Chapter 300

Thirty, The Source of Disaster

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"Tanlang, how much longer must we wait in Prince Xunyang City?"

"That depends on when the internal opinions of the Wei clan unify. Whether it's a counterattack or an appointment, the truth will come to light very soon."

"Then how should we respond?"

"Respond to the changing situation with constancy. Rather than doing too much and making mistakes, it is better to remain unmoved."

Late at night, in the study of the Prince Xunyang Prince's Mansion, Magistrate Ouyang Rong looked into Li Wang Lixian's eyes and said earnestly:

"Having endured for so many years, can the Uncle not wait even this little bit of time?"

Li Wang Lixian, who had been smiling and greeting guests during the day, showed a trace of fatigue and sighed:

"With these batches of imperial envoys from Shenjing Luoyang arriving recently, this Prince is somewhat trembling with fear. This Prince Xunyang Prince's Mansion, too, has not experienced such a lively New Year in many years; for a moment, I am actually a bit unaccustomed to it."

Wei Mei interjected: "Yan Liulang has woken up from dreams in a fright three times these past few nights. In previous years, every time an imperial envoy from Shenjing Luoyang arrived, it was bad news, leaving behind quite a shadow."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong looked at Li Wang Lixian, whose old face was quite flushed, and encouraged him:

"Uncle, rest assured. Things are different now. The time when cruel officials and female officials could act recklessly toward the Li clan princes by monopolizing the power to reach the Emperor's ears has already passed.

"Many people with ulterior motives inside and outside the court are watching the affairs of Prince Xunyang City."

"Good." Li Wang Lixian breathed a sigh of relief, then remembered something and asked:

"This Prince heard that a few days ago, at Miss Chen Jun Xie's banquet, you and Wang Wang Lengran crossed swords again?"

Looking at Li Wang Lixian's worried expression, Magistrate Ouyang Rong shook his head:

"Rest assured, Wang Wang Lengran is just a knife, and the Wei clan is the arm. A knife cannot control the choices of the Wei clan. Uncle need not worry too much."

Li Wang Lixian shook his head and said warmly:

"This Prince is worried about you, Tanlang. After all, he is your direct superior. A knife indeed cannot control the arm, but it can disgust people by acting like a fox borrowing the tiger's might."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong nodded: "I will be careful."

"That's good."

Li Wang Lixian set his mind at ease, "As long as you have a plan in mind, Tanlang."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong looked around the study.

This was Li Su Dalang's study and also the customary location for their night meetings.

The candlelight on the desk illuminated the faces of Li Wang Lixian, Wei Mei, and Li Su Dalang.

Besides Chen Jun Xie Chen Jun Xie Lingjiang, one person was missing tonight.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong hesitated for a moment, then asked out of turn: "Where is the Little Princess?"

Li Wang Lixian and Wei Mei exchanged a glance and smiled bitterly.

Li Su Dalang replied:

"Tonight, there is a New Year-themed poetry gathering in the Chaisang Ward that requires the Little Sister to preside over. It is inconvenient to return due to the curfew. The Little Sister sent word in advance that she would stay overnight at a private residence in the Chaisang Ward."

"How is she everywhere..."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong opened his mouth subconsciously, then closed it again, nodding to show he understood.

He said no more.

If Li Wang Lixian or Li Su Dalang were doing this, Magistrate Ouyang Rong would immediately remonstrate and say a few words righteously.

These days, Li Wang Lixian and his son had always treated him with the courtesy due a teacher, even more respectfully than that old Mr. Yuan who had followed them for many years.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong was quite satisfied with their generous, benevolent, and receptive-to-advice characters.

It was just that Li Su Guoer was different; Magistrate Ouyang Rong could not control her.

Moreover, her father and brother did not control her, so how could he, with only the status of "Su Fu's Strategist," control her?

She was a princess of the Great Zhou imperial family, and a young princess still waiting to be married at that.

It was inconvenient for Magistrate Ouyang Rong, an outsider, to have dealings with her; it was easy to be misunderstood about something...

He did not want to be some kind of son-in-law living off a woman.

What, you say the Xiao Shimei comes with the "soft rice" of the Chen Jun Chen Jun Xie clan?

That was a helpless move. Magistrate Ouyang Rong felt that the "soft rice" he ate in this life would at most reach this point, and he had no other thoughts.

Therefore, in treating Li Su Guoer,

Apart from being afraid that the Xiao Shimei would overthink things and thus keeping his distance from other women,

Out of the basic principle that a strategist should not easily interfere in the private affairs of the master's family, Magistrate Ouyang Rong's attitude had always been quite cold, somewhat respectful but distant.

