Chapter 332: Sixty-one, The Yuan Clan of Northern Wei

Sixty-one, The Yuan Clan of Northern Wei

Magistrate Ouyang Rong remembered that when he was pondering countermeasures these past few days,

he seemed to have mentioned the matter of Qin Heng and the returning border soldiers to Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang, who had asked with concern.

He hadn't expected Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang to take it to heart and tell the Li Wang Lixian family. Bringing it up now during the night strategy session in the Juxian Garden study clearly meant they wanted to pool their wisdom.

"Regarding the affairs of the border soldiers returning north from Guizhou, Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan, do you have any leads? After the imperial envoy persuades them to return and they arrive in Jiangzhou, how can we protect them?"

Li Wang Lixian asked with a concerned expression.

Seeing everyone's eyes turn toward him, Magistrate Ouyang Rong's expression was somewhat hesitant.

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang tugged at Magistrate Ouyang Rong's sleeve and then turned to explain:

"Ru Shixiong is afraid of affecting the Prince Xunyang Prince's Mansion. This matter was entrusted by that General Qin with whom he is on good terms, and it has nothing to do with the Prince Xunyang Prince's Mansion. Ru Shixiong wants to handle it alone."

Li Su Dalang shook his head:

"We agreed to share weal and woe; Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan, do not treat us as outsiders."

Li Wang Lixian also nodded:

"Su Dalang is right. We all came over from Longcheng together; it makes no sense to become distant now that we are in Prince Xunyang. If there is anything, bring it out and say it. Let's think of a way together; do not act alone."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong had no choice but to say helplessly:

"Actually, I haven't thought of a very good countermeasure these past few days. Currently, I am thinking that on the day the border soldiers return, I will go out of the city with Wang Wang Lengran to meet them and adapt to the situation as it arises."

After a pause, he added:

"We can call more people to go together. I reckon Wang Wang Lengran wouldn't dare to openly call a deer a horse."

Li Wang Lixian pondered for a moment and asked:

"It sounds like a way, but does Tanlang have confidence? Wang Wang Lengran is a despicable flatterer; you know that. What if he truly dares to falsely accuse them of rebellion in public just to establish authority for the Wei clan behind him..."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong pursed his lips: "I can only gamble; I have about a fifty percent chance of success."

Li Su Dalang wanted to say something but stopped. Li Wang Lixian patted his eldest son's hand, turned, and asked first:

"Is this friendship with General Qin very important to Tanlang?"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong hesitated for a moment, nodded, and stated:

"It is not just personal friendship and sympathy. General Qin holds the position of Fruitful Commandant of the Jiangzhou Zhechong Prefecture. At a critical moment, he might be able to help us, so we won't be completely blind to the actions of the Jiangzhou Military Prefecture monitoring the Prince's Mansion."

Li Wang Lixian nodded, thoughtful: "So that's how it is."

After a quiet moment, the Prince Xunyang Prince, dressed as a wealthy squire, suddenly said:

"Tanlang, what if the Prince and the Heir Apparent go out of the city with Wang Wang Lengran? With us there to witness and pressure him, he will be afraid of harming the rat to break the vase. Presumably, Wang Wang Lengran will be able to restrain himself a little."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong's expression was somewhat embarrassed: "How can I let Uncle and Su Dalang get involved..."

Li Wang Lixian waved his hand:

"These border soldiers were forced into mutiny in the first place, and most are innocent. What is wrong with going home to see their wives and children? They are also sons of Prince Xunyang, and the Prince's fief is here; this is what should be done.

"Of course, the Prince also has the selfish motive of befriending that General Qin."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong shook his head:

"A gentleman judges by actions, not by intentions. If General Qin and the soldiers of the Third Regiment of the Zhechong Prefecture know of the Prince's concern and care, they will surely be moved."

Li Wang Lixian smiled bitterly: "It's just that I don't know if the Prince and Su Dalang going out of the city to welcome them can suppress Wang Wang Lengran. Besides, going out of the city rashly, I don't know if it is appropriate."

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang pondered: "It is not convenient for Uncle to go out of the city without authorization. It is better to find an excuse, such as going to Shuangfeng Peak to inspect the statue construction, and incidentally welcome the returning border soldiers."

Li Wang Lixian nodded: "That makes sense. This way it is justified and reasonable."

