Chapter 925 Transforming a Child into a Phoenix
There must be some intricate connection between these two things.
To truly understand this, we need to open this door and go inside for ourselves.
Ouyang Rong relaxed his brows, put down the empty wine glass, and continued to pour wine with his eyes lowered.
He made up his mind that on this trip back to Jianze, he would obtain something to help open the Blood Bronze Gate.
The cup was filled again, and Ouyang Rong tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp.
The image of Young Master Lu's proud and unyielding back flashed through my mind.
Pulling himself back to reality, Ouyang Rong glanced at the food on the table.
He glanced at the braised beef and cooked goose on the table, then reached into his left sleeve and shook a small ink stick.
"Mmm..."
Miao Si woke up groggily, only to have Ouyang Rong cover her mouth.
He sat by the window, where few people were paying attention. His left hand happened to be against the wall, so no one could see him. He picked up some food, put it on a plate, and then, when no one was looking, he slipped the plate into his left sleeve.
"Uh-huh!"
The aroma of cooked meat instantly cleared Miao Si's dazed eyes. She sniffed her nose and grabbed a cooked goose leg, devouring it with gusto while trying to resist making smacking noises with her lips.
Ouyang Rong chuckled inwardly.
In this way, he leisurely drank his wine while feeding his brilliant ideas.
The two of them started eating.
Time passed by, the night outside the window grew dark, and pedestrians became scarce.
After finishing his meal, Ouyang Rong put down his chopsticks and quietly waited for the brilliant idea.
At that moment, he felt a slight coolness on the back of his hand.
Turning my head, I saw that a light rain was falling outside the window.
The night rain pattered softly, a fine, scattered sound.
Raindrops drifted in through the window and landed on the back of my hand.
The night wind was quite strong.
The lobby was half full of people sitting at the tables, chatting and joking.
The other patrons at the surrounding tables seemed to be disturbed by the sound of rain, and some turned to look.
Ouyang Rong got up and went to close the window.
The lobby was filled with guests who were staying overnight at the Red Dust Inn. They were not local residents of the town, but travelers from all over the country.
Some of the accents were ones that even Ouyang Rong had never heard before.
However, aside from foreign languages, he has always had a talent for local dialects, which he honed while visiting villagers in Longcheng County, where customs and traditions varied from place to place.
So I could roughly understand what they were saying.
During the meal and drinks just now, there were quite a few people in the hall engaging in lively discussions, praising and criticizing current affairs.
Some people can be judged by their opening remarks when discussing politics. For example, those who start by talking about Emperor Taizong, praising him and how things are now, and how people's hearts have changed...
As he spoke, he frowned deeply, acting as if it were a serious matter, and his speech was delivered with pauses and inflections, like a stand-up comedy routine.
Ouyang Rong mostly ignored this level of skill, treating it as nothing more than a passing breeze.
We will not laugh at it, nor will we comment on it; we will simply treat it as entertainment for the people of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
If you happen to come across a professional storyteller, it can be a great way to entertain him while he eats, making him listen with great interest.
The real problem is that the storyteller himself might believe it to be true. Seriously, buddy, are you serious? I thought it was some kind of storytelling performance...
At that moment, the sudden sound of rain and wind outside interrupted the lively drinking atmosphere in the hall, and the guests at several tables quieted down.
Until Ouyang Rong, who was closest to the window, closed it.
The patrons at the table closest to the counter had just resumed their conversation, and one of them, a gaunt-faced man in a long robe, appeared to be a scholar.
He glanced at the still-charming proprietress by the counter, cleared his throat, and spoke again, offering a profound and enigmatic commentary on current events in Luoyang, subtly showcasing his extensive experience of "traveling all over the country."
His words drew sidelong glances from the patrons at the surrounding tables.
Whether Madam Yu was genuinely interested or just pretending, she put down her abacus at just the right moment and looked over with interest.
She leaned against the counter, her hand supporting her chin, her eyes filled with the unique fresh curiosity, admiration, and adoration of a young woman.
It was like a young girl hearing such profound and meaningful political discourse for the first time.
The scholar in the long robe was clearly pleased by the look in his eyes. He paused for a moment, his mouth spitting as he spoke. He smiled at the crowd as if keeping them in suspense, then picked up his wine cup with a bit of smugness, took a big gulp, and continued his rambling.
Ouyang Rong glanced at Madam Yu, who was maximizing the emotional value for the guests, then closed the window and prepared to sit down.
Just then, a person with an umbrella hurried past the window. Before Ouyang Rong could get a good look, the person had already walked in through the main entrance and bent down to put away the umbrella.
This was a middle-aged man with a weathered face, about forty years old, dressed in silk brocade robes, with various amulets from Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism hanging from his waist, looking like a businessman.
Small noses and small eyes are typical features of people from Jiangzuo (southern China), and there are indeed many merchants from that area, almost all over the country.
Ouyang Rong considered himself to have a fairly accurate eye for people, so he withdrew his gaze, sat down, and silently poured himself a drink.
