Chapter 830 Three Brocade Pouches
Pei Shisan Niang, along with Zhen Shuyuan and other female relatives, parted ways with Xie Lingjiang and Li Xian's group outside Hanyang County.
Before parting, Xie Lingjiang and Rong Zhen tacitly saw them off at the ferry crossing in Hanyang County.
Zhen Shuyuan seemed to have a lot to say to Xie Lingjiang.
Zhen Shuyuan had already taken a liking to Xie Lingjiang when her nephew took office in Longcheng. At that time, her nephew was still a lowly and unsuccessful county magistrate who had been demoted.
Looking back now, it was indeed wishful thinking to have my nephew try to marry a woman from one of the five noble families, like Xie Lingjiang.
However, it was Xie Xun and Xie Lingjiang's upright, humble, and refined family traditions, coupled with her status as the senior brother and junior sister, that led Zhen Shuyuan to develop this excessive "ambition" without thinking things through.
As for whether Zhen Shuyuan was self-aware when she was vying for this marriage that seemed like a step up, and whether she was shamelessly helping her nephew with this lucrative opportunity... Although in the eyes of this woman in a silk skirt, her nephew was the most outstanding person in the world and worthy of anyone, the fact that she could raise the only son of her family alone in the countryside of Nanlong and skillfully deal with the shrewish women of the village suggests that she was not truly an ignorant village woman. At the very least, her "ignorance" was mixed with a touch of a woman's cunning and shrewdness.
Moreover, the more unsafe a person's environment is, the more likely they are to become acutely aware of the class differences among people in a new environment.
Zhen Shuyuan ultimately had a good understanding of her own limitations.
Therefore, she has always maintained a unique affection for Xie Lingjiang.
After leaving Longcheng and during her early days in Xunyang City, Xie Lingjiang frequently visited the Xunyang Prince's Mansion, and Zhen Shuyuan and she became close friends despite their age difference.
Having spent a lot of time by Zhen Shuyuan's side, Ye Weilai could feel this more and more, so she always had great respect for Sister Xie.
Although my nephew Ouyang Rong is now rising rapidly in rank and his status has risen accordingly, he is no longer unworthy of Xie Lingjiang's status as a member of the Five Surnames. In fact, there are always some rivals around my nephew who may be able to compete with Xie Lingjiang for the position of the chief wife.
For example, the lady-in-waiting that Zhen Shuyuan saw at the moment seemed to be a favorite of the current emperor, and also seemed to have the noble status of a princess, being a member of the emperor's maternal family.
However, if Zhen Shuyuan were to make the decision at this moment and choose a wife and niece-in-law as the principal wife.
Her choice remains unchanged.
It can be understood that Xie Lingjiang, who arrived earliest, was the ideal woman in Zhen Shuyuan's niece-in-law selection.
The power of the "white moonlight" is that even if the white moonlight itself came back, it wouldn't make a difference.
Although she had this in mind, Zhen Shuyuan did not show it too obviously.
At least for now, Xie Lingjiang and Rong Zhen escorted her to the ferry and boarded the boat, without showing any special favoritism. They only talked to one of the young women and completely ignored the other.
This is also the cunning and intelligence that women who have been tempered by the petty squabbles of rural shrewish women possess.
The conflicts between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law in every household originate from the smallest things.
Zhen Shuyuan was always very cautious about the peace and tranquility of her husband's home.
For example, Ye Weilai, who had happily gone with her beloved, often overheard a certain Madam Zhen muttering to herself: "My beloved is destined for great things, we can't hold him back, everyone in the house should behave themselves..."
Moreover, the fact that the younger generation comes to see us off, regardless of their purpose, is a token of their goodwill, and the elders will appreciate it. This is called being polite.
We arrived at the ferry crossing and reluctantly said goodbye.
Zhen Shuyuan originally had a lot more to say to Xie Lingjiang.
The main reason was that there were many people around when they parted in the morning, and Tanlang walked quickly, so he didn't seem to have a proper and tender goodbye with Xie Lingjiang. It wouldn't be appropriate for him to dawdle around.
As the pillar of peace and stability in the inner quarters of her husband's household, Zhen Shuyuan naturally had to offer some words of encouragement and comfort.
However, Rongzhen, who was standing beside her, made the woman in the skirt take back her words.
After some pleasantries and small talk, Zhen Shuyuan smiled and said:
"Wanwan, please go back first. Lady Rongzhen, please stay as well."
Rongzhen suddenly said:
“Madam, you may call me by my childhood name. There’s no need to stand on ceremony.”
Zhen Shuyuan was stunned for a moment.
Pei Shisan Niang and Ban Xi, who were standing nearby, had already tacitly retreated to the deck to keep watch and wait, leaving the space to the three women.
Zhen Shuyuan asked in a low voice:
What's your nickname?
Rongzhen's voice was soft, as if she were talking to herself: "My mother used to like to call me Rong'er."
Zhen Shuyuan smiled and said, "Then I'll take the liberty of calling you Rong'er. From now on, you can just call me Aunt Zhen. That's how we call you at home."
