Chapter 350: Seventy-Nine, Great Kindness Carries No Merit

Seventy-Nine, Great Kindness Carries No Merit

Magistrate Ouyang Rong and Commandant Qin Heng had once made an agreement.

Qin Heng's concubine Zhao Shi loved to cultivate crabapple blossoms,

and if, as usual, a pot of crabapple blossoms sat atop the wall of his home on Zhen Guang Street in Xingzi Ward,

it meant all was safe, reassuring Magistrate Ouyang Rong and the others that everything remained unchanged.

But if the crabapple blossoms vanished and a pot of azaleas appeared on the wall,

it signaled trouble within the Third Zhechong Garrison of Jiangzhou—that Qin Heng had sensed unrest, something tied to Magistrate Ouyang Rong and Prince Xunyang Prince's Mansion required vigilance.

Yet the meaning of this signal was not fixed.

Initially, it had been a crisis alert agreed upon by the two when they reestablished contact.

But as the Northern Return Veteran incident escalated, Magistrate Ouyang Rong and Qin Heng began meeting frequently, exchanging information.

Their relationship gradually warmed, growing intimate.

Even recently, to thank Magistrate Ouyang Rong and Prince Xunyang Prince's Mansion for their righteous aid, Qin Heng gave Magistrate Ouyang Rong a personal token.

Remember, Wang Wang Lengran was Qin Heng's direct superior, controlling Jiangzhou's military and civil affairs, holding power over Qin Heng's evaluations and promotions.

Qin Heng's act amounted to secretly courting his newly appointed subordinate, defying his superior.

Unlike private meetings, gifting a personal token was "handing over leverage"—if the token fell into Wang Wang Lengran's hands, no explanation could clear it.

It was nearly equivalent to submitting a loyalty oath to Magistrate Ouyang Rong and Prince Xunyang Prince's Mansion.

Thus, now, the disappearance of the crabapple blossoms and the appearance of azaleas on the wall had become the signal for Magistrate Ouyang Rong and Qin Heng to meet in the Qinghe private room on the third floor of Yunshui Pavilion.

The original warning meaning had faded somewhat, but remained largely the same.

This simple method was safe,

yet precisely because it was too simple and cautious, it conveyed too little information—only a rough barometer of conditions.

So as tensions in Prince Xunyang City intensified, Magistrate Ouyang Rong had recently been considering replacing this pot-signal with a new system capable of distinguishing levels of threat.

Unfortunately, before he could contact Qin Heng to discuss implementation, tonight brought a matter of life and death…

Guo Yu and Meng Meng Shouguang, puzzled by everyone's sudden silence, asked curiously:

"May I ask, what is the meaning behind these crabapple blossoms?"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong did not answer.

Seeing Magistrate Ouyang Rong and the others hesitate as if deliberating, Guo Yu and Meng Meng Shouguang, perceptive as ever, withdrew voluntarily.

Meng Meng Shouguang, reunited with his lord tonight, looked reluctant to leave Li Su Xian's side, but after receiving Li Su Xian's reassuring words, he obediently stepped back.

Inside the flower hall, only Magistrate Ouyang Rong, Chenjun Xie Xie Lingjiang, and Li Su Xian's family remained.

Li Su Dalang whispered:

"Could it be that no one in Jiangzhou has yet received word of the poisoned wine? Even Wang Wang Lengran hasn't heard—it's still en route—so the Zhechong Garrison hasn't moved?"

He sighed: "We're fortunate to have learned of this first thanks to Master Guo and General Meng."

"That makes sense," Li Su Guoer nodded:

"If so, this is the final window—delay further, and the risk grows: Wang Wang Lengran will receive the Wei family's message, and begin sealing everything off…"

"By the way, Big Brother, there's another strange thing on this trip."

Chenjun Xie Xie Lingjiang, who had returned with news, looked up at Magistrate Ouyang Rong:

"Late at night, lights were still on in one of the rooms in that house on Zhen Guang Street—whether they were rising early or hadn't slept yet, I couldn't tell."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong asked: "Did you go inside?"

