Li Fusu suddenly found a hand stretched out in front of him, holding a piece of watermelon.
He was stunned for a moment, then raised his hand to take it: "Thank you... thank you Lianghan."
"Why are you thanking me for the melon you brought?"
Ouyang Rong felt funny, shook his head, and then immersed himself in eating melon.
Li Fusu also smiled, suddenly not so nervous.
Later, the two friends faced each other, squatted on the ground, and ate melon together, showing a tacit understanding.
"Is your name Li Fusu..."
Ouyang Rong muttered and asked without raising his head: "So, Emperor Gaozong is your biological grandfather?"
"That's right." Li Fusu nodded.
"What's it like to be the grandson of the emperor?" he asked suddenly.
"Ah?" Li Fusu was stunned.
Ouyang Rong thought for a while, searched his memory, opened his mouth and took a big mouthful of melon meat. While chewing, he grinned and asked:
"If I remember correctly, Emperor Gaozong was critically ill, the imperial guards intervened in politics, the original prince was deposed, your father was appointed as the new prince, and you became the eldest grandson.
"In order to stabilize the foundation of the country, Emperor Gaozong designated you as the emperor's grandson, opened the palace early, and confirmed the order of succession.
"Well, the legitimate third-generation crown prince and the sole heir to the Daqian legal system should be right, right?"
"That's right, but..."
Li Fusu put down the melon gourd with both hands, wiped the corners of his mouth with the back of his hands, and said with a grimace:
"But when my grandfather enthroned me, I had just turned one year old. After a few years, my father lost the throne, my grandmother changed the title of Zhou, and in the new country and new dynasty, I was deposed and demoted to a commoner.
"My butt is not even warm from sitting down. How can I know what the emperor's grandson feels like? Hey, Lianghan, you better stop teasing me."
The unshaven young man gnawing melon sighed and shook his head.
Ouyang Rong laughed.
"Tianhuang, you have won at least once at the starting line. It's not a loss after you experience it."
"Well."
Li Dalang didn't quite understand his friend's weird joke, but he was also honest and didn't hold anything accountable. He lowered his head and continued to chew the watermelon in his hand.
At a certain moment, he suddenly whispered:
"Actually, if you think about it carefully, life like this would be pretty good, if it hadn't been for the last incident of being hunted down by the Wei family."
When Ouyang Rong heard this, he ate his melon in silence and did not answer.
"On the 15th day of last time at Dagushan, thanks to Lianghan and Miss Xie, our family escaped. Later on the way down the mountain back to Luming Street, Amei suddenly said that we might not be able to continue being a family. Common people.
"We can no longer live the leisurely and anonymous days we had before. Our family has been noticed by people in Luoyang, and we are destined to be involved in future disputes..."
Li Fusu raised his head, looked at Ouyang Rong, and couldn't help but confirm again:
"Lianghan, tell me, is this true? Is our family really unable to go back?"
Ouyang Rong said without raising his head:
"Didn't you hear what I said last time in Yilanxuan's study, Dalang?"
Li Fusu was stunned for a moment, then looked a little embarrassed, "Lianghan, at that time we..."
"It's okay, junior sister has already told me.
"And I had already guessed that during that time, your father and sister had nothing to do to show their courtesy."
Ouyang Rong dropped the clean melon gourd, picked up the sweat towel, wiped his hands, and asked casually:
"Why, Dalang doesn't believe my speculation and judgment?"
"No."
Li Fusu shook his head vigorously and said softly:
"I just feel that even if Lianghan's judgment comes true, my grandmother really took our family back to Luoyang. The process was peaceful and smooth, and she even named my father as the emperor's heir again after returning to Beijing.
"But I'm afraid we won't be able to handle the overwhelming wealth. There is no such thing as pie in the sky in this world.
"It's better to live in seclusion in Dragon City, stay together as a family, and live an ordinary life."
Ouyang Rong nodded: "Okay, for the rest of his life, Dalang will continue to study in the Juxian Garden every day and serve the teacher."
