Chapter 630 Sister Rong, Sister Xie, and Tanlang's Friends [Requesting Monthly Tickets!]
"Tanlang, you're back so late, have you eaten yet?"
"have eaten."
"Then I'll have Banxi inform the kitchen to continue simmering the black chicken soup, so you can drink it tomorrow morning."
"good."
"Hey, what's this? Osmanthus cake? Does Tanlang like this?"
“Oh, a friend gave it to me. He asked me to bring a box back so that my aunt could try it. He said that the pastries from Taoshouzhai are the best in Jiangnan.”
"Why would you send me here for no reason?"
"She probably heard me mention it once, saying that you sometimes feel dizzy and lightheaded, and that eating more desserts can help you recover."
"Is that so, my dear friend? With such a meticulous mind, you certainly can't be that old rascal Yuan Huaimin, nor Liu Lang, or Prince Li, right?"
"Uh, yes, that's not it."
After saying this, Ouyang placed the pastry box on the table, said nothing more, turned and left, leaving behind a remark before she went out:
"Auntie, please try it. After all, it's a kind gesture. I'm going back to the yard to wash up; I'm a little tired today... Wei Lai, go boil some water..."
Zhen Shuyuan watched her beloved nephew's figure disappear into the inky night.
She glanced back at the pastry box, opened it, picked up a piece, and examined it closely for a while.
The beautiful woman in the silk skirt seemed to be deep in thought...
Another day, another night.
A light, cool drizzle was shrouded in the darkness of night.
Ouyang Rong returned home late again, walking into the courtyard with an umbrella.
Zhen Shuyuan, who was waiting in the hall while eating melon seeds, got up happily and led her maids to greet her. The beautiful woman in the silk skirt took the moon-white oil-paper umbrella that her beloved nephew had bent down to fold.
"Your collar is all wet, Tanlang, wipe your hair."
"Um."
"I had Wei Lai prepare a bowl of longan and white fungus soup... Hmm, what's this?"
Zhen Shuyuan saw the wooden box that Ouyang Rong handed to her, took it curiously, opened the lid, and saw the contents inside.
"A wooden comb?" she asked, looking confused.
"Yes, a good friend of mine is very skillful. She made a few wooden combs and gave one to my nephew. He doesn't need it, so she asked me to give it to you, Auntie."
"Does your friend also have such exquisite craftsmanship...?"
Zhen Shuyuan muttered to herself, then asked casually, "These past few days, after finishing your official duties in Xingzifang during the day, has Tanlang been having dinner at this friend's house every evening?"
"Yes, it's this friend. She happens to live near Xingzi Lake. The food at the courtyard is pretty good. After I finished my work, it was mealtime, and I was too lazy to come back, so I ate there since it was close by," Ouyang Rong said casually.
"My dear friend, why do you keep sending me things from time to time..." Zhen Shuyuan glanced at Ouyang Rong, paused, and then said, "Does my dear friend not know that wooden combs are usually given between lovers, as they symbolize the wish to grow old together in love and happiness?"
She saw an interested look appear on Ouyang Rong's face: "What if it's a gift for an elder? Is it appropriate? Could it also have that kind of meaning?"
"There aren't so many rules about giving gifts to elders... it can be considered a way to show filial piety."
Zhen Shuyuan hesitated for a moment, then shook her head, placed the exquisite wooden comb back into the box lined with vermilion soft cloth, pressed down the lid, and said:
"But it's still a bit strange. Why are they sending this and that all of a sudden, with gifts coming from time to time? Could it be that something is going on, and they want to ask their lover for help?"
"My lord, it would be best to be cautious. Now that you hold the high position of governor, you are indeed prone to attracting some opportunists. I was still a little worried about that Pei Shisan Niang before..."
Ouyang Rong took the hot towel handed to him by Banxi, held it in both hands, buried his face in it, and wiped his face. The sound was muffled and low.
“Auntie, please accept it. It’s alright. This friend of mine doesn’t ask me for anything. I can tell that from her perspective. We’re just good friends, and she’s kind and gentle, and she’s very respectful to her elders.”
As Zhen Shuyuan looked hesitant, Ouyang Rong pulled the towel off his face, gently pushed the wooden comb box into Zhen Shuyuan's arms, and chuckled softly.
"And I've already made it clear that I'm not allowed to give anything too valuable. Well, Auntie, please accept it without worry. It's just a small token of my appreciation, so please don't let it go to waste..."
