Chapter 583 How to Skillfully Keep a Mistress in a Golden House [Seeking Monthly Tickets!]
Ouyang Rong touched his chin.
After all, it was his first time keeping a mistress in a "golden house," so he was a little inexperienced.
Today I almost ran into my "cheap brother-in-law" Wang Caozhi.
Although Yuan Huaimin's carefree and outspoken nature also played a part, it still exposed some of the problems.
For example, there's still room for improvement in personnel management.
For example, introducing Pei Shisan Niang, who is also a merchant, and then observing the anxious reactions of Wang Caozhi and others, made him immediately realize that it was a very good means of checks and balances.
This does not mean that Wang Caozhi and other grain merchants were not of one mind with Ouyang Rong.
No, that's not the case.
Rather, it means that the people under his command should not be allowed to completely band together, otherwise, sometimes their small group's interests will turn against him and affect him.
Wang Caozhi always liked to call him brother-in-law. Regardless of Ouyang Rong's likes or dislikes, Wang Caozhi used this to get closer to him and consider himself a direct descendant.
The initial connection between the two was Xie Lingjiang, or rather, the Xie family of Chenjun.
Wang Caozhi appeared carefree and jovial, but Ouyang Rong could tell that he actually harbored extremely high aspirations.
The reason why they were so convinced of his abilities and invested in him ahead of time was not only because Ouyang Rong had indeed done a remarkable job all the way from Longcheng, which impressed them.
Furthermore, Ouyang Rong was Xie Xun's prized disciple and also Xie Lingjiang's senior brother. Later, when he arrived in Xunyang City, he received the high-profile endorsement of the Xie family of Chenjun—their officially appointed son-in-law.
This is a golden brand in addition to outstanding personal abilities.
As a member of the Wang family, Wang Caozhi respected this, and only a poor scholar who could marry a noblewoman from the Xie family could win the heart of a scion of a prominent family like him.
Meanwhile, the other wealthy merchants behind him who participated in the Zheyi Canal and Xunyang Grottoes were more or less the same.
If it weren't for Wang Caozhi being the leader, or if it weren't for the good relationship with the Xie family of Chenjun, or if it weren't simply a front company for the Xie family of Chenjun, they would have invested early on when the Xunyang Grottoes were launched and funds were raised.
To put it simply, junior sister Xie Lingjiang, mentor Xie Xun, and Xie Xue'e, who represents the direct line of the Chenjun Xie clan, were Ouyang Rong's initial shares in his business!
In more fashionable terms, Xie Lingjiang was an angel investor; she brought her own funding directly into the project.
Of course, this does not mean that Xie Lingjiang, Xie Xun, and Xie Xue'e can teach Ouyang Rong how to do things or control him.
There's no way to control it, and there's no need to do so.
Leaving aside Xie Xun and Xie Lingjiang, father and daughter, even the meddlesome noblewoman Xie Xue'e knew the taboo surrounding this matter. For a decisive, strong-willed man like Ouyang Rong, one could offer some advice, but not teach him anything.
Moreover, if Ouyang Rong and Xie Xue'e were to have some disagreements, Wang Caozhi and the others might not side with the Xie family of Chenjun...
Ouyang Rong's prestige stemmed from the trust built through his victories in Longcheng.
However, this does not apply to matters concerning men and women in the inner quarters.
If anyone or anything threatens Xie Lingjiang's position as the empress, Wang Caozhi and others will definitely side with Xie Lingjiang.
Moreover, it wasn't just Wang Caozhi and other business partners under Ouyang Rong.
Even the subordinates who had followed Longcheng all the way, including Yan Liulang and Magistrate Diao, respected and recognized Miss Xie.
The same goes for Prince Xunyang, Li Xian, and his son, Li Dalang. Li Guo'er should be the same, since she's practically a best friend. Oh, and Aunt Zhen Shuyuan is also very satisfied with Xie Lingjiang.
Looking at it this way, Ouyang Rong was stunned; he was surrounded by "Junior Sister's people".
Of course, Yan Liulang is a bit special. He has a relationship with Ouyang Rong that is both lord and friend. He honestly acts as an executor and never interferes in the private affairs of the Ming government.
