Chapter 330

Fifty-nine, A New Blessing of Seven Thousand Merits

Yunshui Pavilion, third floor, Qinghe private room.

The atmosphere fell into silence.

Qin Heng lowered his head and remained silent for a while, his throat dry and hoarse: "Senior Secretary Ouyang, can you help this subordinate save the soldiers of the Third Regiment?

"This subordinate is familiar with Captain Su Qian, who is like a muffled oil bottle. If it weren't for the villains forcing him and having no way out, he would never have rebelled.

"This subordinate dares to guarantee with his life that I will go out of the city to welcome them personally on that day.

"Besides, after being persuaded to surrender by the envoy another day, since they have already laid down their weapons and can return home, what reason do they have to rebel? More importantly, there are only a mere three hundred people...

"To frame unarmed soldiers, Wang Lengran is truly shameless to the extreme."

Qin Heng's fist on his knee tightened, his body leaned forward, his tone extremely sincere:

"If the Senior Secretary can help, this subordinate and Captain Su and the soldiers of the Third Regiment will never forget it."

Ouyang Rong shook his head:

"I naturally believe General Qin, and I also believe in General Qin's eye for people, but telling you this dangerous matter today is not to coerce the General or sell a favor."

He sighed:

"It is really that I haven't thought of any way to stop Wang Lengran for the time being, so I can only inform General Qin and brainstorm together."

Qin Heng sighed silently.

Ouyang Rong, as the Jiangzhou Senior Secretary, finds it difficult to handle, so he, as the Fruit-Resolute Commandant of the Zhechong Prefecture, is a military officer, naturally restricted, and receives more precautions from the imperial court's civil officials. What way could he have?

It is mainly because Wang Lengran, as the Jiangzhou Jiangzhou Cishi and the main official of a state, has too much power.

This turmoil was protected by the Wei clan and was not implicated or held accountable.

Now the imperial court even let Wang Lengran follow the Jiangzhou Cishi's duties and go to open the gates to welcome the returning garrison soldiers who were indirectly incited to mutiny by his measures.

It has to be said that it is a great irony.

"Should this subordinate find a way to submit a memorial to guarantee and plead for the soldiers of the Third Regiment? Wang Lengran shouldn't dare to frame them against the wind, right?"

"No."

Ouyang Rong immediately stopped him:

"Wang Lengran controls the military and political affairs of Jiangzhou. At present, the Third Zhechong Prefecture of Jiangzhou is full of his people. He doesn't know our relationship yet. If you bypass your superior to submit a memorial, wouldn't you expose yourself and be excluded by them as an alien?

"This kind of method that sacrifices the future and has little effect is truly the worst strategy."

Qin Heng's face was numb: "Then what should be done?"

Ouyang Rong wanted to speak, but the next instant, he suddenly closed his mouth and sat still.

Qin Heng was worrying and thinking, and did not notice.

And Ye Weilai, who was pouring tea for the two, looked sideways slightly, looking at the ripples in the teacup in Ouyang Rong's hand.

She, who had always focused her attention on Ouyang Rong, keenly noticed that Tanlang's palm trembled, and his eyes were lowered while drinking tea, as if there was an abnormality.

Not long after, Ouyang Rong spoke again, discussed with Qin Heng for a while, and the two temporarily had no better idea, so they met next time and dispersed first.

Qin Heng left first, leaving the Qinghe private room.

Ye Weilai cleaned the tea set, took out a scented handkerchief, wiped her hands, and prepared to stand up, but found that Tanlang was motionless.

Ouyang Rong moved suddenly, pushing away the tea table between him and Ye Weilai.

"Sleep for a while, help me keep watch."

He tilted his head and lay on the slender legs of the silver-haired girl.

Ye Weilai was stunned for a moment, immediately nodded, and began to knead the brow of Ouyang Rong, who had closed his eyes as if sleeping, to gather his worries.

Ouyang Rong emptied his body and mind, and his heart and spirit sank into his mind.

Flying into the ancient-looking Merit Tower, Ouyang Rong looked up at the "excited" bronze ancient bell above.

The bell body trembled incessantly, making a humming sound without stopping for a moment.

Rich purple mist, like boiling water, overflowed from the bronze bell body and flowed down like a waterfall.

