Chapter 216 - Chapter 216: 216. Zhengzheng wants to eat peach slices

Chapter 216: 216. Zhengzheng wants to eat peach slices

Translator: 549690339

Although she found it overly adorable and not quite in line with her temperament, Su Liang put on the new purse the next day.

Gu Ling was still home during breakfast that day.

Su Liang had the servants set breakfast in the study. After they left, she entered the room, and Gu Ling walked out from behind a screen. His gaze shifted downward and fell on Su Liang’s delicate waist.

As she moved lightly, the little rabbit on the purse gently swayed, hopping vividly and cheerfully.

Su Liang didn’t notice Ning Jing’s gaze, and while she scooped half of the porridge into a small bowl for him, she said, “I told the people at the Governor’s Mansion that I won’t be attending their feast today because I’m going out of town to visit friends. It would seem rude if I stayed home without going out.”

“There’s a Lingyin Temple outside the city,” Gu Ling took the porridge handed over by Su Liang and sat down.

Su Liang nodded, “Then let’s go visit the high monk at Lingyin Temple!”

After breakfast, the elderly housekeeper said that a long queue had formed outside again, all of whom were seeking medical treatment.

Su Liang frowned, “Just tell them I’ve gone out of town and ask them to come back another day.”

The old housekeeper nodded, “That’s fine. In my opinion, none of the illnesses are too urgent, most are here out of admiration.”

Su Liang knew that most of the patients she treated yesterday were suffering from common minor ailments. Xunyang City was a major trading city with many doctors practicing medicine.

If there were any truly urgent cases, they wouldn’t be waiting in line for Su Liang’s help.

Hearing that Su Liang was indeed going out of town, the old housekeeper wanted to prepare a carriage. Su Liang declined, saying she would ride a horse to the Lingyin Temple.

When the old housekeeper proposed assigning two attendants, Su Liang also refused, so he could only comply with her wishes.

Su Liang, dressed in men’s clothes without disguise, rode a horse out of the back door of Ning Mansion alone. The old housekeeper pointed out the direction to Lingyin Temple from afar, telling her how to get there.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back before nightfall.” Su Liang said, then urged her horse to leave through the back alley.

It wasn’t until her figure disappeared from view that the old housekeeper returned to the front gate and sent away those seeking medical treatment.

As Su Liang went on her way, she leisurely enjoyed the scenery, not moving too quickly.

During midsummer, as she headed toward the outskirts of the city, the lush green trees and beautiful flowers seemed even more vibrant. Brilliant sunlight filtered through the gaps of the leaves, casting golden speckles while the sounds of insects and birdsong filled the air.

After passing through a dense forest, she arrived at the foot of the mountain where Lingyin Temple was situated.

The old housekeeper said that the temple was originally a small shrine, which had been expanded with funding from Ning’s grandfather during his lifetime. A bluestone path leading up the mountain was also built, which even carriages could traverse.

Yesterday was June 15th. Today, there were fewer visitors to Lingyin Temple, so Su Liang encountered no difficulties riding her horse up the mountain path. Along the way, she spotted a little rabbit running through the grass and instinctively glanced down at her purse, finding it cuter and cuter.

Great God appeared cold on the outside but was actually still childlike… Su Liang thought.

She didn’t see Gu Ling appear until she dismounted outside Lingyin Temple.

Su Liang didn’t know where he was nor did she arrange to meet him there. She thought it felt nice to go out for a walk and clear her mind.

After tying up her horse, she entered Lingyin Temple. The scent of incense filled the air, and the Buddha statues were dignified.

Su Liang paid her respects at the front hall, praying for the safety of her friends and family, then moved on to see the scenery elsewhere in the temple.

Along the way, she heard people mentioning a peach forest in the back mountain, and her interest was piqued. It wasn’t the season for peach blossoms, but the peaches should be ripe.

The peach forest belonged to Lingyin Temple and was a variety of famous premium peaches Ning’s grandfather had bought from the south years ago. In recent days the peaches had ripened, and visitors to the temple could receive a peach soaked in Buddha’s scent to take home, while people from nearby Xunyang City came specifically to obtain one for their offerings.

As Su Liang approached, she saw the alluring pink peaches hanging on the treetops over the courtyard wall.

However, at this moment, the visitors were being held outside, lining up, and not allowed in yet.

Standing at the end of the queue, Su Liang asked the old lady in front of her, “Is it because there are too many people, and we have to wait for those inside to come out before we can go in?”

Without turning around, the old lady explained, “Every year, the temple would pick the best peaches and send them to the Ning family as a token of gratitude. It’s a shame that the young master of the Ning family has passed away, but his cousin, General Su, is still in the city. Today, the temple is preparing to send fruit to General Su. After their selection, they will allow us to enter.”

Su Liang raised her eyebrows, so it turned out that they were currently preparing to send her peaches? How coincidental.

However, Su Liang was thinking about how to get in and have a look around since she had already set her eyes on one of the peaches and wanted to pick it herself.

At that moment, someone exclaimed, “General Su?!”

All the surrounding gazes converged on Su Liang.