"No, I didn't get close," Chenjun Xie Xie Lingjiang shook her head, puzzled: "Big Brother suspects danger inside?"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong shook his head: "Unlikely—if there were danger, they'd likely extinguish the lights to avoid drawing attention."

He paused, murmuring: "Qin Heng and Zhao Shi staying awake late at night… just like us—could something urgent be happening?"

Li Su Guoer turned:

"Magistrate Ouyang Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan, the lit windows prove Zhao Shi and the others are home—the pot wasn't absent because no one was there, but because no danger was detected, so they kept the crabapple pot as a signal of safety."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong glanced at her: "That makes sense."

Chenjun Xie Xie Lingjiang suddenly asked:

"Worst case—could General Qin have met with misfortune? He didn't return with the latest news, Zhao Shi doesn't know, and because he hasn't come home, she's kept the lights on, waiting and worrying, unable to sleep?"

Li Su Guoer shook her head:

"If so, and General Qin has been compromised, regardless of how it was exposed, the situation has deteriorated to this point—meaning Wang Wang Lengran has fully torn off his mask, likely already aware of the imperial maid's poisoned wine plot, and has begun mobilizing troops and preparing defenses.

"After all, Master Guo and General Meng delivered news from Shenjing Luoyang—there's no reason the Wei family wouldn't have sent someone ahead to warn Wang Wang Lengran.

"Now, the surroundings of Prince Xunyang Prince's Mansion must be unsafe—the elite soldiers of the Zhechong Garrison may already be en route, and the city gates are being sealed one by one. If we don't leave now, we're just waiting to die.

"By tomorrow morning, when the imperial maid arrives, it'll be impossible to escape without leaving a single soul behind."

Chenjun Xie Xie Lingjiang blamed herself:

"If only I'd slipped into the courtyard on Zhen Guang Street to take a look—I'd know the situation instead of guessing now… Should I go back and search for General Qin?"

"There's no time—by the time you return, it'll be morning."

Li Su Guoer glanced at the water clock in the corner of the hall, her brows tightening:

"Time is urgent—we can only guess, not verify each detail. The poisoned wine came too suddenly; the death sentence arrives at dawn—there's no time to investigate truth or falsehood."

She glanced at Magistrate Ouyang Rong, who sat silent, frowning:

"Everything that can be verified has been verified—we must decide now. Better to gamble than hesitate."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong suddenly asked: "What was our original purpose in coming to Prince Xunyang City?"

"Stand firm, await opportunity to return to the capital," Li Su Guoer answered crisply, then pursed her lips: "But circumstances change rapidly—this is no longer that time."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong slowly nodded, murmuring: "Yes—this is no longer that time."

Li Su Dalang spoke abruptly:

"According to Master Guo, Grandmother's poisoned wine was only two cups—for me and Father—she never said it was meant for you…"

He met Li Su Xian's gaze, offering a bitter smile:

"If we're truly cornered, forced to receive the imperial decree, not everyone will die… Big Brother, Miss Chenjun Xie, perhaps Father and I can help sever your ties—we'll go, and you must look after Little Sister and Mother…"

"Big Brother!" Li Su Guoer sharply rebuked: "What nonsense—'you' and 'us'? If you and Father die, why should Mother and I live?"

Chenjun Xie Xie Lingjiang also nodded:

"Without Uncle and Big Brother, neither I nor Big Brother nor Father would have wanted to meddle in this cold, heartless imperial family affair."

"Princess and Little Sister are right—one prospers together, one perishes together."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong looked at them all, softly:

"When we left Longcheng, we agreed to stand together—how could we now seek to survive alone?"

Li Su Xian and Li Su Dalang stared at them, stunned.

Li Su Guoer acted decisively, immediately declared:

"Let's vote. Everyone has tea cups and fruit platters before them.

"If you wish to stay and gamble, pick up a tea cup and drink.

"If you wish to flee west, take a raw pear.

"If you abstain, do nothing."

The flower hall fell silent.

Li Su Guoer scanned the room, then picked up a raw pear first.

Wei Mei glanced at Li Su Xian, hesitated slightly, then reached for a raw pear.

