxiu couldn't see his eyes, but she could sense something in his words... something grounded and powerful.

She couldn't help but lower her head, somewhat hesitant, her fingers trembling slightly.

What if one day we become destitute and homeless, forced to live in a dilapidated temple in the middle of nowhere?

“We still need to tidy up properly. With you all here, wherever we are is home. If the roof leaks, we’ll fix it; if the bed breaks, we’ll sleep on the floor… As long as I’m here, I have hands and feet and I can work. How could you starve? If we work together, we can have hope for anything.”

After speaking for a while, Ouyang Rong smiled, and seeing Zhao Qingxiu's stunned expression, he added:

"However, your husband is quite promising now, able to provide you with a house so you don't have to work so hard to make up for it, which can temporarily save you most of the troubles that ordinary families face."

Zhao Qingxiu suddenly shook her head and wrote, word by word:

No, no matter what kind of house we live in, our family needs to be diligent. When my husband is home, he can rest a bit, but the embroiderer will be hardworking. If we live diligently, we'll have a lot of hope for the future.

Ouyang Rong smiled and nodded vigorously.

"good."

Ouyang Rong lowered his head again, squatted back down, repaired the swing a little, and then said softly:

"Actually, I was thinking of keeping this courtyard here properly. That way, if you return to the Huaiye Lane mansion after your birthday celebration but don't feel comfortable there, you can come back to this courtyard. It's still here, a safe haven. We'll always have a way out, and we won't suffer any injustice."

Zhao Qingxiu's small face showed some emotion. She raised her head, her covered eyes seemingly staring at him.

Ouyang Rong didn't go to see her; to make it easier to fix things, he simply sat on the ground.

He was already quite handy, and after fiddling with it for a while, he looked pleased and said:

"alright."

Ouyang Rong pushed the swing, tested it out, then stood up and clapped his hands.

"It's been reinforced a bit, so I can sit here with peace of mind now."

Turning his head, he saw the embroiderer pick up the cup of wine again, walk over, hold the cup in both hands, and offer it to him.

This Huang Teng wine is not actually yellow wine. The character "Teng" means to seal or bind with rope. Huang Teng wine is yellow-sealed wine, which is sealed with yellow cloth or yellow paper. In the Great Zhou Dynasty, all the best official wines were sealed with yellow paper, hence the name.

This pot of chilled yellow wine was specially delivered by Pei Shisan Niang this morning. Knowing that her young master would be in the courtyard with the embroiderer, she made a very thoughtful gesture...

Ouyang Rong sat down on the swing and took the warm wine cup from the embroiderer's small hands, only to find that the icy wine, with pear petals floating in the cup, had already shrunk by more than half.

The drink was less than half a glass.

Ouyang Rong glanced at the embroiderer.

Her lips were exceptionally red, like the red wall behind her with its weeping willows, stained with a little water—the color of a damp wall, a repressed yet passionate red.

"Doesn't the embroiderer not drink much?"

Ouyang Rong asked in surprise.

While Zhao Qingxiu was waiting for him to fix the swing, she took small sips of the water, perhaps lost in thought.

When Ouyang Rong asked her question, Zhao Qingxiu looked up with a slightly blank expression, clearly still lost in thought and not having heard him clearly.

Ouyang Rong chuckled and shook his head, then tilted his head back and drank the wine in one gulp.

This yellow wine is indeed a fine wine, but its alcohol content is not particularly high for him.

This thought flashed through Ouyang Rong's mind.

And for some reason, seeing the embroiderer's moist, pink lips, his excess merit, which was about to break the 1,300 mark, was starting to overflow...

"The embroiderer has a good capacity for alcohol..."

Ouyang Rong had just put down his wine glass, preparing to say a few words of praise to her.

The beautiful figure in the white dress suddenly rushed into his arms, like a swallow returning to its nest.

She spread her arms and hugged Ouyang Rong, who was sitting on the swing.

He exclaimed in surprise.

The two seemed to merge into one, and the swing suddenly began to sway, as if flying.

In the afternoon sun, the shadows of people and their sleeves are cast on the red wall, resembling a character.

Home.

(End of this chapter)