Chapter 362 The Boundary of the Strong
In the next few days.
Wang Lengran's side, which had previously been conducting a large-scale search, suddenly became quiet.
There was no forced entry into the Xunyang Prince's Mansion.
The two sides remained at peace.
It's like maintaining some kind of strange tacit understanding.
It might be because Cai Qinjun's troops were closing in on the front lines.
The search for Wang Junzhi in Jiangzhou's main hall ended abruptly and without resolution.
However, in the past few days, the entry and exit through the east and west city gates, as well as the mooring and passage of boats at Xunyang Ferry, have gradually become more strictly controlled.
The government strictly inspected travel documents and household registration documents.
An atmosphere that is relaxed on the outside but tense on the inside.
afternoon.
The sky was covered with dark clouds.
After passing through three checkpoints set up by the soldiers of the Zhechongfu at the city gate, Ouyang Rong completed the complicated procedures and returned to the city.
Riding on Dongmei, he glanced back at the heavily guarded city wall.
His gaze fell on a familiar figure of a soldier on the city wall.
"Your Excellency, you're back."
Ouyang Rong subtly shifted his gaze from the city wall, turned around, and saw Yan Liulang approaching with a concerned expression.
He nodded and said calmly:
"Let's go back to Huaiye Lane."
"yes."
The two boarded a carriage that had been waiting for them by the city gate.
The carriage passed through Xingzifang and headed towards Chaisangfang.
Although Wang Lengran, as the governor, controlled the main hall of Jiangzhou and forcibly ostracized Ouyang Rong.
However, Ouyang Rong still held the authority to expedite the excavation of Shuangfengjian and the construction of the Donglin Buddha, and could move around freely.
Today, he also used the excuse of going to Shuangfengjian to check on the progress of the statues to go out of the city and take a stroll around the surrounding area.
Inside the carriage.
"Sir, this is a letter from Master Xie. It was just sent back from Luoyang by Mr. Xie and arrived this afternoon."
"Um."
Ouyang Rong took the letter, unsealed it, and began to read it.
Yan Liulang glanced at Ouyang Rong's expression and suddenly explained:
"The guards on the west gate are in three shifts, changing every day. They change shifts at 2:45 AM, and today it happens to be Military Advisor Chen's shift."
“The city is short-handed right now. Apart from the Prefect and myself, all officials of the ninth rank and above are holding multiple positions and filling in everywhere. Even the six military advisors have to go up to the city wall to guard it.”
Perhaps because he had followed Ouyang Rong for too long, Yan Liulang noticed the hidden focus of Ouyang Rong's attention and brought up this topic.
Ouyang Rong nodded slightly, his gaze remaining fixed on the letter, not shifting even slightly.
Yan Liulang asked curiously:
"What did Your Excellency discover on this trip?"
Ouyang Rong, multitasking, said softly:
"The iron chains of Suojiang Tower and Huilongji have been set up, and a bunch of large iron spikes are also prepared on the shore."
Yan Liulang sneered:
"Heh, although he's a bit slower than the Mingfu, he's not a complete idiot. This Wang Lengran is just pure evil, but he still knows what the best strategy is to stop the advance of both land and sea forces."
Just then, Ouyang Rong's brows furrowed slightly, and he sighed:
"Another imperial envoy has arrived from Luoyang. They should be carrying an imperial edict, but I don't know the specifics... Their travel arrangements are quite high."
Yan Liulang asked with a puzzled look, "What did you say?"
Ouyang Rong handed over the letter sent back by his mentor Xie Xun. Yan Liulang examined it carefully and muttered to himself:
Why did that sage suddenly send a team of messengers over?
"Heh, under the guise of comforting those on the front lines, I think they're really just keeping an eye on the Xunyang Prince's residence, and maybe even giving the Xunyang Prince a little warning along the way."
He looked up, as if recalling their conversation in the main hall that day, his gaze towards Ouyang Rong filled with admiration:
"It is indeed wise and farsighted that you foresaw the actions of the court and the emperor so early on."
Ouyang Rong neither agreed nor disagreed.
"Judging from the date this letter was sent, these messengers should arrive as early as tomorrow..."
