Chapter 272: Two Hundred and Eighty-Three: Lighting the Lamp to Study the Sword, Packing One

Two Hundred and Eighty-Three: Lighting the Lamp to Study the Sword, Packing One's Belongings

On the Wei Jisi day of the tenth month, the Emperor issued an edict restoring Wang Wang Lixian as Prince of Prince Xunyang and summoned him to Prince Xunyang City in Jiangzhou;

In early November, Prince of Prince Xunyang arrived from Prince Xunyang City and took to his bed with illness; by month's end, Magistrate Ouyang Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan, the County Magistrate of Longcheng, was promoted to Jiangzhou's Chief Secretary.

In early December, the Empress's edicts of appointment and reward began arriving in Longcheng County, Jiangzhou.

The urgent news of Magistrate Ouyang Rong's promotion to Jiangzhou Chief Secretary arrived on the same bright morning as the decree exempting Longcheng's commoners from lifetime corvée and poll taxes,

and as the promotions and rewards for County Assistant Cai Qin and other officials who presented auspicious omens.

The imperial envoy from Shendu arrived again in Longcheng County.

Come to think of it, counting Magistrate Ouyang Rong's case, this was the second delegation from Shendu within a month.

The first had been the grand proclamation restoring the "bedridden" Wang Wang Lixian as Prince of Prince Xunyang.

This morning's second delegation was no less imposing, drawing crowds of townsfolk to line the streets.

"Lord Magistrate Ouyang, who would've thought we'd meet again so soon? Congratulations, congratulations."

Once more before the familiar county magistrate's hall, the bearded imperial envoy Song Hao encountered Magistrate Ouyang Rong.

Song Hao's gaze toward the young county magistrate held a faint strangeness.

This time, he brought more men from the capital; half the delegation were palace attendants in yellow robes, solemnly bearing a sealed imperial edict.

For the edict was issued directly by the Empress—higher in rank than an imperial decree—and all officials of the Fifth Rank and above in the Great Zhou were appointed or dismissed personally by Her Majesty... truly imperial decrees in the strictest sense.

Moreover, the title Song Hao used for Magistrate Ouyang Rong subtly changed, without comment.

Behind him, the yellow-robed attendants stepped forward, approached Magistrate Ouyang Rong, unfurled the Empress's edict, and read it aloud in a shrill voice, audible throughout the magistrate's compound.

The opening phrase, "By the Emperor's Edict," was followed by classical allusions of encouragement—such as, "Like beams and rafters, as salt and plum," meaning the pillars of the state are as indispensable as seasonings.

The female scribe who drafted this edict had considerable literary talent... Magistrate Ouyang Rong thought, without reason.

When finished, the yellow-robed attendant presented the scroll.

"Lord Magistrate Ouyang, receive the edict," Song Hao said solemnly, offering a tray before him, upon which lay a neatly folded crimson official robe, a black gauze cap, and the prestigious fish-shaped tally.

He himself still wore the dark green of the Sixth Rank, yet before him, this young man would shed his seventh-rank light green robe for the dazzling crimson of the Fifth.

Could the title not change when moving from Sixth to Fifth Rank?

Magistrate Ouyang Rong looked at them, and for a moment, did not reach out.

"Uh, Lord Magistrate Ouyang, why not accept? You're not going to decline again, are you?" Song Hao asked with a wry smile.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong came to himself, shook his head, and took the edict and the crimson robe.

Song Hao exhaled slightly—he was the Empress's own decree; refusal would be grave, and they'd face serious consequences unless the recipient had an unavoidable reason.

Wait—why was he so pleased? Others received promotion edicts with joy; why was he so delighted? Song Hao's lips twitched as he studied Magistrate Ouyang Rong again.

In the past, other officials treated him like a magpie bringing good news, bathing and changing into fresh robes to receive the edict—yet this youth reacted with icy calm...

One might mistake him for being demoted. If so, one might at least admire his composure—but this is promotion! What's with this expression of utter indifference?

Magistrate Ouyang Rong was not truly lacking in social grace.

