Chapter 516 The Caged Bird
In the backyard of the mansion in Huaiye Lane, Xie Xue'e was speaking eloquently to Ouyang Rong:
"At the same time, Young Master Ouyang, you should know that there is another layer of meaning here, which is that His Majesty will not hold you accountable for your past actions, and you, as a respected and upright minister, should not advise His Majesty on matters that have already been issued. This means that you should not try to persuade His Majesty on matters that have already been issued. This is a proper relationship between ruler and subject."
Ouyang Rong smiled and said:
"I see. Aunt Xie sees things very clearly."
Xie Xue'e slightly raised her pointed chin:
"Of course. These matters concern your future and your future with Wanwan. How could I ignore them? Of course, I need to find out the details. Besides, your uncle is the governor of Yangzhou, so he can help you in this regard..."
"Young Master Ouyang, it's best to keep a low profile for now. Being the Sima of Jiangzhou is fine. There's nothing wrong with it. Just treat it as a vacation, travel around, and relax in Xunyang City. Many people would love to do that."
She pursed her lips, shook her head, and said:
"A wise man keeps his talents hidden until the right time to act. Most importantly, you are different from other poor scholars; why worry about not being able to rise again? The situation is tense right now, so Young Master Ouyang should wait and see how things develop, and spend more time with Wanwan. If you ask me, some things need to be put on the agenda as soon as possible. It's not that I'm impatient and deliberately urging you, but time waits for no one, and Wanwan is not young anymore..."
"Aunt!" Xie Lingjiang's eyes widened, and she hurriedly tugged at Xie Xue'e's sleeve.
Seeing that her beloved niece seemed about to get angry, Xie Xue'e immediately shut up, turned to look at Ouyang Rong's expression, and asked somewhat seriously:
"Why isn't Young Master Ouyang saying anything? By the way, when I came back, I saw that you also had a strange expression on your face... What, is there someone in Xunyang City who is so blind as to bully my Wanwan's senior brother?"
"Tell me, have some petty person spoken ill of you or kicked you while you were down because you were demoted?"
Ouyang Rong shook his head: "No."
Xie Xue'e asked curiously, "Why is that...?"
"aunt."
She heard a woman's clear voice ring out beside her.
Xie Xue'e turned her head and saw that Xie Lingjiang's pretty face looked unusually serious. She asked her:
"You've always been concerned about official positions and personal gains and losses, but have you ever considered that what your eldest brother cares about most might not be promotion or demotion, but rather that the Xunyang Grottoes project was halted and moved to Xingzifang by some villain?"
Xie Xue'e paused slightly, then turned to look at Ouyang Rong: "Is Young Master Ouyang so depressed because of this matter?"
Ouyang Rong remained silent and lowered his head to pour tea for Xie Xun and Xie Xue'e.
Xie Xue'e muttered, "It's just a big Buddha statue, it doesn't matter where it's built. Could it be that Young Master Ouyang has developed feelings for the statues at the Xunyang Grottoes..."
Xie Xun, who had been listening in, suddenly interrupted:
"Actually, I can understand Lianghan and I admire him."
Xie Xue'e glared at him reproachfully:
"Brother, don't lead the promising younger generation astray. As elders, we should think more about the future of the younger generation."
Xie Xun shook his head: "Sister, you are mistaken..."
"snort."
The brother and sister, both from the Xie family of Chenjun, started bickering. As a junior disciple, Ouyang Rong had no say in the matter, so he took the initiative to change the subject, and everyone tacitly stopped mentioning it...
Ouyang Rong and Xie Xun continued to reminisce, chatting about current political events.
Xie Lingjiang and Xie Xue'e exchanged a glance.
The latter smiled slightly, and without disturbing the men's conversation, went to find Zhen Shuyuan, who was also a woman, and started chatting casually.
Xie Lingjiang turned her head and saw her eldest brother chatting with her father. His eyes were full of smiles, and he couldn't contain his joy, which was rare for him today.
She vaguely recalled that the last time her eldest brother and father were like this was when her eldest brother was seriously injured and recuperating on Dagushan Mountain. Her father took her there to see him, and that was when she first met her eldest brother.
Xie Lingjiang rested her chin on her hands, a slight smile playing on her lips.
Watching the two most important men in my heart chatting and laughing, like mentors and friends, I felt that it would be nice if life could stay in this moment forever...
Aside from Ouyang Rong, the happiest person today was actually Zhen Shuyuan.
The Xie siblings, Xie Xun and Xie Xue'e, who are practically related by marriage, came to visit, bringing Wanwan with them, which was almost like meeting the parents.
The beautiful woman in the red dress couldn't stop smiling as she busied herself arranging the dinner.
In the courtyard, after drinking tea for a while, the tea set was removed, and wine was brewed.
Ouyang Rong and Xie Xun sat facing each other, drinking alone.
The other women were also busy.
Xie Xue'e went to keep Zhen Shuyuan company and chatted with her. At the same time, she strolled around the inner quarters managed by Zhen Shuyuan, looking left and right, and occasionally praising her, which made Zhen Shuyuan very happy.
