Chapter 608 'Ms. Shi is a gentle woman' [5k2, please vote for me!]
"Brother-in-law, go this way. Yes, be careful of the mud on the ground. There is a puddle in front of you. Hey, brother-in-law, please slow down and don't take out your umbrella. It's raining! It's raining!"
North bank of Xunyang Grottoes, Grottoes.
It's raining lightly.
As soon as Ouyang Rong arrived, he was surrounded by Yan Liulang, Wang Caozhi and other officials and merchants.
Wearing a bamboo hat and a raincoat, he broke away from the crowd and walked at the front of the crowd to clear the way, with one foot in mud and one in water. His bright eyes stared at the majestic sitting Buddha in the grotto in front of him, which was still being climbed by workers.
Wang Caozhi held up a big umbrella and shouted helplessly while chasing his good brother-in-law who was leading the way.
Among the accompanying group of people, Yan Liulang also wore a bamboo hat, held a swinging knife in his hand, and followed with his head buried in silence, which was in sharp contrast to Wang Caozhi next to him. He seemed to have been accustomed to the style of the Ming Dynasty.
How did this happen? When they were controlling the flood in Butterfly Creek in Longcheng County, Yan Liulang and Liu Ashan followed the Ming Mansion through hardships and hardships throughout the entire Butterfly Creek upstream and downstream, climbing mountains and wading...
Therefore, Yan Liulang and others understood that in the early spring days of the Ming Dynasty, sending Wang Caozhi and other shopkeepers to host the Xunyang Grottoes to cooperate with Rong Zhen and the female historians of the Supervisory Council was indeed not a lazy move, but because,
On-site hosting, supervision and other details do not require him to be too personal.
The Ming government has already planned the construction process of the Donglin Buddha in Xunyang Grottoes. At the Shuangfengjian construction site, Wang Caozhi and others strictly followed the schedule and followed the steps.
The Ming Mansion is considered to be in charge of Xunyang City, coordinating the overall situation.
Because the Ming Dynasty is still the acting governor of Jiangzhou, the governor's office of Jiangzhou, and the main hall of Jiangzhou are now not only responsible for the important task of building the Donglin Buddha, although this is the most important thing, it is also what the saint in Luoyang is most concerned about and can do the most.
Earn divine grace.
As Jiangzhou is the most important rear area for the southwest counter-rebellion army, the Ming government and the governor's office have to contact the Chinese army camp on the southwest front, and use Xunyang City, the most important water transport hub in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, to dispatch the army's logistics, food, grass and soldiers...
…
Not to mention that the Xingzi Lake Giant Buddha collapsed not long ago, leaving Xingzifang a mess. Jiangzhou Hall, which is responsible for people's livelihood, needs to shoulder the heavy responsibility of reconstruction. At the same time, it has to curb the soaring prices in the city and maintain the order of people's livelihood.
This again requires the Ming government to keep an eye on it, and it will inevitably divert some of its attention, otherwise it will just rely on the words of Yuan Huaimin, a veteran fisherman who is addicted to asking for leave...
He could even refuse to come directly. He could easily find the reason for asking for leave due to force majeure, take the lead in setting it up, and lead the Jiangzhou lobby to give the Ming government a little shock.
What, if you ask him, isn't he afraid of being held accountable for his neglect of government and being demoted again?
It can only be said that being demoted to Jiangzhou Sima was to give him a taste of the sweetness... Why should we reward him again?
Therefore, now, no more than when he was in Longcheng County before, the Ming government does not need to be too strict about everything. It is equally important to learn how to use people.
This is the reason why Wang Caozhi is used at the Xunyang Grottoes and Xia Yuan Huaimin is used at the Jiangzhou Hall.
But like today, it is indispensable to take the time to come over and have a surprise inspection. It does not mean that you do not trust the people who use it, but... well, in the words of the Ming Dynasty, this is an in-depth investigation and adjustment of strategies at any time.
