Chapter 436: Two hundred and eleven, Avoiding the Moon and Plucking the Fang Xingchen

Two hundred and eleven, Avoiding the Moon and Plucking the Fang Xingchen.

"I heard, Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang, that you went to Longcheng the day before yesterday?"

"Eunuch Hu's news is quite sharp."

"This humble servant wanted to invite Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang to eat at Listening Bamboo Pavilion two days ago. I sent people several times but didn't see you. It made me anxious. In the end, it was only after Lady Official Rong from the Supervisory Court sent word that I knew you were not in Prince Xunyang City."

"Sorry to trouble you, Eunuch."

"It's no trouble at all. This is my duty. We all came from Shenjing Luoyang to inspect and handle affairs for His Majesty. Since we came together, we must return together; we cannot leave anyone behind."

Inside Listening Bamboo Pavilion, Lin Cheng and Hu Fu, who were the special envoys from Shenjing Luoyang this time, were sitting at a dining table, chatting face to face.

The table was full of fine wine and delicacies, yet no one reached for their chopsticks.

"Eunuch is right."

Lin Cheng smiled and nodded, his expression agreeing.

Hu Fu touched his sideburns, looked at the slightly chubby young man's expression, and changed the subject, asking:

"What was the purpose of Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang's trip to Longcheng this time?"

"Nothing, just curious and wandering around."

"Curious?" Hu Fu frowned: "Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang, don't forget what we came to Jiangzhou for. His Majesty's mission does not include wandering around."

"This humble one knows."

Lin Cheng sighed:

"I was just curious about Registrar Magistrate Ouyang. I have long admired the great name of Magistrate Ouyang Lianghan the True Gentleman. The Zhe Zhe Yiqu Channel in Longcheng also has a very high reputation among the gentlemen in the Secretariat..."

"Registrar Magistrate Ouyang is the official in charge of building the East Forest Great Buddha this time. This humble one went to learn more, which can be considered within the scope of my duties."

"Oh."

Hu Fu's brows relaxed a bit, his tone flat:

"Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang is indeed careful. Looking at it this way, it makes this humble servant seem careless."

"Not at all, not at all, I dare not accept that."

Lin Cheng immediately waved his hands:

"Eunuch Hu sitting in Prince Xunyang is also racking his brains for the Imperial Court. We are all loyal to His Majesty; what distinction of high or low is there? Even if there were, those above labor others, those in the middle labor their wisdom, and those below labor their bodies. Eunuch Hu is also one of those above."

"Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang really knows how to talk."

Hu Fu chuckled twice, his expression easing a bit.

He picked up a pair of chopsticks neatly placed on the table and took a bite of food.

The bearded eunuch chewed with one cheek while picking up a pot of clear wine, leaned forward, and poured a cup for Lin Cheng:

"Fine. Then after Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang wandered around Longcheng, what were your thoughts?"

"It lives up to its reputation."

Lin Cheng's expression was very moved. At the same time, he raised his wine cup, habitually sniffing the wine at the rim, and said seriously:

"A simple Zhe Zhe Yiqu Channel directly replaced the Di Gong Gate, solving the flooding in the most dangerous place in Jiang Nan once and for all."

"Moreover, this humble one looked over the situation from the top of Mount Mount Dagu and found that it faintly borrowed the earth veins of the towering Mount Mount Dagu. Earth overcomes water, achieving a geomantic treasure land pattern with a mountain behind, a Green Dragon on the left, a White Tiger on the right, Little Mount Dagu Mountain in front, and Longcheng in the middle."

This Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang of the Summer Office nodded with great admiration in his eyes:

"Ancient books say that a solid mountain behind, the protection of the Dragon and Tiger, and a wide hall in front increase the momentum. A water city gathers the external energy of life and prosperity, so it is auspicious."

"This Zhe Zhe Yiqu Channel is a work of ingenious craftsmanship, reviving poor mountains and bad waters with one move, bringing great auspiciousness to Longcheng."

Hu Fu's upper body could not help but lean back slightly:

"I didn't expect Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang to understand geomancy?"