Women understand women best.
Xie Lingjiang and Ye Weilai started playing chess in a corner of the courtyard.
Xie Lingjiang is dressed in a light blue-green men's outfit today.
Ye Weilai wore a pale yellow ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), exuding the air of a refined young lady.
Xie Lingjiang's expression was casual, occasionally placing a black stone or turning her head to glance at her senior brother and father.
Ye Weilai sat upright, her small face unusually serious as she played chess, the flawless white chess pieces in her hand making her long silver hair appear somewhat silver-gray.
The maids, including Yan Yan and Que Que, watched curiously from the side.
Wine is brewed in a small red clay stove.
Several pairs of beautiful women added fragrance to the air.
Two or three scholars drink together.
There were also beautiful women playing chess.
The backyard was bustling with activity.
Although undercurrents are swirling within Xunyang City, a major upheaval affecting the entire city is brewing.
But this mansion in Huaiye Lane is a peaceful and idyllic place, a true haven of tranquility.
Apart from Ye Weilai, who was half a bedmate who understood her husband's thoughts a little, the other women, including Zhen Shuyuan and Banxi, couldn't understand why their husband had been so taciturn and uninterested in everything these days. Every evening after dinner, he would sit in the courtyard and look at a branch with fallen leaves outside the green tiles and red walls.
Even when measuring his winter clothes a few days ago, it was discovered that his "clothes were getting looser".
The women knew about the incident at Xunyang Ferry where their husbands had refused to obey the imperial edict and died.
I also know that Tanlang has been demoted to the position of Sima of Jiangzhou.
However, apart from the fact that the women of the lower rank increasingly admired their husbands, they did not have many other thoughts.
In their view, he was able to defy imperial orders and escape execution, and even the current empress couldn't do anything about him and was reluctant to kill this famous upright official.
This is already a tremendous skill and honor.
Sure enough, the entire city of Xunyang is now talking about this matter with great interest. Countless scholars from Jiangnan have come to see Ouyang Lianghan, and according to them, not only in Jiangnan, but also in the scholar circles of the ten circuits of the country, the reputation of "Yang Lianghan who would rather die than obey the imperial edict" is spreading.
As for being demoted by the court... can that be worse than being banished from the capital to the remote Longcheng, where in the eyes of the world my future was almost ruined?
Or rather, for a renowned gentleman like Ouyang Rong, a righteous official recognized by the entire court, being demoted and punished was a new honor as long as he didn't die.
At a deeper level, the more difficult the times, the more people need an image of someone who is not afraid of power and stands up to empresses.
This is actually why every time Ouyang Rong dared to speak out and offer his honest advice, it caused such a huge uproar.
To put it bluntly, the people have suffered under that emperor for too long. The fact that he could make her slightly unhappy when she does whatever she wants is a secret compliment to many people in the court and the country.
Of course, I support you if you participate, but I won't if I do.
As it turned out, Ouyang Lianghan was a good person to get along with, and he really stepped up when needed, so naturally everyone felt some affection and respect for him...
Compared to the immense fame they had gained and the admiration of the people, Zhen Shuyuan and the other women naturally did not feel that being demoted was a cataclysmic event.
And look, doesn't Yuan Huaimin, the governor of Xinjiang, still try every day to come to the Huaiye Lane residence to freeload meals?
Is it because the food at the mansion in Huaiye Lane is exceptionally delicious? Not entirely, the important thing is that Tanlang is here.
Moreover, in the past few days, seeing that Yuan Huaimin had been promoted to a high-ranking official position, making him a figure of considerable importance, Zhen Shuyuan reluctantly agreed to allow him to come and freeload twice every three days...
Back in his ancestral home in Nanlong, the letters from clan elders and respected elders were all words of comfort and encouragement for Ouyang Rong, praising him as a man of integrity and character. Every word was brimming with pride.
all in all.
Although they often didn't understand what their husbands were thinking, the women of the Huaiye Lane residence generally had one good quality:
They would never deny their husband's actions, regardless of whether he was demoted or not. In other words, Ye Weilai and Banxishu admired and respected their husband and felt that whatever he did was right!
Inside the courtyard, on the open space where tea tables are set up.
The unexpected arrival of his mentor prompted Ouyang Rong to drink a few more glasses of wine.
He doesn't drink when he's alone.
Unless I'm with friends.
Alcohol is a very interesting thing. It's like a lubricant. When you get a little tipsy, you can skip the normal "thinking" stage when you speak and act. You can do whatever you want and say whatever you want.
The saying "alcohol emboldens the timid" is indeed true.
"The teacher said he was just passing by, but the students felt that the teacher came specifically to find them."
Xie Xun couldn't help but chuckle, despite his usually serious expression.
He glared at his beloved disciple.
"I'm your teacher, I've come to see what's wrong with you. Do I have to report to my student?"
"No, it's just that I feel the teacher doesn't need to come in person and go through the trouble of rushing back. We can say some things in a letter."
