Chapter 499: 371. Did Rong Zhen: Cold at First and Diligent Later, Thinking of It Makes One Laugh

371. Did Rong Zhen: Cold at First and Diligent Later, Thinking of It Makes One Laugh

"Why didn't you leave?"

"Why should I leave? I am the Left Commissioner for the Construction of the Donglin Great Buddha; it's quite normal to stay here."

"Oh, is that so?"

"Isn't it?"

"As you wish, move aside."

Outside the bamboo forest, on a small path.

Did Rong Zhen had just walked out of the bamboo forest when she was blocked by Ouyang Rong.

The former frowned as she spoke, and the latter answered solemnly.

Ouyang Rong moved aside.

Did Rong Zhen walked past him with a cold face.

Ouyang Rong took another look at her back and followed.

The zither sound in the bamboo forest lasted for quite a while, about half an incense stick of time. Ouyang Rong didn't go in and waited for Did Rong Zhen outside.

Just after the zither sound disappeared, he saw this Lady Commissioner walk out of the bamboo forest, still with a thoughtful expression.

However, upon seeing him, Did Rong Zhen's face turned cold in a second.

Ouyang Rong followed Did Rong Zhen for a while.

The two of them, one tall and one short, one in front and one behind.

This height-difference combination was a bit strange, and the passing female officials and guards couldn't help but glance sideways.

Until they temporarily walked to a place where no one was around.

"What is that thing you're holding in your hand?"

Did Rong Zhen suddenly asked without looking back.

"Bamboo shoots. These early spring shoots are very fresh."

Ouyang Rong said with a smile, and even lifted the bamboo shoots he had "borrowed" from Dalang and Liulang to take an appreciative look.

"I know they are bamboo shoots. I'm asking why you're pestering me while holding them?"

Did Rong Zhen asked emotionlessly.

Ouyang Rong solemnly corrected:

"Pestering? Lady Rong, what are you saying? Aren't we communicating official business normally? However, I brought them to give to Lady Rong, to nourish you; this item benefits qi and nourishes blood."

"Sorry, I don't like accepting bribes."

"How is this a bribe? It's just colleague concern, a matter of convenience."

"I also don't like interpersonal exchanges; it's troublesome."

"No need to return the favor; it's just a small effort. A little sincerity, please forgive me."

"Fine then."

"Good. Where does Lady Rong live? The bamboo forest? I'll help you carry them over and put them away for you."

After the two of them went back and forth, they arrived here. Before Ouyang Rong could show a smile, he heard the faint words from Did Rong Zhen in front:

"Thanks, there's a ditch in front; help me put them in."

Ouyang Rong choked.

After a while, he asked puzzledly:

"Lady Rong shouldn't live in a ditch, right?"

Did Rong Zhen couldn't be bothered to answer. She turned her head and looked him over from top to bottom.

Ouyang Rong immediately stopped, holding the bamboo shoots, and subconsciously stood at attention.

Did Rong Zhen looked for a while, and an impatient expression appeared on her cold face:

"Isn't Magistrate Ouyang working hard over at Xingzi Ward? I thought you were so happy you forgot home, and would only come to take a look after the Donglin Great Buddha was repaired."

"Lady Rong, what are you saying? You're being a stranger. I've been keeping an eye on the progress here at the Xunyang Grottoes; Wang Caozhi and the others report to me every day... I haven't slacked off in the slightest."

"Perhaps."

Did Rong Zhen withdrew her gaze and continued to walk forward with her sleeves tucked, answering faintly.

"Um, where does Lady Rong live? These bamboo shoots..."

"I already said, throw them in the ditch if you're giving them to me."

Ouyang Rong shook his head:

"That won't do; it would waste good ingredients. How about this: I'll help take them back, boil them into a duck and bamboo shoot soup, and bring it over another day. Lady Rong can just drink it; it saves trouble.

"I heard Lady Rong lives a simple life in private and probably doesn't know how to cook or boil soup..."

"Who says I don't know? Which eye did Magistrate Ouyang see that with? Remember to go see a doctor early."

"Fine. It was my slip of the tongue. I didn't expect Lady Rong to know how to do such small things."

Ouyang Rong nodded and inquired:

"Then, these bamboo shoots—should I boil them, or will you take them back to boil?"

"As you wish."

