Chapter 648 Emotional Debt [Seeking Monthly Tickets!]
"Ouyang Lianghan, what's wrong?"
Rong Zhen's gaze fell on Ouyang Rong's face, and after a while, she asked:
Is there something wrong with it?
Ouyang Rong raised his head and asked in return:
Why did Lady Rong join in her nonsense?
"What's the meaning?"
Rongzhen asked a strange question.
Ouyang Rong pondered:
"The attack on the crown prince is neither a big deal nor a small matter. There are still many questions that have not been answered. Is it appropriate to rush to investigate now?"
“Ms. Rong, once you’re on the scales, the responsibility will fall on the shoulders of the Censorate and the Jiangzhou Grand Hall.”
"But the matter of the river pirates has not yet been concluded. What if it is just a coincidence? If the group of river pirates who attacked Hukou County were just ordinary bandits and it was just a coincidence, they might be apprehended and brought to justice in no time."
"Of course, this is only one possibility."
"However, this matter has not yet been investigated and the investigation is still in its early stages. It is premature and hasty to report to Luoyang and classify them as rebels who have infiltrated Jiangzhou.
"Lady Miaozhen acted arbitrarily, bypassing me and Lady Rong... well, she didn't even consult with me, the chief official of Jiangzhou. Lady Rong still gave me face, but she ignored me."
"However, Lady Rong, have you considered that this matter could easily leave His Majesty and the officials with the impression that our Jiangzhou region is full of incompetent fools? We just brought in reinforcements from the Xuanwu and Baihu Guards, and now we've received news that the Prince of Xunyang was almost attacked..."
"In short, from the perspective of our Jiangzhou government and the Supervisory Council, Lady Miaozhen's actions are very unethical. What is she doing interfering in the affairs of our Jiangzhou as a female official who is in charge of supervising the southwestern front?
"Not only did she overstep her bounds, but she also volunteered to be transferred back to Xunyang City. Putting aside whether it's because the front lines are too difficult or she has a personal desire to be transferred back to Xunyang City, does Lady Miaozhen think that our Jiangzhou government and the Censorate can't handle the affairs of Xunyang City well and that she has to come back in person?"
Rong Zhen listened silently, then sighed.
“Ouyang Lianghan, what you say makes sense. I really didn’t think of so many things, and I never expected there to be so many twists and turns. At the time, I saw that she was a colleague in the palace and seemed to be concerned about Xunyang City, so I didn’t stop her.”
Ouyang Rong asked directly:
"We've sent someone to chase after the secret report she handed over this morning. Can we stop them?"
Rongzhen shook her head:
"No, it's too late. Besides, this secret channel for submitting memorials goes directly to the Emperor's ears. The people on this route are not under local jurisdiction. Sending someone to stop them will only get us into trouble."
“This is my fault. I did not stop her immediately and allowed her to pass through this road to report.”
Rong Zhen thought Ouyang Rong would be angry, but to her surprise, he remained calm after being rejected.
Ouyang Rong spoke calmly and continued to give instructions:
"Alright. Lady Rong, let's make an exception this time and learn a lesson. If they try to interfere in our affairs again, you must stop them and inform me immediately. We cannot let them run wild again."
He paused, then emphasized:
"We are brothers and colleagues, jointly managing the overall situation of Xunyang City. Everything must be considered in the context of the overall situation."
Rong Zhen paused slightly, then nodded:
"Alright, I will be more careful next time."
She glanced at Ouyang Rong again.
It seems that his previous analysis of the pros and cons was all for the sake of this condition.
However, Rongzhen didn't care or mind.
Ouyang Rong pondered for a moment, then asked again:
"Did Lady Miaozhen obtain the intelligence about the river pirates attacking Hukou County through your spies? Lady Rong, are you aware of this matter?"
Rong Zhen frowned slightly and said:
"The personnel of the Censorate at the front are all under the jurisdiction of Lady Miaozhen. However, this matter is of great importance. I did inquire about it and learned that the Censorate had indeed received intelligence in advance that a group of water pirates from an unknown place had been active near Hukou County recently, posing a threat to the Yangtze River waterway used for transporting supplies to the front."
"Lady Miaozhen probably knew about this matter beforehand and noticed that the Crown Prince happened to be passing by the scene at Hukou, so she rushed to inform him..."
Ouyang Rong's brows remained furrowed: "I understand."
At this moment, Rongzhen suddenly asked:
"Does Lady Miaozhen have some kind of conflict with the Prince of Xunyang's residence?"
Ouyang Rong glanced at her and waved his hand:
"Now that the Donglin Buddha is about to be completed, we are all working for the court and jointly resisting the bandits. There is no conflict between us. Even if there is, it must be put aside for the time being. Rest assured, Madam Rong, I and the Prince of Xunyang's mansion know what is important."
"It would be best if you thought that way."
