No, gentlemen are also careful Chapter 618: A man’s wife is not a man’s wife, an old friend is not an old friend [5k, please give me your monthly vote!]
Chapter 618: A man’s wife is not a man’s wife, an old friend is not an old friend [5k, please give me your monthly vote!]
Quiet little courtyard, under a pear tree.
The four of them sat around the stone table, picking up vegetables and eating.
After Ouyang Rong spoke, the atmosphere at the table fell into awkwardness.
It was dark, and the nearest lights were in the lobby, near the stone table in the courtyard, and the light was a little dim.
It's hard to see clearly the specific expression on Fang Juxiu's face.
But Fang Shengnan was already immersed in eating.
Although I don’t know what my sister said in the carriage during the day to the handsome young man they mistakenly thought of as their suitor.
But based on her understanding of her sister, she could roughly guess something.
Fang Shengnan felt embarrassed for his sister.
"ah?"
At the table, Zhao Qingxiu was still wearing a small apron, holding a bowl in her small hands, making curious noises, breaking the silence on the court.
There was a bowl of water prepared on the table. She dipped it in the water and wrote on the table.
[What happened during the day? Have you seen it?]
Ouyang Rong nodded and said with a smile:
"Well, it's just a one-time relationship, so it's just... a mistake. It's not an important thing anyway. You two girls should eat more. You're welcome. In other words, we are destined."
After being handed a step by Wen Xin, Fang Shengnan nodded quickly:
"Master Ouyang is right. We are destined to know each other."
Fang raised his sleeves with his eyes lowered and said nothing. Hearing what his sister said behind him, he couldn't help but turn his head and glare at her.
She pursed her lower lip, picked up the bowl and took a mouthful of rice. She couldn't help but raise her eyes and look at the handsome young man opposite who looked calm and was picking up food for the virgin.
Fang Shengnan, like his sister, glanced out of the corner of his eye and looked at Ouyang Rong curiously.
The two girls felt that they seemed to have discovered something extraordinary during this trip...
As if they didn't exist, Ouyang Rong casually asked Zhao Qingxiu if anything inconvenient had happened when he was not at home today, and then told some interesting things that happened to him during the day.
It's all a matter of money, rice, oil and salt.
But Fang Juxiu and Fang Shengnan saw that the more virgin lady seemed very happy to chat with him and listen to what he said. She kept writing on the table with her little hands, and the smile on her face was much brighter than before.
Mr. Ouyang also took the trouble to do so. He lowered his head and looked intently at the handwriting written hastily on the table by Juan Xiu. He answered seriously and spoke to her.
The two of them have a very good understanding of each other.
For example, right now, the more virgin lady had a grain of rice on her lips. Mr. Ouyang stretched out his hand, twirled the rice, put it into his own rice bowl, and continued talking with a calm expression.
This kind of daily tacit understanding, and the silky little cooperation, Fang Juxiu and Fang Shengnan have only met their parents. Their parents have been married for many years, and they are still famous for their love...
Fang Juxiu and Fang Shengnan looked at each other with complicated expressions in their eyes.
Some of them are shocking, and some of them are incredible.
This is the legendary Yue Virgin. Even though she is the lowest in the Queen's Palace now, she is the first in line to succeed Yuanjun. In the future, the successor Yuanjun, the Yunmeng Queen, and the other two ladies must obey.
her……
How dare you kid take advantage and steal the rice from the corner of her lips?
Fang Shengnan couldn't help but pinch the flesh of his thigh quietly, and hissed in pain.
Fang Juxiu stared intently at Ouyang Rong and Zhao Qingxiu, his eyes squinting as if he wanted to see why.
After Ouyang Rong took away the rice, Zhao Qingxiu, who was blindfolded with a sky-blue ribbon, subconsciously raised her hand to touch the corners of her lips.
Zhao Qingxiu's face suddenly turned red as she seemed to feel the opposite party raising her sleeves and the burning eyes of Fang Shengnan, the two newly arrived sisters.
【The soup is ready】
When the Fang sisters saw the virgin lady, who was blindfolded with a blue ribbon, leaving a message on the table, they wiped their aprons with their little hands, and some of them hurried to the kitchen to bring soup.
There was some silence around the table.
"You two don't want to eat, what do you think I will do?" Ouyang Rong took a bite of food and said without raising his eyelids.
Fang Shengnan swallowed, and before she could speak, Fang raised his sleeves and took a deep breath, trying his best to calmly say:
"Mr. Ouyang, my little girl's surname is Fang and her given name is Xiuxiu. Usually people around her call her Xiu Niang. Mr. Ouyang, please feel free to do so."
"Yeah." Ouyang Rong responded calmly: "Fang Jixiu, what a good name."
Fang Jixiu, who had long been accustomed to being praised, just said that he was being polite and flattering.
