Chapter 284 Examining the Sword by Lamplight, Packing the Bags
On the day of Ji-Si in the tenth month, the emperor issued an edict restoring his third son, Li Xian, to the title of Prince of Xunyang, and summoned the Prince of Xunyang to Xunyang City in Jiangzhou.
In early November, the Prince of Xunyang arrived in Xunyang City to recuperate; at the end of the month, he transferred Ouyang Lianghan, the magistrate of Jinlong City, to the position of Chief Administrator of Jiangzhou.
In early December, the Empress's bestowed titles and honors arrived in Longcheng County, Jiangzhou.
...
The urgent news of Ouyang Rong's promotion to Prefect of Jiangzhou was almost equivalent to the news of "exempting the people of Longcheng County from lifelong taxes for corvée labor and taxation".
Along with news of the promotion and rewards bestowed upon officials like County Magistrate Diao, they arrived at the Longcheng County government office on a bright sunny morning.
The divine angel carrying the book arrived again in Longcheng County.
Speaking of which, including Ouyang Rong's visit, two groups of people have already come from the capital within a month.
The first wave was the imperial edict to reinstate Li Xian, who was "bedridden," as the Prince of Xunyang, a move that was carried out with great fanfare.
This morning, the second wave also had considerable momentum, attracting crowds of people in the county to gather in the streets to watch.
"Lord Ouyang, I didn't expect to see you again so soon. Congratulations!"
Once again, in front of the familiar county government hall, Song Hao, the Heavenly Official Envoy with a full beard, met Ouyang Rong once more.
Song Hao looked at the young county magistrate with a slightly strange expression.
This time, he brought even more people from the capital. Half of the imperial edict-issuing team consisted of palace servants in yellow robes, each carrying a copy of the imperial decree.
Because a decree issued by the Empress herself is of a higher rank than an imperial edict, and all officials of the fifth rank or above in the Great Zhou Dynasty are pillars of the central and local governments, appointed and dismissed by Her Majesty the Empress herself... it can be considered a true imperial edict.
In addition, Song Hao, who was an angel, subtly changed how he addressed Ouyang Rong.
Behind him, a palace maid in yellow robes stepped out, walked up to Ouyang Rong, unfolded the Empress's edict, and read it aloud in a high-pitched voice, which could be heard throughout the county government office.
The opening line is "Imperial Edict," followed by encouraging words that quote classical texts, such as "These pillars of the state are as indispensable as salt and plums," meaning that the pillars of the state are as essential to the country as seasonings.
The female official who drafted the imperial edict was quite talented... Ouyang Rong had no reason to think of it.
After the reading was finished, a palace maid in yellow presented the scroll.
"Lord Ouyang, please accept the decree." Song Hao said solemnly, presenting a tray with neatly folded crimson official robes, black gauze hats, and a distinguished fish-shaped pouch.
He was still wearing a dark green official robe of the sixth rank, while the young man in front of him was about to take off his light green official robe of the seventh rank and put on a dazzling scarlet official robe.
How can the titles of a sixth-rank official and a fifth-rank official not be changed?
Ouyang Rong glanced at them, but for a moment, he didn't reach out.
"Uh, why isn't Lord Ouyang accepting the offer? You're not going to resign anyway..."
Song Hao asked with a wry smile.
Ouyang Rong snapped out of his daze, shook his head, and accepted the imperial edict and the crimson official robes.
Song Hao breathed a slight sigh of relief. This was His Majesty's imperial decree. Refusing it again would be too serious, and they wouldn't be able to explain themselves well unless the other party had an unavoidable reason.
Wait a minute, why is he so happy when others receive imperial decrees for promotion?
Song Hao's lips twitched slightly, and he couldn't help but glance at Ouyang Rong a few more times.
In the past, other officials would greet him with the same joy as seeing a magpie, showering and changing clothes to receive the imperial decree. But this young man's reaction was as indifferent as still water...
Anyone who didn't know better would think you'd been demoted. If that were the case, they could praise your magnanimity. But this is a promotion! What's with that indifferent expression?
Ouyang Rong is not actually lacking in emotional intelligence.
