Chapter 668 What, going to see your little lover? [Seeking monthly votes!]
Dongmei snorted, her breath steaming hot.
It lowered its head and nuzzled its master, Ouyang Rong.
Ouyang Rong patted its head, chatted with Ali for a few moments, hugged the zither case, and boarded the carriage.
"Go to Chengtian Temple and pick up Yuan Huaimin."
"Yes, young master."
Before the carriage even started moving, a graceful noblewoman in a purple and gold cloak emerged from a nearby alley. She wore a thin veil hat, a feathered satin cloak, and underneath, a luxurious black silk dress with red trim on the sleeves. Her air of wealth and elegance was truly captivating.
Before entering the carriage, Pei Shisan Niang greeted the passengers with a soft, sweet voice and then stepped inside.
"Young master, young master."
Before she could even remove her veil and cloak, the mature woman knelt at the feet of the young man in the scholar's robe, her knees chafed and red from the rough, unadorned bedsheets, yet her eyes remained gentle and alluring as she massaged his legs to relax his muscles.
Ouyang Rong remained calm and avoided the situation.
Pei Shisan Niang smiled and said:
“Young master, why are your thighs so tense? Relax, or you might hurt your leg by pounding it like that… It doesn’t matter if my hands hurt, but I can’t hurt your leg.”
He said sternly, "Thirteenth Sister, be normal."
"What's wrong with me?"
Pei Shisan Niang removed her veil and cloak, revealing a plump and beautiful face. She glanced down at her elegant attire and continued to gently massage Ouyang Rong's legs, just like a young girl, her red lips pouting slightly.
"Hmm, my body is perfectly straight. I'm sure it's not your heart that's in it, young master. It's just that the carriage ride has made me a little unsteady?"
Ouyang Rong's tone became somewhat stiff:
"Madam Pei, please have some self-respect."
She immediately pleaded, "Why are you suddenly addressing me so formally, young master? I know I was wrong, please don't call me that."
Ouyang Rong shook his head, took out a recently used koto from under his seat, and began to wipe it clean.
Noticing that he was silent, Pei Shisan Niang rolled her eyes slightly and looked Ouyang Rong up and down.
He was sitting upright, wiping the xylophone with a calm and composed expression, which did not seem like he was pretending.
Pei Shisan Niang quietly massaged Ouyang Rong's legs for a while, then raised her head and gently rested her chin on his thigh.
The lady in the black dress, with her round face, looked up at the young man in the scholar's robe and said softly:
"The main reason is that you've been at the Xunyang Grottoes these past few days. I've really missed you since we last met. I don't know why, but sometimes when I'm by your side, listening to your teachings, I feel very at ease, and I've indeed learned a lot of new things."
Ouyang Rong continued wiping the instrument, his voice softening slightly, but still somewhat impatient:
"Fine, but the floor is cold and hard. You can kneel there if you want, just don't tell anyone that I'm abusing you."
Realizing that her young master's tone wasn't truly one of disgust or disdain, Pei Shisan Niang covered her mouth and smiled sweetly.
"If it's a young master, then even abuse is fine. But a young master wouldn't call it abuse, he would call it love. There are countless young ladies outside who are longing for this, but none of them have this kind of luck."
"You're blessed too, aren't you?"
Pei Shisan Niang said solemnly:
"Meeting you, sir, has allowed me to reform my ways; it is truly my blessing."
Ouyang Rong thought for a moment, then sighed with a single word:
"six."
"Your Excellency is here. What new orders do you have?"
A voice, both surprised and respectful, suddenly came from behind the carriage curtain.
It is Yan Liulang.
The carriage was halfway towards Chengtian Temple when the blue-clad constable quietly boarded the carriage and was about to lift the curtain when he heard Ouyang Rong's shout.
"You two transitioned really well..." Ouyang Rong's lips twitched slightly.
"No new instructions, everything as usual."
"Yes, Your Excellency."
As Yan Liulang spoke, he lifted the carriage curtain and climbed into the carriage. Just as he was about to sit down, he saw the scene inside the carriage where Ouyang Rong and Pei Shisan Niang were in a sitting and kneeling position.
The two of them turned their heads at the same time and looked at him.
Yan Liulang's buttocks stopped three inches above the cushion of the seat opposite Ouyang Rong.
Almost without hesitation, he stood up again, turned around, and left.
Why are you running away? Come back.
Ouyang Rong frowned.
"Yes, Your Excellency. I apologize for being late."
Yan Liulang sat down in an instant.
The sudden stops and abrupt stops were a bit tiring on his butt, but what could he do when he wanted to improve?
Ouyang Rong had no idea that the blue-clad constable in front of him had just vividly recalled Wang Caozhi calling out "Sister Rong" in a sweet voice.
He shook his head:
“Thirteen Sister has only been here for a short time, so you're not late.”
