Chapter 641 The Embroiderer Slays the Evil Dragon at Dawn, Her Husband Demonstrates Great Courage in Controlling the Flood [Seeking Monthly Tickets!]
Ouyang Rong pondered for a moment and said:
"How long has the embroiderer had this dream?"
A very long time
"Did you have it since you were a child?" he asked softly.
I don't remember.
Ouyang Rong went over, retrieved a clean sky-blue satin ribbon, and returned to cover her dazed, red eyes.
He sat down behind Zhao Qingxiu, looking at her soft, black hair draped over her shoulders. He bent down to smooth it, and asked in a low voice, his expression unreadable:
"Do you know anyone who has similar dreams, like your family members?"
Zhao Qingxiu turned her head, seemingly glancing at him, and wrote on his leg, which was resting on the edge of the bed:
【have】
Ouyang Rong was quiet for a while, tied the ribbon knot at the back of her head, turned to face her, took off his shoes and got onto the couch, and sat cross-legged in front of Zhao Qingxiu.
He cupped her tear-streaked face in his hands and rationally analyzed the situation:
"It's just a dream. The more you hide it in your heart, the more afraid you become. This evil dragon is, in a sense, the embodiment of all the fears in the embroiderer's heart, or evil thoughts. Of course, it cannot be killed, because there are corners that are not illuminated under the sun. Light and darkness, good and evil are intertwined, and so is the human heart."
"Instead of being afraid of it, the embroiderer should accept it openly. Next time you dream of it, be bold and take a good look at it, but remember that it is just a dream and it can't really eat you. You might as well pick up a stone and throw it in to see which unlucky dragon's little head gets hit."
“After you wake up from your dream, the embroiderer can talk to me and I will help you analyze it. Don’t be afraid, I’m here.”
When Zhao Qingxiu heard Ouyang Rong say "pick up a stone and smash it in," her previously attentive face couldn't help but chuckle. She quickly composed herself, tilted her head, and wrote:
[Doesn't Tanlang believe in the existence of giant dragons? Didn't you hear the nursery rhyme about giant dragons lurking in deep waters when you were a child?]
"Belief may have existed in the past, such as during the pre-Qin period, but in today's context, it's not enough."
Ouyang Rong smiled broadly:
"Because there are things in this world that are even more evil than the evil dragon. We are not even afraid of this. What evil dragon are we afraid of? If it were really so powerful, would it have become extinct by now?"
He sat cross-legged on the couch and murmured:
As the saying goes, once your swordsmanship is mastered, you can slay any dragon that comes your way.
Zhao Qingxiu stared blankly for a long time before finally writing.
[Tanlang has great courage]
Ouyang Rong's expression was somewhat indifferent.
The words, spoken casually, made Zhao Qingxiu frown and listen intently:
"The main reason is that I had already experienced the hardships of flooding in Longcheng, and I've seen even the most raging floods before."
“That day, standing on the shaky Di Gong Dam, working with the villagers to save the dam, I looked at the rising water level below and thought for a moment that even if there were dragons in the water, and it turned out to be this thing causing the trouble, I would still have to subdue it.”
Ouyang Rong spoke slowly, yet with an indescribable resolute firmness:
"In the end, it turned out that even the greatest natural disaster could not outweigh a man-made one. The sins committed by the Liu family of Longcheng were more serious than those of a hundred evil dragons."
"So, Embroiderer, the one who should be afraid is not us, but the evil dragon. We are its nightmare."
Ouyang Rong reached out and pulled Zhao Qingxiu, who was listening intently, into his arms, gently patting her slender back, and concluded.
Zhao Qingxiu tilted her head, remained silent for a moment, and then smiled faintly.
[Tanlang may look frail, but he is a man destined for great things. Many people have misjudged him and fail to recognize a true hero.]
Ouyang Rong seemed to have thought of something, his face showing a hint of melancholy and a sigh:
"Embroiderer, can you forget about that time I climbed the rope in the underground palace? Although the posture was not very elegant and made me look a bit weak, it also showed my domineering aura, okay?"
He spoke in a very serious tone.
"Pfft~"
Zhao Qingxiu buried her face in his chest, her forehead pressed against his chest, and giggled incessantly.
After a long while, he calmed his breathing and began to write:
No, I'll remember this for the rest of my life!
Ouyang Rong looked somewhat helpless.
The two flirted and teased each other for a while.
Zhao Qingxiu wrote somewhat seriously:
I have an older sister who said something similar to Tanlang's words, telling us not to fear the evil dragon in the abyss.
Ouyang Rong smiled:
"The embroiderer has quite a few older sisters."
"Ah." She tilted her head.