Did Rong Zhen's tone was impatient.

Ouyang Rong suppressed his smile:

"Then I'll do it."

Did Rong Zhen reacted to something, turned her head abruptly, and stared at his face, not letting go of any subtle expression.

How did he agree just like that? She always felt she had fallen into some kind of verbal trap.

Under her death stare, Ouyang Rong's expression was strange:

"Why is Lady Rong staring at my face? Is there something on it?"

Saying this, he touched his face.

Did Rong Zhen had already turned her head away angrily and walked forward with big strides, the hem of her light purple palace dress fluttering with her hurried steps.

It seemed she wanted to shake off a certain thick-skinned colleague.

Unfortunately, she had met a persistent young man.

"What exactly are you trying to do?"

Did Rong Zhen asked coldly.

"About the morning meeting."

"Oh, I voted against your second agenda, causing a tie and preventing Li Congshan from being swapped out. Are you unhappy?"

"Not really, I can understand Lady Rong."

"Is that so? I thought you were going to come and teach me how to do things."

The cold palace-dressed girl in front unconsciously raised her chin slightly.

"How could I dare? Didn't Lady Rong abstain from the first resolution? You've already given me enough face.

"I understand Lady Rong's considerations. The Xuanwu Guard was specially invited by you, Lady Rong. Two Xuanwu battalions have already had one transferred away to the southwest front line. Now there are only a thousand people left. If the Xuanwu Guard soldiers are transferred to Hukou County to suppress bandits, and then three hundred are transferred to the Xunyang Prince's Mansion for guard duty, there really won't be many Xuanwu Guard soldiers left, which will affect your defense layout at the Xunyang Grottoes, Lady Rong."

Did Rong Zhen was silent for a while, then suddenly sneered:

"Heh, you like to speculate about me so much? What if I really have selfish motives?"

Ouyang Rong shook his head:

"I believe in Lady Rong."

"Do you say the same to your little junior sister and the others? You praise people so smoothly."

Ouyang Rong was helpless:

"It's not the same thing at all. How can you compare? Lady Rong, you're joking."

Speaking of this, without waiting for Did Rong Zhen to answer, he asked tentatively:

"By the way, this morning meeting, the third agenda, regarding the defense of the Xunyang Grottoes, Lady Rong didn't seem to mention much. Also, you didn't say what role General Wei Mi and the thousand Xuanwu Guard soldiers staying at the Xunyang Grottoes would have."

Did Rong Zhen kept a straight face and was silent for a while before saying:

"Didn't we agree before? You are responsible for the construction of the Donglin Great Buddha; you don't need to worry about other things. I will definitely protect the Donglin Great Buddha and you... you officials in charge of the statues. As for the defense, leave it to me and the Supervisory Court."

"That's what was said, but this time the rebels in the Tiannan Jianghu are making a bigger and bigger scene. I can see that Lady Rong is a bit nervous, and I also want to contribute."

Did Rong Zhen pursed her lips and didn't answer.

Ouyang Rong asked tentatively again:

"How about this: I'll withdraw Wang Caozhi, and I'll come over often recently. It just so happens to be the final critical moment of the statue construction, the stage of finishing the internal organs, so I'd better keep an eye on it myself. If Lady Rong has any instructions another day, or suddenly thinks of something, you can also come directly to me; it's much more convenient."

Did Rong Zhen just paused, but still didn't answer.

The two of them walked forward for a while.

Ouyang Rong asked:

"Then, the last time Commander Yi just arrived at Shuangfeng Peak and had a private talk with you and Mother Song, was it also about the defense?"

Did Rong Zhen hesitated for a moment and nodded.

Ouyang Rong suddenly felt that these bamboo shoots were worth it.

Striking while the iron was hot, he asked:

"By the way, I remember Lady Rong said she would introduce an old senior to me, saying he also had the same hobby of zither playing. I don't know if the old senior is still here; why has he disappeared since then?"

"It's you who disappeared."

Did Rong Zhen blurted out, and regretted it as soon as she said it, changing her words:

"Can't I just forget? Fine, Ouyang Lianghan, you are also petty. So you've been remembering it all along, thinking that I owe you something?"

"That's not it; I was just curious and asked." Ouyang Rong shook his head.

"Heh."

"Fine, if it's inconvenient, forget it."

