Chapter 429: 197. The Feeling of Being a Bad Guy

197. The Feeling of Being a Bad Guy

Although Li Fusu said the "health tea ceremony" was good.

But bringing Ouyang Rong, Qin Ying, and Lin Cheng to Yunshui Pavilion, he certainly couldn't really order the special health tea ceremony on the third floor.

It was just borrowing a private room to drink afternoon tea, chat, and get familiar.

He wouldn't order any special tea services.

This was probably the reason why Qin Ying tacitly allowed Li Fusu to come to Yunshui Pavilion; after all, it was an improper place in Xie Lingjiang's mouth.

Putting aside some impropriety, the decoration style on the third floor of Yunshui Pavilion was indeed outstanding.

It imitated garden landscapes, the corridors were covered with Persian carpets, the air was filled with the scent of sandalwood from ancient temples, and in the two most luxurious private rooms, there were ponds and rockeries, covered with pebbles, and small waterwheels scooping water leisurely.

It was estimated to be the best teahouse in the entire Xunyang City, usually not showing its true colors, and probably only the decoration of Xunyang Tower, which was a restaurant and famous in Jiang Nan, could surpass it.

Li Fusu and Qin Ying, who were treating, didn't have much to talk about with Lin Cheng.

It was just polite pleasantries, and chatting about the common memory of the capital Luodu thousands of miles away.

Lin Cheng praised General Qin again, and Qin Ying was polite and generous.

The appearance of Li Fusu and Qin Ying today was the most important thing.

An hour later, the tea was finished, and everyone left the private room and said goodbye on the stairs.

"This building is elegant and truly good. The Prince's heir and Young Xie Xiao Niangzi Qin really know how to pick a place."

"You flatter us. Lord Lord Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang Lin can come often in the future; this place's health... tea is recommended."

With Qin Ying beside him, Li Fusu immediately changed his words.

"Good."

Lin Cheng nodded seriously, looked at Ouyang Rong, who hadn't said much the whole time, smiled, and asked:

"Is Senior Secretary Ouyang going back to Xunyang Square together?"

"No need, Lord Lord Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang Lin go back first, I still have something to find Tanlang for."

Just as Li Fusu finished speaking, Qin Ying nodded and said casually:

"I also have something to find Young Master Ouyang for, regarding the Xunyang Grotto."

"Xunyang Grotto?"

Lin Cheng stopped his steps, his expression curious:

"Young Xie Xiao Niangzi Qin is interested in this? Do you believe in Buddha? But your attire..."

In front of everyone, Qin Ying nodded and shook her head:

"Mainly my grandfather believes in it, and he also trusts Young Master Ouyang quite a bit. This time, for the construction of the Xunyang Grotto, our family also donated a sum of silver. Staying in Xunyang City, I also have the reason of coordinating this matter, so naturally, I have to ask Young Master Ouyang more about some things. My grandfather is also quite concerned. Young Master Ouyang, don't you agree?"

Facing Qin Ying's smiling gaze and her words of support, Ouyang Rong had to nod slightly.

"I see."

Lin Cheng couldn't help but look at Ouyang Rong more.

A moment later, walking to the entrance, Lin Cheng turned his head to look at Li Fusu and Qin Ying, who were standing side by side like a couple, and smiled slightly:

"Then I won't disturb you two, I will take my leave first."

"Walk slowly."

Watching the slightly chubby young man leave, Li Fusu withdrew his gaze.

"Why isn't Tanlang speaking?"

"Dalu, next time you do this kind of thing, it's better to tell me."

"Is Tanlang angry?"

"I wouldn't say that."

Li Fusu shook his head: "Tanlang is just unhappy."

Qin Ying thought for a moment and said softly:

"Young Master Ouyang, you want to handle official business officially and solve it yourself, there is nothing wrong with that, and it is even very worthy of admiration.

"You know more about the Xunyang Grotto matter, but regarding people like Lin Cheng from Luoyang, Fusu and I might know more than you.

"I'm not very familiar with this Lin Cheng, but I've heard some things about his deeds... He is not as simple as he appears on the surface, and it's not impossible that he likes to play the pig to eat the tiger.

"My grandfather once told me that when facing such characters who climbed up from the bottom, being humble and low-key and sincere doesn't actually have much use; instead, it's easy to be treated as a fat sheep. You have to show your strength and bare your fangs as soon as you meet to gain respect and avoid unnecessary misjudgment and offense from the other party. This is the correct way to get along."

Qin Ying reminded in a low voice:

"So Young Master Ouyang directly showing your strength and connections is more useful than receiving him officially according to procedure and saying a lot of words that move with emotion and reason.

"For the extension matter, no matter how reasonable we are, we must have the strength to guarantee this 'reason' and avoid others having crooked thoughts.

"This Lin Cheng is a smart person. Now that he knows Young Master Ouyang is not alone and knows you are not to be trifled with, when he returns to Luoyang, he will know what to say and what not to say."

"Young Xie Xiao Niangzi Qin is right, my sister meant the same thing."

Qin Ying spoke, and Li Fusu took over:

"My sister said that the two key figures sent by Luoyang to inspect this time must be handled one soft and one hard.

