Chapter 216 A Promise to You: Never Forget Your Original Intentions
Ouyang Rong reached out and took a blue paper butterfly flower named "Craftsmanship".
I examined it carefully, not even missing the smallest wrinkles on the paper.
Skillfully, he took apart half of the flower and then put it back together.
"It's exactly the same as the one I folded; it looks perfectly normal."
Ouyang Rong stroked his chin, muttered to himself, and came to a conclusion.
"Master, after Madam Cheng delivered the gift during the day, I specifically asked someone to check. There was no movement from Liu Zi'an's side. It must have been the old craftsman who likes to buy yellow wine acting on his own initiative."
Liu Ashan turned his head and reported.
"Is this a private matter? What does this old man mean by teasing a little girl?"
Ouyang Rong had no idea that after he left that day, the old swordsmith had thrown the item into the furnace and it had vanished into thin air. He stared at the item that had returned, pondered for a while, and then looked at A Qing, whose face was still youthful.
Finally, Ouyang Rong pondered for a moment and spoke:
"Aqing, since this is a gift for you, please accept it."
"But don't contact the people at the sword shop anymore. Don't pay any attention to this old craftsman. Don't go back to the sword shop out of old feelings. You're still young. There are a lot of bad people in this world."
He spoke softly, and then raised his hand to stroke the girl's hair, but realizing that men and women were strictly separated in this world, he silently withdrew his hand.
"Yes! I will obey my master."
Aqing obediently responded, took the blue paper butterfly flower that Ouyang Rong handed back, glanced at it, and then put it into her bundle.
"Master, you two chat, I'll go make some tea."
Ah Qing rolled her eyes slightly, glanced at the two of them, then lowered her head and jogged away.
After seeing the little girl off, Ouyang Rong turned around and exchanged a glance with Liu Ashan.
Soon, the two put this trivial matter out of their minds.
They walked into the pavilion in tacit agreement.
The atmosphere was quiet.
Liu Ashan remained silent, looking at his master.
As always, he obediently does whatever the master instructs him to do.
Ouyang Rong hesitated slightly, but this was only fleeting. He reached into his sleeve and took out an item.
Liu Ashan looked on curiously.
It is a bronze animal mask.
The animal face is simple and ancient, and the whole piece has the green patina characteristic of bronze.
Liu Ashan wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, but he noticed a faint purple light flickering around the eyes of the beast-faced creature before disappearing.
Ouyang Rong, like him, looked down at the bronze beast mask in his hand and suddenly said:
"Ah Shan, can you do me one last favor?"
Why is it the last one?
"Hmm."
"Master, I understand. Did you hear something that you're getting promoted and leaving Dragon City?"
"Maybe, but more or less."
"Please speak freely, sir, and Ah Shan will certainly handle it well."
"Aren't you going to ask what kind of help it is? What if it's something bad? Would you still do it?"
"Since you're asking for my help, it must be a personal matter. If it were a business matter, you wouldn't hesitate so much."
Liu Ashan said firmly:
"But sir, you are upright and honest, and your private affairs are certainly not without fault."
"But this time it was not a very appropriate approach."
"Then the master must have some unspeakable difficulties. The master also has good intentions. I have heard people say that private matters are called private matters because they are done with good intentions and are difficult to talk about."
Ouyang Rong was silent for a moment, then fell silent:
Who taught you that?
"I heard it from Miss Xie."
"Well, she's always spouting witty remarks and acting like a know-it-all in front of others, but she's never been so eloquent in front of me, her senior brother. In fact, she seems a bit slow."
Ouyang Rong pursed his lips and sighed softly.
Liu Ashan scratched his head, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.
Actually, what I really want to say is that the usually taciturn and silent man has learned more insightful sayings from the master. As for that Miss Xie, she might also have been "corrupted" by the master.
Ouyang Rong shook his head, then turned to Liu Ashan and said:
"It is indeed a matter that is difficult to talk about."
"Please speak, sir."
Ouyang Rong looked at him for a while, then handed over the bronze beast mask in his hand, his expression calm:
"It's called the Mirage Mask."
Liu Ashan was taken aback.
Then came a private conversation.
After a long while, the bright moon slowly rose into the high sky overhead.
Night had fallen, and from within the pavilion, the hesitant voice of Liu Ashan could be faintly heard:
"Sir, I'm afraid I won't be able to do it well."
Ouyang Rong shook his head: "I trust you to handle things."
