Chapter 811 Caught in a Secret Meeting
"The last trace of the prince and his group came from Yanming Post Station on the border of Longcheng County. They arrived at Yanming Post Station in the morning, rested, and replenished their water and dry food. The group used the alias of the Su family. The post station chief saw Miss Xie briefly appear and cross the border with her documents... Oh, and here is a map."
Just as Qin Ying was about to reach into her robes, Ouyang Rong suddenly said:
"No need to look anymore. Yanming Post Station is very close to Raozhou. Raozhou is in the southeast. It seems that we need to go south to Yangzhou, and then take a boat from Yangzhou Grand Canal north to the capital."
"If we choose the route directly north, then we should head north, passing through Yunyang Post Station at the northernmost point of Longcheng County, entering Huangzhou, crossing the Huai River, and heading north to Luoyang..."
Ouyang Rong analyzed the situation calmly.
Qin Ying was stunned for a moment, and stopped taking out the map.
She looked at the young governor, who knew the governor's name like the back of his hand, and couldn't help but admire him:
"I forgot you once served as the magistrate of Longcheng County. I didn't expect you to remember it so clearly."
Ouyang Rong didn't respond, but continued:
"The White Tiger Guards, suspected to be led by Li Congshan and Miaozhen, took the official road south of the city, heading south to Yanming Post Station. They passed through the official road south of the city in the morning and should have arrived at Yanming Post Station around noon, half a day later than the Prince and his group."
Qin Ying said thoughtfully:
"Ouyang Lianghan, are you saying that these White Tiger Guards are treacherous and plotting something sinister, and are hunting down the Prince and his party?"
Qin Ying couldn't help but ask, "Who gave them the audacity?"
Ouyang Rong pondered for a moment:
"Li Congshan and Miaozhen may not know what happened at Xunyang Grottoes. They were arranged by the Wei family long ago. They left Xunyang in advance, just like the prince and junior sister. After the water bandits attacked the mansion and confirmed that the attack had failed, they followed them all the way, intending to finish them off."
Qin Ying thought for a moment:
"Is it possible that they meant no harm, but were simply fulfilling their duty as guards of the Prince's residence, searching for the Prince, and continuing to escort him, intending to pledge their loyalty?"
Ouyang Rong smiled:
"When the river pirates attacked the Prince's Mansion, they weren't there. Later, they were ordered to turn back from Xunyang Grottoes to reinforce the Prince's Mansion, but they were still late. Now that the Prince is heading north, they've finally realized their mistake and are chasing after him relentlessly. But come to think of it, they seem to be half a day late. They're really something."
Qin Ying gradually stopped talking, seemingly realizing that her words had been somewhat unrealistic.
Remembering something, Ouyang Rong first glanced at the dark inner room and the direction of the bed, then turned his gaze back and continued speaking to Qin Ying:
"Tell me, what subordinate would be so blind? Your superior runs away, and you lead troops to chase after him—three hundred armored soldiers, fully equipped with bows and horses—claiming you're escorting someone loyal to you. Do you think anyone would believe that? What superior wouldn't be scared away and run even faster if they saw that?"
"If you really want to show loyalty, then send a light cavalry unit, travel lightly, quickly and discreetly. What's going on with leading three hundred armored soldiers, fully armed? Are you afraid that you can't wipe out your superior's trusted guards? That's probably it."
"Miss Qin, please remember, when you dislike someone, they will definitely dislike you too. When you feel that someone's behavior is not right, there must be a reason that you do not know. Do not try to explain it."
Qin Ying was speechless, then nodded emphatically:
“You’re absolutely right. I’ve learned something. As my grandfather always says, those who come are not good people, and those who come with good intentions do not come.”
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Rong glanced at Qin Ying's expression.
There's something he's never said.
Your Xuanwu Battalion, the central army camp at the front, arrived just after the Battle of Shuangfengjian, arriving only a step or two late. How is this any different from the actions of Li Congshan, Miaozhen, and others?
Ouyang Rong sent a message to the central army camp before his aunt's birthday celebration, requesting reinforcements from the old general Qin Jingzhen.
They arrived so late, which is understandable given the distance, but coincidence is coincidence. Ouyang Rong didn't need to make up explanations for them; he only needed to look at the result.
