Chapter 186: 186. In your dreams
Translator: 549690339
Mrs. Miao happily packed up Xing Ji’s luggage. “My husband has won the favor of his Majesty so soon. It is by divine arrangement. Take Yuyang with you and let him gain some experience and help you out as well.”
Seeing Mrs. Miao’s earnest gaze, Xing Ji sighed softly, “His Majesty has ordered me to take Lin Bojun and Su Liang with me. His intent is to promote them.”
Mrs. Miao frowned, “Aren’t you supposed to be bringing some soldiers? Why can’t you take Yuyang? It’s such a good opportunity, but it’s only for outsiders.
You don’t even think about your own child.”
Xing Ji shook his head, “Do you think I don’t want my son to experience the world? But the task at hand is extremely dangerous. I don’t even know if I’ll be able to come back.”
Mrs. Miao’s face changed, “You’re carrying an Imperial Decree and the Imperial
Sword. How dare Wan Shan rebel?”
“It’s hard to say,” Xing Ji said. “Once this matter is settled, if the boy wishes to venture out, I won’t stop him.”
Mrs. Miao nodded and suddenly her eyes reddened, “You must not get into any trouble, otherwise, I won’t be able to live on…”
Xing Ji didn’t like Mrs. Miao’s tendency to worry so much, but he didn’t show it. He changed the subject and instructed her to take good care of Old Lady Xing and the children, particularly Xing Yuyang, and make sure he didn’t get into any trouble.
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Miao grew a bit resentful. “Yu Sheng has a powerful family supporting him, so he can run around all day without any problems. Yet you worry that Yuyang will get into trouble every time he steps out the door, as if I haven’t taught the child well.”
Xing Ji frowned, “That’s not what I meant.”
Seeing Mrs. Miao turning her back to wipe away her tears, Xing Ji gave a deep sigh, “Things are urgent. I won’t say goodbye to the children. Please pass on my message. Everyone, take care. I’ll go see my mother and then leave.”
As soon as Xing Ji finished speaking, he stepped out of the door. Mrs. Miao rushed out behind him, only to see a piece of his robe disappearing from her view.
Old Lady Xing and Xing Yusheng were enjoying some desserts made by Lin Xueqing, having a wonderful time together.
When they saw Xing Ji walk in with a bundle, they were taken aback.
“Dad, is this another gift for Su Liang?” Xing Yusheng asked.
Xing Ji shook his head, “No.”
Upon hearing the real reason from Xing Ji, Old Lady Xing’s face filled with worry. “Why would his Majesty send you? This trip up north will surely be perilous.”
Xing Yusheng pondered, “Of the military commanders in your generation in the Qian Country, there’s hardly anyone left who can handle this. Perhaps his Majesty suddenly remembered your feats from your younger days.”
Old Lady Xing sighed repeatedly, “You’re taking Bo Jun from the Lin Family and Liang with you? That’s slightly better. They’re both trustworthy and competent. Especially Liang, she’s quite resourceful. Listen to their advice, don’t be obstinate.”
Xing Yusheng nodded in agreement, “With Su Liang there, grandma doesn’t need to worry. Even if dad is gravely injured and only has a breath left, she’ll still be able to save him!”
Old Lady Xing, who was always indulgent of Xing Yusheng, couldn’t help but flick him on the back of his head, “What nonsense are you talking about?”
Xing Ji’s face darkened slightly, but he nodded, “What Yusheng said is true.” Such a filial son…
Xing Yusheng coughed lightly, “Has his Majesty mentioned how to handle the military authority transfer and what to do afterward?”
Old Lady Xing hurriedly asked, “Yes, you’re right! They can’t just leave you to guard the northern border year after year, right?”
Xing Ji cracked a smile, “Who knows?”
Xing Yusheng said, “See, grandma, dad is actually eager to guard the northern border. He doesn’t want to stay at home at all.”
