"Is Mrs. Pei really from Yangzhou? How can she be like a know-it-all in Xunyang? She knows everything about the official's itinerary."
Ouyang Rong smiled and praised.
Pei Sanniang's eyes were a little embarrassed, and she covered it up with a smile:
"No, no, I don't know everything, and I definitely don't know the route. The slave family would never dare to do this kind of tracking.
"It's just that Lord Changshi's heroic figure can be seen from a long distance. It is like the bright moon in the sky at night among the traffic and crowds. It is difficult for the slave family and the common people to ignore it."
At the street entrance not far from Jiangzhou Hall, Ouyang Rong was riding back from Hanlei Mozhai. When he turned the corner, he met the waiting carriage of Pei Sanniang. The latter had been waiting for a long time with a smile, so Ouyang Rong curled his lips and joked a few words.
, Pei Shisanniang quickly denied it.
"Tell me, what's the matter? I'll give you a stick of incense. If it's still the same thing we talked about last time at Yunshui Pavilion, it's okay. Don't waste the time of both parties. Mrs. Pei must be very busy with business."
Ouyang Rong shook his head and said.
Pei Shisanniang apologized and smiled:
"Sir Chang Shi is really funny and humorous. Last time I was on the second floor of Yunshui Pavilion, after listening to some of the teachings from Mr. Chang Shi during his busy schedule, the slave family benefited a lot and felt like they were enlightened.
"The slave family wrote down the words of Chang Shi. After returning, I thought about it carefully, carefully considered the words and sentences, and gained some insights. No, I have some new ideas and plans..."
Ouyang Rong lowered his eyes and touched the side of Dongmei's face, who was secretly eating grass on the roadside, and calmly counted: "Half a stick of incense."
Pei Shisanniang immediately stopped talking, pursed her red lips, and immediately threw out the invitation:
"I have something else to do here today. I was entrusted by someone to have a luncheon, and I want to invite Mr. Chang Shi."
Ouyang Rong shook his head: "The luncheon will be waived. I won't bother you if you are a junior official..."
"It was invited by the family of the little girl who was helped by Mr. Changshi and the noble daughter of the Xie family yesterday. I want to thank you properly."
Ouyang Rong paused in his words, his lacquered eyes slanted downwards, and he glanced at the noble lady in silk stockings, who was looking up at the horse and smiling softly.
"Oh." He nodded.
It was just one syllable, but Pei Shisanniang heard two different tones, the latter one was cold.
"Lord Changshi misunderstood."
Her tone was helpless, and she held onto the extra horse rope hanging by Ouyang Rong's hand without being dirty at all. Her voice was so soft that it even sounded a bit coquettish:
"The slave family happened to pass by when they came back from the city to enjoy the maple leaves yesterday, and they discovered this incident of Lord Changshi loving the people like his own children. After Lord Changshi and the noble daughter of the Xie family bought the red leaves, the little girl felt disappointed and saw an injury on her hand. The slave family saw it
She couldn't bear it and asked someone to bandage her wound.
"But the little girl is kind-hearted and misses the noble. She wants to express her gratitude and repay her kindness. She keeps saying it when she is hurt... Well, the slave family softened their hearts and decided to help her, so they wanted to go to Xunyang City.
There's a table of wine, and I'll help her invite the distinguished guests."
The noble lady looked up at a well-maintained round face, looked longingly at the pouty young man on the horse, and said aggrievedly:
"But I don't want to hide it from Mr. Changshi. The slave family does have selfish motives for doing this. They also want to take the opportunity to meet Mr. Changshi more and enhance their relationship...
"But don't worry, Mr. Changshi, the promotion of feelings mentioned by the Nu family is a serious friendship. Well, the relationship between officials and people is not anything improper.
"Since the first meeting in Xunyang Tower, the Nu family has deeply reflected on it, repented seriously, and will never do those messy things again. This lunch will not have any girls who are not good-looking and have a good body. They will be upright and upright.
"And...well, with the noble daughter of the Xie family here, I wouldn't even dare to give the slave family eight hundred courages. After learning about it, Mrs. Xie from Yangzhou couldn't help but tear the slave family apart.
"So, I hope Lord Changshi and the noble daughter of the Xie family will give the Nu family a chance, which can also be regarded as giving the little girl named Huang Xuan and her father, who wants to toast to thank you, a chance to express gratitude."
The time for burning incense has passed. Ouyang Rong did not move on the horse and stared at Pei Shisanniang for a while.
The latter was stared at for a long time and laughed a little.
In addition to reaching out to avoid hitting the smiling person, if Pei Shisanniang and Wang Caozhi hadn't raised the price together with Wang Caozhi at the junior sister's birthday party, Ouyang Rong would not have wanted to pay attention to her. He smelled of copper.
The businessman has nothing to talk about.
In the quiet atmosphere where the sweat on Pei Shisanniang's neck gradually became tense, Ouyang Rong finally spoke softly:
"Just this once.