Ouyang Rong took the initiative to offer a way out.

Did Rong Zhen pursed her lips.

A moment later, she said:

"There's nothing inconvenient about it, but you have to know some zither skills and music theory. It's best if it's pipa music, so you have a common language; otherwise, introducing him to you is useless."

Ouyang Rong nodded thoughtfully and asked suddenly:

"Is this old senior the owner of that burst of zither sound in the bamboo forest just now? Does he also live in this bamboo forest? I saw Lady Rong rush in quite hurriedly just now."

Did Rong Zhen looked at his curious-baby expression sideways.

"Hmm, yes."

Finally, she responded.

Ouyang Rong raised his eyebrows slightly.

That day, that burst of zither sound at the Xingzi Lake construction site was very strange.

He only understood clearly after reviewing it later: this zither sound could display the spiritual energy cultivation light pillars of enemy Qi refiners within range, similar to spreading out a field of vision, making hidden enemy Qi refiners have nowhere to hide... That day, when the zither sound rang out, it really caught everyone off guard.

This old senior who could play this special zither sound was definitely not simple and could be regarded as one of the trump cards prepared by Did Rong Zhen and Deputy Supervisor Song at the Xunyang Grottoes.

It should also be a part of this defense layout of the Xunyang Grottoes.

Ouyang Rong's mind flashed back to the back of the small old man with the hoe he had met in the bamboo forest just now.

He nodded gently:

"Lady Rong's words make a lot of sense."

Did Rong Zhen looked at him and asked:

"Can you understand that burst of zither sound just now?"

Ouyang Rong came back to his senses and smiled:

"I understand a little."

Did Rong Zhen frowned slightly:

"That's true. I see you holding a zither case and going to find Yuan Huaimin and the others in private from time to time; I suppose your zither skills aren't bad..."

Ouyang Rong said embarrassedly: "Can't it be that a poor student has many stationery items?"

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing, you continue."

Did Rong Zhen gave him an unhappy look.

"Can you stop interrupting? When I'm speaking, listen carefully?"

"Fine, you speak."

Ouyang Rong wasn't annoyed either.

Because they were too familiar.

Did Rong Zhen pondered for a moment, and seeing that there was no one around, she lowered her eyes and stared at her toes, saying:

"I was busy going in just now and didn't greet you; it wasn't intentional indifference. I went to... learn zither skills."

"Learn zither skills?" Ouyang Rong asked in surprise.

"Hmm."

Did Rong Zhen hesitated for a while and said in a low voice:

"The old senior is willing to teach me a piece of zither music, but it also depends on my comprehension."

"Comprehension?"

"Hmm, the old senior said this piece of zither music is very difficult. If you don't have talent, you don't have talent. He hasn't met anyone with that kind of talent for a long time; otherwise, he would have stayed to hand it over long ago, and wouldn't have been dragged over at his age...

"The old senior said he once saw someone with comprehension in the musician troupe of the Shangyang Palace in Luoyang, but it's a pity there was no opportunity to give pointers...

"Anyway, now it all depends on my comprehension. The old senior also said he hoped I would have more comprehension and learn it sooner... Indeed, there isn't much time left, so I must hurry up and study.

"I must strive to comprehend this zither music before I meet that lecherous thief next time, and take proper revenge..."

Ouyang Rong asked subconsciously: "Lecherous thief?"

"It's that master of Die Lian Hua."

Did Rong Zhen said word by word.

Because she was standing in front and speaking with her head lowered, Ouyang Rong couldn't see her specific expression.

But his scalp went numb.

Good heavens, Lady Commissioner is brewing a killing move; is this how she treats her close comrades-in-arms?

"What's wrong with you? Why aren't you speaking?"

After a silence, Did Rong Zhen asked with a frown.

"Nothing."

Ouyang Rong looked up at the sky, and the hand that was free shook a string of sandalwood prayer beads from his sleeve; it was the string that Deputy Supervisor Song had given to Lin Cheng to avoid death.

Speaking of which, if it could really avoid death, it would be great if it could avoid Did Rong Zhen's revenge once, and write off the crimes of the master of Die Lian Hua... Unfortunately, it couldn't.

His fingers turned the prayer beads nimbly, hiding his fluctuating emotions, and he lowered his voice to cooperate with the Lady Commissioner who was brewing killing intent:

"Hmm, so what is the killing move of this zither music from the old senior?"

