Ouyang Rong was actually not very interested in what Yuan Huaimin wrote.
He glanced at the sky.
It's close to noon.
"Let's go."
Ouyang Rong packed his things and greeted Yuan Huaimin.
Yuan Huaimin, who was about to run away, was curious: "Where to go? Ouyang Changshi won't go back for dinner?"
Ouyang Rong waved his hand and left: "Forget it if you don't want to eat."
"Ah, go, go, go, I've been thinking about your house's delicacies for a long time."
He rushed out with lightning speed.
Ouyang Rong laughed.
He glanced sideways and said, "You can eat, but you have to do me a favor this afternoon."
Yuan Huaimin immediately grimaced and stopped walking: "What are you busy with?"
Ouyang Rong: "Don't worry, it's what you like to do."
The words are unclear.
Yuan Huaimin became more and more curious, gritted his teeth and followed.
At noon, the two rushed to the Huaiye Lane mansion, had a good meal and took a nap. When they woke up in the afternoon, they rushed directly to the Xicheng Gate and passed by Xingzifang.
"Where are Ouyang Changshi going?"
"Double peaks, have you heard of them?"
"I have heard of it, but what is Master Changshi doing there?"
"Draw, you help me draw."
"..."
About an hour later, Ouyang Rong and Yuan Huaimin, with several of their entourage, arrived at the two peaks one mile outside the west city gate.
Ouyang Rong was familiar with the road and walked at the front to lead the way.
Yuan Huaimin looked around from behind, looking around at the wilderness. The demoted Sima of Jiangzhou showed some vigilance and panic from time to time, looking at the people around him, as if he was afraid of being abducted and sold to Lingnan.
Ouyang Rong ignored him. These days, Ouyang Rong has been to Shuangfeng Peak many times to inspect the terrain and verify theories.
The more he probed, the more he felt that the plan he had written to get the best of both worlds was working.
However, Ouyang Rong is not arrogant and feels that he still needs to verify carefully.
Besides, it is so simple to dig a canal.
Although there has been experience with folded-wing canals, practical factors such as mud quality and underground rock formations must also be considered.
Moreover, digging a new canal in a flat land with loose land like Longcheng County is completely different from digging a canal in a ravine like Shuangfengjian, completely dividing the two peaks into two.
No matter what, before Wang Caozhi, shopkeeper Ma and other old acquaintances arrived, Ouyang Rong had to do the preliminary demonstration work.
"Don't look at it, Yuan Sima. No one is abducting you here. Don't you know how to draw? Draw something for me."
Yuan Huaimin was stunned when he realized that Ouyang Rong had stuffed brushes and other tools into his arms.
"This... okay. Why did Ouyang Changshi suddenly become interested in painting this?"
Behind him, Sima Jiangzhou thought sadly.
Ouyang Rong ignored him and walked at the front to lead the way. He first went to the main peak on the right to survey the map from above.
The kind of freehand landscape painting that literati would do is of course different from the strict engineering drawings. However, the painters of this era are not stupid people. They regard this as their profession and important hobby. There is naturally no shortage of corresponding talents. To a certain extent, they are all familiar with it.
Belden.
Ouyang Rong pointed out and corrected it, Yuan Huaimin frowned, and reluctantly adopted the weird painting method he taught. Even the brush provided was weird. He shook his head and started painting bravely.
After all, you can eat people with soft lips and take people with soft hands.
During this period, Ouyang Rong took a glance and found that his painting skills were much better than those of his straight men. However, this Yuanda Sima always thought about artistic processing and made a few freehand strokes to leave blank spaces, but he was ruthlessly corrected by Ouyang Rong.
A group of people climbed to the main peak and then to another peak, stopping and stopping along the way to explore the terrain and draw pictures.
Yuan Huaimin looked hopeless. He had never felt so sad about painting. The main reason was that the painting method taught by Ouyang Rong was too awkward.
And the terrible thing is, he doesn't even know what he draws.
However, Yuan Huaimin discovered that Ouyang Rong, who was looking at the supervisor next to him, not only did not scold him, but also looked quite satisfied.
See a ghost.
Yuan Huaimin shook his head.
At this time, everyone came to a clear spring under the shade of a tree to rest for a while. Ouyang Rong crossed the trickling stream, squatted down to fetch water, and asked with a smile:
"Yuan Sima is not curious about what he is painting?"
Yuan Huaimin shook his head: "It seems very complicated. It's none of my business, so I won't ask."
Filling it with water, he threw a water bag to his companion. Weak Guan Changshi put his palms together, took a scoop of spring water, buried his face and tasted it. It seemed to be sweet, and he smiled.
Although he was not interested in what he was doing at the moment, Yuan Huaimin looked at Ouyang Rong, hesitated, and asked another interesting thing:
"Ouyang Changshi used to serve as the county magistrate in Longcheng County?"
"Did Yuan Sima know about me before?" Ouyang Rong asked casually.
"I've heard a little bit about it."
"Aren't you just like me? You just came to Xunyang City not long ago?"