He muttered to himself, "It seems that Wang Junzhi's matter cannot be delayed and must be resolved quickly."
"What is Your Excellency saying?" Yan Liulang asked.
"fine."
Ouyang Rong shook his head.
The carriage returned to Huaiye Lane. Before getting off, Ouyang Rong turned to Yan Liulang and asked:
"What's going on over at Zhenguang Street in Xingzifang?"
Yan Liulang lowered his voice and replied, "There's still a pot of crabapple blossoms on the wall."
Originally, Ouyang Rong had entrusted the task of receiving Qin Heng's coded message to Ye Weilai, instructing the young girl to go to the East Market of Xingzifang every morning to purchase flowers and fruits and to keep watch along the way.
However, recently, he sensed something was off and felt uneasy, so he simply asked Yan Liulang, who was "idle" like him, to go out for a stroll more often.
If the crabapple blossoms are replaced with azaleas, report the news immediately to avoid missing the window of opportunity.
It was calm and peaceful there as well.
Ouyang Rong let out a soft breath.
In the evening, Ouyang Rong returned to his residence in Huaiye Lane, went into his study, and began writing. He completed a letter, which he planned to send back to his teacher Xie Xun the next day, inquiring in detail about certain court developments.
Currently, Ouyang Rong is temporarily suspended from his post as Chief Secretary and has lost access to the Jiangzhou government. To obtain firsthand information from Luoyang, he can only rely on letters from Xie Xun, Shen Xisheng, and others, or on the old connections of the Xunyang Prince's family in Luoyang, such as the Prince Xiang's residence.
Letter communication is ultimately inefficient, requiring repeated communication, and each round trip takes a lot of time.
It's better than nothing, to say the least.
For example, the angel from Luoyang who might arrive tomorrow is just to prepare Ouyang Rong mentally in advance.
It was late at night.
The moonlight was cool and refreshing.
Ouyang Rong reappeared at Juxian Garden in Xunyang Prince's Mansion.
Upon arriving at the study, he informed Li Xian and Li Dalang of the news from Xie Xun's letter. The two were surprised and nervous, clearly only now learning of it themselves.
After exchanging information, Ouyang Rong remained optimistic and offered a few words of reassurance.
He picked up the teacup, took a sip, warmed the cup with both hands, and said:
"We need to make a decision about Wang Junzhi's matter as soon as possible."
Li Xian couldn't help but ask:
"What are your thoughts, my lord?"
"Judging from the attitude of this group of envoys from Luoyang," he said, his eyes fixed on the steam in his cup. "Whether they are angry or gentle, Your Highness is at ease."
"Because thunder and rain are both acts of imperial favor. Moreover, it is only natural for a mother to scold and beat her son, and for a mother to discipline and scold her son. On the contrary, it shows that His Majesty cares about the prince and considers him family, which is why he is so disappointed in him."
"This is the safest situation."
"What about Rouhehe?" Li Dalang asked curiously.
"Gentleness isn't bad, but it leans more towards naked self-interest. His Majesty reluctantly sent someone to express his stance, to protect the Prince and prevent his subordinates from receiving the wrong signal and attacking the Prince's residence."
"This is actually a temporary safety, but the real danger is the third scenario."
"What?"
"Calmly and indifferently."
Ouyang Rong lowered his head:
"If the envoy's attitude remains like this, then expect even stricter imprisonment. You certainly won't be as free as you are now, and perhaps even..."
Ouyang Rong didn't say much, but Li Xian and his son looked worried.
Li Dalang looked troubled and spoke:
"What do you think we should do with the man surnamed Wang? Should we move him out? I'm afraid it will be too late when the messenger arrives."
"Need not."
Ouyang Rong shook his head and explained:
"If it's either of the first two, then let Wang Junzhi shine one last time and help the prince show his loyalty."
"If it's the latter, a calm and indifferent attitude... then Your Highness can immediately consider the escape route that the little princess mentioned."
The atmosphere was silent.
The brief discussion ended with Li Xian letting out a sigh.
Ouyang Rong walked out of the study, but did not leave immediately. Instead, he turned and headed towards the reception room.
These past two days, this reception room has become the most heavily guarded place in the Prince's mansion, where someone is confined.
