Chapter 746 An Unexpected Gift
"I just think that fate is a strange thing. I actually had a pretty bad impression of you back then. I was suspicious of you and really wanted to find fault with you."
Ouyang Rong turned his head slightly as he saw Rong Zhen's back, seemingly gazing into the distance, and nodded, saying:
"I admit that although I am here on behalf of the Sage and should be in a neutral position, I am inevitably biased when upholding the law due to preconceived notions. In this respect, I am indeed somewhat incompetent."
"That's normal, it's only human nature."
Ouyang Rong offered a comforting remark:
"And it's not just you who's like this, so there's no need to blame yourself. On the contrary, it's already commendable that Lady Historian can be so self-aware. Not every law enforcer has such high moral standards for themselves; many are just pretending to be ignorant when they know the truth."
Rongzhen asked curiously, "Oh? For example?"
Ouyang Rong paused for a moment, then said in a low voice, "For example, wasn't that Lady Miaozhen also like that?"
Rongzhen's pink lips pursed into a thin line, and after a moment, she opened her lips and said:
"You certainly know how to comfort people, but Lady Miaozhen does have some prejudice against the Xunyang Prince's Mansion, which is related to her experiences."
Ouyang Rong laughed and said, "I've heard about it, but it's all old news."
Rong Zhen suddenly turned around, looked at Ouyang Rong, and said in a serious and deliberate manner:
"It is precisely these old, trivial matters that are remembered for so long, and we are no exception."
Ouyang Rong paused for a moment, then nodded at her unusually serious expression.
"Yes, that makes sense. At the time, we just thought it was an ordinary thing."
Upon hearing this, Rong Zhen was also taken aback, muttering to herself, "At the time, I thought it was just an ordinary poem... just an ordinary poem... What a fine poem! Where does this poem come from?"
Ouyang Rong jokingly remarked, "As I said, Lady Rong will turn the pages when she gets back?"
"How do you know I can't translate? Ouyang Lianghan, I remember many of the things you said, far more than you think."
Ouyang Rong thought for a moment, then answered in a serious tone:
"It's best not to hold grudges or angry words."
The joke was lame, and so was his humor, but Rongzhen laughed.
The stunningly beautiful girl in palace attire seemed to be smiling quite happily.
"Don't worry, I don't hold grudges."
Rong Zhen put her hands behind her back, held her head high, and strode forward, speaking casually.
Ouyang Rong followed up, continuing in a tone that was half comforting and half joking:
"So, as Lady Rong often says, everyone has their own selfish motives, which are not to be discussed with outsiders. They may be big or small, and I am no exception..."
"I know you have it."
Rong Zhen suddenly interrupted Ouyang Rong.
Before he could speak, she asked softly:
“Ouyang Lianghan, is your personal interest the Prince of Xunyang’s Mansion?”
Ouyang Rong pointed ahead:
"Lady Rong, let's hurry up, Commander Yi is already far ahead."
"You think I'm too short and walk too slowly?"
"No, no."
Before Ouyang Rong could finish waving his hand, he heard Rong Zhen's faint voice coming from ahead:
"That's a change of topic, that's an admission."
Ouyang Rong was helpless:
"No, it's not that. The prince and the heir have been kind to me, so I should help them out if I can."
Rongzhen turned around and looked at him with admiration:
"I understand. A scholar will die for one who understands him."
Ouyang Rong said in a serious tone:
"It's better not to die if you can avoid it."
It was meant to be a joke, but to his surprise, Rongzhen nodded seriously.
“That’s right. It’s better to live a miserable life than to die. Dying is easy, but living is hard because living often involves making choices. Some choices may make life worse than death, but you have to choose. Ouyang Lianghan, living is what truly requires great courage, not dying.”
Ouyang Rong noticed that Rong Zhen's expression seemed to empathize with him, and couldn't help but ask:
"What's wrong with Lady Rong today? She keeps talking about being sad and melancholic."
Rong Zhen withdrew her gaze from the distance and gently shook her head:
"I just feel like I haven't had enough time to talk to you lately, Ouyang Lianghan. You've been too busy lately, not with official duties, but with all your time on personal matters."
Ouyang Rong shook his head:
"No, my aunts and the others actually feel that I spend too little time with them."
Rongzhen murmured, "I know you value your family."
Ouyang Rong sensed that Rong Zhen seemed a bit off today. He couldn't stand the atmosphere of the conversation, so he didn't respond.
The two walked forward silently for a while.
It was Rongzhen who broke the silence first, asking without turning her head:
"Ouyang Lianghan, if you had to choose between the people and the nation, and your close friends and influential figures, what would you do?"
"Why is it always about choices? Do all you women like to make choices, or let others make choices?"
Ouyang Rong chuckled softly. Rong Zhen frowned, as if about to speak, but he spoke first:
"When choosing something, you can't have it all. I'm different from you. I either have it all or I don't choose anything."
Rongzhen suddenly asked, "What about relationships? Do you want it all? Do you dare to want it all?"
