Chapter 824 Farewell Banquet
When Ouyang Rong looked over expressionlessly.
Wang Caozhi had already stood up in a flash, and said to Ouyang Rong in a serious tone:
“Brother-in-law, Madam Zhen, I have reflected on my actions and apologized. The preparations for this luncheon were rather rushed. The Prince is heading north, so we couldn't make a big fuss. We could only discreetly purchase some food and drinks from the largest restaurant in Hanyang County. The banquet could only be held outdoors, which is rather meager…”
He sighed, feeling somewhat guilty, and said:
"However, aren't banquets with flowing wine cups and winding streams popular among the literati in Luoyang these days? I'm just a common merchant, but my brother-in-law and the prince aren't. Perfect, my sister-in-law and I can also benefit from your hospitality and indulge in some refined pursuits."
Hearing this, Zhen Shuyuan chuckled.
"Alright, you did a good job. I can tell you put your heart into it. Stop fooling around with Tanlang."
After Zhen Shuyuan spoke, Ouyang Rong looked away.
Wang Caozhi remained calm and composed, as if nothing had happened.
He, along with Pei Shisan Niang, Shun Bo, Cai Shou, and Ban Xi, were all called over by Li Xian to sit down.
Leisurely and concerned, I ask:
"By the way, Tanlang, is Military Advisor Yan alright?"
Ouyang Rong replied:
"Liu Lang is guarding Xunyang City and is safe and sound."
Li Xian said with satisfaction, "That's good. With Tanlang as such a good role model, Liulang is indeed doing a competent job as the military advisor in Jiangzhou."
Wei Mei stepped past Li Xian and suddenly interrupted:
"Tanlang, when you saw them off just now, did Miaozhen say anything?"
Li Xian's expression changed slightly. Just as Wei Mei was watching, he quickly picked up the ice pack on the table and continued to apply it to his face, while also trying to hide his expression.
Ouyang Rong shook his head:
"Without saying anything, Lady Miaozhen left without leaving a word."
At this point, he turned to look at the serious-looking Li Xian, feeling a little curious. Not long ago, Li Xian went to see Miao Zhen. What exactly did the two talk about? And why did Princess Wei Mei punish her husband?
However, as curious as he was, Ouyang Rong never interfered in other people's affairs.
Just like Li Xian and Wei Mei didn't interfere much in his private affairs.
"Oh, is that so?"
Wei Mei remained calm and patiently inquired of Li Xian:
"Has Qilang finished speaking with her? It's not too late to chase after her now, after all, she is his savior."
Li Xian subconsciously waved his hand:
"I'm done talking, I'm done talking... Wait, I have nothing to say to her, so how can there be any talk of not finishing? Mei Niang, don't tease me, haha."
The atmosphere at the table was quiet, except for Li Xian's laughter, which made the laughter seem even more awkward.
Everyone is keeping their eyes down and their minds focused.
Li Xian quickly applied an ice pack to his face and covered it. After a while, he changed the subject:
"By the way, Tanlang, when shall we set off?"
Ouyang Rong stared at the wine glass in front of him, without looking up, and said:
"Tomorrow morning, Cao Zhi, Shisan Niang, and I will plan our route north, and in the afternoon we will go to Hanyang County to buy some things."
"Now that there are no pursuers, we are like fish in the sea, free to roam. Your Highness, please keep things simple and take the fastest route back to the capital, stopping as little as possible along the way."
"Alright, I'll do whatever Tanlang says."
Li Xian nodded happily, and a warm feeling flowed through her heart as she looked at her orderly husband.
Wei Mei and Li Dalang couldn't suppress their smiles, their hearts warmed.
When Tanlang was around, whenever they asked about their worries, he always had a plan or had already solved the problem, giving them a sense of security that he worried about their concerns before they did.
Li Xian took a small sip of wine, smacked his lips, and let out a soft hiss.
"Twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye. Speaking of which, I've almost forgotten the Luoyang dialect. Before we enter the imperial city, we'll pass through Zhuque Street and have a bowl of mutton stew with bread. My lord, you should also have a good taste. And the eight delicacies of Luoyang: open-mouthed smile, golden sesame dates, and five-spice twisted pastry..."
Upon hearing the word "food," Cai Shou swallowed hard, her little face filled with anticipation.
Li Dalang was a little confused by what he heard.
Li Guo'er quietly picked up some food and put it into her mouth, chewing it slowly.
Compared to the rugged cuisine of the North, which sounds like it's mixed with sand and dust, she, who was raised in the Jiangnan region, seems to prefer the refined cuisine of the South.
