No, gentlemen also guard against

Chapter 697 Rong Zhen’s Gift

"Why are you arguing with him?"

"No quarrel, just stating a fact."

"You are a noble scholar of Xiuwen Academy and a governor of a state. You don't need to compete with a vulgar warrior."

In the afternoon, Ouyang Rong and Rong Zhen walked side by side on a bluestone path in the bamboo forest. They had just finished lunch and left the old musician's yard.

Among the lush green bamboos, two people, a man in a green shirt and a man in a purple skirt, were walking and talking.

The rain had been falling for the whole morning, and it stopped quietly at some point, leaving only a wisp of white mist filling the forest, adding a touch of haziness.

If you look at them from a distance as they walk among the trees, the scenery is indeed very beautiful.

It’s just that the bluestone path is a bit narrow, and there are occasional steps covered with moss.

Ouyang Rong and Rong Zhen walked side by side on it. It was a little crowded, with only a finger's distance between their arms.

The main reason was that Ouyang Rong was deliberately controlling himself for fear of bumping into Ms. Rong.

Rong Zhen seemed more relaxed and free and easy, looking straight ahead and striding forward, even occasionally glancing sideways with the corner of his lips slightly curled, looking at him with a bit of disgust.

Maybe they think he walks too slowly.

Ouyang Rong also wanted to walk faster, but it was too crowded. If he left the bluestone path, he would step into mud.

At this moment, seeing that there was no rain, Ouyang Rong put away the umbrella in his hand. As for Rong Zhen, he did not bring an umbrella with him, so he put his empty hands behind his back.

She turned around and changed the subject:

"I remember when I first met you, you already had some meager Qi training skills. Now it seems like you're still at a low level, right? You can tell from the first glance that you haven't reached the level of releasing your spiritual energy. You're holding an umbrella every day."

Rong Zhen looked Ouyang Rong up and down, nodded slightly and said:
"But with this progress... you don't need to pursue too high a level in Qi training in the future. Just get started and achieve the effect of strengthening your body. I guess your teachers who taught you Qi training in Bailudong Academy also thought the same. Your body is too weak."

"Well, that makes sense."

Ouyang Rong just responded and continued the previous topic, turning back to the topic:

“This is not a rivalry.

"Being illiterate is no excuse for him to be a butcher's knife. If he does his job well, but does not do his job well, there will be chaos.

"He brought three hundred White Tiger Guards with him. He only needed to wipe out a few hundred pirates. If he couldn't do such a small thing, Liu Langshang would be better than him."

Ouyang Rong asked half-jokingly:
"Well, I am now somewhat skeptical about the strength of the White Tiger Guards that Ms. Rong had praised so much before. Could it be that the four imperial guards of the Southern Court are all just show-offs?"

Rong Zhen pursed his lips and said something that was not really a comfort:
“I know you hate people who just eat and do nothing.

"But in Luoyang, there are many people who are just sitting there doing nothing, both in the government and in the country. Some of them are difficult to deal with even if Your Majesty knows about them. If you get angry when you meet one of them, won't you be angry every day? It's not worth it to make yourself angry."

Ouyang Rong nodded firmly: "It's a small matter. I won't be angry, but I have to make them angry."

"..."

Rong Zhen was helpless and said in a lower voice:
"In fact, think about it from another angle. If there were no such useless people who just sit there doing nothing, how could people like you who work hard and have ability stand out so quickly? How could you shine so brightly?"

Ouyang Rong chuckled:
"So, we should thank them?"

"That's not the case. Just thinking about it can help you calm down and feel better."

"Ms. Rong is quite experienced. I am grateful for your advice."

Rong Zhen thought:

"I don't know much about Duan Quanwu. In fact, if we let Li Congshan lead the troops over, I believe these pirates can be wiped out quickly."

Ouyang Rong became more interested: "What do you mean? Li Congshan is more powerful?"

