Chapter 196: Two Hundred and Three: Su Su Guoer: Chenjun Xie

Two Hundred and Three: Su Su Guoer: Chenjun Xie's Sister is Truly His Warm Little Cotton Coat

"W-Why is Big Brother staring at my boudoir?"

On the seat opposite Magistrate Ouyang Rong, Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang subtly shifted her pink hips, silently blocking that direction, and glared with a reproachful frown.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong: ······

In fact, this western annex room was used by Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang solely as a study; she never slept in the inner chamber, only occasionally napping there. The two senior and junior siblings stared at each other in silence for a while.

"Aren't you going to close the window, little sister?" Magistrate Ouyang Rong suggested.

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang tilted her head: "Are you offering to close it for me? And maybe sneak a peek inside?"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong shook his head solemnly: "No, I just have a bit of OCD—this wind blowing through the room feels odd." Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang did not follow up on the topic; she fixed her gaze on Magistrate Ouyang Rong and said:

"Great wisdom appears foolish; great speech is silent; great skill appears unrefined. Big Brother, harboring grand strategy, humbles himself in this tiny Longcheng County, yet sees the court's political landscape and its trajectory with such clarity, every thread laid bare······ Sister feels as if she's just rediscovered you."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong joked: "So little sister believes every word I just said, without a single doubt? What if I was just making it up?"

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang looked at him and shook her head:

"Some truths sound obviously false, even if the speaker is logical and eloquent—they're merely one-sided opinions.

"But some truths strike you instantly as profound, illuminating your mind, because they are genuine insights, universally valid, never confusing you, but leaving you thinking, 'Of course it must be this way.'

"What Big Brother said falls into the latter category. What I heard wasn't just one-sided opinion—it was your piercing insight into Empress Wei and human nature.

"Human nature is to seek benefit and avoid harm. How could Big Brother's analysis, based on this, ever be wrong?"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong laughed: "Little sister understands human nature too—you know I like being praised, so you're flattering me indirectly."

"It's just the truth," Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang murmured softly: "If Big Brother truly enjoyed flattery, you wouldn't hide your talents so thoroughly."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong tucked his sleeves, eyes fixed on the floor, and said:

"I'm not hiding my talents—I'm just uninterested. Emperors and generals are still ordinary people; their thoughts aren't hard to fathom. But the world is full of people groveling for power, deifying those who hold it, trembling in fear, unable to see clearly, believing imperial authority is unfathomable, believing serving a ruler is like treading beside a tiger."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong gave a light laugh.

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang looked at him with complex eyes: "Big Brother can see so clearly only because you're extraordinary."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong smiled and said:

"Because I keep my distance and refuse to play their games. But little sister, you're naive—you meddle in everything. Oh, little sister, meddling in everything will only get you hurt······ I'm always worried you'll get involved. If I weren't worried, I wouldn't have said any of this today."

He sighed, rubbing his face.

"Big Brother, don't say more······ I'm not foolish······" Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang said, slightly embarrassed. After a pause, she felt moved, her throat tightening—but in this setting, she forced herself to whisper: "Why are you so kind to me······"

"Because I fear that when I'm not by your side, you'll accidentally get eaten by wolves," Magistrate Ouyang Rong said, eyes half-lidded, voice slightly husky:

"Little sister, in my eyes, everyone in this world falls into just two categories."

"Which two?"

"One is sheep. One is wolf."

"Sheep? Wolf?" Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang frowned in thought. Magistrate Ouyang Rong said calmly:

"You wonder why it's so simplistic—aren't worldly affairs incredibly complex? How can you reduce them to such a crude binary?"

Ah, because most wolves want to pretend to be sheep, and most sheep want to pretend to be wolves—this is where the world goes wrong, until everyone blends together, you in me and me in you, giving rise to the world's intricate chaos. Read the book.

"Ha—because most wolves pretend to be sheep, and most sheep pretend to be wolves. That's where the world goes wrong. In the end, everyone blends together—you in me, me in you—and that's why the world becomes so complicated.

"Liu Liu Ziwen is a wolf. Some officials are wolves. The Nine-Five Sovereign on the throne is the biggest wolf—easily identifiable.

"But some are hard to spot. Little sister, if wolf and sheep are this simple, why do people make it so complicated?"

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang suddenly asked: "Then what about you, Big Brother? Are you wolf or sheep?" Magistrate Ouyang Rong smiled sheepishly:

"Sorry, I forgot to mention—I'm the third kind: a shepherd dog pacing outside the sheep pen. Sheep are drawn to me; wolves pretending to be sheep must smile at me and tuck their tails away."

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang stared, stunned, at this renowned virtuous gentleman speaking so candidly.

She took a deep breath and said seriously: "I want to be a shepherd dog too, like Big Brother." Magistrate Ouyang Rong replied seriously: "Being a shepherd dog is hard work.