One sentence nearly choked Ouyang Rong to death.
He simply focused on his own thoughts, tilting his head left and right to survey the surrounding scenery.
The group, led by the White Tiger Guards, entered the main grotto of Xunyang Grottoes. Along the way, the guards and female officials all greeted them and paid them their respects.
Upon learning of Rongzhen's return, several female officials rushed over, but Rongzhen waved them away.
Ouyang Rong took the opportunity to observe the surroundings and found that the manpower and security inside the main grotto were the same as those on the day the Twin Peaks were closed and the Donglin Buddha was built.
Previously, it could be seen as a rehearsal, but today, according to the information about Yunmeng Sword Marsh that Xiu Niang just revealed in the carriage, Xue Zhong Zhu is really coming with the people of Tiannan Jianghu. It's just unknown how they will make their appearance.
Ouyang Rong shielded his eyes from the sun with his hand and glanced at the cloudless sky.
Beware of the insect girl, you know, that big bird, right?
He nodded slightly.
At this moment, Ouyang Rong had entered the main grotto. The white mist in this area was sparse and thin, whether intentionally or unintentionally, so that the blue sky and sun could be seen, which was different from when he was on the boat on the river.
Ahead, the girl in cold, palace-style clothing waited for a while, but Ouyang Rong did not reply.
She remained expressionless; she was used to it.
"Stop looking. I'll explain everything to you once everyone is here. You don't need to work so hard and do everything yourself. You can rest today and leave this place to us."
Ouyang Rong gave her a different look, and asked her straight back as she walked forward with her sleeves tucked in:
"Is Lady Rong so confident? That's rare. I've actually heard some news just now."
Rong Zhen seemed not to hear, and asked to herself:
"Was it Miss Xie or that embroiderer who came looking for you just now?"
Ouyang Rong asked in confusion, "What is Lady Rong talking about?"
"That long hair on your sleeve, isn't that hers?"
Rongzhen continued her calm analysis:
“Your official robes are all wrinkled, which means you rushed here. If it were an ordinary woman looking for you, you would have returned dressed neatly and meticulously. The person who made you rush out in such a hurry must be someone important or something important. You lost track of time while you were with her.”
Ouyang Rong was silent for a moment, then said helplessly:
"Ms. Rong's observation is indeed too meticulous."
Rongzhen nodded:
"But when you observe things, you are sometimes careful and sometimes careless."
"What's the meaning?"
Ouyang Rong asked curiously.
Rongzhen didn't answer, but strode forward. By then, the two had arrived at the foot of the Buddha.
At the foot of the Buddha statue, there is a high platform that was originally erected and has not yet been demolished.
Yi Qianqiu, who walked quickly, was already waiting for them below the stage. At this moment, as Rong Zhen passed by her, Yi Qianqiu suddenly praised her:
"Your Majesty, this dress is quite nice today."
Rong Zhen paused slightly, frowned and glanced at her with displeasure, then snorted softly and continued walking forward.
Yi Qianqiu didn't look at Ouyang Rong, but crossed his arms and followed.
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Rong paused for a moment, then turned to look at the dress on Rong Zhen's body in front of him.
It was a bright purple palace dress, brand new and eye-catching, its hem fluttering in the river breeze, making her look like an ethereal fairy.
Lady Rong was a little short with a girlish figure. Ouyang Rong always felt that she was suitable for wearing such elaborate and gorgeous dresses, like the Lolita style that was popular in his previous life. However, Lady Rong usually wore simple and plain clothes, so it was rare for her to wear such a luxurious dress today.
However, Ouyang Rong's mind was not on this matter, and he did not pay much attention during the journey by boat.
Ouyang Rong, belatedly realizing what was happening, couldn't help but take another look.
"come over."
Rongzhen had already climbed the steps to the high platform.
This high platform is located at the foot of the Buddha, in a perfect position. It was originally intended to be the main stage for today's celebration ceremony, but it is currently unusable.
Ouyang Rong obediently followed.
Rong Zhen turned her head and spoke a few words to Yi Qianqiu.
The latter nodded, turned and stepped off the stage, seemingly to make arrangements.
Only Ouyang Rong and Rong Zhen remained on the stage.
Ouyang Rong asked:
"What is Commander Yi going there for?"
"Call Senior Song and the others over."
Ouyang Rong nodded slightly.
He suddenly spoke:
"It was the embroiderer who contacted me and reminded me of something."
"What's up?"
Ouyang Rong glanced at Rong Zhen and sighed softly:
"Be careful of that three-legged strange bird; it looks like Snow Candle's flying mount."
Rong Zhen showed no surprise and calmly said, "Then you will definitely come today. Good."
She then asked:
"Where is she? I won't go back on my promise to you. I'll protect her, as long as she doesn't interfere. You'd better keep her at the mansion in Huaiye Lane..."
After a pause, Rong Zhen continued:
"I have left some people in the city to protect your female relatives."