Ouyang Rong turned his head and glanced at the dawn outside the window.
It was already light, around seven in the morning.
After spring arrives, the days gradually become longer and the nights shorter. A month ago, when spring was just beginning, it was probably still barely dawn, but now, the sun is already high in the sky.
However, most people's schedules have not yet been adjusted.
Especially the Fang sisters, who have the airs of young ladies. At Chengtian Temple, the monks have already started ringing the bells and attending morning prayers in groups. But when Ouyang Rong returned from Chengtian Temple, the west wing where the two girls were sleeping was quiet. They hadn't gotten up yet, probably still fast asleep.
The morning light fell on the window beside the boudoir.
It was fine when the light was dim, nothing special, but now that it's bright, the mess on the boudoir after a night of turmoil is on full display.
From the living room table to the floor under the boudoir bed, there were wrinkled clothes lying quietly, some damp sheets, a crumpled towel, and a slender, blind girl with disheveled hair, looking delicate and charming...
All of this fell into Ouyang Rong's view.
Zhao Qingxiu seemed to have noticed all of this as well, and vaguely sensed Ouyang Rong's gaze. She buried her face in the quilt next to her in embarrassment.
Didn't Tanlang go back? Why is he back again?
Ouyang Rong's face hardened:
"I was worried, but thankfully I came back to check on things. If I hadn't come back, that crybaby would have been secretly crying for who knows how long, and he would have even been scared to tears in his dreams."
Zhao Qingxiu stammered, "Oh."
It was also written:
"Hurry, my love, Madam Fang and the others are about to wake up!"
Ouyang Rong blinked: "According to custom, they should sleep for another hour."
【I have no idea】
Her writing was fragmented, and under Ouyang Rong's direct gaze, her delicate body trembled with shyness.
Ouyang Rong, with a mischievous grin, reached into the blankets and immediately touched a burning hot little face. He said helplessly:
"Why are you still so shy? Didn't we see each other last night? Don't burn yourself..."
Zhao Qingxiu suddenly stood up, her hands trembling with nervousness as she grabbed his hand and hastily wrote:
[Has Tanlang returned? Is he looking for Luohong?]
Ouyang Rong was taken aback, and subconsciously shook his head:
"without……"
He paused, then changed his mind:
"There's no need for that. Not every woman has one. If the embroiderer had done a lot of housework before, maybe..."
Before he could finish speaking, she added:
[Would Tanlang think the embroiderer was a promiscuous woman?]
Ouyang Rong glanced at Zhao Qingxiu again; her small face was full of worry, as if she were even more frightened than the evil dragon she had just had a nightmare about.
While waiting for his reply, the sky-blue ribbon covering Zhao Qingxiu's eyes got wet.
I cried again.
"No." Ouyang Rong asked seriously, "Why do you think that?"
Zhao Qingxiu hugged the quilt, her already thin body swaying slightly, as if she was anxious and worried.
It suddenly occurred to me, if this is how it is between good friends, will my boyfriend look down on me?
Ouyang Rong did not speak, but took action.
He reached out, grabbed her clenched, red hand, pried it open, placed it on his face, and shook his head firmly, letting her feel the force of the movement.
Zhao Qingxiu sniffed:
【Tanlang, would best friends really act like this?】
Ouyang Rong said seriously, "Some good friends can even have five children."
Zhao Qingxiu was startled upon hearing this. After hesitating for a moment, she wrote:
Do you want my Danlang too?
Ouyang Rong sighed helplessly. How could someone take a joke so seriously? How foolish! He said, "I'm afraid your health can't take it, Xiu Niang."
Zhao Qingxiu waited a while with her knees drawn up, then wrote down, word by word:
The embroiderer can endure a lot of pain; she just has to grit her teeth. She's much stronger than her lover imagined. She can bear all kinds of suffering; it's just a matter of who she's suffering for.
As she wrote, her head drooped lower and lower: [The embroiderer only has Tanlang as her best friend, and she will only have Tanlang in this lifetime, both before and after.]
Ouyang Rong pursed his lips: "I know."
Zhao Qingxiu tilted her head and stared blankly for a moment, then couldn't help but write another sentence, emphasizing it even more:
My first body was taken by Danlang.
Ouyang Rong repeated, "I know."
Zhao Qingxiu shook her head and wept:
You're an idiot.
Ouyang Rong gently touched her swollen eyes:
"Yes, I'm an idiot and you're a mute. To paraphrase what Old Master Sun said when we first met, we're a match made in heaven."
Are they a perfect match, right?
Zhao Qingxiu tilted her head and wrote, a rare hint of reproach in her words.
