Chapter 360: 91. Guarding Against Thieves

91. Guarding Against Thieves

Tonight, Xunyang Tower has been grandly booked out.

It welcomes a long-lost prosperity and bustle.

The sound of Qin Xiaoniangzi's pipa, which had been silent for many days, rings out once again in the night air along the banks of the Xunyang River,

drawing the pleasure boats passing by the high towers on the riverbank to moor and listen from time to time...

War is the barometer of the economy.

And the main theme, or rather the essence, of a campaign is to eliminate the enemy's effective strength,

not to kill every single enemy soldier.

What is the effective strength within Cai Qin's army?

Naturally, it is the five thousand elite soldiers, primarily composed of the fifteen hundred returning garrison troops and the surrendered Hongzhou prefectural soldiers.

Excluding those left behind to guard Hongzhou City, there are also the Hongzhou prefectural soldiers who surrendered and were then incited to rebel by Zhu Lingxu and his son.

The elite force of Cai Qin's main army is still significantly larger than Wang Lengran's reinforcements.

However, after the Battle of Guling, with Zhu Lingxu defecting on the battlefield and Wang Lengran and Zhao Rushi attacking from the front and rear, the main army was routed. Cai Qin fled with eight hundred light cavalry.

It was just that the night was late, and Guling is adjacent to a vast expanse of deep mountains and old forests; many of the routed Hongzhou infantry dropped their weapons and fled into the nearby mountains, otherwise, the battle results could have been even greater.

However, there were also routed soldiers who fled toward the fleet on the riverbank, only to be met by a great fire set by Deputy General Qin Heng.

In summary, in the Battle of Guling, Cai Qin's army suffered nearly a thousand casualties, deaths, and surrenders. Although most of the remainder fled, they should be unable to regroup in the short term, not to mention the blow this battle dealt to the morale of Cai Qin's Restoration Army, which had previously been advancing like a hot knife through butter.

But it is hard to say for sure.

After all, it was the appearance of a traitor, Zhu Lingxu, that led to the failure at the final hurdle. Presumably, Cai Qin and the soldiers of the Restoration Army must be gnashing their teeth in hatred toward this "three-surname slave" right now.

However, the enemy's pain is the victor's joy.

Having lost their effective strength, the county towns within Jiangzhou that had originally surrendered at the first sign of trouble have one after another broken free, joyfully welcoming the Royal Army.

One by one, the Jiangzhou county towns are being recovered...

The resounding victory on the front lines has made the scholars, commoners, merchants, and artisans in Xunyang City vibrant with life once again.

The increasingly stable Xunyang City has once again become a favored stopover for merchants and travelers seeking profit and avoiding harm.

The singing and dancing along the banks of the Xunyang River have temporarily returned.

Tonight, this victory banquet hosted by the Jiangzhou Government Office is being held at Xunyang Tower, a famous Jiang Nan establishment that has reopened its doors.

The pipa master, Qin Xiaoniangzi, was specially invited.

But the true protagonists are the Xunyang Prince, Wang Lixian, who came in person to celebrate the victory, along with Wang Lengran, Zhu Lingxu and his son, Zhao Rushi, Qin Heng, and others who returned in triumph.

Ouyang Rong leads Yan Liulang, Yuan Huaimin, Chen You, and other officials of the Jiangzhou Government Office to attend the banquet and offer congratulations.

Even Mistress Miao Zhen, the colorful-robed female official supervising Xunyang City, has come, bringing a group of newly arrived female historians and palace attendants to announce the Empress's latest commendations.

However, Ouyang Rong glances at that group of female historians and palace attendants, but Rong Zhen's figure is not among them.

He does not know if this cold, palace-robed young girl is still in Xunyang City.

"What is Brother Lianghan thinking about? Could it be that you are also obsessed with Qin Xiaoniangzi's pipa music?"

Ouyang Rong, who has a distracted expression, has his train of thought interrupted by Yuan Huaimin in the seat next to him.

He turns his head and takes a look.

Yuan Huaimin is tilting his head back to drink wine while slightly squinting his eyes, shaking his head as he listens to the pipa player on the high platform in the center of the hall.

It is evident that Yuan Huaimin is not interested in the theme of the victory banquet; he is only enthusiastic about the celestial music that he has not heard for a long time due to the war.

