Chapter 98 Discussing Matters in the Carriage with My Junior Sister, a Seventh-Rank Rank Student (Combined Chapter)
"There's something wrong with the Liu family."
After leaving Yuanming Tower, Ouyang Rong and Xie Lingjiang paused on the steps in the evening breeze, waiting for a moment, with the red light shining down from the two vermilion lanterns above their heads.
Liu Ashan drove a carriage out from a nearby alley and stopped in front of them. Ouyang Rong stepped forward first, and before getting into the carriage, he turned to Xie Lingjiang and suddenly said something like this.
This is a declarative tone.
Xie Lingjiang, her eyes filled with curiosity, entered the dimly lit carriage. As Liu Asan slowly started the carriage, the woman in men's clothing curiously asked the young magistrate, who was resting with his eyes closed:
"What's the problem?"
Ouyang Rong, without opening his eyes, spoke:
"The Liu family knelt down too quickly and decisively tonight. Although their words were still annoying, they were completely obedient to me. It's like saying no but their bodies are completely honest... It's no different from begging on their knees. This is not like their usual style."
What a strange metaphor! Xie Lingjiang was speechless.
"Is there a problem if they agree too quickly? Isn't it because their senior brother is too arrogant that they are forced to submit to him?"
"The Liu family has been suppressed and ostracized by Senior Brother for so long, it's not impossible that they've softened their knees a bit. As long as these local tyrants and bullies aren't pushed too far, and given a way out, they'll naturally change their tune and become weak and obsequious. This is what Senior Brother said before."
"What if there's no way out and we're forced into a corner?"
"What's the meaning?"
Ouyang Rong opened his eyes and said:
"I made the decision this morning to build the Zheyi Canal in two phases. As soon as the meeting was over, an insider ran to report it. In the afternoon, Liu Zian came running over to apologize. By evening, Liu Ziwen had put aside his grudges and came over with great sincerity to shake hands and make peace."
"Is this still the same Liu family that used Di Gong's Gate and disaster relief grain to subdue me? The speed of this surrender and peace negotiation is dazzling. What else could it be but someone getting impatient?"
"If you insist that the Liu family has been tamed by your senior brother, it's not entirely unreasonable, but the contrast is too fast. Before today, the Liu family was as stable as an old dog. It's more likely that something happened that caught them off guard and threw them into disarray."
Ouyang Rong turned his head and analyzed.
Seeing his junior sister speechless for a moment, he said calmly:
"I guess it's very likely that the decision to build the Zheyi Canal in phases made them anxious. To be more specific, the decision to complete and put the first phase of the Zheyi Canal into operation within two months may have touched a nerve with the Liu family."
Xie Lingjiang said thoughtfully, "Did you make this judgment based on the postponement conditions that Liu Ziwen proposed to Zheyiqu at the banquet just now?"
Ouyang Rong nodded, and with a wave of his hand:
"Don't listen to Liu Ziwen's long string of nonsense. It's making me sleepy. I don't care if what he says makes sense or is logical. I'll only look at how his final demand will affect our existing Zheyi Canal plan. This 'impact' is very likely what the Liu family wants to achieve. I'll treat everything else as a smokescreen!"
Xie Lingjiang seemed to realize something, and leaned forward to ask:
"But what exactly did the broken-wing canal, after being phased out, hit at their weak point?"
Ouyang Rong was silent for a moment, then slowly shook his head:
"I don't know, but it's very likely to be the core interest of the Liu family. Only when huge interests are involved can a powerful family like the Liu family bow down."
He seemed to remember something and asked in confusion:
"After the first phase of the Zheyi Canal is completed, it may divert the water from the main channel of the Butterfly Creek. The Liu family's largest business is the sword forge on the west bank of the Butterfly Creek. Could it be that, as the superstitious people in the county say, diverting the Butterfly Creek will affect the sword-making at the Guyue Sword Shop?"
Ouyang Rong couldn't help but recall the questioning raised by someone after he publicly announced the new construction on the main street in front of the county government office that day.
He pondered for a moment, then shook his head:
"That's not right either. The Zheyi Canal will eventually be opened. The diversion of the Butterfly Creek is already set. This is an open conspiracy. The Zheyi Canal is now in the interest of most people in Longcheng County. It has become an unstoppable trend. The Liu family can't stop it. Besides, haven't they also invested 10,000 guan? Why would they add fuel to the fire?"
"Or is it that they simply don't want the Broken Wing Canal to open in the short term? But what's the point of that? Racing against time to forge more swords? No, that doesn't seem to be the core interest of the Liu family at all. So what exactly are they after?"
The young magistrate looked puzzled.
Xie Lingjiang pondered for a moment, then suddenly realized:
"Could it be that you're worried that once your senior brother completes the first phase of the Zheyi Canal, you won't have to worry about flooding for a while?"
"The Liu family had heard some definite news beforehand and bet that Senior Brother would be anxious about the short-term flood and would go to them for help, hoping to get Di Gongzha, his only lifeline. This way, they could control Senior Brother."