Without waiting for Magistrate Ouyang Rong to express his stance, Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang, Li Wang Lixian, Li Su Dalang, Wei Mei, and others gathered together and discussed the general plan in no time.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong saw this and couldn't help but laugh or cry.

"You've already finished discussing it without asking me?" He said somewhat irritably.

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang waved her small hand:

"This is called pooling wisdom and efforts, being of one heart and one mind, and overcoming difficulties together. Ru Shixiong, do not say things that are not conducive to unity. The objection is overruled."

"..." Magistrate Ouyang Rong.

Everyone laughed.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong turned his head and scratched the tip of his nose.

Although that was the case, after Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang, Li Wang Lixian, Li Su Dalang, and others finished discussing, their eyes still looked over, expecting his stance.

"That's fine. The Prince's Mansion can get involved in this matter."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong pondered for a moment, nodded with a somewhat helpless expression:

"But it needs to be refined. Going out of the city without authorization is still a major taboo, and the excuse of observing the statue is not stable either.

"How about this.

"When the time comes, Uncle will submit a memorial, and I will also submit a joint memorial in the name of the Jiangzhou main hall, reporting to His Majesty together, saying that the construction of the Great Buddha lacks professional personnel, and suggesting the recruitment of these three hundred returning border soldiers to assist in the statue construction.

"At the same time, it can be considered a minor punishment for their unauthorized return north.

"After all, if they are completely pardoned without any punishment, the returning soldiers of the Third Regiment will probably feel uneasy and nervous. It is easy to cause suspicion toward the government and increase accidental risks."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong sighed slightly:

"This is also what I feel is the most dangerous link in the many stages of pardoning and recruiting the mutinous border soldiers this time. It is hard to guarantee that it won't lead to an irreparable mistake.

"But this time Jiangzhou has Uncle here, the reputation of the Prince Xunyang Prince is still guaranteed, and there is also the old superior General Qin coming forward."

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang, Li Wang Lixian, and others' eyes lit up when they heard this.

"Let Father submit the memorial, nominally giving the border soldiers a chance to make amends for their crimes..."

Li Su Dalang's tone was moved:

"Tanlang is still the one who considers things comprehensively, filling in the gaps for us."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong shook his head and glanced at his junior sister:

"Don't, it's all pooling wisdom and efforts."

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang rolled her eyes at him.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong reached out and snatched a pear that she had painstakingly peeled from her reluctant, pretty face.

Everyone burst into laughter.

Half an hour later, the night strategy session in the academy ended, and everyone prepared to disperse.

"By the way, I almost forgot, there is one more thing."

Li Wang Lixian turned and said to Magistrate Ouyang Rong, who was preparing to go out:

"Tanlang, are you familiar with this person Wang Wang Junzhi? What do you think of him?"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong paused, turned his head, and looked at Li Wang Lixian, whose expression was curious and seeking an opinion.

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang, Li Su Guoer, Li Su Dalang, and others at the door also paused at the right time and turned to look.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong nodded, "I know him, but we are not close."

Li Wang Lixian asked with concern: "I heard he came to Prince Xunyang City with Li Li Zhengyan and the others. Is his relationship with Li Li Zhengyan very good?"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong answered truthfully: "Li Li Zhengyan sent him to take up his post; the relationship should be quite good. Why does Uncle ask this?"

Li Wang Lixian answered: "A few days ago, he entrusted Su Guoer and Elder Yuan to recommend himself and submitted a post to the Prince's Mansion... I inquired about it and heard that he is also familiar with Yue Zi'ang. I am worried that he has a grudge against Tanlang."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong glanced at Li Su Guoer, who was lowering her head and stroking the cat beside the door, withdrew his gaze, shook his head, and said:

"There is no grudge."

Li Su Dalang took the initiative to ask: "Does Tanlang think he can be recruited?"

Facing the questioning gazes of Li Wang Lixian and his son, Magistrate Ouyang Rong lowered his eyes, as if pondering for a moment:

"Wang Wang Junzhi is eloquent, good at socializing, and understands propriety. Compared to Yue Zi'ang, he is a talent. It is not without reason that the Princess and Elder Yuan appreciate and recommend him.

"However, talent is something that, for some, is like adding wings, and for others, it is a burden. It depends on how the master manages it. If Uncle has confidence, you can try."

