Chapter 237 - Chapter 237: 237. Forgive you

Chapter 237: 237. Forgive you

Translator: 549690339

By evening, Lu Yu and Wan Hui came to pick up Zhengzheng and tasted the fresh-fried lotus root that Su Liang had prepared. They also received the recipes for the fried lotus root and sour and spicy lotus root. Wan Family Restaurant would have a new dish to add to the menu.

Leaning on Lu Yu’s shoulder, Zhengzheng waved her little hand to bid goodbye to Su Liang.

It wasn’t until Su Liang was out of sight that Zhengzheng turned her head back.

With a serious expression on her small face, she said to Wan Hui and Lu Yu, “Daddy, Mommy, I dreamt of Uncle Ning! Uncle Ning was hugging me in my sleep!”

They happened to pass the courtyard where “Ning Jing” and Su Liang used to live. It was completely dark in there. Wan Hui glanced at it and responded to Zhengzheng’s words, “Your Uncle Ning must miss you too.”

Zhengzheng lifted her chin slightly, and with a proud expression on her face, she said, “Of course! Uncle Ning likes me the most!”

In the Yuanming Pavilion, Gu Ling affixed a newly made Chinese knot directly to a fixed window in Su Liang’s room. It was a different style from the previous one, but both were very exquisite and beautiful.

While grinding medicinal herbs, Su Liang looked up and said, “It looks really nice. But, Great God, you need to quote a price first. If I can’t afford it, you should take it back.”

“Hang it up first, and I’ll think about it,” said Gu Ling. He then took out another delicate mini Chinese knot for Su Liang, “A gift.”

Su Liang put down the things in her hands, received the small Chinese knot, hung it together with the rabbit purse around her waist, and nodded, “Not bad. Great God’s products are always of high quality. It’s even better that they’re free.”

While busy making medicine and talking with Gu Ling about the possible marriage between Situ Yao and Duanmu Chen, Su Liang started the conversation.

“I heard about it,” Gu Ling said. He was upstairs when Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing brought it up.

“What do you think?” Su Liang asked.

Gu Ling shook his head slightly, “I don’t want to comment.”

Su Liang laughed lightly, “How individualistic. Indeed, such matters have nothing to do with us, it’s okay not to care. I’m going to a feast at the prince’s mansion tomorrow, so you’ll have to fend for yourself for meals.”

In the middle of the night, a pang of lower abdominal pain woke Su Liang up, realizing that her period had arrived early.

She got up, lit a lamp, cleaned up, and felt cold. It was even more uncomfortable lying down, so she wrapped herself in a blanket and sat on a chair, waiting for the discomfort to pass before going to sleep.

At times like this, Su Liang always felt it was tough being a woman. If men too could bear children and only those who planned to have children would have periods, it would make life much easier.

A slightly groggy Su Liang did not hear the Imocking on her door, and Gu Ling, unsure of what was going on, forcefully pushed the door open.

The candlelight was dim.

Su Liang had disheveled hair, she was wrapped in a blanket with only her small face peeking out, pale and looking desolate.

Seeing Gu Ling enter, she mumbled, “I’m fine. Did I disturb you?”

Gu Ling furrowed his brows, “Your time isn’t due yet.”

Su Liang:… She wasn’t surprised that Gu Ling remembered her menstrual cycle, it’s just a date after all. However, she felt irritable at the moment and didn’t want to talk.

Seeing that Gu Ling turned around to leave and closed the door, Su Liang closed her eyes and disengaged herself from the world. She vaguely heard someone go downstairs but didn’t pay any attention.

After what seemed like a while, the door was opened again. Gu Ling came in carrying a basin of steaming hot water and placed it next to Su Liang.

Su Liang opened her eyes in a daze and said, “Oh, I’ll soak my feet then. Thank you, Great God.”

Once she immersed her feet in the hot water, Su Liang sighed in relief, looked up and found Gu Ling had already left.

After a while, Gu Ling returned carrying a soup bowl.

“Great God, did you make me Red Dates Ginger Sugar Tea again?” Without looking, Su Liang knew what it was.

The reason she said ‘again’ was because there was a time last year when Gu Ling made it. She still remembered that Gu Ling had put in a lot of brown sugar, making it extremely sweet.

“Hmm,” Gu Ling put the soup bowl on the table, removed the lid, and a sweet aroma filled the air.

Su Liang took a spoonful and tasted it. She nodded repeatedly, “Nice, the sugar is just right this time. Actually, Great God, you have a knack for cooking.”

“No, I don’t,” Gu Ling shook his head, took a seat next to her. His gaze fell on Su Liang’s small white feet in the basin, then quickly averted and asked if she needed a charcoal basin.

“No, that’s not necessary.” Su Liang shook her head, “It would be suffocating.

It’s not cold, and I should feel better after a while.”

Sweat soaked her forehead, Su Liang loosened the blanket, and Gu Ling picked it up and placed it back on the bed.

After drinking more than half a bowl of Red Dates Ginger Sugar Tea, she felt the pain in her stomach finally eased off. She set down the spoon and thanked Gu Ling once again.

