Chapter 204 Su Guo'er: Sister Xie is truly his sweet little cotton-padded jacket.
"Why is Senior Brother staring at my boudoir?"
On the seat opposite Ouyang Rong, Xie Lingjiang subtly shifted her hips, discreetly covering that area, and glared at him reproachfully.
Ouyang Rong: ...
In fact, Xie Lingjiang only used this west wing as a study and did not live in the inner room, only taking occasional afternoon naps.
Inside the study, the two students stared at each other for a while.
"Junior Sister, why don't you go and close the window?" Ouyang Rong suggested.
Xie Lingjiang tilted her head: "Senior Brother, do you want to help me close it? And go in and take a look?"
Ouyang Rong shook his head seriously: "No, it's just that I have a bit of OCD. The wind in the room is blowing a little strangely."
Xie Lingjiang didn't continue the conversation, but stared at Ouyang Rong and said:
"Great wisdom appears as foolishness, great sound is silent, great skill is unskilled. Senior Brother possesses strategic acumen, yet he condescends to reside in a small county like Longcheng, and he sees the political situation and trends of the court and the public so clearly, with a clear understanding of the details... Junior Sister feels as if she has come to know Senior Brother anew."
Ouyang Rong joked, "Junior Sister, you believe what I just said so readily, without even a hint of doubt? What if I was just making it up?"
Xie Lingjiang looked at him and shook her head:
"Some arguments are obviously false, even if the speaker is eloquent and has a lot of evidence, they are still just one person's opinion."
"Some truths are so profound that they can enlighten you instantly, because they are true insights that apply to all of the world. They don't leave you confused; instead, after hearing them, you think to yourself, 'That's how it should be.'"
"What my senior brother said is the latter. What I heard was not just one person's opinion, but my senior brother's profound understanding of Empress Wei and people's hearts."
"Human nature is such that people seek profit and avoid harm. How could Senior Brother be wrong in analyzing things this way?"
Ouyang Rong laughed and said, "Junior Sister understands people's hearts. She knows I like to be praised, so she praises me indirectly."
"Just telling the truth." Xie Lingjiang said quietly, "If Senior Brother liked being praised and flattered, he wouldn't be so secretive."
Ouyang Rong, with his sleeves tucked in and eyes fixed on the floor, said:
"I'm not hiding my abilities, I'm just not interested. Emperors and generals are just ordinary people, so how hard is it to guess their thoughts? It's just that there are too many people in this world who grovel for power, and they over-deify the emperors and generals who hold power. They are timid and hesitant, so they can't see things clearly. They feel that the wrath of the emperor is unpredictable and that serving the emperor is like walking on thin ice."
Ouyang Rong chuckled.
Xie Lingjiang looked at him with complicated eyes, "The reason why Senior Brother thinks this way is because Senior Brother is extraordinary and can see it so clearly."
Ouyang Rong said with a smile:
"Because I stay far away and can't be bothered to play with them. But my junior sister is silly and loves to meddle in other people's business. Ugh, junior sister, meddling in everything will only hurt you... I'm always worried that you'll get involved. If I weren't worried, I wouldn't be saying all this today."
He sighed and rubbed his cheek.
"Senior Brother, please stop... I'm not stupid..." Xie Lingjiang said somewhat embarrassedly.
She paused, then choked with emotion, but given the occasion, she could only suppress her feelings and whisper:
"Why is my senior brother being so nice to me...?"
"Because I'm afraid that when I'm not by your side, you might accidentally get eaten by wolves."
Ouyang Rong narrowed his eyes slightly, his voice slightly magnetic:
"Junior sister, in my eyes, everyone in this world is just one of two kinds."
Which two?
"One is a sheep, the other is a wolf."
"Sheep, wolf?" Xie Lingjiang frowned in thought.
Ouyang Rong said calmly:
"Are you wondering, how can it be so simple and straightforward? The world is so complicated, how can the relationship be so simple?"
He suddenly laughed:
"Ah, because most wolves want to pretend to be sheep, and most sheep want to pretend to be wolves. That's where things go wrong. In the end, everyone gets mixed up, you're in me and I'm in you, and that's how all the complicated things in the world came about."