He no longer had the actions of frequently enjoying music and talking about philosophy as he did when they first met in Dragon City.

Of course, this also led to Li Su Guoer often being outside his deployment nowadays.

Tonight, she even asked for leave and didn't come.

Most things were discussed by Magistrate Ouyang Rong with Li Wang Lixian and Li Su Dalang. Li Su Guoer seemed somewhat unconcerned; of course, she might also ask her father and brother about it afterward.

However, this did not mean she looked down on Magistrate Ouyang Rong. After all, not long ago, she had personally picked out a fox-fur shawl as a promotion gift for Magistrate Ouyang Rong.

It was just that Magistrate Ouyang Rong discovered that this little princess with plum blossom makeup had a subjective initiative that was truly a bit too strong, and she seemed to have quite a few ideas of her own...

It was inconvenient for him to stop her.

As long as she didn't cause trouble and get caught by others, as discussed back then, and didn't harm the interests of the people in the Prince Xunyang Prince's Mansion in the general direction, it would be fine.

This was also a tacit understanding between Magistrate Ouyang Rong and Li Su Guoer that neither had spoken aloud.

Regarding this point, according to Li Su Guoer's intelligent nature, she grasped the sense of proportion well, and indeed, she had done quite well so far.

A certain strategist who had just reached adulthood curled his lip.

Sometimes, two people who are too smart are naturally mutually exclusive, which can be considered one plus one being less than two.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong did not speak. Li Wang Lixian and Li Su Dalang exchanged a glance, and the former spoke first:

"Guo'er has nothing to do in her spare time. Recently, she has been attending literary gatherings and salons, making broad connections with famous scholars of Mount Mount Kuanglu and talented scholars of Prince Xunyang, and has established a Chrysanthemum Poetry Society. I heard her say that this society is small but refined, and they would rather have no one than accept just anyone."

"Tonight is actually the night of the society's first poetry gathering. She couldn't get away, so she had to be absent tonight. Guo'er is also quite apologetic. Tanlang, please don't blame her."

Hearing this, Magistrate Ouyang Rong nodded.

Li Su Dalang explained:

"Actually, the Little Sister also wants to contribute to Tanlang. There are some things that Father and I are not suitable to do, but the Little Sister's status is very appropriate.

"For example, establishing a poetry society to help us win over the scholars of Prince Xunyang and search for men of talent, I think it is beneficial, so it was not easy to stop her. If Tanlang has any opinions, you can tell me, and I will go talk to her."

Looking at Li Li Fusu, who had a serious face, Magistrate Ouyang Rong shook his head:

"No opinions. Perhaps it is also a path."

He curled his lip: "Chrysanthemum Poetry Society? The name is a bit strange."

Li Su Dalang chewed on the two words and was puzzled: "What's strange about it?"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong waved his hand: "Nothing. Famous scholars love chrysanthemums, starting from Tao Yuanming's chrysanthemum picking. It's normal. I thought too much."

Having clarified these things, Li Wang Lixian and his son were finally at ease.

After discussing for a while longer, Magistrate Ouyang Rong stood up, preparing to leave.

"By the way, Tanlang." Li Wang Lixian suddenly remembered something and turned to ask: "Received some more banquet invitations from nobles today. I don't know if I should go."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong asked back unceremoniously: "Does the Uncle think it is suitable to go now?"

Li Wang Lixian thought seriously with a grave face and shook his head: "Since Tanlang said to wait quietly, it is better not to pay attention to these social engagements."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong nodded: "Now is not the time for the Uncle to spread his wings. The Emperor might be observing the Uncle. How can you be 'broadly socializing'?"

Li Su Dalang nodded: "Tanlang is right. Doing too much now leads to mistakes."

Li Wang Lixian's face was hesitant: "But there is a distinguished guest with a special status among them."

"Who?"

"Zhu Zhu Lingxu, the Military Jiangzhou Cishi of Hongzhou."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong was dumbfounded.

The Great Zhou has established about a hundred prefectures, and only twenty-four of them have established the position of Military Jiangzhou Cishi. Every one of them is a vital location in the world and a place contested by military strategists, with several garrison commands located there, hoarding a large number of garrison troops.

Hongzhou, next to Jiangzhou, is one of them. It is vaguely located in the heart of the Jiang Nan Circuit and can control the water transportation hub of Jiangzhou. It is a vital military prefecture in the south.

