Chapter 693 The Most Obedient to His Wife, Without a Trace [Seeking Monthly Tickets!]
A quiet little courtyard.
When Zhao Qingxiu brought out the hot porridge, she noticed that Sister Xie seemed to be helping her hang up her clothes.
Zhao Qingxiu silently stopped in her tracks.
Xie Lingjiang, with her back to her, stood on tiptoe to hang clothes to dry, and suddenly asked:
"Has he left?"
"Um."
Zhao Qingxiu sensed that Sister Xie had stopped speaking, and seemed somewhat disappointed and...regretful.
A moment later, Zhao Qingxiu heard her voice regain its strength.
"I've hung up your clothes. Come on, let's eat some porridge."
The two women sat at the table. Xie Lingjiang lowered her head to drink her porridge and tasted a few bites of the side dish. She found it to be the familiar Donglin Temple pickled radish, which Ouyang Rong had brought back from Longcheng last time.
She buried her head in her porridge.
Halfway through her meal, the woman in red suddenly raised her hand and brushed a strand of hair behind the ear of the blindfolded girl in white.
Zhao Qingxiu was initially a little shy, but then she heard her light, airy words:
“I’ll come and help you collect your clothes these next few days, but when he comes back, don’t mention anything about me. Just pretend I wasn’t here, okay?”
Zhao Qingxiu quieted down for a moment, nodded in agreement, and then couldn't help but smile slightly. However, after noticing the angry look in Xie's eyes, she tried her best to suppress her smile. She reached out a small hand and gently tugged at Xie Lingjiang's sleeve, who had a stern face.
Gradually, the two women below, who had been tugging at each other's sleeves, clasped hands together.
Xie Lingjiang turned her face away.
This time, she didn't shake him off.
...
The wheels keep turning.
After a carriage quietly left a quiet courtyard by Xingzi Lake, it sped toward the west gate.
At dawn, as the sky began to lighten, the curfew on the streets was just lifted, and the various wards of Xunyang City gradually awoke, with Xingzi Ward being the first to awaken.
Ouyang Rong sat upright in the carriage, with a long, rectangular violin case on his lap.
Despite the jolting of the carriage, there was no rattling sound from inside the violin case.
It was packed full.
Ouyang Rong was quiet for a while, his brows furrowing.
He touched himself and looked around.
I belatedly realized that I had forgotten something.
The amulet given to me by the embroiderer.
They left in such a hurry that, just before he left, the embroiderer tugged at his sleeve and gestured with her hands to remind him... but when they finally saw him off, they both forgot.
Ouyang Rong was not the type to be forgetful.
However, from receiving Rongzhen's signal yesterday to being ready to leave the city this morning, there was too much preparation to do. I didn't sleep all night, and even having breakfast with Xiu Niang at Xingzi Lake was a squeeze of time...
Even after completing this task, Ouyang Rong still felt a little empty inside.
It's like there's still an important thing to do, or an important person to remind.
However, from the main hall of Jiangzhou to the Prince of Xunyang's mansion, to the residence in Huaiye Lane, and then to the Embroidery Girl's courtyard... all the places that needed to be visited were visited, and all the decorations that needed to be made were made.
What's still missing?
Ouyang Rong looked somewhat lost in thought. Suddenly, he opened the curtains and looked out at the new house and the flow of people.
The sky outside was still a dark blue. Today, the crowd in Xingzifang was not only busy laborers and vendors, but also many local residents of Xunyang. They were the mainstream, and contrary to their usual behavior, they went out early in the morning, mostly carrying large baskets and small buckets to buy daily necessities such as firewood, rice, oil, and salt. They walked in a hurry, but under the supervision of the serious-looking clerks of the Market and Trade Bureau, the streets were lively but not crowded, and there was a faint sense of order.
As Ouyang Rong's carriage passed by a group of people queuing up, one could hear their hushed chatter, frequently mentioning words like "Shuangfengjian," "Great Flood," "Xunyang Grottoes," and "Prefect Ouyang."
