Chapter 612 Playing a Double Act with the Lady Historian [Bonus Chapter for 7k Views, Please Vote!]
The temperature was still a bit chilly on the early spring night.
Ouyang Rong did not ask any further questions about the nightmare.
He glanced at Zhao Qingxiu's light blue undergarment, then grabbed the quilt and covered her up, concealing the exposed part of her rounded shoulder.
This small, exquisite, light blue bodice made of smooth silk must have been purchased by Pei Shisan Niang when she took the embroiderer to the coat shop in the East Market.
Before the embroiderer moved into the quiet courtyard, the clothes, socks, bibs and underpants she wore were all made of coarse linen, in a simple and monotonous flax color.
These were the clothes worn by poor women.
Where would one find such delicate thoughts and subtle details in a young lady secluded in her boudoir, embellishing her bodice with such understated elegance?
That's enough.
In addition, the embroiderer was blind, so even if the clever Pei Shisan Niang took her to buy something, she wouldn't know the pattern, and of course she would obediently wear it.
But to be honest, Ouyang Rong thought this light blue bellyband was exceptionally beautiful, mainly because the embroiderer was so thin, almost unhealthily thin.
But she wasn't as short as Lady Rong.
Slim and graceful with good bone structure.
This is an excellent clothes hanger, and it's also true for wearing this type of bellyband.
Ouyang Rong glanced at the bedside in the dark bedroom.
Isn't this better than that old set of burlap underwear?
Don't ask Ouyang Rong how he knew.
The embroiderer was a blind and mute, disabled girl. There were many details in her life that she couldn't attend to. Ouyang Rong would come over from time to time to take care of her daily life. Even though he was a righteous gentleman who never looked away, he couldn't always avoid the shadows of some small pieces of cloth and clothing hanging on the long rope in the corner of the yard when he walked into the courtyard. He couldn't just walk with his head down, could he? Well, even a gentleman has times when he can't avoid suspicion. As long as he doesn't let his righteous spirit show, that's fine.
Ouyang Rong was unsure whether Xiu Niang was aware of this as well, or whether she truly didn't consider him an outsider, or whether she was simply unguarded around gentlemen.
In any case, since the embroiderer moved into this quiet little courtyard, only one man has visited.
Ouyang Rong was reflecting on his actions.
"ah!"
Zhao Qingxiu, whose head was buried in the blankets, suddenly raised her head, lifted the blankets, got out of bed, put on her shoes, and put on her coat with her back turned.
Where are you going?
Zhao Qingxiu lowered her head, tied the knot of the sky-blue blindfold ribbon behind her head, and pointed towards the kitchen.
Except when she is sleeping, she covers her blind eyes with a sky-blue ribbon.
“Okay, heat up the food slowly, no rush, I’ll eat…” Ouyang Rong changed his mind: “I’m not very hungry… wait, change the blindfold to a clean one.”
As if remembering something, Ouyang Rong passed by Zhao Qingxiu, jogged out the door, went to the clothes rack in the yard, and, without looking at it improperly, took back a clean and tidy sky-blue satin ribbon.
He had previously instructed Pei Shisan Niang to go to the coat shop in the East Market and have ten new sky-blue satin ribbons specially cut for her to use in rotation.
The ribbons are made of the best, softest, and most comfortable material available on the market.
The two stopped in the corridor.
Ouyang Rong re-tied the blindfold ribbon around the blindfold of the small, upturned girl facing him.
He pursed his lips.
Ouyang Rong understood why he was blindfolded after going blind.
This isn't for aesthetic reasons, but to protect the eyes from foreign objects like dust, sand, and dirty water, which could cause injury and infection.
In addition, Ouyang Rong had read some miscellaneous book somewhere that said blind people might be very sensitive to light, and not completely blind, but that bright sunlight or lamplight could irritate their eyes.
It's best to cover it with a clean ribbon, since we don't have sunglasses like those from my previous life to replace it right now...
Wind chimes swayed in the corridor, their sounds clear and melodious.
Zhao Qingxiu tilted her head back, carefully feeling the movements of the two slender hands that were patiently tying knots at the back of her head.
I could feel Tanlang's earnestness and focus.
At first, Zhao Qingxiu didn't really like wearing this sky-blue satin ribbon.
