Chapter 261: 271. Imperial Scion

271. Imperial Scion

Li Fusu suddenly noticed a hand reaching out in front of him, holding a piece of watermelon.

He was startled, then raised his hand to take it: "Thank... thank you, Lianghan."

"It's the melon you brought, what are you thanking me for?"

Ouyang Rong found it amusing, shook his head, and then buried his head in eating the melon.

Li Fusu also smiled, suddenly feeling less nervous.

Afterward, the two friends faced each other, squatting on the ground, gnawing on melon together, showing quite a bit of rapport.

"So your name is Li Fusu..."

Ouyang Rong muttered, not raising his head as he asked: "In that case, Emperor Gao Zong is your biological grandfather?"

"That's right." Li Fusu nodded.

"What does it feel like to be the Imperial Grandson?" he asked suddenly.

"Huh?" Li Fusu was stunned.

Ouyang Rong thought for a moment, searched his memory, opened his mouth to take a large bite of melon, and while chewing, grinned and asked:

"If I remember correctly, back when Emperor Gao Zong was critically ill, Empress Wei interfered in politics, the original Crown Prince was deposed, your father was named the new Crown Prince, and you consequently became the legitimate eldest grandson.

"To stabilize the foundation of the state, Gao Zong officially designated you as the Imperial Grandson, established your household early, and confirmed the line of succession.

"Hmm, the legitimate third-generation heir, the sole successor to the Great Gan legal system—I shouldn't be wrong about that, right?"

"You aren't wrong, but..."

Li Fusu put down the melon rind with both hands, wiped the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, and said with a bitter face:

"But when Grandfather named me, I had just turned one. Later, I didn't even serve for a few years; my father lost the throne, Grandmother changed Gan to Zhou, a new country and a new dynasty, and I was also deposed and demoted to a commoner.

"My seat wasn't even warm yet, so how would I know the taste of being the Imperial Grandson? Sigh, Lianghan, you'd better stop teasing me."

The scruffy, melon-gnawing youth sighed and shook his head.

Ouyang Rong chuckled.

"An Imperial Scion, at least you won big once at the starting line. Experiencing it for a bit isn't a loss."

"Uh."

Eldest Brother Li didn't quite understand his friend's strange joke, but he had an honest personality, didn't pursue it, and lowered his head to continue gnawing on the watermelon in his hand.

At one point, he suddenly said in a low voice:

"Actually, if you think about it carefully, life like this now is quite good, if not for the incident last time where we were hunted down by the Wei family."

Ouyang Rong heard this, ate his melon in silence, and didn't take the bait.

"Last time on the fifteenth at Mount Dagu, it was fortunate that we had Lianghan and Miss Xie, or our family wouldn't have escaped that disaster. Later, on the way down the mountain back to Luming Street, my younger sister suddenly spoke up, saying that we probably can't continue to be commoners anymore.

"We can't go back to those carefree days of hiding our names like before. Our family has already been noticed by people with ulterior motives in Luoyang, and we are destined to be drawn into that future dispute..."

Li Fusu raised his head, looked at Ouyang Rong, and couldn't help but confirm again:

"Lianghan, tell me, is this true? Can our family really not go back?"

Ouyang Rong said without raising his head:

"Didn't you all hear what I said in the study at Yilanxuan last time, Eldest Brother?"

Li Fusu was stunned, then his expression became a bit awkward, "Lianghan, at that time we..."

"It's fine, the Xiao Shimei already told me.

"And I had already guessed some of it; during that time, your father and sister were offering favors for no reason."

Ouyang Rong dropped the eaten-clean melon rind, picked up a sweat towel, wiped his hands, and asked casually:

"What, Eldest Brother, do you not believe my deduction and judgment?"

"No."

Li Fusu shook his head vigorously and said softly:

"I just feel that even if Lianghan's judgment comes true, and Grandmother really brings our family back to Luoyang, the process might be peaceful and smooth, and even after returning to the capital, my father might be named the Imperial Heir again.

"But this monstrous wealth, I'm afraid we won't be able to handle it. There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world.

"It would be better to live in seclusion in Longcheng, with the family together, living some plain and simple days."

Ouyang Rong nodded: "Fine, then for the rest of your life, Eldest Brother, continue to hang your head to study and serve your teacher at Juxian Academy every day."

