Seeing how upset the dog was, the couple didn't say anything. In this situation, only the dog could figure it out on its own; no amount of persuasion from others would help.
While gnawing on a chicken leg, Jiang Jiuniang said to Lu Baichuan, "This old man is obviously suspicious. Go and investigate tonight to see if he's being impersonated or if he's actually a very good imposter."
Before I knew, I respectfully called him Mr. Ouyang, but now I just call him "old man".
"That's what I think too. If this person has been planning for years to create an image of a respected figure, just to come out and guide public opinion at certain times, then you can imagine how many people have been misled over the years."
Lu Baichuan frowned deeply, feeling that these people really had it tough. Was it really worth it to sell their entire lives for an image?
If what they guessed was true, then the old gentleman Ouyang's eccentric temperament, his reluctance to meet outsiders, and his secluded lifestyle were all an act for the world to know. And now, Zhichunlou is able to invite such a highly respected old gentleman to write an inscription in public. What an honor that must be!
Similarly, a military general who could be publicly called reckless by Master Ouyang is naturally not worthy of respect, and the so-called treasure must really exist, otherwise why would so many people flock to it? Everyone isn't stupid!
"This net is cast too wide, which surprised me."
Jiang Jiuniang sighed and saw the distressed dog beside her, realizing that this blow had been quite significant for him.
After a while, Gou'er said sadly, "Mother, I don't want to see him or listen to his advice on my writing. He's disrespectful to his elders, looks down on military officers, and tries to sow discord between civil and military officials. Such a person won't help my writing. Let's go back after we finish eating."
Normally, he would have wanted to go with Lu Baichuan to investigate the old man's background, but he was too heartbroken today and didn't want to go.
He spent a lot of money to book such a worthless restaurant just to see this old man tonight, and even caused the little cow to be looked down upon and suffer a great injustice.
He imagined Mr. Ouyang to be a refined and humorous old man, knowledgeable and compassionate, not a gossipy and sarcastic old man.
Such a person wouldn't even acknowledge someone who offered them guidance on an article, let alone ask them for it.
Lu Baichuan rubbed his head and said, "Come with me to investigate tonight. It's not good to hide and feel bad when something happens."
It wasn't that he was too strict with his son, but rather that he didn't want his son to develop a tendency to back down when faced with challenges, as this would become the biggest obstacle on his path to adulthood.
The dog pursed its lips, but finally agreed.
The cheers below had subsided. Old Man Ouyang wrote a poem, which was indeed something a literary master could write, but the language was too ornate, and it was clear that the man was very arrogant, giving the impression that he thought he was very great.
But the people below were completely captivated by it, cheering louder and louder, looking quite frenzied.
No one questioned why Old Man Ouyang was acting differently than usual, which meant that he had always been like this; in the eyes of the locals, this was perfectly normal.
This means that Old Man Ouyang has been stirring up trouble and manipulating public opinion all along.
Jiang Jiuniang murmured, "No wonder this old man, despite not having the support of a family and rarely seeing outsiders, let alone going out to give lectures, still lives a life of luxury. So that's how he makes his income. He just stands up and says a few words, and the money comes so easily. I would do it too!"
Lu Baichuan: ...
Dog: ...
Old Man Ouyang must have finished eating beforehand. After speaking on stage, he left the restaurant to go home. Lu Baichuan wanted to take the opportunity to follow him to investigate, so the family didn't stay any longer. Jiang Jiuniang packed up the crib, and the family got up and left.
The waiter, pale-faced, stood guard outside the door and escorted them all the way to the entrance.
Jiang Jiuniang didn't try to fool him and gave him the antidote directly.
Xiao Er was extremely grateful. After taking the antidote, he showed obvious improvement, but his face was particularly gloomy as he watched the family of four leave.
This family is no good; it would be great if our master could get rid of them all.
However, they were not allowed to inquire about their master's affairs, and he dared not utter a word.
In order to catch up with Old Man Ouyang, Lu Baichuan did not send Jiang Jiuniang and Xiangxiang back, but left directly with the dog.
Jiang Jiuniang, carrying her daughter and leading the little cow, strolled back to the inn through the streets.
The streets were unusually lively tonight because Zhichunlou was celebrating its anniversary with fireworks, a rare sight indeed. Young women and ladies alike came out to watch the spectacle, and several shy couples could be seen whispering sweet nothings to each other.
Jiang Jiuniang glanced at it a few times and then looked away. This was too subtle and not interesting. She was used to the kind of couples in later generations who would start kissing after only a few words, and she couldn't stand this kind of couple who blushed and dared not look at each other after just a few words.
The calf led the way, preventing people from bumping into her while she was holding the baby.
But there are always those troublemakers who, seeing a little spotted dog on the street, won't say a word but will kick it.
The little calf was walking along peacefully when it was suddenly kicked and sent flying to the ground. It cried out in pain, tucked its tail between its legs, and went to find Jiang Jiuniang looking very timid, but it still stood in front of Jiang Jiuniang.
Jiang Jiuniang was holding her daughter and looking at the sugar figurines being sold on the street. She didn't notice the little cow being kicked at first. She only turned around when she heard the dog barking, and saw a man with sallow skin, a pointed mouth, and a monkey-like face looking at her provocatively.
"Oh, is this mongrel your pet, young lady?"
The man had a mocking look on his face. He was attracted by Jiang Jiuniang's appearance and boldly looked her up and down.
Even though Jiang Jiuniang had a married woman's hairstyle and was holding a baby in her arms, it didn't affect his filthy thoughts; in fact, it made him even more excited.
Jiang Jiuniang glanced at the calf to make sure it was alright, then asked the man, "Did you kick my dog?"
"So what if he is? He's just a beast. You won't hold it against me, will you, young lady? Here's what we'll do: where do you live? I'll kindly take you home as an apology, how about that?"
Jiang Jiuniang's demeanor and attire clearly indicate that she is not from an ordinary family, but she has no servants with her now, so she must have been separated from her family. Women like her are the easiest to bully; they have delicate skin and are powerless to resist.
I'll use the excuse of taking her home, and find a secluded spot on the way to get things done.
"Okay, I understand."
Jiang Jiuniang gave an irrelevant answer and walked towards the man.
The man thought Jiang Jiuniang thought he was a good person and wanted to ask for his help, and a smug smile appeared on his face.
Before the smile could fully bloom, it froze on her face.
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