[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-even-a-gentleman-must-be-careful":3,"chapter-even-a-gentleman-must-be-careful-even-a-gentleman-must-be-careful-chapter-5":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Even a Gentleman Must Be Careful",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2268625,4429,"Chapter 5: Five: Good Nephew, You Don","even-a-gentleman-must-be-careful-chapter-5",5,"\u003Cp>Five: Good nephew, you don’t want to be branded as unfilial, do you?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My Lord, I’ll take my leave now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good, you’ve worked hard these past days, Little Yan Captain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My Lord is too kind—call me Wu Xu, or Yan Liu is fine too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is Yan Liu because you’re the sixth in your family?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. I have… five older sisters.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Ouyang Rong saw Yan Wu Xu off at the door, he smiled and joked, “Then you’ll be busy enough as an uncle in the future.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe.” Yan Wu Xu scratched his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then that’s settled—I’ll call you that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got it, My Lord!” Yan Wu Xu instantly perked up like he’d been injected with stimulant; being called “Liu Lang” felt far more intimate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as Yan Wu Xu turned to leave, he paused, remembering something, and hesitated: “My Lord, I was truly flustered today and spoke disrespectfully to your aunt—would you allow me to go in and offer her a cup of tea as apology?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your aunt isn’t that fragile a woman,” Ouyang Rong shook his head. “Besides, I haven’t even thanked you yet for pulling me from the river that day—your life-saving deed outweighs any slight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Wu Xu waved his hands urgently. “No, no—it was your good fortune, My Lord, and I’m truly ashamed. That day, I wasn’t the only one who jumped in to save you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Back then, the Butterfly Creek had surged wildly, full of rapids and hidden reefs—even the most experienced fishermen found it treacherous. You were struck on the head by one of those reefs, but among the cooks who jumped in, one man was exceptionally brave—he pulled you straight out of the swirling current. Though he seemed injured too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ouyang Rong lowered his head, thought for a moment, then nodded. “After I rest for two days and descend the mountain, I’ll go properly thank that good man.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed to recall something. “Before you pulled me from the water, when we first met—weren’t you asking me for a piece of calligraphy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, I did—but I was foolish then, My Lord, please don’t take it to heart. You’re a great man; you shouldn’t be asked for your writing. My father scolded me after I returned…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come tomorrow to collect it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Wu Xu’s face flushed crimson. He opened his mouth, hesitated, then couldn’t help blurting out:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My Lord, I, Yan Liu, have always admired two kinds of people: upright magistrates who speak for the people and punish lawbreakers; and wandering knights who ride the roads, rob the rich to help the poor. I was a slow student as a child—not as clever as my sisters. I couldn’t become the first kind when I woke from my dreams. As for the second, my father forbade it outright—he wouldn’t even let me join the army, saying military households were lowly, that enlisting was gambling one’s lowly life for fame, and he only wanted me to inherit his job, to loaf around in this county office until I died.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My Lord, I heard you spoke up for the people, angered the Luoyang nobles, and were exiled here to Jiangzhou. That day, you arrived alone on a thin horse, stood on Dragon Head Bridge, and declared publicly: during these four years, you’ll tame the floods and restore justice to the six Battalion Commander of Longcheng County. I, Yan Liu…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eight-foot-tall man’s voice cracked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ouyang Rong suddenly asked: “Aren’t you worried I’m just putting on a show—shouting slogans, then leaving after four years?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Wu Xu shook his head. “Some colleagues whisper that, but I don’t believe it. I can’t believe a man who dared speak truth to the Emperor in the Golden Hall would come all the way to our remote backwater to lie to a bunch of illiterate poor folk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ouyang Rong’s expression subtly changed—he’d been preoccupied with the new thing appearing in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked up, smiled lightly: “So when I fell in, you jumped in without hesitation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not me—it was we.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ouyang Rong raised his hand and clapped Yan Wu Xu on the shoulder. “Liu Lang, I understand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the dark-blue-clad constable stepped out the door and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had he gone than a graceful woman emerged slowly from the inner chamber, walking up behind Ouyang Rong, who was still watching, and gently draped a cloak over his shoulders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her words were sharp: “Tan Lang, this county clerk of yours is clumsy—he can’t even hold a blade steady. Why go out of your way to court him? You sat through all that nonsense with such patience—it’s childish, a waste of your time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhen Shi frowned at the door. “Besides, doesn’t she know your body is still weak? Why stand out in the wind so long? So thoughtless. Oh, Tan Lang—the abbot just felt your pulse; it’s still unstable. You need to keep drinking the tonic. The medicine will be brought soon.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Childish…” Ouyang Rong turned his gaze away and asked, “Do you think… saving me from the water was their duty?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhen Shi lifted her rounded chin. “Of course. Tan Lang, you’re the Son of Heaven’s student, a court official, the county magistrate—your life is worth far more than theirs, not even a fraction of a percent. If they hadn’t jumped in, are they trying to rebel? If anything happened to you, they’d all be implicated!