Ouyang Rong did not answer, but stated directly:
"Back when I was seriously injured at the Sanhui Hospital in Longcheng, didn't you work as a maid and take care of me?"
Zhao Qingxiu was stunned, seemingly not expecting him to ask such a question.
"Ah, ah..."
She shook her head instinctively, then stopped, feeling guilty, and stammered.
Ouyang Rong grabbed her hand, placed it in his palm, and gestured for her to write.
Zhao Qingxiu drew circles in his palm, seemingly lost in thought.
Ouyang Rong looked at her neck, pointed, and said softly:
“I remember taking a bite out of you. I saw some wounds when I first met you at Chengtian Temple.”
Zhao Qingxiu suddenly looked up.
Ouyang Rong removed her ribbon, their foreheads touching, their eyes meeting, as if they were staring at each other.
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul. The embroiderer knew he was before her, and reached out to touch his face. Ouyang Rong turned his cheek close to her hand and asked:
"Why did you leave without saying goodbye? Why did you foolishly give yourself to me without letting me know? You are a very traditional woman who values purity. I have never looked down on you. The more you do this, the less I can understand. Did someone force you, like your family?"
Zhao Qingxiu stood there for a long while, then lowered her head in guilt and wrote: "My lord, can the embroiderer not speak yet?"
Ouyang Rong didn't force her. After a moment of silence, he smiled smugly.
"Okay, I won't force you to do anything, but Xiu Niang, you should know that Tan Lang is not a fool. Also, there's something Tan Lang hasn't told Xiu Niang. He really wants to tell you, but he can't. Tan Lang also wants to ask you. Can we not tell you for now?"
Zhao Qingxiu looked slightly puzzled, but nodded: "Alright, you can say it when you want, my lord. I'm willing to wait."
Ouyang Rong smiled and said, "Alright, it's settled then, as long as it doesn't hurt the other person. Also, Tanlang, not just anyone can be a good friend. Xiu Niang is one of a kind. Our pair of good friends are also a little different. Hmm, I mentioned my aunt's birthday gift last time, does Xiu Niang remember?"
"Yes." Zhao Qingxiu nodded honestly.
“You have to go to the birthday party. I’ll take you. We’ll go together.” He instructed, emphasizing repeatedly, “You have to go, do you hear me?”
"Ah..." Zhao Qingxiu stammered, as if she had something to say.
Ouyang Rong placed his index finger on her lips and gently interrupted her:
"If you want to have five children, you have to do this: you have to go home with your best friend and let everyone meet you. That's called a formal title. Does the embroiderer know what a formal title is? If not, it doesn't matter. It's just a good friend changing her title. Is that how you understand it? Hmm, so simple."
Upon hearing the words "status," Zhao Qingxiu's chest heaved, and she found it difficult to breathe, her small face flushing with excitement.
She knew perfectly well what a title or status meant.
The thing you've always longed for is suddenly right in front of you; it feels as unreal as a dream...
While Zhao Qingxiu was still stunned, Ouyang Rong pinched her sore nose without saying a word:
"Be good and write."
Zhao Qingxiu turned her back and buried her head in the quilt.
Looking at her pretty face, especially with her silly back to him, Ouyang Rong thought she looked like an ostrich burying its head in the sand when it was in danger.
The thin nightgown accentuated the vibrant curves of the morning, revealing the embroiderer's slender figure, slender waist, and ample hips.
Ouyang Rong glanced again at the quiet corridor outside.
Without thinking, he lunged forward.
“Eeya…”
"Don't move. My good friend is checking my body, so you won't accuse me of bullying you. You check mine first."
"..."
Zhao Qingxiu hurriedly wrote:
No, please don't check, I'm so embarrassed.
"Why should I be ashamed of being examined? I'm not ashamed at all."
While warming up by lowering the bed curtains, Ouyang Rong blinked and asked.
[My beloved... too, has a wicked dragon.]
Ouyang Rong: ...?
He sternly pulled back the covers, pinched her cute chin, and said seriously:
"Then it's even more necessary. Let's give the embroiderer some courage. Let's kill it first today and use it as practice."
Zhao Qingxiu: ...!
...
More than half an hour later.
With his black hair flowing down his shoulders, Ouyang Rong quietly closed the door. In the corridor, dressed in a white undergarment and carrying a crumpled scholar's robe, he left looking refreshed.
Behind him, deep within the main room, on the boudoir bed, lay a scene of utter chaos, a complete mess, pristine white, a torrent of words, incisive and poignant, a cathartic outpouring, a rapid and expansive flow of information…
They played another game this morning, and the new round took a little longer than last night.