"Thank you, Lord Song and your attendants, for traveling so far. Please come inside and rest." "Hah, Lord Magistrate Ouyang, you're too kind..."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong smiled and ushered Song Hao and the palace attendants into the hall.

While they settled, Magistrate Ouyang Rong turned at the door, slipped his hand into his robe, felt around, then opened his palm—three fragments of silver.

He mused they wouldn't even cover tea for Song Hao's party. "What a lazy, clumsy fool—move aside, I'll handle it."

A figure in red robes approached, carrying tea and snacks; as she passed Magistrate Ouyang Rong, she bit back a smile, lifted her chin slightly, and entered the hall.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong froze.

He turned back—inside the hall, Chen Jun Xie Xie Lingjiang's bright eyes sparkled as she courteously received the imperial envoys, composed and poised, a noblewoman of the Five Great Clans, utterly unfazed by receiving the imperial edict.

The young county magistrate chuckled softly.

Chen Jun Xie Xie Lingjiang sipped tea with the envoy Song Hao and the yellow-robed attendants, smiling and attending to them with grace.

Yet for some reason, Magistrate Ouyang Rong did not enter the hall to join them.

But after receiving the substantial "good news" gratuity, Song Hao and the attendants swiftly overlooked this minor lapse.

They were greatly taken with the elegant, articulate Chen Jun Xie Lady, repeatedly praising Lord Magistrate Ouyang's excellent taste in his betrothed.

Chen Jun Xie Xie Lingjiang smiled faintly, then, at one moment, glanced without notice toward the empty corridor outside, and said:

"We haven't even set the date yet—don't speak so carelessly." "How could it possibly escape?" Song Hao laughed.

"Lord Magistrate Ouyang may be of humble origins, but he is the youngest Fifth-Rank Chief Secretary of our dynasty, a provincial official before he turned twenty, and a disciple of your father's... The Chen Commandery Chen Jun Xie Clan is indeed the foremost scholar family of Jiangzuo, yet they'd never refuse such a son-in-law, Miss Chen Jun Xie—you needn't worry."

Chen Jun Xie Xie Lingjiang bit her lower lip, hiding her dazed expression behind her teacup. "Is that so?" she whispered softly. "And what of the Magistrate Ouyang clan of Nanlong? Surely they support this?"

Song Hao replied at once: "Of course! A humble family marrying into the Five Great Clans is a stroke of fortune—anyone would wake up laughing in their dreams."

Chen Jun Xie Xie Lingjiang lowered her head, sipped tea, her cheeks flushed with steam, her eyes flickering. After a moment, she glanced toward the door.

No sign of her Ru Shixiong.

But outside, she could see County Assistant Cai Qin, Yan Yan Liulang, and other officials gathered joyfully, gazing curiously at the crimson robe and the Empress's edict.

Where had her Ru Shixiong gone?

Chen Jun Xie Xie Lingjiang noticed he seemed distracted today. But strictly speaking, it hadn't just been today.

Ever since her Uncle Li's restoration as Prince of Prince Xunyang, and her Aunt Wei's forced departure for Jiangzhou City,

her Ru Shixiong had grown absent-minded, as if certain his scheme had succeeded, his thoughts turned elsewhere.

It had only left her, Wang Su Guoer, and Wang Fu to worry needlessly.

Seeing his junior sister handling the guests, Magistrate Ouyang Rong casually handed the crimson robe and edict to Yan Yan Liulang and County Assistant Cai Qin.

He left by the back gate, alone, departing the magistrate's compound.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong wanted to walk, to clear his chest—recently, a knot had formed there, as if he were about to leave this county forever.

His distraction upon receiving the edict stemmed from sheer surprise—he had never expected to leap straight to Fifth Rank.

He'd assumed that after resigning to his Master, the best he could hope for was a lateral transfer from Sixth-Rank Palace Censor to a Sixth-Rank local post, likely still in Jiangzhou "managing waterworks"... either way, it didn't matter—he only needed to be close enough to join the Prince of Prince Xunyang's inner circle and maneuver the situation; promotion wasn't urgent.