The man who recognized her had accompanied his father to the Ning family for medical treatment the day before.

The old lady who had just spoken to Su Liang was excited, “So this is General

Soon, a monk ran over with his hands clasped together, “Amitabha, the Abbot

Master has invited you.”

Su Liang smiled, “Let them distribute the peaches as usual, and don’t make the elderly wait too long.”

The monk then called over the monk responsible for guarding the peach forest and whispered some instructions before leading Su Liang in another direction.

Su Liang looked back again and saw that the peach she had been staring at earlier had somehow disappeared! But that shouldn’t have happened – she hadn’t noticed anyone climbing a tree to pick it.

Su Liang couldn’t help but feel regretful.

Following the monk to a secluded courtyard, Su Liang met the Abbot Master Fangji of Lingyin Temple.

There was a centuries-old cypress tree in the courtyard. Master Fangji and Su Liang sat down in the cool shade beneath it to have some tea.

“This tea was given to me by the late Ning benefactor,” Master Fangji said, a hint of melancholy in his expression when mentioning Nings grandfather.

Su Liang took a sip, and it was indeed an excellent tea.

Master Fangji asked if Su Liang planned to stay in Xunyang City to manage the Ning family’s properties. Su Liang replied that she would find someone capable to take care of it on her behalf while she returned to the capital city.

“That’s good. I’ve long heard of benefactor Su’s talents, and seeing you today, you are indeed extraordinary,” said Master Fangji.

Su Liang could tell that this old monk was not like Master Pu Qing, who was content with his simple and devout life. This one still had traces of worldliness and was quite smooth in his speech.

Su Liang didn’t have a strong opinion on this. They were all people who needed to survive, eat and live, so it was impossible for them to become detached from worldly affairs just by shaving their heads.

After not speaking much, Su Liang expressed her desire to visit the peach forest, and Master Fangji had a guide monk lead her there.

Su Liang picked a ripe peach, wiped its fuzzy skin with a handkerchief, then gently peeled it and took a bite. It was deliciously sweet and soft.

As she ate the peach, she continued to venture deeper into the forest.

It wasn’t long before she came upon a certain Gu, carrying a basket and picking peaches.

Su Liang was not at all surprised to see him there, “I had my eye on a nice peach, but you must have taken it.”

“Yes.” Gu Ling admitted. He had been watching Su Liang from a hidden spot and noticed her staring at a particular peach intently.

“No need to pick more, the temple is sending me some, and I won’t be able to finish them,” Su Liang said.

“You said you would make peach preserves,” Gu Ling replied.

Su Liang coughed lightly, “But I absolutely never said I would make it for you.” She was quite sure about this point, and since she hadn’t agreed to do it, it was natural for her to refuse.

Gu Ling’s expression was calm. “Zhengzheng probably really wants to eat your peach slices.”

Su Liang: …speechless. Such delicious peaches, of course, should be shared with her lovely little Zhengzheng.

She told the old housekeeper that she would return before dark. After leaving Lingyin Temple alone, Su Liang continued to go to the top of the mountain, leaving the horse behind to ride when she left.

On the way, Su Liang picked a few wild fruits and reached the top of the mountain, where there was a large flat area covered with flowers and plants, which looked like a bright-colored carpet.

The sunshine was just right, and there was a gentle breeze.

Gu Ling came up from another path with one hand holding a basket and the other carrying a plump wild pheasant.

The two of them picked a spot with the best view, lit a fire, and prepared to have grilled chicken with fresh peaches for lunch.

In this process, the two people did not chat because Gu Ling asked Su Liang to continue telling the unfinished story.

After telling the story twice, the wild chicken exuded an enticing fragrance, and it was time to eat.

Su Liang squeezed the juice of sour berries on top of the grilled pheasant. The sweet and sour aroma was refreshing, somewhat like a lemon. She tasted it, and the flavor was excellent.

After eating the delicious grilled meat, Su Liang found her favorite peach in the basket. It was too big, so she split it with Gu Ling and each had a half.

They were full, and the warm sun shone down, making them a bit drowsy.

Su Liang lay down under the shade of a tree and took a nap, not caring about what Gu Ling was doing.

After waking up, Su Liang saw that Gu Ling’s coat was covering her and he was sitting not far away carving something.

It was still early, so Su Liang got up, took Gu Ling’s coat over to him, and said, “Thank you. This place is really nice. It’s been a while since we’ve had a friendly competition. Would you like to coach me?”

Gu Ling put away the stone and the carving knife he was using, put on his coat, and nodded. “If you lose, give me half of the peach slices you make for Zhengzheng.”

On hearing this, Su Liang’s competitive spirit flared up. “In that case, you fight with me using one hand, how about it?”

“All right.” Gu Ling agreed.

So, under the clear blue sky, the two began sparring on the mountain top.

Gu Ling kept his right hand behind his back, using only his left hand to spar with Su Liang.

They went back and forth, fighting until the sun was about to set. Gu Ling, who had been feeding Su Liang moves, suddenly stopped. “Look at the sunset.”