"Thank you, Lord Song and the eunuchs, for coming from afar. Please come in and have a seat."
"Haha, Lord Ouyang, you're too kind..."
Ouyang Rong smiled and welcomed Song Hao and the palace servants into the courtroom.
While they were sitting down, Ouyang Rong stood at the door, turned his back, put his hand in his pocket, felt around, and opened his palm to see three pieces of silver.
He figured it probably wouldn't even cover the cost of a cup of tea for Song Hao and the others.
"What a lazy idiot, move aside, I'll do it, hmph."
A woman in a red dress carried tea and snacks. As she passed Ouyang Rong, she suppressed a smile, pursed her lips, and slightly raised her chin before stepping into the courtroom.
Ouyang Rong was taken aback.
Looking back, inside the courtroom, Xie Lingjiang, with her bright and beautiful eyes, was helping him entertain the palace attendants with poise and grace. The noble ladies from the five surnames were handling the imperial edict without any stage fright.
The young magistrate chuckled and shook his head.
Xie Lingjiang accompanied the angel Song Hao and the palace servants in yellow robes for a while, smiling and making arrangements.
But for some reason, Ouyang Rong did not enter the courtroom to entertain the guests.
However, after receiving the generous tip for bringing good news, the angel Song Hao and the palace servants quickly forgot about this trivial matter.
He also took a great liking to the elegant and eloquent Miss Xie in front of him, and repeatedly praised Lord Ouyang for his excellent taste, saying that his fiancée was so virtuous.
Xie Lingjiang smiled faintly, then glanced discreetly at the empty corridor outside the door, and suddenly said:
"It hasn't been ordered yet, gentlemen, please don't speak carelessly."
"How could they possibly escape?" Song Hao said with a smile.
"Although Lord Ouyang comes from a humble background, he is the youngest fifth-rank official in this dynasty. He became a high-ranking official at a young age and is also the outstanding student of your father... The Xie family of Chenjun is indeed the leading aristocratic family in Jiangzuo, but they certainly will not refuse such a son-in-law. Miss Xie has no need to worry."
Xie Lingjiang bit her lower lip lightly, her teacup concealing her dazed expression. "Is that so?"
Then she asked in a low voice, "The Ouyang family in Nanlong should be quite supportive, right?"
Song Hao immediately replied, "Of course. For a humble family to be able to form a marriage alliance with one of the five most prestigious families is a great honor that elevates our social standing. We should be laughing in our sleep."
Xie Lingjiang lowered her head and sipped her tea, her cheeks flushed and her eyes flickering slightly.
A moment later, she glanced at the door.
The eldest disciple was nowhere to be seen.
But outside, one could see that County Magistrate Diao, Yan Liulang, and a group of other officials were gathered together in high spirits, curiously examining the crimson official robes and the Empress's edict.
Where did the eldest brother go?
Xie Lingjiang noticed that he seemed a little distracted today.
However, strictly speaking, it's not just today.
Since her uncle regained his status as the Prince of Xunyang, she and Aunt Wei were forced to go to Jiangzhou City ahead of schedule.
The eldest brother began to lose focus, as if he was certain that his plan was complete and his mind was preoccupied with other matters.
This caused her, Li Guo'er, and Li Fusu unnecessary worry while they waited.
...
Seeing that his junior sister was entertaining guests, Ouyang Rong casually handed the scarlet robe and official document in his hand to Yan Liulang and County Magistrate Diao.
He left the county government office alone through the back door.
Ouyang Rong wanted to go out for a walk. As he was about to leave the county, he felt as if there was a lump in his throat.
He was lost in thought when he received the decree, for he truly hadn't expected to be promoted to the fifth rank in one step.
I thought that after resigning from my post and expressing my intention to that scholar, the worst I'd get was a lateral transfer from a sixth-rank censor to a local sixth-rank official, most likely still "controlling the waters" in Jiangzhou... Anyway, it didn't matter. As long as it made it easier to be a close confidant of the Prince of Xunyang's household, I could focus on strategizing and breaking through the impasse; I wasn't in a hurry for a promotion.
But now things have turned out differently, with the Chief Secretary of Jiangzhou in charge.