"Alright, as long as Tanlang understands." She looked down at the comb box, her eyes slightly rolled up, and glanced at Tanlang's expression.
"Yes, I know."
Zhen Shuyuan reluctantly put away the wooden comb box and handed it to the curious maid next to her.
She turned around, wanting to say a few more words, but Ouyang Rong had already dropped the towel and left, preparing to return to Yinbingzhai to rest.
"By the way, this friend is actually an old acquaintance; your aunt might know him."
As you reach the door, say something with a smile.
Zhen Shuyuan asked curiously, "An old friend? Someone I know? Who is it? Could it be Aqing and the others?"
"I think I've seen her in Longcheng. She's keeping a low profile in Xunyang this time, so most people don't need to know. It's not Aqing, but it's similar..."
As Ouyang Rong finished speaking, he left the hall, his figure disappearing into the distance.
Zhen Shuyuan watched her beloved nephew's casually tossed figure disappear into the distance, her red lips murmuring:
"An old acquaintance from Dragon City? I've even met him before? Strange..."
Three days later, in the morning.
In the breakfast room of the mansion in Huaiye Lane, Ouyang Rong and Zhen Shuyuan sat facing each other, having their meal.
Ouyang Rong, dressed in his crimson official robes, buried his head in his porridge and prepared to leave after finishing.
Today, Zhen Shuyuan's hair was styled in a high bun, adorned with a wooden comb and jade hairpins, exuding an air of elegance and nobility.
Zhen Shuyuan stared at Ouyang Rong for a while, her gaze landing on the ordinary jade hairpin on his headdress, and suddenly asked:
"By the way, Tanlang, what about your mother's family heirloom hairpin? I haven't seen you wearing it in a long time. Could it be that you gave it to Wanwan?"
Ouyang Rong didn't even look up, just shook his head. He didn't respond, his attention seemingly focused on the rice.
Zhen Shuyuan slowly nodded:
"That's true. When Wanwan came to visit me last time, I saw that she had a pair of mandarin duck jade hairpins in her hair. It must have been given to me by Tanlang. Tanlang also gave me one during the Lantern Festival."
"If we give her your mother's hairpin, Wanwan will definitely wear it every day..."
Zhen Shuyuan couldn't help but smile.
Ouyang Rong smiled slightly, but still didn't say anything.
Zhen Shuyuan continued the conversation, tentatively asking:
"So the hairpin is still with Tanlang, right?"
"No, I've given it away for now."
"Temporarily? Give away?" Zhen Shuyuan asked with a look of novelty.
"Yes, a good friend of mine really likes this hairpin. I'll lend it to her for a few days."
"Such an important thing, Tanlang lent it so easily...and how come it's from a good friend..."
Zhen Shuyuan looked troubled. Although she usually only cared about household affairs and never interfered in Tanlang's affairs outside, at this moment, she couldn't help but glance at Tanlang's calm face and still asked, "Is it Yuan Huaimin?"
"No, but he was quite envious, so I won't lend it to him," Ouyang Rong said with a smile.
"Who is that?" she pressed.
"Hmm."
Ouyang Rong put down the bowl of hot porridge, took the white handkerchief handed to him by Ye Weilai, and gently wiped the corner of his mouth:
"It's the one that gave Auntie a small gift a few days ago. I've been eating at her place these past few days, and she's given Auntie so many thoughtful gifts, so I feel a little embarrassed. Since she likes it, it's fine to let her wear it for now. Hmm, I told her about the importance of this hairpin. It's a memento from my mother, and Auntie needs to agree... She wouldn't be so rude."
Zhen Shuyuan was about to speak when Ouyang Rong interrupted her with a smile:
"So Auntie, don't worry, your nephew will definitely not let Brother Huaimin get something for nothing."
He then comforted Zhen Shuyuan.
The latter opened his mouth slightly, and seeing his beloved nephew's calm and composed appearance, nodded hesitantly.
"Okay, okay."
Ouyang Rong straightened his clothes, stood up, and prepared to leave.
"My love, is this friend of yours a man or a woman?"
Zhen Shuyuan suddenly looked up and asked.
Ouyang Rong immediately smiled faintly:
"Don't worry, Mother. This hairpin isn't strictly a women's style; both men and women can wear it. My nephew used to wear it just the same way, didn't he? Aunt, you don't need to worry about others."