Wei Mei seemed worried about something, and solemnly instructed Li Dalang and Li Guo'er:
“Fusu, Guo’er, remember, although you grew up in the south, you are true northerners. Your ancestors, hundreds of years ago, rode horses across the land west of Liangzhou, from Yumen to Gaochang, drawing their bows and drinking in the wind and sand.”
She carefully instructed, "When you return to Luoyang, you will be the purest northerners and the most esteemed descendants of Guanzhong. There is no need to feel inferior or timid. You can boldly show yourselves and get to know other prominent families. No, they should be the ones to approach you."
Li Dalang scratched his head: "I'm not very good at making friends. With Tanlang and Liulang around, I can relax a bit. But as for my sister, Mother, you don't need to worry about her."
He chuckled, pointed to his younger sister, and spoke with a brotherly affection:
“The standards of a young master and a young lady are different. Different places have different people. My sister has the beautiful and charming appearance of a young lady from Jiangnan. This is a natural advantage. When we go to Luoyang, I don’t know how many eyes she will attract and how many noble young men she will attract. The young ladies from the noble families of the north can’t even catch up with my sister’s beauty.”
Lu Ya, who had remained silent throughout, nodded solemnly:
“That’s right. Master said that it is a great blessing for a girl to have a northern appearance but a southern face. When the current emperor was young, he had this appearance, coupled with his extraordinary temperament of striking a wild horse with an iron hammer, which made Emperor Taizong and Emperor Gaozong take notice of him…”
The expressionless Taoist priest was speaking when someone tugged at his sleeve under the table. He turned around in confusion and looked at his senior brother Zhang next to him.
Zhang Shixiu kept his eyes straight ahead.
Wei Mei and Li Dalang both took it as a compliment.
Wei Mei touched her slightly yellowish face and said proudly, "Guo'er is just like me, just like I was when I was young, as fresh and tender as a young cabbage."
Li Xian: ...
Li Dalang: ...
Li Guo'er couldn't stand it anymore and stopped her mother and brother from teasing her with a stern face.
Li Dalang laughed heartily, poured a full glass of wine for Amei, and noticed that Amei was looking to the side and winking at him.
Li Dalang turned his head and saw Ouyang Rong drinking alone in silence, his cup already empty. He quickly refilled it for him.
"Why is Tanlang drinking alone?"
Ouyang Rong didn't touch his wine glass, his eyes fixed on the wine reflecting his handsome face, and said without looking up:
“Aunt, Wei Lai is staying here. Tomorrow you will have to return to Nanlong alone. I will have Thirteen Sister escort you back.”
Zhen Shuyuan, who was tasting Rong Zhen's homemade fish soup, looked somewhat reluctant, but was also about to nod:
"I'll listen to my lover..."
"Hey, Madam Zhen, wait a minute."
Wei Mei interrupted with a laugh:
"My dear, why don't you take Madam Zhen back to the capital with you instead of going back to Nanlong? Ye Weilai is also heading to the capital to cultivate. It's inconvenient for Madam Zhen to be without a close confidante. Besides, Madam Zhen is not young anymore. As her nephew, it would be better for you to stay by her side and fulfill your filial duty."
"Besides, we have the great merit of Dingjian in returning to the capital this time, so the danger is very small. It won't be a big problem for Madam Zhen to come along, unlike when we first arrived in Xunyang City."
Zhen Shuyuan's expression seemed to indicate a change of heart, but she was also reasonable:
“My dear, I’m fine with anything you say. Whether you go to the capital first to establish yourselves and then bring me along, or you go with me now, it’s all good. To be honest, I’ve never been to Luoyang before. It would be nice to see the world, to see how the people in the capital live, and to see how it’s different from our Jiangnan.”
Ouyang Rong didn't say anything more, and everyone laughed.
Wei Mei took the opportunity to talk about the special products and customs of Luoyang, which made Zhen Shuyuan sigh with admiration.
As everyone laughed, they couldn't help but glance at Ouyang Rong.
As the unseen backbone, everyone's peripheral vision and attention were always on him.
But at that moment, they noticed that Tanlang hadn't smiled.
The young man in the scholar's robe lowered his head, unfastened the Moonlight Longsword and the Crimson Lotus Sword Seal from his waist, got up and walked over, placing them neatly on Li Xian's table.
This strange move immediately attracted the attention of everyone present.
Li Dalang asked in confusion, "Tanlang, what are you doing...?"
Zhen Shuyuan asked with concern, "Why aren't you eating? Is your wound still hurting? I'll have Wei Lai give you some later..."