"After I get off duty, at 2:00 p.m., Hanhan and I will go to Xunyang Tower. Stop messing around with the messy things we did before. Just keep everything simple. Just have a meal and chat. Do you understand?"
"understand."
Pei Shisanniang breathed a sigh of relief and nodded with a bright smile: "The arrangements must be in place to welcome Mr. Chang Shi and the noble daughter of the Xie family."
Ouyang Rong turned to leave, but heard Pei Shisanniang add:
"By the way, Mr. Changshi, I saw you helping others yesterday. The slave family and some of your companions were also deeply touched and decided to come up with something and donate it for free..."
The tone is somewhat flattering.
Ouyang Rong waved his hand:
"This is your own business and has nothing to do with me. It is a spontaneous non-governmental organization. I support it in principle. As long as you go through formal channels, remember to register at the Jiangzhou lobby."
"Okay, okay, at noon at Xunyang Tower, I would like to welcome Mr. Chang Shi and the noble daughter of the Xie family."
Pei Shisanniang watched with a smile, and Ouyang Rong walked into the Jiangzhou lobby without looking back.
After the people left, the lady's smile slowly faded, she turned around and boarded the carriage again, giving instructions:
"Go back to Xunyang Tower."
Judging from his tone, he seemed to be in a good mood.
When the carriage arrived at Xunyang Tower, Pei Shisanniang got out of the carriage and was immediately surrounded by a group of merchants in brocade clothes, who warmly received her.
They are all wealthy businessmen from the Yangzhou Chamber of Commerce.
"President Pei, how is Chang Shi doing?" A wealthy businessman sounded expectant.
Pei Shisanniang smiled slightly. The lady who had acted coquettishly in front of a certain young man not long ago stood on the red sandalwood stool on tiptoe and glanced at her companions:
"Lord Chang Shi said that it will be exactly two o'clock noon."
The wealthy businessmen all showed joy and flattered him.
"Mrs. Pei is so good that she can invite that gentleman."
"President Pei, thank you for your hard work."
Pei Shisanniang waved her hand and said: "Just behave well today. Don't say anything you shouldn't. I will speak up..."
"Yes Yes Yes."
After a burst of compliments, Pei Shisanniang walked into the building with ease.
Along the way, there were people all around and it was very lively.
There are so many people coming to Xunyang Building today that even the owner is waiting at the door to receive guests.
If you look around, you will find that there are not only wealthy businessmen from Jiangzhou, but also celebrities and gentry, as well as distinguished scholars... They have all been invited to Xunyang Tower, as if they were attending a grand luncheon.
Everything is kept simple, it is clearly a feast.
Pei Shisanniang went upstairs calmly and asked the maid next to her on the way:
"Have the father and daughter arrived?"
"In the box of the Narcissus."
The maid looked like she wanted to speak but hesitated.
Pei Shisanniang glanced: "If you have anything to say, please tell me."
"They didn't stay in the big house given by my wife last night. They stayed in the original small courtyard."
"Heh." Pei Shisanniang chuckled.
The little girl is quite vigilant.
She shook her head, not caring.
The deal is done, now everyone has been invited, and they have succeeded by taking advantage of the situation. In fact, the father and daughter have no big effect. However, before toasting in public, they still need to be stabilized and cooperate obediently.
Speaking of which, she had no intention of harming the father and daughter. The house was indeed given away as a real gift, and she would not ask for it back, nor was she too lazy to take it back.
Pei Shisanniang suddenly felt that she deserved the title of great benevolent person.
Therefore, inviting Lord Changshi to the luncheon this time can be said to be a win-win-win, and it is actually beneficial to everyone present. Even if Lord Changshi comes, there is no reason to blame her for inviting so many people despite being annoyed.
When the time comes, it’s just a matter of toasting to apologize, and speaking of it, so many people came here spontaneously, so it doesn’t count as her invitation...
Pei Shisanniang nodded and turned to look at the bustling downstairs, where one by one the distinguished guests came to support her after hearing the name of Chang Shi.
This is the power of the governor of Jiangxi. Now in Xunyang City, who doesn’t know that the words of the governor may not be as effective as the words of the governor who has the trust of King Xunyang?
Anyway, as long as she can invite Mr. Chang Shi to come, she will have all the explanations and excuses ready. She will not make Mr. Chang Shi so angry that he leaves in a hurry. Pei Shisanniang will have a good grasp of it.
In fact, this is also the advantage of long-sleeved women who are good at dancing. They are suitable for such occasions and act as lubricants, allowing men to have the opportunity to talk about "big things".
"It's true that there's nothing messy. It's just that there are a lot of people for a meal..." She said to herself: "Since Mr. Changshi doesn't like beauties and jewelry, then you always like good names, right? Wealth, sex, fame, you have to love someone?"
"
After a while, Pei Shisanniang walked into the Narcissus box, her tone of voice was gentle, and she comforted the Huang family's father and daughter.