A warm current flowed through Liu Ashan's heart, and his voice choked with emotion: "Master, I..."
Ouyang Rong patted his shoulder and said softly:
"It's okay, just do as I say."
“But Ah Shan, you’ve always followed me and listened to my instructions, but one day I will be gone. You need to learn to stand on your own. If you think of something, then do it. Stand up and don’t hesitate. We all need to protect the people or things we need to protect.”
Liu Ashan lowered his head and wiped away his tears, then nodded emphatically. He lowered his voice and asked in a respectful tone:
"Master, is this the legendary Qi cultivation technique?"
Ouyang Rong thought for a moment, then waved his hand and said, "More or less."
He paused, nodded, and revealed something:
"However, it has many limitations. Originally, only I could activate it, but after I collected your energy, I can also let you borrow it for half a day. Only the two of us in this world can use it."
"In addition, it cannot be worn indefinitely and needs to be replenished with purple spiritual energy regularly to maintain it. Therefore, without my special spiritual energy, it is just a piece of junk."
"Sir, I understand."
Liu Ashan breathed a sigh of relief, hesitated for a moment, and then asked, "..."
"Why doesn't Master personally escort Miss Ye? Didn't Master request leave from Jiangzhou?"
Ouyang Rong glanced at him, and hesitated as well:
“I have other things to do and don’t have time, so Ah Shan has to do it for me.”
He pursed his lips and said gently, "Is there anything else you want to ask, Ah Shan? Or is there anything you need my help with?"
Liu Ashan couldn't help but glance at the master. He wondered if it was just his imagination, but the master seemed unusually patient with them tonight, speaking softly and gently. Even the usually busy master had come to his house for dinner.
"No, sir, I understand."
Liu Ashan nodded emphatically.
Ouyang Rong sighed, then suddenly remembered something and asked:
"By the way, will going to Nanlong affect your progress with that girl? I heard from your sister that you're almost ready to get married."
He spoke in a teasing tone.
The atmosphere inside the pavilion eased somewhat.
Liu Ashan's face flushed slightly. He looked away, scratched his head, and said:
“Master, the engagement was arranged the day before yesterday. My mother and I have already sent the engagement gifts. Her elders seem to be very satisfied with me. Actually, we don’t have so many customs in our small town. We can even bring her here now.”
"Then why not go and fetch it, so that I, the master, can also have a look?"
“This is the master’s house, how can we let just anyone stay here?” Liu Ashan shook his head: “After the master leaves, I will take my mother and Aqing back to live here, and we’ll talk about it then.”
"I never expected that I would become the obstacle."
Ouyang Rong smiled sheepishly, paused for a moment, then his expression turned serious as he handed over the Mirage Beast Mask:
"Then I wish Ah Shan a safe journey tomorrow."
Liu Ashan accepted it with both hands and nodded solemnly.
Just as Ouyang Rong said this was the last time he needed his help, this taciturn man bowed his head and cupped his hands in a final gesture, saying:
"Yes, sir."
Fifteen minutes later.
After leaving Liu Ashan's residence, Ouyang Rong returned to Meilin Courtyard at night.
The stars are sparse tonight, but the moonlight is exceptionally bright.
Under the bright moonlight, he slowly stopped and gazed into the distance at a house in the plum grove courtyard where the light was still on.
Like an inextinguishable lighthouse at sea.
Suddenly, he remembered that when he first woke up at Donglin Temple, apart from his aunt, Xiufa, and Master Shandao, the first family Ouyang Rong knew in Longcheng was the Liu Ashan family.
It was also through his understanding of the life of Liu Ashan's family that he indirectly learned about the survival situation of the disaster-stricken people of Longcheng at the foot of the mountain.
At that time, Ouyang Rong was full of confidence, feeling that he was omnipotent with the knowledge of his past life. He stood up with a strong sense of justice to treat Liu Ashan, who was bedridden in order to save the original body. Later, in order to accumulate merit to exchange for blessings and at the same time fulfill the original body's long-cherished wish of controlling the flood in this life, he went down the mountain without hesitation.
Then came the establishment of disaster relief camps, the battle of wits with grain merchants, the dismantling of the Liu family, the repair of the Broken Wing Canal... Ouyang Rong was pushed forward by this complex situation all the way, and his steps could hardly stop. Only now can he breathe a sigh of relief, stop and look back, and quietly step down.