From the fifth rank.
He's the second most powerful person in the state.
Speaking of which, in Jiangzhou City, the governor who had been corresponding with him online for a long time, and with whom he had a love-hate relationship, welcomed him to be his deputy. He should not feel lonely offline from now on, right?
Ouyang Rong smiled sheepishly, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
"Is this the reward for two thousand merits? Well, it wasn't a bad deal after all..."
We left the county government office, which was filled with a cheerful atmosphere.
Ouyang Rong crossed the county town alone, crossed the river at Penglang Ferry, and arrived at the west bank of Butterfly Creek.
After the success of Xianxiang's matter, he has been coming here for a walk every morning recently.
Especially the shrine on Little Lonely Mountain.
Inside the shrine commemorating Ashan and the martyrs, Ouyang Rong lit three incense sticks, sat on the threshold, and remained there in a daze for half an hour before silently descending the mountain.
I revisited the original site of the ancient Yue sword shop and revisited the old site of Zhanlongtai. The Liu family was no longer there, and with the loss of their monopoly and exploitation, many new sword shops had emerged, and the west bank was bustling with activity again.
As he observed the process, the young magistrate's expression gradually calmed down.
Back in the county town, it was already evening. Ouyang Rong glanced in the direction of the suburbs, hesitated for a moment, and then turned and walked towards Luming Street.
He saw many fruit baskets and local specialties, as well as many jars of pickled radishes, at the entrance of the county government office and the entrance of the Sika Deer Park.
Without even looking, it was clear that the villagers had sent their offerings spontaneously, demonstrating their fervent enthusiasm for feeding the young county magistrate.
Ouyang Rong had guessed this would happen during the day, so he left the county government office to go for a stroll, which was also a way to avoid the limelight.
The news that the two things—being exempt from the mediocre and the transfer—would be known for life had already spread throughout the county.
For ordinary people in the Great Zhou Dynasty, taxes were divided into three categories: rent, labor service, and tax. Rent was the tax on land, which was the largest part of the tax. However, the labor service and tax were also a considerable burden. The fact that they could be exempted from taxes was like a blessing from heaven.
Ah, what an auspicious omen! It truly benefits everyone. That emperor has obtained the Mandate of Heaven and is now the legitimate ruler, while Ouyang Rong and Li Xian's family, as well as the people of Longcheng, have reaped the rewards.
The only downside is that the rewards cost a little money, but it's all the court's money, so what's the harm in spending it? Right? I don't think anyone would be unhappy about it.
Unaware that a certain teacher was fond of accounting, Ouyang Rong shook his head and carried several jars of pickled radishes back to the plum grove courtyard.
Pushing open the door, Ouyang Rong saw a crimson official robe hanging wetly on the clothesline.
The swing under the grapevines stood empty, swaying in the wind; on the stone table in front of it, there was a sealed, insulated food box.
From the direction of the kitchen, there was a faint lingering aroma of cooking fires and food.
Ouyang Rong went over, sat down, and began to eat.
My junior sister has recently learned to cook.
A warmth spread through someone's heart.
After the meal, Ouyang Rong looked around the empty plum grove courtyard.
Back in Nanlong, Zhen Shi and Wei Lai had already sent letters saying they wanted to return, but Ouyang Rong dissuaded them, citing the change of official positions at the end of the year.
They agreed to meet at their new post location and spend New Year's Eve together.
Ouyang Rong lit the lamp on the table, wrote a letter, and prepared to send it out the next day, explaining his promotion to Prefect of Jiangzhou and also reminding them to be careful on their journey.
After finishing these tasks, Ouyang Rong left the light on, silently went to the storage cabinet, took out his haul from Dragon City, and arranged them one by one on the table:
First, there is a Mo family sword box, inside which lies a "craftsman's work" lying quietly.
This is the most valuable item.
Countless people have died and countless resources have been exhausted in the pursuit of this cauldron sword, and now countless forces are searching for it.
The number of Dingjian swords was already limited to a handful, and only a handful are known to still exist in the world; and in the entire world, there are probably only a handful of Qi cultivators who can follow the sword-wielder's secret path, and they are all exceptionally talented... A wild sword-wielder like him is probably one of a kind.