After a pause, in front of everyone, Magistrate Ouyang Rong smiled brightly:

"As the junior sister said tonight, pool wisdom and efforts, be of one heart and one mind. If there is anything, we can discuss it together."

Li Wang Lixian breathed a sigh of relief, smiled, and nodded:

"Tanlang's good words."

Hearing this, Li Su Guoer's fair hand, which was scratching the white cat's chin, stopped. She looked up at the young strategist who was not jealous at all and smiled like a gentle breeze, and pursed her pink lips.

Leaving the study, everyone went their separate ways.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong accompanied Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang for a walk.

Holding her hand, they strolled along the long corridor together.

Because of the regular night strategy sessions in the Juxian Garden area, the mistress Wei Mei had dismissed the maids and servants and prohibited them from approaching this area, so Magistrate Ouyang Rong felt safe and bold.

"I don't like that Wang Wang Junzhi. I always feel he has a strong sense of purpose and is somewhat ill-intentioned."

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang changed from holding hands to linking arms, tilted her head against Magistrate Ouyang Rong's arm, and pouted slightly.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong was quiet for a moment and said: "Those who seek refuge in the Prince Xunyang Prince's Mansion now, aren't they all thinking of gambling on the dragon?"

"This is different. He is close to Li Li Zhengyan. Didn't you say, Ru Shixiong, that Li Li Zhengyan and the others didn't have good intentions when they came to Uncle Li?"

"That makes sense. Then what do you say we should do?"

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang narrowed her eyes and thought for a moment, then suddenly nodded:

"How about I go break one of his dog legs and interrogate him?"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong's eyes widened slightly: "The junior sister is too extreme."

"Then what do you say we should do?"

"Help me break one too."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong smiled and said:

"Blocking is not as good as dredging. Whether it's a sincere refuge or a dagger revealed at the end of the map, just watch. At least he doesn't have the status trouble of Li Li Zhengyan and the others."

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang was curious: "If it's the former, Ru Shixiong, aren't you worried at all?"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong touched his chin and pondered for a moment, then answered: "He is not as handsome as me."

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang's pretty cheeks puffed up, and she pinched the waist of a certain person.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong twisted away.

The two played around for a while, and Magistrate Ouyang Rong suddenly turned his head with a serious expression:

"Actually, I quite sympathize with Wang Wang Junzhi. He should be careful."

"What do you mean?" Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang's pretty face was curious.

Recalling that intestine floating in a bowl of water, Magistrate Ouyang Rong sighed:

"Li Su Guoer's line is not so easy to hook up with. Wang Wang Junzhi should be careful... Eh... speaking of which, is Li Su Guoer quite ladylike and virtuous at the poetry gatherings in Prince Xunyang City?"

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang nodded and looked at him, asking: "Hmm, speaking of which, do you men all fall for this?"

"Nonsense, I clearly fall for your style the most, Wanwan."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong looked serious and raised his hand to swear.

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang hummed twice, her expression disbelieving, but the upturned corners of her lips betrayed her.

And Magistrate Ouyang Rong, who was being closely pressed and held by the Chenjun Xie family's noble lady, felt the pressure on his arm increase, which made people feel depressed.

Chenjun Xie Chenjun Xie Lingjiang quickly changed the subject:

"By the way, Ru Shixiong, at the Chrysanthemum Poetry Society banquet held by Su Guoer the day before yesterday, I saw an unexpected guest. You should know him."

After a pause, she added: "He was brought by Wang Wang Junzhi."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong asked casually: "Who?"

"Yuan Watching Yuan Huaimin."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong turned his head immediately, his smile fading.

The next morning, Jiangzhou main hall.

Yuan Watching Yuan Huaimin was the same as usual, with dark circles under his eyes, hunching his back and sneaking into the main hall to sign in, and sat down in the seat opposite Magistrate Ouyang Rong, who was burying his head in documents.

The old fellow, who hadn't been seen for many days, buried his head and shrank his brain, pretending to tidy up books, as if praying that the person opposite him hadn't seen him arrive late.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong suddenly raised his head and asked:

"I heard Brother Watching Yuan Huaimin joined the Chrysanthemum Poetry Society a few days ago."