It was as if she was reminding everyone that she couldn't see.
But just like Tanlang, who is now taking good care of her eyes.
On the day she lost her sight, after her eldest and second eldest sisters returned from seeing Old Monster Sun, they immediately instructed her to wear the ribbon carefully and to protect her blind eyes, lest they be lost again...
"alright."
Ouyang Rong was unaware of the strange and stubborn demands from the senior embroiderer. After tying the knot, he took a step back with a satisfied expression.
Zhao Qingxiu touched the knot behind her head with her small hand; the knot was shaped like a butterfly.
"Hey."
She tilted her head slightly and smiled sweetly.
Ouyang Rong felt as if a snow lotus was blooming in the evening breeze before his eyes.
Unaware of the intense gaze someone was giving her, Zhao Qingxiu groped her way to the stone table, lifted the bamboo dishcloth protecting the food, and carried the cooled dishes one by one to the kitchen…
Ouyang Rong quietly watched the slender figure squatting by the stove in the kitchen, her small hands groping for wood, tirelessly trying to start a fire. He pursed his lips.
While Zhao Qingxiu was heating up the dishes, he wandered around the yard. When he passed under the pear tree, he caught a noisy cricket, but after thinking about it, he released it.
Ouyang Rong clapped his hands, looked around the courtyard, and saw that the lights were dim and the place was somewhat deserted.
On weekdays, when he was not around, the embroiderer would generally only move between the bedroom, the courtyard, and the kitchen.
Extremely monotonous.
Otherwise, they might go to Donglin Temple, ostensibly to have breakfast at its dining hall, but it's very likely...
Ouyang Rong suddenly asked:
"Embroiderer, by the way, do you like raccoon dogs?"
The noise in the kitchen paused for a moment.
"ah?"
She seemed somewhat confused.
Ouyang Rong blurted out:
"The cat next door had kittens. How about I pick one of the kittens for you to raise?"
Zhao Qingxiu paused in her busy work, then raised her right hand, which had rolled up her sleeve, and wiped the fine sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand.
"Eeya".
The little head shook, a strand of hair slipped down her forehead, highlighting her delicate and charming face.
Ouyang Rong asked calmly:
“Why not raise one? It’s too lonely by yourself. I heard from Pei Shisan Niang that you sometimes go to Chengtian Temple for breakfast in the morning. Do you like lively places?”
Zhao Qingxiu, who was heating up food at the stove, lowered her head slightly, seemingly busy, and it was unclear whether she heard Ouyang Rong's words.
Ouyang Rong waited for a long time, but received no response.
He turned his head and glanced at the empty courtyard.
That makes sense. Such a small yard doesn't seem "bold" enough for a daily parkour session.
Although not all tanuki are as mischievous and courageous as "Youzhong".
But with such a quiet nature, keeping a raccoon cat is really not a good match for the embroiderer. It would be better to give her some embroidery needles and thread so she can pass the time.
Moreover, when Ouyang Rong passed by the dressing table in the bedroom just now, he did see some fabric and sewing supplies. The embroiderer must have been making clothes in her spare time recently...
Ouyang Rong sighed softly.
Putting aside the fact that keeping a raccoon cat provides companionship.
To be honest, he didn't really like the embroiderer going to Chengtian Temple, especially since one of his previous guesses might be correct.
Besides... if the embroiderer had a cat, wouldn't that create a stronger bond between them?
Just like at the family banquet at the Xunyang Prince's Mansion today, there was a kind of limp kitten who, although it was quite clueless, was actually quite popular with everyone. Even the junior sister, who was being kneaded by it and kept her distance from it, was no exception.
"Ya ya ya".
Hearing the embroiderer's cheerful voice, Ouyang Rong came back to his senses and found that the food had been heated up and the embroiderer was carrying the tray over.
Ouyang Rong lent a hand and brought out plates of food.
"How did you make so much?" He couldn't help but rub his stomach.
"Huh?" Zhao Qingxiu tilted her head.
Seeing the doubt and worry on her face, Ouyang Rong switched expressions, becoming serious:
"Perfect timing, I'm starving. Come on, let's eat."
Zhao Qingxiu finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Before long, someone finished their third dinner of the night.
