Chapter 628 A Half-Day of Leisure, A Birthday Invitation [Seeking Monthly Tickets!]
"Sister, the government officials are still here. It seems they've set up a checkpoint and aren't planning to leave."
"Um."
"Sister, why hasn't the young mistress returned yet? Who was that noblewoman who took her away this morning?"
"have no idea."
"Sister, are we supposed to be infiltrating behind enemy lines and looking for an opportunity? But why does it feel like we have no chance at all? As for just loafing around and waiting to die, well, the young mistress's cooking is really good, I'm getting fat from all the food."
"Shut up."
A quiet courtyard, at the entrance.
Fang Juxiu and Fang Shengnan were chatting casually.
Fang raised her sleeves and bent down, her head close to the courtyard gate. She slightly opened the gate and squinted to observe the sentry post of constables and yamen runners standing guard at the intersection not far away.
Fang Shengnan stood behind her sister, sword in hand, a blade of grass dangling from her mouth, and began to complain with a sigh.
After being scolded by her sister, Fang Shengnan thought for a moment, then asked in a serious voice:
"Sis, do you think we can take care of these people at the checkpoints without them noticing?"
"No, you're not allowed to go."
Fang refused without even turning his head.
"Why is my sister so insecure?"
Fang Shengnan complained.
"This is Xunyang City, where the Censorate and government officials are everywhere. We must not alert them."
"If the young mistress were to make a move, she would be a legendary Qi cultivator."
"Do you think Lord Yue Chuzi seems to want to leave?"
Fang Shengnan, who had been full of fighting spirit and unwilling to give up, stopped abruptly, sighed, and became somewhat dejected.
"It seems that all you want to do is wash clothes and cook for that Young Master Ouyang."
Fang raised his sleeve and pursed his lips.
After a long while, he withdrew his eyes from the crack in the door, looked back at Fang Shengnan, and said softly:
"Perhaps the young mistress has some scheme that is difficult for us to understand. It is part of a plan. We must not affect her or expose her, otherwise we will be guilty of a thousand deaths."
"Part of the plan? Hmm, I have a feeling that Your Highness is getting a little too engrossed in it and has forgotten all about home..."
Fang Shengnan muttered to herself, then shut her mouth under Fang Juxiu's furrowed brows.
"Regardless, we have found Yue Chuzi, and our mission is complete. The most important thing now is to return the Yunmeng Token to that senior, and then find a way to leave the city and go back to report. Do you understand?"
"Understood."
After a moment of silence, he raised his sleeve and said again:
“Your feelings may not be unreasonable. Lord Yue is indeed very special to him, but when it comes to this young master… well, let’s ask that senior when we have the chance. Let’s not meddle in things, lest something bad happen.”
"Alright, it's always better for you to be cautious, sister."
Fang Shengnan nodded like a chick pecking at rice, and became obedient.
"Shh, Your Highness is back."
Outside the courtyard, a modestly luxurious carriage slowly came to a stop, and a pretty young girl with her eyes covered stepped out, carrying a basket and a box of pastries.
The curtains of the understated yet luxurious carriage were lifted, and a noblewoman draped in a purple and gold shawl smiled and waved goodbye to a pretty blind girl who stepped down from the carriage with a cane.
After watching the latter enter the hospital, the curtains were lowered, and the luxurious carriage slowly drove away.
Through the crack in the door, Fang Juxiu couldn't help but glance again at the noblewoman behind the curtain, lost in thought.
A quiet little courtyard.
As soon as Zhao Qingxiu entered, the Fang sisters rushed forward, took the basket and pastry box from her hands, and helped her deliver them to the kitchen.
"My lady, let us do it."
...
"Why is Madam Fang staring at me like that? Is there something on my face?"
Ouyang Rong asked curiously, while touching his face.
"fine."
At the dinner table, Fang raised his sleeves and looked away.
Inside the quiet courtyard's main hall, Ouyang Rong, Zhao Qingxiu, and the Fang sisters were having dinner around the table.
When Ouyang Rong arrived, a light drizzle began to fall, even though it was dawn when he had breakfast at Yuan Huaimin's place in Chengtian Temple that morning.
Spring rain is like that; it comes quietly and silently, nourishing everything without a sound. And after it stops, the sky will clear up again.
"Young Master Ouyang, do you enjoy playing the zither so much? Aren't you on duty today? Why are you carrying it with you?"
Fang raised his sleeves and turned his head, glancing at a long, rectangular violin case on the cabinet by the door, and asked with some curiosity.
Ouyang Rong smiled and nodded: "Work is work, and hobbies are hobbies. They don't conflict."
Fang Shengnan couldn't help but interject:
"No wonder Young Master Ouyang said last time that it was a sinecure. This job is indeed not strictly managed. Young Master Ouyang even had time to come over for lunch. I remember that the Jiangzhou government office is located in Xunyang Ward."
Ouyang Rong explained casually, "I've been assigned some jobs in Xingzifang, so I naturally come here often."
"I see."