Lin Cheng's expression was humble, and he waved his hands:

"I've embarrassed myself. I understand a little bit about the stars, sun, moon, and geomantic surveying. My teacher taught me, and I've only grasped the fur."

"Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang doesn't look like you've only grasped the fur."

Hu Fu waved his large hand.

Lin Cheng smiled without a word.

Hu Fu touched his chin, pondered for a moment, and quietly leaned in:

"Then you Yin-Yang School cultivators, do you know physiognomy and fortune-telling? Why don't you calculate for this humble servant?"

Lin Cheng could not help but raise his eyebrows:

"This kind of planchette divination and physiognomy..."

"Some branches of the Northern and Southern Daoist Sects are more proficient in this. We of the Yin-Yang School are better at surveying Yin and Yang and observing the stars and looking at Qi, but..."

"My teacher understands a little bit about observing celestial phenomena to measure good and bad luck."

"Unfortunately, this technique is difficult to learn. The Qi-refining methods for deducing fortune and misfortune are all mysterious secrets, difficult for ordinary people to grasp. This humble one is also stupid and does not know this technique, so I cannot calculate fortune for Eunuch Hu."

"However, Eunuch Hu's nose is full and prominent, your forehead is full, and your complexion is moist. At a glance, it is an auspicious appearance. Eunuch Hu has a noble fate."

"Not at all, not at all."

Hu Fu waved his hands, but being praised, he raised his chin slightly, and there was still some joy on his face.

"Is your teacher that Vice Overseer Zhao?"

Hu Fu's expression was quite interested.

"Vice Overseer Zhao is venerable and respected in the Astronomical Bureau, and His Majesty values him highly. This humble servant has long admired his great name and respects him very much."

"This time when we return to Shenjing Luoyang, if there is an opportunity, Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang must introduce us so I can get to know him and see if he can deduce my fortune."

The bearded eunuch rubbed his hands and said.

Lin Cheng looked at Hu Fu's unceremonious and eager expression, the corners of his mouth twitched slightly, and he nodded:

"Although my teacher is very busy, but... Eunuch Hu is not an outsider and is deeply favored by His Majesty. Helping the Eunuch relieve his worries is helping His Majesty. It's easy to say, easy to say."

"Good, it's a deal."

Hu Fu grinned, took a leisurely sip of wine, and at the same time, his eyes rolled up slightly, sizing up Lin Cheng's smiling and sincere expression.

He spoke again:

"Speaking of which, calling Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang over to eat this time is to discuss something."

"Eunuch Hu, please speak."

"Then this humble servant won't beat around the bush. We have been in Longcheng for so many days. Looking at it, winter is coming soon. If we don't leave, it will snow in Luodu. This Prince Xunyang doesn't have snow scenery, haha."

Hu Fu joked and asked casually:

"So, has Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang finished writing the memorial for this trip? After such a long time, you've seen what you should see. We've inspected enough; it's time to return to the capital to report."

As he spoke, he took out a blue silk-covered memorial from his sleeve, placed it on the table, tapped the cover with his finger, and sincerely suggested:

"If Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang has finished writing, we can exchange ideas now and submit the report together tomorrow."

Lin Cheng stopped his chopsticks, looked at the smiling Hu Fu for a moment, and then continued his action of picking up food.

He shook his head with an apologetic expression:

"Almost. I was busy the past few days and didn't have time to sit down and organize it. This humble one will rush it these next few days. Once I finish writing the memorial, I will notify Eunuch Hu. Please be patient, Eunuch."

Hu Fu slightly restrained his expression and put away the memorial.

"Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang means you haven't started writing yet?"

Lin Cheng smiled embarrassedly:

"It's just a matter of these two days. Eunuch Hu, please wait a moment. We actually don't need to be too anxious."

Hu Fu raised his head and drank the wine in his cup, wiped his mouth, picked up the wine pot, and refilled a cup. While watching the trickling stream from the pot's mouth, his tone was flat:

"Then Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang is indeed a bit slow."

Lin Cheng then saw the bearded eunuch in front of him ask with curiosity:

"Haven't we inspected the Prince Xunyang Grottoes at the Double Peak Tip seven or eight times these past few days? Registrar Magistrate Ouyang accompanied us the whole time to explain."