She turned her head directly and prepared to continue introducing to Ouyang Rong: "This is my sister..."
Unexpectedly, the handsome young man took a mouthful of rice, chewed it, and whispered:
"The fragrant sandalwood pricks the river and the rain falls suddenly, and the strong emotions are concentrated and the sleeves are raised...is this sentence from it?"
"What?" Fang raised his sleeves and was stunned, and said subconsciously.
Ouyang Rong shook his head: "It's nothing, girl, keep talking."
Fang raised his sleeves but lowered his head to taste it, then looked up at Ouyang Rong:
"I have never heard of this sentence before. The young master is really talented in writing."
Ouyang Rong shook his head modestly.
Fang Shengnan on the side couldn’t wait to interrupt:
"What about me? Is there a good poem for my name? Well, my name is Fang Shengnan. Mr. Ouyang can call me whatever I want. Just call me husband and wife. Is there a good poem to match it?"
Ouyang Rong, who was eating leisurely, almost didn't choke.
"Cough cough cough..."
"What's the matter, Mr. Ouyang? What's wrong with you?"
Fang Shengnan and Fang Juxiu looked at Ouyang Rong who put down his bowl and coughed with concern.
Ouyang Rong lowered his head to cover his mouth, coughed a few times, and couldn't help but look up at the carefree young man in green across from him.
"It's okay, Xiu Niang, the man's wife...forget it, I'll just call you Mrs. Fang, Mrs. Fang."
"That's okay, although calling me sister is a bit old." Fang Shengnan chuckled.
Fang raised his sleeves and glared at her.
At this moment, Zhao Qingxiu returned with a large bowl of steaming fish soup. She touched the edge of the plate with both hands and covered it with a wet towel.
When the Fang sisters saw this, they immediately got up and went to help.
"I'll do it." The two women rushed to say.
Ouyang Rong was about to get up, but stopped midway.
He raised his eyes and glanced at the two girls who respectfully took the fish soup from Xiu Niang's hand.
A large bowl of fish soup is placed in the center of the table.
Ouyang Rong stood up at this time and first scooped a bowl for Xiu Niang.
Taking turns to give Fang Jixiu, who was quietly observing him, Fang Shengnan served a bowl. He smiled politely and said in a gentle voice:
"Xiu Niang rarely mentions things at home. I really didn't expect friends like you to come here today. In a hurry, there is nothing to entertain, only some Taoshouzhai pastries and fish soup... I hope you two can help me."
Don’t blame me, girl.”
"Nothing, actually we didn't expect..."
The two women shook their heads like rattles.
At this time, they saw Zhao Qingxiu, who was sitting next to Ouyang Rong with her head down drinking soup, raised her head, her little blindfolded face seemed to be facing them, and she shook her head imperceptibly.
Fang raised his sleeves to hold down his loud-mouthed sister, and then changed the subject:
"How did Mr. Ouyang meet the little...little embroiderer?"
She swallowed the word "little master" and followed Ouyang Rong to change her words.
"It's a long story."
Ouyang Rong smiled heartily:
"We knew each other before at the Beitian Almshouse of Longcheng Donglin Temple, and we are considered old friends. At that time, I was lying in bed in the temple to recuperate, and one night I fell into a dry well..."
He briefly talked about the first time he met Xiu Niang, with a look of reminiscence in his eyes:
"I really didn't expect that Xiu Niang would come to the Beitian Nursing Home of Chengtian Temple again. I met her under the fireworks that morning... Sometimes I have to lament the fate of this world."
Fang Shengnan originally had a serious face, but as he listened, he couldn't help but feel moved:
"The encounter in the underground palace... started with the fate of passing water... and now we meet again. The young master said that we are both fallen people in the world. Yes, it is really a blessing to meet old friends."
His sister's shocked expression left Fang Jixiu speechless.
She was not so emotional, she frowned slightly, her eyes showed some worry, and looked at her
"Is it just an old friend?" Fang Juxiu asked keenly.
The two daughters of the Fang family looked at Ouyang Rong and Zhao Qingxiu who were sitting very close to each other.
Unlike Zhao Qingxiu, who was working quietly like Little Transparent, Ouyang Rong said with a normal expression:
"Speaking of which, I have always wanted to meet Xiu Niang's family. I want to... get to know each other. Xiu Niang usually talks little and seems to be a fool. As her sisters and friends, if you know anything about it, can you help let me know."
At this time, the blindfolded girl with azure ribbons, whose ears were pricked, suddenly touched Ouyang Rong's empty soup bowl and stood up, as if to scoop him some more soup.
Ouyang Rong shook his head and held her down: "No, I'm full."
Seeing this, Fang Juxiu pursed his lips. While observing Zhao Qingxiu's face from the corner of his eye, he spoke calmly and continued the topic interrupted by the young master:
"Where she lives...actually, we don't know much about her, we only know that...she is very busy and is away from home all the time, so we sent Xiu Niang to the Beitian Nursing Home to be raised."
