No, gentlemen also guard against

Chapter 630 Sister Rong, Sister Xie and Tan Lang’s friends [asking for monthly tickets! ]

"Tan Lang is back so late, have you eaten yet?"

"have eaten."

"Then I will ask Banxi to notify the kitchen to continue to simmer the black chicken soup. You can drink it tomorrow morning."

"it is good."

"Hey, what is this, osmanthus cake? Tan Lang likes to eat this?"

"Oh, a good friend gave it to me. He asked me to bring a box back so that my aunt could have a taste. He said that the cakes at Taoshouzhai are the best in Jiangnan."

"Why are you sending me off for no reason?"

"Maybe she heard me mention it, saying that you are prone to dizziness and lightheadedness, and she thought that eating more desserts could help replenish your body."

"Really? Tan Lang's friend is so thoughtful. He must not be that old guy Yuan Huaimin, nor Liu Lang, or Li Shizi, right?"

"Uh, yes, it's definitely not."

After saying that, Ouyang put the cake box on the table, turned around and left without saying anything else, leaving behind a sentence:
"Aunt, please try it. After all, they mean well. I'm going back to the yard to wash up. I'm a little tired today... Wei Lai, go and boil some hot water..."

Zhen Shuyuan watched her beloved nephew's back disappear into the inky night.

She looked back at the pastry box, opened it, picked up a piece, and looked at it carefully for a while.

The beautiful woman in the silk skirt looked thoughtful...

Another day and night.

The hazy and cool drizzle was shrouded by the night.
Ouyang Rong came home late again and walked into the courtyard holding an umbrella.

Zhen Shuyuan, who was waiting in the hall while eating melon seeds, stood up happily and led the maids including Ban Xi to greet them. The beautiful woman in silk skirt was the first to take the moon-white oil-paper umbrella that her beloved nephew was folding with his head down.

"Your collar is wet, wipe your head."

"Ah."

"I asked Wei Lai to prepare a bowl of longan and white fungus... Hey, what is this?"

Zhen Shuyuan saw the wooden box that Ouyang Rong handed to her, took it curiously, opened the lid, and took a clear look at the items inside.

"Wooden comb?" She looked confused.

"Well, a good friend of mine made a few wooden combs and gave one to my nephew. He couldn't use it, so she asked me to give it to you, Auntie."

"Does your friend know this kind of delicate craft..."

Zhen Shuyuan muttered, and asked calmly: "Tan Lang, after finishing his official duties at Xingzifang during the day, has he always eaten dinner at this good friend's house?"

"Yes, it was this good friend. She also happens to live near Xingzi Lake. The food in the courtyard is good. After I finished my work, it was time for dinner and I was too lazy to run back, so I ate there nearby." Ouyang Rong said in a light tone.

"How come my good friend Tan Lang still gives me gifts from time to time..." Zhen Shuyuan glanced at Ouyang Rong for a moment, paused, and then spoke again: "Don't you know, Tan Lang, that wooden combs are usually given to each other by lovers, with the intention of grooming your hair and growing old together?"

She saw an interested look on Ouyang Rong's face: "What if it's a gift to an elder? Is it appropriate? Could it have this meaning as well?"

"Giving gifts to elders doesn't require so many considerations...it can be considered as a sign of filial piety."

Zhen Shuyuan groaned for a moment, then shook her head, put the exquisite wooden comb back into the box with vermilion soft cloth lining, pressed down the lid, and said:
"But it's still a bit strange. For no reason, she keeps giving me gifts here and there. Could it be that she wants to ask Tan Lang for something?

"Tan Lang, you'd better be more cautious. You are now in a high position as a governor, which is indeed likely to attract some opportunists. I was a little worried about Pei Shisan Niang before..."

Ouyang Rong took the hot towel that Ban Xi handed over, held it in both hands, buried his face in it, and wiped it. His voice was buzzing and a little dull:
"Please accept it, Auntie. It's okay. This good friend of mine didn't ask me to do anything. I can tell that as a nephew, it's just a simple relationship. She is also a kind person who respects her elders."

When Zhen Shuyuan showed an expression of wanting to say something but hesitating, Ouyang Rong pulled off the towel covering her face, gently pushed the wooden comb box into Zhen Shuyuan's arms, and chuckled:
"And I've also made it clear that you are not allowed to give anything too expensive. Well, Auntie, just accept it with confidence. It's better not to let down a little thought from the younger generation..."