"Liu Ziwen is a wolf, some officials are wolves, and the emperor in the court is the biggest wolf. These are all easy to identify."
"But there are also some that are hard to identify, junior sister. Tell me, why do you all make things so complicated when it's such a simple relationship between a wolf and a sheep?"
Xie Lingjiang suddenly asked, "And you, Senior Brother? Are you a wolf or a sheep?"
Ouyang Rong smiled sheepishly:
"Sorry I forgot to mention, the third type is the sheepdog that wanders outside the sheepfold. The sheep are friendly to me, and even wolves disguised as sheep will smile at me and tuck their big tails away when they meet me."
Xie Lingjiang stared blankly as the renowned gentleman in front of her spoke eloquently.
She took a deep breath and said seriously, "I want to be a shepherd dog like my senior brother."
Ouyang Rong said with a serious expression, "Being a herding dog is very hard work."
For example, like now, this treacherous senior brother comes over and wastes his breath teaching the junior sister.
Xie Lingjiang shook her head:
"I'm not afraid of hard work, so could you teach me how to defend against wolves, especially the biggest one?"
"So, Senior Brother, could you continue to predict what Empress Wei will do next after bringing Prince Li Xian and his family back to the capital? And where will the conflict between Li and Wei lead?"
Ouyang Rong shook his head:
"Didn't Junior Sister just say that as long as they are of Emperor Taizong's bloodline, no matter who becomes the heir to the throne, you and your teacher will support them? Just keep this original intention in mind."
"Now that we know in advance that the Xunyang Prince's family will most likely return to Luoyang and obtain the position of heir apparent, we should not get too close to the Xiang Prince's family."
"While the current emperor is still making his decision, we can first go and visit the family of the deposed Prince Xunyang to gain some recognition for our loyalty."
"Once they are welcomed back to the capital and regain their imperial favor and the position of heir apparent, once you have your share of the benefits, you should immediately stay far away from them."
"Just be a neutral supporter of the government. Support whichever family is the right to inherit the throne. Don't be foolish and take sides."
"Junior sister, remember your original intentions. The so-called pro-Li faction is, in essence, a pro-Gan faction. As long as we can restore the Gan legitimacy in the end, that will be a victory."
"Regardless of who sits on the throne in the end, whether it's the lineage of Prince Xiang or Prince Xunyang, the wealth and glory of this family are none of your concern. This is the safest way to choose sides and ensure you're always invincible."
Ouyang Rong spoke earnestly, and Xie Lingjiang couldn't help but glance sideways. With her back to the beaded curtain behind her, which fluttered in the breeze, she frowned slightly and said:
"What do you mean, Senior Brother? Are you saying that even after the Xunyang Prince's family becomes the heir apparent, there will be unforeseen circumstances, and they may not ultimately inherit the throne?"
Ouyang Rong finally frowned and said speechlessly:
"Why is Junior Sister so concerned about the Xunyang Prince Li Xian's family? Is there some connection between them?"
Xie Lingjiang wanted to explain, but then she saw her senior brother's expression of sudden realization, and her heart tightened. Just then, she heard Ouyang Rong's words:
"Wait, I understand. King Xunyang... King Xunyang, doesn't Xunyang refer to the Xunyang region? Is his family currently in this Jiangzhou region, in Xunyang City?"
“When I corresponded with my teacher before, I found that he seemed to be active in Jiangzhou City. Could it be that he has already been in contact with the family of the Prince of Xunyang, who has been deposed and reduced to commoners?”
"No wonder Junior Sister is so interested."
Xie Lingjiang smacked her lips, gazing at the dark figure under the lamp.
Ouyang Rong shook his head slightly:
"Then we need to be even more careful and not tie it too tightly. Luckily, I came to remind you early this time."
His expression was filled with emotion as he nodded gently.
"Then I won't bother you any longer, senior brother. Junior sister, continue writing your letter. Tell the teacher about what we talked about today and remind him... This is the biggest help I can give as a student."
As Ouyang Rong prepared to take his leave, Xie Lingjiang suddenly reached out and grabbed his sleeve, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping herself.