"It's not that one is more powerful than the other, but everyone has his own expertise. I've heard a little about Li Congshan, the White Tiger Guard, and I've also heard a little about him from Commander Yi.

"This man rose through the ranks from a scout in the frontier army. When he was young, he once rode a horse alone from the northern desert back to the barracks. All his comrades were killed, but he brought back nineteen barbarian heads...

"I heard from Commander Yi that he follows the purest path of a military practitioner and also has a special Qi training technique that can track the enemy based on clues. This makes him the most suitable person for the position of scout, and it is also his signature skill that earned him many military achievements.

"If this man leads the troops to defeat the bandits, those pirates will have a hard time escaping even if they hide in the water."

Rong Zhen told the story slowly and clearly.

Ouyang Rong looked thoughtful and asked:
"Then why didn't Commander Yi send him? When she first proposed to suppress the bandits, the first person she recommended was General Wei of the Xuanwu Guard."

Rong Zhen looked ahead and said:
"Of course, the prince's safety is more important. The most elite soldiers must be sent to Xunyang Palace."

Ouyang Rong was noncommittal.

The two walked forward side by side for a while.

At some point, Rong Zhen was the first to break the silence:
"I have something to do this afternoon, so I won't learn the piano today."

"it is good."

After a pause, Ouyang Rong asked:

"Ms. Rong, what do you want to say? Why do you have that expression?"

"Ah."

Rong Zhen turned around and asked seriously:
"I haven't learned the essence of that piano piece yet. Do you think I am a little stupid?"

Ouyang Rong nodded: "Yes."

Rong Zhen looked at him with complicated eyes for a while, and then spoke:
"You're not polite at all."

"Why are you being so polite, Ms. He Rong?"

"Don't try to be too close, but, Ouyang Lianghan, aren't you curious?"

"What are you curious about?"

Rong Zhen said softly, "There are many things. For example, this time, since you entered Xunyang Grottoes, you must have seen a lot of strange things. Don't you have anything you want to ask? You didn't even take the initiative to ask me."

Ouyang Rong thought for a while and asked:

"Will you tell me everything I ask you?"

"Do not."

"That's it."

"Say what you should say, and don't say what you shouldn't say. After all, you didn't..."

"I see. I failed the confidentiality check, which is against the rules."

"It's all you need to know. But I can pick up some and tell you."

"Okay, then may I ask, is the entire Buddha head really made of pure gold?"

"How can it be."

He was curious: "What is it made of? What is the material?"

Rong Zhen did not answer immediately. He hesitated for a moment and said:
"The outside is gold paint, and the inside... is a kind of brass, which is also golden."

"understood."

"Can you take me down to have a look? I'm a little curious."

"No."

"Ok."

Rong Zhen suddenly lowered his eyes:

"Can you change the question?"

Ouyang Rong thought for a moment, pointed ahead, and asked:
"What's going on with the white fog? I can only guess that your Sitianjian has created a large formation to deceive people. The outside world can't see us working overtime to build the statue. It also blocks the sound and can't hear it. Those rebels in the Tiannan Jianghu outside can only guess or gamble.

"But is this white mist caused by an illusion or a soundproofing formation, or is it a separate thing? Does it have other uses?"

Rong Zhen was quiet for a moment, and said truthfully:

"Its other uses have nothing to do with the illusion, and... this white fog is not the formation of our Sitianjian."

Ouyang Rong was curious, and seemed to be unaware of the purpose of the white mist:
"What do you mean?"

"The white mist is related to the Xuanwu Guards."

"Xuanwu Guard?"

"That's right. Not only the white fog, but also the rain is related to the Xuanwu Guards."

Seeing Ouyang Rong's interested expression, Rong Zhen hesitated and continued:
"Among the five elements, Xuanwu is in the north, and the north represents water. Only the Xuanwu Guards have the ability to create this white fog and rain."

Ouyang Rong was able to draw inferences from one instance:

"What do you mean? The four imperial guards of the Southern Court all have similar abilities or formations? Involving some kind of attribute?"