Raindrops in the slanting wind hit his eyelids. Yan Liulang followed closely behind Ouyang Rong. He held up his bamboo hat to protect himself from the rain and turned to look at Wang Caozhi, who was trotting next to him.
Suddenly, I realized that Brother Wang's face looked much better today. He no longer looked as weak and sluggish as the last time we met, and he looked like he was about to be ruined.
Yan Liulang couldn't help but take another look at Wang Caozhi's face.
"Tell me about the recent situation."
Ouyang Rong looked around at the progress of the grotto construction and said in a calm tone without looking back.
"Okay, okay."
Wang Caozhi nodded hurriedly. Seeing that Ouyang Rong finally slowed down, he immediately ran to catch up, held an umbrella for Ouyang Rong, and then seriously reported the latest progress of Xunyang Grottoes.
After Ouyang Rong listened, his expression did not change and he nodded lightly.
"Where are Rong Nu Shi and Deputy Supervisor Song?"
Wang Caozhi held up an umbrella, raised his head, and spoke eloquently:
"Brother-in-law, wait a minute. They are having lunch and lunch at the bamboo forest on the south bank. It may be a bit far from our grotto on the north bank. We just sent the female officer to report the news. I guess it will take a while before they arrive... Well, it seems to be here, so fast."
Just as he was halfway through his words, a familiar figure of a cold and cold-looking girl appeared in the field of vision of Ouyang Rong and Ouyang Rong, and they couldn't help but scratch their heads.
Rong Zhen's long sleeves, walking slowly.
She obviously came so quickly, but now that she was approaching, she didn't seem to be in a hurry, it was more like taking a leisurely stroll after dinner.
"Ouyang Lianghan, why are you here?" she asked with a slight frown, her tone a little impatient.
At the same time, the two female officials holding umbrellas following Rong Zhen looked at each other for some unknown reason, but no one noticed.
Ouyang Rong shook his sleeves, revealing his wrists under the sleeves, which were covered with a string of hemp rope beads.
"Come here to check on the progress. By the way, where is Deputy Superintendent Song?"
He took off the hemp rope beads, played with them in his hand, and asked casually.
Rong Zhen has a straight face:
"Senior is still having his meal and didn't come. Who knew you would come in time for the meal?"
After a pause, he asked, "Have you eaten?"
"Just eat something on the way."
Ouyang Rong said with a smile.
Rong Zhen didn't smile and curled his lips.
"Let's go and talk over there. What are you doing standing here in the rain?"
She walked straight forward, leading the way towards the Donglin Buddha. A female official behind her followed suit and held an umbrella for her.
When passing by Ouyang Rong, Rong Zhen tilted his head slightly and looked at the hairpin he used to tie his hair and wear a crown when he went out today.
It is an ordinary peach wood hairpin.
The ice-white jade hairpin that was a relic of his mother had not appeared on his body for several days.
Ouyang Rong and Rong Zhen came to a construction site water house nearby. The plumbers stopped their work and saluted one after another.
Ouyang Rong waved his hand gently, took a ladle of hot water from an old plumber, raised his head and took a sip.
He wiped his mouth, held the ladle in one hand, and went straight to the second floor.
Rong Zhen didn't take the hot water, held up his sleeves with his hands, and climbed up the stairs with a straight face.
Yan Liulang, Wang Caozhi and a group of accompanying female officials stayed downstairs, took off their hats and raincoats, drank hot water, and rested separately.
Second floor, at the railing.
"Here."
Ouyang Rong raised his head and took a sip of water, then put his hand into his arms and took out a long box.
Hand it to Rong Zhen.
The latter glanced:
"what?"
"Give it back to Rong Nu Shi."
Ouyang Rong said in a nonchalant tone:
"This is the original copy of "The Story of Peach Blossom Spring". I copied it and kept it in my study. It is a sentimental wish. Is this original work still needed for the history of women?"
Rong Zhen pondered for a moment:
"No need, just return it to Yuan Changshi and return it to its original owner."