Xie Xun, weary from his journey south, dusted off his sleeves and shook his head:
"No, I need to see you in person. Otherwise, I won't feel at ease."
Ouyang Rong put down his wine glass:
"Why is that? What is the teacher worried about? Are you afraid I'll take my own life?"
The warmed rice wine made his face flush slightly, and from the perspective of Xie Xun, Xie Lingjiang, and the other people in the courtyard, his flushed face also showed a hint of confusion and bewilderment.
Seeing this, Xie Lingjiang, who had not yet passed the imperial examination, turned to look at her father.
Xie Xun didn't look at her; his eyes were fixed on his beloved disciple's expression. He scrutinized it carefully, then pursed his lips and said:
"I guess so, but I'm mainly worried that you'll become depressed and lose your spirit..."
"No, that's not true. I've just figured out a lot of things."
"What have you figured out?"
“There are always people more capable than you, and there is always something beyond your understanding. I really misjudged Lin Cheng from the capital and was less cautious.”
Xie Xun shook his head:
"I heard about this from Wanwan. You were right. This time, you were just a step behind. It was destined. Lianghan, do you know why?"
Ouyang Rong shook his head.
Xie Xun said softly:
"Because you and Lin Cheng are two different kinds of people, or as that old Qin would say, two different kinds of cooks."
"You put the people of the world first, and the dishes you make are meant to satisfy the people of the world as much as possible, but His Majesty may not be satisfied."
"As for Lin Cheng, from beginning to end, he always tried to understand the Emperor's mind and thought of His Majesty in every way... His Majesty naturally favored his plan. The one who has the final say is not the people of the world, but His Majesty. No matter how good Liang Han's plan is, it cannot compete with his."
Ouyang Rong remained silent.
Xie Xun noticed that he was gazing absently at the pleasant scenery of the distant mountains, and then raised his glass alone, taking a few sips.
Xie Xun also silently sipped his wine, not disturbing Ouyang Rong's thoughts.
"When are you planning to leave Xunyang this time, teacher?"
Ouyang Rong withdrew his gaze and asked.
Xie Xun sighed softly:
"Tonight, I will be returning to Jinling by boat. The boat is already prepared at Xunyang Ferry. I won't be able to stay with Lianghan for much longer."
Xie Lingjiang interjected:
“Father originally planned not to visit Jiangzhou on this trip back to Jiangnan, but he changed his mind halfway through and decided to come and see my eldest brother. Father is still worried about my eldest brother…”
"Teacher, I have nothing to worry about... However, I am very happy to see you."
Ouyang Rong smiled broadly.
Xie Xun carefully observed the subtle expressions on his talented student's face, then shook his head and said:
"Lianghan has indeed lost weight."
Ouyang Rong touched his face: "Really?"
"Hmm. He's even thinner than when he was recuperating at Dagushan. But I remember that back then, apart from the dietary restrictions due to his injuries, Lianghan seemed to be constantly worried about the people of Longcheng down the mountain."
At this point, Xie Xun suddenly asked, "So now, what is Liang Han thinking?"
Ouyang Rong remained silent.
The master and apprentice continued drinking, while the women chatted and laughed, and the afternoon passed quickly.
After the banquet ended, Ouyang Rong saw the three off. At the entrance of the mansion in Huaiye Lane, Xie Xun suddenly stopped, turned back, and asked with a smile:
"What's wrong, Lianghan? You think such a small difficulty can defeat you?"
Ouyang Rong was slightly taken aback.
...
That night.
Inside the study of the Prince of Xunyang's residence.
Li Xian's family, along with Ouyang Rong, Xie Lingjiang, and Yan Liulang, were all present. Xie Xun and Xie Xue'e had already left by boat that evening.
"It seems that Lin Cheng has bypassed our Prince's Mansion. He hasn't informed the Prince about the Xingzifang statue project at all, nor has he discussed it with us."
Yan Liulang frowned.
"With Lin Cheng and Wang Lengran working together, and the Wei family helping out, they naturally don't need us to create the statue. They've set up a separate team, so we're not needed to cooperate," Li Guo'er shook her head.
Li Dalang asked in confusion:
"Where did Lin Cheng get the money to cover such a huge financial loss from the Xingzifang statues?"
Ouyang Rong said softly, "If I'm not mistaken, it's Pei Shisan Niang. They must have provided quite a lot... They must have reached some kind of agreement with Lin Cheng and the others, with both sides getting what they needed."
Li Xian's tone became somewhat anxious:
"But I am the pacification commissioner. The financial allocation of Jiangzhou must also take into account the front line. It requires coordination and discussion between the two sides. Chief Steward Qin is in charge of military affairs, while I coordinate the rear of Jiangzhou. In the past, we have always held meetings and communicated under the guise of discussing matters with Chief Steward Qin. Now that Lin Cheng and Wang Lengran are not coming to me, how can this be acceptable?"
Xie Lingjiang suddenly spoke:
"Recently, members of the Qin family who have come from the front lines have been frequently looking for Miss Qin."
(End of this chapter)
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