"Almost. Each of the four imperial guards has its own characteristics."

Ouyang Rong looked at Rong Zhen and nodded slowly:
"No wonder Ms. Rong invited two Xuanwu battalions to come here. There is a reason for that."

He looked around at the white mist swirling in the bamboo forest and suddenly asked:

"What about the White Tiger Guard? Why did Ms. Rong choose two White Tiger Battalions as reinforcements? Even the leading commander is from the White Tiger Guard. Does it have a special purpose to be the main force?" "Hmm."

Rong Zhen did not comment.

Ouyang Rong thought:

"Among the five elements, the white tiger resides in the west. The west is dominated by gold and emphasizes the spirit of killing. What is their special formation like?"

Rong Zhen glanced at Ouyang Rong who was imitating her. After a while, she spoke:
"Yes, there is a chance to see it." After a pause, he added, "Maybe there will be a chance today."

Ouyang Rong raised his eyebrows: "Oh?"

At this time, the two had reached the fork in the bamboo forest path, and as usual, they were about to separate.

"Ouyang Lianghan."

Rong Zhen called Ouyang Rong, and her face gradually became serious. She said:

"Gather at the grotto construction site at 2:00 pm. Remember to bring the Buddhist beads His Majesty bestowed upon you. You always forget. But if you are wearing your official uniform, you don't need to change. Keep a low profile, just in case."

"it is good."

Ouyang Rong glanced at the purple palace skirt on Rong Zhen and suddenly said:
"No wonder Ms. Rong is dressed so formally today."

Rong Zhen lowered his eyes: "I'm glad you understand."

Ouyang Rong took the initiative to ask: "Then can we see the gift that Ms. Rong mentioned earlier next afternoon?"

Rong Zhen raised her lotus steps, walked forward, and said without turning her head:

"Don't worry, that will be a gift for His Majesty this afternoon."

Ouyang Rong watched her back as she walked away and shook his head slightly.

He turned around and walked away. Halfway along the way, he suddenly caught a glimpse of a familiar figure squatting in the bamboo forest not far away.

"General Lee?"

Ouyang Rong walked forward curiously.

Li Congshan was squatting on the ground, pinching the soil with two fingers and staring down. When he heard this, he turned around.

"Governor Ouyang."

Ouyang Rong asked: "What are you doing? Is there something wrong with this soil?"

Li Congshan shook his head:

"No, it's just an old habit. Also, I feel a little sad that the soil and water in the south nourish people. I used to live in Mobei, and even when I went to the capital, I never saw this kind of red soil. It's really fertile."

Ouyang Rong smiled and said:
"I heard that General Li was a scout."

"Yes."

As soon as this matter was mentioned, the young man in white armor became very interested and told Ouyang Rong many interesting things in the military.

Ouyang Rong silently studied his expression.

Before leaving, Li Congshan asked:

"Did Governor Ouyang previously serve as the county magistrate of Longcheng County?"

"Yes, about the year before last."

Li Congshan asked: "I heard that there is a Butterfly Creek in Longcheng County, and there is an ancient Yue sword shop on the west bank of the creek."

"Well, how does General Li know so much?"

Li Congshan scratched his head and said:

"Guyue Sword Shop is very famous. Almost all sword lovers in the world know about it. As far back as the Sui Dynasty, it was the place where the royal family forged swords. In recent years, the Longcheng swords produced by the sword furnace of Guyue Sword Shop have been in short supply in Luoyang. They are in high demand and priceless. Everyone knows that Guyue products must be top-notch."

Ouyang Rong nodded:
"That was the old story when the Liu family monopolized the Dragon City swords. They also deliberately controlled the number of swords produced and raised the prices. Since the year before last, the Gu Yue Sword Shop that the Liu family monopolized has been split up. There are many new sword shops on the west bank of Butterfly Creek. The swords they forge are not inferior to the Gu Yue swords of the past, and they are of good quality and low price. It's fair competition."