The results show that General Qin Jingzhen made a good strategic move.
Even Ouyang Rong couldn't help but give it a thumbs up.
Regardless of who wins the battle at Shuangfengjian, the Xuanwu Camp's "late arrival" is not wrong.
Whether Wei Wu and the Wei Prince's Mansion behind him won, or Ouyang Rong and the Xunyang Prince's Mansion won, the subsequent outcome is easy to understand.
If, unfortunately, the rebels of Tiannan Jianghu win, there's nothing that can be done. The Xuanwu Camp only needs to observe whether the rebels of Tiannan Jianghu achieve a Pyrrhic victory and see if they can finish them off.
Conversely, if the rebels of Tiannan Jianghu achieve a crushing victory, there is no need for the Xuanwu Camp to go and deliver the spoils. After all, Rong Zhen and Yi Qianqiu's thousands of armored soldiers deployed at Shuangfengjian did not win, so how can they expect this Xuanwu Camp in the central army camp to turn the tide?
In the most extreme case, where both sides suffer heavy losses and are thwarted, this Xuanwu Camp can still play a decisive role, reaping the rewards of the entire battle and helping whoever wins. That would be a great achievement gained for nothing.
It's better to arrive at the right time than to arrive early.
Arriving too early can easily lead to siding with the wrong side and getting caught up in disputes.
The best hunters always roam around outside the hunting grounds first, observing the situation.
Ouyang Rong saw through everything perfectly, but he felt no anger or resentment.
General Qin may admire him, but he is Qin Jingzhen, the son of the door god Duke Hu, the Left General of the Sixteen Guards of the Southern Army, and an old marshal who has stood firm in the army of the Great Zhou for thirty years.
He was a renowned general of the Great Zhou Dynasty who was able to remain "out of the way" during the more than ten-year-long conflict between Wei and Li, which speaks volumes about his ability to maintain a proper stance.
It wasn't just a matter of admiration that led him to openly confide in Ouyang Rong and follow his lead.
Moreover, they had already extended an olive branch to Ouyang Rong, and when Ouyang Rong was demoted to the position of Sima in Jiangzhou, they offered timely help and showed their favor and support.
The old general's primary and secondary priorities were to quell the rebellion in the southwest by force and to restore the prestige of the Qin family's Hu State Mansion.
He may have been observing the undercurrents in Xunyang City from the very beginning.
The worst-case scenario of Xunyang City being breached by the rebels from the Jianghu in the south has probably already been prepared in several plans among the core staff of the central army camp at the front.
This can be seen from the fact that Qin Ying addressed Rong Zhen as "Princess" as soon as they met.
The Qin family, being part of the top noble circles of Guanzhong, had long been aware of Rongzhen's identity as a favored female official by the Emperor's side.
When Qin Ying's "blind date" with Li Dalang ended abruptly, Qin Jingzhen immediately summoned Qin Ying back to the central army camp and did not allow her to stay in Xunyang City. This was partly due to his concern that Qin Ying's loose tongue might cause trouble.
The old general must have foreseen early on the inevitable power struggle between the defenders and the enemy surrounding the Buddha statue in Xunyang City.
However, judging from Qin Ying's excited appearance when they met last night, she probably doesn't know the intricacies involved.
Perhaps in Qin Ying's view, the fact that her grandfather sent the elite Xuanwu Battalion to support Xunyang City, and even brought her along, meant that he was there to help Ouyang Rong and the Xunyang Prince's Mansion.
However, the person leading the team this time was not only Qin Ying, but also Qin Yanqing, who had been keeping a low profile and remaining quiet since last night.
Ouyang Rong still remembered that when they met last night, this Brother Qin was different from Qin Ying's excitement and joy. He looked at Ouyang Rong with a complicated expression, which was filled with admiration and fear.
Qin Yanqing, who was following behind Qin Ying, was the one who knew the ins and outs best, and naturally understood the final result and significance of this battle at Shuangfeng Peak.
If Ouyang Rong's guess is correct, Qin Ying is not the only direct descendant of the Qin family who has been "arranged marriages".
And Qin Yanqing.