Tonight's banquet is not centered on Ouyang Rong; he is just here for the routine victory celebration.

His and Yuan Huaimin's seats are quite far from the Xunyang Prince at the very head of the table.

Ouyang Rong sips his wine, listens to the pipa music, and turns his head to look at the scene in the hall.

The Xunyang Prince, Wang Lixian, sits at the very head of the banquet.

Wang Lengran and Zhu Lingxu sit on his left and right respectively, as the protagonists of the night.

As for Zhu Lingxu's eldest son, Zhu Yuheng, and the Jishui County Commandant, Zhao Rushi, they are sitting opposite Ouyang Rong, Yuan Huaimin, and the other Jiangzhou officials.

The crowd is seated in two rows, left and right, and on the open stage in the middle are Qin Xiaoniangzi's pipa music and the graceful dancing girls.

Beautiful maids serving wine pass through the banquet from time to time.

"Hey, Brother Lianghan, tonight we have beauties, fine wine, and beautiful music, plus delicious food all gathered here, yet why are you either staring blankly or chatting... Could it be that no one appreciates these truly beautiful things?"

At this moment, the tone of Yuan Huaimin beside him is somewhat excited, and without turning his head, he says:

"Brother Lianghan, look, Qin Xiaoniangzi seems to have looked over here. She seems to be looking at me...

"Qin Xiaoniangzi is indeed like me, a person of refined taste. Has she also discovered that there is no one to appreciate her beautiful music?... Alas, Qin Xiaoniangzi must have realized that although the banquet is noisy, only I appreciate her pipa music. Otherwise, how do you explain Qin Xiaoniangzi's affectionate, watery eyes..."

Yuan Huaimin's tone is quite proud.

Ouyang Rong comes back to his senses upon hearing this and cannot help but look at his friend's joyful expression.

He remains silent and glances at the pipa player in the center of the stage, their gazes colliding.

For some reason, Ouyang Rong's mind always automatically fills in certain scenes of "hiding the pipa half-covered" with white, glistening skin.

Dispelling the inappropriate images, he pretends not to see the beauty's eager, expectant gaze.

"Brother Lianghan, look quickly, Qin Xiaoniangzi seems to have smiled at me..."

Ouyang Rong lifts the wine pot and pours a cup for Yuan Huaimin:

"Didn't they say they sell their art but not their bodies? What is Huaimin expecting?"

Yuan Huaimin feels a bit embarrassed and says in a low voice:

"Actually, I'm not expecting anything. I'm just appreciating her pipa music. It can be considered a meeting of a soulmate through high mountains and flowing water. Brother Lianghan should understand this, right?"

"Understand, of course I understand."

Ouyang Rong nods and sighs:

"Brother Huaimin likes refined things, but unfortunately, I am a vulgar person and am not used to refined things."

Yuan Huaimin is curious and wants to speak.

Just at this moment, there is movement at the banquet, and he turns his head to look.

It is Mistress Miao Zhen and the other palace female officials who have just arrived, reading out the latest imperial edict from the Empress in Luoyang, who is overjoyed:

Zhu Lingxu has abandoned darkness for light and is restored to his post as the Grand Commandant of Hongzhou. At present, Hongzhou is still fallen, and he is ordered to continue leading the surrendered Hongzhou troops to cooperate with the Jiangzhou Government Office to recover Hongzhou.

Jishui County Commandant Zhao Rushi, for organizing the militia and resisting the rebel army, is enfeoffed as a Mobile Corps Commander.

At the same time, Zhu Lingxu's eldest son, Zhu Yuheng, is enfeoffed as a Resolute Commandant...

Meanwhile, Wang Lengran, Ouyang Rong, Qin Heng, and other Jiangzhou officials have all received varying degrees of merit and rewards.

The edict reading is finished, and Mistress Miao Zhen and the female officials withdraw.

The atmosphere at the banquet is enthusiastic and harmonious.

Although this reward sounds like there is no major prize,

Wang Lengran and the others who have mixed in the Great Zhou officialdom all know that it is still a state of war, and these are just appetizers, used to legitimize Zhu Lingxu, Zhu Yuheng, and others who have merit in defecting, to facilitate the subsequent military operations.