The power of the Military Jiangzhou Cishi of Hongzhou is even greater than that of a Prefectural Jiangzhou Cishi, especially the power to mobilize troops.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong pondered: "What is this Military Jiangzhou Cishi Zhu coming to find the Uncle for?"

Li Wang Lixian shook his head and explained:

"It is his eldest son. A few days ago, he came to Jiangzhou to attend the niece Chen Jun Xie's birthday banquet. Later, he encountered heavy rain and stayed in Jiangzhou. It just so happens that he has been playing in Prince Xunyang City these past few days. He said he heard that the snow scenery of Mount Mount Kuanglu is unique and wanted to invite Su Dalang to accompany him on a tour."

Hearing this, Magistrate Ouyang Rong nodded slowly. He had a vague impression of this eldest son Zhu, who seemed to be tall, sturdy, and powerful.

He was also one of the young talents who pursued the Xiao Shimei at the birthday banquet, but he didn't have much presence at the time.

However, I heard that this Zhu family originally made their fortune through military exploits, which can be considered a family inheritance...

Li Su Dalang took over the conversation and said with a smile:

"This Young Master Zhu also brought a letter from Military Jiangzhou Cishi Zhu to Father. In the letter, he expressed some regret and injustice for the encounters our family has had over these years."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong frowned slightly and said bluntly:

"So what is this hinting at? Wanting to get close to us, is it showing favor? Burning cold stoves in advance?"

Li Wang Lixian smiled bitterly: "This Prince is also not quite sure. This Military Jiangzhou Cishi Zhu's words are respectful, which makes this Prince somewhat flattered. Most importantly, he also mentioned the Prince of Teng, saying that the Prince of Teng also has a similar attitude to his, saying that he has long admired and sympathized with me, this royal uncle..."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong immediately frowned tightly.

Wei Mei suddenly said: "Sure enough, I heard people say before that this Military Jiangzhou Cishi Zhu is close to the Prince of Teng's Mansion."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong nodded solemnly, having heard of it too.

The Prince of Teng is a hereditary title. Originally, he was a member of the Li surname imperial clan of the Great Gan. The first Prince of Teng was the younger brother of Emperor Taizong, enfeoffed in Hongzhou, and the title has been inherited to this day.

The previous Princes of Teng acted honestly and low-key. Plus, they were not of the Li Gan direct line of Emperor Taizong, so when the Wei clan Empress Dowager took action against the Li clan imperial clans across the world, she did not affect this line of the Prince of Teng.

In addition, this Jiang Nan Circuit is far from the Emperor. The concepts of the powerful clans left over from the Southern Dynasties are still deep-seated, not to mention the restraint of imperial relatives and vassal kings.

Inherited from the first Prince of Teng of the founding of the country, they have deeply cultivated this prefecture, causing this Prince of Teng's Mansion to have deep local influence.

This incumbent is especially so.

I heard that the current Prince of Teng is a vassal king who has just reached adulthood, about the same age as Magistrate Ouyang Rong. He has just inherited the title and is young and vigorous. Inheriting such a family business, he can be considered one of the top nobles in the Jiang Nan Circuit.

However, the impact of the change of dynasty is still there.

The Prince of Teng in the early years of the Great Gan held the concurrent position of Military Jiangzhou Cishi of Hongzhou, and his authority was very great.

Later, Wei Zhao ascended the throne and reformed the system. One of the changes was to take back the position of Military Jiangzhou Cishi of Hongzhou and change it to appointment by the imperial court.

But the current Military Jiangzhou Cishi of Hongzhou, Zhu Zhu Lingxu, was rumored to have received the favor of the old Prince of Teng before he went to the frontier to make contributions and make his fortune in his early years.

So since taking office, he has always turned a blind eye to some things in the Prince of Teng's Mansion.

It's just that before, these rumors were groundless and had no evidence.

But now, hearing what Li Wang Lixian said, Magistrate Ouyang Rong and Wei Mei both realized that these words were not false.

This Military Jiangzhou Cishi Zhu actually brought a message on behalf of the Prince of Teng.

Li Wang Lixian tried to ask: "Tanlang, should we win over this Prince of Teng?"

"What are we winning him over for?"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong held his forehead, feeling a bit of a headache, and asked Li Wang Lixian back:

"Uncle, our goal in coming to Prince Xunyang City is very clear: to return to the capital and seize the position of imperial heir, not to expand any wings or forces or plot rebellion.