"Senior Brother, wait..."
"Hmm? What's wrong?"
Ouyang Rong, who was about to get up and slip away, froze in mid-air, turning back curiously.
Why does Junior Sister's complexion seem a bit off today? Could it be that the Crimson Dragon has arrived? No, Junior Sister is already a mid-level Qi Refiner; she should have killed the Crimson Dragon long ago.
Xie Lingjiang's eyes were complicated, and her lips parted slightly for a while before she hesitated and reminded him:
"Senior Brother is so clever, he already knows all this... Longcheng County is not far from Jiangzhou City, why doesn't Senior Brother go and make contact with the Xunyang Prince's family himself, and pave the way for his future career...
"Isn't the biggest weakness in the eldest brother's career his humble origins? He just lacks the appreciation and support of a powerful figure. Otherwise, with his reputation and talent, what difficulty would it be for him to rise to the rank of minister and be ennobled?"
Her voice was somewhat excited, and she couldn't help but say:
"Hasn't Senior Brother thought about his own future, honor, and disgrace?"
"As my senior brother also said, the Xunyang Prince's family has been demoted for more than ten years and is now a blank in the court. In fact, they also need wise men like my senior brother, who are out of the public eye and solitary gentlemen, to serve as advisors and strategists to come up with ideas."
"Perhaps in time, with the great favor and honor bestowed upon him, the eldest brother could become another Master Di, and who in the world would not know him!"
Ouyang Rong shook his head without hesitation:
"Junior Sister, don't you know me? I'm used to being lazy and don't like flattering people. The flood in Longcheng has been quelled. Now, the only people I care about are Liu Lang, A Shan, Junior Sister, and you guys. Actually, I've been reading some books by Taoist hermits lately and have gained some insights. I'll tell you about them in detail later..."
"I've never been interested in things like following the dragon; it's too much trouble. I'm a shepherd dog; I'm fine with being with sheep. Why should I dance with wolves? Whether outsiders succeed or fail is none of my business. Just don't let their blood splatter on me."
As Ouyang Rong finished speaking, he winked at Xie Lingjiang and made a joke.
Xie Lingjiang was speechless. Just then, a faint footstep came from the inner room, but the footstep grew louder and louder, as if someone was trying to come out.
Xie Lingjiang's expression changed, and before Ouyang Rong could hear her, she suddenly stood up with a "thump," her clothes making a sound as she bumped the corner of the chair.
"What's wrong, junior sister?"
"It's alright, the window inside the room is indeed too noisy, it has to be closed. I'll go close it, Senior Brother, please wait a moment!"
Xie Lingjiang hurriedly offered an explanation, turned and left, lifting the beaded curtain and entering the inner room.
Outside, Ouyang Rong's expression faltered slightly. He shook his head, preparing to drink his tea, but then his expression changed abruptly. He looked around and muttered to himself:
"Strange, how come secretly discussing court affairs with my junior sister can also increase my merit points by a large amount... Something's not right, this is very wrong..."
Just as Ouyang Rong was listening to the continuous, crisp sound of the wooden fish, Xie Lingjiang had already entered the inner room.
She quickly reached out and stopped Su Guo'er, who had already walked up to her.
Xie Lingjiang glared at Su Guo'er, whose pretty face was flushed for some reason. She then turned around and closed the window that Su Guo'er had opened, deliberately making a loud banging sound when closing it.
He remained calm and deliberately spoke up: "Senior Brother, I've turned it off."
After saying that, Xie Lingjiang glared at Su Guo'er, Su Xian, Wei Mei, Su Dalang, and the others, put her index finger to her lips and shushed them lightly, then patted her sleeves and returned to the study.
"Hey, where's Senior Brother?"
Xie Lingjiang, who came out of the inner room, was taken aback to find that the study in front of her was empty.
The senior brother, who was just drinking tea and waiting, has vanished without a trace.
Is this... because he was afraid she'd nag, so he took the opportunity to run away?
"Damn it." Xie Lingjiang stomped her foot slightly.
As if hearing the noise, Su Guo'er, Su Xian, Wei Mei, Su Dalang and their family filed out from behind the beaded curtain in the inner room behind her and returned to the study.