"Okay, as long as Tan Lang knows what's going on." She lowered her head and looked at the wooden comb box, her eyes slightly raised, and glanced at Tan Lang's expression.

"Yes, I have a few."

Zhen Shuyuan reluctantly put away the wooden comb box and handed it to the curious maid Ban Xi waiting beside her.

She turned around and wanted to say a few more words, but Ouyang Rong had already thrown down his towel and left, preparing to go back to Yinbingzhai to rest.

"By the way, this good friend is actually an old friend, so Auntie might know him."

When you reach the door, say it with a smile.

Zhen Shuyuan asked curiously, "Old friend? Known? Who is it? Could it be Ah Qing and the others?"

"I should have seen her in Longcheng. She came to Xunyang this time and kept a low profile. It's not convenient for most people to know. She's not Ah Qing, but she's almost the same..."

As Ouyang Rong spoke, he had already left the hall, his back walking away.

Zhen Shuyuan watched her nephew's casual back as he walked away, and murmured with her red lips:
"An old friend from Longcheng? Have you seen him before? Strange..."

Three days later, in the morning.

In the breakfast room of the Huaiye Lane residence, Ouyang Rong and Zhen Shuyuan sat opposite each other and had their meal.

Ouyang Rong was neatly dressed in his crimson official uniform, drinking his porridge, and preparing to leave after finishing his meal.

Zhen Shuyuan's hair is very pretty today. She has a wooden comb and jade hairpins and jewels inserted somewhere in her hair to embellish it, giving her a dignified and noble temperament.

Zhen Shuyuan stared at Ouyang Rong for a while, her eyes fell on the ordinary jade hairpin on his hair crown, and suddenly asked:
"By the way, Tan Lang, where is your mother's family heirloom hairpin? I haven't seen you wearing it for a long time. Could it be that you gave it to Qian Qian?"

Ouyang Rong shook his head without even raising his head. He did not say anything in response, as if his attention was focused on eating.

Zhen Shuyuan nodded slowly:
"That's right. The last time Xianxian came to visit me, I saw a mandarin duck jade hairpin in her hair. It should have been given by Tanlang. Tanlang also gave me one during the Lantern Festival before.

"If you give her your mother's hairpin, she will definitely wear it every day..."

Zhen Shuyuan couldn't help but smile.

Ouyang Rong also smiled, but still said nothing.

Zhen Shuyuan continued the conversation and asked tentatively:

"So the hairpin is still with Tan Lang, right?"

"No, I'm giving it away for now."

"Temporarily? Give it to someone?" How can these two words go together? Zhen Shuyuan asked curiously.

"Well, a good friend of mine likes this hairpin very much. I'd like to lend it to her for a few days."

"How could Tan Lang easily lend such an important thing... and how come he is a good friend..."

Zhen Shuyuan looked embarrassed. Although she usually only took care of household affairs and never asked about Tan Lang's affairs outside, at this moment, she couldn't help but glance at Tan Lang's calm face and asked, "Is it Yuan Huaimin?"

"No, but he is quite envious, so I won't lend it to him." Ouyang Rong smiled.

"Who is that?" she demanded.

"Well."

Ouyang Rong put down the hot bowl of porridge, took the white handkerchief handed to him by Ye Weilai, and gently wiped the corner of his mouth:
"It's the small gift I gave to Auntie a few days ago. I've been eating at her place these days, and she gave Auntie so many thoughtful gifts. I feel a little embarrassed. Since she likes it, it's okay to let her wear it temporarily. Well, I told her the importance of this hairpin. It's my mother's legacy, and Auntie needs to nod her head... She won't be ignorant of etiquette."

Zhen Shuyuan was about to speak when Ouyang Rong smiled and interrupted her:
"So don't worry, Auntie. Your nephew will definitely not let Brother Huaimin get away with it for free."

He comforted Zhen Shuyuan in return.

The latter opened his mouth slightly, and seeing his nephew's calm look, he nodded hesitantly.

"Good, good."

Ouyang Rong straightened his clothes, stood up and prepared to leave.

"Tan Lang, is your good friend a man or a woman?"

Zhen Shuyuan suddenly looked up and asked.

Ouyang Rong immediately smiled faintly:
"Don't worry, this hairpin is not strictly for women. It can be worn by both men and women. Didn't my nephew wear it before? You don't have to worry about him."