"Ah." Yuan Watching Yuan Huaimin was startled and wondered: "Brother Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan, you pay attention to this?"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong nodded: "That's right, I've been waiting for your earth-shattering poetry to come out."

Yuan Watching Yuan Huaimin's expression was somewhat embarrassed, and he sighed:

"It's still Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan who believes in me."

Moments later, he excitedly talked about seeing the veiled face of the Princess of the Prince Xunyang Prince's Mansion at the poetry gathering.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong listened for a while and couldn't help but interrupt:

"Are you and the new Jiangzhou Doctor Wang Wang Junzhi very familiar? Why did he specifically recommend you?"

Yuan Watching Yuan Huaimin's expression was solemn as he sighed, "Perhaps I was attracted by your talent, sir."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong's mouth twitched, and he suddenly asked, "Are you two old acquaintances from the capital?"

"How did you know, Brother Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan?"

Yuan Watching Yuan Huaimin was surprised for a moment and explained:

"Actually, I am more familiar with Du Du Shuqing. This Brother Wang was introduced to me by him some time ago. I didn't expect him to be so loyal; he recommended me the moment he said he would."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong narrowed his eyes, "So, when Li Gong and the others were in Jiangzhou, they even exchanged pleasantries with you."

Yuan Watching Yuan Huaimin did not detect the slightly strange tone.

He smiled without a word.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong asked with a smile:

"Brother Watching Yuan Huaimin understands fine horses, excels at poetry and painting, and even knows the sons of the Jingzhao Du clan. Your family background must not be bad either, Brother Watching Yuan Huaimin."

Yuan Watching Yuan Huaimin turned his weathered old face toward Magistrate Ouyang Rong, maintained a forty-five-degree upward tilt, and sighed:

"Fine horses and beautiful women, the wind, flowers, snow, and moon—it has all passed."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong's mouth twitched, and he pressed further:

"The surname Yuan is rare; it is not like the great clans of Shandong and Guanzhong."

Yuan Watching Yuan Huaimin shook his head and said:

"Just a small, insignificant clan, unknown in the two capitals. Our family status is not high, but our ancestors served as officials for generations during the Gan and Zhou dynasties. It's just that we were never as prominent as the Nine Ministers or the Three Excellencies; consider us a low-ranking noble family."

After speaking, he smiled slightly:

"I won't hide it from you, Brother Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan. When I was young, I drifted about with the dissolute sons of the Five Mausoleums. It was also then that I learned to appreciate horses, drink wine, and compose poetry. That is how I met Brother Du and the others."

Yuan Watching Yuan Huaimin's eyes revealed a sense of reminiscence.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong said calmly, "The Jingzhao Du clan is no small Guanzhong clan. If you say your own family is merely a low-ranking noble family, it would not be easy to get to know them."

Yuan Watching Yuan Huaimin did not hide it either, nodding, "But if you insist, my family is indeed a bit different."

"How is it different?"

Yuan Watching Yuan Huaimin scratched his head, "During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, our ancestors were Northern Xianbei people who became Sinicized. Back then, our surname wasn't Yuan, and we hadn't changed our names yet."

"What was your surname before you changed it?" Magistrate Ouyang Rong asked curiously.

"Tuoba."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong's expression changed slightly:

"The Tuoba clan of the Xianbei tribe?"

"Mm."

He frowned and pressed:

"The Northern Wei imperial clan that established the first dynasty of the Northern Dynasties? The Northern Wei that defeated the Southern Song, causing the 'Yuanjia's haste,' and 'sealed the wolf at Juxu,' winning only to look back in panic?"

Yuan Watching Yuan Huaimin seemed long accustomed to others' surprise regarding his ancestors,

but upon hearing a certain phrase Magistrate Ouyang Rong blurted out, he was still stunned for a moment, chewing on the words:

"'Yuanjia's haste, sealing the wolf at Juxu, winning only to look back in panic'... Interesting. Brother Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan, you have such great talent in poetry to come up with such rhymes so casually."

"I read it in a book."

"Who said it?"

"Qiji."

"Who is Qiji? From which dynasty? I have only heard of Qubing in the Han."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong did not answer.

He was also in no mood to continue answering.

He looked speechlessly at this Jiangzhou Commandant who slacked off every day and was unreliable.

Your ancestors were far too wealthy.

Fine, fine, fine, so that is why you are so laid back, right?

(End of chapter)