Old Lady Xing glared at Xing Yusheng, then she turned to Xing Ji who was still laughing and glared at him too, “What’s so funny? You’re just as unscrupulous as you were when you were young, making trouble all the time! When Yusheng gets married, if his Majesty doesn’t allow you to return, I will go and kneel in front of the Imperial Palace.”
Xing Yusheng said solemnly, “Actually, it’s fine if dad doesn’t come back. But Su Liang must return before Xueqing and I get married. I’m afraid that she won’t marry me if she’s missing a cup of wedding wine.”
The lofty words from Xing Yusheng earned him another smack on the back of his head from Old Lady Xing.
However, Xing Ji laughed out loud, “To make sure Xueqing happily marries you, I will ensure Su Liang is safe and make sure she returns early.”
Old Lady Xing sighed deeply, “All of you are so careless.”
Xing Ji knelt down and kowtowed to Old Lady Xing, “I have to go now, mother. Please take good care of yourself.”
As soon as Xing Ji finished speaking, he picked up his belongings and left. The only assistants he took with him were Qi Yan and Qi Jun’s father, Qi Jiang.
The two of them arrived at the gate and found that Mrs. Miao and her children were all waiting there.
After giving each of them some instructions, Xing Ji got on his horse to leave, but someone suddenly called out, “Dad” and came chasing after him.
It was not Xing Yusheng.
Instead, it was Qi Jiang’s son, Qi Jun.
“The crown prince orders me to follow the Marquis,” Qi Jun said respectfully. Xing Ji shook his head, “No need, go back and serve Yusheng.”
Immediately Qi Jun corrected himself, “Oh, I mean, I want to go and serve my dad.”
Qi Jiang scolded him, “What nonsense are you talking about? Go back immediately! ”
Qi Jun smiled, “Dad doesn’t need me? That’s perfect, in fact, the crown prince wants me to serve Miss Su. He’s afraid she won’t have anyone to serve her on this long journey.”
Before Qi Jiang could say anything, Xing Ji nodded, “Then you go. See if there’s anything you can help Su Liang with.”
At this point, Su Liang had just finished packing.
Yang Yu and Nian Jincheng were already aware of her departure and had gathered in her room.
As Ning Jing entered the room and sat in his usual spot, he began carving a piece of wood in his hand.
“Su Liang, it’s going to be very dangerous this time, isn’t it? Isn’t big brother Ning going with you?” Yang Yu asked.
“He probably wants to go but can’t,” Nian Jincheng analyzed. Ning Jing looked up at Nian Jincheng, “It’s all because you’re too fat.”
Nian Jincheng felt baffled, how does this relate to him?
Su Liang laughed lightly, “Someone probably thought of having you disguise as him and stay in the capital, but unfortunately you’re bigger than him, with a face that’s a circle larger. Even a disguise wouldn’t work.”
Too fat, a big face… Nian Jincheng felt like he was under attack by these two.
Yang Yu was amused by this, and among the laughter, he looked at Nian
Jincheng, then at Ning Jing, and nodded, “True, it wouldn’t work.”
If someone is too skinny, wearing a lot of clothes would look fake. If one is fat, there’s genuinely nothing that can be done.
The truth is, Ning Jing is too thin.
Nian Jincheng has a standard build, muscular, and stalwart.
“How about if I starve for a few days?” Nian Jincheng weakly proposed.
“Your face is too large. It’s impossible.” Ning Jing landed another hit on Nian Jincheng.
Nian Jincheng frowned, “Then what should we do? You have to go and look after Su Liang, in case she gets bullied.”
“Exactly, we need to think of a solution. You two can’t be separated,” Yang Yu furrowed his brow in thought.
Su Liang countered, “Why cant we be separated?”
Nian Jincheng and Yang Yu stared blankly. They had always assumed that Su Liang and Ning Jing had to be together, but as for why…
“There’s not always a why,” Yang Yu shook his head, “Don’t you want him to come along?”
Su Liang thought for a moment and said, “Either way is fine.”
She hadn’t left Ning Jing since they crossed dimensions. It might be good to separate for a while; she should experience the world on her own. Otherwise, she would instinctively rely on Ning Jing in any situation, which wouldn’t be right.