However, looking at the whole picture, Xie Lingjiang is definitely a transcendent figure beside Ouyang Rong. He calls her "Senior Brother" every day, but everyone knows that one day the title might change to two words.
Xie Lingjiang greatly admired and respected her senior brother, so she was law-abiding and did not oppose him in the slightest, nor did she interfere with his decisions.
She was always the first to stand up and support them.
This includes accompanying Ouyang Rong back to Xunyang City overnight from the southwestern front.
They can be described as like-minded.
However, Xie Lingjiang's influence over Ouyang Rong's subordinates should not be underestimated.
It could also be said that the more virtuous and capable Xie Lingjiang is as a wife, the more firmly established her position as the empress in the eyes of others becomes.
I wonder if Xie Xue'e, her aunt, offered any advice...
Last night, Ouyang Rong was summoned away by Rong Zhen, and Xie Xue'e sent Wang Caozhi to follow him, which is one example.
Before returning home last night, Wang Caozhi patted his chest in front of Ouyang Rong and promised that he would not talk nonsense about his good brother-in-law's suspected stroll with another woman. However, it is possible that after returning home, this kid will give a different, more tactful explanation to Xie Lingjiang and Xie Xue'e.
Moreover, Wang Caozhi's decision to keep this matter hidden likely stemmed from his belief that Ouyang Rong had no real feelings for Rong Zhen, and he didn't want to meddle or escalate the conflict.
However, if Wang Caozhi had just discovered the embroiderer's affair, then the nature of the matter—that the model brother-in-law was keeping another woman outside and "keeping her in a golden house"—would be completely different.
Ouyang Rong was unsure whether he could shut Wang Caozhi up.
The resulting shock and impact... He wasn't primarily worried about his junior sister, since she had known about his childhood sweetheart for a long time. It wouldn't be difficult to reconcile them, and he could persuade his aunt to bring the embroiderer back as family first... Although it seemed there were still some lingering resentments about what happened in their childhood.
But the worst thing is that if we unilaterally scare the embroiderer away, then we're doomed. It seems the embroiderer doesn't really want to see her aunts and the others, and doesn't want too many people to know about her.
Even Ouyang Rong had to go out of his way to settle her in a quiet little courtyard where no one would bother her, just like raising a shy little kitten...
In short, Pei Shisan Niang's role as a newcomer became apparent at this moment.
She was unaffected by her friendship with her junior sister, and naturally clashed with Wang Caozhi and his group of merchants.
This clean background is exactly what Ouyang Rong needs at this moment.
Most importantly, Pei Shisan Niang can only cling to his leg in Xunyang City now...
Inside the luxurious carriage, Ouyang Rong, deep in thought, furrowed his brow.
He rubbed his right cheek.
At this moment, Pei Shisan Niang gracefully boarded the carriage and cautiously asked:
"Why are you frowning, young master? Did Manager Wang say something about me that has put you in a difficult position?"
Her tone was somewhat downcast: "That's true. I was bewitched back then and helped the wicked... It's normal that Manager Wang doesn't like me."
"That's not it, Madam Pei, you don't need to worry about it."
Ouyang Rong raised his eyelids, glanced at Pei Shisan Niang, and didn't say anything. Wang Caozhi actually wanted to share some experience on how to deeply train mature women, but he refused with righteous indignation.
Ouyang Rong pondered for a moment: "Madam Pei did a good job this time."
"Thank you for your praise, young master. It is my honor to be able to share your burdens."
Pei Shisan Niang's eyes lit up with joy.
Ouyang Rong glanced at her and suddenly asked:
"What was that dream you were going to tell Lady Rong when you first woke up?"
Pei Shisan Niang stiffened, and after a moment, she whispered, "Young master, I dare not think about it anymore, and I've almost forgotten..."
He calmly uttered a single word: "Speak."
"Alright." She obediently lowered her head: "This concubine...this concubine dreamed of a blue moon, and also dreamed of a...a..."
Ouyang Rong leaned forward, narrowing his eyes: "What is it?"
Pei Shisan Niang raised her head, her face serious: "A figure of unparalleled stature, righteousness, and unmatched handsomeness."
Ouyang Rong: ...
About fifteen minutes later, Ouyang Rong jumped off the carriage.
