Chapter 792 Three Scholars (Thanks to "Long-haired Plush Bear" for the generous donation of six Alliance Leaders!)
Ouyang Rong picked up the IOU from the table next to the furious little ink spirit's feet with two fingers.
Sunlight streamed through the window cracks, falling on the ink-written characters on the withered yellow paper.
[My family is poor, with no stored grain, and I am inept at managing household affairs. We have been eating porridge for several months, and now we are out of food again. I have borrowed two ounces of the 'Wonderful Ink' from the goddess, which will truly alleviate our hardship. Please forgive my trouble. November, the year Yi-Si of the first year of the Yi-Xi reign, written by Yuanming.]
The handwriting was in a flowing, elegant style, truly a fine piece of calligraphy. It also looked very familiar, the same handwriting as the original author of the fake Peach Blossom Spring that Ouyang Rong had just swallowed.
After reading it carefully, Ouyang Rong subconsciously confirmed:
"Are you sure it was written by Tao Yuanming?"
"Nonsense, that old man wrote it right in front of me, how could it be fake? My memory is the best, bar none."
They really do hold grudges.
Ouyang Rong thought to himself, but said aloud:
"Then why did you say that you forget everything that happened before every time you wake up from a deep sleep?"
"That's two different things. It didn't say I wouldn't remember the rest. I need to eat first before I have time to think..."
She slapped the table with her little hand:
"How can you use your brain if you don't eat? Anyway, you wouldn't understand even if I told you, you little Rongzi who can only live for a hundred years... What's that saying again? Right, the ephemeral mushroom doesn't know the difference between dawn and dusk, and the cicada doesn't know the difference between spring and autumn."
Ouyang Rong ignored the noise of her chattering and stared at the smug little ink spirit, frowning as he asked:
"Tao Yuanming was your follower, why have you never mentioned it?"
"This fairy maiden does not hold grudges."
Seeing Miao Si speaking with such confidence, Ouyang Rong couldn't help but glance again at the thick stack of IOUs hidden in her bosom.
He couldn't help but wonder just how many IOUs this little ink spirit had collected from his followers.
Besides, could she have more than just IOUs; she might also be hiding a diary or something? Writing down all the grievances and resentments she received from someone on a certain day, month, and year, to constantly remind herself of them?
After all, she didn't look like a respectable person, unlike herself.
To be fair, this Ink Fairy is indeed quite petty, as Ouyang Rong had already noticed.
So he should buy some ink sticks and collect the IOU he left with her as soon as possible to settle the debt. Otherwise, this little guy might hold a grudge for centuries.
At this moment, Ouyang Rong was holding the IOU in his hand when he suddenly thought of something.
"Little Rongzi, what are you thinking about? You look so dull-witted, are you plotting something mischievous again?"
Miao Si looked at Ouyang Rong with a suspicious gaze, then emphasized again earnestly:
"But let me tell you, although I was born with a magnanimous and unrestrained nature, I am not someone to be trifled with. I do have, I do have..." Her eyes darted around, and she affirmed loudly, "I have great fortune protecting me! Be careful not to suffer a backlash."
Ouyang Rong straightened his back and asked with some seriousness:
"Great fortune? What does that mean?"
She crossed her arms over her chest and held her chin high.
"This is the experience I've summarized. Those who owe me, those who have bullied me, and those I hate the most... well, they all end up with bad endings. Some suffer great misfortune, some suffer terribly bad luck. Even if they were happy and triumphant for a while, they all eventually died. I didn't even have to lift a finger, hmph..."
The young woman in Confucian robes glanced sideways at Ouyang Rong, casting a subtle, almost imperceptible look, as if to remind him of something.
Ouyang Rong was indeed listening intently and trying to decipher her words, but after listening, he couldn't help but glance at the earnest little ink spirit again and couldn't help but ask:
"When you say 'no good ending,' do you mean you buried yourself in sleep, woke up to find a hundred years had passed, and it seems you outlived the other person?"
