Chapter 8, Departure from the Residence
Regretting whether I should have allowed Dongfang Qingyao to see a different Rong Shuer
At last, I can stop pretending and cry freely.
Unless Rong Jincheng had also gone mad, he would never agree to such a request from her. During the Tang dynasty, the status of women was relatively high, but that was after Wu Zetian ascended to the throne. It can be said that Wu Zetian played an indispensable role in elevating the status of women in the Tang dynasty. Her daughter, Princess Taiping, had once acted as regent, and subsequently, Princess Gaoyang, Princess Changle, Empress Wei, and the talented woman Shangguan Wan'er all held significant power in the court, their abilities far surpassing those of men. During the reign of Emperor Taizong, the basic expectation for women remained the virtues of gentleness, humility, frugality, and propriety taught by the Confucian scholars. How could Rong Jincheng allow his healthy daughter to run around aimlessly?
Dongfang Qingyao hesitated for a moment and smiled, saying: "If Brother Su says so, then it must be the case. The Rong family came to the aid of the Dongfang family during its most difficult times, and the attitude of the Rong family can be considered the attitude of the Dongfang family, right"
Dongfang Qingyao said: "Rong Shibo does not agree with your opinion, it is not mine." His tone was somewhat meaningful
However, Dongfang Qingyao was shocked, so astonished that it seemed difficult for him to breathe
The same tender affection, the same affectionate gaze, and also, that same slender figure, that same delicate appearance
Although I have never been good at geography, Tibet is to the west, and the journey from Luoyang to the capital Chang'an is also westward, so it is quite convenient. I can make plans after arriving in the capital. Perhaps in the capital, I might also find companions who are going to Tibet with me
The coachman of the carriage was a temporary servant of the Eastern Qingyao, while the carriage itself was provided by the Rong family, equipped with soft embroidered cushions and a backrest, which should have made sitting quite comfortable. However, after sitting for a while, I surprisingly began to feel dizzy.
Separated by a thousand years, longing is boundless!
Dongfang Qingyao and Su Xu rode alongside the carriage with three or four attendants, driving their horses at a leisurely pace while engaging in quiet conversation
He suddenly reined in the horse and leaped in front of the carriage
Su Xu fell silent for a moment, then smiled and said, "Brother Dongfang, I fear that you are also determining your stance based on the attitude of the Rong family, aren't you"
The person sitting upright in front of him must be a beauty with an ethereal and refined demeanor
Su Xu let out a cold laugh
Su Xu calmly stated: "The meaning of not intervening actually implies disagreement with our views"
I could not help but turn back, gazing at that desolate figure, surprisingly filled with a sense of nostalgia
I quietly lifted a corner of the curtain embroidered with water lilies on the carriage and looked outside, only to see two people riding side by side, their expressions cold and seemingly lost in their own thoughts
The person he saw under the moonlight is likely a rare and unparalleled beauty
I feel somewhat lost, unsure of how to face it
In just two days, it will be the day when Su Xu and Dongfang Qingyao depart. At this time, Rong Jincheng has already prepared all my daily necessities, along with a considerable amount of money, and handed them over to the two of them. He then smiled at Qingyao and said, "I had originally set a date for this autumn, to have you and Shu'er married. I truly hope to see you bringing a clear-headed and virtuous Shu'er through the door at that time"
Dongfang Qingyao smiled and said, "What does Wen Shuer know?"
The carriage rolled along, and although it was traveling on the official road, which was as smooth as a modern asphalt road, it remained quite bumpy
Su Xu was somewhat astonished, but ultimately said nothing
To go to Tubo, find a sorcerer, and return to the modern era is my most significant dream at present
He also wants to go to the capital, to watch over me, to accompany me, until I am healed
The laughter made Dongfang Qingyao feel a tingling sensation in his heart, as if he were shivering.
Both individuals were momentarily stunned
Without experiencing it, one cannot truly imagine it; even those who drive carriages can suffer from motion sickness, and all one can do is try to close their eyes and rest.
But do I still need to play the fool along this journey? I am somewhat hesitant. Su Xu has long seen through it, so there is no need for pretense; but what about Dongfang Qingyao?
The force may have been too strong, as the pure white curtain embroidered with lotus flowers and dragonflies playing in the water was unexpectedly pulled down
Su Xu hesitated for a moment and finally replied: "Brother Dongfang, before I tell you who the immortal master is, I would like to ask you a question."
Dongfang Qingyao was momentarily taken aback and said, "She is the daughter of the Rong family, and moreover, the legitimate daughter of the first wife. Is there anyone who would dare to harm her?"
This Dongfang Qingyao, although he appears to be a foolish bookworm with a good appearance, possesses a gentle and intelligent disposition. Compared to Su Xu's occasional sharpness, he exudes a unique charm that should not be underestimated. No wonder Rong Huaar is so captivated by him!
They are very close to me, and they probably do not intend to guard against me
Rong Shuer is very beautiful, while my temperament is quite ethereal
His pair of surprised and gentle eyes met my clear and serene gaze
My eyes, no longer pretending to be false, clearly do not belong to an idiot; and just before I went out, my maid had just done my makeup. I hesitated whether to act foolishly again, so I did not mess up or dirty my clothes and my long hair adorned with illustrations.
Of course, there is no need to leave right now. It would be too dangerous and too lonely for a solitary woman to travel to a place that has been deserted for 1,400 years.