The closer they got to the west gate, the more low-rent housing complexes appeared. Ouyang Rong could still vaguely see a single clerk from the Jiangzhou government office, carrying a book in his hand, followed by two yamen runners, knocking on doors from house to house, announcing something...
Ouyang Rong pursed his lips.
The recent rise in water levels at Shuangfengjian and the heavy military blockade of the area surrounding Xunyang Grottoes, unsurprisingly, spread throughout the city overnight.
Fortunately, Shuangfengjian is a hundred miles outside the West Gate. Even in the worst-case scenario where the city is flooded, based on past experience, it is highly likely that only Xingzifang, which is located in a low-lying area, will be affected.
Meanwhile, under Ouyang Rong's command, the Jiangzhou government had made preparations in advance to appease the people.
Various factors have prevented widespread panic at present.
However, various rumors and information are flying around regarding this flood situation.
Some say the newly built Donglin Buddha touched the dragon veins of Xunyang City; others say the "Water Dragon King" of the Yangtze River is dissatisfied with the Buddha built by the current emperor and wants to flood it down; still others say they are the Dragon King and everyone should burn incense devoutly, three ounces a stick, no cheating... Well, the latter has already been arrested and imprisoned in Jiuzhou Prison, and is now eating special prison food.
Since last night, the Shuangfengjian area, where the Xunyang Grottoes are located, has been strictly sealed off by the Control Yuan for dozens of miles around. Only entry is allowed, but no exit is permitted. Anyone who enters will be subject to strict inspection.
These measures further fueled the rumors and speculations within Xunyang City.
Neither Ouyang Rong nor the Jiangzhou government officials came out to refute the rumors, suggesting they were too busy to deal with the situation.
Ouyang Rong closed the car window, and the morning noise subsided.
He glanced at the sword case on his lap, bent down, rummaged under the seat, and pulled out a string of hemp rope prayer beads, which he then slipped onto the bowl in his left hand.
This is a routine I do every time I visit Xunyang Grottoes.
Ouyang Rong recalled the walk he had taken that day, and the new ideas and plans that Rong Zhen had explained to him.
Although the rebels in Tiannan Jianghu might not fall for the trap, Rongzhen's words made sense. Rather than sitting idly by and waiting for the enemy to take the initiative, it would be better to strike first and disrupt the enemy's plans.
Let's see if those women from Yunmeng Yue will actually come during this ten-day period.
Ouyang Rong rubbed his face.
Actually, after hearing the new plan that day, he asked Rongzhen if there wasn't enough time, and what would happen if he didn't teach her the essence of the zither music before the Buddha statue was placed on the ground.
Rongzhen replied that he didn't need to worry about it and that he should just do his best.
It seems that this lady had alternative plans.
However, Rong Nushi, as a sixth-rank Jade Maiden of the Yin-Yang School, did not explain why she insisted on learning this sword technique midway through her journey, nor did she explain the core defenses of the Xunyang Grottoes.
Because of Ouyang Rong's previous act of hiding the embroiderer, the confidential investigation failed.
However, Ouyang Rong had a vague idea of what was going on, and he felt that it must be related to Rong Zhen's special spot.
Ouyang Rong had mixed feelings about the Donglin Buddha statue in Xunyang Grottoes.
Although the construction was carried out under his command, Rongzhen and the female officials of the Imperial Observatory, including Granny Song, never took him to see the interior furnishings, such as the core golden Buddha head.
In addition, the construction of the Donglin Buddha was a test that Empress Wu Zetian used to test Prince Xunyang, similar to a test of obedience.
The greatest opportunity for the Xunyang Prince's Mansion to return to the capital lies within this, and in recent days, Ouyang Rong and the Xunyang Prince's Mansion have already invested a lot of time and energy into it... Now they are determined to succeed.
Strictly speaking, Ouyang Rong didn't actually have much ill will towards the Yunmeng female cultivator and the people of Tiannan Jianghu who wanted to destroy the Donglin Buddha.