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ouyang Rong smiled. “Then if the Emperor fell in the water the same day I did, should I jump in to save him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhen Shi replied instantly: “You, no.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Isn’t the Emperor’s life worth more than mine, the county magistrate?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhen Shi smiled slyly. “The current Emperor is a female sovereign. Men and women must keep proper distance. It’s the palace ladies’ duty to jump in. Tan Lang, you must keep your distance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then what if he were a man?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhen Shi fell silent for a moment, glanced toward the door, and muttered under her breath: “You brat, don’t you dare jump in like a fool—you can’t even swim! Just pretend to care. There are plenty of loyal ministers—your sacrifice isn’t needed!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ouyang Rong glanced at Zhen Shi, but her expression remained calm, utterly unaware of her contradiction—she grew even more certain. “Anyway, Tan Lang, you’re born noble—perhaps even a reincarnation of the Sage of Letters. You’re different from others. I can’t explain the reason clearly—I’m just a woman—but you listen to your aunt. Would I ever harm you? If you don’t listen… it’s unfilial!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My noble nephew, famed for loyalty and filial piety… you don’t want to be branded as unfilial, do you?” Zhen Shi smiled sweetly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She led the helpless Ouyang Rong to the table, sat him down, and poured him a cup of hot tea to warm him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ouyang Rong held the warm teacup, silently studying Zhen Shi as she bustled about, attending to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wore a light blue oblique-collared ru blouse beneath a pale yellow silk skirt, but the long hem was tied at the calf for ease of movement. Over her upper body, she’d added a half-sleeve jacket—a style that had first become popular among noblewomen and ladies of Luoyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhen Shi was the daughter of a military household, nicknamed Shuyuan. Her father had once held the rank of Captain in a frontier army and possessed inherited spear techniques. But later, the family declined, and she married into the Ouyang household—unfortunately, Ouyang Rong’s uncle died soon after their wedding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhen Shi had the plump, classical beauty of a refined lady—according to common folk, she looked every inch the virtuous, homely wife. Yet the faint mole beside her lip added a touch of allure. She was past her prime, yet still plump and radiant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her sharp, phoenix-like eyes gave off a piercing, intimidating aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And indeed, that was true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In memory, this aunt had always been sharp-tongued, shrewd, and opportunistic—the kind who’d fight over half a stalk of rice in the countryside…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course—after all the able-bodied men in the household died early, she and Zhao Shi had raised Ouyang Rong, funded his studies. Beyond the village clan’s modest support, both women were not to be trifled with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only in recent years had Ouyang Rong proven himself, passing the metropolitan examination and becoming a Metropolitan Graduate. Their branch instantly became the core of the Southern Long Ouyang clan, bringing glory to the family. Mothered by a son’s success, Zhen Shi was now untouchable—land and servants no longer scarce, no need to haggle over petty gains. She had finally risen above the village women.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, the original body—or rather, the now merged two-lifetime self—had always feared Zhen Shi. In memory, Zhao Shi played the soft role, Zhen Shi the stern one, taking turns disciplining the child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, only the stern one remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tan Lang, why are you staring at your aunt? Don’t you recognize me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, I was just looking at… a rather interesting pagoda.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pagoda?” Zhen Shi turned, glancing out the door as she bent to pour tea. “The temple’s pagoda is indeed tall—must’ve cost a fortune. These temples are all so rich.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She suddenly turned back. “Tan Lang, why haven’t you explained that Meng… principle to me after our argument?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What Meng…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That one—people are precious, the ruler is light. Before, you’d always teach me this every time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ouyang Rong set down his teacup calmly. “Because your nephew has grown up.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhen Shi set aside her teapot, sat upright on the stool, and stared at him in silence for a long while before sighing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You truly have grown—you know how to lower your pride to win over subordinates now, and you don’t argue with me over right and wrong anymore… Looking at it this way, being demoted isn’t such a bad thing. Your mind has deepened. That’s good. Officials must be deep—only then will subordinates fear them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silk-skirted woman tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, then abruptly changed the subject: “Since Tan Lang has grown up, shouldn’t you start thinking about marriage? The mourning period already delayed you three years.