Dongfang Qingyao nodded and said, "Brother Dongfang, may I ask?"
It is a pity that this beauty does not belong to this world
Dongfang Qingyao did not engage with the topic and responded off-topic: "Princess Changguang has often returned to the palace to visit her family over the years, hasn't she?"
Rong Huar unexpectedly shares a deep sisterly bond, even coming before Rong Jincheng to weep and plead, insisting on accompanying me to the doctor
I smiled at the man, feeling lonely and helpless, with an infinite sense of sorrow.
Su Xu, upon hearing this, could not help but turn his head to look into the carriage. I was unable to conceal the curtain in time and met his pair of bright, star-like eyes. I hurriedly lowered the curtain, my heart racing.
A sudden, twisted pain surged within my heart
Su Xu smiled and said: "All I can think of is that she has never had a mother, everyone bullies her as if she is a fool, and treats her poorly. As for why some people are against her, I think you can ask Miss Rong San herself."
Dongfang Qingyao likely noticed Su Xu's abnormality and may have turned back to glance at the carriage, though by then there was little to see. At that moment, his Danfeng eyes, which closely resembled Jing Qian's, must have flashed with a hint of confusion
Princess Changguang, Rong Jincheng has also mentioned that she facilitated the marriage of King Jiangxia, which allowed him to successfully marry my mother, Mei Luoluo—if I consider myself as Rong Shuer. After pondering for a long time, I recalled that Zhao Jie’s father, Zhao Cijing, was also one of the renowned officials of the Tang Dynasty, and Zhao Cijing married a princess, most likely this Princess Changguang. Considering the age, she should be a half-sister of Li Shimin. After pondering for a long time, I recalled that Zhao Jie’s father, Zhao Cijing, was also one of the renowned officials of the Tang Dynasty, and Zhao Cijing married a princess, most likely this Princess Changguang. Considering the age, she should be a half-sister of Li Shimin.
I even suspect that he might have developed feelings for me
The two people outside the window remained silent for a long time, only hearing the sound of horse hooves "de er de er".
They sent me off in the carriage, while still standing in place watching us, gazing at the departing carriage for a long time.
In fact, you think too much. Whether it is Su Xu or Dongfang Qingyao, they are both people from two different worlds compared to me
And how does your gentle gaze now appear on the face of this man before me
Su Xu paused for a long time before saying: "After she fell into the water, did you not inquire why she fell in? After her house was burned down, did you not investigate why her house caught fire?"
He does not hope to have a daughter of extraordinary talent. He simply wants a daughter who is clear-headed
Once I left Feiyun Manor, I found myself significantly freer in my actions, and I should have ample opportunity to depart from them and head towards Tubo
A string of tears has quickly fallen from the eyes
Through a narrow gap in the curtain that was swept aside by the wind, I saw Su Xu gazing directly into Dongfang Qingyao's eyes, asking: "Your family has had dealings with the Rong family for many years, which I am aware of. However, I do not know if you visit Miss Rong San every time you come, to inquire about her situation?"
Dongfang Qingyao suddenly asked: "Brother Su, you have always said that there is a celestial master in Chang'an who understands the heart of heaven and can save Shuer. Who exactly is that person? I often move around the capital as well, and if such a divine person exists, perhaps I might know them too"
Su Xu sighed, "Do you all have such little faith in King Wei?" This time, he accompanied Dongfang Qingyao to visit the Rong family, presumably to facilitate an acquaintance between King Wei Li Tai and Rong Jincheng.
Dongfang Qingyao mentioned the Princess Changguang returning to the palace for a family visit, which likely indicates that the Princess Changguang is quite knowledgeable about the internal affairs regarding the succession. Zhao Jie placing his bets on Crown Prince Li Chengqian naturally has its reasons.
Dongfang Qingyao smiled and said, "Brother Su, you have come in vain this time. I have long said that regarding these matters of the court, Lord Rong Shibo will not intervene."
As expected, he lifted the car curtain
In fact, the person who most wants to cure Shu Er, apart from Rong Jincheng, is Dongfang Qingyao. After Rong Jincheng decided to send me with Su Xu to the capital for medical treatment, Dongfang Qingyao also made a decision.
Dongfang Qingyao smiled and said: "The King of Wei is a good prince, well-known for his virtue, how could I not know? However, the Crown Prince is the foundation of the nation, and since he has not yet been established, how can we easily waver?"
Endless hatred, a hatred that has no place to express. In the night and in dreams, it is always your refreshing and gentle presence
However, this Qing Yao really resembles my Jing Qian
However, Su Xu actually showed a hint of regret
Dongfang Qingyao puzzledly said: "I naturally ask her every time, and she has always been like this. What is the matter?"
I believe Su Xu intends to help me. His gaze upon me is so gentle, clearly imbued with a subtle affection that penetrates the heart
Will I come back? I feel anxious about it. This Rongjin City has actually been very good to me
Jingqian! Where are you? The last time I saw you was on the snow-capped mountain, are you still gazing intently in the direction where you disappeared in that snowy light?
Su Xu's voice was somewhat indifferent: "But did Brother Dongfang not consider that the reason the Rong family supports the Crown Prince is not because the Crown Prince is truly a person of virtue and talent, but rather due to the close relationship between the Crown Prince and the Rong family's eldest son-in-law, Zhao Jie, the governor of Yangzhou."