"And every time afterwards, Registrar Magistrate Ouyang seemed to have sent all those budget accounts and expenditure details to our hands, and the official seals and procedures on them were all complete."

"This is a bit strange. What is Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang still hesitating about? What are you worried about? Does this Registrar Magistrate Ouyang have any improprieties?"

Hu Fu pointed his index finger at his feet and smiled familiarly:

"Could it be that there really are? Haha, anyway, there are no outsiders here. Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang can talk about it. Otherwise, if you see a problem and write it into the memorial, but this humble servant foolishly continues to submit a report saying there is no problem, it would seem too derelict of duty. Although compared to you young people with fast brains, this humble servant is indeed a bit stupid... haha, Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang, don't tease this humble servant, tell me quickly."

Lin Cheng shook his head:

"Currently, Registrar Magistrate Ouyang is honest and upright, does everything himself, strictly observes procedures, and there is nothing wrong with the accounts."

"That's good."

Hu Fu nodded with a smile, thought for a moment, and continued to ask:

"Then the twenty thousand taels of powder money His Majesty donated to the East Forest Great Buddha, is the ins and outs also fine? Is there any corruption by villains?"

Lin Cheng still shook his head: "No, His Majesty's money has all been put to practical use."

"Good."

Hu Fu seemed relieved, then revealed a confused expression:

"Then it's strange, Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang, you are..."

Lin Cheng was silent for a while, nodded slightly:

"Currently, it is indeed fine. Mm, it's just that this humble one is a bit slow in doing things. Eunuch Hu, please rest assured. This humble one will start writing when I go back. I estimate it will take two or three days to finish. Eunuch, please be patient. Once this humble one finishes writing, I will definitely notify you."

The slightly chubby young man smiled brilliantly, revealing some bright white teeth:

"Eunuch Hu is right. When the time comes, we will exchange opinions a bit and then submit the report together. That would be more appropriate."

He immediately raised his cup:

"Come, let's drink. This humble one toasts Eunuch Hu."

Hu Fu looked at Lin Cheng, who was sincere and respectful in front of him, was silent for three breaths, and then raised his wine cup to gently touch the rim of the cup with him:

"Good. Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang, you must be quick."

"That is natural."

Lin Cheng only took a few bites of the food in front of him, and after a while, he rose to leave on the grounds that he could not hold his liquor.

Hu Fu sent Lin Cheng to the main gate.

Before leaving, Hu Fu suddenly shouted:

"Xiaoguan Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang."

Lin Cheng, who had taken the reins of his beloved horse, turned back curiously: "Eunuch Hu, what is it?"

"Although Registrar Magistrate Ouyang is the official in charge, the Prince of Prince Xunyang is the supervisor of the East Forest Great Buddha. You should know the relationship of delegated authority in this, right?"

"Naturally, I know." Lin Cheng's expression was confused: "Eunuch Hu, why do you mention this? Er, you mean..."

The two looked at each other for a while, and Hu Fu laughed and clapped his hands, interrupting Lin Cheng's words:

"Haha, this humble servant is saying, then tomorrow we can go visit the Prince of Prince Xunyang together. It counts as fulfilling the etiquette. And since it's an inspection, we have to go through the process with the Prince, the supervisor, right? See if the Prince has any constructive opinions."

"Good, Eunuch Hu is indeed thorough."

Lin Cheng flipped onto his horse and left, whipping his horse.

"Eunuch, see you tomorrow."

Hu Fu smiled and watched Lin Cheng go.

Seeing his horse-riding back disappear around the corner of the street.

He immediately turned around, his footsteps quick, and walked back into the mansion.

"Someone."

Hu Fu called for a personal guard.

Hua Xuanji after, he walked quickly back to the study, took out a familiar waist saber, and handed it to the guard who was respectfully cupping his hands behind him.

"Go, send it to a private residence called Jingyi Court in Xiushui Square. Just say you are looking for Uncle Shun, and then for this humble servant... bring a message..."