Rong Zhen sighed softly, remained silent for a moment, and then spoke first:
"I will speak to Lady Miaozhen. She has served by His Majesty's side and should know that His Majesty hates officials who are inconsiderate and put their personal affairs above state affairs."
"Alright, thank you very much, Ms. Rong."
"polite."
Rongzhen pondered for a moment, then said:
"What arrangements should be made in Hukou County, Ouyang Ronglianghan? Do you have any ideas?"
Ouyang Rong gave a light snort:
"Lady Miaozhen isn't very concerned about this matter. Let her investigate first. But Lady Rong, you and Deputy Supervisor Song can't go. The main force in Xunyang City can't leave."
"Why is that? Didn't you just urge us to investigate?"
"There are priorities in the investigation. Right now, reinforcements from the White Tiger Guard and the Black Tortoise Guard are still on their way. Just in case, we must be careful of a diversionary tactic."
"Although the composition of this group of pirates cannot be determined at present, as mentioned earlier, the timing of their appearance is indeed a bit strange."
Ouyang Rong said thoughtfully.
“Ouyang Lianghan, you have indeed considered everything thoroughly. We will do as you say. I will go find Lady Miaozhen now and have her investigate over there first…”
Rongzhen nodded and left.
...
afternoon.
The study in the Xunyang Prince's Mansion.
Everyone gathered again.
Ouyang Rong recounted what had happened that morning.
Upon learning that Miaozhen had submitted a memorial, everyone looked at each other in bewilderment.
Wei Mei was the first to raise his eyebrows and speak coldly:
"That plague, she's like a persistent ghost, always clinging to our manor and Seventh Brother. We thought she was trying to curry favor with us by rescuing Eldest Brother, but now it seems she has ulterior motives and her own little schemes."
Li Xian also looked worried:
"My lord, what can we do to stop her from being transferred back? I don't want to see her either. Why don't we submit a memorial to the emperor as well?"
Ouyang Rong was deep in thought when he heard this and shook his head:
"This is a poor choice."
Seeing everyone's worry and fear, Ouyang Rong shook his head:
"It's alright. Things are different now. The Prince's Mansion is not like it was when I first came to Xunyang and was monitored by her and Wang Lengran. I am no longer the Chief Administrator of Jiangzhou. Now I have the official seal of the Prefect."
"She's just a court lady in charge of official robes; she can't really make things difficult for us. At most, she'll just be annoyed on the sidelines. We just need to make sure she doesn't find any fault with us."
"All right."
Li Guo'er interrupted:
"I'm afraid that she saved Dalang this time just to get this chance to be transferred back. If she still holds a grudge and thinks of a way to kill our whole family, then even if we save Dalang temporarily, it's not necessarily a bad thing."
"This also explains why she was so eager to please me. It's like a weasel offering New Year's greetings to a chicken."
Li Xian and the others nodded in agreement.
Li Dalang also chimed in:
"On the way back this time, Miaozhen kept staring at me and said I looked a lot like my father when he was young, which was a bit creepy..."
Everyone looked at Li Xian with strange expressions.
Wei Mei turned her head sharply and glared at Li Xian.
The latter shrank back.
Li Dalang couldn't help but ask:
"Father, did you really offend her in the past? Have you held onto this grudge all these years? Also... did you have any other romantic entanglements when you were young? Perhaps you could tell me in advance..."
Under the shrewish gaze of the lioness from the east of the river, Li Xian spoke weakly, scratching the back of his head:
"If I said I had no recollection, that I really don't remember, Mei Niang, Da Lang, Tan Lang... would you believe me?"
"hehe."
Wei Mei sneered and looked down at the back of her well-maintained hand: "So you can clap your hands loudly, huh?"
Li Xian: "..."
He said with a bitter expression, "She was just an ordinary lady-in-waiting in the Empress's palace. I often came and went there. Who knew she would fall in love with me and suddenly confess her feelings? I was caught off guard and, as usual, refused..."
Xie Lingjiang interrupted the idle chatter and calmly said:
"The Donglin Buddha is about to be completed, and we need the help of the eldest brother and the prince. Xunyang City cannot be thrown into chaos. It's not time to discard them after they've served their purpose."
"Therefore, Empress Wei can no longer send her to imprison us as before. Since that's the case, there's no need to fear her like a tiger."
"She submitted her memorial under the pretext of filling the air defense gaps at the Xunyang Prince's Palace, and even after she was transferred back, it was still for this responsibility."
"Therefore, they certainly wouldn't dare to openly cause trouble; at most, they might resort to underhanded tactics or tip-offs."
"In that case, both Senior Brother and the Prince can find some legitimate excuses to deal with her..."
Ouyang Rong pressed Xie Lingjiang's hand down and nodded in agreement:
"Junior Sister is right. We should meet force with force and water with earth. We must not panic. Let's see what she's up to."
After a short while, Ouyang Rong offered a few more words of comfort, and everyone felt at ease.
At the entrance of the study, figures scattered.
Wei Mei gave Li Xian a cold look, then walked away quickly with her head held high and chest out.