Because if he hadn't stopped her, the embroiderer would have been one of them.
Moreover, based on past clues, it is possible that the Donglin Buddha may have affected an extremely important formation within the Yunmeng Sword Marsh. This is the core of the conflict between the two, and things in the world are not simply black and white.
Ouyang Rong was quite understanding, which is why she had such a pleasant conversation with the Fang sisters earlier.
But while I understand, just as Li Zhengyan, Wei Shaoqi, and others changed the world in their own way, Ouyang Rong also has a direction he has already decided on, which he will not easily change or compromise on.
At least for now, Ouyang Rong's stance on the Donglin Buddha remains aligned with the Great Zhou Dynasty.
"Young master, Military Advisor Yan is outside."
"Um."
Ouyang Rong snapped out of his thoughts, glanced around, and noticed that the carriage had already stopped at the west gate.
"Your Excellency, Li Congshan and Miaozhen have been dispatched back to Xunyang Grottoes..."
As soon as Yan Liulang got into the carriage, he clasped his hands in greeting and began to report.
After their secret meeting last night, Ouyang Rong and Li Xian used official seals and warrants to find a temporary excuse to send both groups to Xunyang Grottoes.
At present, the process is going smoothly, without the resistance and stalemate that Ouyang Rong had imagined, although Ouyang Rong also had a contingency plan...
"Prefect, shall we depart now...?"
Ouyang Rong suddenly asked:
"Did you see your junior sister when you went to the Prince's mansion?"
Yan Liulang was taken aback, then shook his head: "No."
He paused, then hesitated and said:
"It seems to be getting late. It's almost time for our appointment with Lady Rong. Lord Ming, aren't you leaving yet...?"
Ouyang Rong became increasingly quiet.
Suddenly I realized what I was missing.
...
Xie Lingjiang left the quiet courtyard and returned to the Xunyang Prince's Mansion.
We didn't take a car along the way; we walked back.
Her red dress attracted a lot of attention, but with the city bustling around, not many people paid any attention.
Back at the Prince's Mansion, we arrived at the entrance of the courtyard.
Xie Lingjiang suddenly noticed a figure outside the courtyard gate.
She immediately turned around and left.
"Junior Sister, wait a minute."
Ouyang Rong caught up.
"what?"
When Xie Lingjiang turned around, her face was already cold as she asked.
Ouyang Rong was curious:
"They said you went out. Where did you go? Weren't you feeling unwell?"
Xie Lingjiang ignored her and walked inside with her head down.
Ouyang Rong stopped her, grabbed her hand, and said directly:
"Junior Sister, I'm sorry."
Xie Lingjiang said sternly:
"Get out of the way."
Ouyang Rong shook his head, stared at her, face to face, and said seriously:
"After much thought, I realized I've been missing an apology. I thought about it, and if I were you, I would be just as disappointed, even with so many excuses and explanations."
"But when it comes to feelings, no matter how many reasons you have, they can't compare to my sadness. I'm just sad. Even if I win the argument in the end, what does it matter? Even if I have a good reason to bring the embroiderer home, what does it matter? I'm still sad, my heart is very sad... Have you been feeling this way these days, Junior Sister?"
Ouyang Rong noticed that Xie Lingjiang's eyes were gradually reddening.
"I've thought of a quick and satisfying way, even more satisfying than kicking you."
"What law..." He shook his head and changed his words halfway through, "Junior Sister can come directly."
"good."
Xie Lingjiang suddenly turned around and went back into the house. She returned quickly, carrying a familiar short knife, sharp and shiny, which was somewhat dazzling in the morning light.
It was that skirt-shaped knife.
She gave it to her beloved, and also killed the unfaithful lover.
Ouyang Rong was stunned.
Xie Lingjiang's face was cold:
"You can still roll now."
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Rong immediately shook his head, stood still, opened his left shoulder to reveal his fair chest, and slowly closed his eyes.
"good."
Xie Lingjiang got close.