But now—he was Jiangzhou Chief Secretary. Second-Rank, Upper Grade.

The de facto second-in-command of an entire province.

Speaking of which—would the Provincial Inspector of Jiangzhou City, the one he'd exchanged letters with for so long, "online," in a love-hate rivalry, now be less lonely with him as deputy?

Magistrate Ouyang Rong smiled sheepishly, a small anticipation stirring.

"So this is the karmic reward for two thousand merit points? Not a bad investment..." Leaving the festive magistrate's compound behind,

Magistrate Ouyang Rong crossed the county alone, crossed the Peng Lang Ferry, and reached the western bank of Butterfly Creek.

Since the auspicious omen succeeded, he'd come here every morning.

Especially to the shrine atop Little Solitary Mountain.

Inside the shrine honoring Ashan and the martyrs, Magistrate Ouyang Rong lit three incense sticks, sat on the threshold, and stared blankly for half an hour before descending in silence.

He then walked to the former site of the Ancient Yue Sword Shop, revisiting the place where the Dragon was slain. The Liu family was gone; without their monopoly and exploitation, new sword shops had sprung up, and the western bank had once again come alive.

As he observed along the way, the young county magistrate's expression gradually calmed.

Returning to the county, it was already evening. Magistrate Ouyang Rong glanced toward the outskirts, hesitated, then turned toward Luming Street.

At the magistrate's gate and the entrance to Meilu Garden, he saw baskets of fruit and local specialties, and many jars of pickled radishes.

He didn't need to look—he knew these were gifts sent spontaneously by the townsfolk, their enthusiasm to feed the young county magistrate undiminished.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong had guessed this would happen; his walk outside the compound had been an attempt to avoid the crowd.

The news of the lifetime exemption from corvée and poll taxes had already spread through the county.

Ordinary Zhou subjects paid three taxes: land tax (zu), corvée (yong), and poll tax (Official Diao). Land tax was the heaviest, but yong and Official Diao were still burdensome—now, both were abolished, like rain from heaven.

Ah, producing one auspicious omen truly benefited everyone. The Empress gained the Mandate of Heaven, while Magistrate Ouyang Rong, the Wang family, and the people of Longcheng reaped tangible rewards.

The only downside was the cost of the rewards—but it was all imperial money. What's money for, if not spent? Right? Surely no one minded.

Unaware that his Master loved to tally accounts, Magistrate Ouyang Rong shook his head, picked up several jars of pickled radishes, and returned to the Plum Grove Courtyard.

Upon entering, he saw a crimson official robe, still damp, hanging on the clothesline.

The swing beneath the grapevine stood empty, swaying gently in the wind; on the stone table before him lay a sealed, insulated food box.

From the kitchen, faint traces of cooking smoke and savory aromas lingered.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong walked over, sat down, and ate.

His junior sister had recently learned to cook. Someone's heart warmed slightly.

After the meal, Magistrate Ouyang Rong surveyed the empty Plum Grove Courtyard.

From Nanlong, Zhen Shi and Ye Weilai had already written, saying they'd return—but Magistrate Ouyang Rong had persuaded them to delay, citing year-end official transfers.

They had agreed to reunite at his next posting, to celebrate the New Year together.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong lit the lamp on the table, wrote a letter, and prepared to send it the next day—informing them of his promotion to Jiangzhou Chief Secretary, and urging them to travel safely.

Having finished, he left the lamp lit, walked silently to the storage cabinet, and took out the treasures he'd gathered in Longcheng, placing them one by one on the table:

First, a Mojia sword case, within which lay quietly the "Crafting." This was the most valuable item.

Countless lives had been lost, countless resources consumed, to obtain this blade—and now, countless factions sought it.

The Ding Sword was never numerous; only a handful were known to still exist. And across the realm, the number of Qi Refiners capable of walking the Sword-Bearer's severed meridian path was surely single digits—all of them prodigies... Magistrate Ouyang Rong, a self-taught Sword-Bearer, was likely the only one.

The wooden case had been repackaged by craftsmen, now resembling a qin case. Hmm—would it be too much for a Confucian scholar to carry a qin?