Then she ran over and washed the dishes side by side with the embroiderer.
Stepping out of the kitchen, Ouyang Rong touched his slightly rounded belly beneath his scholar's robe and let out a long sigh.
"It's getting late, embroiderer, you should rest first. I'll head back now."
"Um."
"Oh, right."
Ouyang Rong seemed to remember something and took the initiative to bring it up:
"The pastries you bought last time were quite delicious. Wasn't it called Taoshouzhai? Why haven't you bought any more? I really liked them."
Zhao Qingxiu was seeing Ouyang Rong off at the gate of the courtyard.
Ouyang Rong turned around, laughing heartily.
"Here's what we'll do: don't stay cooped up at home these next couple of days, and don't go to that Chengtian Temple. You can't go to draw lots every day either; they only come true after a while. Let Pei Shisan Niang accompany you out shopping, and we can buy some pastries from Taoshouzhai while we're at it."
Upon hearing the name "Taoshouzhai," Zhao Qingxiu paused for a moment and nodded.
"OK."
...
"I apologize for being a little late. I just finished dealing with a small matter. I hope it won't keep us any longer."
"Yes, according to Governor Ouyang, you are the heads of the powerful clans, martial arts schools, manors, and local gangs around Xunyang City. In the words of the Jianghu, you are some of the most influential figures in both the underworld and the legitimate world of Xunyang City."
"But at the same time, they are also ordinary citizens of the Great Zhou who pay taxes in accordance with the law."
"I asked Governor Ouyang to call everyone here today, and I have no other intention. Rest assured, I will not play the good cop/bad cop or carrot and stick with Governor Ouyang, harass you all, or exploit you."
"You may not trust me, but you can certainly trust Governor Ouyang, whose reputation is known throughout the land."
"I came here today for just two small matters."
morning.
Xunyangfang, the residence of the Prefect of Jiangzhou.
Rong Zhen, accompanied by eight cold-faced female officials, strode into a hall with a plaque that read "Upright and Honest." He passed by the two rows of guests and stopped three zhang in front of Ouyang Rong, who was sitting at the head of the table with his eyes lowered as he served tea.
She didn't look at Ouyang Rong, nor did she sit down next to him. Instead, she turned around and, expressionless, raised a slender index finger at the group of stern-faced gentry, gang leaders, and martial arts masters in the hall.
"First, I would like to ask everyone whether you are satisfied with the security situation in Xunyang City these days, and whether you have any objections to the various measures taken by my Censorate and Governor Ouyang's Jiangzhou Hall to eliminate violence and maintain order?"
The men in the two rows of seats in the lobby were completely silent.
Some people exchanged glances.
Some people cautiously observed this legendary lady-in-waiting from the capital.
Others glanced sideways at the young governor behind the cold, palace-dressed girl, who was quietly drinking tea with his head down.
Rong Zhen glanced around the silent hall and calmly nodded:
"If you have any complaints, you can bring them up first. Today, I have specially invited a highly respected censor stationed in the prefecture. He is standing right at the door. If you have any grievances, please speak directly to the old censor. Your memorials will be delivered to the Censorate in Luoyang soon."
"If it's something more serious, like accusing me and Governor Ouyang of favoritism and perverting the law, there would be solid evidence, and the memorial could be delivered directly to the palace and landed on the Emperor's desk."
"Now everyone can speak freely. Let's resolve this small matter first, and once there are no objections, we can move on to the next small matter."
The aloof, palace-dressed girl turned to face north, bowing slightly towards Luoyang, which was far to the north:
"Yes, this is the Empress's wisdom, her insight into the people's plight, and her openness to reason."
She had a cold expression, but her tone and attitude were somewhat sincere.
The group looked at each other in bewilderment.
After a while, no one in the lobby stood up and spoke.
The atmosphere was somewhat solemn and deathly quiet.
At this moment, Ouyang Rong put down his teacup and gently exhaled a breath of hot air.
"Phew~"
The crowd, who had been keeping their eyes down and their minds at rest, immediately turned to look.
I thought he was going to say something.
Rongzhen also turned her body slightly to the side and glanced at a close comrade-in-arms with whom she shared a great friendship.
Ouyang Rong leaned back in his chair, his hands gripping the armrests, staring straight ahead, motionless.
