No, gentlemen also guard against

Chapter 628: Half a day of leisure, birthday invitation [asking for monthly tickets! ]

"Sister, the government officials are still here. It seems they have set up a checkpoint and are not planning to leave."

"Ah."

"Sister, why hasn't the young lady come back yet? Who was the noble lady who took her away this morning?"

"do not know."

"Sister, are we lurking behind enemy lines and looking for opportunities? But why do I feel like there is no chance at all? As for living a comfortable life of eating and waiting to die, well, the young lady's cooking skills are really good. I am getting fat."

"Shut up."

A quiet courtyard, at the gate.

Fang Juxiu and Fang Shengnan were chatting casually.

Fang Juxiu bent down, put her head against the courtyard gate, and opened the door slightly. She squinted and observed the checkpoint where constables and yamen runners were standing guard at the intersection not far away.

Fang Shengnan stood behind her sister holding a sword, a dogtail grass in her mouth, and complained with a sigh on her face.

After being scolded by her sister, Fang Shengnan thought about it, looked serious, and asked in a low voice:
"Sister, do you think we can get rid of the people in these checkpoints without anyone noticing?"

"No, you are not allowed to go."

Fang Juxiu refused without even turning his head.

"Why are you so unconfident, sister?"

Fang Shengnan complained.

"This is Xunyang City. People from the Supervisory Council and government offices are everywhere. We must not alert them."

"What if the young lady takes action? She is a legendary Qigong practitioner."

"Do you think Mr. Yue Chuzi wants to leave?"

Fang Shengnan, who was originally full of fighting spirit and unwilling to give up, paused, sighed, and became a little dejected:
"It seems that the young lady only wants to do laundry and cook for that Mr. Ouyang."

Fang Juxiu pursed his lips.

After a long while, he withdrew his eyes from the crack in the door, looked back at Fang Shengnan, and said softly:

"The young lady may have some plans that are difficult for us to understand. It is part of the plan. We must not affect her and expose her, otherwise we will die."

"Is it part of the plan? Hmm, why do I feel that the young master is a little obsessed with it and doesn't want to leave..."

Fang Shengnan muttered, and then shut her mouth when Fang Juxiu frowned.

"No matter what, we have found Yue Chuzi and our mission has been accomplished. The most important thing to do next is to return the Yunmeng Order to that senior, and then find a way to leave the city and go back to report. Do you understand?"

"understood."

After a moment of silence, Fang raised his sleeves and said:
"Your feelings may not be unreasonable. Lord Yue Chuzi is very special to him, but regarding matters involving this young lady... well, let's ask that senior when we have a chance. Let's not get involved to prevent any accidents."

"Okay, sister, be cautious."

Fang Shengnan nodded like a chick pecking at rice and calmed down.

"Hush, the young master is back."

Outside the yard, a low-key carriage slowly stopped, and a blindfolded pretty girl stepped out of it, holding a basket and a box of cakes in her hands.

The curtain of the luxurious carriage was lifted, and a noble lady in a purple and gold shawl was smiling and waving, saying goodbye to the pretty blind girl who got off the carriage with a cane.

After watching the latter enter the hospital, the curtains were lowered and the low-key carriage slowly drove away.

Through the crack in the door, Fang Juxiu couldn't help but take another look at the noble lady behind the curtain, as if thinking about something.

Quiet little courtyard.

As soon as Zhao Qingxiu entered the room, the Fang sisters rushed forward, took the basket and pastry box from her hands, and helped her take them to the kitchen.

"My Lord, let us do it."

……

"Madam Fang, why are you staring at me? Is there something on my face?"

Ouyang Rong asked curiously, touching his face at the same time.

"fine."

At the dinner table, Fang raised his sleeves and looked away.

In the lobby of the quiet courtyard, Ouyang Rong, Zhao Qingxiu, and the Fang sisters were eating around the table.

When Ouyang Rong just arrived, it was drizzling. The morning light was rising when he was having dinner at Yuan Huaimin's house in Chengtian Temple.

Spring rain is like this, without any noise or fuss, it comes when it comes, moistening everything silently, and you never know when the sky will clear up again after it stops.

"Master Ouyang likes the zither so much? Don't you have to go on duty today? Why do you bring it with you?"

Fang Juxiu turned his head and glanced at a long musical instrument case on the cabinet at the door, and asked curiously.

Ouyang Rong smiled and nodded: "Work is work, hobbies are hobbies, there is no conflict."

Fang Shengnan couldn't help but interrupt:

"No wonder Master Ouyang said last time that it was a sinecure. This job is indeed not managed strictly. Master Ouyang even had time to come over for lunch at noon. I remember that the Jiangzhou government is in Xunyangfang."

Ouyang Rong explained casually: "Some work has been assigned to me at Xingzifang, so I have to come here often."

"I see."