"Lin Cheng is different from Middle Envoy Hu; Middle Envoy Hu is suitable for the soft approach, while this Lin Cheng needs the hard approach; he eats hard but not soft.

"Or rather, privately giving gifts to test whether he accepts them, but I know you would be disgusted by such things as privately sending gifts, Tanlang, so we didn't paint the lily, so my sister directly had me and Young Xie Xiao Niangzi Qin come over..."

Li Fusu patted Ouyang Rong on the shoulder, nagging:

"Tanlang, my sister is right, we are no longer in the embarrassing situation of Longcheng, and we don't need you, Tanlang, to be alone, always standing in front every time.

"After my father was restored, our Xunyang Prince's Mansion can now stand up for you, Tanlang."

After listening to his friend's explanation and looking at his very serious expression, Ouyang Rong lowered his eyes, remained silent for a while, and then sighed:

"Dalu, Young Xie Xiao Niangzi Qin, I know what you mean, and it makes sense, but..."

"But what?" Li Fusu was curious.

"But why does it feel... like we are bad guys."

Qin Ying sighed lightly:

"Young Master Ouyang just has too high a moral standard for himself. Everything now is forced by the world; good people must be as 'bad' as bad people, otherwise, they cannot suppress the many petty people... These words were said by my grandfather, and I also think they make a lot of sense."

Ouyang Rong had to nod:

"Then thank you for your hard work."

"Young Master Ouyang, why be so polite."

Ouyang Rong looked at Qin Ying.

This slightly chubby female Daoist waved her hand:

"Her Highness the Princess also told me, it's not hard at all. If my grandfather were here, he would probably agree, so Young Master Ouyang doesn't need to feel like you owe a favor."

A warm current flowed through Ouyang Rong's heart.

A moment later, the three chatted for a few more sentences, and Li Fusu and Qin Ying left.

Although Li Fusu and even Qin Ying had always been perfunctory about the matchmaking matter.

But in the matter of helping someone, the two reached an unexpected consensus, and today they acted together...

Ouyang Rong looked up at the sunset in the sky, and a line of wild geese like black ink drops flew past under the orange-red clouds.

He rubbed his face, preparing to return to the residence in Huaiye Lane.

Just as he boarded the carriage, Ouyang Rong suddenly turned his head and ordered:

"Go to the Inspectorate first."

"Yes, Young Master." A-Li immediately drove the horse.

Half an hour later, Ouyang Rong arrived at the Inspectorate again, walked into the hall, and looked around.

No one, Rong Zhen's figure was not to be seen.

He caught a passing female official and asked curiously:

"Where is Female Official?"

"She went out."

"Female Official Rong Zhen hasn't returned yet?"

"No."

A female official on duty shook her head:

"She actually came back once in the afternoon, and then went out again, it seems she went to Xunyang Ferry."

"Xunyang Ferry? What did she go there for?"

Ouyang Rong asked curiously.

"Don't know."

Ouyang Rong thought for a moment, decided to find her tomorrow, and left the Inspectorate.

Walking out of the main entrance, he took a carriage back.

Just as he arrived at the residence in Huaiye Lane, Ouyang Rong saw Yan Liulang's figure pacing at the entrance.

"What's wrong with Liulang? How long have you been waiting?" he asked with a frown.

"Magistrate, you're back! Not long, I just arrived."

Yan Liulang greeted him and immediately reported:

"At the Jiangzhou Cishi's office, Wang Lengran suddenly went out this afternoon, and then sent people to Xunyang Tower to book the place and set up a banquet. I don't know what he's doing?"

"Went out? Set up a banquet? Where is he going?"

Yan Liulang nodded:

"Xunyang Ferry, it seems he is going to pick someone up."

"Xunyang Ferry?"

Ouyang Rong's brow furrowed even more.

Lowering his eyes to think for a moment, he analyzed to himself:

"Rong Zhen also went to Xunyang Ferry, could it be the same thing? Picking up whom? Why didn't Rong Zhen call me."

"Magistrate, the informant sent out is still following, should we wait for news?"

"No need to wait."

Ouyang Rong explained to Zhen Shuyuan and others who were curiously looking at the entrance, and turned to board the carriage again.

"Go to Xunyang Ferry," he ordered A-Li.

"Yes, Young Master."

Just as he arrived at Xunyang Ferry, Ouyang Rong saw a large ship docked at the pier not far away, with the character "Wei" vaguely hanging on the flag at the bow.

At the pier where the large ship was docked, a large circle of people was gathered, as if welcoming something.

Ouyang Rong didn't walk over, turned his head to look, only to see Wang Lengran's familiar carriage parked on the street outside the pier.

"Ouyang Lianghan?"

At this moment, Ouyang Rong heard a familiar female voice behind him.

Turning his head to look.

"Rong Zhen?"

Only to see Rong Zhen standing on the street behind Ouyang Rong's carriage with two accompanying female officials, looking at the date-red horses they were leading beside them, as if preparing to leave.

And at this moment, Rong Zhen stood with her hands in her sleeves, her eyes examining him.

"Why are you here?" she asked coldly.