"oh."
Ouyang Rong lowered his eyes and nodded, seemingly unsurprised, and continued to grab chopsticks to eat.
"By the way, do you two girls have a place to stay when they come to Xunyang City? How about staying overnight tonight?"
Fang Juxiu hesitated for a moment and said, "Actually, there's something else going on, so I might not be able to live here anymore."
"What's going on? Where are you going?"
"Go to Chengtian Temple to worship Buddha on behalf of my father..."
"Oh, it's not that far."
After Ouyang Rong heard this, he turned to Zhao Qingxiu and said:
"I almost forgot. I brought some pickled radish from Donglin Temple last time, and there is still a can left in the car. Your friend is here to try it together."
He smiled and said hello.
"Girls, please wait a moment. Come back as soon as you go down."
Ouyang Rong got up and went out.
The two girls saw him walking through the lobby. Before going out, he picked up a long piano case placed on the cabinet at the door and walked out.
This long piano case was not seen when Qiang Xiu and Fang Shengnan entered the door. It should be an accompanying item that he placed there when he entered later.
A handsome young man in a Confucian shirt carried the piano and left.
Fang Juxiu and Fang Shengnan cast their eyes on Zhao Qingxiu,
Zhao Qingxiu shook her head at them and pointed to the still warm food on the table.
The two girls had no choice but to lower their heads and continue to eat honestly, but their performances were different.
Fang Shengnan looked around, curiously appraising this cozy courtyard that was gradually starting to smell like a home.
Fang Juxiu was obviously more thoughtful, and there was a trace of worry between his gathered brows. He looked at Zhao Qingxiu's expression from time to time and hesitated to speak.
After a while, Ouyang Rong returned slowly, the piano case in his arms disappeared, and he held a can of pickled radish with two fingers. He gestured to them and said with a smile:
"Taste it."
The Fang sisters tasted it politely, their eyes brightened, and they praised it.
Ouyang Rong also chuckled and took the two girls to chat for a while.
After dinner, Ouyang Rong ran to the kitchen and helped Zhao Qingxiu wash the dishes.
At this time, seeing that it was getting late, Fang raised his sleeves and winked, and Fang Shengnan, who was greedy for pastries, immediately stood up.
The two girls went to the kitchen and said goodbye.
Ouyang Rong and Zhao Qingxiu heard this and sent them to the door.
Fang Shengnan didn't understand her sister's thoughts and was a little reluctant to leave her.
Fang raised his sleeves and turned back, ready to speak.
At this moment, there was a sudden sound of footsteps and the collision of iron tools outside the yard.
Fang Shengnan and Fang Jixiu were immediately shocked.
"Dong dong dong——!"
I saw a blue-clad policeman and a group of government soldiers knocking on the door impatiently.
"No one is allowed to move. We are ordered by the Supervisory Yuan and the Governor's Office to search suspicious houses in Xingzifang. Please cooperate obediently."
Ouyang Rong seemed confused, and stepped forward to the blue-clothed detective with his nostrils pointing towards the person at the front and asked:
"What are you searching for this late at night?"
The blue-robed catcher snorted coldly, took out a bronze dagger and signaled:
"This thing is a token of resistance against thieves. The latest news is that Xingzifang will be searched again, so anyone who hides this thing secretly deserves death."
Fang Shengnan and Fang Juxiu, who were behind, were shocked. The government actually had Yunmeng Ling in their hands? They even conducted a massive search!
Fang Shengnan nervously held something in his sleeve and looked at Zhao Qingxiu with a guilty look in his eyes. Fang raised his sleeve and cast his peripheral vision on the wall of the courtyard, frowning and calculating something... At this time, the two women saw Mr. Ouyang next to them and smiled softly.
He walked forward, pulled the blue-clad head catcher aside, and whispered.
"Yan Captou..."
The blue-robed catcher looked impatient at first, but after the handsome young man stuffed something into him and showed him a token, his expression softened slightly.
"It turns out it's Ouyang Sima... I'm sorry to bother you, but the rules can't be changed... Well, we still have to check it out, and ask the women to avoid it..."
The intermittent words of the head catcher named Yan reached Fang Shengnan and Fang Juxiu's ears.
Ouyang Rong turned around and looked at Fang Shengnan, who raised his sleeves and blinked.
The two girls understood immediately and took Zhao Qingxiu with them to stay in the courtyard and let the police officers search the lobby.
Ouyang Rong stood in front of the three women, and Zhao Qingxiu grabbed the hem of his clothes with her small hands, speaking quietly.
Fang Shengnan, Fang raised his sleeves and glanced at the motionless back of the handsome young man. There was a hint of gratitude in his eyes, and his impression in his mind was greatly improved.