Zhen Shuyuan: ...

Ouyang Rong put his hands behind his back and walked out the door.

Zhen Shuyuan glanced at the bowl of porridge in front of her that she had only taken a few sips of, then stood up, followed by her maid Ban Xi and others, walked out of the breakfast hall, and caught up with Ouyang Rong.

Zhen Shuyuan sent Ouyang Rong to the gate.

"Aunt, is there anything else?"

Looking at the busy crowds of people on the street outside the door, Ouyang Rong turned around and asked curiously.

"I've thought about it. Your mother's hairpin is very important and has extraordinary meaning. After all, it is an exclusive token of your grandfather's family. It belongs only to the daughter of the Zhao family and cannot be easily left in the hands of outsiders..." "I know."

"Of course, it's not that we are stingy and don't know how to return gifts. Besides, you've already given it away, and it seems a bit rude to ask for it back..."

"Ah."

Zhen Shuyuan started to ramble on, and this time the prelude was a bit long, so Ouyang Rong raised his hand to interrupt:
"My nephew understands the truth. Aunt, just tell me what you want to say."

He asked seriously.

Zhen Shuyuan pursed her lips, dismissed the maids on both sides, and got straight to the point:
"How about this, you pick a day and invite them back to have a meal together. I will meet them, have a chat, and thank them for their small gifts. By the way, I will help you talk about the hairpin. If you are embarrassed to ask, I will do it."

This time, the beautiful woman in a silk skirt did not even ask whether her nephew's good friend was a man or a woman, and directly extended the invitation.

"Aunt, you are worrying about nothing. It's not like they won't pay it back..."

Ouyang Rong shook his head helplessly. As he said this, Zhen Shuyuan heard his next sentence turn around very smoothly:
"Okay, it's a good opportunity for Aunt to meet him. As for the time...how about having a birthday gift in a while? It's a good opportunity to celebrate her birthday."

Ouyang Rong asked, touching his chin.

The corners of Zhen Shuyuan's mouth twitched slightly, then she stabilized her expression and said softly:

"For my birthday this time, Kankan said that she would take good care of it for me and she would be in charge. Anyway, Kankan and the little princess of the palace might be there that day. When did Tanlang decide to bring someone over to meet them?"

Ouyang Rong nodded calmly: "If it's not inconvenient for Auntie, then we can do it that day."

Zhen Shuyuan's tone slowed down a bit: "Then what about Xianxian..."

"Of course my nephew will tell you in advance, don't worry, aunt."

"Well... okay, as for Kanan, you just need to know the situation."

Zhen Shuyuan took a closer look at her nephew's calm and composed expression.

"Let's go, aunt, please don't see me off."

Ouyang Rong waved his hand and left the Huaiye Lane mansion as usual.

Zhen Shuyuan watched him go away, then lowered her head and said to herself again:

"Old friend?"

……

In the morning, the sun is just right.

After leaving home, Ouyang Rong first went to Xunyang Palace.

In fact, what he just said to Zhen Shuyuan didn't make any difference.

The embroiderer was indeed an old acquaintance that the aunt had met. Apart from anything else, when she was in Longcheng, the embroiderer had secretly worked as a cook in Meiluyuan.

His aunt had eaten the hometown food she cooked, but she didn't recognize her, just like him.

Ouyang Rong sighed softly.

After a while, they arrived at Xunyang Palace. At the foot of the stairs, Ouyang Rong glanced at the magnificent gate of the palace.

Today he brought a joint memorial.

During these few nights, whenever Ouyang Rong had time, he would polish it.

Today, it is finally finished. I will bring it to Prince Xunyang for review and discuss the details...

An hour later, Ouyang Rong walked out of the palace with his sleeves rolled up and left with a calm look on his face.

Two hours later, he took a carriage to Xunyang Grottoes and sent someone to call the lady historian.

Before Rong Zhen even showed up, Wang Caozhi had already arrived at a rapid speed.

"My dear brother-in-law, why didn't you let me know in advance when you came? You are really low-key and frugal, and you keep everything simple. I was wondering why my left eyelid was twitching when I went out today. Just now, from a distance, I could sense a special domineering aura... It turns out that my dear brother-in-law is here, so it makes sense!"

Outside the tent, a corny voice was heard first.

Ouyang Rong glanced at Wang Caozhi from the corner of his eye: "Why do I feel like you are so free now?"