"Cough, Lianghan, what kind of talk is that? You said before that studying requires a balance of work and rest, so what's wrong with occasionally going to Yunshui Pavilion to cultivate one's character?"

Ouyang Rong curled his lip and interrupted:

"You haven't even returned to the capital yet, and you're already becoming sentimental. Others prepare for danger in times of peace, but you're the opposite, directly hiding in a corner, and still dragging on about missing plain and simple days. You should live well in the present first."

The young Magistrate lowered his head and patted his sleeves, his voice a bit cold:

"An Imperial Scion's background already surpasses most people in this world. Does Eldest Brother only want to enjoy its benefits, while shrinking from its risks and responsibilities?

"Then the principles of status and responsibility I just told you—weren't they all said in vain?

"Let this be the last time. If Eldest Brother continues to have such wild thoughts and remains hesitant, don't come looking for me in the future. Let our friendship end here."

"Lianghan, calm your anger." Li Fusu hurriedly waved his hands, grabbed his friend's sleeve, and tried to salvage the situation: "My fault, I won't dare to do it again!"

Ouyang Rong glanced at him.

Li Fusu gave a sheepish laugh. A moment later, he gave a soft "Eh," vaguely reacting to something:

"Lianghan's meaning... is actually that you are willing to assist my family?"

Ouyang Rong didn't answer, packed up the food box, and stood up.

"Full. Let's go, I'll take you somewhere."

He stood tall, one hand supporting his waist saber, the other carrying the food box, and walked toward the bottom of the high platform, without any hesitation.

Li Fusu hurriedly followed.

The two met up with Xie Lingjiang and Yan Liulang in the shade of the trees under the high platform.

The four looked at each other in silence and left together.

"Where is Lianghan going?"

Ouyang Rong walked at the very front, not speaking.

Xie Lingjiang followed closely behind.

Li Fusu and Yan Liulang exchanged a glance and followed honestly.

Ouyang Rong led them all the way through the Gu Yue Sword Shop, walked to the foot of Mount Xiaogu, and ascended the stairs.

Li Fusu discovered that Ouyang Rong's destination seemed to be the summit.

The group went up the mountain, silently passing the ruins of the 'Jia' character sword furnace overgrown with weeds, and also passed through the Liu family's ancestral home that had been raided and cleared out.

Finally, they arrived at the summit of Mount Xiaogu.

In Li Fusu's field of vision, a brand-new memorial hall appeared.

It was daytime, and there were craftsmen and laborers moving things in and out; it seemed it hadn't been completely finished yet.

Xie Lingjiang and Yan Liulang beside him saw it, their expressions calm, as if they weren't surprised at all.

A look of curiosity appeared on Li Fusu's face; he remembered that this place used to be a Dragon King Temple, a place of superstitious worship for the people of Longcheng.

"Is this a living shrine the people built for Lianghan?" he guessed curiously.

Ouyang Rong didn't answer.

Soon, Li Fusu discovered he had guessed wrong.

This living shrine didn't worship ghosts or gods, nor did it worship any clean official.

It was used to commemorate all the Longcheng warriors who, like Liu Ashan, sacrificed themselves for flood control and eliminating pests in Longcheng.

At the entrance of the living shrine, there were two couplets that seemed to be in Lianghan's handwriting. Li Fusu turned his head to stare, silently reciting them for a while, but in the end, he didn't read them aloud.

Li Fusu saw the name of that Brother Ashan on the wall in the center of the main hall.

The sound of the group's footsteps echoed in the empty main hall of the living shrine.

The atmosphere was somewhat solemn.

Li Fusu followed the back of the young Magistrate in front, inspected the living shrine together, and remained silent throughout.

The living shrine hadn't been completely finished; there were craftsmen working shirtless, their backs covered in sweat.

Li Fusu saw that Lianghan, who hadn't spoken the whole time in front, stopped his footsteps, put down the food box, and shared the iced rice wine he hadn't drunk and half a ladle of watermelon with the craftsmen.

Not long after, Ouyang Rong, Eldest Brother Li, and the others left the living shrine on the summit.

On the way down the mountain.

Eldest Brother Li said: "I heard that the imperial court has always strictly forbidden the establishment of shrines among the people. Is Lianghan okay with this? You should have reported it, right?"