That night at Donglin Temple, after he helped Aqing, who had undressed and offered herself, put on clothes, left a prescription for medicine, and left Ashan's house, on his way back to Sanhui Temple, Ouyang Rong also stopped under the moon and looked into the distance at a house where a single light had been left for him.
I still remember my state of mind back then, which was just as unusually peaceful and serene as it is now.
"I urge you not to betray your original intention, for heaven and earth are one."
Ouyang Rong murmured.
...
Magistrate Ouyang has requested leave to return to his hometown to pay respects to his ancestors.
The news spread throughout the Longcheng County government office today, but it didn't attract much attention.
After all, it's common for officials to take leave occasionally.
Besides, Magistrate Diao is still around, so there's no reason for him to slack off.
The officials of Longcheng County are currently preparing for the completion celebration of the Zheyi Canal on the fifteenth of this month, led by County Magistrate Diao. It is said that Liu Zian will invite many merchants and wealthy people from Jiangzhou, making it quite a lively occasion.
At that time, County Magistrate Diao will also take the stage to say a few words on behalf of County Magistrate Ouyang Rong, who is returning to his hometown.
Therefore, the young magistrate's silent request for leave did not cause much of a stir in the government office, and everything remained as usual. In fact, according to the sycophantic Magistrate Diao, he was prepared to take a group of subordinates to see him off, but Ouyang Rong decisively and forcefully refused, telling them to go about their own business.
No one insisted.
The main reason is that after spending so much time together, I know that this magistrate is not one to say polite things.
As a result, there weren't many people at Penglangdu Wharf this afternoon.
Only one official boat was docked at the shore, with servants and laborers carrying luggage up and down.
These belongings were all transported by horse-drawn carriage from the Deer Park area on Deer Street, and included many boxes and scrolls of books.
I wonder why this Magistrate Ouyang took so many books back to his hometown after taking leave; he's practically emptied the entire Meilu Garden.
However, these did not arouse much suspicion.
Very few people came to the dock to see him off today.
Most of the people in Longcheng County were unaware that the magistrate had taken a leave of absence, and since it wasn't a transfer or a permanent departure, there was no need for any sentimental farewells or the villagers presenting umbrellas to the people.
However, the Li family came to the dock to see them off upon hearing the news. After all, Meilu Garden was right next to the Su residence, and such a big move could not be kept secret.
A horse-drawn carriage was parked under the shade of a jujube tree by the dock, avoiding the scorching afternoon sun.
Outside the carriage, Li Xian and Su Dalang stood beside the horses, wiping their sweat and looking towards the entrance of the official ship. Both father and son looked worried and anxious.
Wei Mei and Li Guo'er, their faces veiled by thin gauze, sat inside the carriage, occasionally lifting the curtains and glancing frequently toward the official ship.
Because the mother and daughter were women, it was inconvenient for them to get out of the car.
But after waiting for so long, they still hadn't seen the young county magistrate.
"Has my nephew Lianghan already boarded the ship? Please trouble you to go and inform him that an old friend from the Su family has come to see him off..."
Li Xian and Su Dalang stopped a maid from Meilu Garden who was carrying a floral bundle and preparing to board the boat, and politely inquired about her situation.
However, the reply that came back shortly afterward left Li Xian and the others looking disappointed.
"What? Nephew Lianghan is busy and unable to receive you..."
However, Li Xian persisted, taking out some silver beans and earnestly saying:
"Miss, could you please go and announce that you wish to see my nephew? There are some things I need to say..."
The maidservant from Meilu Garden waved her hand in polite refusal and curtsied slightly.
"The young master said that there is no need for Master Su and Young Master Su to see them off with formalities. It is only a temporary farewell. The sun is too strong today, so please return home early."
Li Xian and Su Dalang exchanged a glance, and a look of disappointment appeared in their eyes.
After helping to block Miaozhen and the other palace maids from Luoyang that afternoon, Ouyang Rong has maintained this indifferent attitude ever since, and it has become difficult for him to return to the close friendship he had before, where they would visit each other from time to time for meals and chat happily.
"It's all my fault. I shouldn't have kept it from my nephew Lianghan. I should have listened to my niece Xie earlier..."
Li Xian hung his head dejectedly, stroking his beard and sighing.
Su Dalang and Wei Mei comforted Li Xian, when Li Guo'er's clear voice suddenly came from the carriage:
"Father, there's no need to blame yourself too much. Perhaps Ouyang Lianghan is indeed busy and unable to see anyone?"
“Ah.” Li Xian sighed.