Ouyang Rong returned to his seat, bent down to straighten his cuffs, slowly sat down, and said:
“Auntie, you’ve misunderstood. The Princess Consort has also misunderstood. I’m not going back to the capital. It’s Your Highness and you who are going back. I’ll see you off tomorrow morning. I’m going back to Xunyang. I’m staying here today to see you off.”
The entire room fell silent instantly.
Ouyang Rong didn't look around, picked up the wine glass in front of him, tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp.
After letting out a long breath, he said softly:
“I’ll go and bring the embroiderer back. I promised to take her to Luoyang.”
The open air was so dense you could hear a pin drop.
Only the soft gurgling of a trickle of water could be heard.
Pairs of eyes turned to the young man in the scholar's robe who spoke solemnly.
They hesitated to speak.
Zhen Shuyuan's eyes reddened slightly.
Rong Zhen stared straight at Ouyang Rong.
Xie Lingjiang lowered her eyes and quietly stared at the ladylike dress she had specially changed into today.
Actually, since everyone gathered yesterday, there's been one question that everyone has been trying to avoid talking about.
That's the embroiderer's job.
Xie Lingjiang asked once.
But Ouyang Rong did not answer in detail.
Li Xian and the others were afraid to ask questions that would reopen Ouyang Rong's wounds.
Because the matter of the embroiderer is very sensitive.
However, at this very moment, their worst fears came true.
Just because something isn't mentioned doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
Especially someone like Ouyang Rong, who is resolute and stubborn.
However, it is precisely because they know this that people are even more hesitant to ask... This seems somewhat contradictory.
Li Xian whispered:
“My love…”
Ouyang Rong suddenly turned his head and pointed at the Moonlight Longsword and the Crimson Lotus Sword Seal, saying:
"Your Highness, please keep these two items safe. They are related to the Cauldron Sword. Just in case, Cai Shou and Wei Lai haven't reached the ninth rank of Qi Refining on the way, or if they have, but the real name on the little princess's note doesn't match and the Cauldron Sword hasn't been activated, then we can only present the Night-Shining Pearl Cauldron Sword directly. At that time, we can use these two items to activate it in front of the Emperor as proof."
Li Xian didn't look at the Moonlight Sword and the sword mark; her eyes remained fixed on him.
Ouyang Rong remained calm, while Li Dalang stood motionless beside him, somewhat speechless. So Ouyang Rong poured himself a drink, took a sip, and continued to instruct him:
"Wang Caozhi, you go to the capital with the prince. Thirteenth Sister, you stay here and escort your aunt back to Nanlong."
"Wei Lai, you should follow your junior sister and Lady Rongzhen closely, cultivate your Qi diligently on the journey, and do your best. If you don't become a sword master, it's alright. I know your personality; you will definitely study the most diligently. Perhaps it's not your destiny, and I won't blame you."
Ouyang Rong turned his head and pointed at Li Guo'er to the crowd:
"If there are any difficult decisions while I am away, the little princess's suggestions should be given priority. The little princess is brave and decisive in important matters, and the prince and crown prince can rest assured to listen to her advice."
He then said to Li Guo'er:
"Miss Qin knows many people in Luoyang, including sons of powerful and wealthy families and ladies of high social standing. Her Highness the Princess enjoys making friends, so we can exchange letters with Miss Qin to improve the situation."
Noticing everyone was looking at him, Ouyang Rong calmly pointed to himself:
"This time it's not just being willful. First, I need to go back to Xunyang City. I can't let Liu Lang clean up this mess alone. Second, Xiu Niang hasn't returned yet, so I can't leave."
Zhang Shixiu suddenly asked:
"Is the embroiderer that Young Master Ouyang mentioned Lady Yue?"
Ouyang Rong nodded, his gaze towards him somewhat probing.
Zhang Shixiu pondered:
“I heard it from Junior Brother Lu… I remember that before I left that day, I saw the Second Lady bringing Yue Chuzi back to the manor. At that time, Yue Chuzi seemed to be unconscious and seriously injured. The First Lady and the Second Lady were quite anxious, as if they wanted to send her back to Jianze to treat her injuries.”
Ouyang Rong suddenly fell silent.
After a short while, he suddenly nodded:
"Thank you. Could you help me find the location of Yunmeng Sword Marsh? Yunmeng is too big."
Zhang Shixiu hesitated for a moment, then nodded:
"I will do my best, but you must be careful of the Queen's Palace. They are not easy to talk to, so please don't provoke them, young master."