Ouyang Rong saw his junior sister's beautiful figure on the rooftop.
Quite surprisingly, a little princess with plum blossom makeup was also there.
"Why is Your Highness here? Why aren't you going back to rest?"
On the rooftop, Xie Lingjiang and Li Guo'er sat side by side. Ouyang Rong walked over and sat down next to Xie Lingjiang, with Li Guo'er between them.
After Ouyang Rong asked a casual question, Li Guo'er shook her head, clutching the sword that had once stabbed Wei Shaoxuan in the back, and gazed absently at the night view of the Yangtze River in the distance.
A few strands of her hair fluttered in the wind, making her exquisite face even more captivating.
Ouyang Rong didn't look at her much. Xie Lingjiang took his left palm in her hands, pressed them together, and tested the temperature. She then rubbed his palms and the backs of his hands with her delicate hands. She brought her lips close and breathed out warm breath.
Li Guo'er seemed to snap out of her daze and glanced at him.
"Here you go."
Ouyang Rong took out a package of pastries wrapped in oil paper from his pocket and handed it to his junior sister.
"When I came back this afternoon, I passed by Xingzifang and saw that the old-fashioned cake shop that you like was open."
Xie Lingjiang couldn't suppress the smile on her lips, but her pretty face showed a hint of reproach, her tone slightly reproachful:
"It's too sweet, it'll make you fat."
"It's like you'll lose weight if you don't eat."
"...?"
Ouyang Rong straightened up and gasped as a delicate hand twisted his waist at a ninety-degree angle.
Just as Li Guo'er was about to get up and say goodbye, the two senior and junior disciples finally finished their commotion.
Xie Lingjiang wrinkled her small, delicate nose:
"What time is it, Senior Brother is still joking."
Ouyang Rong smiled.
Without turning her head, Li Guo'er asked, "Why don't you go back?"
"Come sit with us."
Xie Lingjiang asked in a low voice, "Is Senior Brother also nervous?"
"I'm not a god, I'm just a mortal with emotions and desires."
Ouyang Rong smiled and replied, then turned to look at the houses at his feet.
"Thank you for your hard work, staying here in the middle of the night."
"It's alright. This Wang Junzhi is cunning. I don't trust the others either, so I have to keep watch over them myself. But we're just the laborers; you're the one who has to do the mental work, Senior Brother."
Xie Lingjiang gently reached out and straightened Ouyang Rong's collar, saying softly:
"Regarding Wang Junzhi's matter a few days ago, I noticed you haven't said much... I haven't asked yet, Senior Brother, aren't you angry at all about what Li Zhengyan and Wang Junzhi did?"
"What's the use of getting angry? It doesn't solve anything."
The two women saw Ouyang Rong shake his head.
"But you must have feelings."
"How do you feel..."
He rubbed his face:
"I really hate the feeling of being schemed against."
Li Guo'er suddenly asked:
“Ouyang Lianghan, the Left Chief Secretary of the Kuangfu Prefecture, is second only to the emperor. Aren’t you even a little tempted by Li Zhengyan’s sincere and respectful offer?”
She pursed her pink lips and said to Ouyang Rong:
“You made a very good point: chaos is a ladder, and this applies not only to the Wei family.”
"The same goes for ambitious heroes like Li Zhengyan. You tell me, my father and brother can't control Li Zhengyan and his ilk; they're easily turned into mascots."
"But what about you?"
"You didn't mention that."
"Now you are being suppressed by villains in Xunyang City. A scholar can be killed but not humiliated. You have suffered such a great humiliation."
"But now, if you just nod slightly and switch sides, with your talent and understanding of the bloated and flawed local system of the Great Zhou Dynasty, you can help Li Zhengyan easily take over Jiangnan..."
“Wang Lengran and the other henchmen of the Wei family are making a fuss now, but in the blink of an eye they will fall into your hands, allowing you to take revenge and wipe away your shame.”
"Not to mention, he has much more power than the Chief Secretary of Jiangzhou. For you, following Li Zhengyan in the uprising and obtaining power akin to being enfeoffed as a marquis is not difficult."
"Aren't you even a little bit tempted?"
Li Guo'er took a breath and asked what had been on her mind these past few days.
