Chapter 004: Tai Xu Zi
The teacher handled the situation well; Ouyang shed a few tears, and the teacher, with the understanding that no one is without faults, smiled and let it go. Although the uncle still wanted to hit Ouyang, he could not disregard the teacher's authority. At that time, the status of teachers was much higher than it is now; otherwise, how could it be said that a day as a teacher is equivalent to a lifetime as a father? Thus, these 20 strikes were recorded in the account.
The Taoist priest has worked hard; my uncle has instructed me to prepare some pastries for the Taoist priest to enjoy
"The enmity between parents is irreconcilable; how can it be dismissed as nonsense?" Ouyang took out a small hand crossbow and aimed it at Taixuzi: "This homemade hand crossbow has an effective killing range of fifty meters, but it is poorly made and will likely fall apart after a single use. I wonder whether your celestial prowess is formidable, or if my little toy is more powerful."
The market at Oujiazhuang occurs once every ten days, essentially rotating among ten larger villages within a radius of several dozen miles. Even in the southern regions, early spring is still quite cold, yet Ouyang has already risen at the fifth watch. The fifth watch corresponds to the current time between 3 AM and 5 AM, which for former urban night owls, is just when they are reaching the peak of their entertainment.
Oh, wealthy person! Tai Xuzi took the paper and did not forget to say: "The clan leader is truly meticulous."
Tai Xuzi looked at the person in front of him for a while before asking, "Where is your master?"
Of course, Tai Xuzi did not come to the market; today he is here at the invitation of the village chief of Oujiazhuang to assess the feng shui of the cemetery. As soon as he arrived at the ferry, he was received by someone.
At this moment, of course, one would not seek a restroom, but would directly run into the reeds to resolve the matter. Tai Xu Zi considered himself a person of some status, and he endured the discomfort, running a few extra steps to avoid being noticed by passersby.
After walking for two miles, Tai Xu Zi suddenly furrowed his brow and said, "I am in urgent need, young layman, please wait for me for a moment"
With a whoosh, the crossbow bolt grazed Taisu Zi's face as it flew out. Ouyang was not lying; it was indeed a shoddy product. Once the bolt was shot, it immediately fell apart due to the tension. However, before Taisu Zi had the chance to feel relieved, Ouyang picked up a cocked crossbow from the ground and said, "Cover your head with both hands and lie down on the ground. Do not make me repeat it a third time, or this bolt will enter through your left eye."
Oujiazhuang is situated by the lake and backed by the mountains. When market day arrives, various vendors arrive at dawn, either by water or by land. Everyone knows that Oujiazhuang has the imperial decree from the founding emperor exempting it from taxes, making it one of the wealthiest villages in the area, known for its peace and prosperity
... ... ''
Ouyang was in despair; he knew he was insignificant, and whatever he said was disregarded by others. He did not offer any explanations or clarifications: "Remember the three points I mentioned to you. Be sure to remember. I am leaving"
Although Liu was eagerly looking forward to meeting her son, she did not try to hold him back. As others perceived, she had already regarded herself as a harbinger of disaster. Moreover, when it came to her own son, she preferred to believe in the possibility of misfortune rather than dismiss it, lest she bring harm to her child
You?" Tai Xu was startled and turned to see Ouyang looking at him with a half-smile.
Delightful! Tai Xu Zi finished using the paper and pulled up his pants. Unexpectedly, a voice floated from behind: "I never thought that even an immortal who does not consume grains would need to relieve himself."
This Taoist is named Tai Xu Zi. It is said that he originally practiced in the deep mountains, and one day, after meditating and receiving enlightenment, he began to travel through the mortal world. With white hair and beard yet a youthful face, no one knows his true age. However, the village elders say that this immortal has looked this way for over fifty years. The elders address him as an immortal, indicating that he holds a high reputation among the local populace. Indeed, it is true; it is unclear how it came to be, but having him invited to one's home for fortune-telling and feng shui consultation is considered a matter of great prestige. The elders address him as an immortal, indicating that he holds a high reputation among the local populace. Indeed, it is true; it is unclear how it came to be, but having him invited to one's home for fortune-telling and feng shui consultation is considered a matter of great prestige.
Ouyang gently asked under the oil lamp: "Did it not work out?"
... ...
Liu said, "You have this heart, and your mother is already very happy"
En en! Tai Xu Zi stroked his beard and nodded: "You must be Ouyang, the nephew of the O family? At such a young age, you are clever and intelligent, and you will surely have a bright future ahead."
The child is being unruly. Tai Xu Zi was very angry
Not only vendors came, but also performers showcasing their tricks, sellers of vegetables, and... Taoist priests.
I advise you not to fasten your pants, as you will need to loosen them later. Ouyang explained, seeing Tai Xuzi's astonished expression: I sent a letter to you through someone, using my uncle's name, inviting you here.
Hehe! A child's joke...
Communication is truly difficult, Ouyang said while tapping his forehead: "You just need to follow these points. First, do not mention our conversation and meeting to anyone today; it cannot be spoken of now, nor in the future. Second, three days from now, when someone invites you to the market, do not refuse; bring this money pouch, which contains one hundred wen. Third, do not say unnecessary words; control your emotions... Even if you see me being taken away by a wolf, you must act as if you did not see it. I will handle the rest." Ouyang asked with some concern, "Do you understand?"
The visitor seemed not to notice that the door was unlocked. Upon entering the room, they placed the package in their hands down and, without turning on the light, let out a long sigh and stared blankly into the darkness. After a few minutes, the oil lamp was finally lit, and Ouyang saw that the visitor was his mother. In her mid-twenties, she already appeared somewhat aged. She picked up her needle and thread and began to busy herself with the work that had been left unfinished a few days prior.
Someone has arrived, and Ouyang hurriedly slipped into the dark corner. The sun has set, and the room is enveloped in darkness. With only a single oil lamp illuminating the space, Ouyang is confident he can leave with ease
... ...
Tai Xu Zi is a person who travels extensively, and he immediately realizes that Ouyang is not joking at all, yet he still does not believe a child...
Ah? Liu was taken aback, and upon closer inspection, it turned out to be her own son. She hurriedly stood up and reached out to embrace him.
Ouyang quickly took out a piece of coarse paper and said, "Please use this, Daoist."
With both hands on his head, he lay on the ground. Ouyang shouted, "Immediately, right now"
Ouyang is also helpless. If he were to wait until he and the book mature, his mother would have already aged significantly. This woman is like an appliance; even if she is a modern second marriage, her value depreciates severely. Ouyang has calculated that his mother has two major issues: first, her comet title, and second, her past as a concubine. The status of a concubine is much lower than most people imagine. To reverse such a situation, one can only take drastic measures. Of course, the most urgent matter at hand is to placate the gentleman and have him intercede. Otherwise, after twenty lashes, it would be strange if he doesn't end up bedridden for ten days to half a month. Damn Ouping, this inspector's lifetime reputation almost got ruined because of you.
This person is Ouyang. He politely greeted Taixuzi and said, "Uncle said that only someone from our own family should come to receive the Daoist, as it shows respect." The ferry is about five miles from the village, and when Ouyang met Taixuzi, the sky was already beginning to brighten.
"No, no! Ouyang Han! Don't do this. Seeing Liu Shi looking a bit dazed, I said: 'Listen to me... I know that my birth has brought you a lifetime of suffering. How should I put it? Let me first help you remove the label of misfortune, and while you are still young, find a suitable family to marry into. Otherwise, I will truly feel guilty for a lifetime.'"
The cause and effect all stem from oneself ... What needs to be resolved must be resolved ...