He then infused it with over a thousand more merits, over a thousand breaths, which is calculated as one breath every five seconds.
There are still over six thousand merits remaining.
He reserved three thousand merits for the divine decree, and gave the rest to the embroiderer.
Ouyang Rong left at just the right moment, and as he passed the door of the west wing, he heard some rustling sounds coming from inside.
Before the Fang sisters got up and left, he accomplished his task and left without a trace, concealing his merit and fame.
Stepping out of the courtyard, Ouyang Rong put on his scholar's robe, fastened his belt, and subconsciously stretched, but stopped halfway through and casually withdrew it.
He left the quiet courtyard with his back straight and his spirit firm.
After walking a few steps, his expression calmed down. He turned his head to look in the direction of Chengtian Temple, where nothing had happened that morning, and then looked back at the quiet courtyard.
Ouyang Rong pursed his lips, seemingly lost in thought...
"Sis, did you hear anything this morning?"
"Your snoring is really loud?"
"Oh no, that's not it. I meant the noise outside. It sounds like it's coming from your room, Master. Wait, has something happened to you, Master...?"
"Don't barge in and disturb the young mistress. She was probably cultivating this morning, and she also worked hard all night last night. Besides, the young mistress is someone of great stature. If she can't handle a danger, how can we possibly go in?"
"Oh, that's true..."
The sound of the Fang sisters discussing could be heard outside.
In the main room, on the messy boudoir bed, Zhao Qingxiu's original blindfold ribbon was tied to her waist-length black hair, which was draped over her shoulders. She leaned lazily against the pillow, her arms embracing the soft mattress that still held the warmth of her lover. Her lips had finally calmed down, and she was looking down, savoring the memory. Upon hearing this, her cheeks became even redder.
It took me a while to recover.
Zhao Qingxiu propped herself up in bed, her whole body aching uncontrollably.
After getting dressed, she bit her lip slightly and tidied the bed. Midway through, her brows, which had been relaxed for Jun, furrowed slightly.
Overnight, his dantian cultivation seemed to have inexplicably increased.
Now I have completely reached the seventh rank of perfection.
Moreover, it seemed restless, as if it was about to break through at any moment. Could it be because of the half of the tortoise-shell longhorn beetle within Tanlang's body? Was it merging with the half within her, benefiting each other?
Zhao Qingxiu gently stroked her lower abdomen, her expression somewhat complicated.
Second Senior Sister's judgment might be correct. Engaging in marital relations with Tanlang would indeed temporarily grant her some of the calming effects of the tortoise shell longhorn beetle, restoring some of her original cultivation talent.
However, there is a difference between restoring one's talent and making a rapid advancement in one's spiritual cultivation overnight. After all, no matter how high one's talent is, one still has to diligently cultivate one's Qi step by step.
Even considering her peak cultivation level and talent, it would have taken her almost a month to reach the current seventh-grade perfection, which was already extremely fast. But now, it's even faster—she achieved it all in one night!
Moreover, Zhao Qingxiu conducted a very serious internal examination and found that the improved cultivation level was genuinely stable and not forced.
Could it be... an extra benefit after the tortoise shell and longhorn beetle fully merge? Does it involve some kind of Yin-Yang dual cultivation logic?
Or perhaps, after fulfilling her dream with Tanlang, her tranquil mind and Dao heart have been restored, and her original talent for cultivation has returned. Now, having received the medicinal effects of an extra complete tortoise shell longhorn beetle, her cultivation talent has become terrifying, thus progressing by leaps and bounds in a day.
Regardless, it must be related to Tanlang. Just as Tanlang said unintentionally, they are truly a match made in heaven... Zhao Qingxiu couldn't help but turn her head and look in the direction Tanlang had left outside the door, her little face full of surprise and happiness.
With such rapid progress, a couple more times would be enough to directly break through to the sixth rank. If the senior sisters knew, they would probably be shocked.
But wouldn't this kind of miraculous effect, similar to dual cultivation, require the lover to always be there?
Moreover, doesn't that mean I have to frequently... frequently help my lover slay the evil dragon?
Zhao Qingxiu's face burned like a furnace, and she dared not think any further, shaking her head.
She hurriedly buried her head, preparing to leave.
A heart filled with both fear and anticipation.
Before leaving, remembering something, Zhao Qingxiu went to check her sword and habitually touched the Red Lotus Sword Mark.
Slightly hot.
The cloth that wrapped the sword mark still retained a trace of warmth, which slowly dissipated in the cool morning air.
Catching this lingering warmth, Zhao Qingxiu, who was originally ashamed and pleased with her unorthodox progress in cultivation, paused for a moment.
...
——————
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(End of this chapter)
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