Chapter 904 Fortresses are breached from the stomach.
“I moved in yesterday, and waited all night but you didn’t come. I thought Brother Liang had moved to a better place to live with your sister…”
The two thatched courtyards were adjacent to each other, and the walls were not high. Li Wan could see the scenery in Ouyang Rong's courtyard by standing on tiptoe.
She finished speaking with a smile, but then noticed that Ouyang Rong was still frowning and puzzled, so she immediately explained:
“Brother Liang, it’s like this, Jinghong probably mentioned it to you yesterday morning, about being neighbors. I specifically spoke with the fairies and asked them to make an arrangement. After all, we’re acquaintances and get along well, so continuing to be neighbors would be great… Now it seems the fairies are really efficient…”
Ouyang Rong seemed to remember something, glanced again at the rather enthusiastic noblewoman, and nodded slightly:
"Madam Li, please take good care of me in the future."
"Hey, you're welcome."
Li Wan seemed to want to say something more, but Ouyang Rong said no more, picked up his bundle with one hand, and walked into the house.
Pushing open the door, dust swirled in the few rays of the setting sun. Ouyang Rong waved his hand to fan the air, walked to the table, put down his bundle and bamboo tube, and looked around at the furnishings inside.
After a short while, he began to tidy up with a blank expression.
Ouyang Rong was fully aware of Li Wan's ulterior motives.
The idea of continuing to be neighbors only applies to him.
It definitely doesn't include Sha Ergou.
In the eyes of outsiders, the only thing he can offer is his identity as Aqing's older brother.
Li Wan wanted to help her son build more connections with people.
It's both pragmatic and straightforward, with no beating around the bush.
Ouyang Rong couldn't really dislike Li Wan's warm and friendly approach.
The main reason is that this woman is indeed very emotionally intelligent; she maintains the right distance, leaving little reason for anyone to refuse.
She handled things smoothly and naturally, which led to a connection between the two parties...
No wonder she was able to marry into the Lu family of Fanyang; she herself seemed to come from one of the five prominent families and seven noble clans, and her interpersonal skills were truly superb.
For no apparent reason, Ouyang Rong thought of Thirteen Sister before she wholeheartedly submitted to him.
She was also a similar social butterfly, adept at navigating social situations.
"Brother Liang, do you need some water? I carried a bucket for you on my way..."
As Ouyang Rong was quietly tidying up the house, Li Wan's soft voice called out from outside.
When Ouyang Rong stepped outside, he saw a graceful woman standing at the door, struggling to carry a bucket of water in front of her.
The water in the bucket rippled, spilling out quite a bit and wetting the woman's fine linen skirt.
Ouyang Rong turned his head and glanced at the empty water vat in the courtyard.
Li Wan also looked in that direction, walked over enthusiastically, and poured the water into the vat.
Ouyang Rong frowned slightly, then quickly smoothed his brows.
He strode over.
"Let me do it, madam, watch your step."
Ouyang Rong took the water bucket directly, then picked up the water bucket from his own yard next to the water vat and walked outside.
"I'll go fetch water; Madam can wait in the courtyard."
The water tank is very large; one bucket of water is not enough.
Ouyang Rong said in a low voice, and immediately took on the task of filling the water tanks in both courtyards.
"I can't accept this."
Li Wan looked apologetic.
She lifted her skirt with both hands and followed behind Ouyang Rong, saying:
"I'll take you there. You're new here and don't know the way, so I'll show you the way."
"Um."
And so, the two of them went to the well, one after the other.
The lake water in Yunmeng Sword Marsh is not drinkable, and the streams on the island are not fresh water. To get fresh water, you need to go to the well or the spring.
The two arrived at the nearest well. As Ouyang Rong was drawing water, Li Wan spoke up, as if chatting casually:
"Is Brother Liang's dining hall far from here...?"
"How have you been feeling these past two days...?"
Ouyang Rong answered these questions concisely, while Li Wan asked with apparent concern:
"By the way, how often does your sister come back?"
Ouyang Rong spoke frankly;
"I don't know. Her cultivation is important. The goddess told her to come out less often, and we might not see her more than a few times a year from now on."
Li Wan, however, said with a smile:
“How could that be? Brother Liang, you’re being too pessimistic. The First Lady is quite understanding, and besides, your sister is so promising—much more promising than my son. Maybe if she behaves well tomorrow, the First Lady will be happy and let her come back to rest…”
"Perhaps."
Ouyang Rong was not in a good mood for conversation.
Li Wan asked him a question, and he answered appropriately.
Whether the atmosphere was awkward or not was none of his concern; he could leave that to Li Wan.
Ouyang Rong carried two buckets and quickly went back and forth between the well and the thatched courtyard, soon filling the water tanks in both courtyards.