Seemingly because he had been stared at for a while, he covered his mouth with his fist without looking to the side and coughed lightly.
It's as if to say... Why are you looking at me like that? I'm just having a nourishing morning tea, you guys continue.
"Alright, since there are no objections, then please go back, old censor. Close the door and let's talk about the second small matter. Don't worry, it won't delay everyone from going back for lunch."
Rong Zhen said calmly.
As soon as the words were spoken, everyone saw a group of stern-faced soldiers in black armor appear on the corridor at the doorway where the old censor had disappeared, surrounding the gate.
Before these seasoned veterans of Xunyang City, who had connections in both the underworld and legitimate society, could even look at it for long, the door slammed shut with a loud bang.
The morning sunlight was shut out, and the lighting in the lobby was several levels dimmer.
It gave a group of men who were used to the sun a sudden feeling of darkness.
The water in the teacup beside me seemed to have cooled down by two degrees.
"Wha...what trivial matter?"
A powerful man surnamed Guo, who was well-known at Xunyang Ferry and had made his fortune in water transport, mustered up his courage and tentatively asked the question.
Does anyone know about the Yunmeng Order?
Rongzhen asked curiously.
The lobby was completely silent.
Ouyang Rong, sitting behind Rong Zhen, looked around the hall.
The crowd looked puzzled.
The powerful man surnamed Guo looked puzzled.
"Yunmeng Token? What is that?"
Another burly man who ran a martial arts school scratched his head:
"I've heard of Yunmengze, but I've never heard of Yunmengling. Is there any connection between the two?"
"Yes, what is the use of this? Why are the Lady Historian and the Governor looking for it?"
The crowd whispered amongst themselves, asking questions. Rong Zhen seemed completely unsurprised by this reaction and calmly spoke:
"Here's the thing, the Censorate has received a new report that someone in the city is colluding with rebels, plotting to cause chaos, and recklessly obstructing the construction of the Buddha statue that His Majesty has ordered."
"The news says that the rebel force Yunmeng Jianze has issued something called the Yunmeng Token to those in the city who are secretly communicating with each other, as a token for secret meetings."
"So the reason I invited you here today is to ask you whether you know this thing. You are active in both the underworld and the legitimate world of Xunyang City, so you should have extensive information. This thing is clear evidence of an attempt to rebel. Arrest them one by one."
The group of men still looked puzzled.
A powerful local gentryman surnamed Fang timidly asked:
"Your Excellency, Your Excellency, what is this Yun decree, and what does it look like?"
Ouyang Rong then spoke:
"We don't know yet, but we already have a clue? We should know soon."
"A clue? What clue?" Everyone asked curiously.
Rong Zhen frowned and turned to look at Ouyang Rong, seemingly displeased with his talkativeness.
Ouyang Rong immediately shut up and continued drinking his tea.
Everyone became even more curious.
Rong Zhen pondered for a moment, then said:
"To be honest, the person who reported us has provided a list of seven or eight companies in the city that are highly suspicious."
“If any of you are observant, you should have noticed that several powerful families in the city have not been invited.”
"At this very moment, the people from the Censorate and the Xuanwu Camp are raiding their homes, taking them into custody, and searching for this thing."
"I believe we should receive news of the Cloud Dream Order within today."
"The reason I am calling you to assemble today is because Governor Ouyang has specially recommended you to the Censorate, saying that you are law-abiding citizens who have not broken the law for a long time, and that you are well-informed and may be able to help the Censorate find some more criminals who have slipped through the net."
Everyone stared wide-eyed, and many of them breathed a sigh of relief, casting grateful glances at Ouyang Rong.
Rongzhen waved her hand:
"Has anyone mentioned any clues?"
After some discussion, everyone realized they knew nothing, but they all patted their chests and promised that they would help the Censorate and the Jiangzhou Grand Hall search for clues about the Yunmeng Token when they returned.
Rongzhen nodded slightly:
"Alright, once we've interrogated the prisoner today and obtained the appearance of this Yunmeng Token, we'll inform you then so that everyone can search more easily."
"Okay, okay."
"Ms. Shi is still considerate."
Everyone expressed their gratitude and praise.
"Don't get too excited yet."