Ouyang Rong was very serious:

"Just went for a walk after eating... well, why can't I come here?"

"You go for a walk in a carriage? And you walked so far, to Xunyang Ferry?"

Rong Zhen asked with a straight face.

Ouyang Rong had a thick skin, was noncommittal, and opened his mouth to speak.

At this moment, on the street behind, a huge motorcade passed by Ouyang Rong and Rong Zhen.

Among them was Wang Lengran's carriage, but as the Jiangzhou Cishi, Wang Lengran's carriage actually had to move slightly to the side in the motorcade to make way for a luxurious red-lacquered carriage in the center.

"Female Official Rong Zhen, would you like to get in the carriage and give you a ride?"

Inside a luxurious red-lacquered carriage in the center, a man's joking voice came out.

The motorcade also stopped appropriately beside Ouyang Rong and Rong Zhen.

Ouyang Rong turned to look.

Only to see a young man of about twenty-seven or twenty-eight in a green-green brocade robe, lifting the curtain to ask Rong Zhen with a smile.

This young man was wearing a gorgeous green-green cloud-patterned brocade robe, the edges of the robe inlaid with exquisite gold and silver threads, and a rhinoceros horn belt inlaid with pearls and agates tied around his waist... entirely in a style of overwhelming wealth.

His skin was not bad, with long eyebrows slanting upward, a head of black long hair scattered casually, and a cynical smile hanging on the corner of his mouth.

"Who are you?"

At this time, the young man in brocade clothes seemed to have noticed Ouyang Rong beside Rong Zhen and began to size him up sideways.

"Third Young Master, this is the Senior Secretary of this prefecture, Ouyang Lianghan."

Wang Lengran lifted the curtain in the carriage behind and introduced him with a lukewarm voice.

The young man in brocade clothes ignored Ouyang Rong and cast his eyes toward Rong Zhen, as if asking.

The latter shook her head: "No need."

"That's fine, it's too late today, going to eat, will come to find Female Official tomorrow."

The young man in brocade clothes waved his hand indifferently, and the motorcade drove away slowly from the street.

As the motorcade passed, Ouyang Rong caught a glimpse of the curtain of a carriage in the center of the motorcade shaking, and under the hazy light cast by the lights of ten thousand homes behind the carriage, a side shadow of a veiled woman could be vaguely seen.

The woman's figure flashed by.

This huge motorcade had driven away, seemingly heading toward Xunyang Tower.

Ouyang Rong and Rong Zhen stood quietly in place, somewhat silent.

Ouyang Rong suddenly asked:

"It's people from the Wei clan, right?"

"Yes." Rong Zhen nodded.

"What's the background, such a grand display?" he asked again.

Rong Zhen said softly:

"Wei Shaoqi, the third son of the Prince of Wei, the current Assistant Jiangzhou Cishi of Hongzhou, and there is also a Wei clan woman in the motorcade, who is his cousin, but she comes from the Prince of Liang's mansion lineage.

"This pair of Wei siblings came from Yangzhou and are preparing to go to Hongzhou, passing through Xunyang City.

"Senior Secretary Ouyang knows that Hongzhou has just been captured by the expeditionary army, and some original government agencies are being reorganized.

"The Assistant Jiangzhou Cishi of Hongzhou is like the Assistant Jiangzhou Cishi of Jiangzhou, more like gilding for the clan children, but Wei Shaoqi was unlucky. When he first served as the Assistant Jiangzhou Cishi of Hongzhou, the rebel army took Hongzhou, and he had nowhere to go, so he could only stop in Yangzhou.

"As for this cousin of his from the Prince of Liang's mansion, I don't know why she followed."

After listening, Ouyang Rong nodded and said with a smile:

"Understood, so it's the noble son of the Prince of Wei's mansion visiting, no wonder Jiangzhou Cishi Wang came to greet him and set up a banquet at Xunyang Tower."

The tone of the word "greet" in his mouth sounded mocking.

Rong Zhen looked at Ouyang Rong more.

Ouyang Rong looked straight into her eyes and continued to ask:

"Then why did Female Official Rong come to pick someone up? Could it be that you also..."

Rong Zhen pursed her lips:

"Received a letter from Wei Shaoqi from Yangzhou this morning."

Ouyang Rong was stunned for a moment, suddenly remembering the letter she had tucked into her sleeve when he went to find Rong Zhen with Lin Cheng in the morning.

"Why didn't Female Official Rong tell me and Lord Lord Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang Lin about this?" he asked.

Rong Zhen looked at him with a strange expression.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Just heard from others... that you are quite sympathetic to the Xunyang Prince's family, are at odds with Wang Lengran, and your relationship with the Wei clan might... also be not very good, so I didn't say much."

Ouyang Rong sighed and asked directly:

"What is the letter about, Female Official Rong?"

Rong Zhen said solemnly:

"Wei Shaoqi sent a letter from Yangzhou saying that they have mastered some clues about the Butterfly Loves Flower owner and want to meet to report, and by the way, he also wants to report a case."

"Clues... report a case? Report what case?"

"His sixth brother... the case of Wei Shaoxuan."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 430 =====