At that moment, he carried the last bucket of water to Li Wan's courtyard, filled the water vat, and just as he put the empty bucket down, Li Wan came out of the house, holding a bowl of tea, and handed it to him with a smile:
"Come, Brother Liang, take a rest. It's all thanks to you. Otherwise, if I, a weak woman, had to come, I probably would have been busy until dark."
Li Wan's tone was somewhat wistful:
"The main problem is that Jinghong is still at the thatched cottage, and we haven't heard from her at all. We don't know when she'll be back. Hey, you young men are really strong. No wonder ordinary families want to have sons. Having a man to work with makes all the difference..."
Ouyang Rong suddenly asked:
"Young Master Lu hasn't returned yet? Er Gou is probably at the thatched cottage with him, right? Where are they staying?"
"Uh-huh."
Li Wan nodded and said:
“They should have a designated place to live, and they are not allowed to wander around unless there is something going on. Is Brother Liang worried about Brother Sha?”
Ouyang Rong said in a muffled voice;
"Fools are often lucky, so I'm not too worried."
Li Wan also covered her mouth and smiled:
"You're quite open-minded, but... indeed, fools sometimes have good luck."
"It's getting late, Madam Li, you should get some rest."
Ouyang Rong tilted his head back and gulped down the tea, handed the cup back, turned around, paused, and added to Li Wan:
"If anything happens, you can call me through the door; there's no need to come to the hospital."
Li Wan smiled:
"Okay, Brother Liang, take care... By the way, when Jinghong returns from the thatched cottage, Brother Liang, come over for a get-together too."
Ouyang Rong casually replied:
"Uh-huh."
...
It was a sunny morning.
Ouyang Rong stepped into the dining hall as the morning light began to shine.
This is the fifth day on duty.
The novelty has worn off pretty much.
There was a familiar, almost over-the-top, feel to it.
But he still arrived early.
These past few days, no one from Wu Nu Jun's side has come to tell him to make chicken soup.
Ouyang Rong dutifully served as a cook for a while.
Everyday life is the same: during the day, he is busy in the dining hall, quietly observing the Yue women and colleagues coming and going. When he returns at night, he studies the Kui Xing Talisman by lamplight, or teases the sensitive Zhi Shuang who is like a young woman. Occasionally, he also has to earnestly tell Miao Si about the spirit of hard work and perseverance, to lay a solid foundation for Xiao Mo Jing, and to deepen the atmosphere... These are all essential.
Li Wan also often came to him to help her with some chores.
After all, she was a widow with no son, and she seemed to be having a hard time, so Ouyang Rong couldn't refuse some of her requests.
But he had actually prepared to refuse her long ago, regarding any potentially troublesome or excessive matters.
However, it is unclear whether Li Wan subtly grasped the opportune moment of "seeking help" or if it was merely a coincidence.
The favors she asked Ouyang Rong for were all very simple, the kind that she would do on a whim, and it would be petty to refuse them.
Moreover, this noblewoman always knocked on the door, strictly adhering to the rule that Ouyang Rong had "casually" set.
In addition, Li Wan would occasionally bring over some fresh fruits and vegetables or pastries and nuts in the evening to share with Ouyang Rong.
These sought-after items seem to have all been bought by Li Wan from other women on the island.
Ouyang Rong felt that Li Wan's interpersonal skills were so refined that it was almost unbelievable that she had a son like Lu Jinghong.
The difference between the mother and son is too great; a thorough investigation into their bloodline is recommended.
In short, the past two days have passed uneventfully. Ouyang Rong has remained attentive and patient, and has become familiar with each of his colleagues in the dining hall.
There was only one exception: Granny Sun.
The atmosphere between the two was still a little awkward.
Aunt Sun deliberately avoided him, which made it inconvenient for Ouyang Rong to ask about many things.
This also meant that Ouyang Rong had no chance to work in the kitchen or stay at the dining hall at night.
But then I thought about it again, and it seemed that Grandma Sun had already been very considerate by not making things difficult for him.
However, it's also possible that they just haven't found the opportunity.
One afternoon, during his break, Aunt Zhu came over as usual, holding some melon seeds, and chatted with him.
Grandma Sun was still not there; no one knew where she had gone.
Wu Cui held the book and looked at it by the window.
As Ouyang Rong passed by, he glanced at it and noticed some faint little figures on it, which looked like sword moves.
It seems that this Miss Wu may not be literate.
Aunt Zhu then jokingly teased Wu Cui again.
The latter ignored it completely.
Ouyang Rong watched silently; this had become a regular afternoon activity at the Qingliang Valley Dining Hall.
Just then, the voice of an unfamiliar Yue woman came from outside.
Is anyone home?
An elderly woman passed by the door and asked curiously:
"What can I do for you?"
A strange Yue woman, with a silver badge at her waist, asked softly:
"Sixth Lady sends word: Where is Granny Sun?"
"Please wait a moment, fairy."
The old woman at the door immediately jumped up and ran to call for help.
Inside the door, Ouyang Rong's fist, which was holding sunflower seeds, paused upon hearing this...
