Chapter 644 Don't Bully Yue! [Seeking Monthly Tickets!]
"Sis, what are you looking at?"
"Shh..."
"Wasn't that outpost demolished? What are you looking at so excitedly? Are those constables coming again?"
In the quiet courtyard, inside the main hall, Fang Shengnan, who was practicing swordplay, turned around curiously and looked at Fang Juxiu at the door with a question.
Fang Juxiu stood behind the tightly closed door, slightly bent over, and peered through the crack in the door to examine the scene outside.
When pressed by her younger sister, she kept her back turned and shook her head without answering.
"strangeness."
Fang Shengnan stopped her sword dance, sheathed her sword, and walked forward with her sword in her arms.
Two days have passed since the soldiers' outpost by Xingzi Lake was removed, and the two women secretly went to Chengtian Temple disguised as pilgrims.
These past two days, the Fang sisters haven't gone out. They've been keeping Yue Chuzi (Zhao Qingxiu) company. Apart from taking a walk by Xingzi Lake after dinner in the evening to digest their food, everything has been normal.
It is currently noon.
Young Master Ouyang usually arrives in the evening, but today he announced in advance that he would be coming for lunch, so Zhao Qingxiu bought the ingredients in advance and started cooking ahead of time.
She left the Fang sisters in the lobby and buried herself in the kitchen, busy with her work.
Fang Shengnan, carrying her sword, arrived at the doorway. She first glanced curiously at her older sister, who was peeking through the crack in the door. She then bent down and squeezed in, and together they peered through the crack into the door.
"Oh, Young Master Ouyang? Why aren't you coming in yet?"
"Shh, keep your voice down." Fang raised his sleeve below, frowned, and pinched Sheng Nan's waist.
"oh oh."
Fang Shengnan peeked through the crack in the door a few more times out of curiosity, and finally understood what her sister was looking at.
A luxury carriage was parked some distance outside the courtyard, and it was unclear how long it had been parked there.
The carriage, adorned with luxurious curtains, and its owner, were acquainted with each other.
Previously, when His Highness Yue went out every three days to buy fruits, vegetables and pastries, this luxurious carriage would pick him up and drop him off. The lady who owned the carriage was a beautiful woman who loved to wear a flowing purple and gold shawl. She was always smiling and very friendly to His Highness Yue.
The Fang sisters had met this beautiful woman a few times during their pick-up and drop-off, but the woman seemed uninterested in them and only seemed familiar with Lord Yue. Since Lord Yue was unable to speak, they couldn't introduce themselves to each other, so they were practically strangers.
Fang Shengnan had actually asked Zhao Qingxiu out of curiosity who this beautiful woman was. Zhao Qingxiu simply wrote a few words to introduce her, saying that she was Tanlang's friend, surnamed Pei, and that when Tanlang was not around, this Aunt Pei would accompany him when he went out to buy things.
Fang Shengnan and Fang Juxiu only exchanged a glance at each other and didn't say anything more.
However, compared to Zhao Qingxiu, who didn't care much about such trivial matters, the Fang sisters were clearly more thoughtful.
After all, the two women were practically accomplices of the rebels in the southern Jianghu. They had even brought the Yunmeng Token into Xunyang City before. Even now, hiding in a quiet courtyard, they had inadvertently gained the protection of that young master Ouyang.
But since it involves risking one's life and is in a dangerous situation, one naturally has to be more cautious.
Try to understand any strangers or unusual people around you.
At this moment, Fang Shengnan understood what her sister, Fang Juxiu, was looking at.
Aunt Pei, who loved wearing a flowing purple-gold shawl, was sitting inside the carriage as usual, her high-set hair silhouette faintly visible through the thin gauze curtains.
However, there was another figure inside the carriage, sitting opposite Aunt Pei.
It is Young Master Ouyang.
She thought for a moment, then asked directly, lowering her voice:
"Sis, what do you think their relationship is?"
Fang Juxiu frowned slightly, remaining silent.
Looking at this scene, it was impossible to tell what she was thinking from her expression.
A moment later, the two women saw Young Master Ouyang step out of the luxurious carriage. Aunt Pei, who was kneeling inside, lifted the curtain and waved enthusiastically, saying a few words as if reluctant to say goodbye.
Young Master Ouyang remained as calm as ever, simply waving his hand and walking towards the quiet courtyard.
Fang Juxiu and Fang Shengnan exchanged a glance, then quickly left the doorway and retreated back into the lobby...
Lunch in the backyard.
Around the familiar stone table, Ouyang Rong, Zhao Qingxiu, and the Fang sisters were having their meal.
"Does Madam Fang have something to say? She seems hesitant to speak."
Ouyang Rong put down his bowl and asked with a smile.
Fang Juxiu, who had already quickly looked up, chuckled softly upon hearing this:
"Young Master Ouyang doesn't seem to be very busy lately."
"Yeah, not as busy as the past few days."
"What does Young Master Ouyang usually do at the government office?"
Ouyang Rong placed a piece of food on Zhao Qingxiu's plate, who was shoveling rice into her mouth, and said with his eyes lowered:
“There are many old houses and vacant lots in Xingzifang that were left unfinished after demolition. Madam Fang must have seen them.”