"good."
Ouyang Rong looked calm and put the long wooden box away again.
"What did Li Yu say?"
Rong Zhen looked at the construction site below and asked without squinting.
"Still didn't say anything. He doesn't want to go home even after death. He is currently living with Yuan Huaimin, over there at Chengtian Temple."
"I know this. I am asking you what to do with him. Should you really let him go?"
Ouyang Rong's expression remained normal, he raised the water ladle, took a sip, and took a long breath:
"Rongnu Shi, drinking more hot water is more nourishing."
Rong Zhen's face was expressionless: "I don't like to drink hot drinks."
"You can see it."
"Wang Caozhi is here, how has he been doing lately?"
"It's not just like that, it's just a fool's errand."
"How about we talk to him later."
Rong Zhen suddenly shouted: "Forget it, no need, just leave it like this, I don't have any dissatisfaction for the time being."
"That's good."
Rong Zhen said calmly:
"By the way, is this Wang Caozhi a descendant of the Langya Wang family, one of the five surnames and Qiwang? I heard that the Langya Wang family and the Xie family of Chen County, another five surnames and Qiwangs, are family friends and live together in Wuyi Lane.
Thank you for being the king."
"Um."
"Then he is very respectful to you, and his shouts are quite sweet."
"He's just like this. He talks so much that I don't even bother to correct him. If there are some unbridled names or offenses, don't pay too much attention to Rong Nushi."
Rong Zhen lowered his eyes and said nothing.
Ouyang Rong smiled:
"Having been a hairpin family for three hundred years, I have to say that the Langya Wang family's family tradition is still very good. There are many talents, and all the children are strong and upright."
Rong Zhen suddenly replied:
"I haven't noticed that I have a strong character and a strong character, but I can't tell you that there are many talented people. I can barely call it a standout."
Ouyang Rong wasn't sure if he heard correctly. He vaguely felt that Rong Nvshi was a bit too strong when she said the word "talent".
Before Ouyang Rong could ask more questions, Rong Zhen took the initiative to change the topic:
"Ouyang Lianghan, you should keep a low profile in Xunyang City these days. Let Yuan Changshi, Yan Canjun and others come forward for some matters. It's better for you to show less and be closer to the people."
"What does Rong Nu Shi mean?"
"As the official in charge of the statue, you will inevitably attract the attention of some people in the dark. Even if you didn't know about it before, you should have found out everything now.
"The signs that the Xunyang Grottoes are being rebuilt again cannot be hidden. Even if we never publicize the rebuilding period after the Lantern Festival, the rebels in Tiannan Jianghu will always react."
Rong Zhen raised his head, looked at the gradually completed headless Buddha behind the sparse rain screen, and said to himself:
"I've been having some bad premonitions lately."
Ouyang Rong nodded calmly:
"Understood, but with such a strong wanted list from the Supervisory Yuan and the government, how dare the rebels from Nanjianghu come back these days? Do you think we can capsize two boats in one ditch?"
After a pause, he changed the subject:
"Speaking of which, I have always been curious about how the Donglin Giant Buddha affected the forbidden areas of the sects in Tiannan Jianghu after it landed, making them so stressed that they dedicated their lives to stop it."
Rong Zhen spoke softly and only answered the previous question:
"We are wanted, but after all, the enemy is hiding and we are hiding.
"Yunmeng Jianze has been operating in the Jiangnan area, the hometown of Wuyue for nearly a thousand years. As you said before, the power of the hidden sect is still very great, especially the appeal of Yuanjun. Many people in Jiangnan are
Eat this set.
"Ouyang Lianghan... I have witnessed the tragic failure of Xingzi Lake. Lin Cheng, Wang Lengran and others died. Now you are responsible for restarting the Donglin Giant Buddha in Xunyang Grottoes. I... don't want you to do this this time.
Something happened too."
Ouyang Rong calmed down and shook his head gently: "This giant Buddha will be fine..."