He waved to his back, dismissing Pei Shisan Niang, who was preparing to respectfully see him off.
The matter of the dream has finally been clarified. The beautiful woman did not have any concrete evidence; it was merely a dream expressing her subconscious. Even if she complained to Lady Rong, it would be useless, although it seemed that she was very superstitious about the dream and believed it without a doubt.
Afterwards, Ouyang Rong used both kindness and force, using Wang Caozhi to reprimand Pei Shisan Niang, while the clear sound of the wooden fish in her ears proved that she had no ulterior motives.
Ouyang Rong considered her passable and appointed her to be in charge of Xingzifang from now on. Pei Shisan Niang was once again moved to tears and pledged her utmost loyalty...
"Like that prince, you like to dream, right? But... your dreams are quite accurate, and you are indeed exceptionally handsome."
He made a small complaint and then walked into the quiet courtyard.
"Longling—" The clear sound of jade attracted a solitary, slender figure in the courtyard to stand up.
Seeing her quietly sunbathing in the yard, Ouyang Rong suddenly felt relaxed.
Why aren't you eating?
He approached, glanced at the food box that Yan Liulang had brought on the table, and asked with concern.
Zhao Qingxiu grabbed his hand and lowered her head to write:
Didn't you say I should cook, young master?
Ouyang Rong slapped his forehead and coughed to make amends: "Today is an exception. I wanted you to sleep a little longer, since you came back so late last night."
"Ah ah."
Zhao Qingxiu smiled faintly, revealing a dimple on her cheek. She stopped writing, gently slapped away his hand that was reaching for the food box, and carried the food box to the kitchen to add firewood and start a fire to heat up the dishes.
Ouyang Rong turned and went out, then went to find Pei Shisan Niang.
"Is this house in your name?" he asked.
Pei Shisan Niang nodded hurriedly: "Yes. Young master, would you like me to go and make my way..."
"No need, let it remain under your name. If outsiders ask about her, do you know how to answer?" he asked, lowering his eyes and stepping aside from the courtyard gate.
This time, they didn't hesitate to let Pei Shisan Niang see Zhao Qingxiu.
Pei Shisan Niang looked up timidly and quickly, glancing at the small courtyard that she had previously found incredibly mysterious. She immediately spotted a virtuous and beautiful figure bustling about in the kitchen.
"So... this noble lady is one of my cousins?" she asked tentatively.
Ouyang Rong nodded: "Oh, your niece, I see."
Pei Shisan Niang was slightly taken aback, then couldn't help but smile. At this moment, Ouyang Rong ignored her and turned to go into the kitchen to help Zhao Qingxiu carry the heated dishes to the outdoor stone table.
Smelling the aroma of the food, Ouyang Rong pinched a piece of meat with his fingers and put it in his mouth, but Zhao Qingxiu slapped his hand away and pushed him to wash his hands. Ouyang Rong grinned.
The two sat down at the table to eat, while Pei Shisan Niang stood guard at the door, initially keeping her eyes straight ahead.
Later, he couldn't help but glance at the two people quietly eating simple meals not far away.
In particular, the way he looked at the blindfolded, pretty, mute girl was very complicated, a mixture of envy and surprise.
This girl looks blind and pitiful, but she is truly blessed with good fortune. She can make the governor of a prefecture, a scholar of the Imperial Academy, and the legendary guest of the Prince of Xunyang come to have lunch with her on time in the middle of the day, and even order him to serve her food and make him wash his hands...
Zhao Qingxiu suddenly stood up, groped her way forward, and handed a bowl of steaming white rice to Pei Shisan Niang, who was lost in thought.
The beautiful woman at the door was immediately flattered and said, "Thank you so much, sir."
Zhao Qingxiu tugged at her sleeve, and Pei Shisan Niang glanced at Ouyang Rong's face, only to find him engrossed in his meal, seemingly oblivious to everything.
Pei Shisan Niang timidly followed Zhao Qingxiu to the table, sat down with one bottom on the stool, held her bowl upright, and ate rice in small bites, glancing to the side from time to time.
Ouyang Rong picked up a piece of food, and without looking up, said, "Why are you looking at me? Is there something on my face?"