Before the battle at Shuangfengjian, Ouyang Rong was able to send a secret letter to Qin Jingzhen requesting assistance.
Would the cunning Wei family overlook the Qin family, who are the closest and have the power to influence the situation in Xunyang City?
The letters from the King of Wei and the King of Liang were probably already on the old general Qin's desk.
Compared to the conditions offered by the Prince of Xunyang's residence, the conditions offered by the Wei family were only so-so.
Therefore, there was a hidden reason why Princess Wei Anhui of the Wei Clan was ordered to stay in Xunyang by the two princes of the Wei Clan after Lin Cheng's death.
As part of the Wei family's show of sincerity, they planned to marry her off to a member of the Qin family. All Qin Jingzhen needed to do was nod, and the marriage would proceed immediately.
And this member of the Qin family, without a doubt, is Qin Yanqing, who led the team that Qin Ying brought with him.
If Ouyang Rong and the Xunyang Prince's Mansion lose.
Wei Wu and the Wei Prince's Mansion behind him succeeded in their conspiracy, and at the same time suppressed the rebels in the southern Jianghu.
So, just like Qin Ying happily walked out last night, the first person to greet her was Qin Yanqing, the future son-in-law of the Wei family.
Winner takes all; whoever wins, we follow.
As for whether General Qin Jingzhen had any intention of taking advantage of the situation to protect the "fallen Ouyang Lianghan" and bring him to surrender if the Wei family won, that remains to be seen.
Behind the tender reminiscences of the past lies a harsh reality, but the simplicity and efficiency also save on the operating costs of many things.
This is also why Ouyang Rong felt comfortable letting Qin Ying, Qin Yanqing, and others know that the Prince of Xunyang had secretly gone north and even called them over to help.
Because he is the winner.
Qin Yanqing and the others were not clear about the specific details of the battle at Shuangfengjian, but they knew that the person who emerged unscathed from Shuangfengjian and calmly cleaned up the mess in Xunyang was Ouyang Lianghan.
There's no need to say more.
Soldiers and warriors are the ones who respect the strong the most.
The winner is the strongest one.
Just like Ouyang Rong today.
As for why Rong Zhen, whose surname is Wei, was silently following behind Ouyang Rong, Qin Yanqing and the others were not particularly surprised or curious when they saw it yesterday.
All they need to know is that Ouyang Lianghan won.
Even the devastation left by the collapsed Buddha statue at Twin Peaks was of no concern to Qin Yanqing or Qin Jingzhen behind him.
How to explain it is up to the winner.
The final decision on how to handle the situation in Xunyang City will also be made by Ouyang Lianghan. They will only be responsible for cooperating, and the Xuanwu Camp will follow his lead.
This is also the movement that is least likely to go wrong.
As Ouyang Rong lowered his eyes and remained silent, Qin Ying couldn't help but correct him:
“Ouyang Lianghan, stop calling me ‘little lady’ and just call me Qin Ying. ‘Little lady’ sounds too formal and I’m not used to it. In my grandfather’s military camp, we don’t use that kind of address.”
"good."
Seeing the gentle smile on Ouyang Rong's face, Qin Ying spoke again:
"The situation is indeed somewhat unfavorable. Li Congshan, Miaozhen, and three hundred armored soldiers... The first two are a White Tiger Guard general and a female official in colorful robes, both of whom should be mid-level Qi Refiners. As for the three hundred armored soldiers, they can easily surround and kill a mid-level Qi Refiner. If they coordinate well, the Qi Refiner won't run away, and it won't be difficult to deal with two Qi Refiners... Ouyang Lianghan, does the Prince have many men with him on this trip north?"
Ouyang Rong pursed his lips, and after a moment, shook his head.
There were only two Qi Refining cultivators accompanying us this time: Junior Sister and Lu Ya, both of whom were at the sixth rank of Qi Refining.
Originally, there was another trump card from Master Yuan, who was supposed to descend from the heavens, but it had already been used up in Xunyang City.
Li Guo'er had almost used up all the Dragon Tiger Mountain Thunder Talismans in her hands.
They've essentially run out of cards, leaving only Junior Sister and Lu Ya as guards.