Miao Si, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, grumbled irritably, "Xiao Rongzi, why do you care so much? You should listen to the advice of the long-lived female immortals, or you'll suffer the consequences."
After reciting the improvised rhyme, Little Ink Sprite hopped forward, snatched the IOU from between Ouyang Rong's two fingers, and hugged it back to his chest, his little eyes full of vigilance:
"This belongs to this fairy maiden. Why are you putting it in your bosom? If you keep it any longer, it'll end up in your pocket."
Ouyang Rong frowned at first, then released his grip and said with utmost seriousness:
"Lend me for help."
"To lend is to cheat, I won't lend."
Ouyang Rong tapped the little ink spirit's shoulder with his finger and said, word by word:
"I can write an IOU."
Miao Si remained expressionless, her hands too full to free herself from holding the IOU. She lowered her head and used her forehead to push his fingers away.
"Get out of here, you haven't paid back the last one yet. I've seen through you all, young and old. Before you sign the IOU, you all make solemn promises, but once you get it, you turn your backs on me."
"Don't use such words." Ouyang Rong said helplessly, "Also, I'm different from them. You know my reputation."
"Different?" Miao Si sneered: "The last one who spoke so sincerely to this fairy maiden still owes me a stack of bills."
Ouyang Rong suppressed the twitching corners of his mouth, as if he hadn't heard. Without saying a word, he bent down, tore off a piece of fabric from his clothes, his face calm, bit his finger, and wrote an IOU. In just a few breaths, an IOU was placed completely on the table in front of the slightly moved Xiao Mo Jing.
He said in a firm and powerful voice:
"Give me the IOU, I owe you a favor, and I'll pay it back anytime. A gentleman's word is as good as his bond!"
Miao Si glanced at him, who had just swallowed the paper and ink without hesitation, then looked at the earth-shaking commotion outside the car window, and suddenly asked:
"A divine decree from the Shangqing Sect?"
Ouyang Rong remained silent, but his silence was tacit agreement.
Miao Si turned her head, the air fell silent for a moment, and she handed over an IOU, her profile showing a hint of arrogance:
“Take it. It’s not that I believed your nonsense, Xiao Rongzi, but that I believed Xie Yatou. Besides, you are my follower, and I have to protect you. Otherwise, I won’t be able to explain to Xie Yatou later.”
Ouyang Rong's expression froze for a moment, but this time he didn't complain. He nodded emphatically and said, "Okay."
Little Ink Spirit suddenly asked, "Little Rongzi, you're not going to owe me for three hundred years, are you?"
The young man in the scholar's robe shook his head firmly.
Miao thought of something and started cursing again:
"You keep saying 'the Yu family is poor,' but you don't work, you're not a nobleman, and you don't prey on the common people. You resign from your post every day and still drink happily. Of course you're poor! If you're not poor, who is?"
In front of Ouyang Rong, she crossed her arms and said irritably:
"Hmph, after following this old bastard, I learned my lesson and secretly vowed that I would never look for a poor scholar as a follower again. I would find a rich follower, preferably a scion of a noble family or a high-ranking official, the higher the rank, the better. It doesn't matter if he's a little greedy. He can take me to eat and drink the best food and drink, hehe."
After giggling for a while, the little ink spirit tapped the corner of her mouth with her finger and muttered softly:
"As for the infamy behind my back, it's not for me to bear. Besides, if a corrupt official can be infamous, it means that he is not powerful enough, so that people dare to criticize him. In the end, it's because he is not capable enough, and it has nothing to do with me. Hey, if I encounter such a weak and useless follower, it would be a real humiliation for me."
She changed the subject abruptly, looking up and exclaiming, "Little Rongzi, you're not really going to end up like this, are you? You should take this as a warning. But with Xie girl around, this fairy should be able to live a life of luxury with you. Although you're also a poor scholar, you've already done quite well to win over a noble lady from one of the five noble families and have her as your long-term meal ticket. You should keep up the good work!"