The hanging ancient bell, the boiling purple mist.

This scene was like a purple waterfall falling from the sky.

Ouyang Rong noticed with sharp eyes that the purple mist faintly contained blood-red silk threads, similar to the blessing with peach-colored silk threads before, but the color was different.

"What kind of blessing is this? It suddenly popped out when I was chatting with Qin Heng..."

Ouyang Rong watched from the side with his hands in his sleeves for a while, frowned slightly, and flew into the air.

His palm touched the Blessing Bell that had been activated for no reason today.

In an instant, a divine thought as ethereal as a dream exploded in his mind, and Ouyang Rong immediately digested the information.

"Seven thousand merits for exchange, why don't you go rob?"

Ouyang Rong was speechless.

"If I remember correctly, I don't seem to have enough."

He muttered, flew to the small wooden fish below, and stared at the row of blue-gold characters above the small wooden fish:

Merit: 6,621

Ouyang Rong supported his forehead.

A moment later, he turned his head with a frown, looking at the bronze ancient bell that seemed to be unsatisfied, like a resentful woman in a deep boudoir.

"You think my merits were washed down by water? Asking for so much all at once, where am I supposed to find them..."

Since leaving Longcheng, Ouyang Rong's merit growth had become much slower.

In the past half year, being able to accumulate more than 6,600 merits was thanks to the debate at the Sage Temple, which made him famous throughout the world and eased quite a few sharp contradictions between scholars and the local area, which was how he saved them up.

Well, the little Xiao Shimei, who acted as a merit-squeezing machine, also contributed quite a bit, adding a stroke in a steady stream.

Ouyang Rong originally thought that his merits were sufficient, but he didn't expect to encounter a situation where his merits were insufficient and he couldn't exchange for a sudden blessing today.

The last time he encountered this situation was at the beginning of his rebirth, when he was penniless and facing the "Return to the Come" blessing.

But the one exchanged for 10,000 blessings was at least a sword technique that was unique in the world, and perhaps included a life-saving moment.

"What the hell is this red blessing."

Ouyang Rong tried hard to suppress his desire to complain and took two more looks at the Blessing Bell containing blood-colored silk threads in the purple mist, muttering:

"Seven thousand merits, what can it give?

"What is the implication of the extra red that just appeared in this purple mist? Is it related to the type of blessing?

"Is it a disaster of blood, or a great red happy event? It shouldn't be like the peach blossom blessing, giving me some kind of red luck similar to peach blossoms.

"Uh, but if it immediately breaks through the resistance for me and fast-forwards to the bridal chamber with Wanwan, seven thousand merits don't seem unacceptable...

"The premise is not to get the wrong person, if it's with Li Guier, that would be terrible."

Ouyang Rong nodded. For a time, he couldn't be sure if this blessing was black-hearted or conscientious. Of course, it better not be a fun-loving one.

Having experienced the previous two peach-colored blessings, he began to have some vigilance.

The misunderstanding with Li Guier almost cost Ouyang Rong his life.

He felt that this blessing couldn't be exchanged indiscriminately, and he had to keep an eye on it.

Who knows if the Buddha is also a fun-loving person? There must be a reason for the bumps on his head.

Ouyang Rong collected his thoughts and circled the "insufficient balance" small wooden fish twice.

"Still short of 400 merits, for a while, where am I supposed to find them..."

A thought suddenly flashed through his mind:

"Wait, this red blessing should be related to Qin Heng. It was triggered just when I was chatting with him,

"And the topic I was chatting with him about just now was exactly how to save the garrison soldiers returning to Jiangzhou. Could this blessing be helping me save the lives of three hundred garrison soldiers? If so, seven thousand merits are indeed not expensive, after all, it's three hundred households.

"And later I can strive for the help of Qin Heng and a regiment of soldiers from the Zhechong Prefecture..."

Ouyang Rong muttered to himself.

But the main problem now is how to raise the 400 merit gap.

"Speaking of which, where is the little Xiao Shimei? Where is she? I have to go brush some."

Ouyang Rong muttered, his heart and spirit withdrew from the Merit Tower, and the back of his head lifted from Ye Weilai's slender thighs.