Before they could even sit down at the desk, the two discussed the matter for a while, Qin Ying looking worried:
"The prince is weak and has insufficient guards. If he is surrounded by three hundred armored soldiers, he will be cut to pieces and his chances of survival are slim."
Ouyang Rong suddenly asked, "Is the boat ready?"
Qin Ying nodded emphatically;
"Instruct Magistrate Diao to make preparations in advance this evening. I just asked, and it should be by morning. There are still two hours until dawn. Let's get ready first, and board the boat as soon as it reaches the ferry. By the way, where are we going? South to Raozhou?"
Ouyang Rong nodded, somewhat seriously:
"To conceal themselves, they are traveling by land. We will go directly by water and try to get ahead of them to Raozhou to block them. If we can't reach Raozhou in time, we will go further afield. We already know their southward direction, and catching up with them is only a matter of time."
"Okay! I'll go and inform Qin Yanqing."
Qin Ying excitedly agreed, and at that moment, she caught a glimpse of a small bundle on the table.
"Huh, what is this?"
Just as he was about to reach for it, a creaking sound suddenly came from the bed in the inner room.
"who?"
Qin Ying subconsciously looked around.
Ouyang Rong realized what was happening and immediately reached out to pick up the small bundle that Rong Zhen was carrying.
"It's nothing, it's probably the fish outside."
He picked up his small bundle, turned around and opened the window, and a white sturgeon slowly floated in.
Qin Ying asked curiously:
"I forgot to ask you, what is this thing? It's so mysterious."
Ouyang Rong shook his head.
While Qin Ying was curiously examining the white sturgeon, Ouyang Rong, in a blind spot behind the table, opened a corner of the small bundle and reached inside.
It is a somewhat light and silky fabric.
Ouyang Rong was taken aback and couldn't help but look down for a closer look.
A touch of purple.
It was washed until it turned a bit whitish, and it looked strangely familiar.
Ouyang Rong's expression changed slightly. He quickly covered his small bundle, glanced over, and saw that Qin Ying was looking over at him.
"Ouyang Lianghan, what's wrong? You seem a little nervous. By the way, where's that thing from earlier?"
Ouyang Rong nodded: "Some of the clothes were probably prepared by Magistrate Diao. They were there as soon as we entered the house."
Qin Ying then pointed to the half-bowl of fish soup on the table:
"Who brewed this? Was it also Magistrate Diao?"
Ouyang Rong glanced at Rong Zhen, who had drunk half a bowl of fish soup, then reached out, picked up the bowl, and calmly took a sip.
"Um."
Qin Ying pouted:
"He's good at flattering, but he's decent at his job. You bosses probably like this kind of subordinate."
Ouyang Rong nodded: "It depends on the situation, just don't hit the horse's legs."
While the two were talking, the white sturgeon was wandering around inside the room.
In the dim light, the white sturgeon emitted a faint silvery-white glow.
Like a lantern.
At this moment, the white sturgeon entered the inner room, seemingly intending to crawl into the heavily curtained bed. Just before Ouyang Rong could change his expression and stop it, it bypassed the curtains and simply passed by the bed.
Ouyang Rong subconsciously breathed a sigh of relief, but suddenly a reprimand rang out beside him:
Who's eavesdropping in bed?
Qin Ying's eyebrows furrowed as she stared at the bed.
Ouyang Rong was taken aback. He looked closely and noticed that the bed curtains were slightly translucent.
At this moment, under the light reflecting off the white sturgeon around the bed, the reflection of a petite and graceful young woman inside the bed was clearly visible!
Qin Ying's expression was initially one of surprise and wariness. Her gaze lingered on the bed and the petite figure of her young mistress for a moment, as if she had realized something, and her expression became somewhat strange.
She slowly turned her head and stared at Ouyang Rong.
On the bed, the young woman's shadow remained still.
Ouyang Rong sensed a certain silence and... awkwardness in the room.
...
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(PS: Here it comes! Yuewen is having an annual meeting in Singapore, and Xiao Rong has been invited to go there for a few days. Her schedule will need to be readjusted.)
Updates these past two days will likely be during the day, and there won't be any more after midnight. Everyone, get some rest!
(End of this chapter)
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