After lighting a stick of incense, the detectives completed their search and returned to the court, clasping their fists and reporting:
"Head, there's no problem."
The head catcher surnamed Yan looked slightly relaxed.
"Then let's go."
He waved his hand and led his men to leave. Before leaving, he did not forget to turn around and tell Ouyang Rong:
"Recently, this area is under martial law. Death orders have been issued from above to find people. Most of those patrol teams are not in charge of the arrests. Therefore, if your female family members take to the streets, their identities will be checked. They will be treated equally. Your Excellency, you should let them be young.
It’s better to move around.”
"Understood, Xun Yanyan has his head arrested."
"It's not hard work. We are all doing things for the Ming Dynasty and the female historian. Aren't you the same? You are helping Yuan Changshi handle the reconstruction of the residential house in Xingzifang. You come here every day and you are so far away from home. You still have to buy a separate house."
It’s hard work to take a break in the courtyard..."
"Where, where."
Ouyang Rong sent Captain Yan and others out.
Hearing some conversations coming from the lobby, Fang Shengnan raised his sleeves and exchanged glances, thoughtfully.
Ouyang Rong returned with his hands behind his back.
Fang raised his sleeves and helped Zhao Qingxiu out, and found that Mr. Ouyang's face was calm, as if he was used to searches.
Fang Shengnan looked towards the direction where the blue-clothed police officer was leaving, his eyes suddenly clear, and he somewhat understood why the virgin woman was not discovered by the government.
Fang raised his sleeves to calm down and asked calmly:
"Young Master actually still has an official status?"
"You are an idle young official with the post of Sima... There have been a lot of searches like this recently. If you are an ordinary widowed woman, you will inevitably be bullied for a while when you encounter this gang of government soldiers. Some evil-minded people will take the opportunity to search your body... The two girls usually
When you go out, please protect yourself."
Ouyang Rong's face was humble, he said it in one sentence, and then he warned him seriously.
Fang Juxiu and Fang Shengnan didn't quite understand the complicated official duties in the government, but they did understand the attitude of the arrester in blue just now.
This official position of Sima should be similar to that of the head catcher who joined the army. They are considered to be at the same level. After Mr. Ouyang revealed his identity, the catcher's tone was quite polite and they were trying to show off to each other.
Without waiting for Fang to raise his sleeves and think about the question, Fang Shengnan clasped his fists tightly and expressed sincere gratitude: "Thank you very much, Mr. Ouyang, for your generous help this time."
"It's just a trivial matter, it's not worth mentioning. You are friends of the embroiderer, and you are guests from afar, so you shouldn't neglect your distinguished guests... By the way, it's getting dark, do you two girls want to leave? I can give you a ride on the way, but we're just going there.
Go to Xunyangfang, by the way, where are you going?"
"Chengtian Temple..." Fang Juxiu said hesitantly.
Ouyang Rong pointed outside the door:
"Oh, but I see that Capt. Yan is leading people to Chengtian Temple to investigate the rebels. If you don't mind the trouble and the danger of body searches..."
"Actually, there's no rush. Master, wait a moment."
Fang Juxiu suddenly pulled his sister aside and exchanged some words in a low voice. When he came back, he smiled gracefully at Ouyang Rong, who was looking at her intently, and chose to stay.
"Okay, I just want to stay with Xiu Niang for a few more days."
The handsome young man had a cheerful temperament and was hospitable and enthusiastic. He laughed a little, turned around and said carefully: "Xiu Niang, can you two friends stay in the left wing..."
After the arrangements were made, he patted his sleeves and left calmly, saying he would come back tomorrow.
Watching Mr. Ouyang's back disappear at the end of the night.
Fang Shengnan and Fang raised their sleeves and looked back together, looking at Zhao Qingxiu who was listening quietly from beginning to end.
Fang Juxiu looked apologetic:
"Sorry to disturb the young master, we sisters came here recklessly, almost attracted the government officials, and destroyed the young master's hiding place... Actually, we have a place to go, but now it seems that we have to stay for a while.
"I didn't stay here on purpose. You heard it just now, my dear master. There are people from the government outside now. We have to wait until there are fewer of them before we can leave..."
"Uh-huh."
Zhao Qingxiu's reaction was surprisingly calm.
"By the way, when will the young master leave? The second lady is very worried about you..."
Fang Shengnan lowered his voice.
Fang Juxiu saw again the little face of this virgin lady looking into the dark night ahead, showing the kind of dazed look she had seen not long ago.
Fang Jixiu, who had always been rational and calm, still didn't understand.
Zhao Qingxiu suddenly smiled, stretched out her hands, went to the left wing to make a bed, and warmly entertained the new sisters.
Fang Shengnan and Fang Juxiu exchanged glances, both looking startled, so the two women had no choice but to step forward and help respectfully.