"Ke Lianghan, what are you talking about? You have said before that studying requires a balance between work and rest. Occasionally, I can go to Yunshui Pavilion to cultivate myself. Why can't I do that?"
Ouyang Rong pouted and interrupted:
"I haven't even returned to Beijing yet, and I'm starting to be sentimental. Others are worried about danger in times of peace, but it's better for you to just stay in a corner. Why are you nostalgic for the ordinary days? You should live well now."
The young county magistrate lowered his head and patted his sleeves, saying coldly:
"Tianhuang Guizhou's background is already superior to that of most people in this world. Does Dalang just want to enjoy its benefits and shrink from its risks and responsibilities?
"Then what I just told you about identity and responsibility, isn't it in vain?
"It won't happen next time. If you still have such random thoughts and hesitations, don't come to me in the future. This is the end of our friendship."
"Liang Han, calm down." Li Fusu quickly waved his hand, grabbed his friend's sleeve, and tried to save it: "It's my fault, I won't dare to do it again!"
Ouyang Rong glanced at him.
Li Fusu smiled sarcastically. After a moment, he softly said "Hey" and vaguely realized something:
"What Liang Han means...is he actually willing to help my family?"
Ouyang Rong didn't answer, packed up the food box and stood up.
"When you're full, let's go. I'll take you somewhere."
He stood tall, held the knife in one hand, picked up the food box in the other, and walked towards the bottom of the high platform without any hesitation.
Li Fusu hurriedly followed.
The two met Xie Lingjiang and Yan Liulang in the shade of the tree under the high platform.
The four of them looked at each other without saying anything and left together.
"Where is Lianghan going?"
Ouyang Rong walked at the front without saying a word.
Xie Ling Jiang followed suit.
Li Fusu and Yan Liulang looked at each other and followed honestly.
Ouyang Rong led them all the way across Guyue Jianpu, to the foot of Xiaogu Mountain, and climbed the stairs.
Li Fusu discovered that Ouyang Rong's destination seemed to be the top of the mountain.
Everyone walked up the mountain, silently passing by the ruins of the A-shaped sword furnace house covered with weeds, and also passed by the Liu family's ancestral house, which had been ransacked and cleared.
Finally came to the top of Xiaogushan.
In Li Fusu's field of vision, a brand new sacrificial hall appeared.
During the day, there are craftsmen and laborers moving things in and out, and it seems that it has not been completely completed yet.
When Xie Lingjiang and Yan Liulang saw it, their expressions were calm, as if they were not surprised.
A look of curiosity appeared on Li Fusu's face. He remembered that this place used to be a Dragon King Temple, a superstitious sacrificial place for the people of Dragon City.
"Is this a shrine built by the common people for Liang Han?" he guessed curiously.
Ouyang Rong didn't answer.
Soon, Li Fusu discovered that he had guessed wrong.
This living temple does not offer sacrifices to ghosts or gods, nor does it offer sacrifices to upright officials.
It is used to commemorate all the heroes of Dragon City, like Liu Ashan, who sacrificed their lives to control floods and eliminate harm in Dragon City.
At the entrance of the Sheng Temple, there were two couplet banners written in what appeared to be Liang Han's handwriting. Li Fusu turned around and stared at them, reciting them silently for a while, but in the end he did not read them aloud.
Li Fusu saw the name of brother Ashan on the wall in the center of the lobby.
The footsteps of everyone echoed in the empty hall of Shengsi.
The atmosphere was somewhat solemn.
Li Fusu followed the young county magistrate in front of him and inspected a circle of shrines. He remained silent the whole time.
The Sheng Temple has not yet been fully completed, and there are craftsmen working shirtless, sweating profusely.
When Li Fusu saw Lianghan, who had been silent the whole time, he stopped and put down his food box. He gave the unused iced rice wine and half a scoop of watermelon to the craftsmen.
Not long after, Ouyang Rong, Li Dalang and their group left the Shengsi Temple on the top of the mountain.
On the way down the mountain.
Li Dalang said: "I heard that the imperial court has always strictly prohibited people from setting up sacrifices. It doesn't matter to Lianghan, right? It should have been reported?"