Ouyang Rong frowned slightly, suddenly recalling the middle-aged female official who had left with orders when he met Rong Zhen in the pavilion on the south bank of Shuangfengjian. He asked:
"You just gave this order to your subordinate?"
Rongzhen remained noncommittal and turned to look at the audience.
Just then, Yi Qianqiu returned, along with Granny Song, Duan Quanwu, and others.
Ouyang Rong glanced around and asked sharply:
"Where is General Wei? Aren't we going to call him over?"
Rong Zhen said succinctly:
"General Wei is currently leading the Xuanwu Guards and overseeing the grand formation involving this white mist, so he is temporarily unable to participate."
Ouyang Rong nodded thoughtfully.
Rongzhen turned her head to look at his palm.
"What's wrong?"
"Senior Song has arrived."
Ouyang Rong realized what was happening and immediately took out a string of Buddhist prayer beads from his sleeve, put them on his palm, and pretended to put them on.
As Yi, Song, and Duan took the stage, Rong Zhen whispered to Ouyang Rong:
"Your aunt didn't throw away the string of eighteen beads that I gave her, did she?"
"How could I throw it away? After all, it was a token of Lady Rong's kindness."
Rong Zhen pursed her lips, then suddenly asked:
"Do you know why I brought you here?"
Ouyang Rong shook his head.
Rongzhen's tone was unusually serious:
"I said a long time ago that I would also give you a gift. I haven't forgotten, and I won't forget what I promised you."
At this point, she gave Ouyang Rong a deep look, then raised her finger and pointed to the sky:
"See for yourself, up there."
Following the direction Rong Zhen pointed, Ouyang Rong looked up.
Above the main grotto, a huge and exquisite lotus flower is carved on the ceiling, surrounded by an inscription.
The lotus flowers and stone inscriptions occupy almost the center of the cave ceiling, but they are hard to spot if you don't look up, as most people's attention is drawn to the large Buddha statue in front of them.
At this moment, Ouyang Rong looked closely and saw the inscription on the stele:
[Completed on the 15th day of the 7th month of the 3rd year of the Tianyou reign of the Great Zhou Dynasty. Prefect Ouyang Lianghan and Lady Rongzhen respectfully commissioned the creation of this shrine for the revered statue.]
Ouyang Rong's face froze.
"This is……"
Rong Zhen turned around on the spot, staring intently at him, and introduced him word by word:
"Ouyang Lianghan, these are words carved on stone. The lifespan of paper or bamboo slips cannot withstand the flying sand and stones, the flowing water and time, but stone can. Ten thousand years later, the stone will still be there. When future generations pass by, they will always remember what we did many years ago in the third year of Tianyou."
“Ouyang Lianghan, you are indifferent to fame and fortune. Whether it is the Zheyi Canal or the Donglin Buddha, you have never personally left any trace or writing since their construction. This is not good. The things we have done must be passed down. How can we let people forget them? Do you understand?”
The young girl in palace attire smiled radiantly, her beauty dazzling. She spread her sleeves and tilted her head slightly.
"This is a gift for you, and also a gift for myself. Do you like it?"
Ouyang Rong looked at Rongzhen for a while, then at the lotus inscription, remaining silent for a long time. He then began to stand with his head tilted back, remaining there for a long time.
How to achieve lasting fame?
It's very simple: carve the words on stone. It's plain and unadorned, but effective.
Ouyang Rong gazed at it for a long time, thinking that if this circle of lotus-shaped inscriptions had been preserved, it would have been enough to make a ten-episode archaeological drama called "Approaching XXXX" in his previous life. With some music at the beginning and a voice-over saying that a villager accidentally discovered it during a trip into the mountains, it would have a suspenseful and thrilling style. And when later generations were curious and investigated, the main characters would probably be "Prefect Ouyang Lianghan" and "Lady Rongzhen".
That's absolutely amazing.
However, amidst the amusement and laughter, Ouyang Rong's face also showed a hint of emotion.
This was a gift he had never expected.
Ouyang Rong had considered countless possibilities beforehand. Regarding Rong Zhen's gift, he even considered the worst-case scenario: whether Rong Zhen had set a trap to lure him in, turning a pleasant surprise into a shock.
But I never expected it to be this kind.
Since Ouyang Rong woke up in Longcheng and took office, all his actions, except those involving personal feelings and family and friends, have been public affairs that benefit the people and the country, and are for the benefit of others.
Now, while performing her official duties, Rongzhen did something for "others" on one occasion.
It's still this kind of beautiful thing that can "be remembered for eternity".
It would be a lie to say that I didn't feel a sense of connection with a kindred spirit.
On the other side, Rongzhen stared at his dazed face. At one moment, she smiled faintly. This rare smile even made Yi Qianqiu, Granny Song, Duan Quanwu and others who were going up on stage stop and be stunned for a moment.
At that moment, before Ouyang Rong could even formulate his words of sincere gratitude, he heard the lady of the house utter a soft sigh:
“Ouyang Lianghan, I feel that when you look at me you are far away, but when you look at it you are very close.”
(End of this chapter)
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