Xie Lingjiang's explanation became increasingly coherent, and she felt that this direction was highly likely:
"But now, with the phased implementation of the Zheyi Canal project, this path may not be feasible. That's why Liu Ziwen is in a hurry today and is trying to find ways to stop his senior brother!"
Ouyang Rong asked, "But tonight they came here not only to invest 10,000 strings of cash in the county government, but also to contract the construction of the Di Gong Sluice. Is it just to obstruct my water management? The Di Gong Sluice is being built even faster than the first phase of the Zheyi Canal. Isn't this putting the cart before the horse?"
"Senior Brother, think about it. If you really grant Liu's request tonight and suspend the phased construction of the Zheyi Canal, wouldn't the Digong Sluice Gate be the only water conservancy project in Longcheng County for the foreseeable future? At that time, wouldn't Liu be able to use it to manipulate you at will?"
"So, the Di Gongzha gate wasn't a concession of benefits to my senior brother at all, but rather a bait; once you take it, you're trapped!"
Ouyang Rong smiled wryly:
"This line of reasoning does make sense, but there's still a major flaw. Is controlling me really their core interest? Are they willing to expend so many resources for that? And to swallow their pride and humble themselves?"
He chuckled:
"If that's the case, it's like sacrificing a rook for a cannon in chess, which is a bit stupid. Besides, I didn't agree to Liu Ziwen's request. The Zheyi Canal will still be built in phases, and the Digong Sluice Gate will be repaired immediately. They can't threaten me. Isn't Liu Ziwen losing out big time now?"
Xie Lingjiang was speechless for a moment, feeling that what her senior brother said made a lot of sense.
She couldn't help but sigh, "What exactly is Liu Ziwen trying to do? Could it be that he's really admitting defeat and choosing to cooperate obediently... but my senior brother feels there's something wrong with him..."
Ouyang Rong turned his head and asked, "Did I bully someone a bit tonight?"
Mentioning this, Xie Lingjiang's eyes lit up with a smile, and she said crisply, "It is indeed somewhat scorching, but when Senior Brother gets domineering, he's quite..."
"Support what?"
"He has the spirit of a true man."
She spoke the last few words a little slowly, glancing at someone.
Unfortunately, Ouyang Rong's mind wasn't on that at the moment, and he immediately explained:
“I did it on purpose, deliberately putting on airs, but I didn’t expect Liu Ziwen to be so tolerant, so I couldn’t help but go even further, but he still agreed to all my conditions… The more he did this, the more I suspected that people are just like that, taking an inch and then a mile.”
Ouyang Rong sighed, wondering if he was just being paranoid.
Xie Lingjiang couldn't help but chuckle: "If Liu Ziwen heard what you said, he might be furious."
Ouyang Rong shook his head, frowned, and said:
"I don't care if he's angry or not. No matter how much he tries to appear weak, I won't underestimate him. Besides, I just want to figure out what he's really up to, and what interests of the Liu family this Broken Wing Canal has touched..."
The streetlights outside shone through the gaps in the carriage curtains, casting interplay of light and shadow inside. Xie Lingjiang gazed intently at her senior brother's profile as he pondered deeply. She suddenly thought that from this angle, her senior brother's face was rather handsome.
She gently reminded her:
"Whatever it is, Senior Brother, you need to be careful from now on. You rejected Liu Ziwen's proposal, but Zheyiqu is still proceeding with installments, and you even got a Di Gong Gate from the Liu family for nothing. If they really have some hidden agenda, you may have already angered them."
After a pause, Xie Lingjiang said seriously, "From now on, I will accompany you every time you go out. You are not allowed to leave me and run off."
"The Liu family dared not bear the crime of harming an official of the imperial court."
"But it's hard to guard against a hidden arrow."
"Okay, fine."
Coming to his senses, Ouyang Rong glanced at his junior sister, and without much thought, nodded slightly in agreement. He then immediately changed the subject:
"Junior sister just said something that makes a lot of sense."
"What did you say?"
“Di Gongzha may not be a concession made to me.”
"What does Senior Brother think?"
"Junior sister, do you still remember that old Cui?" Ouyang Rong suddenly asked.
"Of course I remember," Xie Lingjiang said, somewhat surprised.
"Do you remember what he said before the burning of the tent? You mentioned it to me last time."
"I remember." Xie Lingjiang's expression turned serious.
"Old Cui sighed after reviewing the Liu family's accounts, saying... no wonder they suffer from floods every year, yet they become wealthy every year, it's as if they were prophetic... wait, what does Senior Brother mean..."
Ouyang Rong nodded:
“I have carefully checked the county government archives. From the time when Master Di was demoted to Longcheng and first built the Di Gong Gate, the Di Gong Gate has collapsed almost every four years. The timing is also very coincidental, always around the time of the handover between the old and new county magistrates. The timing is always about 80-90% perfect.”
“In order to draw the sand table of Butterfly Creek, I visited the area near Di Gong Sluice Gate upstream and asked some displaced people about Di Gong Sluice Gate. Most of them said that there was a Dragon King in this water who would swim through it once every four years, but his way was blocked by Di Gong Sluice Gate, so it collapsed.”