Ouyang Rong smiled and looked down at the food in the bowl that had been picked up several times by the embroiderer with his chopsticks.

Zhao Qingxiu's little face, covered by a sky-blue ribbon, looked transparent as she sat aside. While Fang Juxiu, Fang Shengnan and Ouyang Rong were talking, she was quiet and just picking up food for Ouyang Rong.

Ouyang Rong pursed his lips, picked up the bowl, and put a few more mouthfuls of rice into his mouth.

Originally, he was going back to the governor's office in Xunyangfang to handle tedious official business.

However, he changed his mind this morning and after leaving Chengtian Temple, he came directly to this quiet courtyard.

What Fang Juxiu and Fang Shengnan didn't know was that he had been near the yard for a long time, but just hadn't come in.

In the morning, he summoned Yan Liulang, Pei Shisan Niang, and even Wang Caozhi, who came all the way from Xunyang Grottoes to report on the progress of the giant Buddha, in the carriage. They were all about decision-making.

The office was moved to Xingzi Lake and stationed near the quiet courtyard, as if he was afraid that the embroiderer would run away with her family.

However, Ouyang Rong had a good memory, and Yan Liulang, Wang Caozhi, Pei Shisan Niang and others had witnessed the young governor's agility and decisiveness.

He spoke some oral instructions without blinking, but everyone had to write them down in a small notebook.

Ouyang Rong, in particular, was not obedient. He not only stayed in the carriage, but also took them for walks in circles by the lake, handling official business as he walked.

So for the whole morning, Yan Liulang, who followed the handsome young man with his hands behind his back, heard the most opening words from Mingfu's mouth, such as "Liulang, remember this, I have made the following arrangements..."

After Ouyang Rong sent Yan Liulang, Wang Caozhi and others away, he patted his butt, left the lakeside, took out the Mohist sword box from the carriage, and arrived at the quiet courtyard in a few steps. It was just time for lunch.

As for why he carries the Mohist sword box with him.

Ouyang Rong pursed his lips and stirred the little white rice left in the bowl with the chopsticks in his hand.

Did he have to tell Fang Juxiu about the red and black talisman he had hidden in his arms? Even though he usually went to see Yuan Huaimin casually, the above items were all standard equipment he had to bring.

"Mrs. Fang said before that she wanted to go to Chengtian Temple for what?"

"Pray to the Buddha."

"The incense at Chengtian Temple is indeed very effective."

Ouyang Rong said with a smile.

Fang Shengnan couldn't control her mouth and asked first:
"Master Ouyang is in the government office. Does he know the current governor of Jiangzhou? He seems to be a relative of yours. Where is he usually?"

Fang Juxiu frowned immediately and reached out under the table to hold down Fang Shengnan.

But the words had been spoken, and the atmosphere at the table suddenly became quiet.

Fang Juxiu noticed that Ouyang Rong's face was confused for a moment, then he became serious and a little alert:
"Why are you asking this, Madam Fang?"

"Nothing, just curious. This person is very controversial. My sister, for example, admires him very much."

"Boom--!"

The table suddenly shook, and Fang Juxiu dropped the bowl heavily, his face flushed with anger.

"Shengnan, what nonsense are you talking about? If you continue to talk nonsense in front of Miss Xiu Niang and Mr. Ouyang, I will tear your mouth apart."

Fang Shengnan couldn't help but stick out her tongue and said nothing more.

Fang Juxiu seemed to be very annoyed. He glanced at Ouyang Rong calmly and saw that his originally serious expression seemed to have recovered a little, and the faint vigilance disappeared without a trace.

He shook his head:
"Mrs. Fang, the city is under martial law now. It's a special period, so there are some things that cannot be said carelessly, especially not outside. It's better to say it in front of us...

"As for whether I have seen him or not, I have seen him. I can only say... He is extremely handsome, like the bright moon. I am ashamed of myself."

Ouyang Rong said seriously.

Fang Juxiu and Fang Shengnan looked at each other with some surprise, because this Mr. Ouyang was handsome enough, even Fang Juxiu, who had a high vision, had to admit it.

But in front of Ouyang Lianghan, even he felt inferior? How amazing was that?
Is there really such a great man in the world who combines both talent and good looks...

Fang Juxiu bit her lip slightly, stared at the dish in front of her, and unconsciously took a few more bites.

Fang Shengnan groaned twice, then turned around and comforted Ouyang Rong in a gentle voice:

"In fact, he is nothing special. It's just my sister who likes that. Mr. Ouyang, you must not underestimate yourself. I think you are a very good person. You are gentle, elegant, and approachable. You are also sincere and genuine to little...little embroiderer. It's touching.

"There aren't many people as down-to-earth as you. You're definitely not the kind of official who's detached from the people and high above. Although you're a sinecure, you're completely different from the court officials I have in mind. If you work hard and slack off, maybe one day you'll be able to be in charge of a place and benefit the people there."