Zhen Shuyuan: ...
Ouyang Rong put his hands behind his back and walked out the door.
Zhen Shuyuan glanced at the bowl of porridge in front of her, which she had barely drunk, then stood up and, followed by her maids, walked out of the breakfast hall to catch up with Ouyang Rong.
Zhen Shuyuan escorted Ouyang Rong to the front gate.
"Is there anything else, Auntie?"
Looking at the bustling crowds on the street outside, Ouyang Rong turned around and asked curiously.
"After some thought, I believe your mother's hairpin is very important and has extraordinary significance. After all, it is a unique token of your maternal grandfather's family, belonging exclusively to the Zhao family woman, and should not be easily left in the hands of outsiders..."
"Know."
"Of course, it's not that our family is stingy or doesn't know how to reciprocate. It's just that you've already given it away, so asking for it back seems a bit impolite..."
"Um."
Zhen Shuyuan started rambling on and on, this time with a rather long prelude, and Ouyang Rong raised his hand to interrupt her:
“I understand the logic, Auntie. Just tell me what you really want to say.”
He asked in a very serious tone.
Zhen Shuyuan pursed her lips, dismissed the maids around her, and got straight to the point:
"How about this, you pick a day, invite them back, have a meal together, and I'll meet them, chat, and thank them for the small gifts. By the way, I'll help you with the hairpin matter. If you're too shy to ask, I'll do it for you."
This time, the beautiful woman in the skirt didn't even ask whether her beloved nephew's friend was male or female before extending the invitation.
"Auntie, you're worrying unnecessarily. It's not like they're not going to pay you back..."
Ouyang Rong shook his head helplessly, saying this, but Zhen Shuyuan heard him smoothly change the subject in the next sentence:
"Alright, it's a good opportunity for Auntie to meet her. As for the timing... how about at Auntie's birthday party in a while? It'll be a perfect time to celebrate her birthday."
Ouyang Rong stroked his chin and asked.
Zhen Shuyuan's lips twitched slightly, but she composed herself and said softly:
"Wanwan said she would make a good impression on me for my birthday this time, and she would be in charge. Anyway, Wanwan and the little princess of the Prince's mansion will probably be there on that day. Tanlang, are you sure you want to bring them over to introduce yourselves?"
Ouyang Rong nodded calmly: "If it's not inconvenient for you, Aunt, then that day will be the day."
Zhen Shuyuan's tone slowed slightly: "What about Wanwan's side..."
"Of course I'll let you know in advance, Auntie, don't worry."
"Well... alright, just keep things in mind with Wanwan."
Zhen Shuyuan glanced at her nephew's calm and composed expression.
"I'm leaving now, Auntie, please don't see me off."
Ouyang Rong waved his hand and left the Huaiye Lane residence as usual.
Zhen Shuyuan watched his figure disappear into the distance, then lowered her head and murmured to herself again:
"Old friend?"
...
The sun was shining brightly in the morning.
After leaving home, Ouyang Rong first went to the Xunyang Prince's Mansion.
Actually, what he just said to Zhen Shuyuan wasn't wrong either.
The embroiderer was indeed an old friend of the aunt. Not to mention, back in Longcheng, the embroiderer had secretly worked as a cook at the Meilu Garden.
My aunt had eaten her hometown dishes, but didn't recognize her, just like him.
Ouyang Rong sighed softly.
A moment later, they arrived at the Xunyang Prince's Mansion. At the foot of the steps, Ouyang Rong glanced at the mansion's imposing gate.
Today he brought a joint memorial to the throne.
These past few nights, whenever he had a spare moment, Ouyang Rong spent his time refining it.
It's finally finished today. I brought it to Prince Xunyang for a look, and then we can discuss the details...
An hour later, Ouyang Rong walked out of the palace with his sleeves tucked in and left with a nonchalant expression.
Two hours later, he arrived at Xunyang Grottoes by carriage and sent someone to summon the Lady Historian.
Before Rong Zhen could even be seen, Wang Caozhi had already arrived at lightning speed.
"Good brother-in-law, why didn't you let me know you were coming? You are so low-key and frugal, keeping everything simple. I was wondering why my left eyelid was twitching so much when I went out today. Just now, I could feel a special kind of domineering aura from a distance... It turns out it was my good brother-in-law who came. That explains it!"
Outside the tent, a sickeningly sweet voice rang out first.