"Does Senior Brother believe in such superstitious beliefs?"
"Of course I don't believe it. I'm more inclined to believe it's a man-made disaster than a natural one."
Xie Lingjiang recalled Ouyang Rong's difficult questions at the banquet just now and couldn't help but ask, "Senior brother, are you saying... that it was actually the Liu family who tampered with Di Gongzha?"
"It's possible, but not necessarily."
Xie Lingjiang said incredulously, "They've really gone mad. They dare to sabotage the imperial water conservancy project. If they're caught, it's a capital offense, and even the current prime minister can't protect them."
Ouyang Rong nodded: "If there's no evidence, then nothing will happen as long as we don't get caught?"
"That would invite divine retribution!"
Ouyang Rong turned to ask, "Do you remember the last condition Liu Ziwen just made?"
"He wants my senior brother to hold a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony, not only to invite the powerful local gentry of Longcheng, but also to invite the officials of Jiangzhou City... Based on what my senior brother just deduced, these conditions sound a bit strange now."
Xie Lingjiang couldn't help but look up and ask, "Senior brother, have you noticed something and are you trying to refuse?"
Ouyang Rong didn't answer. After a moment of silence, he narrowed his eyes and said:
"Why not let Di Gong repair the sluice gate? As for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, if you want to hold it... then let it be held. Junior sister, you also said that daring to damage the imperial water conservancy project is a capital offense, and ten Liu families wouldn't be enough to atone for it."
Ouyang Rong seemed to be implying something, and Xie Lingjiang deeply agreed.
The carriage fell silent for a moment.
After discussing all these intricate details, Xie Lingjiang couldn't help but let out a long breath. She lifted the curtain of the carriage, as if wanting some fresh air, but suddenly caught sight of a figure outside. The noble lady of the Xie family frowned and immediately lowered the curtain.
Seeing her expression, Ouyang Rong couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong?"
Xie Lingjiang shook her head expressionlessly.
The young magistrate didn't believe it, but still reached out and lifted the curtain. He immediately saw a staggering figure following not far behind the carriage.
Ouyang Rong also frowned.
"Ah Shan, stop the car."
"Yes, sir."
The carriage stopped at the roadside. Ouyang Rong lifted the curtain and leaned out halfway. He sternly asked the disheveled Hu woman who had followed him timidly:
What do you want to do?
Yingniang immediately knelt down in front of the carriage, tears streaming down her face, and cried out "Miss Xie," her mouth full of words of remorse and apology. She kowtowed repeatedly, humbly begging Xie Lingjiang for forgiveness, saying that she was willing to be Xie's servant for the rest of her life, only asking Miss Xie to take her in.
Ouyang Rong observed silently, the carriage behind him also completely quiet. He turned to look inside the carriage:
The junior sister held a sword across her lap, staring straight ahead, saying nothing and ignoring everything.
The young magistrate turned around and said softly:
“Back then, my junior sister treated you sincerely. She gave you the only precious pearl she possessed. In fact, if you had any troubles that day, you could have told her. With her gentle nature, she would have forgiven and protected you. Tell me, is the Xie family of Chenjun really inferior to the Liu family of Longcheng?”
"But you still chose to betray them that day, turning around and slandering the only person who truly wanted to save you... Now that the Liu family has released you to please your junior sister, cherish and be content."
"Go, go as far away as possible. This is the last time. If you dare to appear in front of your junior sister again, I will send you back to the Liu family without her having to lift a finger."
After saying that, he turned back to the carriage without looking back. Ah Shan tacitly cracked the whip, and the car slowly started moving forward and drove away.
On the street behind, the lonely Hu Ji collapsed to the ground, her body limp. She stared blankly at the departing carriage of the Xie noblewoman. It was only recently that she learned that the Xie girl who had once kindly helped her was of such great importance. Even the Liu family of Longcheng, whom she had always regarded as a behemoth, had to be polite and obsequious to her. Hu Ji felt a sudden pang of heartache and was overwhelmed with regret...
As night fell, the carriage leisurely returned to Deer Street.
Ouyang Rong sighed and turned to ask, "By sparing her life, Junior Sister, do you want her to live the rest of her life in regret?"
“Not entirely.” Xie Lingjiang put the sword on her lap aside and calmly shook her head: “Actually, I am somewhat grateful to her.”
"What are you thanking me for?"
Xie Lingjiang suddenly grabbed Ouyang Rong's right hand and placed it on his bent legs. She naturally rolled up his sleeve and examined the red mark on her senior brother's right forearm without blinking. She lowered her head and whispered:
"Senior brother, I'll borrow your 'qi' and reach the seventh rank."
Ouyang Rong looked astonished.
I woke up late tonight and was in a bit of a rush, so I'll combine the two chapters and post the next one around midnight. The timing isn't sure, so please don't wait up, my dear brothers. Get some rest and remember to cover yourselves with blankets~ (A reminder from a tough-guy white-haired maid).
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