Ouyang Rong glanced at her but didn't say anything.
Li Guo'er frowned and guessed:
"Or do you have other plans in mind, trust our family more, and are unwilling to take Li Zhengyan's dangerous path..."
Xie Lingjiang interrupted:
"A dangerous road? Xunyang City is now like an isolated city, exposed to Cai Qin's army. Your home is also under the court's guard. Tell me, which road is the dangerous one?"
Li Guo'er remained silent.
The air in the three-person room on the roof was quiet for a moment.
"Do you want to hear the truth or a lie?"
Ouyang Rong turned his head, smiled, and asked.
The two women were stunned for a moment.
“A lie.” Xie Lingjiang tilted her head slightly and spoke first.
"The lie is that I am a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) of the Great Zhou Dynasty, and have long enjoyed the Emperor's favor. I am loyal to His Majesty. I am irreconcilably opposed to the rebels like Li Zhengyan. How could I possibly surrender to them? That would be an insult to scholarship."
The two women's lips twitched slightly.
Xie Lingjiang glared at him: "Then speak like a human being, tell the truth."
Ouyang Rong smiled, his expression gradually becoming serious:
The truth is...
"I was actually very tempted by Li Zhengyan's request, and even eager to try it out."
"The thought that I could do so many free and bold things in the past, compared to the constraints I have now, would be so much more enjoyable, like a vast and boundless world... makes me yearn for it."
The two women were stunned, their expressions complicated. Neither of them had expected that beneath his calm exterior from the past few days, he would have such thoughts.
I couldn't help but ask, "Then why do you keep urging us to hold back...?"
Ouyang Rong answered softly:
"Because it's just a good option for me."
"But as Your Highness said, for Uncle Li, for Da Lang, and even for the millions of people in the Jianghuai region behind them, this is probably not the best choice."
He looked at the two women and whispered:
The book says, "The success of one general is built on the bones of ten thousand."
"It wasn't just me, but also Li Zhengyan, Wei Shaoqi, Du Shuqing, Wang Junzhi, and even that young Prince Teng who defected."
"I often think, how many 'ten thousand bones' are needed to make these 'generals'?"
"Is it really come to this point...?"
Ouyang Rong seemed to be talking to himself, but also seemed to be asking the two women.
"Well, let's take a more blasphemous approach, like the matter of restoring the Li Gan regime."
"Whether we follow the path of Li Zhengyan's coup and Northern Expedition or the path of Uncle Li's current strategy of patiently seizing the throne, both paths can ultimately lead to success. Why increase losses unnecessarily..."
"But honestly, from my personal perspective, am I tempted?"
"They must be very tempted."
The atmosphere in the three-person room was silent.
Ouyang Rong suddenly reached out, picked up a piece of pastry from Xie Lingjiang's hand, and took a big bite.
He glanced at the two beauties beside him, who were lost in thought, and shrugged.
"You probably never thought I could be greedy and selfish, you just pretended so well. Well, laugh if you want, it's better than mythologizing me too much, like I'm omnipotent."
Ouyang Rong gave a self-deprecating laugh.
Xie Lingjiang immediately shook her head.
Li Guo'er stared at him for a while, then said, word by word:
“Ouyang Lianghan, greed and selfishness are never the worst things.”
"You are greedy and selfish, yearning to accomplish a great cause that is built on the bones of countless others, yet you remain unmoved."
"So you're wrong, you know that?"
"It is precisely because of your immense desire that your restraint is so moving."
Xie Lingjiang tilted her head and thought for a moment, her pretty face becoming serious:
"A true strong person is willing to take the weak as their boundary."
Ouyang Rong's hand, which was holding a pastry, paused at his mouth. His old face flushed slightly, and he was a little embarrassed.
Just then, Princess Wei Mei's voice suddenly came from below; she rushed over:
"It's terrible! Tanlang, Guo'er, and Xie's niece, an informant from the Prince of Xiang's residence in Luoyang has arrived overnight with a message. The Prince and Dalang are receiving them and are extremely worried. They want you to go there quickly..."
"What news?"
The three of them stood up instantly, jumped off the roof, and quickly followed.
(End of this chapter)
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