“Ning Jing, don’t you want to go together?” Nian Jincheng asked. Ning Jing didn’t even lift his head, “Either way is fine.”
“Such a turnoff.” Yang Yu complained.
“I have to leave now. There’s no time to say goodbye to Miss Wan and Zhengzheng, please pass the message for me.” Su Liang said.
As soon as she stood up after speaking, Yang Yu hugged her, ‘You must take care and come back soon.”
“Aren’t you leaving the capital to go home soon?” Su Liang asked.
“Originally, yes. But I’m not at ease if you don’t come back, so I won’t leave for now.” Yang Yu said, “I have to cook when you’re not here.” Ning Jing shook his head, “no need. I’ll eat at the restaurant.”
Su Liang chuckled, “He just doesn’t want to wash dishes.”
Nian Jincheng blurted out, “If Yang Yu cooks, I’ll wash the dishes.”
“Very well.” Su Liang nodded, “Do as you like. Yang Yu, you don’t have to stay in the capital waiting for me. Your work is more important. When you leave, remember to take little Nian with you, I gift him to you. Don’t worry about a certain person, he won’t die alone.”
Nian Jincheng: …
Yang Yu sighed softly, “Stop taking care of me. I’ll see how it goes.”
Su Liang picked up her bundle and medicine box and walked out, followed by Yang Yu.
“If things go smoothly, the emperor won’t let you stay in the Northern Border, right?” Yang Yu suddenly asked.
Su Liang shook her head, “Marquis Zhong Xin might. My and Second Brother
Lin’s weddings are near, that’s a reason to come back.”
Yang Yu paused for a moment, “But your wedding date is not set yet.”
Su Liang smiled, “Old Master Qin said he’s going to pick an auspicious day for Ning Jing and me a few days ago, don’t worry, he will definitely choose a very suitable day.”
“Since you’re thinking about coming back to marry him, shouldn’t you two say goodbye properly? Little Nian and I can step aside.” Yang Yu smirked.
“No need.” Su Liang shook her head, “At most, he’ll just tell me to stay alive.”
She thinks Ning Jing can’t die alone, and Ning Jing thinks she can survive alone when she goes out? What an overtly straightforward relationship!
Yang Yu held her forehead, speechless about them.
Just then a shout came from a distance, “Miss Su!”
A familiar voice, it was Qi Jun.
The Su Mansion was always closed on normal days, but some people could bypass the usual path and come in, such as the Qi brothers, who were followers of Xing Yusheng, and Chang’an, the follower of Duanmu Chen.
Qi Jun ran over, bowed, and saluted, “Miss Su, you are about to depart?”
“Hmm, does your master have anything to say to me? Is it to take care of his father?” Su Liang asked with a smile.
Qi Jun cleared his throat, “My master says if Miss Su encounters any trouble, just hide behind the Marquis. His father is Miss Su’s father, feel free to use, don’t be polite.”
Before, Xing Ji had mentioned that he wanted to adopt Su Liang as his goddaughter, but she politely declined.
“Okay, I understand, I will definitely do it.” Su Liang joked.
“Actually, Master wanted me to follow the Marquis to the north. If Miss Su needs me, I am at your service, Miss Su. If the Marquis doesn’t want to take me, and my father won’t take me either, I’m coming to rely on Miss Su.” Qi Jun said with a smile, “Miss Su doesn’t have anyone useful by her side, I wonder if I have this honor?”
Su Liang raised her eyebrow, “Are you coming to be my little brother?”
The word “little brother” sounded comfortable to Qi Jun. Knowing Su Liang for so long, she always respected their brothers. He sincerely felt it an honor to serve Su Liang and that he would certainly be given an excellent opportunity to grow. His elder brother also thought the same way, so they had a fight for it at that time.
In the end, because Qi Jun was a steady worker, Xing Yusheng finally chose him and let Qi Yan stay in the family.