"Let's go, let's go back first."

"Yes, Tanlang."

Ouyang Rong stood up and looked back.

The white-haired girl kneeling on the floor was putting a roll of official documents into her sleeve and followed him up.

Just when Ouyang Rong was "resting his eyes," she must have been reading and studying the official documents he handed to her while rubbing his brow.

Ouyang Rong watched silently.

Leaving Yunshui Pavilion, he returned to Chai Sang Ward.

He sent Ye Weilai back to the Huaiye Lane residence on the way.

Ouyang Rong returned to the Jiangzhou main hall, and before his butt was even hot, he suddenly received a report from Liulang:

Li Zhengyan, Wei Shaoqi, and Du Shuqing were leaving, taking the afternoon ship.

In front of the pear wood desk, Ouyang Rong turned his head.

This was the second time Ouyang Rong came to Xunyang Ferry today.

Both times were to send people off.

"Lianghan is busy, no need to send us onto the ship, just stop here."

Li Zhengyan turned his head and smiled.

Ouyang Rong also smiled and asked: "Why are Li Gong and Mr. Wei leaving so suddenly?"

Li Zhengyan laughed loudly: "Lianghan, don't tell me you're reluctant to let us go?"

Behind him, Wei Shaoqi, Du Shuqing, Wang Junzhi, and others all laughed.

Ouyang Rong didn't answer, looked around, turned his head back and asked: "Aren't you guys going to have a farewell drink, just to show some meaning?"

"..." Everyone.

Good fellow, so you were waiting for this... Li Zhengyan and the others had the corners of their mouths twitch.

Li Zhengyan was serious, his tone solemn: "Others can drink, but Lianghan should forget it. You still have to return to the office. Drinking in broad daylight will delay things."

Ouyang Rong said seriously: "Drinking is fine, I can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk."

Li Zhengyan and the others laughed dumbfoundedly.

Someone had a look of reminiscence in their eyes.

Remembering a month ago, it was also at this Xunyang Ferry, when everyone arrived for the first time, it was also this Senior Secretary in his early twenties who came to welcome them personally and made the bold statement of drinking a thousand cups without getting drunk.

"Good, good, good. Lianghan is not only a true gentleman who pleads for the people, but also a hero of Jiang Nan who can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk."

Li Zhengyan laughed loudly and said loudly:

"Li's trip this time is also to plead for the people. So when we meet next time, let's drink happily together again, until we are drunk and don't return."

"Good." Ouyang Rong nodded upon hearing this: "Li Gong has lofty ambitions and a bright future. I look forward to Li Gong making achievements in his post in Raozhou while pleading for the people."

Li Zhengyan patted Ouyang Rong's shoulder hard: "As you say."

Ouyang Rong turned his head and looked at the crowd behind him.

Yue Ziang and Wang Junzhi were also there.

However, Wang Junzhi, as the newly appointed Jiangzhou Doctor, was only here to see them off like Ouyang Rong, and would return to the Jiangzhou official school later.

Yue Ziang was an old sticky candy, seeing them off was normal.

As for that eldest young master Zhu, he had rushed back to Hongzhou the day the news of the Guizhou garrison mutiny came.

Ouyang Rong glanced at the large ship that was slowly docking and suddenly asked:

"Heading southwest, this doesn't seem to be the direction to Raozhou."

Li Zhengyan nodded:

"That's right, first send Shuqing to Longcheng to take office, then send Mr. Wei to Yixian, and then I will return to Raozhou to take office."

Ouyang Rong nodded: "Li Gong is still thoughtful and considerate."

Li Zhengyan sighed: "Just brothers in adversity."

Ouyang Rong shook his head: "It's the hidden dragon not yet used."

Hearing this roundabout compliment, Li Zhengyan smiled and nodded, saying:

"Speaking of the hidden dragon. When I was just demoted by the imperial court, I got drunk and returned from the Zhu Tower in Luoyang, and met a Daoist from Mount Zhongnan on the bustling street, who said that he had built a grass tower in the mountains a few days ago and observed the stars at night, discovering that in the southeast... there is the aura of a King."

Ouyang Rong thought for a moment and gave praise:

"The Daoist has good eyesight."