"Mrs. Pei, are you really just toasting?"
"right."
"Aren't there just a few of us? What's going on with those people outside?"
"I don't know, maybe someone else is hosting the banquet."
"Will the noble man really come?"
"Of course, I'm familiar with the nobles, and they have promised to come over at noon. When they arrive later, they will talk about some things first. Then someone will call you. You guys go out and propose a toast. Thank you, Mr. Changshi, for your help.
Just say whatever you want."
"oh……"
"Why is Xiaoxuan carrying an ink stick?"
"newly bought."
"Oh, I thought I was going to give it to Mr. Changshi. In fact, you don't need to give anything. Mr. Changshi lacks nothing. You might as well not give it as a gift. It's all that matters. For nobles, being sincere and honest is the right way to get along. I understand.
."
"Understood, it's not a gift for a noble person."
"That's good. Children can be taught."
Pei Shisanniang chatted with Huang Xuan in the box.
But what she didn't know was that in the hall downstairs, there was a young man in Taoist robes with a paralyzed face. Ever since Huang Xuan and his daughter arrived at this building, he had been sitting at a table in the corner of the hall, drinking tea and listening to music.
Almost two hours.
It can be said that it is a cup of tea, and for a whole morning, I have to step on the threshold of the minimum consumption, and I will die without paying an extra copper plate.
If it weren't for the fact that the owner always emphasizes politeness and must not drive away any paying customers, the waiter in charge of the tables on the first floor would really like to kick this poor, ugly, paralyzed guy out.
Just before noon, when the luncheon at Xunyang Tower was about to begin, the waiter finally got an excuse to clear the hall. He turned around, grabbed a menu, and ran over happily, ready to chase people away. When he came back, his expression was stunned.
live.
The figure of the paralyzed young man in Taoist robes has disappeared.
The waiter looked at the empty seats and couldn't help but mutter:
"You have a lot of eyesight... Hey, why don't you swallow the tea leaves too? You're so shameless."
I saw that the tea cup on the table had not even a drop left, only a few chewed tea leaves left. The waiter in the tea shop put it away with a look of disgust.
Move quickly, because today, a group of the richest Yangzhou businessmen in Xunyang City are going to entertain the famous Jiangzhou Governor. It seems to be a charity banquet. It is said that the Yangzhou businessmen feel the personality charm of Mr. Changshi.
Together with Dundun's teachings, he decided to donate money to the poor people in Xingzifang to solve their very worrying living conditions.
Although the waiter in the shop didn't understand why these stingy businessmen suddenly felt enlightened and donated money in kind, it didn't stop him from earning a tip and a silver reward today. Even a drop of oil and water dripping from the fingers of these wealthy businessmen could feed an ordinary person for half a year.
News of the charity luncheon seems to have spread throughout the west of the city, and there are so many distinguished guests coming to the banquet. Today, the lobby will be filled with tables and tables.
The waiter quickly forgot about his prostitution and picked up the pieces faster, not daring to slack off the upcoming big shots...
Ouyang Rong finished handling his morning business and went directly to the back door of Jiangzhou lobby.
A carriage from Prince Xunyang's Mansion parked quietly at the door. It looked like it had been waiting for a long time.
Ouyang Rong had just arranged a noon banquet with Pei Shisanniang in the morning. Ouyang Rong immediately sent someone to the Prince Xunyang's Mansion to inform his junior sister, calling her over and gathering to go.
Ouyang Rong boarded the carriage and saw his junior sister sitting by the window, with a familiar bamboo basket on her knees, which contained poems, red leaves and a folding fan.
Before he got into the car, she seemed to be reading the poems on the red leaves with her eyes lowered. The autumn sunshine shone on a flawless side face, giving her a sense of tranquility of time.
"Big brother."
"Have you been waiting for a long time? Didn't you ask the messenger to tell you to come later?"
"It's okay. I have to come here early. It just so happens that I have nothing to do in the morning."
"oh."
The two chatted for a while, and then the carriage started slowly and drove towards Xunyang Tower by the river.
They all packed lightly and went to the banquet.
Ouyang Rong wore a felt hat and had changed out of his crimson official uniform in the morning. He was dressed the same as yesterday, keeping everything simple.
On the carriage going forward, he explained the lunch banquet to Xie Lingjiang, but the latter didn't care and just listened to his arrangements.
Just as the carriage approached a street not far from Xunyang Tower, it suddenly braked and the coachman made a sound. The carriage seemed to have been stopped. Ouyang Rong frowned, opened the curtain, and took a look outside.
"What happened...Friend Lu Dao?"
Lu Ya got on the car without changing his expression, sat down unceremoniously in front of Ouyang Rong and Xie Lingjiang, and suddenly asked a question that was beyond their expectations:
"Mr. Ouyang, thank you, Taoist friend, where is the Pei Shisanniang who invited you two to lunch, and what is her business?"