Ouyang Rong couldn't help but glance at Fang Shengnan who was trying very hard to comfort him. He put down the bowl, nodded, and clasped his fists.

"Okay, I'll borrow Second Lady Fang's good words."

"Don't call me Madam Fang, it's too awkward. You can call me Shengnan, or Nanniang, whatever's fine."

Fang Shengnan waved her hand, held her head high and spoke in a heroic tone.

He raised his hand with a chivalrous look, ready to pat Ouyang Rong's seemingly frail shoulder, but under Fang Juxiu's glare, he withdrew his hand in disappointment, perhaps realizing that he was afraid of hurting this frail young man.

"Then... I'll call you Miss Shengnan." After a pause, Ouyang Rong said sincerely, "Or Miss Fang."

Hearing the latter name, Fang Shengnan immediately smiled and even changed her name:
"Brother Ouyang is really a man of character. It's a pity that there is no wine here, otherwise I would definitely drink two cups with you and not leave until I'm drunk."

Fang Juxiu couldn't help it, and glared at her sister who was not in tune with her, and gave her a lecture in a crisp voice:
"You're still drinking, aren't you afraid of getting drunk and going crazy? You're still drinking, aren't you afraid of scaring people?"

Fang Shengnan stiffened her neck and said, "Sister, it's rare for me to meet someone I get along with today..."

Fang Juxiu ignored her, turned around, and explained to Ouyang Rong with an apologetic look:

"I'm sorry, Master Ouyang, Shengnan is just like that. You must not let her drink. Once she drinks, she will definitely talk nonsense like a drunkard. She might even ask you to become sworn brothers with her and make a fuss. If you see her drunk in the future, please stay away from her, or come to me directly and I will punish her."

Ouyang Rong laughed, only finding it interesting, and nodded: "Miss Fang is lively and blessed, there is nothing wrong with her. However, Madam Fang is also a lady from a noble family."

Zhao Qingxiu, who was quietly picking up food for Tan Lang, also smiled slightly and tilted her head unconsciously.

Fang Shengnan muttered quietly: "It's rare to have a bosom friend in life. If we are really drunk and our hearts are open, it's not a bad idea to become sworn brothers of the opposite sex..."

Fang raised his sleeves and turned his head: "Hmm?"

Fang Shengnan immediately buried her head in her food and calmed down.

Fang Juxiu glanced at Ouyang Rong and Zhao Qingxiu who were picking up food for each other in tacit understanding.

She first picked up the bowl, but did not pick up the food immediately. She stared ahead and asked softly:

"Master Ouyang, this courtyard is specially prepared by you for Miss Xiu Niang, right? Where do you usually live?"

Ouyang Rong replied: "There is a house in Xunyangfang, which is closer to Jiangzhou Hall."

"Is there anyone else at home?" She looked at Ouyang Rong seriously.

"Well, there is an aunt in the house, and there is a bed-warming maid in the room."

"Why didn't Master Ouyang take Miss Xiu Niang back with him?" Fang raised his sleeves and lowered his head: "Wouldn't it be more convenient to do so? We wouldn't have to run back and forth. Is there something inappropriate for her to meet him..."

Ouyang Rong pursed his lips.

Fang Shengnan couldn't stand it anymore and whispered, "Sister, how can you speculate about others like this?"

Without waiting for her to finish, Zhao Qingxiu waved her hand, lowered her head and wrote on the table in front of Fang Juxiu:
[I asked you to arrange this. I like to be quiet.]

"I see."

Fang raised his sleeves and nodded, then he stopped.

After a while, lunch ended in silence among the four of them.

I declined the invitation to cook and wash dishes for the Fang sisters who were my guests.

In the back kitchen, by the sink.

Ouyang Rong and Zhao Qingxiu stood side by side, lowering their heads to wash dishes, each busy with their own work.

Near the end, there was only one bowl left in the sink. Zhao Qingxiu reached out her hand first, but Ouyang Rong seemed not to see her and reached out his hand a little later. His fingertips touched the back of her hand, and the latter retracted her hand like a little rabbit.

Ouyang Rong remained silent, but instead of retreating, he grabbed a small hand with missing fingers, scooped up clean water to rub it and clean it, and said calmly:

"What Madam Fang said makes sense. We have to meet her. My aunt's birthday is in a few days, so we can go over and have a bowl of longevity noodles. It will be a good opportunity for us to get to know each other formally.

"If you are shy, you can also ask Madam Fang Da and Madam Fang Er to go together. What do you think, Embroidered Lady?" he asked patiently.

Zhao Qingxiu's body seemed to pause, and the ice-white jade hairpin pendant on her head that was making the sound stopped making any more sound.

The atmosphere in the kitchen suddenly became quiet.

……

------

(PS: I'm begging for a monthly ticket!! or2)

(End of this chapter)