Ouyang Rong said casually:
"The first time I reported it to Jiangzhou, they explained that it was not a ritual to worship ghosts and gods, but just to commemorate the people who lofty ideals for flood control. The governor's office directly issued a document opposing it.
"The Lord Wang said that this matter violated the regulations of the court and the prime minister's regulations. I was relying on my merits in water control and was arrogant to demand rewards. He firmly protested and said that if he dared to build it privately, he would write to me to intervene."
"How could it be so serious? What should Lianghan do?"
Ouyang Rong said softly: "He is protesting. Since he said that I am using my power to force rewards, I will force him to see it. I have submitted a letter to the Political Affairs Hall. Well, this is not considered a private construction."
"Um, wouldn't it be bad to go directly to Shangguan like this? I'd offend him..."
He asked with a smile: "Is it okay if he offended me?"
Li Fusu was immediately speechless.
If anyone else said this, he would only feel arrogant.
But if these words come out of Ouyang Lianghan's mouth, they seem to make sense.
Li Fusu nodded slowly.
Yes, Mr. Wang, why did you provoke him?
Behind him, Xie Lingjiang smiled as he listened intently.
Ouyang Rong, who was walking at the front, suddenly stopped and turned around and said:
"Da Lang, I have one question, and this is the only question I will ask. Please answer me truthfully."
Hearing the seriousness in Ouyang Rong's words, Li Fusu straightened his back and looked serious:
"Liang Han, please speak."
"If one day, you and your father have the opportunity to visit Dabao, will you tolerate me doing something similar?"
"What Lianghan said is too far."
Li Fusu scratched his head and said, "Climbing Dabao... My father and I couldn't even think about it."
The next moment, he met Ouyang Rong's calm gaze and swallowed his words.
Realizing Ouyang Rong's serious attitude, Li Fusu's expression gradually became serious.
He pursed his lips and said:
"Liang Han once said, 'Those who work for everyone should not be allowed to freeze to death in the wind and snow.'
"Although Fusu is dull, has little intelligence, and has been busy for half his life, he has a heart of admiring talents and doing good. Fusu promised Lianghan on behalf of his father that if he is lucky enough to reach the top one day, he will definitely live up to all the salary-earners including Lianghan. By!"
Ouyang Rong nodded.
"Remember Si Yan."
He turned around and took the lead to go down the mountain.
Xie Lingjiang seemed to have not had enough shopping, so he stepped forward and asked, "Elder brother, where are you going now?"
Ouyang Rong smiled:
"Little junior sister, is Sushan delicious?"
"Um."
"Then go back to Meiluyuan and try some more."
"go back?"
"Well, if I don't go back, what if my uncle and the others suffer from heat stroke? Why won't Dalang end our friendship with me?"
"Lianghan..." Li Fusu was a little embarrassed.
The group of people returned to Luming Street. Yan Liulang had official business and temporarily separated to go to the county government.
Ouyang Rong, Xie Lingjiang and Li Fusu returned to Meiluyuan.
Meilin courtyard.
As soon as I entered the yard, I saw a group of people waiting in the yard for a long time.
There are three or two maids including Li Xian, Wei Mei, Li Guo'er, and Cai Shou.
The warm afternoon breeze blows, like a gentle big hand, and a huge jujube tree in the center of the courtyard rustles.
Golden sunlight leaked from the green leaves of the treetops, and the sparse shadows on the ground swayed gently.
Li Xian sat on the stone bench under the tree, his head drooped and his hat a little tilted.
Also dozing off like the master was the steamed-cheeked maid Cai Shou, but she was standing, standing behind Li Guo'er, her little head nodding like a chicken pecking at rice.
Li Guo'er and Wei Mei immediately noticed the return of Ouyang Rong and his party.
Eyes of surprise.
"Shhh."
Ouyang Rong raised his index finger and put it to his mouth to signal the mother and daughter.
Wei Mei and Li Guo'er, who turned around to wake up Li Xian, couldn't help but pause.