Su Liang turned around and saw the magnificent sunset casting a red glow across half of the sky, sinking lower and lower, both grand and beautiful.

Just as Su Liang was intoxicated by the beauty of nature, she was unexpectedly pushed down by Gu Ling. She was about to fall to the ground but was pulled back by him.

Su Liang looked at Gu Ling’s strange series of actions, speechless.

Then she heard him say three words. “You lost.”

Su Liang: …So the earlier break was just to watch the sunset? What could she say? It was perfectly normal for someone to do such a thing to rightfully get the peach slices she promised.

The sun set, and it quickly became dark.

The two of them went down the mountain together and separated near Lingyin Temple, where Su Liang rode her horse alone back to the Ning Mansion.

The lanterns in the Ning Mansion illuminated the old housekeeper’s aged face as he looked out of the doorway for a long time. Finally, he saw a familiar figure appear, breathed a sigh of relief, and hurriedly ordered the servants to prepare dinner.

“The young lady is back!” The old housekeeper was somewhat worried. After all, Su Liang was definitely a big shot here, and it was hard to guarantee that no one would want to harm her.

The white lantern swaying gently in the night breeze and the black-on-white couplets on the door reminded Su Liang to try her best not to laugh. “The scenery here is beautiful. I wandered around and went too far.”

The old housekeeper explained that the Governor’s Mansion had sent another thank-you gift today. It was a gift for washing and sending to relatives and friends according to local customs, not too valuable but also a token of appreciation.

In addition, Lingyin Temple also sent a basket of peaches, which were placed in Su Liang’s residence.

After returning, Su Liang washed up briefly, and dinner was served in the study room.

After the servants left, Su Liang and Gu Ling had dinner together, and the main task for tomorrow was to make peach slices.

After finishing the usual story and admiring Gu Ling’s painting, Su Liang was about to go back to her room for a bath when the old housekeeper came again, saying that someone was looking for Su Liang outside the door.

“Do you know who it is?” Su Liang asked.

The old housekeeper said it was a young gentleman who claimed to be surnamed Peng and came from the north.

Peng was not a rare surname, and there were quite a few people in Qian Country who had this surname, so it would not make people think of the Peng military family from Liang Country.

But the only Peng from the north who could be looking for Su Liang was from Peng Wei’s family.

“Please show him to the outer study room. I’ll be there shortly,” Su Liang said.

Watching the old housekeeper leave the courtyard, Su Liang returned to her room to change her clothes and touched her hair a bit messily, so she combed it again.

As Su Liang entered the outer study room, she saw a young man stand up and salute her, ‘General Su, my name is Peng Fan.”

She had heard this name before; Peng Wei always mentioned him as his precious grandson.

Unlike the rough and impulsive Peng Wei, Peng Fan had strong features, steady eyes, and demeanor. Although his appearance was not outstanding, he still exuded an impressive air of valiance.

“No need for formalities. Please have a seat.” Su Liang’s expression was

mcnrrerenc.

“Thank you, General Su, for saving my grandfather’s life at Ping’an Temple.” Peng Fan’s expression was solemn. “My grandfather asked me to bring my father to Qian Country to seek medical treatment from General Su. On the way, we didn’t dare to delay and didn’t expect to hear the news of General Su’s fiance, Young Master Ning, being killed. We hope General Su will grieve and move on.”

Su Liang nodded, “Has your father come to Xunyang City too?”

“Yes,” Peng Fan replied. “I originally planned to bring my father to the capital city of Qian Country, but on the way, I heard that General Su had escorted Young Master Ning back to Xunyang City for burial. I didn’t know when

General Su would return to the capital, so we came here. My father is in an inn. Due to the long journey and the jolting, his condition has worsened, so I had no choice but to come and bother General Su late at night. Please forgive me.”

Seeing Peng Fan’s apologetic and uneasy expression, Su Liang stood up, “Then let’s go. I’ll go and have a look.”

Peng Fan breathed a sigh of relief and was about to go outside when he saw Su Liang hesitate and turn back. “Since you are already in the city, bring your father to stay here. It will be more convenient for me to treat him.”

There were many people outside, and there were also people in Xunyang City watching Su Liang. Although she was just a doctor, after all, the Peng family’s identities were sensitive, and it was always better to avoid attracting attention.

It was the dead of night, and nobody should be aware of the Peng family’s father and son since they had just arrived.

Peng Fan had heard Peng Wei talk about Su Liang’s generous and chivalrous character, and upon meeting her today, he found it to be true. Because of his concern for his father, he did not decline, thanked her, and hurriedly left to pick up Peng Qian.

Su Liang instructed the old housekeeper to prepare a guesthouse for her friends who would be staying for a few days.

While Peng Fan went to pick up Peng Qian, Su Liang went back to pack her medicine box.

Just as she was about to leave again, she saw Gu Ling appear silently behind her like a ghost.

“Great God, teach me how to practice this skill of vanishing and appearing out of nowhere.” Su Liang spoke as she bypassed him and walked outside. “The person who just came is Peng Wei’s grandson, and the patient will arrive soon..”