Ouyang Rong glanced at Wang Caozhi out of the corner of his eye: "Why do you seem to have a lot of free time now?"
Wang Caozhi shook his head like a rattle-drum: "No, no, I'm busy... Oh, Sister Rong is here. You two chat, I'll go pour some tea."
Ouyang Rong frowned, doubting he had misheard: "What did you shout?"
Before he could ask any more questions, Wang Caozhi had already run away.
Rong Zhen walked into the tent with a calm and unhurried expression, but just as she reached the door, she faintly heard Wang Caozhi using a smooth and fluent form of address in front of Ouyang Lianghan.
The lady-in-waiting's face immediately darkened.
"Change him! Ouyang Lianghan, you're taking him with you today!"
The first thing Rong Zhen did upon entering was to issue a stern demand, which Ouyang Rong hesitated to say.
At this moment, Rongzhen, with an unfriendly expression, focused her gaze on a memorial in his hand.
"Your and the Prince of Xunyang's memorial requesting aid?"
"Um."
Ouyang Rong nodded, and Rong Zhen's expression softened slightly, as if she had barely forgotten what had just happened. She waved her hand.
"Alright, come with me. I have prepared my memorial to the throne. Let's submit it together this time. I hope someone from Luoyang will come soon so we can breathe a little easier."
Ouyang Rong glanced at the serious expression on Rong Zhen's face and nodded slightly: "Okay."
The two went out side by side to the tent where the Censorate was temporarily located, and found a resident censor.
Currently, for safety reasons and to facilitate the monitoring of the progress of the Donglin Buddha statue, the entire Jiangzhou Supervisory Commission has moved to the Xunyang Grottoes construction site, where female officials and resident censors are temporarily working...
After delivering the memorial, the two took a stroll side by side, visiting the Xunyang Grottoes and observing the progress of the Buddha statue.
Ouyang Rong fiddled with a string of sandalwood prayer beads in his hand, and made a mental calculation. If he worked hard to finish the work from now on, the Buddha statue might be completed around the time of his aunt's birthday celebration.
As they were calculating in their minds, the two arrived at the entrance of the camp, and Rong Zhen saw Ouyang Rong off.
Suddenly, Wang Caozhi's enthusiastic voice came from outside the camp:
"My sister was originally going to pour tea for my brother-in-law, but it's all the same, we're family..."
Rong Zhen's chest heaved involuntarily. Her face hardened, and she turned to Ouyang Rong, her tone stern: "Ouyang Lianghan, this man is talking nonsense. Don't flatter yourself..."
At this moment, a beautiful figure in fiery red led Wang Caozhi out and came to Ouyang Rong and Rong Zhen.
Wang Caozhi was leading Xie Lingjiang with great enthusiasm, and the words he had just spoken were directed at her.
Rong Zhen's displeasure vanished instantly. She stopped, turned her head, and seemed to leisurely admire the nearby riverside scenery.
Ouyang Rong walked forward with a curious look: "Junior Sister, what brings you here? Is there something you need?"
"Can't I come if there's nothing wrong?" Xie Lingjiang asked casually.
Without glancing at her helpless senior brother, she stopped where she was, her red sleeves hanging low, and surveyed the Xunyang Grottoes construction site. She said:
"The progress looks pretty fast; it might be finished any day now."
Ouyang Rong hesitated, but Wang Caozhi quickly followed up:
"Of course, with my brother-in-law here, the Donglin Buddha will be a piece of cake... Brother-in-law, you two chat, I have something urgent to attend to."
Wang Caozhi turned around, his back to his two sisters whom he couldn't afford to offend, and gave Ouyang Rong a look that said, "I can only help my good brother-in-law by taking this one sentence for you," before making a hasty retreat.
Ouyang Rong's eye twitched slightly.
Xie Lingjiang didn't even glance at Wang Caozhi's retreating figure.
Rongzhen glanced at the Xie family noblewoman in her red dress out of the corner of her eye.
Ouyang Rong walked over and handed him the tea that Wang Caozhi had just given him, asking gently, "Since you're here, why don't you show your junior sister around?"
"I won't visit; it's too much trouble for them."
Xie Lingjiang pursed her lips, not looking at Rong Zhen who remained silent beside her, and this time she went straight to the point with Ouyang Rong:
"Sister Guo'er is looking for her eldest brother; it seems there's something important to discuss."
Ouyang Rong was slightly taken aback.
...
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(End of this chapter)
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