Rong Zhen didn't understand the subtle meaning in the woman's words. Noticing Xie Lingjiang's gaze, Rong Zhen felt a little embarrassed and looked away, speaking quickly:
“Madam, next time you come to the capital, remember to look for me. But I may be unable to leave the palace. However, it’s alright, I will come to visit you then.”
"Alright, alright, you guys have to get busy."
Zhen Shuyuan said kindly, "I will return to Nanlong first and wait for news from Tanlang before we go to the capital together. We can have a proper get-together then. It would be even more lively if Xiu Niang were here too."
"Uh-huh."
Rongzhen nodded, preparing to say a few more words.
Unexpectedly, Zhen Shuyuan acted as if nothing had happened, taking the hands of Xie Lingjiang and Rong Zhen respectively.
Rongzhen was somewhat surprised to be held in the hand by a senior of the same sex for the first time, but a hint of flattery and joy also surfaced deep in her eyes.
Whether intentional or not, this shows that they didn't treat her like an outsider.
However, when the girl in palace attire caught a glimpse of Zhen Shuyuan holding Xie Lingjiang's other hand, she reverted to her usual cold expression, as if nothing had happened.
Zhen Shuyuan held Rongzhen's small hand, glanced at the eighteen-bead Buddhist prayer beads on the latter's wrist a few more times, and asked curiously:
"Did Tanlang return this to you?"
"Um."
Zhen Shuyuan raised Rong Zhen's hand and waved it, half-jokingly saying:
"When you gave me my birthday gift last time, I thought you were very skillful. Now that I see it, it's true. Your hands are fair and delicate, and your skin is like cream. You probably haven't done any housework or tiring work."
"Hmm...yes..."
The girl in palace attire responded shyly, somewhat at a loss for words in the face of such praise.
Zhen Shuyuan didn't make things difficult for her, and exchanged a few more kind words with Xie Lingjiang.
Finally, she turned her head to look at the two girls, giving them kind instructions:
"It just so happens that you two are both going to Luoyang. Since Tanlang won't be there, if anything happens in Luoyang, you can help each other out. It's good to have more people to look after each other. You're not really outsiders. Judging from your age... you should be around the same age. I heard from Tanlang that you should spend more time together and get to know each other. Who knows, you might even have some common interests."
Upon hearing about their shared interests, Rongzhen, for some reason, suddenly recalled the daring and naughty things Lianghan had done the previous night. She had never fantasized about such things before; she had cultivated herself diligently in the palace, remaining pure and abstinent for many years. Yet now, the mind of a sixth-rank jade maiden of the Yin-Yang School was somewhat disturbed, tainted by worldly desires, and such shameful thoughts had surfaced…
At this moment, Rong Zhen felt extremely ashamed, but for some reason, she glanced at the noble lady in red beside her.
His gaze quietly fell on Xie Lingjiang, as if he was observing something, or trying to find out Xie Lingjiang's interests, or the unusual behavior after hearing Zhen Shuyuan's words.
Unfortunately, Xie Lingjiang remained calm, gentle, and composed, showing no sign of distress. She even nodded and politely agreed to Zhen Shuyuan's instructions.
Rongzhen glanced at Xie Lingjiang's tall figure and her full, voluptuous curves.
The lady-in-waiting's expression turned icy, and she stared down at her toes, her mind involuntarily becoming agitated again.
After a while, as the boat was about to depart, Rongzhen could no longer stand. She bid farewell to Zhen Shuyuan and hurriedly left.
Only two women remained at the ferry crossing.
Zhen Shuyuan glanced at Xie Lingjiang's expression, which seemed normal.
Xie Lingjiang bid farewell in a gentle voice:
"Have a safe journey, madam."
Zhen Shuyuan looked around and whispered:
"Wanwan, don't worry. Your aunt and I have already discussed it thoroughly. There's no reason to go back on our word once we've discussed it."
“Perfect timing. This time I will be going to Luling Nanlong to inform the elders and relatives. This is an important event, so we must make thorough preparations.”
Xie Lingjiang bit her lip for a moment, then nodded vigorously:
"Yes, I understand, Aunt Zhen. Don't overwork yourself."
"It's alright. I'm just a hard-working person, and I'm used to it. As long as we can stay behind and share the burden for our beloved, that's enough."
After the two women finished speaking, they reluctantly parted ways.
After an incense stick had burned, Xie Lingjiang stood at the ferry crossing, watching the boat carrying Zhen Shuyuan sail away.
Her pretty face remained calm as she gazed at the river for a while before silently turning away.
After passing through the bustling city of Hanyang and exiting the city gate, she returned to the agreed-upon resting place for Li Xian and his group.
Xie Lingjiang touched the protective sachet in her bosom, her red lips slightly pursed.
There are so many things I want to say to him.
However, on the way here, she heard Li Guo'er mention that before she returned with the jade pendant, her senior brother had been sitting alone in her tent for a long time.
Although she glanced at her tent before leaving while packing her luggage, and saw that her senior brother seemed to be writing something with her ink, Xie Lingjiang still understood his feelings.
Just then, Xie Lingjiang's expression froze slightly.
He took out the amulet sachet.