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ouyang Rong was weary. He didn’t want to discuss family matters now—he only wanted to understand the thing suddenly appearing in his mind—or perhaps brought over with him. It might determine whether he could return. As for the floods below the mountain, he was still hesitant. Like before leaving the underground palace, he’d told the crane-caped old Daoist: he wasn’t a sage, nor did he wish to be one. He was just a man far from home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, at that moment, a gleaming bald head appeared in the courtyard, carrying a tray inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Venerable, it’s time for your medicine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ouyang Rong immediately stepped forward, ignoring the heat, downed it in one gulp, nearly clinking his cup against the little monk’s shaved head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good medicine.” He praised it, then turned. “Aunt, I’m feeling dizzy again—this medicine is strong. I’ll lie down for a while. You’ve traveled all day—go rest too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhen Shi glanced at him, nodded, gave him a few more reminders, then rose and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before stepping out, she tossed over her shoulder:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tan Lang, don’t forget—your mother had two wishes for you: first, to pass the metropolitan examination; second, to marry a woman from the Five Great Clans!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the woman left, those last four words still echoed in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the short-haired, simple-minded Xiao Fa stared silently at Ouyang Rong’s calm face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good heavens—the county magistrate wants to marry a woman from the Five Great Clans? That’s harder than marrying a princess of the Li or Wei clans! Sometimes, the Five Great Clans wouldn’t even deign to marry their daughters to the imperial family…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Fa prepared to carry the medicine bowl away, but Ouyang Rong suddenly called out: “By the way, Xiao Fa, I have a favor to ask.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My Lord, you’re too kind. Whatever I can do, just command.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ouyang Rong lowered his head, thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That night, when I fell into the underground palace… besides your senior brother Xiu Zhen, there was an old man covered in sores and a mute girl who’d lost a finger. They were pitiful. Could you ask the Baitian Courtyard to care for them well? Especially the old man—his sores might be treatable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No problem. The Baitian Courtyard is funded by the county office. My Lord, rest assured—I’ll speak to the head monk there. He’ll see to them on your behalf.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t mention it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ouyang Rong smiled, watching the bold, warm-hearted young monk depart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that matter settled, he closed the door and lay down, still dressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he closed his eyes, auspicious clouds and fairy mist, layered distant mountains surged before him. At the horizon stood a familiar Merit Pagoda—the door already open…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After leaving Sanhui Courtyard, Xiao Fa returned the tray and bowls to the kitchen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He first went to the Sutra Hall, joined his senior monks for the afternoon session, chanting sutras and offering incense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After class, he turned left, passed several grand halls with solemn Buddha statues, and found his master receiving worshippers. He quietly poured tea and water, accompanying his master in interpreting omens and dreams for more distinguished guests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By evening, the crowd thinned. The abbot finished his work. Xiao Fa stepped out, preparing to eat his vegetarian meal, when suddenly he remembered something and turned toward the Baitian Courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the night path, the young monk muttered to himself, imitating his master’s manner and tone. At one point, he paused, softly surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Amitabha Buddha, female devotee… hmm, why did Master call the county magistrate’s aunt ‘Female Bodhisattva’ this morning, but call the earnest, pockmarked woman this afternoon ‘female devotee’? Strange, strange indeed—is there some distinction?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Fa pondered deeply for a long while, then sighed and shook his head. “Buddhist doctrine is too profound—too hard to comprehend… Never mind. I’ll ask Master tomorrow.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, the young monk, still absorbed in studying his master’s “profound Dharma” even while walking, arrived at the Baitian Relief Courtyard. No one was on duty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Senior Brother Xiu Du?” He called out four or five times before someone finally answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Here, here, I’m here!” A middle-aged monk staggered out of a room, his face flushed red in the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s that smell?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiao Fa sniffed, pointing at Xiu Du. “Why does it smell sour?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The latrine’s too stuffy—full of sweat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, Senior Brother, don’t catch a chill from sweating.” Xiao Fa nodded, not suspecting a thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young monk then carefully repeated everything Ouyang Rong had told him, repeatedly stressing that this was an order from the County Magistrate and must be carried out properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiu Du let out a drunken burp, promising eagerly, and finally sent the young novice away. Once the boy was far off, he patted his alcohol-scented face and sighed, “Just one last sip.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to go back inside for more wine, but halfway there, he suddenly froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are two old men with pus-filled sores, and one mute woman—but who in our Beitian Courtyard has full-body sores and a missing fingertip? And did either of them fall into a well just like the County Magistrate did two days ago? How come I never heard of it?” Xiu Du scratched his head, confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I went to check just two days ago—wasn’t it just Brother Xiu Zhen down there? That’s strange…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, the shaking monk muttered to himself and returned to his room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The County Magistrate’s illness is getting worse and worse… Ge ~ One more sip.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>",2587,"2026-06-19T21:28:25.445Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","44d887c93f9e30ce93c6c4a0f64ea74a7bcb2a734606ccf5c3974c20d8bb6191","even-a-gentleman-must-be-careful-chapter-6","even-a-gentleman-must-be-careful-chapter-4",864,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Feven-a-gentleman-must-be-careful-cover.jpg"]