Hu Fu lowered his voice and ordered slowly.

"Yes."

Before long, the personal guard cupped his hands heavily.

Before diving into the dark night outside the door, he could not help but glance at the bearded eunuch's expression.

Narrowing his eyes slightly, it was faintly somewhat grave.

Lin Cheng returned to the residence where he was staying.

The residence was close to the Supervisory Court.

When passing the Supervisory Court on horseback, he turned his head to look at the brightly lit courtyard, where there were figures of female officials busy moving about.

He did not know what that Lady Official was busy with.

Lin Cheng's expression was calm as he returned to the residence.

He walked into a study and sat down.

He took out paper, ink, brushes, and inkstones, as well as a blank memorial.

He placed it on the table.

Inside the room, there was only an oil lamp on the desk.

Lin Cheng leaned loosely on the soft chair.

He liked the position of this desk in front of him.

He liked the position of this desk in front of him very much.

It faced an open window directly.

One could see the autumn night outside, inlaid with scattered stars.

In fact, Lin Cheng had rearranged the furniture in all the rooms, including this study and the bedroom.

Even the position of the brush rack on the desk had to strictly follow his requirements, placed a few centimeters from the upper edge on the left corner... otherwise, it would obstruct his field of vision slightly.

He liked this kind of order.

It was difficult for the world outside his study and bedroom to follow the requirements of his obsessive-compulsive disorder.

But in places like his home study, things had to be done according to the principles that made Lin Cheng comfortable and felt intuitive.

Just like the extremely comforting stars in the sky above, each one had its own position and trajectory.

The autumn wind blew into the window.

It made the blank memorial paper on the desk rustle loudly.

A solitary lamp also swayed unsteadily.

The lamp wick had been flickering for nearly half an hour, and the memorial on the table had remained blank for nearly half an hour.

This Xia Guan Guan Lord Xiaoguan Lingtai Lang had been slow to put pen to paper.

His eyes stared straight at the sparse starry sky outside the window.

A bright, clear full moon was being slowly covered by a dark cloud drifting in from nowhere, and the entire world dimmed by a degree.

"Avoid the moon and pluck the stars... avoid the moon and pluck the stars..."

Lin Cheng muttered to himself.

"The teacher also observes the stars there, deducing fortune and misfortune, saying that on this trip of mine, I will encounter disaster if I meet the moon, and fortune if I meet the stars.

"Fortune and misfortune are inherently intertwined; one should seek fortune and avoid misfortune, hence the saying 'avoid the moon and pluck the stars,' which is highly auspicious."

He tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

"Is it really such a coincidence?"

He sat idly for a long time.

Suddenly, a gust of autumn wind blew into the room, and the solitary lamp on the table was extinguished instantly.

The study plunged into darkness.

Along with the lamp light, the figure of the slightly chubby young man in front of the desk also disappeared...

Late at night, at the fifth watch.

An autumn moon hung high above the peaks of the Twin Peaks, ten miles from the western suburbs of the city.

A tributary of the Prince Xunyang River divided the Twin Peaks into a Beifeng and a Nanfeng, facing each other across the water.

The Prince Xunyang Grottoes, currently being built in full swing by the Jiangzhou government office, were located at the foot of the Beifeng by the water.

At this moment, a slightly chubby young man's figure slowly walked out from the summit of the Nanfeng.

Lin Cheng gazed for a while at the towering Great Buddha within the Prince Xunyang Grottoes on the opposite bank, then slowly lowered his gaze to look down at the Xun River that divided the South and North Peaks.

He stared without blinking.

This Xun River, which had been artificially excavated to control the seasonal flooding of Prince Xunyang City, was not a straight line but had a long, narrow curve.

The radiance of the autumn moon overhead scattered across the water's surface, making the Xun River look like a dazzling crescent moon.

"Pillow-moon feng shui... moon..."

Lin Cheng shook his head.

At a certain moment, a fish-belly white appeared on the eastern horizon.

He looked back from the mountaintop, gazing east toward a certain neighborhood in Prince Xunyang City that was the first to become lively at dawn.

"Xingzi Fang... a good name."

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