The carriage jolted, but Yan Liulang sat upright, not glancing at the mature woman at the feet of the magistrate. He nodded firmly, his eyes fixed straight ahead.
"I understand."
Ouyang Rong asked, "And why were you running just now?"
"I just remembered there's something urgent I haven't done yet."
Ouyang Rong didn't blame him, but showed concern:
"Should we go and do it now?"
"No need. I just remembered that my subordinates should be able to help. Like me, they have been bathed in the glory of the Ming Dynasty for a long time, and they have become much more efficient and mature in their work."
"That's good, but don't try to flatter like Wang Caozhi."
Yes, yes.
Yan Liulang nodded seriously.
Ouyang Rong moved his thigh slightly:
"Thirteenth Sister, look at Sixth Brother. Can you learn from him and sit properly?"
While massaging her legs, Pei Shisan Niang turned around and glanced back.
"Young master, there is no room for you to sit."
Ouyang Rong frowned and looked over, noticing that Yan Liulang was sitting in a rather arrogant manner.
The waist knife had somehow ended up on the seat next to me, taking up space.
Before Ouyang Rong could speak, Pei Shisan Niang, with a serious expression, took the initiative to speak:
"Young master, that Taoshouzhai is indeed up to something. They spread their information through this very route."
Yan Liulang also clasped his hands and reported:
"Young Master, things have been quiet at Chengtian Temple these past few days. They've been hiding quite well. Heh, if it weren't for Fang Juxiu's letter a few days ago, which forced them to actively contact Taoshouzhai, they probably wouldn't have been exposed by now..."
Ouyang Rong closed his eyes, his expression unchanged:
"Wait, wait a moment, make sure nothing is missed."
He paused, then added:
"Messages sent will be answered; it's like testing the waters. Let's wait and see."
Pei Shisan Niang nodded: "Indeed, a cunning rabbit has three burrows; we must find them all."
Yan Liulang sighed, "Yes, Your Excellency is truly patient."
He seemed to remember something and added:
"It seems that the embroiderer doesn't go to Chengtian Temple much anymore; it's the Fang sisters who go there."
Pei Shisan Niang, who was massaging her legs, glanced at Ouyang Rong's expression and cautiously interjected:
"It seems that the young master doesn't like her going to the temple or seeing those monks. Wasn't that the misunderstanding last time? The young master came looking for her out of concern, but she wasn't in the courtyard. He had to go and bring her back himself. The young master must have sensed that he wasn't in a good mood that day."
Ouyang Rong suddenly asked, "Was my emotion that obvious at the time?"
Pei Shisan Niang shook her head: "It's not obvious. Young Master is always emotionally stable, but... women are very perceptive, especially towards those they care about. They can detect even the slightest emotional fluctuation, not to mention the embroiderer's wisdom and kindness. Young Master, please remember this."
Ouyang Rong pursed his lips, remained silent for a moment, and then said:
“I wasn’t unhappy at the time, but I was indeed a bit anxious and worried about her. Otherwise, I would have just gone to take one last look at the Zen temple and the Zen master. Why would I go and alert them?”
“Your Excellency didn’t really alert them.” Yan Liulang shook his head: “This monk and Fang Juxiu were meeting a few days ago, it’s quite amusing.”
Ouyang Rong said softly:
"Two possibilities: first, they're a makeshift operation; second, they're not afraid of us."
Yan Liulang tilted his head: "It should be the first one. The Fang sisters are both hotheads, but as for that monk..."
Pei Shisan Niang smiled and said, "I took a look at this monk the other day, and he was a bit hard to figure out."
Ouyang Rong, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened them:
"What did he say to the embroiderer that day?"
Pei Shisan Niang lowered her eyes:
“Young master, he didn’t say anything.”
Yan Liulang asked curiously, "Didn't you say anything?"
Pei Shisan Niang glanced at Ouyang Rong's calm expression and nodded:
"Yes, he didn't say anything. I didn't hear anything from outside. I vaguely saw him raise one finger."
"Hold up a finger?" Yan Liulang wondered. "The embroiderer only knows how to write, does this monk also write? Does he write in the air with his finger?"
Ouyang Rong suddenly asked, "What was his Buddhist name again?"
Yan Liulang realized: "Master One-Finger Zen."
Ouyang Rong chuckled softly.
Pei Shisan Niang squinted and said:
"It should be that he didn't write anything. I've heard of this monk before. He's quite famous in Xingzifang. It's said that he only raises one finger to all those who seek his help."
"When the benefactors see this finger, they often suddenly realize the truth and understand the Dharma... It is said to be incredibly profound."
"Playing tricks and deception."
Yan Liulang snorted coldly, instinctively crossing his arms, only to realize that his waist knife was not there. He took up a seat next to him and restrained himself from touching his beloved knife.
Ouyang Rong waved his hand.
"It's okay. The one that moves always makes the first mistake, so... let's not move for now."
I saw the smile on his face.