“Alright.” Ouyang Rong narrowed his eyes slightly: “Daoist, just help me find the location of the Queen’s Palace. I will go and pay a visit in person. Daoist Lu Ya should have told you that I am very reasonable and polite.”
Rongzhen couldn't help but glance at her sideways.
Lu Ya, oblivious to anything amiss, replied, "Young Master Ouyang is indeed kind-hearted, Senior Brother Zhang, please rest assured."
"Okay." Zhang Shixiu breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to himself that this young master Ouyang was indeed refined and easy-going. In the short two days he had known him, his calm and reasonable personality had left a deep impression on him.
After giving the general instructions, Ouyang Rong calmed down and went to pick up some food to eat.
The people around remained silent.
Some of them hesitated to speak.
Until Wei Mei's worried voice broke the silence:
"Qilang, please stop drinking..."
Ouyang Rong turned his head and saw Li Xian with his head down, not saying a word, drinking cup after cup.
Li Xian waved his hand dismissively, then buried his head in his food, his expression unreadable.
"It's alright, I'm just feeling cold, I'll drink a few more cups of hot water..."
He choked on his drink as soon as he finished speaking, coughing until his face turned red.
Wei Mei quickly patted his back, saying somewhat angrily:
"You said it yourself, the last time Master Yuan whispered to you, he told you to pay more attention to your health, regulate your sleep schedule, and drink less strong alcohol..."
"Alright, Mei Niang."
Li Xian suddenly shouted loudly to stop Wei Mei.
The latter got stuck.
Ouyang Rong turned his head sharply and immediately asked, "Your Highness, what exactly did Celestial Master Yuan leave behind?"
"Don't listen to Mei Niang's out-of-context remarks. The day the palace burned down, I was a little frightened and my complexion wasn't good. The old master probably remembered my father, Emperor Gaozong's, illness. But the old master also said it was nothing, just a precaution. I still remember when Emperor Gaozong was seriously ill, the old master even went to look for medicine, but he didn't succeed in the end."
The atmosphere was quiet, and everyone exchanged glances.
Li Guo'er was a little worried and gave Lu Ya a wink.
Lu Ya stepped forward, took Li Xian's pulse, and shook his head after a moment:
"There is no problem, but the imperial physician still needs to examine me. My medical skills are mediocre and certainly not as good as my master's."
Li Xian said helplessly, "I told you everything is fine. Think about it, if something were wrong, wouldn't those imperial physicians sent by the Empress Dowager from the capital be unable to diagnose it? They've seen them several times already."
"That's true."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
At this moment, Ouyang Rong said with a smile:
"Let's eat first."
Xie Lingjiang suddenly asked:
"How long are you going to stay, Senior Brother?"
"After finishing up the mess in Xunyang, bring back the embroiderer, and then find an opportunity to return to the capital to find you."
Li Guo'er said at the opportune moment:
“Ouyang Lianghan, if you don’t return to the capital this time, you won’t have such a good excuse next time. The only way will be for your father to gain a foothold and we can arrange for you to be transferred back to the capital. You should think it over carefully.”
Ouyang Rong smiled and said, "I'll be waiting for your good news."
Li Xian and the others were moved.
Looking at the young man who had abandoned wealth and honor as if they were dirt, I was at a loss for words.
Xie Lingjiang had actually guessed some things before, and now she was filled with regret. Looking at her senior brother, she pleaded:
"It won't work if we delay the release by two more days."
"No, we'll leave tomorrow. Junior Sister, don't be willful."
Looking at his gentle smile, Xie Lingjiang suddenly realized that she shouldn't have been jealous and ignored him last night.
We wasted a night together.
At this moment, she saw that Rong Zhen opposite her was also staring straight at Ouyang Rong, her ten fingers clenched in her sleeves, and she also seemed to have some regret.
Xie Lingjiang took a deep breath.
Ouyang Rong gave a brief greeting, and everyone continued their meal.
The atmosphere in the room was somewhat heavy because of Ouyang Rong's parting words.
Before everyone took their seats, they thought it would be a reunion dinner, but now it seems to be a farewell feast.
A short while later, Ouyang Rong finished eating first, stood up, and greeted Wang Caozhi and Pei Shisan Niang:
"You all eat first, I'll take Cao Zhi and Shisan Niang to Hanyang County to buy supplies..."
"By the way, I'll keep watch tonight. You all get some rest; we have to travel tomorrow."
Ouyang Rong got up and left, disappearing from sight.
Xie Lingjiang, Rong Zhen, and Li Xian sat back down in their seats, and for a long time, the food in front of them remained untouched.
(End of this chapter)
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