"Um."
"I've been busy with this matter lately, representing the Jiangzhou government, contacting some merchants who own land to deal with these vacant plots for the benefit of the people. A batch of houses have been handed over in the last two days, and the initial results are promising..."
"It turns out he was in charge of the livelihood issues in Xingzifang."
Fang Juxiu nodded thoughtfully and put a mouthful of food into his mouth.
Fang Shengnan suddenly interjected, "I heard that the Jiangzhou government's focus is now entirely on Shuangfengjian. Are you familiar with that area, Young Master Ouyang?"
“That’s right.” Ouyang Rong nodded, his expression somewhat suspicious: “Why did Miss Fang suddenly ask this? Did you hear something from someone?”
Fang Shengnan was about to speak when her older sister pinched her, and she quickly shut up.
Fang Juxiu shook his head:
"Young Master Ouyang, don't listen to her nonsense. This girl has always been very curious since she was a child. She is more interested in things that are forbidden and dares to ask about anything."
"There have been some rumors circulating in the city lately. She's quite bold, even asking you directly, young master. You don't need to pay any attention to these things."
"It's alright, having curiosity is a good thing."
Ouyang Rong smiled.
Fang Juxiu hesitated for a moment, then asked:
"I've noticed that every time the embroiderer goes out, she's greeted and escorted by a woman called Aunt Pei. This woman... must have a close relationship with Young Master Ouyang, right?"
"Um."
Ouyang Rong's answer was rather brief:
"Madam Pei is a wealthy merchant from Yangzhou. She owns a lot of land and houses in Xingzifang. I have had some contact with her for official business."
Fang Juxiu glanced at Ouyang Rong's plain blue scholar's robe, then at the elegant and exquisite courtyard, and suddenly said:
"Is this courtyard also under the name of this Madam Pei?"
"Yes, that's right."
Ouyang Rong nodded, making no attempt to hide anything.
Under the watchful eyes of his two sisters, he calmly picked up food and ate.
Fang Juxiu glanced at Ouyang Rong again, but Fang Shengnan seemed oblivious and began to praise him:
"Brother Ouyang, you certainly have a lot of connections. Sure enough, officials like you have plenty of people trying to curry favor with you."
"Just a minor official."
“Even a minor official is still an official, and they can still be powerful in front of the common people. That’s quite a lot,” Fang Shengnan nodded in affirmation.
Ouyang Rong smiled helplessly and did not reply.
Just as her sister had said, Fang Shengnan had no sense of propriety when it came to her words. Somewhat annoyed by his silent reaction, she slammed her sword on the table.
“Hey, Brother Ouyang, you seem honest and kind to the embroiderer, warm and considerate, unlike those corrupt officials. You haven’t done anything to oppress the people or bully men and women, have you?”
Fang Shengnan looked at him with suspicion, scrutinizing his expression.
Ouyang Rong thought hard for a moment and nodded:
"some."
"Huh?" Fang Shengnan's eyes widened: "How dare you..."
But before she could finish speaking, she heard Ouyang Rong leisurely add:
"They dare to bully the embroiderer every single day."
"..." Fang Shengnan.
"..." Zhao Qingxiu.
Fang Shengnan didn't notice that Zhao Qingxiu's head was lowered and her ears were redder. She looked at Ouyang Rong, who had an infuriating look on his face, and wanted to ask, "Do you know who you're bullying? She is the future Yuanjun, the Yue Chuzi. Even if you had a hundred years of cultivation and skill, it wouldn't be enough for her..." However, she swallowed her words after receiving a stern look from Fang Juxiu on the other side.
"Joking is fine, but you're not allowed to really bully her. The embroiderer may be kind-hearted, but my sister and I won't allow it."
Fang Shengnan waved her little fist:
"Furthermore, Brother Ouyang, although you are a good person and have entertained my sister and me for many days, friendship is friendship, but you must not go astray and become a corrupt official who preys on the people, understand? Otherwise, this heroine will definitely not forgive you."
Ouyang Rong glanced at her little fist and nodded:
"OK."
He then said softly:
"In fact, I have always felt that no matter how high or low one's official position is, one should do something for the people. Even if the environment is polluted and one cannot do one's job, one should at least have a sense of compassion. This is conscience."
“If that’s truly what you think, then it’s a good idea.”
Fang Shengnan's stern face softened considerably.
Ouyang Rong glanced at the righteous and chivalrous woman, Fang, and smiled:
"As expected of Lady Fang, she takes it upon herself to eliminate evil and uphold justice; she is truly a great hero."
Upon hearing the phrase "the greatest of heroes," Fang Shengnan's eyes lit up, her heart leaping with joy. However, suppressing the smile that appeared on her lips, she glanced at her frowning sister and tried to be modest, saying:
"To call me a great hero is too much of an exaggeration. Actually, my martial arts skills are not very good. I am still practicing. Although I can easily defeat a weak scholar like you, I may not be good enough in the martial arts world. I am aware of my own limitations, so please don't flatter me too much. However, you can still call me 'Great Heroine Fang,' I can accept it."