Li Xian hurriedly jogged to catch up, calling out "Mei Niang, Mei Niang" in his mouth.
I reckon it'll be another tough time coaxing him.
Xie Lingjiang and Li Guo'er seemed to have something to talk about privately, so they went back to their boudoir first.
Only two figures remained at the doorway.
Li Dalang turned his head and smiled, saying:
"I'll see my beloved off."
Ouyang Rong glanced at him.
"good."
The two, who hadn't seen each other for some time, walked side by side along the corridor toward the gate of the mansion.
Ouyang Rong asked:
"I went out into the world and endured hardships, don't you blame me, Dalang?"
Li Dalang turned his head, his face very serious, and said:
“Ever since Tanlang agreed to stay and help us, I have never resented Tanlang, nor do I blame you for what you did. You have your reasons for these things, and I trust Tanlang.”
Ouyang Rong didn't look at him and walked ahead alone for a while.
He curled his lip in disgust:
"This is more than enough for Dalang to use to deal with his unmarried daughter; he's ready to graduate."
Li Dalang scratched his head.
After that, the atmosphere between the two became quiet.
No one broke the silence.
Fifteen minutes later, we reached the end of the corridor, near the gate of the mansion.
Ouyang Rong saw Ali's carriage waiting ahead.
He didn't leave; he paused for a while.
Li Dalang stood with him for a while, without urging him on.
Ouyang Rong nodded slightly and walked away.
"Wait, Tanlang."
As expected, Li Dalang couldn't hold back any longer.
"Ask away."
Ouyang Rong gave his friend a half-smile, glancing sideways at him.
Li Dalang felt a little embarrassed by that gaze, lowered his head slightly, and said:
Have you seen her during this time?
"Still thinking about it? Looks like you haven't changed at all since this trip..."
Li Dalang said with a serious expression, "No, I changed it, but... I'm very curious about something now."
"Yes." Ouyang Rong nodded: "We've met a few times."
Li Dalang pressed further, "Then, did she ask about me? Did she mention me to Tanlang?"
"without."
Ouyang Rong answered truthfully.
Just one word, clean and concise.
The atmosphere fell silent.
Ouyang Rong waited for a while, but Li Dalang behind him didn't say anything, so he turned around to look.
"good!"
Ouyang Rong looked back and bumped into Li Dalang's smiling face.
He smiled and nodded, his reply consisting of a single, concise word.
"I'm leaving, don't be sad." Ouyang Rong waved his hand: "If you're really sad, go have a drink with Liu Lang. I've quit drinking recently, so I can't keep you company."
"Um...wait, what's sad? I'm not sad."
Li Dalang emphasized.
Ouyang Rong smiled without saying a word, stepped forward, and gracefully boarded the carriage.
The carriage slowly moved away from the palace, about to disappear around the street corner.
Ouyang Rong lifted the carriage curtain and glanced back.
Li Dalang's figure was still standing there...
Back in the main hall of Jiangzhou, Ouyang Rong had nothing important to do in the afternoon, and time passed quickly.
Dusk falls.
Ouyang Rong returned to his residence in Huaiye Lane.
Upon entering Yinbingzhai, he found Ye Weilai waiting for him.
The silver-haired girl was sitting at the table, resting her chin on her hands, gazing at the brilliant sunset in the distance.
On the table in front of him was a plate of pastries.
Ouyang Rong looked down and saw that it was also osmanthus cake.
It's still warm, so it must have been made not long ago.
Ye Weilai immediately stood up, took the coat he had taken off, and Ouyang Rong rolled up his sleeves, sat down at the table, and tasted a piece of pastry.
It's a familiar taste.
After a while, Ye Weilai, gazing at the sunset outside the door, suddenly asked:
"When will Tanlang bring her back?"
Ouyang Rong glanced at her.
I noticed that the expression on her face was strange.
There is both anticipation and joy, as well as sadness and worry.
Ye Weilai walked away, closed the door, and turned back in the same spot.
“When she was a cook at the Melu Garden, she also made pastries. Nu’er learned this skill from her. That’s when I caught her doing this. Tan Lang knows about it.”
Ouyang Rong nodded slightly: "Mm."
She stood with her hands behind her back, facing Ouyang Rong, and tilted her head slightly as she said:
"My lord, you should be careful. After the lady tasted this pastry the day before yesterday, she seemed to have some suspicions. Today, she even subtly questioned me about it..."
Ouyang Rong pursed his lips: "Okay."
Ye Weilai walked over, sat in Ouyang Rong's lap, hooked her arms around his neck, and leaned close to his ear to whisper:
"Actually, besides Lady Xie, the one we should be most careful of is Lady Rongzhen, she is the one we should really be wary of."
As Ouyang Rong listened, he couldn't help but glance at the silver-haired girl who was muttering to herself and offering him advice.
Why does this feel like a cunning strategist has officially launched?
...
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(End of this chapter)
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