Li Zhengyan, who was in the middle of a conversation, couldn't help but have his mouth twitch.

Ouyang Rong suddenly looked serious, looked at the dark, slightly fat man in a felt hat in front of him, and asked:

"Then what? From Yangzhou to Jiangzhou, Li Gong passed through the mountains and rivers and famous cities of the southeast all the way, did you have any discoveries?"

Li Zhengyan raised his eyebrows slightly and pointed his index finger down:

"Lianghan, the aura of a King is in Jiangzhou."

Ouyang Rong asked curiously:

"But Li Gong doesn't seem to have seen the real person you wanted to see."

"No need to see." Li Zhengyan waved his hand.

"Then can Li Gong even look at the aura?"

Ouyang Rong looked at him and asked half-jokingly:

"Li Gong, don't tell me you are some hidden Qi refiner."

"No need to look either." Li Zhengyan shook his head.

"Then how did you discover this so-called aura of a King?"

Li Zhengyan stared into Ouyang Rong's eyes, his tone firm:

"Just like what the history books say, when a country is about to perish, there must be monsters. Where the aura of a King soars to the sky, there must be a talent who helps the dragon and saves the world."

Ouyang Rong didn't play dumb either, his face immediately showed an embarrassed expression, and he scratched his head:

"A talent who helps the dragon and saves the world, cough, Li Gong, don't tell me you are talking about me."

Li Zhengyan just looked at him, smiling without speaking.

Ouyang Rong made an expression of relief:

"That's good, as long as I'm not a monster in troubled times.

"However, I feel that Li Gong is the true talent who helps the dragon and saves the world. I am at most a mediocre person, and only my handsomeness and ability to drink a thousand cups without getting drunk can leave a few strokes in the history books."

"...??" Everyone at the pier.

Li Zhengyan took a few more looks at this young man who seemed to have words behind his words, and shook his head.

Ouyang Rong suddenly took a bunch of keys from his sleeve and handed them to the wooden and silent tall young man following behind Li Zhengyan, and smiled at him:

"Brother Du is going to Longcheng to take office as the County Assistant, and I also served in Longcheng last year. I have a vacant residence on Luming Street, which is comfortable to live in.

"Now that I have left the post, the residence is empty, and I am reluctant to sell it. It can be considered a fate with Brother Du. Take the keys, don't be polite, it can be considered a place to stay."

Du Shuqing was slightly surprised and looked at Li Zhengyan.

The latter nodded.

Du Shuqing hesitated for a moment, took the keys solemnly with both hands, and arched his hands:

"Many thanks to Senior Secretary Ouyang."

Ouyang Rong waved his hand gracefully.

Everyone exchanged pleasantries for a while longer.

The boatman ran over to inform them that the ship was about to set sail.

Li Zhengyan and his group turned and boarded the ship.

Ouyang Rong remained on the pier, watching the backs of the crowd boarding the ship one after another. At this moment, he caught a glimpse of Yue Ziang's figure, also among them,

following behind Du Shuqing and boarding the ship together.

Before he could ask more, a river wind suddenly blew.

Li Zhengyan, who had just boarded the deck, had his felt hat blown away by the wind,

dancing in the air, flying towards the pier, and landing on the ground.

Ouyang Rong bent over and picked up the felt hat beside his feet.

Li Zhengyan and the crowd all turned their heads in surprise.

Ouyang Rong lowered his head and glanced at the hat, wanting to send it over: "Li Gong..."

On the deck, Li Zhengyan, the current Duke of England with white hair at his temples, stood with his hands behind his back, smiling and waving his hand, signaling not to bother.

Ouyang Rong nodded and put away the felt hat.

The ship's sails raised by the boatman were full, and the large ship slowly started, sailing away from the pier.

There were rolling white waves at the stern of the ship.

Ouyang Rong looked up at the sky.

It happened to be evening, and the horizon didn't have the bright evening glow like yesterday, and it was even gray, like the old felt hat in his hand.

Tomorrow shouldn't have such good travel weather, and like Envoy Hu, Li Gong also knows how to pick a day... Ouyang Rong thought subconsciously, watching the distant ship, muttering in his mouth:

"'Morning clouds don't go out, evening clouds travel a thousand miles.'"

(End of chapter)