The mother and daughter noticed Chenjun Xie Xie Lingjiang, Li Su Xian, and Li Su Dalang had not moved—they turned in unison, watching Magistrate Ouyang Rong.

Waiting for his action, ready to follow.

All eyes turned to Magistrate Ouyang Rong.

The situation was urgent—every second counted; no time remained for hesitation.

Would he remain unmoved, or transform like a leopard?

A choice must be made.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong suddenly rose, walked to Li Su Guoer's table, and took a large, plump pear from the fruit platter.

Seeing this, Chenjun Xie Xie Lingjiang, Li Su Xian, and Li Su Dalang each took a pear.

All agreed.

Unanimous approval.

Li Su Guoer exhaled slightly, about to speak: "Magistrate Ouyang Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan…"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong tossed the pear in his hand, then bit into it directly, interrupting:

"Actually, if we put ourselves in their place, there's another possibility why the crabapple blossoms on the wall haven't changed."

Li Su Guoer frowned; Li Su Xian and the others exchanged glances, asking:

"What possibility?"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong looked at them, then turned to glance outside the door—said nothing…

The door to the flower hall opened again.

Everyone gathered once more.

"Has Master Guo left?"

"Yes," Meng Meng Shouguang nodded: "Dawn is near—he must return to the capital, can't escort the Princess further—he needs to report back to the Xiang Prince's Mansion."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong and the others nodded.

In truth, it was unspoken but understood: Guo Yu served the Prince of Xiang's mansion and would never join Li Su Xian and the others in fleeing west.

"What about General Meng?" Magistrate Ouyang Rong asked.

"Wherever the Prince goes, I go!" Meng Meng Shouguang rumbled.

"Meng Shouguang, it is I who have dragged you into this." After a night of emotional turmoil, Li Su Xian's eyes were red.

"Your grace's favor, I shall never forget!"

Wei Mei sighed at Li Su Dalang and Li Su Guoer:

"When your father was still Crown Prince and held the post of Grand General of the Right Cavalry Guard, General Meng was then a Commandant of the Patrol. During a western hunt, assassins ambushed us—Meng blocked a sword blow with his own body."

"Prince Qi had the imperial physician care for him, then made him a trusted personal guard… Later, when my husband and I were stripped of our titles and reduced to commoners, he was implicated too. For years, I feared further endangering him and dared not contact him—yet now, in this crisis, General Meng still came."

Li Su Dalang and Li Su Guoer respectfully called out, "Uncle Meng."

Hearing this, Magistrate Ouyang Rong's expression softened:

"I never expected the Prince's retinue included such a loyal and righteous man—truly a fine tale."

He paused, then asked with hesitation:

"General Meng, you overheard just now—you know where the Prince is headed, don't you?"

"I know."

Meng Meng Shouguang nodded firmly, resolute and unrepentant:

"So we're going to be rebels? After years of being pushed aside by court schemers, becoming rebels feels liberating! Prince, Master Magistrate Ouyang—when do we leave?"

"Exactly."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong did not conceal it:

"We leave now, along the route we discussed earlier—but we must refine it further."

"We follow Master Magistrate Ouyang's orders," Meng Meng Shouguang said solemnly.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong nodded, first turning to Chenjun Xie Xie Lingjiang:

"Sixth Young Master went to Huaye Alley?"

"Yes, as Ru Shixiong instructed—he's already prepared there, taking Madam Zhen and Miss Ye to the Xicheng Gate…"

"Good."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong exhaled in relief:

"Once we're ready, we depart and meet them at the Xicheng Gate."

He turned to the others:

"Plan is this: we split into two groups—never travel together, too dangerous.

"The Prince and Su Dalang will travel light with Young Miss and General Meng, scaling the walls under cover of night.

"The Princess and the Young Princess will endure a disguise—pose as my household women, ride in my carriage, exit through the Xicheng Gate.

"We regroup at Shuangfeng Yunmeng Jian, where I've prepared fast boats and Fentian Jiao oil…"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong finished his instructions methodically, his gaze questioning the group.

Chenjun Xie Xie Lingjiang and Li Su Xian's family nodded firmly.