The weathered middle-aged man went straight to the table next to Ouyang Rong and plopped down in his seat.
This table is already occupied.
Previously, a middle-aged man with a similar appearance and attire to the weathered middle-aged man had been sitting alone. He was probably also a businessman, but he appeared more prosperous and composed.
Previously, in the entire first-floor hall, only Ouyang Rong and the wealthy middle-aged man's tables were the quietest, each eating and drinking alone... If Miao Si doesn't count as a person... He completely ignored the long-robed scholars and others who were talking loudly.
At that moment, seeing the weathered middle-aged man hurry over and sit down opposite him, the well-to-do middle-aged man picked up the wine pot, poured him some wine, and jokingly said:
"Don't leave so quickly, Brother Cheng. It's not easy to meet, so stay and have a few more drinks. We won't leave until we're drunk. It would be better to set off again tomorrow morning... Look, we haven't gone far, and it's already raining. Even the heavens are urging Brother Cheng to stay."
Brother Cheng waved his hand:
“Brother Zhou, please don’t tease me. There are ships waiting in Cangzhou. This batch of tea needs to be transported there quickly. Every extra day we wait will cost more money. My business is small and modest, unlike your wealthy family, Brother Zhou…”
He raised his glass and clasped his hands in apology:
"It's not that I'm not giving Brother Zhou face this afternoon. Anyway, we often come to Taoyuan Town to buy tea and inspect goods. We'll have plenty of opportunities to meet, so it won't make a difference if we wait a little longer. Besides, with all that turmoil recently, all those decrees issued by the governments of Jiangnan and Lingnan... sigh, we need to transport a few more batches of goods before the situation tightens up. Just in case... well, let's not talk about these unlucky things. I'll punish myself with a drink."
Ouyang Rong, who was not far away, twitched his ears slightly but remained silent.
These two men seemed to be tea merchants; they both spoke with a Qiantang accent, so they were definitely from Jiangzuo.
Jiangnan Circuit is very large. Jiangzhou is located to the west of Jiangnan Circuit and belongs to the right of the river; Qiantang and other places are located to the east of Jiangnan Circuit and belong to the left of the river.
In addition, Ouyang Rong vaguely remembered that Taoyuan Town did indeed produce a type of tea called Yunwu Tea.
These merchants from Qiantang are quite bold, coming to this remote place, Taoyuan Town, they must have all spotted this kind of business opportunity.
As for the political turmoil and decrees mentioned by this merchant surnamed Cheng, Ouyang Rong had a vague idea of what they were.
He was seated with his back to the two tea merchants, his expression unchanged, continuing to pick up food and feed the "big eater" Xiao Mo Jing in his sleeve.
At the same time, their ears perked up slightly.
The two tea merchants at the table behind him didn't notice him, and ignored the guests who were talking loudly in the hall, continuing to toast and chat.
The wealthy tea merchant waved his hand and said:
"Brother Cheng has had a tough time. On a rainy day like this, we should take shelter from the rain first. If the rain gets heavy and lasts for several days, the tea leaves on the road will spoil."
He paused, then continued the previous topic with a sigh:
"Indeed, after that incident, local governments seem to be taking it very seriously. They've imposed martial law on the areas surrounding Yunmengze, including our Taoyuan Town, and have tightened restrictions on entry and exit. I've heard that checkpoints have been set up in every county and city to strictly check travel documents. In addition, the transport of salt and iron is being tightened, and it's strictly prohibited to transport them to the vicinity of Yunmengze..."
“Hey, you tell me, we look like honest business people. We have the Qiantang accent and household registration. How could we fake that? We don’t look like some Yunmeng Yue woman or some Jianze rebel. Our genders don’t even match up.”
Brother Cheng nodded solemnly:
"That's right, the investigations are getting stricter and stricter."
He paused, then sighed:
"Perhaps they're afraid we're accomplices of rebels, colluding in secret. There are quite a few people here who believe in Yunmeng Yuanjun. Before the imperial court issued a warrant for her arrest, the local people respectfully called these Yue women goddesses..."
"But who knows how the government got into this mess with them, calling it a rebellion? That's ridiculous! Luoyang is so far away. These Yue women were living peacefully in Yunmengze. Why would they go and rebel? If they wanted to carve out territory and become kings, it wouldn't be necessary. The emperor is far away, and the local people have had the worship of the Yuanjun for thousands of years. It won't make a difference if it happens a little longer..."
"Hush, Brother Cheng, be careful what you say."
The wealthy merchant surnamed Zhou suddenly raised a finger and interrupted.
Brother Cheng immediately shut up, quietly glanced around, and found that no one in the hall was paying attention to them.
His gaze swept past a burly man at the next table who was engrossed in his meal, and he nodded absentmindedly.
"Mmm, okay, let's drink, let's drink..."