"Where is he?" Su Guo'er asked anxiously.
Xie Lingjiang spread his hands: "I don't know what they were afraid of, they ran away."
Su Guo'er raised her chin and glared at Xie Lingjiang, saying, "Why did you stop me just now, Sister Xie?"
Xie Lingjiang glanced at her sideways, pouting slightly:
“I’ve tried my best to speak up for you, but you’ve all understood Senior Brother’s attitude and meaning. He’s too lazy to bother with people he doesn’t know well. He’s aloof and arrogant, and he doesn’t care about wealth and glory at all. You can’t bribe him. Senior Brother isn’t that kind of person.”
Wei Mei suddenly spoke up: "A man of unparalleled talent, who values relationships over profit."
Su Guo'er frowned: "I have a relationship with Ouyang Lianghan."
Xie Lingjiang glanced at her sideways: "This isn't enough of a relationship. My senior brother keeps his inner and outer affairs very clearly. Hasn't Sister Su figured it out yet?"
Sister Su, don't take yourself too seriously... Actually, Xie Lingjiang had another sentence to say, but she swallowed it back, probably because Uncle Su and Aunt Wei were present.
Su Guo'er didn't give up. The man's commanding, magnetic voice had just made her face flush, and the burning sensation hadn't subsided. Su Guo'er narrowed her eyes and said crisply:
“Isn’t there still Dalang? He has a good relationship with Ouyang Lianghan. Dalang can appeal to his emotions.”
Xie Lingjiang's expression turned slightly cold as she carefully cleaned up the teacup Ouyang Rong had left behind, shaking her head as she explained:
“If I said no, then no. It was my mistake to let someone overhear this time. I don’t blame you. If you want to persuade Senior Brother to help with your emotions, you can do it slowly later. Let’s see what you can do.”
"But in that situation just now, you can't all rush out to try and get close to him. Senior Brother will be unhappy. You absolutely cannot make him unhappy. That's the most important thing."
Her lips were slightly pursed, her attitude very firm:
“I know what I’m doing. But you, Su family sister, almost ruined everything with your impulsiveness. If you want to damage your image in senior brother’s heart and make him dislike you, I won’t object, but don’t drag me down with you.”
Xie Lingjiang said irritably, seemingly still a little resentful about Su Guo'er's unauthorized decision.
Hmph, now that you've overheard what your senior brother was saying to his "wife," you realize you treasure him? So impulsive and impatient? What were you doing before!
Outsiders are outsiders; don't try to get close and pretend to be an insider, or you'll morally blackmail your senior brother.
Su Guo'er was taken aback by Xie Lingjiang's words. Facing the latter's glance, the usually calm and collected Su Guo'er suddenly became angry. She opened her mouth for a moment, then smiled slightly and said:
"Yes, Sister Xie is truly Senior Brother's sweetheart."
Xie Lingjiang nodded, her expression unchanged: "You flatter me. I'm definitely more considerate than outsiders."
Just as the two young men were bickering in strange moods.
On the other side, Su Xian walked blankly to the table where Ouyang Rong had just been drinking tea, and picked up the two pieces of paper with writing on them and damp tea stains.
The middle-aged wealthy man, who had changed his surname to 'Su' and lost terribly, swayed precariously, his hands gripping the table as he muttered to himself:
"Duke Zhuang of Zheng defeated Duan at Yan... Those who commit many unrighteous acts will surely perish. Let's wait and see... Ah, when I ascended the throne, my mother indulged and lured me to heavily rely on the Wei family, her relatives, waiting for public opinion to ferment. On the eve of deposing me, she had a similar idea to Duke Zhuang... Playing hard to get, what a fine trick of playing hard to get."
The deposed emperor, Li Xian, was in tears, and everyone turned to look when they heard this.
As if they all understood something, a silence fell over the crowd.
P.S.: Good luck to all my brothers taking the college entrance exam! Hang in there these next couple of days, don't read novels, and get plenty of sleep! I'll update extra chapters for you guys after your exams! (orz Day 2)
(End of this chapter)
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