Just then, the luggage was unloaded and the huge official ship slowly set sail and left the dock.
Li Xian, Li Guo'er, and the others turned their heads and looked into the distance. They could vaguely see two figures, one tall and one short, on the deck at the bow of the ship. It was Ouyang Lianghan and the silver-haired maid beside him.
Li Guo'er's pink lips, barely perceptible, parted slightly beneath her thin veil:
"Is he really gone...? Requesting leave to go home? An excuse or..."
"Could it be the Su family from Luming Street?"
Just then, a servant in hemp clothing ran up to the carriage, inquired about their identities, and after confirming Li Xian and the others' identities, respectfully handed them a letter:
"The magistrate has entrusted me to deliver a letter to Miss Su."
Li Xian and the others looked at each other in bewilderment.
"Give it to me."
Li Guo'er's voice held a hint of joy. A fair, delicate hand swiftly reached out from behind the curtain, took the envelope, and the servant turned and left.
After a short while, the carriage fell silent, and Su Dalang outside couldn't help but ask:
"Sister, what did Brother Lianghan say?"
Su Guo'er did not answer, her beautiful eyes turned to the official boat slowly sailing away on the river, her eyes slightly narrowed, the letter in her hand had disappeared.
Sitting next to her, Wei Mei, who was also veiled, turned her head slightly, looking at her daughter with a slightly strange expression, along with the embroidered hem of her skirt, the edges of her shoes, and the small pieces of paper scattered all over the ground.
To be honest, he tore it quite neatly and nicely; he's obviously a perfectionist.
The veiled woman tearing paper spoke in an unfriendly tone:
"Ha, he left me nothing... What did he say? That he used your younger sister as a messenger to pass on a message to the Xie family sister he's been longing for... No, does he really think I'm the most idle person in the family?"
Su Dalang: "..." Isn't that right? He swallowed his words.
"Let's go back." She said irritably.
Before long, the Li family left, some looking disappointed and others with sullen faces.
Unbeknownst to them, a window in a teahouse not far behind them was half-closed.
With a creak, the window closed.
Ouyang Rong withdrew his gaze.
Things went smoothly today.
This time, Ye Weilai didn't cry or make a fuss; she was surprisingly cooperative. She got up early in the morning and obediently packed her bags to go home, which was somewhat unexpected, even strange...
"Maybe they feel less sad about parting because I'm with them..."
Ouyang Rong sighed softly, picked up the cooled green tea on the table, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp.
He turned and glanced at the empty teahouse private room, muttering to himself:
"Everyone is settled. As for the official seal, official robes, and resignation letter, I'll have my junior sister hand them over when she comes back... Alright, now I'm all alone again. Strange, why did I add 'again'?"
The young man in civilian clothes rubbed his face vigorously, turned around, took out a felt hat, put it on, and left silently.
...
An official boat slowly started up and sailed away from the ferry crossing.
At the door of a cabin, Ye Weilai stood silently beside the door, holding a basin of water.
She was supposed to bring water in for Ouyang Rong, but she stopped at the door and didn't go in.
Inside the door, a masked, taciturn, and loyal man was unaware of her unusual behavior of stopping at the doorway.
Ye Weilai slowly turned her head, staring blankly at the receding shore for a long while.
After a short while, she suppressed the faint sadness in her expression, turned around, and went inside.
After entering, Ye Wei glanced at a familiar yet...unfamiliar young man in the cabin, then lowered her head without saying a word.
————
P.S.: I would like to solemnly declare that the mask is only for plot purposes, and I will not write any toxic plot points later. Please do not overthink it.
The mask has already recognized its owner and is exclusively for the protagonist; it cannot be used by anyone else who is not recognized by the protagonist.
Xiao Rong has always felt that excellent storylines should not be restricted by too many constraints, as long as they are not considered taboo by mainstream opinion.
However, this does not mean that creators can have unlimited creative freedom. Xiao Rong, a fan of pure love stories, would never subjectively write a plot that she knows would be a no-go for mainstream readers.
This also reflects a level of trust between the author and the reader:
Readers believe that the author would not do such a thing, and the author also believes that his readers believe that he would not do such a thing, thus creating a virtuous cycle of creative freedom and reading experience.
However, if one party breaches this trust, the other party has the right to immediately point it out and criticize it.
above.
Happy birthday to our sworn brother "Most Beloved Dongshan Qing"! Love you, muah!
(End of this chapter)
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