Ouyang Rong: "..."
Ouyang Rong was somewhat speechless, so he changed the subject and pointed to the IOU in her arms:
"By the way, could we exchange this IOU for another one?"
Why change it?
Ouyang Rong hesitated, then Miao Si realized what was happening and widened her eyes: "You despise this fairy's feet?"
Ouyang Rong coughed, said no more, took the IOU, and went to get the remaining tea.
Midway through, he suddenly asked, "Are you sure you didn't lend me this IOU just to collect a debt from him?"
Miao Si looked completely innocent and pure.
Ouyang Rong grabbed her with a "whoosh" and stuffed her into his sleeve:
"Then wait a moment, don't scare him away. What if he finds you here and doesn't come? After all, nobody likes being chased for debts, especially a debt that's been owed for three hundred years."
Miao Si: "...??"
The little ink spirit immediately started a rebellion in its sleeve:
"Let go of this fairy maiden! Let go, Xiao Rongzi! You...you're a useless piece of trash! You're the most detestable person, without a doubt! You...you're going to die soon too! Don't force me to take a nap!"
"Yes, everyone dies eventually, it's normal, keep your voice down."
Ouyang Rong calmly put away the little ink spirit, got out of the car, and solemnly instructed Yan Liulang to drive the car into the woods ahead.
This place is close to Twin Peaks, and Ouyang Rong is very familiar with the terrain.
The earth-shaking tremors temporarily subsided, but purple light, sword energy, and dragon roars continued to emanate from the Xunyang Grottoes, making Yan Liulang, the Fang sisters, and their group somewhat nervous and uneasy.
Ouyang Rong's calm demeanor when he appeared put their minds at ease somewhat.
Arriving at a quiet spot in the woods, Ouyang Rong sat alone in the carriage. There was only a little bit of cold tea left in his cup. He folded an IOU into a small square and swallowed it down with the last bit of cold tea.
I don't know if it's just my imagination, but there really is a sour smell of feet.
Ouyang Rong resisted the urge to smack his lips and closed his eyes to chant an incantation.
The divine decree was invoked.
The three thousand merit points disappeared.
It's done!
Ouyang Rong opened his eyes and looked around.
The surroundings were completely silent.
He waited patiently for quite a while, but nothing happened... No, is this really just something Buddha uses to trick people into accumulating merit?!
Just as Ouyang Rong frowned deeply.
A young man boarded the carriage and sat down gracefully in the seat opposite Ouyang Rong.
With a smile on his face, he was completely unceremonious.
The young man was very handsome, with his hands clasped together and held flat in front of his abdomen.
Ouyang Rong lowered his eyes slightly and noticed that his ten fingers were slender and long like scallions.
It looks very soft, like a woman's.
Ouyang Rong glanced at this strange, uninvited guest for a while.
He lifted the carriage curtain with his finger and glanced at Yan Liulang, who was on serious duty outside.
The blue-clad constable remained calm as he led his men on patrol outside. Not far away, the Fang sisters had dismounted and were watching them from a distance.
Everyone ignored the handsome young man who had suddenly appeared, as if they hadn't seen him at all.
Yan Liulang turned around curiously:
"What are your orders, Your Excellency?"
"fine."
Ouyang Rong shook his head and lowered the carriage curtain.
He understood.
He is a person who has descended from the heavens.
When Ouyang Rong descended to Huang Feihong's side, before he took control of Huang Feihong's body, he stood beside him like a phantom spirit and spoke to him.
Those around Huang Feihong could not see Ouyang Rong next to her; only Huang Feihong herself, who was acting as the vessel, could see him.
The carriage fell silent again, and the handsome young man stared at Ouyang Rong.
Ouyang Rong suddenly felt as if his entire body had been seen through, which made him very uncomfortable.
Before Ouyang Rong could speak, the handsome young man asked earnestly:
"Have you met the Confucian scholar?"