Did Rong Zhen looked at him and didn't speak immediately.

Ouyang Rong's expression remained as usual.

"Hmm, is it that segment of zither sound that rang out in Xingzi Ward last time? I heard it has the effect of detecting the orientation of hidden Qi refiners' energy pillars, similar to spreading out a field of vision, or... is it its enhanced effect, the secret art privately hidden by the old senior?"

He asked while observing Did Rong Zhen's expression.

Did Rong Zhen was ambiguous:

"You know quite a lot; your brain turns quite fast... more or less, it can be considered a secret art."

She turned to sigh gloomily.

"It's a pity that my comprehension of zither music isn't strong. I've learned it somewhat stutteringly these past few days. Fortunately, the old senior is patient. Although I'm not afraid of him losing patience and leaving, I'm afraid that time is running out..."

Ouyang Rong saw that between Did Rong Zhen's brows, a trace of sorrow appeared for the first time.

In the past, this Lady Commissioner was always cold-faced and emotionless.

But now, she was revealing some small complaints of a young girl in private.

Did Rong Zhen took a deep breath and said:

"Also, the old senior said that teaching music also pays attention to inspiration and occasions. He can't fix a time, and occasionally he will play a piece. He hopes I won't go too far, otherwise, if I miss it, I miss it, and I can only wait for the next luck... That's why I hurried over just now..."

Ouyang Rong reacted: "No wonder Lady Rong also asked the Prince to move to the Xunyang Grottoes for this morning meeting; it turns out she couldn't leave."

Did Rong Zhen shifted her gaze, landing on the headless Buddha in the distance, murmuring to herself:

"There hasn't been much gain this time. Why is it so difficult? My aptitude is clearly not low. What kind of talent is this?"

"It's fine, take your time."

Ouyang Rong comforted her in a broad voice, and after a moment, mentioned softly:

"By the way, the peach blossom forest that Lady Rong asked me to look for last time has some clues. I know where it is now. I have already sent people to confirm it on the spot, and I will give a reply in these two days. Once it is confirmed to be a peach blossom forest, I will tell Lady Rong immediately."

"Good."

Did Rong Zhen nodded immediately.

Her originally cold expression softened slightly.

After a while, she asked again:

"Where is the peach forest? Is it far from Xunyang City? If it's too far, it's useless."

"It's in Mount Kuanglu; it's not far. Speaking of which, it's also fate. Last time, the little junior sister and the little Princess of the Prince's Mansion went to Mount Kuanglu to visit ancient temples, and they happened to see a peach forest somewhere and asked the temple monk about the location."

Did Rong Zhen nodded slowly.

Ouyang Rong was curious:

"However, I have a doubt. Why is Lady Rong looking for a peach blossom forest for no reason?"

"Why are you asking so many questions?"

Did Rong Zhen seemed to find him an eyesore:

"Just do as I say."

"Fine."

The two of them walked quietly for a while.

Did Rong Zhen suddenly stopped and said:

"You send a bowl of soup every day."

"Ah?" Ouyang Rong didn't react: "What soup?"

Did Rong Zhen walked forward quickly, leaving a sentence behind:

"Secondly, it's not impossible to meet the old senior. Perhaps there are some things I don't understand that I can ask you, to pool our wisdom, although it's highly likely it won't be of much use...

"Finally, you are not allowed to disobey me, not allowed to point fingers, not allowed to look at what you shouldn't, not allowed to listen to what you shouldn't. Do you understand?"

Ouyang Rong was stunned for a while.

Reacting, the Lady Commissioner was talking about him staying to participate in the defense.

"All right."

Ouyang Rong's smile was suddenly brilliant.

At this moment, the two of them walked into the Grottoes.

He saw Princess Anhui's carriage waiting in front.

Did Rong Zhen went up to greet her.

Ouyang Rong glanced over there, didn't go to join the fun, and turned to leave...

As Ouyang Rong and Did Rong Zhen walked close to Princess Anhui's carriage, a square-faced man wearing a white cloth band on the carriage turned his head quietly, looking at Did Rong Zhen's figure for a while, and then at Ouyang Rong.

Finally, he watched Ouyang Rong's back as he walked away. ===== CHAPTER 500 =====