Meng Meng Shouguang marveled: "Master Magistrate Ouyang truly possesses great talent—his planning is meticulous."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong modestly waved his hand, then asked seriously:

"General Meng, I haven't asked your cultivation realm. Young Miss is a Seventh-Rank Confucian Book-Turner—she can carry one person effortlessly over the city walls."

Meng Meng Shouguang replied succinctly: "Seventh-Rank, Qin Ruisi."

"A military Qi Refiner?"

"Yes."

"Excellent."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong praised, slightly relaxing:

"Two Seventh-Rank Qi Refiners should suffice—even if we encounter a full patrol unit, we won't be overwhelmed."

Meng Meng Shouguang smiled, then asked: "Master Magistrate Ouyang, have you cultivated Qi?"

"Me?"

Magistrate Ouyang Rong chuckled sheepishly and shook his head:

"Just a scholar—I only know this."

Meng Meng Shouguang's gaze dropped to the plain, unadorned qin case on the table, where the handsome young man lightly tapped it twice.

"Meng Shouguang."

At that moment, Li Su Xian stepped forward, took out a jade tablet, and pressed it into Meng Meng Shouguang's hand, interrupting his attention.

"Prince, this is…" Meng Meng Shouguang asked.

Li Su Xian explained:

"This Hetian jade tablet exists in only two copies—gifted to me by my late elder brother; the other one is now in my possession.

"This one is mine. Take it. We're in a hurry and I have nothing more valuable to offer—please accept it."

Meng Meng Shouguang hurriedly waved his hands: "Too precious—I cannot accept it!"

Li Su Xian insisted, forcing it upon him; Meng Meng Shouguang had no choice.

"Keep it. You abandoned Shenjing Luoyang's fame and fortune to come to this remote southern border and follow me—such loyalty deserves any gift I can give."

"This… this…" Meng Meng Shouguang was stunned.

Li Su Xian clasped his hand, sincere:

"Rest assured, if you follow me to the death, I will never betray you. When we reach Guizhou, I'll take control of the Restoration Mansion and, with Lord Li's help, appoint you as Grand Minister of the Restoration Army—commanding ten thousand archers, far more prestigious than being a Commandant in Shenjing Luoyang…

"Also, from now on, your surname is 'Li.' I grant it to you. Let no one mock your foreign blood again—we are family now."

Hearing this, Meng Meng Shouguang was first stunned, then his eyes welled up, tears glistening:

"Prince, this… this great grace…"

Li Su Xian waved him off, pointing to Magistrate Ouyang Rong, who smiled beside him:

"Thank Master Tan, not me. I'm dull when it comes to rewards—it was Master Tan who reminded me, who advised me not to betray loyalty."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong waved his hand:

"All due to the Prince's wisdom. But General Meng—no, now it's General Li—rest easy. Once we escape, when we join the Restoration Army, we'll fight together. When we seize the empire, marquisate and chancellorship will be within reach…"

Before he finished, a clang rang out.

The eight-foot-tall, long-armed giant had dropped to one knee, bowing his head to Li Su Xian and Magistrate Ouyang Rong.

Meng Meng Shouguang's face flushed crimson, fingers clenched tight around the jade tablet, voice choked:

"Prince, Master Magistrate Ouyang—I pledge my life, I will face fire and water without hesitation!"

Li Su Xian and the others wore expressions of relief.

Magistrate Ouyang Rong smiled, waited a moment, then stepped forward and lightly helped the grateful, loyal Meng Meng Shouguang to his feet, studying him up and down.

As Meng Meng Shouguang grew uneasy under the scrutiny and opened his mouth to ask, Magistrate Ouyang Rong suddenly asked:

"Where's the wooden fish?"

A statement phrased as a question.

Meng Meng Shouguang blinked: "What?"

"Never mind, never mind."

Magistrate Ouyang Rong's smile widened, his finger tapping the qin case on the table:

"Come, come—before we leave, I must show you a great treasure. I don't show this to just anyone."

"What great treasure?"

Around them, the others burst into warm laughter.

Meng Meng Shouguang's curiosity deepened.

(End of Chapter)