The merchant surnamed Zhou sighed softly and covered his mouth, saying:
"Around Yunmengze, it seems that the Cangzhou government is relatively lenient. I heard that some officials in the Cangzhou government are dissatisfied with the strict orders issued from above and are unwilling to set up roadblocks. After all, there are many merchants who come here to do business, and most of them have shady dealings. How many of them have completely clean hands?"
"It's one thing to strictly prohibit salt and iron, but I'm afraid it's going too far. If it's so strictly controlled, everyone will end up starving... So, while there's still a loophole in Cangzhou, let's hurry up and transport more food out."
"Yes, Brother Zhou is absolutely right. You are indeed very perceptive..."
At this moment, the long-robed scholar, who had been talking loudly in the hall, asked the crowd in a nervous tone:
"Do you know that the situation in Luoyang is currently very turbulent and unpredictable, and the officials in the court are having trouble sleeping?"
His voice was loud enough to reach Ouyang Rong by the window, as well as the two merchants who were chatting idly.
Ouyang Rong remained silent, continuing to eat and drink.
Merchants Zhou and Cheng glanced over instinctively.
Why is that?
Inside the lobby, among the curious crowd, someone asked a question.
The scholar in the long robe seemed to enjoy being the center of attention. With a faint smile and a somewhat profound air, he spoke:
"It's all because a while ago, the Emperor suddenly announced in a high-profile manner that the Xunyang Prince's family was returning to the capital. This Xunyang Prince's family is no ordinary family. Although they are the Emperor's own flesh and blood, they had a falling out with their mother, were deposed from the throne, demoted to commoners, and exiled for more than ten years..."
"Recently, however, they were suddenly and solemnly brought back to the capital, in front of the entire court and Prince Wei, and were even placed in a nearby palace. Heh heh, this move is quite intriguing."
What does this mean?
Someone asked out of curiosity.
The scholar in his long robe waved his sleeve, and once he started talking, he couldn't stop:
"Of course they're coming back to vie for the throne. The current emperor's intentions are quite clear. However, Prince Wei and his youngest son, Prince Xiang, are still in the capital. They have long coveted the throne, which is common knowledge. That's why the situation in Luoyang is so delicate and interesting."
"In addition, there is another interesting story. It is said that the Emperor seems to dote on the youngest daughter of the Prince of Xunyang. There is a special bond between the grandparents and grandchildren. The Emperor not only personally raises her by his side, but it is also said that he takes her with him when he goes to the morning court."
"This youngest daughter of the Prince of Xunyang is now the most sought-after noblewoman in Luoyang, surpassing a large number of princesses of royal relatives. She can freely enter and leave the palace and is a guest of honor at every grand banquet at Princess Changle's residence, commenting on scholars from all over the world and outstanding talents in Luoyang."
"I've heard that she's not only incredibly intelligent, innocent, and pure-hearted, winning the favor of the emperor, but also possesses a beauty that rivals any fairy. Her looks and temperament are unparalleled in the city, and she's already rumored to be the most beautiful woman in Luoyang..."
"Although she is nominally still a princess, her reputation surpasses that of all the noblewomen of the imperial family, and has spread throughout the north and south of the country..."
Ouyang Rong remained expressionless throughout, reaching out to pick up food as if he were earnestly feeding the little ink spirit.
Inside the lobby, the guests looked at each other in bewilderment.
Madam Yu grabbed a handful of melon seeds and started cracking them open, her face beaming with enjoyment.
The merchants surnamed Cheng and Zhou exchanged a glance.
The merchant surnamed Cheng shook his head, while the merchant surnamed Zhou chuckled.
The two raised their glasses in unison, toasting each other as a gesture of respect.
The scholar in the long robe glanced around at the entire room, seemingly enjoying the atmosphere of controlling the pace of the meal.
As a result, the "eye-catching" expressions of the two merchants in the corner happened to fall into his eyes.
The scholar in the long robe suddenly turned his head and asked kindly in that direction:
"Judging from your expressions just now, it seemed you two were not quite in favor. May I ask what your insightful opinions are? Heh, could you enlighten me?"
The merchant surnamed Cheng immediately put down his chopsticks, clasped his hands in apology, and said:
"I had no such intention. I was just chatting with a friend and we did not discuss your statement at all."
The scholar in the long robe smiled insincerely and said:
"That would be best."
Just as he was about to turn around, the merchant surnamed Zhou drank a cup of wine, suddenly turned around, and said to the crowd:
"Brother Cheng is right. I didn't mean to talk about you, but your information is indeed a bit slow. You haven't even figured out the situation of the young princess of the Xunyang Prince's Mansion yet, which is naturally unpleasant to hear."
Before the scholar in the long robe could even show his displeasure, the merchant surnamed Zhou's loud voice had already echoed throughout the entire hall:
"In the middle of last month, the Emperor made a night visit to Shangyang Palace and issued an edict in Ganlu Hall, promoting the young princess to the title of Princess of the Great Zhou, bestowing upon her the title of Anle, granting her a golden book, and granting her the special privilege of establishing her own residence!"
(End of this chapter)
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