Ouyang Rong said casually:

"The first time, I reported it to Jiangzhou, explained it, and said it wasn't a lewd shrine for ghosts and gods, just to commemorate the flood control warriors. The Inspector's Office directly issued a document opposing it.

"That Lord Wang said this violated the imperial code and the Prime Minister's orders, and that I was relying on my flood control achievements to arrogantly force a reward. He protested firmly and even said if I dared to build it privately, he would submit a memorial to impeach me."

"How could it be so serious? Then what did Lianghan do?"

Ouyang Rong said softly: "He can protest all he wants. Since he said I'm relying on my position to force a reward, then I'll force it for him to see. I've already submitted a memorial to the Secretariat. Hmm, so this doesn't count as building it privately."

"Uh, bypassing a superior like this, won't it be bad? Offending him..."

He smiled and asked: "If he offended me, would that be good?"

Li Fusu was instantly speechless.

If anyone else said this, he would only think it was arrogant.

But if these words came out of Ouyang Lianghan's mouth, it seemed... to become quite reasonable.

Li Fusu nodded slowly.

That's right, Lord Wang, why did you have to provoke him:

Behind them, Xie Lingjiang, who was listening intently, smiled.

Ouyang Rong, who was walking at the very front, suddenly stopped and turned his head:

"Eldest Brother, I have a question, and there will only be this one question. Answer me truthfully."

Hearing the seriousness in Ouyang Rong's words, Li Fusu straightened his waist and looked serious:

"Lianghan, please speak."

"If one day, you and your father have the opportunity to ascend the throne, would you tolerate me doing something similar?"

"Lianghan is thinking too far ahead."

Li Fusu scratched his head, "Ascend the throne... my father and I wouldn't even dare to think about it."

The next instant, he bumped into Ouyang Rong's calm gaze, and his words were swallowed back.

Realizing Ouyang Rong's serious attitude, Li Fusu's expression gradually became solemn.

He pursed his lips:

"Lianghan once said, 'Those who carry firewood for the masses must not be allowed to freeze to death in the wind and snow.'

"Although Fusu is dull, shallow in wisdom, and has lived half a life in mediocrity, I have a heart that admires the virtuous and seeks goodness. On behalf of my father, I promise Lianghan: if one day we are fortunate enough to ascend the throne, we will definitely not let down all the firewood carriers, including Lianghan!"

Ouyang Rong nodded.

"Remember these words."

He turned his head and was the first to go down the mountain.

Xie Lingjiang seemed not to have walked enough, stepped forward and asked: "Ru Shixiong, where are we going now?"

Ouyang Rong smiled:

"Xiao Shimei, is the Sushan delicious?"

"Hmm."

"Then let's go back to Meilu Garden and have some more."

"Go back?"

"Hmm, if we don't go back, what if Uncle and the others get heatstroke waiting? Wouldn't Eldest Brother end our friendship?"

"Lianghan..." Li Fusu felt a bit embarrassed.

The group returned to Luming Street. Yan Liulang had official business, so they separated temporarily and went to the County Magistrate's Office.

Ouyang Rong, Xie Lingjiang, and Li Fusu returned to Meilu Garden.

The small plum blossom courtyard.

Just as they entered the courtyard, they saw the group of people who had been waiting for a long time.

Wang Lixian, Wei Mei, Princess Li Guoer, and two or three maids like Caishou.

The warm afternoon breeze blew over like a gentle giant hand, and a large jujube tree in the center of the courtyard rustled.

Golden sunlight leaked through the green leaves at the tips of the branches, and the scattered shadows on the ground swayed gently.

Wang Lixian sat on a stone stool under the tree, nodding off, his hat a bit crooked.

Also nodding off like the Master was the bun-faced maid Caishou, but she was standing, standing behind Princess Li Guoer, her little head nodding like a chicken pecking at rice.

Princess Li Guoer and Wei Mei were the first to discover the return of Ouyang Rong's group.

Their eyes were full of surprise.

"Shh."

Ouyang Rong raised his index finger and placed it by his mouth, signaling the mother and daughter.

Wei Mei and Princess Li Guoer, who had turned their heads to wake Wang Lixian, couldn't help but pause their movements.

In the courtyard, Ouyang Rong took the lead, lightened his footsteps, his expression calm, and with Xie Lingjiang, passed by the side of Wang Lixian and the others, walking toward the study.