Ouyang Rong smiled and looked down at the bowl of food that the embroiderer had already picked up several times with her chopsticks.
Zhao Qingxiu, her small face blindfolded by a sky-blue ribbon, sat quietly to the side, seemingly invisible. While Fang Juxiu, Fang Shengnan, and Ouyang Rong were talking, she focused on serving Ouyang Rong food.
Ouyang Rong pursed his lips, picked up the bowl, and shoveled a few more mouthfuls of rice into his mouth.
He was originally supposed to return to the governor's mansion in Xunyangfang to handle tedious official business.
However, I changed my mind this morning and came directly to the quiet courtyard after leaving Chengtian Temple.
What Fang Juxiu and Fang Shengnan didn't know was that he was already near the courtyard, but he just hadn't come in.
Throughout the morning, he summoned Yan Liulang, Pei Shisan Niang, and even Wang Caozhi, who had come all the way from Xunyang Grottoes to report on the progress of the Buddha statue, all in the carriage. These were all matters of decision-making.
They essentially moved their office to Xingzi Lake, staying near the quiet courtyard, as if afraid the embroiderer would run away with her family.
However, Ouyang Rong had a good memory, and Yan Liulang, Wang Caozhi, Pei Shisan Niang and others witnessed the young governor's quick wit and decisiveness.
He could give verbal instructions without batting an eye, but everyone had to take notes in their notebooks.
In particular, Ouyang Rong was not well-behaved. He would not only confine them to the carriage, but also take them to stroll around the lake, handling official business as they went.
So, throughout the morning, Yan Liulang, following behind the handsome young man with his hands behind his back, heard mostly the magistrate's smooth opening lines: "Liulang, take note, this official has made the following arrangements..."
After seeing off Yan Liulang, Wang Caozhi, and the others, Ouyang Rong simply patted his behind, left the lakeside, took the Mo family sword box from the carriage, and carried it. In just a few steps, he arrived at the quiet courtyard, just in time for lunch.
As for why he carried the Mo family sword box with him...
Ouyang Rong pursed his lips and stirred the little white rice left in the bowl with his chopsticks.
Could it be that he also wants to tell Fang Juxiu about the red and black talisman he's hiding in his pocket?
Don't be fooled by his casual and nonchalant attitude when he visits Yuan Huaimin; all of the above are standard items he always brings.
"What did Madam Fang say she was going to Chengtian Temple for?"
"Paying homage to Buddha."
"The incense at Chengtian Temple is indeed very effective."
Ouyang Rong made a comment with a smile.
Fang Shengnan couldn't control her tongue and asked first:
"Young Master Ouyang, do you know the current governor of Jiangzhou in the government office? It seems you are related. Where does he usually stay?"
Fang Juxiu frowned immediately and reached under the table to hold Fang Shengnan down.
However, the words had already been spoken, and the atmosphere at the dinner table immediately fell silent.
Fang Juxiu noticed that Ouyang Rong's expression first showed confusion, then became somewhat serious and slightly wary:
"Why is Madam Fang asking this out of the blue?"
"It's nothing, I'm just curious. This person is quite controversial. My sister, for example, admires him quite a bit."
"Thump—!"
The table suddenly rattled as Fang slammed the bowl down with his sleeve, his face flushed with anger.
"Shengnan, what nonsense are you spouting? If you keep talking nonsense in front of the embroiderer and Young Master Ouyang, I'll tear your mouth apart."
Fang Shengnan stuck out her tongue and didn't say anything more.
Fang Juxiu, seemingly quite annoyed, glanced at Ouyang Rong out of the corner of his eye and noticed that Ouyang Rong's originally serious expression seemed to have softened somewhat, and the faint wariness had disappeared without a trace.
He shook his head:
"Second Madam Fang, the city is under martial law right now, and it's a special time. There are some things you can't say carelessly, especially not outside. It's a little better if you say them in front of us..."
"As for whether I've seen him or not, I have. I can only say that he is incredibly handsome, with a personality as bright as the moon. I am ashamed to admit that I am no match for him."
Ouyang Rong said in a very serious tone.
Fang Juxiu and Fang Shengnan exchanged a glance, their expressions showing some surprise, because this young master Ouyang was already quite handsome, even Fang Juxiu, who had high standards, had to admit it.
But even he felt inferior to Ouyang Lianghan? How amazing must he be?
Do such extraordinary men, possessing both talent and good looks, truly exist in this world...?
Fang Juxiu bit her lip slightly, staring at the dish in front of her, and unconsciously ate a few more bites.
Fang Shengnan groaned twice, then turned to comfort Ouyang Rong in a gentle voice:
"Actually, he's nothing special. It's just that my sister falls for his act. Young Master Ouyang, please don't underestimate yourself. I think you're a very good person. You're gentle, refined, and approachable. You're also sincere and genuine towards the young embroiderer, which is very touching."
"There aren't many people as down-to-earth as you. You're definitely not the kind of official who's detached from the common people and lives aloof. Even though it's a minor, sinecure, it's completely different from the court officials I'm used to. If you work hard and slack off less, maybe one day you'll be able to govern a region and bring benefits to the people."