"I am talking about you."
Ouyang Rong was stunned and turned around to see Rong Zhen looking at the misty rain outside without looking at him, as if he was talking to the air alone.
"There are some words that are inconvenient to say in front of Senior Song, and may be a little offensive to the deceased...Compared to Lin Cheng, I actually hope that the credit for the construction of the Donglin Buddha will fall on you.
"Compared to the Xingzi Lake Giant Buddha that left chicken feathers everywhere in Xunyang City, I prefer this Giant Buddha in Xunyang Grottoes.
"This has been the case since before Lin Cheng came over, when you brought me, who was seriously injured and leaning on a cane, to climb the mountain to observe the grottoes. I still remember that the cane I was leaning on was made by you, and we climbed up to the other side.
The south peak overlooks the Grotto Buddha."
Rong Zhen pointed at the south bank peak behind him, and then put down his hand.
"I remember that day, there seemed to be light rain, and I saw you speaking impassionedly there alone... It's quite silly to think about it now."
She paused and shook her head:
"I didn't expect to go through so many things later, but now I'm finally back on track."
Ouyang Rong pursed his lips.
"Thank you Rong Nu Shi for your continued support."
He suddenly turned around and saluted her solemnly and earnestly.
Rong Zhen took a step back, stepped aside, and turned his head away from looking at him.
The tone of voice that reached Ouyang Rong's ears was serious.
"If you want to thank, just thank the saint, thank Holy Week. I am just... just choosing talents for the saint to benefit the people of Holy Week.
"I know that for a long time, many officials in the imperial court and local governments, including your Jiangzhou government, have been afraid of us, the Tianjian people, and have privately called us Sangmenxing and Prince of Hell, so we should stay away.
"Nowadays, in the mouths of the so-called heroes in Tiannan Jianghu, we should be some kind of imperial hawks and dogs.
"The execution power is great and it offends many people. It is only a little better than the ruthless officials in the prison department back in the day.
"To be honest, Ouyang Lianghan, I don't actually care about these criticisms, and I don't feel guilty about what I have done.
"Because many of these people are of no benefit to the people. They are either carnivores, corrupt officials, or they do not work hard and stay away from the people...
"Such people will die when they die, and they can still make room for themselves. They even include...some princes and princes of the clan who claim to be of Taizong bloodline. Every time they are given a foot of white silk and a glass of poisonous wine from the palace, there will be a lot of people.
The so-called old ministers and scholars cry for their fathers and mothers, it is really noisy... A local government's slightly negligent disaster relief and flood control killed more than a thousand people, why is it that a storm that only cleaned up a hundred people and nobles from the upper class was crying and shouting
Is it the same as the country is about to be subjugated?
"Aren't lives equal? Maybe, but life is precious and it definitely does not include these wine sacks and rice bags, millet-eating rats. These years I have lived in Luo Palace and served the saint. I have seen too many examples, and I have long been numb.
Feeling it.
"I don't think there is anything wrong with most of the saint's actions, because after cleaning, the ones who have lost the most heads in these years are all the Gongun princes and nobles from the aristocratic families. If these people die, they will die. It is not a pity, right?
.
"I am really indifferent to the factionalism among these powerful people.
"So far, there are very few things that can really make me feel a little bit shaken...and they are all trivial things that cannot be weighed."
Rong Zhen looked back.
Ouyang Rong saw that her expression was surprisingly peaceful, and her dark eyes reflected his face:
"The escape of a palace maid that happened in the palace counts as one...the tragic death of Wang's mother and son on Qingyangheng Street in Xingzifang counts as one; the stubborn Li Yu family not long ago... counts as half."
Ouyang Rong listened silently and looked at her.
Suddenly, I discovered that this female historian, even though she had a straight face, was actually not that cold.
Maybe it's because the words coming out of my mouth at this moment are not cold at all.
"I'm sorry, I may be too wordy to say so much. Maybe it's because an old man told me some past events a few days ago, and I was inspired by it... He said that people like us can kill people and be insensitive.