Wei Mei turned her head, looked at Li Fusu who had returned together, exchanged a glance, and her eyes revealed a questioning look.

Princess Li Guoer's pair of bright star-like eyes slanted to look at Ouyang Rong, who was passing by her calmly, following his figure all the way.

The masked white veil covered the expression of the little girl with plum blossom makeup at this moment, and no one knew what she was thinking.

Creak—!

The unavoidable sound of the door pushing open rang out, waking Wang Lixian from his nap.

"Umm, umm, umm..." Wang Lixian opened his eyes and looked around, muttering in his sleep, a bit confused.

The next second, he saw the figure of Ouyang Rong in the study in front.

"Nephew Lianghan! You're back?"

Wang Lixian jumped up from the stone stool in the courtyard, the fatigue that had filled his face swept away, and he spoke with joy.

This middle-aged wealthy man was like a child, his movements dancing, looking left and right, signaling his wife and children.

Wei Mei, Princess Li Guoer, and Li Fusu all looked at him with somewhat helpless expressions.

Seeming to notice the subtle and awkward atmosphere, Wang Lixian paused his movements, his face sheepish, and he turned his head to lower his voice and ask Li Fusu:

"When did Nephew Lianghan return? I didn't sleep too long, did I?"

Li Fusu shook his head.

Xie Lingjiang walked out of the study, wanting to speak.

Just at this moment, a burst of hurried footsteps came from outside the courtyard.

Everyone looked back.

Yan Liulang rushed into the courtyard, looked around, and shouted to the study:

"Magistrate! An imperial envoy has been sent from Luoyang! Accompanied by officials from the prefecture, they have just arrived at the County Magistrate's Office!"

"Luoyang imperial envoy?!"

Wang Lixian heard this, as if struck by a bolt of lightning, standing still and muttering:

"Oh no, oh no, why has someone come from Luoyang again! What is it for this time..."

Wei Mei, Li Fusu, and Princess Li Guoer heard this and stood up immediately, the courtyard becoming chaotic.

"Uh."

Yan Liulang turned his head, his expression hesitant, and said to Wang Lixian and the others who were spinning in circles in anxiety:

"Uncle, Eldest Brother, the imperial envoy doesn't seem to be looking for you... It's not a palace attendant, it's an official from the Ministry of Personnel, it seems they are looking for the Magistrate..."

"Huh?" Wang Lixian turned his head in astonishment.

At this time, there was a slight "clatter" sound.

In the courtyard, someone pushed open the door and walked out alone.

Ouyang Rong had changed into a water-green Grade 7 official uniform at some point.

"Oh."

He stuffed a stack of memorials into his sleeves, lowered his head to tidy up the wide, deep-green cuffs of his official uniform, passed by Yan Liulang and the people in the courtyard calmly, and walked outside.

The young Magistrate nodded slowly:

"Someone has finally come. I've been waiting quite tiredly. Let's go, Xiao Shimei, let's go over and take a look. Uncle Li, Eldest Brother, sorry to keep you waiting for a moment."

The people in the courtyard looked at each other.

Watching the calm and composed Ru Shixiong, Xie Lingjiang smiled lightly, stepped forward with lotus steps, stood on tiptoe slightly, and used her two plain hands to tidy his collar.

"Wait, don't move, it's messy here..."

After finishing tidying his clothes, Ouyang Rong took the lead and walked out of the courtyard, leaving with Xie Lingjiang and Yan Liulang.

Wang Lixian, Li Fusu, and the others reacted and followed blankly.

A moment later, the group from Meilu Garden arrived at the Longcheng County Magistrate's Office.

At this time, there were many onlookers on Luming Street.

The Longcheng County Magistrate's Office had its main gate wide open today, and the figures were crowded.

The figures of Assistant Magistrate Diao and other officials, who were originally resting on their day off, appeared inside the gate.

At this time, they were waiting with excitement and anxiety, frequently looking back at the direction of the main hall of the County Magistrate's Office, and from time to time looking at the direction of Meilu Garden.

At one point, Assistant Magistrate Diao's eyes lit up, and he greeted them:

"Magistrate, you have finally come. Hurry, hurry, hurry, the imperial envoy from the Divine Capital is waiting for you! Hurry, hurry!"

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 262 =====