Rong Zhen suddenly spoke coldly, her icy gaze sweeping over the crowd:
"I don't really trust you outsiders. If it weren't for Chief Secretary Ouyang's guarantee, I might have searched every single one of you. It would have been time-consuming, but I'd rather kill a thousand innocent people than let one guilty person go free."
"However, Governor Ouyang disagreed, fearing that we would disturb law-abiding citizens and affect innocent people. He also said that you are law-abiding citizens with families and livelihoods, and not the kind of fools who collude with rebels. I reluctantly accepted that and decided to find people according to the list first."
"As for you, you can report each other. If you can find this item and the person who is colluding with it, the Overwatch Council will offer a generous reward."
"Furthermore, I would like to emphasize that all of your properties are located in Jiangzhou City. These rebels are deeply hated by the imperial court. If anyone colludes with the rebels, they will be beheaded and their entire family will be executed."
"You all have families, so you'd better think about your families. Can you run away from your temple if you can't run away from your monk?"
"Anyway, starting today, the entire city is under martial law. No one is allowed to move out in large numbers, and this applies to all of you as well. Do you understand? This is the bottom line for me to temporarily agree to Governor Ouyang's suggestion and to temporarily trust you..."
Rongzhen finished speaking in an unfriendly tone.
Everyone agreed.
"Thank you for your trust, Your Excellency! We, the common people, will certainly cooperate with the Censorate."
Yes, yes, yes.
Everyone sincerely expressed their loyalty.
"Alright, let's go back first and wait for our news. Governor Ouyang and I still need to deal with the families who haven't come yet. Let's go check on the situation of the confiscation. Hmph."
The crowd dispersed.
The lobby became empty.
Rongzhen suddenly calmed down.
I looked back.
Ouyang Rong didn't look at her, but instead poured a cup of tea for the lady-in-waiting who had wasted so much breath.
Are you thirsty?
"You seem quite relaxed, not saying a word. What use are you then? I can manage on my own."
Ouyang Rong said earnestly, "It's more convenient to admire Lady Historian's demeanor from the back."
Rong Zhen:...? ?
...
Fang Yiwu followed the main group out of the Jiangzhou Prefectural Governor's Mansion.
He is the current head of the Southern family in the city. He is strong and powerful, tall and big, with a square face that is well-defined and upright, giving him a strong and resolute appearance. He looks like he has been sculpted and appears quite upright. However, he is over forty years old and his black clothes cannot hide his large belly.
While waiting for the carriage, Fang Yiwu and his friends from the underworld once again denounced the rebels of Tiannan Jianghu who were delaying everyone's money-making and affecting the livelihood of Xunyang.
"Why did they have to choose to rebel? Going against the imperial court, aren't they just asking for death?"
"Exactly! There aren't that many rebellions. In the end, it's just a power struggle and unequal distribution of benefits at the top."
A group of wealthy and powerful men wholeheartedly agreed.
To be honest, although they are well-known figures in Xunyang City, the Jianghu in the south is vast, including Jiangnan Road and Lingnan Road, with nearly a hundred prefectures.
The local underworld of Xunyang City, or rather Jiangzhou, is nothing more than a small pond. The lower the level of this so-called underworld, the more it's about human relationships and social interactions, rather than fighting and killing. In reality, everyone is just doing business.
Previously, outside the Xingzi Lake Buddha construction site, the battle between the martial arts practitioners from the southern Jianghu and the martial arts practitioners from the Great Zhou Dynasty was, in their eyes, simply a fight between gods.
At this moment, a large number of soldiers in black armor and female officials in white robes poured out of the governor's mansion behind them, rushing towards various parts of the city, their destinations clearly defined.
Clearly, this is what the Lady Historian meant by arresting the suspected families on the list who were not present.
The people at the door looked at each other in bewilderment. Some couldn't help but lick their dry lips, their faces showing relief that they hadn't been caught in the crossfire.
"Luckily, Prefect Ouyang vouched for us, otherwise, such a search would have been incredibly arduous, and if there were any further framing... Sigh, they say soldiers are like combs, easier to deal with than the King of Hell himself, but his underlings are a real pain. This is truly an undeserved disaster..."
"That's right, Lady Historian listened to advice and is very discerning. The plaque in the hall was not hung incorrectly."