Quite reasonable, wouldn't you say?

Second, a long sword of moonlight.

Closely linked to the unknown Ding Sword. And a skirt knife.

He habitually wore them, especially when his junior sister was not by his side.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong placed a bronze mask and a black plaque engraved with the character "Wei" on the table.

Inside the Shenshoujiamian, there are currently three illusory shadows: Ashan, Wei Wei Shaoxuan, and the female worker named Zhang Li Qian.

That's right, Magistrate Ouyang Rong can also wear the mask and transform into a woman, though he doesn't much like wearing women's clothing...

Magistrate Ouyang Rong took out another low-end, high-quality elixir box, containing a qi-replenishing pill called "Mo Jiao"; according to the Persian merchant, it could supply a high-grade Qi Refiner with abundant spiritual energy.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong asked his junior sister and learned that this high-grade qi-replenishing pill releases spiritual energy rapidly; if the dantian is too small or the cultivation base insufficient, forcibly consuming it might damage the dantian and meridians.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong didn't need it for now, but he had a few ideas—if he could consume all that spiritual energy at once, wouldn't that prevent his body from exploding?

Magistrate Ouyang Rong's gaze involuntarily turned toward the "Craftsmanship."

In addition, there was a night pearl, suspected to be a stupa relic; he had forgotten to exchange it for silver, but after his junior sister and the Su Fu began feeding him, he no longer lacked silver.

Hmm, better not sell a monk's stupa relic so easily—it's a bit of a hellish joke; what if it deducts merit?

His current merit is down to just a few hundred; if it drops to zero, who knows if it might turn negative and bring misfortune.

Finally, he had only a few silver fragments left. Oh, and there was also a land deed for Meilu Yuan.

It had been forcibly shoved upon him by Li Su Xian and Li Li Fusu; he hadn't wanted to accept it.

But Magistrate Ouyang Rong had grown fond of living in Meilu Yuan; after reconsidering, he no longer refused, and replied that he would ask his aunt Zhen Shi to send some silver later, as payment for the house.

Faced with this twenty-year-old strategist who required only three meals a day and lodging, Li Su Xian and Li Li Fusu could only sigh helplessly.

These were more or less all of Magistrate Ouyang Rong's possessions. Serving as an official, he was truly as clean as two empty sleeves.

Of course, as the sole heir, Magistrate Ouyang Rong still had family assets from the Nanlong Magistrate Ouyang Clan, but he had never inquired about them; he had originally planned to ascend to the Pure Land and leave everything to Zhen Shi.

Now, after descending the mountain, he had decided to live grounded in this "Hell Without Interval," so he could only accept it—and take on the role of the Magistrate Ouyang Clan's sole promising scholarly seed.

Moreover, he had just been promoted to Magistrate Ouyang Changshi of Jiangzhou; it was inevitable that, once the news reached home, many Magistrate Ouyang Clan cousins would come seeking his patronage.

Besides, when he went to Jiangzhou, he'd need to buy a residence, spend money, and maintain the dignity befitting a Magistrate Ouyang Changshi... all of this would likely fall to Aunt Zhen Shi to arrange.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong nodded.

By the way, he still possessed a perfect Ninth Rank cultivation as a Swordbearer.

In the future, he must seek out sword arts; the only known location of sword arts is with Emperor Wen.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong had yet to fully decipher the sword art of the Craftsmanship, but as the first Sword Master, he had, in a sense, uniquely comprehended the sword art.

Judging by this, the bottleneck from Ninth to Eighth Rank might be breakable... once in Jiangzhou, he could attempt to ascend and see if he could break through.

Night deepened; Magistrate Ouyang Rong packed his belongings, then silently drew a three-foot blade before his desk, lighting a lamp to examine the sword.

The blade was clear as a mirror, radiating a hazy moonlight, reflecting the weary scholar's brows and eyes. Tomorrow, he would travel again.

Yet why did the young man packing his bags in the mirror still frown slightly?

"What still remains undone?"

Some people are dead, but not entirely dead...