Li Congshan said with longing:

"I see. I am out of date. Fine then. When things are done here, I will go take a look when I have a chance. In addition to the Guyue Sword Shop, I have also heard of the Zheyi Canal. I must go and see it as well."

"Okay, when the time comes, you must tell me and I will introduce a local to take you on a tour."

"it is good."

Li Congshan laughed heartily.

After a while, after meeting each other, the two said goodbye.

Ouyang Rong walked forward for a while, his expression regained some calmness, and no one knew what he was thinking.

When I returned to the secluded bamboo house, Wang Caozhi was wandering in front of the courtyard gate waiting.

He came forward and blinked his eyes: "Brother-in-law and Lady Shi have finished their walk?"

Ouyang Rong ignored him and looked up at the gray sky:

"Let's go."

"Where to go."

"Grotto construction site."

"Brother-in-law, why are we going there? They're done there, so they don't need us anymore."

Ouyang Rong glanced at him and said meaningfully:

"Just bring your eyes with you."

Wang Caozhi immediately shut his mouth, the cynical smile on his face disappeared, and his expression became serious.

"Yes, brother-in-law."

"I'll go in and change my clothes first."

"it is good."

Wang Caozhi nodded like a chick pecking at rice and stood guard outside.

Ouyang Rong walked straight into the house and first changed into a moon-white casual uniform instead of the bright crimson official uniform.

He took out three Sky-burning Thunders and stuffed them into his sleeves for easy access. Then he turned around, picked up a xylophone, and strode out the door.

Ouyang Rong took the lead in leaving the yard, and Wang Caozhi followed closely.

On the way, Wang Caozhi discovered that he and his brother-in-law were not the only ones going to the cave construction site. There were many places in the bamboo forest where people walked out.

The bamboo forest where they lived was already very large, and was home to many lower-ranking generals from the White Tiger Guard and the Black Tortoise Guard, as well as high-ranking female officials from the Supervisory Council. At this moment, everyone seemed to have received some news, and they all went out tacitly and gathered towards the grotto construction site.

Wang Caozhi glanced at his brother-in-law in front of him. He looked calm, as if he was not surprised at all.

The two chose a shortcut and walked quietly for a while. Halfway through, Wang Caozhi suddenly turned his head, stared at a figure not far away, and uttered "Huh" softly.

Ouyang Rong noticed something unusual and asked without turning his head:

"what happened?"

Wang Caozhi hesitated and said:

"That man looks familiar. Does he also live in the bamboo forest?"

"Who?"

Ouyang Rong turned his head sharply and saw an unfamiliar thin-faced man walking out of an unfamiliar bamboo courtyard not far away.

When the thin-faced man walked away, Ouyang Rong suddenly spoke:
"That's Miaozhen's yard."

Wang Caozhi was curious: "Ms. Miaozhen?"

Ouyang Rong nodded and narrowed his eyes slightly:

"Hmm. Where have you seen this person before?"

Wang Caozhi thought for a moment, his eyes filled with reminiscence:

"Last time, he seemed to be brought in by a female official and had a private meeting with Ms. Rong Zhen early in the morning. It seemed that she was delivering a letter."

"Sending a letter? Which time?"

Wang Caozhi whispered:
"It was the day you came to discuss something with Ms. Rong Zhen in the morning, but she was not there and ran off to Xunyang City in advance. I wonder if you remember..."

Ouyang Rong, who was walking in front, paused slightly.

……

----

(PS: I’m sorry, my good brothers. Xiaorong is useless. I was defeated by acute pharyngitis and chronic rhinitis. It’s really hard to bear. I was so painful to code today. I was drowsy. I took some medicine and felt a little sleepy. I kept dozing off...

Everyone just scolded him, Xiaorong deserved it, he sets flags every day, woo woo woo, super pouty or2)

(End of this chapter)