"It is true that I have been wandering around as an official for several years, but before I was demoted to Jiangzhou, I returned to Guanzhong. When I passed through Luoyang, I heard the name of Ouyang Changshi."
"Name?" Ouyang Rong muttered, shaking his head and not asking any more questions.
Yuan Huaimin sighed: "Ouyang Changshi's resignation from the imperial censor really shocked the subordinate officials."
Ouyang Rong smiled.
Yuan Huaimin twisted his beard and nodded: "Ouyang Changshi's excellent achievements in disaster relief and flood control in Longcheng County have been spread throughout the world and have become an example for the imperial court to encourage officials in various flood-stricken areas."
"It's just about doing what you want in your position."
"That's right." Yuan Huaimin seemed to remember something, turned around and asked, "Are Ouyang Changshi familiar with King Xunyang's family?"
Ouyang Rong squatted by the clear spring, washing his hands as usual, lowered his head and said:
"When I was in charge of Dragon City, I naturally had some casual acquaintance... Yuan Sima asked why?" He glanced at the skirt knife at his waist, and the corner of his eye focused on Yuan Huaimin, who was two feet away.
Yuan Huaimin was not aware of the strange atmosphere at all, and immediately asked curiously:
"Does Ouyang Changshi know the gentle, quiet, gentle and courteous little princess of the Xunyang Wang family?"
When Ouyang Rong heard this, he didn't react for a while. He turned his attention away from the skirt knife, frowned and blurted out:
"Li Guo'er?"
Yuan Huaimin was confused: "What?"
In this era, the nickname of a young lady in a boudoir is usually only known by her father, brother, friends and other close people.
"Nothing." Ouyang Rong asked calmly: "You are talking about King Xunyang's young daughter, right? This... the little princess?"
"That's right."
Ouyang Rong couldn't help but look at Yuan Huaimin. He looked away and murmured to himself: "Elegant, quiet, gentle... are you virtuous?"
"Yes." Yuan Huaimin was curious about Ouyang Rong: "Is there any difference between him and Ouyang Changshi?"
"No...no."
When talking about interesting things about public opinion, Yuan Huaimin was full of energy and said with a smile:
"This little princess has just come to Xunyang City recently. Although she has only participated in seven or eight cultural gatherings, and she has never seen the end of the dragon, she is astounded by her skills in every performance. She is knowledgeable and well-informed.
"The eminent monks and celebrities who have had chats with her are all full of praise. They bluntly say that she has a talent for singing poems and is not inferior to men. At present, the little princess of the Xunyang Wang family is being sought after by the circle of chattering celebrities in Xunyang Kuanglu.
Her reputation spread far and wide.
"It's a pity that His Highness has become more and more mysterious recently, and the number of times he attends cultural gatherings has become less and less. I'm just unlucky and haven't had the opportunity to meet him."
Ouyang Rong looked at Yuan Huaimin's regretful expression and nodded: "It seems that Yuan Sima is also a famous scholar."
"No, no, I'm just curious. There are talented people from generation to generation. It has been so many years since the Xunyang Wang family was relegated to Jiangzhou Longcheng. The little princess who came out of the poor mountains and rivers actually has such knowledge. She is really a gift."
Yuan Huaimin sighed with emotion for a while, then turned around and asked, "It seems like we know Ouyang Changshi?"
Ouyang Rong immediately shook his head: "Not familiar at all."
Yuan Huaimin nodded regretfully: "Well, I originally thought that I might get to know her and listen to more of her elegant and interesting stories. Apart from her well-informed and sensible character, I would also know more about her. I would also have something to talk about when I attend cultural gatherings in the future."
The attendant handed him a bowl of spring water, and Yuan Huaimin took a sip.
Ouyang Rong glanced at the water in the bowl, and felt that there was a small piece of Wei Shaoxuan's intestines floating in it... OK, it was an illusion, and he came back to his senses.
"Actually..." Ouyang Rong hesitated slightly and reminded: "It's better not to understand him too deeply."
"Why is this?"
"It's okay." Ouyang Rong shook his head.
Yuan Huaimin suddenly realized: "I understand. Ouyang Changshi thinks that Prince Xunyang's family is in danger and will not be welcomed by His Majesty. Is it better for me to stay away while waiting for the junior officials?"
"Yeah." Ouyang Rong hummed lightly, without explaining, and ignored the topic.
After all, you can't say that after you get used to it, the little princess will one day hand you a bowl of water floating in the human small intestine to quench your thirst?
After little rest, Ouyang Rong continued on his journey with Yuan Huaimin, who wanted to be lazy.
The group continued to visit and explore, drawing and mapping.
However, the chat they just had while resting by the spring brought Ouyang Rong and Yuan Huaimin closer together. Yuan Huaimin started to open up the conversation, but Ouyang Rong closed it again.
Finally, towards evening, under Ouyang Rong's strict requirements, the talkative Yuan Huaimin finally completed the painting as required.
Ouyang Rong took a long breath, rolled up the sketch and put it in his sleeve.
He waved his hand and signaled the group to return to Xunyang City.
On the way back, in the carriage, Ouyang Rong closed his eyes and rested his mind. From time to time, he put his palms into his sleeves and touched the scroll.