Military merits and the like have all been clearly recorded, and they are in the Emperor's heart. Once the rebel army is quelled, it will be the time for promotion and wealth.

Wang Lengran's old face is flushed with wine, and he puts down his cup, his joy showing in his expression.

Zhu Lingxu and the others also heave a sigh of relief, revealing smiles, and continue to drink.

Unlike them, who are full of joy,

Ouyang Rong's expression is calm, as if he is an outsider, watching the graceful backs of Mistress Miao Zhen and the others as they leave.

Actually, he was also recorded for a share of military merit.

The merit is for defending the city and logistics, and also for providing fierce oil to help Qin Heng burn the rebel ships...

However, there is not much joy in the depths of Ouyang Rong's eyes.

At this moment, seemingly sensing a certain gaze from the head of the table, he turns his head and discovers it is the Xunyang Prince, Wang Lixian, who, taking advantage of the gap between lifting his cup to drink, glances over.

The two make eye contact, remaining calm and composed.

The edict Mistress Miao Zhen brought this time reveals a subtle trend of the Empress's changing intentions.

Ouyang Rong has a good memory and just heard the edict mention that Zhu Lingxu was moved by the earnest exhortations of the Prince of Wei...

It seems this top merit has been recorded under the name of the Wei clan.

It is just that the Empress's edict did not reward the Wei clan's Prince of Wei.

This is bad news, relatively speaking for the Xunyang Prince's Mansion and the Baoli faction.

If there is merit but no immediate reward, then when will it be rewarded?

Clearly, the post of Grand Commander of the Jiangzhou Circuit Expeditionary Army, which is being disputed by the lords in the court, is likely to have a destination.

"Ouyang Changshi is indeed born not to love smiling. Even though you have received military merit and rewards, you still have this expression."

Wang Lengran suddenly speaks, lifting his cup to Ouyang Rong.

Zhu Lingxu, Zhu Yuheng, Zhao Rushi, and others turn their heads to look.

Ouyang Rong lifts his cup in response, takes a shallow sip, and says indifferently:

"Wang my lord still understands this subordinate."

"I dare not accept such praise. This official does not understand Ouyang Changshi's thoughts at all."

Wang Lengran shakes his head, his tone unhappy:

"Commandant Zhu has abandoned darkness for light this time, clearly having great merit, and it is enough to prove his loyalty to the monarch and the country. Yet, in these past few days, Ouyang Changshi has insisted on forcibly arranging for Commandant Zhu's Hongzhou troops to be stationed outside the city, not allowing a single soldier or horse to enter the city to spend the night.

"Even when Commandant Zhu and Young Master Zhu entered the city, Ouyang Changshi sent Yan Canjun and the people from the Judicial Office to follow behind, just like supervising prisoners...

"This official really does not understand what Ouyang Changshi means. It shouldn't be the Prince's intention, right..."

"It has nothing to do with the Prince. Wang my lord's imagination is quite rich."

Ouyang Rong interrupts immediately. First, he glances at Wang Lengran, who seems to have been enduring for days, and nods:

"Letting the people from the Judicial Office follow is to protect the safety of Commandant Zhu and Young Master Zhu.

"The reason for not letting the surrendered Hongzhou troops enter the city is the fear that there might be spies from Li Zhengyan and Cai Qin among them. As for Commandant Zhu and Young Master Zhu, their loyalty is clear; how would this official dare to doubt them?"

Wang Lengran frowns:

"Commandant Zhu is both civil and military, and Young Master Zhu is a tiger father with no dog son. Where is the need for your people to protect them? If you really have the heart, let their personal guards enter the city; isn't that safer than the people you sent?

"Is Ouyang Changshi sure there is no personal grudge mixed in?"

He snorts coldly and says with a righteous face:

"Now the Empress's grace has arrived, Commandant Zhu is restored to his original post, and there is also the Prince of Wei endorsing him. If Ouyang Changshi continues to act like this, are you questioning the judgment of the Empress and the Prince of Wei?"

Ouyang Rong shakes his head:

"I dare not.

"However, as the Jiangzhou Changshi, I have the duty of defending the city, and the Xunyang Prince's Mansion is also in the city. The stakes are high, and I must guard against all risks.