Ouyang Rong glanced at Fang Shengnan, who was earnestly comforting him, put down his bowl, nodded, and clasped his hands in a fist salute:
"Very well, I take your kind words, Second Madam Fang."
"Stop calling me 'Second Madam Fang,' it's too awkward. You can call me Shengnan, or 'Madam Nan,' either is fine."
Fang Shengnan waved her hand, raised her head and puffed out her chest, speaking with a bold and unrestrained tone.
He even raised his hand in a very chivalrous manner, ready to pat Ouyang Rong's seemingly frail shoulder, but under Fang Juxiu's glaring phoenix eyes, he reluctantly withdrew his hand, probably realizing that he might hurt this delicate young man.
“Then… I’ll call you Miss Shengnan.” After a pause, Ouyang Rong added sincerely, “Or perhaps Lady Fang.”
Upon hearing the latter form of address, Fang Shengnan immediately beamed with joy; even the way she addressed him had changed.
"Brother Ouyang is truly a man of passion. It's a pity there's no wine here, otherwise I would definitely drink with you for a couple of cups and not leave until we're drunk."
Fang Juxiu couldn't hold back any longer. She glared fiercely at her unreliable younger sister beside her and scolded her in a crisp voice:
"You're still drinking? Aren't you afraid of getting drunk and acting crazy? You're still drinking heavily, aren't you afraid of scaring people?"
Fang Shengnan, with her neck stiff, said, "Sister, it's rare to meet someone I get along with today..."
Fang Juxiu ignored her, turned her head, and explained to Ouyang Rong with an apologetic expression:
"I'm sorry, Young Master Ouyang, Shengnan is just like that. You must never let her drink. If she drinks too much, she'll definitely talk nonsense and act like a little drunkard. She might even try to become sworn brothers with you or something, causing a ruckus. If you ever encounter her drunk in the future, please stay away from her, or come directly to me and see if I won't teach her a lesson."
Ouyang Rong chuckled, finding it amusing, and nodded: "Miss Fang is lively and blessed, which is not a bad thing. However, Madam Fang also has the demeanor of a lady from a prominent family."
Zhao Qingxiu, who was quietly serving food to her husband, smiled slightly and unconsciously tilted her head.
Fang Shengnan muttered to herself, "A true friend is hard to find in life. If we really get drunk and open up, it wouldn't be so bad to become sworn brothers..."
Fang raised his sleeve and turned his head: "Hmm?"
Fang Shengnan immediately buried her head in her rice and settled down.
Fang Juxiu glanced at Ouyang Rong and Zhao Qingxiu, who were tacitly serving each other food.
She first picked up the bowl, but didn't immediately pick up any food. Her eyes were fixed ahead, and she asked softly:
"Young Master Ouyang, this courtyard was specially prepared for the embroiderer, wasn't it? Where do you usually live?"
Ouyang Rong replied, "There is a house in Xunyangfang that is closer to the main hall of Jiangzhou."
"Is anyone still at home?" She looked at Ouyang Rong with a serious expression.
"Well, there is an aunt in the house, and a bed warmer in the room."
"Why doesn't Young Master Ouyang take the embroiderer back with him?" Fang raised his sleeves and lowered his eyes: "Isn't it more convenient this way? It saves us from running back and forth. Is there something that's inappropriate for us to see each other...?"
Ouyang Rong pursed his lips.
Fang Shengnan couldn't stand it anymore and whispered in support, "Sister, how can you make such assumptions about someone?"
Before she could finish speaking, Zhao Qingxiu waved her hand and, in front of Fang Juxiu, lowered her head and wrote on the table:
"I asked you to arrange this, young master. I prefer a quieter place."
"I see."
Fang raised his sleeve and nodded, and then stopped.
Lunch ended in silence among the four of them shortly afterward.
They declined the invitation from the Fang sisters, who were guests, to cook or wash the dishes.
The kitchen, next to the sink.
Ouyang Rong and Zhao Qingxiu stood side by side, heads down, washing dishes, each busy with their own tasks.
As the activity neared its end, only one bowl remained in the sink. Zhao Qingxiu reached out first, but Ouyang Rong seemed not to see her. He reached out a beat later, his fingertips touching the back of her hand, and she withdrew her hand like a little rabbit.
Ouyang Rong remained silent, but instead of retreating, he stepped forward and grabbed a small, delicate hand missing a finger. While scooping water to wash it clean, he calmly said:
"What Madam Fang said makes sense. We should meet her. My aunt's birthday is in a few days. Let's go over together, have a bowl of longevity noodles, and get to know each other formally."
“If you’re shy, you can have Madam Fang and Second Madam Fang come along too. What do you think, Xiu Niang?” he asked patiently.
Zhao Qingxiu seemed to pause for a moment, and the icy white jade hairpin pendant that had been making a sound on her head stopped ringing.
The atmosphere in the kitchen suddenly became quiet.
...
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(End of this chapter)
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