"Like now—this poor, hapless big brother comes here to waste his breath teaching little sister." Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang shook her head:

"I'm not afraid of hard work. So can Big Brother teach me how to guard against wolves—especially the biggest one?"

"Can Big Brother keep analyzing: what will Empress Wei do next after bringing the Prince Xunyang Prince's family back to the Divine Capital? And how will the struggle between Li and Wei end?"

Didn't little sister just say that as long as it's the Tai Zong bloodline, no matter who becomes the heir, you and the master will support them—just keep that original intention intact.

"Didn't little sister just say that as long as it's a descendant of Emperor Taizong, whoever becomes heir, you and Master will support them? Just keep that original intention."

"Now that we know the Prince Xunyang Prince's family will likely return to Shenjing Luoyang and claim the heir position, don't get too close to the Xiang Prince's family now."

"While His Majesty is still deliberating, go warm the cold hearth of the deposed Prince Xunyang family—earn yourself a reputation for loyalty."

"Once they're welcomed back to the capital, restored to imperial favor and heir status, immediately distance yourself."

"Just remain neutral, a loyal supporter of the throne—back whichever family ultimately inherits the throne. Don't foolishly pick sides."

"Little sister, remember your original intention: the so-called 'Protect Li' faction is, at its core, the 'Protect Gan' faction. As long as the Great Gan's legal lineage is restored, that's victory."

"Who sits on the dragon throne—whether the Xiang line or the Prince Xunyang line—has nothing to do with your family's wealth and glory. That's the safest stance: forever invincible."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong spoke earnestly; Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang glanced sideways, her brow slightly furrowed as she faced the curtain fluttering in the breeze:

"Big Brother, what do you mean? Are you saying that even after the Prince Xunyang family becomes heir, there will still be upheaval—and they may not ultimately inherit the throne?"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong finally frowned, speechless:

"Why is little sister so concerned about the Prince Xunyang Prince's family? Is there some connection?"

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang opened her mouth to explain, but then saw Big Brother's face light up with sudden realization. Her heart tightened—but then she heard Magistrate Ouyang Rong say:

"Wait, I get it—the Prince Xunyang Prince····· Prince Xunyang refers to Jiangzhou, right? Is their family from Jiangzhou?"

"Earlier, when I corresponded with Master, I noticed he's been active in Jiangzhou City—has he already contacted the deposed Prince Xunyang family?"

"No wonder little sister is so interested." Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang gasped. Magistrate Ouyang Rong still shook his head:

"Then you must act sooner—don't tie yourselves too tightly. Good thing I came to warn you early." His expression softened as he nodded:

"Then I'll leave you to it, little sister—keep writing to Master. Tell him everything we discussed today. That's the greatest help this student can offer."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong prepared to take his leave, but Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang suddenly reached out and grabbed his sleeve, hesitating.

"Big Brother, wait······"

Why does little sister seem off today? Could it be the Crimson Dragon has come? No, that can't be—little sister is already a mid-grade Qi Refining cultivator; she should have slain the Crimson Dragon long ago.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong, halfway to rising, paused, turning back curiously.

Why did little sister seem off today? Was it the Crimson Dragon? No—she's already a mid-grade Qi Refiner; she should've already severed the Crimson Dragon.

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang's eyes were complex; her lips parted slowly before she hesitantly warned:

"Big Brother, you're so clever—you've figured all this out. But Longcheng County is far from Jiangzhou City. Why don't you go yourself to meet the Prince Xunyang family? Warm their hearth, pave your own path forward?"

"Big Brother's weakness in his career is his humble origins—you lack powerful patrons to recognize and promote you. Otherwise, with your reputation and talent, becoming a minister, enfeoffed as a marquis—how difficult could it be?"

Big brother also said that the Prince Xunyang Prince's family has been exiled for over a decade, leaving them with no presence in court—they truly need someone like big brother, a reclusive virtuous man, a lone swan of noble character, as their advisor and strategist.

"Have you never thought of your own future and glory?

"Big Brother yourself said the Prince Xunyang family has been exiled for over a decade, with no influence at court—they desperately need someone like you, a reclusive virtuous scholar, a lone crane, as their strategist."

"Perhaps one day, you'll become another Master Di—everyone in the world will know your name!" Magistrate Ouyang Rong shook his head without hesitation:

"Little sister doesn't know me yet—I'm lazy, dislike flattery. The flood in Longcheng is over; my only concerns now are Liu Liu, Ashan, and you, little sister. Lately, I've been reading Daoist recluses' texts—I'll tell you more later."

"As for serving a rising power, I've never been interested—it's too troublesome. I'm a shepherd dog; staying with sheep is fine. Why join wolves in their dance? Their success or failure is none of my concern—just don't let their blood splatter on me."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong winked at Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang with a playful tone at the end.