The wooden box has been repackaged by the craftsman and now looks like a violin case.
Hmm, it's not too much for a scholar to carry a zither when he goes out, is it?
That makes perfect sense, doesn't it?
Secondly, it is a moonlight longsword.
It has a close connection with a certain unknown cauldron sword.
There is also a skirt knife.
He was used to wearing it, especially when his junior sister wasn't around.
Ouyang Rong held a bronze mask in his hand and placed it on the table along with a black plaque engraved with the character "Wei".
Inside the Mirage Mask, there are currently three illusory figures: Ashan, Wei Shaoxuan, and the female worker named Zhang Qian.
That's right, Ouyang Rong can also wear a mask and transform into a woman, but he doesn't really like wearing women's clothing...
Ouyang Rong then took out a low-key luxury pill box containing a Qi-replenishing pill called "Ink Dragon," which, according to the Persian merchant, could provide a high-grade Qi cultivator with a large amount of spiritual energy.
Ouyang Rong asked his junior sister and learned that this high-quality Qi-replenishing pill releases spiritual energy rapidly. If one's dantian is too small or one's spiritual energy cultivation is insufficient, forcibly consuming it may damage the dantian meridians.
Ouyang Rong doesn't need it for the time being, but he does have some ideas. Since it can release a large amount of spiritual energy, if he can use it all at once, wouldn't he avoid exploding?
Ouyang Rong couldn't help but turn his gaze to the "craftsmanship".
In addition, there is a luminous pearl, which is suspected to be a relic. I forgot to exchange it for silver before, but later, with the help of my junior sister and the Su family feeding me, I am not short of silver.
Well, it's best not to sell the relics of eminent monks so easily. It's a bit of a hellish joke, what if you lose merit?
Right now, I only have a few hundred merits left. I wonder if I'll become a bad omen and end up with a negative number if they're all deducted.
In the end, he had only a few pieces of silver left.
Oh, and there's also a land deed for Meiluyuan.
It was Li Xian and Li Fusu who forced it on him; he didn't want to accept it.
However, Ouyang Rong had grown quite attached to living in the Melu Garden, so after a moment's thought, he didn't refuse anymore and replied that he would have his aunt send some money another day as payment for the house.
Faced with this young strategist who could be hired with just three meals a day and free room and board, Li Xian and Li Fusu could only smile wryly.
This is pretty much all of Ouyang Rong's wealth.
He served as an official for a term and could be considered to have been incorruptible.
Of course, as the only son, Ouyang Rong also had family property from the Ouyang clan in Nanlong, but he had never inquired about it before, intending to ascend to the Pure Land and leave it all to the Zhen family.
Now that he has come down the mountain and decided to live a down-to-earth life in this "infernal hell," he has no choice but to accept it and take on the role of the only promising scholar in the Ouyang family.
Moreover, now that he has been promoted to the position of Prefect of Jiangzhou, it is conceivable that when the news spreads back, many of Ouyang's cousins will come to seek refuge with him.
Besides, when we go back to Jiangzhou, we'll need to buy a house, which will cost money, and there's also the formality of the Chief Secretary's travels... These things will probably have to be arranged by Aunt Zhen.
Ouyang Rong nodded.
By the way, he also possesses the perfect cultivation of a ninth-rank swordsman.
We must now search for the sword manual. The known location of the sword manual is Emperor Wen.
Ouyang Rong couldn't yet summarize the sword technique of the craftsman, but as the first sword master, he had a unique understanding of the sword technique.
From this perspective, it seems that the bottleneck of advancing from the ninth rank to the eighth rank can be broken... Once we reach Jiangzhou, we can try to advance the rank and see if we can break through.
As night deepened, Ouyang Rong packed his bags and silently drew a three-foot-long sword from the table. He examined the sword by lamplight.
The sword's blade was as clear as a mirror, radiating a hazy moonlight that reflected the scholar's features.
The Ming Dynasty was about to embark on another journey.
But why does the man packing his bags in the mirror still have a slight frown on his brow?
"Is there anything else that hasn't been finished?"
(End of this chapter)
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