What Ouyang Rong heard was a sound similar to the word "Confucian scholar," but considering his words, it was unclear whether he was referring to a name with a similar pronunciation or to the commonly used term "Confucian scholar."
Ouyang Rong asked in confusion, "What Confucian scholar?"
The handsome young man remained silent, still smiling, his eyes sizing him up.
At this moment, an elderly man carrying a small hoe got on the bus and sat down next to the handsome young man.
The old man looked at Ouyang Rong.
He was rather tall, with a bald head and sparse white hair, but his face was indifferent. He carried a small hoe on his right shoulder and showed no intention of putting it down. The hoe was covered with fresh chrysanthemum petals and wet mud, as if he had just returned from working in the flower garden.
Inside the small carriage, the three people had very different styles.
However, they all wore Confucian hats and were all scholars.
The old man carrying a hoe and the handsome young man looked at Ouyang Rong.
Ouyang Rong was also watching them.
A séance occurred, and two people appeared; this is illogical.
Then there is only one explanation: the divination of the "fake Peach Blossom Spring" was successful, and one of the two people is the owner of the fake.
He now knew where those three thousand merits had gone.
I almost wronged Buddha. Amitabha.
Inside the carriage, the three sat facing each other, and the atmosphere was quiet for a while.
Ouyang Rong squinted and said:
"Who are you two? Please state your names first."
The handsome young man sat up straight and smiled as he said:
"My name is Cui, courtesy name Taojian. I am from Qinghe County. I served as Minister of Works and Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices in the Northern Wei Dynasty and was granted the title of Duke of Dongjun."
Ouyang Rong thought for a moment, then became slightly more rigorous:
"I am Ouyang Lianghan, a native of Nanlong, Luling. I was a third-class scholar in the imperial examination in the first year of the Jiushi era. I was a student at Bailudong Academy. I am a well-known gentleman who does not get close to women. I was selected by Her Majesty the Empress as a hidden gem in the southeast. I am the creator of Zheyi Canal and Xunyang Grottoes. I have served as the magistrate of Longcheng County and the chief administrator of Jiangzhou. I am currently an academician of Xiuwen Hall and the junior governor of Jiangzhou. My name is Ouyang Lianghan, and my given name is Rong, the Rong of abandoning the pen for the sword."
Handsome young man: ...
Despite the long string of words, the old man carrying a hoe sitting next to him listened with great interest. He then calmly began to speak:
"I have forgotten who I am and my name. I only vaguely remember that there are five willow trees by my house, so I will take that as my name. You may call me Mr. Five Willows."
Extremely concise, Ouyang Rong and Cui Hao looked over and stared at him for a while before the old man continued to add:
"Neither of you two held prestigious and long-standing official positions. You once served as the Chief of the Imperial Academy in Jiangzhou, the Military Advisor of the Garrison, and the Magistrate of Longcheng County. After resigning, you are now just a gardener."
Cui Hao suddenly burst into laughter, pointing his finger at the old man carrying a hoe:
"I know you, I know you, hahaha, you are the military advisor when Liu Jinu, the founding emperor of the Southern Song Dynasty, served as the General of the Army, Mr. Wuliu, your surname is Tao, your given name is Qian, and your courtesy name is Yuanming, isn't that right?"
He said with a smile:
"I never met you back then, but I have long admired your name. I am in the north and you are in the south. I still remember you saying in your book: 'I studied music and books in my youth. I love quiet and leisure. When I open a book and gain something, I am so happy that I forget to eat. When I see trees casting shadows and birds changing their songs, I am also happy.' I often say: 'In the fifth or sixth month, I lie under the north window and when a cool breeze comes, I think of myself as a person from the time of Fuxi.'"
Tao Yuanming nodded calmly: "I'm not familiar with you."
Ouyang Rong: ...
Cui Hao:......
——————
(Thanks to my good brother "Long-haired Plush Bear" for the generous donation of six Alliance Masters at once! Nothing more to say, just one word: awesome!)
The monthly pass lottery is underway, brothers, let's go!
(End of this chapter)
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