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang was left speechless. Just then, a faint footstep came from the inner chamber—growing louder, as if someone was struggling to hold back and step out.

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang's face changed. Before Magistrate Ouyang Rong heard it, she suddenly stood up with a loud "clack," her robe brushing against the chair's corner.

"What's wrong, little sister?"

"Nothing—the window's too noisy; I must close it. Big Brother, wait a moment!" Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang hastily explained, turned, and pulled aside the curtain, entering the inner chamber.

Outside, Magistrate Ouyang Rong froze, then shook his head, preparing to drink tea—but his expression suddenly changed. He glanced around, muttering to himself:

"Strange—why did discussing court politics with little sister suddenly grant me a surge of merit? This isn't right······"

As Magistrate Ouyang Rong heard the incessant, crisp sound of wooden fish bells beside his ear, Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang had already entered the inner chamber. She quickly stepped forward and blocked Su Su Guoer.

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang glared at Su Su Guoer, whose face was flushed—then turned to shut the window she'd opened, deliberately making a loud clatter as she closed it.

Then, calmly, she called out: "Big Brother, I've closed it."

Afterward, she shot sharp glances at Su Su Guoer, Su Su Xian, Wei Mei, and Su Su Dalang, pressed a finger to her lips in a hush, brushed her sleeves, and returned to the study.

"Huh? Where's Big Brother?"

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang, emerging from the inner chamber, was startled—the study was empty. The Big Brother who had just been sipping tea had vanished.

Is this······ he ran off to escape my nagging? "Damn." Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang stamped her foot lightly.

As if hearing the noise, Su Su Guoer, Su Su Xian, Wei Mei, and Su Su Dalang emerged from behind the curtain, filing into the study.

"Where is he?" Su Su Guoer asked urgently.

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang spread her hands: "I don't know why—he ran off."

Su Su Guoer lifted her chin, scowling at Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang: "Why did you stop me just now?" Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang glanced at her, pouting slightly:

"I did my best to speak for you, but you heard Big Brother's tone and meaning—he doesn't bother with strangers. He's aloof, proud, utterly uninterested in wealth and glory. You can't buy him—he's not that kind of person."

Wei Mei suddenly spoke: "A genius of lofty character values emotion over profit." Su Su Guoer frowned: "I have a connection with Magistrate Ouyang Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan."

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang shot her a sidelong glance: "That connection isn't enough. My Big Brother draws clear lines between inside and outside. Haven't you realized that yet?"

Su Su Guoer, don't overestimate yourself······ Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang had another thought—but perhaps because Su Bo and Wei Bo were present, she swallowed it.

Su Su Guoer refused to give up, her face flushed, eyes narrowed:

"What about Su Dalang? He's close to Magistrate Ouyang Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan—he can appeal to him emotionally." Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang's expression turned cool. As she carefully cleaned the teacup Magistrate Ouyang Rong had left, she shook her head:

"I said no means no. This time, letting you overhear was my mistake—I don't blame you. If you want to persuade Big Brother with emotion, try later, slowly, see what you can do."

"But in that setting, you can't all rush out to flatter him—he'll be displeased. Absolutely, absolutely don't make him displeased—that's the foremost rule."

【101】 Her lips pursed, her stance firm:

【102】 "I know what I'm doing."

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang sighed irritably, still slightly annoyed by Su Su Guoer's earlier overstepping.

Hmph, now that you've eavesdropped on what Ru Shixiong said to his "wife," you finally realize how precious he is? So impatient to jump in? Then why didn't you act before?

Outsiders are outsiders—don't try to pretend you're family or manipulate Ru Shixiong with moral blackmail.

Su Su Guoer was stung by Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang's words; facing the latter's sidelong glance, she, usually so calm, suddenly bristled with anger, her mouth opening briefly before she gave a faint smile:

"Hmm, Miss Chenjun Xie really is Ru Shixiong's cozy little cotton-padded jacket."

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang nodded, her expression unchanged: "Flattery aside, I'm certainly more considerate than any outsider." As the two young ladies exchanged strange barbs.

On the other side, Su Su Xian wandered dazedly to the table where Magistrate Ouyang Rong had been drinking tea, picking up the two sheets of paper bearing inked characters, now damp with tea stains.

The middle-aged wealthy man, who had changed his surname to "Su" and lost utterly, swayed unsteadily, gripping the table as he murmured to himself:

"Zheng Boke defeated Duan at Yan······ Those who commit many injustices will destroy themselves; wait and see······ Hmph, when I first ascended the throne, my mother indulged and lured me into favoring the Wei clan as external relatives, waiting for public opinion to ferment, and on the very night before she moved to depose me, she must have thought just like Duke Zhuang······ Feigning retreat to capture, such a clever feint."

The deposed emperor, Li Su Xian, wept uncontrollably; upon hearing this, everyone turned their heads.

As if they all understood something, a silence settled over the group.