In the courtyard, Ouyang Rong took the lead, walking lightly and with a calm face. He led Xie Lingjiang and walked past Li Xian and the other three towards the study.
Wei Mei turned her head and looked at Li Fusu, who had returned together, and looked at each other with a questioning look in her eyes.
Li Guo'er's bright starry eyes squinted at Ouyang Rong as he calmly passed by her, following his figure all the way.
The white gauze covering her face covered the expression of the little girl with plum blossom makeup at the moment, and she didn't know what she was thinking.
Squeak——!
The inevitable sound of pushing the door woke up Li Xian from his drowsiness.
"Hmm..." Li Xian opened his eyes and looked around, mumbling in his sleep, feeling a little confused.
The next second, he saw Ouyang Rong's figure clearly in the study room ahead.
"Good nephew Liang Han! Are you back?"
Li Xian jumped up from the stone bench in the courtyard, the tiredness that had covered his face was wiped away, and he cried out with joy.
This middle-aged wealthy man moved like a child, dancing and looking around to inform his wife and children.
Wei Mei, Li Guo'er, and Li Fusu all looked at him helplessly.
As if aware of the subtle embarrassment in the atmosphere, Li Xian paused, with a stern look on his face, turned to Li Fusu and asked in a low voice:
"When did nephew Liang Han come back? My father didn't sleep for too long, right?"
Li Fusu shook his head.
Xie Lingjiang walked out of the study room and wanted to speak.
At this moment, there was a sound of hurried footsteps outside the yard.
Everyone looked back.
Yan Liulang rushed into the yard, looked around, and shouted to the study:
"Ming Mansion! Luoyang has sent an emissary! They are accompanied by officials from the state and have just arrived at the county government office!"
"Emissary of Luoyang?!"
When Li Xian heard this, he was like a thunderbolt from the blue. He stood stunned and murmured:
"Oh no, no, why are people coming from Luoyang again! What's the matter this time..."
When Wei Mei, Li Fusu and Li Guo'er heard this, they stood up immediately and chaos broke out in the courtyard.
"Forehead."
Yan Liulang turned his head, with a hesitant expression on his face, and said to Li Xian and others who were spinning in circles:
"Uncle, Dalang, it seems that the emissary is not here to see you...not a palace official, but an official from the Ministry of Personnel. It seems he is looking for the Ming Dynasty..."
"Ah?" Li Xian turned around in shock.
At this time, there was a slight "bang" sound.
In the courtyard, someone opened the door and walked out alone.
Ouyang Rong didn't know when he changed into an aqua seventh-grade official uniform.
"oh."
He stuffed the stack of memorials in his hand into his sleeves, lowered his head and straightened the wide, dark green cuffs of his official uniform, calmly passed by Yan Liulang and everyone in the courtyard, and walked out.
The young county magistrate nodded slowly:
"Finally, someone is here. I'm tired of waiting. Let's go, little junior sister, go over and take a look. Uncle Li, Dalang, please wait a moment."
Everyone in the courtyard looked at each other.
Looking at the calm senior brother, Xie Lingjiang smiled lightly, stepped forward, tiptoed slightly, and held his collar with his bare hands.
"Wait, don't move, it's a mess here..."
After finishing dressing, Ouyang Rong took the lead to walk out of the yard and left with Xie Lingjiang and Yan Liulang.
Li Xian, Li Fusu and others reacted and followed them blankly.
After a while, everyone from Meiluyuan arrived at the Longcheng County Government Office.
At this time, there were many onlookers on Luming Street.
The main entrance of Longcheng County Government Office was wide open today, and it was crowded with people.
Diao County Prime Minister and other officials, who had been taking a holiday, appeared in the door.
At this time, they were waiting excitedly and anxiously, frequently looking behind them in the direction of the county government lobby, and from time to time in the direction of Meiluyuan.
At a certain moment, Diao Xian Cheng's eyes lit up and he stepped forward to greet him:
"Mingfu, you are finally here, hurry up, hurry up, the envoy of the city of God is waiting for you! Go, go, go!"
(End of chapter)