Wang Caozhi shook his head like a rattle: "No, no, I'm busy... Hey, Sister Rong is here, you guys chat, I'll go get some tea."

Ouyang Rong frowned, suspecting he had heard wrongly: "What are you shouting?"

Before he could ask more questions, Wang Caozhi had already run away.

Rong Zhen originally walked into the tent calmly and unhurriedly, but just when he reached the door, he faintly heard Wang Caozhi's smooth and fluent address to Ouyang Lianghan.

The lady's face suddenly turned dark.

"Change people! Ouyang Lianghan, take him with you today!"

The first thing Rong Zhen did when he came in was to make a stern request. Ouyang Rong was hesitant to speak.

At this time, Rong Zhen, with a bad look on his face, looked at a memorial in his hand.

"You and Prince Xunyang's request for assistance?"

"Ah."

Ouyang Rong nodded, Rong Zhen's expression eased a little, as if he had barely forgotten what happened just now, and waved his hand:
"Okay, come with me. I have prepared the memorial to the emperor. Let's submit it together this time. I hope someone from Luoyang will come soon so that we can breathe a sigh of relief."

Ouyang Rong looked at the serious expression on Rong Zhen's face and nodded slightly: "Okay."

The two of them went out side by side, went to the temporary office tent of the Supervisory Yuan, and found a censor stationed in the state.

At present, for the sake of safety and to facilitate the monitoring of the progress of the Donglin Buddha, the Jiangzhou Supervisory Office has moved the entire organization to the Xunyang Grottoes construction site. The female officials and the resident censors are temporarily working here...

After submitting the memorial, the two took a walk side by side, toured the Xunyang Grottoes, and observed the progress of the Giant Buddha.

Ouyang Rong was playing with a string of sandalwood Buddhist beads in his hand. He estimated in his mind that if he worked hard from now on, the giant Buddha might be completed around the time of his aunt's birthday.

While they were calculating in their minds, the two arrived at the gate of the camp, and Rong Zhen saw Ouyang Rong off.

Suddenly, Wang Caozhi's enthusiastic voice came from outside the camp:
"Sister, I was drinking tea. I was supposed to pour it for my brother-in-law, but it's the same. We're all family after all..."

Rong Zhen couldn't help but feel his chest rise and fall. With a cold face, he turned to Ouyang Rong and said in a hard tone: "Ouyang Lianghan, this guy is talking nonsense, don't follow his own self-indulgent..."

At this time, a fiery figure came out with Wang Caozhi and came in front of Ouyang Rong and Rong Zhen.

Wang Caozhi was leading the way for Xie Lingjiang with great enthusiasm on his face, and the words he just said were also addressed to her.

Rong Zhen's originally unhappy expression suddenly disappeared without a trace. He stopped, turned his head, and seemed to be leisurely looking at the nearby riverside scenery.

Ouyang Rong walked forward with a curious look on his face: "Why are you here, Junior Sister? What's the matter?"

"Can't you come if there's nothing wrong?" Xie Lingjiang asked calmly.

Without looking at the helpless senior brother, she stopped where she was, with her red sleeves hanging down, and looked around the Xunyang Grottoes construction site, saying:
"The progress seems to be quite fast. Who knows when it will be completed."

Ouyang Rong hesitated to speak, and Wang Caozhi quickly took over:
"Of course. With my brother-in-law here, it won't be difficult to capture the Donglin Buddha... Brother-in-law, you guys chat. I have something urgent to do."

Wang Caozhi turned around, with his back to his two sisters whom he could not afford to offend, and gave Ouyang Rong a look that said "I can only help my good brother-in-law to block this sentence", then slipped away.

Ouyang Rong's eyes twitched.

Xie Lingjiang didn't even look at Wang Caozhi's back as he ran away.

Rong Zhen glanced at the noble lady Xie who was dressed in red.

Ouyang Rong walked over, handed over the tea that Wang Caozhi had just given him, and asked in a gentle voice: "Since you are here, why don't you show your junior sister around?"

"I won't visit anymore. It's too much trouble for others."

Xie Lingjiang pursed his lips, not looking at Rong Zhen who was silent beside him, and this time he spoke directly to Ouyang Rong:

"Sister Gu'er is looking for Senior Brother. It seems like there is something important going on."

Ouyang Rong was slightly startled.

……

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(End of this chapter)