Yan Liulang and Pei Shisan Niang exchanged a glance and nodded vigorously.
The carriage continued its journey, but stopped twice to let Yan Liulang and Pei Shisan Niang off.
Before long, the carriage arrived at a courtyard of Chengtian Temple.
Ouyang Rong entered the courtyard and urged Yuan Huaimin to hurry up.
"Coming, coming, Lianghan, please wait a moment."
Yuan Huaimin ran to get dressed.
Ouyang Rong frowned as he looked at his friend who was bathing and changing clothes:
"What are you doing, taking a shower?"
"This is called bathing and incense burning."
"I know it's for bathing and scenting. I'm just asking why you're doing this out of the blue. What, are you going to see your little lover?"
"What little lover? Lianghan, don't talk nonsense. Tonight is a pipa banquet hosted by the Qin family. The music is melodious, and we should bathe and perfume ourselves to prepare. This is called a sense of ritual."
Ouyang Rong: ...
He said sternly, "Let me make this clear first, you are not the main character of this dinner party."
“I know it’s not me. Didn’t you say it was an elder brought by Lady Rong? We met in the bamboo forest during our last morning meeting. I should dress more carefully. This elder might be like me, someone who enjoys music. We could be good friends despite the age difference.”
Ouyang Rong took a deep breath and held back, patiently waiting in the courtyard.
Li Yu was just as speechless as Ouyang Rong, looking at Yuan Huaimin who was changing clothes as slowly as a woman. The worst part was that the old man kept saying, "Almost there, Lianghan, don't rush me," making him even more troublesome than a woman going out.
Ouyang Rong glanced at the sky; the moon had already risen above the horizon.
Tonight's pipa banquet was specially prepared by him and Rongzhen for the venerable elder Yu.
As Yuan Huaimin put on his boots, he poked his head out of the house and looked Ouyang Rong up and down: "Lianghan, why are you dressed so casually? This won't do. You have to learn from me."
Ouyang Rong shook his head: "I'm not as arrogant as you."
“No matter how handsome you are, you still need to pay attention to your clothes.” Yuan Huaimin said, then suddenly winked at him.
"By the way, did you bring your violin?"
"I brought it. What do you want it for?"
“Perfect timing. After the pipa banquet tonight, let’s go to the rooftop of Xunyang Tower and invite Ms. Qin over to see if she has time. Come to the rooftop, and the three of us can play music and drink together.”
Ouyang Rong frowned: "What do you mean?"
Yuan Huaimin chuckled:
"Of course, it's time to relax. I've been so busy these days, it's been a long time since I've had a drink with Lianghan. I need to show Lianghan what my leisurely life used to be like. Besides, tonight is the fifteenth of the lunar month, there's a full moon, perfect for moon gazing..."
"I still have a few jugs of fine wine stored at Xunyang Tower. Let's have a few drinks together, to match the new moon and clear sky, wouldn't that be wonderful..."
Ouyang Rong suddenly interrupted: "Do all young women these days like this kind of thing?"
"Of course. It's not just now. When I was young, I used to meet those young ladies in Chang'an in the same way. First, we would meet by chance at temple fairs or lantern towers, exchange letters on ordinary days, and then wait for a special festival. We would prepare fireworks and sky lanterns, invite her out, drink wine and admire the moon together, and set off fireworks and sky lanterns... Tell me, which young lady wouldn't like that? If she was interested, she would just go and propose to him."
“That makes sense.” Ouyang Rong said thoughtfully, “You really understand.”
"Of course, I used to be known as a dashing and romantic man in Chang'an... So tonight, let's attend the banquet first, and after it's over, we'll see Lady Rong and the others off, and then go to the rooftop to relax... Hey, Lianghan, what are you doing?"
"I need to take a shower too."
"Oh, but why the sudden change of heart?" Yuan Huaimin looked curiously at his friend, who had suddenly become incredibly proactive, but was also somewhat pleased: "Indeed, Brother Lianghan is a true friend, wanting to drink with me and appreciate the new moon and the bright moon..."
Ouyang Rong interrupted and asked, "How do you use incense? Let me use it too."
"well."
"Don't make any plans with Miss Qin tonight."
Yuan Huaimin stroked his chin. "Um... that's fine too. Just the two of us, close friends, so let's not call any women."
Ouyang Rong carefully instructed:
"Remember to send the wine you stored at Xunyang Tower to the rooftop moon-viewing terrace in advance."
"OK!"
"After the banquet, please remember to see off Ms. Rong and the senior. I need to go to the rooftop first."
"Okay, okay..."
Ouyang Rong patted him on the shoulder:
"Send them out of the city, and remember to come back and rest early. They are on duty tomorrow, and no one is allowed to be absent."
"Okay... huh?"
Yuan Huaimin was stunned, his mouth widened, and he let out an even longer sound:
"ah?"
...
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(End of this chapter)
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