"What is the use of getting to know some Prince of Teng or Military Jiangzhou Cishi? If the Uncle wants to rebel, are you sure you can beat the Emperor who is proficient in internal strife and... proficient in external strife?"

Li Wang Lixian suddenly realized and hurriedly shook his head, "Tanlang doesn't dare, how would I dare."

"That's right. Uncle, the favor of these two people is a chicken rib."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong straightened his face, his train of thought clear:

"And for vassal kings to communicate with each other through letters is already inappropriate, especially for these local vassal kings with deep foundations. This is ten times more serious than you passing family letters to your own brother, Prince Xiang, after all, neither of you has actual enfeoffment or actual power."

He couldn't help but reprimand in his tone:

"But this Prince of Teng is a vassal king with actual enfeoffment. Since he has such a close relationship with the Military Jiangzhou Cishi of Hongzhou and dares to communicate with the deposed Emperor, tell me, why is he so bold?"

Li Wang Lixian was startled: "Tanlang, rest assured, I will definitely not reply to the Prince of Teng."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong pressed: "Have you replied to Zhu Zhu Lingxu's letter?"

Li Wang Lixian said nervously: "I only replied to one letter, all polite words, not involving the Prince of Teng."

"That's good." Magistrate Ouyang Rong wiped the sweat from his brow, pondered for a moment, and reached out his hand:

"Hand Zhu Zhu Lingxu's letter to me. I will handle it."

He turned to Li Su Dalang and instructed: "Do not agree to that Young Master Zhu's invitation. Find a reason to refuse."

"Yes." Li Wang Lixian and his son nodded hurriedly.

A moment later, after taking the letter and browsing it for a moment, Magistrate Ouyang Rong looked up and waved the thin letter paper between his two fingers:

"If everything is peaceful, it's fine, but once something is exposed, this is the source of disaster."

Everyone stared blankly at the young man standing tall with a solemn expression.

"It is not an exaggeration. As the rear area of the Great Zhou Dynasty, this Jiang Nan Circuit is too rich, peaceful, and lax in discipline."

He lowered his arm, pointed at the envelope, and sighed:

"According to the Great Zhou Law, this Military Jiangzhou Cishi of Hongzhou is supposed to shoulder the responsibility of supervising and restraining the vassal kings and nobles within his territory. Like the Prefectural Jiangzhou Cishi and the Registrar, how can he have such private dealings?

"Fortunately, it is still a peaceful era. If it were a special period, this would be a way to court death."

Li Wang Lixian and his son were shocked and sat up straight.

Wei Mei glanced sideways at Magistrate Ouyang Rong.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong was both angry and amused, spread his hands, and said:

"Who knows what that Emperor is thinking, transferring me to be the Registrar of Jiangzhou.

"But we are different from them. The Prince Xunyang Prince's Mansion has no foundation. I am only a Registrar, checked by the Prefectural Jiangzhou Cishi, and hold no soldiers or troops. The help is limited, at most matching the Uncle, and then 'going around in circles'.

"That Wang Wang Lengran, although a clown, is not someone who eats for nothing. He holds the supervisory power and military power tightly."

Everyone laughed dryly.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong looked around, his face returning to calm, and said: "Let's stop here."

Li Wang Lixian stated: "As you say."

A moment later, the night meeting ended, and Magistrate Ouyang Rong left.

On the way back, he touched the thin letter paper in his sleeve and thought of Li Su Guoer, Prince Xiang, and other matters.

"Uncle, oh Uncle, an Emperor valuing feelings and having a soft heart is not necessarily a good thing. For us confidants by his side, it might be a great benefit, allowing us to live easily without worrying about being killed once the rabbits are gone.

"But it is of no benefit to the country or the people, especially when there are several blood relatives by his side who are not fuel-efficient..."

A murmur was shattered by the night wind and scattered into the night of Prince Xunyang.

Late at night, in the study of the Yinbingzhai.

After bathing, Magistrate Ouyang Rong sat in front of the table, let out a long breath, and at one moment turned to look in the direction of Jin Ling, his face dazed:

"Is it still half a month before returning?"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong immediately got up, took out bamboo, wood materials, and various tools, and lowered his head to get busy...

He promised to make an umbrella for her to shield her from the wind and rain.

A friend recommends a classic Xianxia novel "The Li Xianzi Has a Tribulation": Reincarnated and recultivated, Xia Jing helps one fairy after another resolve their tribulations, but also becomes the greatest tribulation for the fairies.

(End of chapter)