Yuan Huaimin opened the curtains of his car and frequently looked at a tall building by the river in the distance, not knowing what he was thinking.
Ouyang Rong opened his eyes and said: "Let's send Yuan Sima back first. We just pass by Xingzifang. Where does Yuan Sima live?"
Yuan Huaimin coughed: "No need, I'm going to Chaisangfang as well. I'm on my way."
Ouyang Rong thought for a while and nodded: "Hanshe usually doesn't make late-night snacks at night."
"That's not the case. Why does Ouyang Changshi look at me like this?" Old Yuan Huaimin's face turned red, he was in a hurry, pointed out the window, and explained:
"There will be a pipa performance by Miss Qin in the Xunyang Tower these two nights. I must go and join in the fun."
Ouyang Rong asked casually: "Miss Qin?"
"Ouyang Changshi doesn't know?"
"I don't understand." Ouyang Rong shook his head honestly.
When Yuan Huaimin twisted his beard, he kept countless family treasures:
"Xunyang Tower is the largest Qin Tower and Chu Pavilion in Jiangzhou. Miss Qin's real name is Qin Siyu. She was once a lady, but her family fell into decline, so she was forced to play the piano in the palace. She is the top Qinghan person in Xunyang Tower
, both talented and talented, both moral and artistic!”
"Oh, courtesan."
"What kind of famous prostitute? Miss Qin is a Qinghuan, do Qinghuan understand?"
Ouyang Rong nodded: "Oh, a higher-end courtesan or courtesan?"
"What an oiran! Ouyang Changshi, don't talk nonsense." Yuan Huaimin corrected: "Qing courtiers only show off their skills but not their bodies."
Ouyang Rong swallowed his words and glanced at Yuan Huaimin's flushed face. He was a little doubtful that if he continued to speak, Yuanda Sima would attack him, even though he usually looked timid.
However, literati always have some strange stubbornness.
"I understand, Yuan Sima actually likes this tune."
Yuan Huaimin had a straight face:
"Who said that the relationship between men and women can only be based on lust? I am not very interested in women anymore and only appreciate the music of the piano.
"Miss Qin is a master of pipa music. Her music sounds like fairy music. All the listeners are full of praise for her, and celebrities in Xunyang are vying to make friends with her."
Ouyang Rong said with a smile: "Okay, and you said you are not a celebrity?"
Yuan Huaimin was stunned, probably not expecting Ouyang Rong's strange focus, and shook his head speechlessly:
"In addition to appreciation, I just want to find inspiration. After all, there is a unique poem waiting to be written."
At this time, the carriage stopped in front of the Huaiye Lane mansion.
Ouyang Rong ordered the charioteer to continue sending people to Xunyang Tower.
Before getting out of the car, he patted Yuan Huaimin on the shoulder seriously:
"Okay, Yuan Sima, come on...wait a minute." Ouyang Rong turned around and said, "Your salary is not enough to eat, so how can you listen to music?"
Yuan Huaimin scratched his neck, as if he had received the most serious insult of the day. His face turned red and he spoke sternly:
"The voice of a close friend is as high as the mountains and as long as the rivers are long, and the heart cares for you... Talk about copper coins and other tacky things! There is a difference between the warmth of a close friend and the cold things of money. Ouyang Changshi should not use himself to judge others."
Ouyang Rong's expression remained unchanged and he wiped the saliva from his face with his hand. He was not angry at all and nodded:
"Okay, I'm being tacky. Let's go now. Yuanda Sima goes to meet his confidant. If you have any inspiration, remember to write it down in a small notebook. Don't forget it when you drink."
Yuan Huaimin denied it flatly: "What kind of little book? I don't have such a thing."
Ouyang Rong smiled and got out of the car.
Yuan Huaimin suddenly lowered his head and saw three pieces of broken silver on the robe under his seat. He grabbed it and found that it was still warm. He was stunned for a moment, raised his head and shouted:
"Ouyang Changshi, you lost your money..."
But at this moment, a casual voice belonging to Weak Guan Changshi came from outside the carriage, interrupting him:
"Today you will be busy painting with me. The common people have forced me to give you a little bit of money to polish my brushes. Please accept it from the Yuan Dynasty celebrities."
In the carriage, Yuan Huaimin suddenly fell silent.
…
Late at night, in Yinbingzhai’s study.
Solitary lamps reflect each other.
Ouyang Rong unfolded the scroll he had painted during the day and nodded slightly.
He picked up his pen to make notes, turned his face to focus, and continued to revise and improve the plan. After working for about an hour, he put down his pen and
"about there……"
Ouyang Rong stacked the survey scroll with a dense stack of manuscripts and threw them on the table. It seemed like he was done.
He leaned back, took a long breath, turned to look out the window at the Xunyang night and murmured:
"Counting the days, it should be here soon."
The next day, afternoon.
Jiangzhou lobby.
Ouyang Rong was burying his head in the papers as usual, when Yan Liulang's figure suddenly broke in and brought him a piece of news.
Wang Caozhi, shopkeeper Ma and other big grain merchants arrived in Xunyang.