After an incense stick had burned, Granny Sun hurried over, forced a smile, and asked the waiting Yue maid with the silver plaque in a gentle voice:
"I apologize for the delay. May I ask what brings you here, Fairy? What instructions do the Six Goddesses have?"
The silver medalist Yue woman recounted:
"Sixth Lady said that the meals in the dining hall should be as light as possible these two days, with less spicy and oily food... She and many people from Qiutang have just returned from outside. The weather is hot and humid, which can easily cause internal heat, so they should avoid certain foods for the time being."
"Yes, yes..."
Grandma Sun nodded hurriedly in agreement.
The silver medalist from Yue Opera didn't stop, and continued:
"Also, the Sixth Lady said that the dish we had for lunch today was quite good, and many people liked it. We can make more of it these next couple of days..."
"Very well, thank you for your guidance, Goddess..."
The silver-plated Yue maid from Qiutang gave Sun a few words of advice and then turned to leave.
There was no chicken soup as Ouyang Rong had hoped for.
Ouyang Rong did not look dejected. He listened silently and then turned to look at Granny Sun, who was personally seeing off the silver-medaled Yue woman at the door.
The latter had a solemn expression, taking the queen's instructions very seriously.
Ouyang Rong's brows furrowed slightly.
"Alright, everyone, stop standing there like idiots. The goddess just gave instructions. Zhu and Chen, come over here. The lunches for the next two days should be the same as today's..."
Grandma Sun led Grandma Zhu and the other women in charge of cooking to the stove to discuss something, their voices barely audible.
Ouyang Rong and Wu Cui were also assigned to work.
Before turning away, Ouyang Rong glanced back at the stove, his eyes thoughtful.
Although these female rulers, as role models, ate together in the same pot and rarely cooked for themselves, making it difficult for Ouyang Rong to find opportunities to interact with them, they could still personally interfere with the daily meals in the dining hall, ostensibly out of consideration for the tastes of the Yue women under their command.
Since that's the case, why not take advantage of the Queen's instructions and let him successfully cook a "beneficial big pot meal" for all the Yue women?
For example, if the Six Women Lords and others could agree that chicken soup is suitable for nourishing and benefiting the Yue women, she might issue an imperial edict ordering Ouyang Rong to cook a large pot of soup for them... Of course, this is just a matter of distance.
Making soup for all the Yue women would be difficult with the limited number of Camellia Chickens in Jianze... This might be why the Six Women have never asked him to make soup; it's only beneficial for their own benefit.
But Ouyang Rong is not only good at making chicken soup; he can also make some special delicacies, such as Dongpo pork.
If he could be put in charge of the kitchen and cook a few meals of his own special "big pot" dishes, Ouyang Rong was confident that his style would be distinctive enough.
As long as the embroiderer can taste it, she will know that it was made by him.
This could also be considered a roundabout way of informing the embroiderer of his arrival... This was a tactic that Ouyang Rong had been pondering recently:
Since he couldn't find any clues about the embroiderer by offering private meals to the ladies, he decided to try a different approach: have the embroiderer come to him. Her special cooking skills would be a great way to spread the word.
Ouyang Rong nodded secretly.
Now there's only one problem left.
Besides the luxurious chicken soup, how can he let Liu Nujun and others taste his other special skills?
Ouyang Rong suddenly thought of A Qing.
He wondered if he could use her as a bridge to find a breakthrough from Xiaoniang Zhishuang.
However, he soon rejected this path, or rather, he didn't have much hope for it.
Because that day, when Aqing came back, she specifically mentioned that Zhishuang's mother disliked cooking and forbade her from stepping into the dining hall.
This also means that Aqing can't come to the dining hall to visit him, and she doesn't know when she'll be able to come back to see him again, so she can't count on him for the time being...
Is there no other way? How can one showcase their culinary skills in front of the Queen and other high-ranking Yue women?
Upon closer reflection, the only people who could get close to the female rulers and influence their decisions were those close to them, such as direct disciples like Aqing. They were the best entry points.
However, Ouyang Rong was not familiar with many Yue women. Apart from A Qing, there were only Song Zhian and Yu Mili.
Wait a minute, Song Zhian is also in Qiutang, which seems to be close to the Sixth Lady.
Besides, I wonder how Yu Mili is doing in Peach Hall. Although that Uncle Tang is not a female ruler, as the head of Peach Hall, Yue Nu should also have the right to "instruct" Pao Changsun Da Niang, which may also be a breakthrough point.
Ouyang Rong's eyes showed a thoughtful expression.
With a general direction in mind, we got right to it.
Ouyang Rong focused his mind and worked diligently all day until dusk finally arrived.
After finishing his shift, he walked out of the dining hall, adjusted his felt hat, and did not immediately return to the thatched courtyard.
Discreetly inquiring along the way, they made their way to the island where Qiutang was located...
(End of this chapter)
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