The powerful Guo family member sighed with emotion.
Fang Yiwu listened silently, occasionally agreeing or laughing along.
Before long, he separated from his companions and quickly boarded his own carriage.
“Back to Chengnan Village.”
"Is the master not going to the docks today?"
A personal servant who had been with him for many years asked curiously.
Fang Yiwu shook his head vigorously: "No, let's go back to Chengnan Village."
"But the stewards over there are waiting for the master, and they just sent someone to ask..."
"Shut the fuck up!"
Fang Yiwu's expression suddenly changed.
The servant was so frightened that he quickly scrambled out and drove the carriage obediently.
The carriage hurriedly left Xunyangfang, passed through the west gate, and arrived at a sizable building in the southern suburbs of the city.
Fang Family Manor.
I hurriedly entered the manor's main hall.
"Master, Madam is looking for you. It's about the eldest and second young ladies..."
"Get out of here."
Having no time to pay attention to the old butler, Fang Yiwu pushed him aside and hurriedly rushed into the depths of the back courtyard.
The Fang family is one of the most powerful families in Xunyang City. Some of their ancestors were high-ranking military officers who settled in Xunyang City and made their fortune by leveraging their connections. They acquired land and are now considered one of the city's major taxpayers.
When Fang Yiwu was young, he originally aspired to join the army, but his elders stopped him. Later, he rebelled and wandered the world, struggling for a while, before being "helplessly" called back by his elders and inheriting a rich family fortune.
Going home to inherit the family business is so appealing; isn't that better than living a life of hardship and uncertainty outside?
Although he returned to Xunyang City, Fang Yiwu's martial spirit and chivalry remained undiminished, and he was not satisfied with collecting rent from his farm and shops.
So, in the past few years, I set up a few martial arts schools in the city and also sponsored some gangs, which made me a little bit of a name in Jiangzhou's underworld, even though it was all about spending money...
Now in my forties, with three sons and two daughters, I have a life that's pretty much perfect, except for a bit of excitement and passion. When I have nothing to do, I can even brag to my children about my adventures in my youth.
But today, it seems something exciting is about to happen.
The Fang family's manor in the south of the city covers a very large area.
In the past, this was a display of wealth that chivalrous heroes would humbly boast about when entertaining wandering knights from all over the country. But now... the drawbacks of having too much wealth have suddenly become apparent.
After walking for a long time, making many twists and turns, Fang Yiwu finally arrived at a secluded three-story building deep in the manor.
He opened the locked door and rushed up the stairs.
Upon reaching the top floor attic, one finds a library in front of them.
Fang Yiwu wiped his sweat, shook his hands, unlocked the door with his key, walked to a bookshelf, and began to search.
It appears he is organizing books.
Fang Yiwu was covered in sweat as he sorted through the mess, muttering, "Where did I put it? Where did I put it..."
"What are you looking for? Do you need any help?"
Just then, a curious female voice came from behind.
Fang Yiwu flew into a rage and blurted out without turning his head:
"Who let you in? You're asking for a beating!"
After shouting, he suddenly felt that the voice sounded familiar. He turned around and was immediately terrified.
A cold, aloof young woman in palace attire appeared at the door. Her footsteps were as silent as a cat's, and she followed Fang Yiwu into the study.
Fang Yiwu didn't even know when she arrived.
We're doomed!
Fang Yiwu's face turned ashen, and the book in his hand fell to the floor.
The sound was very loud.
Rong Zhen stood with her sleeves up, looking at the study doorway with curiosity, without even glancing at Fang Yiwu.
"This...this...Why does Your Excellency grace my humble abode with your presence? Aren't you here to...to check the people on the list?"
Before Fang Yiwu could explain, a series of footsteps echoed at the stairwell.
Behind Rongzhen, a group of female officials in white robes surged into the study.
It quickly filled the attic study.
As Rong Zhen passed by Fang Yiwu, she casually tossed out a sentence:
"You're on the list."
Fang Yiwu fell to the ground.
Under the man's shocked and dismayed gaze, the group of cold-blooded female officials began a thorough search.
...
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(PS: 7k chapters combined into one, extra chapter, still 14 chapters owed)
I'm begging for some monthly votes!! (or 2)
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