"If Wang my lord is dissatisfied, you can report it to the imperial court and ask if what I have done is against the rules."

"You..."

The tit-for-tat conversation between Ouyang Rong and Wang Lengran makes the atmosphere at the banquet silent.

Zhu Lingxu and Zhu Yuheng both keep their expressions unchanged, either lowering their heads to drink or turning their heads to chat and laugh, as if they did not hear.

Because his own deputy has the Xunyang Prince's Mansion backing him, Wang Lengran is not given face in front of outsiders, and his expression is very unhappy.

After retorting a few more words indifferently, Ouyang Rong ignores Wang Lengran and turns his head to Zhu Lingxu and his son with an apologetic tone:

"Sorry, it is my duty. I hope the two of you will bear with me a little more. Xunyang City still welcomes Commandant Zhu and Young Master Zhu, but please do not let the personal guards entering the city exceed ten people."

"Good."

Zhu Lingxu turns his head, nods naturally, his tone amiable:

"This official understands. Ouyang Changshi has worked hard."

"Hmm."

Ouyang Rong nods indifferently, sizes up Zhu Lingxu, then turns his head to stare at Zhu Yuheng for a while, and suddenly smiles:

"Heh."

The crowd cannot help but look sideways. This light laugh that enters their ears inevitably has some meaning of contempt, especially after scrutinizing them to their faces.

Yan Liulang and the others look at Zhu Lingxu and his son with interest.

They see Zhu Lingxu's expression unchanged, not angry in the slightest.

Zhu Yuheng lowers his head to drink wine the whole time.

Zhu Lingxu reveals a look of slight curiosity:

"What is Ouyang Changshi laughing at? Is there a stain on this official's face?"

"The face is very clean." Ouyang Rong nods: "Commandant Zhu is truly enduring humiliation for the sake of the mission, able to bend and stretch; a real man indeed."

"Uh."

He smiles and says: "Hmm, this subordinate is talking about when Commandant Zhu was on Cai Qin's side. How can a real man live under others for long?"

"Haha." Zhu Lingxu smiles and shakes his head: "Ouyang Changshi is truly humorous."

The people listening around discover that after a chat, these two seem to be in a very good mood.

Ouyang Rong's gaze glances at Zhu Yuheng, who is lowering his head and quietly picking up food and drinking wine.

He cannot help but remember the appearance of Zhu Yuheng being generous and impassioned along with Yue Ziang after drinking three rounds when Li Zhengyan, Wei Shaoqi, and others were in Xunyang City.

That statement at that time did not look fake.

Presumably, this is also the reason why this Zhu Yuheng does not dare to look at Ouyang Rong much right now.

Heh, this pair of father and son is really interesting.

The victory banquet continues.

During the banquet, Ouyang Rong glances at the Jishui County Commandant named Zhao Rushi opposite him. Observing carefully, after a banquet, this Zhao Rushi and Zhu Lingxu frequently exchange eye contact, and their toasting and conversation are very close.

This person is indeed Zhu Lingxu's trusted subordinate. The resistance in Jishui County before seems to have been planned long ago.

Ouyang Rong thinks to himself.

A short while later, the victory banquet ends in the cold war between Ouyang Rong and Wang Lengran.

After eating and drinking their fill, the crowd disperses.

Perhaps understanding his status as a surrendered general, naturally a level lower, and being on someone else's turf, Zhu Lingxu's attitude is very humble and he knows how to behave.

He takes the initiative to stop at the door, bids farewell to everyone one by one, and even speaks broadly to Yan Liulang.

This performance leaves a good impression on most of the Jiangzhou officials except Ouyang Rong and Yan Liulang.

The crowd leaves one after another.

Under the red lantern at the main gate, the Hongzhou Grand Commandant, who has been restored to his post, stands silently, watching everyone leave.

Zhu Yuheng walks silently behind him, whispering: "Father, the hot-blooded impulse in Hongzhou was all this child's fault..."

"Shut up."

Zhu Lingxu stands with his hands behind his back, a smile on his face, turning his head to look at the back of the handsome Changshi in the distance who guards against him like a thief.

"This child is not kind, he is watching. Right now, we are living under someone else's roof, remember to be cautious in speech."

"Yes..."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 361 =====