Before parting, she didn't pay much attention when she received the sachet from her senior brother, but now, upon closer inspection, she noticed that there seemed to be something extra inside.
Xie Lingjiang went to a secluded spot, opened the sachet, and examined it closely by the firelight.
Besides the embroiderer's fortune slip, there were three small brocade pouches and a rolled-up strip of paper wrapped around them.
She first unfolded the rolled-up piece of paper and glanced through it.
In less than three breaths, Xie Lingjiang instantly straightened up and quietly put away the note and brocade pouch.
She looked around.
Li Xian's family, Zhang Shixiu, Lu Ya, Wang Caozhi and others were resting by the fire, while Li Guo'er returned to the carriage... None of them paid any attention to her.
Xie Lingjiang went to the nearest deserted campfire and threw the note into the flames.
The paper strip turned to ashes inch by inch under the licking of the flames, with the words "Luoyang," "Crown Prince," and "marriage alliance" faintly visible on it.
Xie Lingjiang clutched the three sachets tightly, as if nothing had happened, and put them into her bosom.
She was dressed in red with black hair, and strode forward.
As instructed in the secret letter from his senior brother, the first brocade pouch would be given to Li Xian outside Luoyang City.
The timing of the second brocade pouch is even more interesting; it's the day Li Xian ascended to the position of Crown Prince...
If they don't reach these points, for example, by the very least, if they don't successfully reach the outskirts of Luoyang, then the message that the eldest brother hid in the brocade pouch will never be seen by anyone.
...
After having a meal outdoors, Li Guo'er didn't go to chat around the campfire.
After seeing Xie Lingjiang off, Li Guo'er returned to the carriage and sat alone for a while without lighting a lamp.
In the darkness, she murmured softly:
"Can't I cultivate Qi...?"
She lifted the carriage curtain and glanced at the starry sky. Taking advantage of the summer starlight, she took out two manuscripts from her bosom, gently stroked them, and slowly opened them.
A faint starlight peeks through the paper.
It was barely visible that one of the copies was "The Return of the Wanderer".
The other one was a musical score, handwritten.
The ink doesn't look like it's been dry for long.
Two sword manuals were placed on the small tea table inside the carriage. Li Guo'er lightly tapped the table with her fingers, propped her chin up with one hand, and murmured in an inexplicable tone:
"But I can recite it backwards... 'Returning Home'... A Seven-Character Quatrain with a Qin Melody..."
...
Meanwhile, another carriage.
As soon as Li Xian boarded the car, he suddenly realized that the luminous pearl in his arms was burning hot.
He took it out and looked at it curiously.
Wei Mei noticed something was wrong and turned to ask, "What's wrong with Qi Lang?"
Li Xian put the luminous pearl away again and shook his head.
Seeing this, Wei Mei gave some instructions:
"Keep the luminous pearl, the longsword, and the seal safe, and do as Tanlang has instructed."
"I understand."
At this moment, Li Dalang got on the bus, carrying some freshly picked fruit.
Wei Mei smiled and went to greet him.
Li Xian glanced out the window, muttering to himself as if lost in thought, "Was it a close call? The old master's words were truly prophetic. Now it seems that traveling the Dragon City road was indeed a close call. If that's the case, then that prescription..."
He unconsciously touched a small piece of paper in his sleeve.
Li Xian hadn't lied to Ouyang Rong and his family last time; there really was a prescription inside.
It was just an ancient, unorthodox medicine that Master Yuan had painstakingly searched for for another person, but he never had the chance to take it with him until that person died suddenly.
Li Dalang turned around with some curiosity:
"What do you mean, 'a close call'? What are you talking about, Father?"
Li Xian snapped out of her daze and responded with a smile:
"It's nothing, I'm just feeling emotional. We've finally made it this far, and it's been a close call."
"Yes, thank goodness we have Tanlang, but once we get to Luoyang, we'll have to rely on ourselves first."
Li Dalang nodded in agreement, his face showing some anticipation as he asked:
"Father, do you think Luoyang is really that prosperous? Even more bustling than Xunyang Ferry in Xunyang City?"
"More than that, Xunyang Ferry is not even as bustling as those grain unloading ferry crossings outside Luoyang. You'll see when Dalang gets there."
Li Dalang looked on with anticipation.
Li Xian tilted his head slightly, staring intently at his eldest son's stubble-covered face.
His eyes became somewhat unfocused.
A familiar scene involuntarily flashed through my mind.
It's the same stubble-covered face and the same voice, but it's not the same person.
That day, amidst the ruins of the Prince's Mansion, the old Celestial Master used the same face to grab his hand and speak in a low voice in his ear.
"Your Highness, I have failed Emperor Gaozong... In the unlikely event—and I mean just the unlikely event—that Your Highness may indeed inherit Emperor Gaozong's ailment, you must absolutely not take this medicine unless it is a last resort, when the pain is unbearable..."
Inside the carriage, Li Xian lowered his head, put away the prescription, and sat up straight.
His expression was gentle. He looked around at his wife and children, then laughed heartily:
"Let's go, I'll take you home. When we get to Zhuque Street, we'll have a delicious bowl of mutton soup with bread, hahaha."
(End of this chapter)
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