Seeing Qi Jun nod his head, Su Liang smiled and said, “Thank you for the kindness of Xing’s Crown Prince, but it’s unnecessary, you should stay in the capital and protect him. I don’t need much.”
Having someone to order around is definitely good, but Su Liang is not used to it. She prefers to handle the things she can do on her own. Her previous life with Ning Jing was completely based on shared responsibilities and coordinated work.
Qi Jun thought he might be refused, but planned to make another attempt. However, before he could speak, a familiar voice came from behind Su Liang, “I think it’s fine.”
Qi Jun’s eyes sparkled, “If Master Ning says it’s alright, Miss Su, please agree!”
Su Liang was quite surprised, turning her head and seeing Ning Jing walking over.
Without waiting for Su Liang to ask why Ning Jing wanted her to bring Qi Jun along, Ning Jing spoke again, “You come with me.”
Qi Jun was stunned for a moment, seeing Ning Jing walk towards the room, he quickly followed and didn’t forget to say to Su Liang, “Master Ning has some instructions for me, Miss Su, please wait a moment!”
Su Liang watched Ning Jing lead Qi Jun into the room, closed the door, and already knew what he planned to do.
Yang Yu felt strange, “Is Ning big brother trying to tell Qi guard to take good care of you? Why can’t he say it in front of us?”
Su Liang smiled without a word.
About a quarter of an hour later, “Ning Jing” and “Qi Jun” appeared again.
“Ning Jing” frowned, “Master Ning, this … isn’t it good? If I am found out, I can’t bear such a big responsibility.”
It was clearly Qi Jun’s voice.
Yang Yu suddenly realized, “So, Ning big brother has found a replacement! Really suitable! This is destiny!”
Xing Yusheng sending Qi Jun here definitely didn’t inform Ning Jing, because today’s incident happened suddenly. He truly wanted to arrange someone for Su Liang, certainly he didn’t expect it would be re-arranged by Ning Jing.
Nian Jincheng’s appearance made it impossible for him to pretend to be Ning Jing, but Qi Jun’s body shape and face were similar to Ning Jing. At this moment, he had already disguised himself as Ning Jing and the two of them exchanged clothes.
Ning Jing’s gait even changed, and as soon as he opened his mouth, it was Qi
Jun’s voice, “I believe you won’t reveal any flaws.”
If it was Qi Yan, it would not work. He is more robust than Qi Jun, his personality is a bit reckless, and he is not cautious enough in handling things. However, Qi Jun is a quite astute and smooth person, his handling of things has always been very proper.
Su Liang had no choice but to sigh, “It’s destined to be so. Qi Jun, I’m sorry to trouble you. I suggest you not to tell your master and see if he can find out. After this, Ning Jing will definitely thank you greatly, and I assure you won’t regret.”
Qi Jun was in a dilemma, “Miss Su, Master Ning, I can only say I’ll try my best, to not make any trouble for you.” He started to imitate Ning Jing’s voice, Ning Jing had just given him some guidance in the room, and he already knew some of it.
As for the disguise technique, Ning Jing said that Qi Jun could learn from Yang Yu later.
Su Liang had enough disguise medicine at home, originally left for Nian Jincheng, but it can now be used by Qi Jun.
Nian Jincheng is now not in his true appearance, but still hid when Qi Jun appeared to avoid being discovered.
As for how Nian Jincheng would hide himself after Qi Jun pretends to be Ning Jing and stays, Ning Jing just didn’t care. If he couldn’t even handle such a small matter, it was better for him to die. Even if Qi Jun found out that he was Nian Jincheng, there would be no serious consequences. He absolutely won’t and dare not speak out, he would only help cover it up.
Watching Su Liang and Ning Jing walk out together, Yang Yu sighed with relief,
“That’s great!”
Ning Jing took the medicine box from Su Liang’s hand, “Miss Su, please take care of me along the way.”
Su Liang laughed lightly, “Xiao Qi, you should say, listen to my orders.”
Ning Jing shook his head, “In your dreams..”