Ouyang Rong waited, his body trembling.
Time passed second by second.
The atmosphere was quiet.
There was no pain in his chest. When Ouyang Rong opened his eyes, he saw Xie Lingjiang staring at him with a hateful expression. Tears streamed down her face, dripping from her chin onto the knife on her skirt.
Ouyang Rong took out a handkerchief and reached out to wipe her face.
After a long silence, Xie Lingjiang, her face smeared with grime, spoke slowly and deliberately:
"I'll just ask you one question: Are you sad too?"
Ouyang Rong: "No..."
"truth!"
After hesitating for a moment, he nodded.
Xie Lingjiang suddenly brandished her knife.
Ouyang Rong stared intently, and saw that his junior sister had cut off a lock of her own hair.
In the sunlight, the woman in red sheathed her sword, took out a small sachet she had brought back from the quiet courtyard that morning, and tucked a strand of her hair inside.
Inside the small sachet was a note from Zhao Qingxiu, with the words "May we never forget each other."
The next second, Xie Lingjiang stepped forward, first tucking the skirt knife into Ouyang Rong's waist, and then hanging the protective sachet on his belt.
She lowered her head and silently continued tying the cord.
Ouyang Rong was stunned.
She couldn't take her eyes off the skirt-shaped knife and the amulet.
"Did Junior Sister go to the embroiderer's place?" he asked.
Xie Lingjiang lowered her head.
At this moment, a small ink spirit appeared from her sleeve, carrying three small bamboo tubes tied with rope on her back.
Taking advantage of the fact that no one was around, Miao Si jumped onto Xie Lingjiang's shoulder, glanced at the skirt knife and amulet that the latter was tying on him, and said with a stern face:
"Hmph, you've passed. If Xie girl doesn't forgive you, this fairy won't forgive you either. Hmph, scared now, aren't you? You've suffered a huge loss..."
Ouyang Rong frowned as he looked at the young female Taoist priest in Confucian robes who was speaking with a lot of arrogance. The look he gave her seemed to say, "Do you still want some chestnuts?"
Miao Si pretended not to see it, quickly took off the three small bamboo tubes from her back, and threw them into his hands.
"Here you go, Xiao Rongzi."
Ouyang Rong frowned and looked down at the three small bamboo tubes, which were almost as tall as the three tubes.
I shook it and found that it contained some thick liquid.
"Lingmo?"
Ouyang Rong was somewhat incredulous, and a look of suspicion appeared on his face.
Miao Si hummed incessantly, her braids almost sticking up to the sky.
"Why are you so diligent? Has the sun risen in the west? Or did your junior sister treat you to another good meal?"
Ouyang Rong was genuinely surprised and couldn't help but ask.
These three tubes are enough to make three more talismans.
Originally, Miao Si, who was holding up her small bus, said somewhat unhappily:
"Can't it be that I, the fairy maiden, am more powerful?"
She gave a thumbs-up and pointed to her nose:
"Remember, the most powerful, without exception."
Little Ink Spirit seemed to be a master of few words. After saying this with his arms crossed and a straight face, he jumped back into his sleeve.
Xie Lingjiang had already bent down and fastened the two items, then turned around neatly and stepped into the gate.
Before closing the door, her expression unreadable, she uttered a single sentence:
“I’ll take care of the embroiderer, I’ll handle Aunt Zhen’s birthday celebration, and I’ll keep an eye on the Prince’s residence. You can go there without worry.”
Ouyang Rong nodded slowly, turned around, and strode away.
"Ouyang Lianghan!"
Suddenly, a loud shout came from inside the closed gate at the back.
Before Ouyang Rong could turn around, he heard her voice, firm and resolute, brooking no refusal:
"Come back on time in ten days, do you hear me! Speak."
Ouyang Rong turned his back to the door, took a deep breath, wiped his face vigorously, and then turned around.
A smiling face:
"I know, I know, I listen to my wife the most, without a doubt."
(End of this chapter)
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