"However, my older sister and I are currently trying to join a powerful sect. Once we're in and learn some amazing martial arts, if Brother Ouyang encounters any corrupt practices in officialdom, just tell this heroine, and I'll definitely help you get justice."
Ouyang Rong replied with a solemn expression of respect: "Definitely, definitely."
Fang Shengnan wanted to say more.
But Fang pulled her back under the table and she had no choice but to shut up.
Lunch was over in no time.
As usual, Ouyang Rong accompanied Zhao Qingxiu to clear the dishes.
Fang Shengnan and Fang Juxiu actually wanted to help, since they were being served by Yue Chuzi and couldn't accept it.
However, Ouyang Rong and Zhao Qingxiu politely declined.
The two girls, having grown up in privileged circumstances and being pampered young ladies, didn't know how to wash dishes, so they had to give up.
However, whether it was just his imagination or not, Fang Juxiu turned around and glanced at the kitchen.
She noticed that this young master Ouyang had recently become very enthusiastic about washing dishes.
Every time, I would go to the kitchen with Lady Yue to wash the dishes.
And not only that, but they also kept the door half-closed while washing dishes, so you could only faintly hear the sounds of the dishes being washed.
Another point worth noting is that Lady Yue has been smiling more often lately, and her skin is also radiant.
Perhaps it was because of her cheerful mood, but she was full of energy, which is quite rare. Previously, this young lady was always quiet and had a somewhat melancholic and aloof air…
But no matter what, this is a good thing; it's good to smile more.
Fang raised his sleeve and nodded slightly.
"What are you looking at, sis?"
Fang Shengnan turned around curiously.
"Go back to your room."
Fang raised his sleeves and walked towards the west wing, calling his younger sister, who was as curious as a baby, back.
"Is your older sister sleepy?"
"Shhh."
As soon as the two entered the west wing, Fang slammed the door shut and locked it, then turned back and whispered a reprimand:
"Shengnan, there are some things you shouldn't say carelessly."
"oh oh."
Fang Shengnan asked happily:
"Sis, the martial law has been lifted this time. We returned the letter and the Yunmeng Token to that senior. What should we do next? Should we go back and report?"
"If we bring back Lady Yue's message, will we have a chance to join Jianze together?"
Her tone was expectant.
Fang Juxiu remained silent for a moment, then gently shook his head: "That senior didn't mean that."
"Didn't the senior not say anything?" Fang Shengnan asked, puzzled. "He just raised one finger, like a mute."
Fang sighed, "But we've already said everything. We can't leave yet."
"What's the meaning."
Fang raised her sleeves, pursed her lips, walked onto the bed, prepared for her afternoon nap, and began to whisper.
"And next..."
"We need to advise Yue about her virginity."
"Actually, I think Young Master Ouyang is quite good. He can even wash dishes and keep the young mistress company. It's rare for a man to be able to cook and pamper a woman. Our father can't cook, and even Mother dislikes him."
"Sister, actually, we could try to match them up. The young master will definitely have to go back, but taking one more person along isn't a bad idea. We can just work a little harder to escort more people..."
Fang raised his sleeves, frowned, and remained silent. The image of Madam Pei warmly bidding farewell to someone flashed before his eyes again.
"Let's think about it some more. In any case, the most important thing is not to offend the young master. Otherwise, even if we enter Yunmeng, the young master might still blame us. We absolutely cannot do that."
"good."
The two women talked for a while, then fell asleep.
After an unknown amount of time, as Fang Shengnan drifted in and out of sleep, she faintly heard the crisp sound of jade stones colliding intermittently.
It looks somewhat familiar.
"Longling—Longling—Longling—"
That familiar, crisp sound was now very rhythmic, coming in waves, sometimes loud, sometimes soft.
"Who is it...?"
Fang Shengnan turned over groggily, and after being woken up, she mumbled something.
"Longling—Longling—"
It was supposed to be a midday nap, but being woken up by the noise made it impossible to continue my dream.
Fang Shengnan opened her eyes, turned her head groggily, glanced at her sister's sleeping back, did not call her, got off the bed, put on her shoes, and walked towards the door.
Fang Shengnan pushed open the door and stepped out. The corridor was empty, and the courtyard was also empty, with only the warm afternoon breeze rustling through the leaves.
"Longling—"
The gentle rustling of leaves in the wind and the crisp, sometimes soft, sometimes loud sound of jade are not in sync, and are clearly not the cause of this sound.
The midday breeze refreshed Fang Shengnan considerably, and she finally remembered the crisp sound. It sounded like the distinctive, easily identifiable note from the pendant of a white jade hairpin that Lady Yue cherished.
"My lord?"
Fang Shengnan turned her head, her gaze involuntarily falling towards the direction from which the rhythmic, crisp sound came... It seemed to be from the kitchen.
She rubbed her sleepy eyes and walked curiously towards the kitchen. At the same time, she looked up at the sun; noon had already passed.
Strange, haven't you and Young Master Ouyang finished washing the dishes yet?
...
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(End of this chapter)
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