"No, it's just that the kindness you've shown me is even harder to repay," Pei Shisan Niang said solemnly.
Ouyang Rong didn't even lift his eyelids: "Why should I report it? It was the embroiderer's meal that she treated you to. According to etiquette, you should report it to her."
"Yes, yes, yes." During the meal, Pei Shisan Niang frequently glanced sideways, secretly observing the pretty young woman's eyes, which were covered by a ribbon.
Zhao Qingxiu seemed to sense something and turned her head to "look" at her, asking, "Ah?" as if puzzled by her unusual behavior.
Just as Ouyang Rong was about to look up, Pei Shisan Niang immediately praised him:
"That jade hairpin in the embroiderer's hair is so beautiful, was it a gift from her sweetheart?"
Zhao Qingxiu bent her neck and lowered her head, almost burying her face in the bowl in her hands, her ears turning bright red.
Ouyang Rong put a piece of food on her plate and calmly said, "Don't talk while eating."
Pei Shisan Niang immediately lowered her head and started eating.
After lunch, Pei Shisan Niang wisely left, and Ouyang Rong volunteered to go into the kitchen to wash the dishes, but was chased out by Zhao Qingxiu.
At the kitchen doorway, she grabbed his handwriting and wrote:
She seemed terrified of the young master.
“I owe her money, so of course she’s afraid I won’t pay it back. Don’t be polite to her, just ask her whatever you want. If you need anything, just tell her, and I’ll put it on my tab.”
Ouyang Rong spoke casually, yet his words were logical and well-founded.
Zhao Qingxiu nodded her little head subconsciously, then her face looked a little confused. Why was the one who owed money the boss?
After wandering around the courtyard and finding nothing amiss, Ouyang Rong gave a shout and left the quiet courtyard...
The study in the Xunyang Prince's Mansion.
Ouyang Rong found Li Dalang and asked him directly about Li Guo'er's dream.
“Amei’s dream? I’ve never heard her mention it, let alone consult any dream interpreters…” Li Dalang was completely baffled.
"Perhaps His Highness was joking," Ouyang Rong said calmly, asking no further questions, and returned to his residence in Huaiye Lane.
In the study of Yinbingzhai, Ouyang Rong took out the relic pearl again and examined it carefully. After a while, he went to the wardrobe and opened the door.
“Hey, is there anything you want to say to Xiaoxuan? Write it down and send it to her along with the message.”
Miao Si rolled over, finding a more comfortable position, her backside facing someone, and lazily muttered:
"Write a letter for this fairy, saying that you have been abusing this fairy, and ask her to come and save me at once."
"Are you sure you're not just taking a little brat over?"
"Your ancestors."
"She is indeed quite old."
"You!" Little Ink Spirit immediately straightened up, his anger returning.
But with a "bang," the person slammed the cabinet door shut and turned to write a letter.
Ouyang Rong wrote a letter, sealed it with wax, and sent it to the Shangqing Sect. "Some things...why not ask Xiaoxuan?"
She is now a direct disciple of the Shangqing Sect's Ancestral Hall.
Inside the study, Ouyang Rong continued to examine the luminous pearl closely. Sunlight shone through the pearl, making its light hazy. He vaguely felt that it looked familiar, but after thinking for a while, he still couldn't figure it out, nor did he trigger any good fortune.
Some things are like that; they come when you don't want them to, but when you think about them carefully, you forget them.
"Could it be that I'm overthinking things, and it was just a dream?"
Ouyang Rong shook his head, temporarily put away the luminous pearl, took out a string of ordinary Buddhist beads from the cabinet, played with them in his palm, and strode out the door.
Ouyang Rong planned to visit the Xunyang Grottoes in the afternoon, as most of the female officials from the Censorate were currently stationed there.
Deputy Supervisor Song and Lady Rong were also stationed beside the Buddha statue, and the Censorate in the city was almost empty.
Therefore, Ouyang Rong should frequently visit and offer guidance. As one of the most wanted "rebels," it's not unreasonable for him to keep track of the progress of his arrest, lest he be arrested without even realizing it.
However, with that rigid Granny Song around, Ouyang Rong now has to bring this little trinket of immunity bestowed by the current emperor every time he goes there...
What a hellish joke.
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(End of this chapter)
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