When the environment is disappointing, it is very important and very lucky to meet the right person."
Ouyang Rong shook his head: "No, don't be verbose."
Rong Zhen seemed to be relieved and lowered his eyes slightly:
"Okay, what I really want to say is that the saints and the imperial court may occasionally take some too bloody and ruthless measures. Maybe there are still many problems that the scholars are dissatisfied with in the Great Zhou Dynasty. Maybe the faults listed by the rebels of the Southwest Rebellion are not entirely
Incorrect……
“But the Great Zhou Dynasty is generally good and can improve, especially now that the saints have abandoned cruel officials and implemented virtuous governance.
"It's true that there are blood-stained knives like this palace, but in the court there are highly respected capable ministers like the Master, and there are also capable ministers like you in the local area, Ouyang Lianghan, who can do practical things. You will be able to return to the capital soon to show off your skills...
It can change the management of the officials who have been criticized a lot in this dynasty.
"I personally think that it is difficult for the court or the world to take a big step forward. It is unrealistic to correct it all at once. There will be violent turmoil. However, as long as tomorrow can be a little better and improve a little,
Just like the imperial court now loses Lin Cheng, in exchange for you Ouyang Lianghan being promoted to the Xiuwen Hall in the capital... just accumulating improvements little by little in this way is already very good, isn't it?"
Under Rong Zhen's unblinking gaze, Ouyang Rong looked a little thoughtful and knocked the railing with the water ladle in his hand, making a "thump" sound.
"Rong Nushi's theory... actually doesn't have much of a problem. I hope that the situation will improve little by little... Rong Nushi is actually a very gentle woman, completely opposite to her cold and violent nature when enforcing the law impartially."
Ouyang Rong commented.
Immediately he saw a rare smile appear on Rong Zhen's originally deserted face, like an ice lotus suddenly blooming on the snow in winter.
She suppressed her smile and kept her eyes narrowed:
"After the giant Buddha is built this time, you should be able to get promoted back to the capital. The Xiuwen Museum in the Imperial City is not far from Chaotian Gate where Si Tianjian is located. It seems that you will pass by on your next visit...
"Well, we can still see each other often. Occasionally in the evening and evening, I can treat a busy person like you to a meal. It's not difficult... However, I don't have many vacations. I don't have as much leisure as you civilized and Qing ministers. There is a curfew.
I have to go back to the palace..."
Rong Zhen's tone was slightly hopeful.
Ouyang Rong was silent for a moment and smiled:
"I hope so. Rong Nu Shi, please continue to take care of me from now on."
"Well, take care of me, Ouyang Lianghan."
Rong Zhen nodded very seriously.
The two looked at each other and smiled for a moment.
"By the way, there's one more thing." Rong Zhen remembered something.
"What's up?"
"For the sake of the safety of the Donglin Giant Buddha in the future, I am thinking of applying for some more foreign aid from Luoyang and sending more manpower. What do you think about this matter? We can report it together, and you can also make suggestions."
Ouyang Rong immediately realized that he was asking King Xunyang about his attitude.
The current situation in Xunyang City is very good for him and the Xunyang Palace, and there are almost no visible enemies.
But the rebels in Tiannan Jianghu, especially the mysterious Yunmeng female cultivator, are eyeing the brand new Buddha behind them. They need as many people as possible.
Rong Zhen may have felt that after what happened to Xia Guan Lingtai Lang Lin Cheng who came to Luoyang last time, they would now be very disgusted with the attitude of people coming from Luoyang, so before asking for help, asking him to talk to him for a while... was already a big deal.
Ouyang Rong pondered for a moment and then spoke:
"I'll give you some thought, and I'll ask the prince for his opinion."
"Okay, I'll wait for your news, there's no rush."
Rong Zhen nodded lightly.
Ouyang Rong glanced at the empty water ladle in his hand, turned around and went downstairs.