“Are you going out tomorrow?” Gu Ling asked.

Su Liang lay down on the bed and shook her head, “I won’t, I’m unwell.”

She slept well in the latter half of the night. When Su Liang got up, the next day was already sunlit.

During this special period, she didn’t have to jog or practice martial arts; she still felt a little heavy after getting up and tidying up and did not want to cook.

When she returned upstairs, Gu Ling, who had gone out and returned sometime, had already set out food he had bought from the outside, still steaming.

“I will have to rely on the Great God for all three meals today then.” Su Liang said as she sat down.

“Is there no medication to relieve it?” Gu Ling asked.

Su Liang nodded, “There is. But every medicine is three parts poison, my condition is not severe period pain, just bear with it and it will pass. It is said that it will be much better after giving birth.”

Gu Ling puzzled, “Why?”

Su Liang held her chopsticks and paused, feeling a little embarrassed, “Actually, it’s fine if you don’t know this.”

“But I want to know.” Gu Ling said.

Su Liang thought that since she had already told Gu Ling about child birth, she didn’t mind sharing the additional information, “I’ll tell you after we eat.” Gu Ling nodded, and the conversation shifted for the time being.

After dining, Gu Ling cleaned up, and Su Liang returned to her room, stood in front of the bookshelf, intending to pick a couple of books to read over the next few days.

But as she searched, she realized that she had already read all the books on her shelf.

When Gu Ling entered, Su Liang complained, “Books are also scarce resources here, which is truly not conducive to societal progress.”

Gu Ling glanced at Su Liang’s bookshelf, paused, and then said, “The Imperial

Palace has a Library Pavilion.”

Su Liane’s eves lit uD. “There must be manv books in there. right?”

Gu Ling shook his head, “I’ve never been inside.”

“That’s not a place one can easily waltz into.” Su Liang sighed, “But I can try to ask the Emperor for permission to borrow books from the Library Pavilion.

Even if he doesn’t let me borrow, being allowed to read there should be fine, I can say that my medical skills need advancement, which is good for the royal family.”

“I will go and have a look tonight.” Gu Ling said.

“That’s a bit risky.” Su Liang said. The Imperial Palace itself was heavily guarded, and the Library Pavilion must certainly have individuals standing guard day and night.

Gu Ling was calm, “I also ran out of books to read.”

“Alright then, Great God be careful, if it’s not possible, just give up, I can ask the Emperor another day.” Su Liang said.

Gu Ling nodded, and without warning, changed the topic, “Why does giving birth to a child reduce the pain?”

Su Liang almost choked on the warm water she was drinking, coughed lightly, put down the teacup, and negotiated with Gu Ling, “Great God, could you provide some context before you ask a question next time? For instance, you could say that, ‘I have a question to ask you’.” Gu Ling nodded slightly and said, “Okay, I have a question to ask you.”

Su Liang : … is he doing this on purpose?

“Great God, you are really humorous. Hahaha.” Su Liang adjusted herself, tried not to feel awkward, and explained him the topic while considering herself a biology teacher and Gu Ling her student.

Gu Ling listened without changing his expression, nodded and said, “I understand.” With Su Liang’s previous knowledge on physical health, he did not find it difficult to understand this.

After the conversation, Gu Ling went to his room and came back with something for Su Liang.

Su Liang was staring at the small wooden token in her hand, speechless. There were three words carved on it, “Forgive You”, with a signature of three droplet-shaped patterns.

Without asking, it was obviously the price that Gu Ling thought of for the second Chinese knot which she had produced and sold to Su Liang.

Su Liang handed the token to Gu Ling, “I don’t want it anymore, you take it back.”

Gu Ling took it, “Alright, deal. If I anger you in the future, I will show this token and you have to forgive me unconditionally once.”

Su Liang hummed lightly, “I’m annoyed now, so you can use it.”

Gu Ling stood up and walked out, “You’re not feeling well, so don’t get angry.” He disappeared from sight as soon as he finished.

Su Liang: …This person is really outrageous!

Suddenly, she heard Lin Xueqing calling her from downstairs. Su Liang opened the window and saw Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing dressed up neatly, standing downstairs.

“Sister Su, you haven’t forgotten about the flower-viewing banquet at the Crown Prince’s Mansion, have you? It’s time to go.” Lin Xueqing urged.

Su Liang waved at them from upstairs, “I don’t feel well today so I won’t be going. If you see the crown prince, please let him know.”

Lin Xueqing frowned, “Sister Su, you’re not feeling well? What’s wrong?” She was about to go upstairs to check on Su Liang.

Su Liang quickly stopped her, “I’m fine, I’ll be alright after a few days of rest.’

As a woman herself, Lin Xueqing suddenly realized what Su Liang was hinting. She went back to Xing Yusheng’s side, “Then sister Su, you rest well. We’ll let my husband speak to the crown prince on your behalf. We’re leaving now! We’ll have Ajun bring you some food and dishes at noon!”

Su Liang responded without decline as Lin Xueqing pulled Xing Yusheng away. Xing Yusheng was confused, “Su Liang is a divine doctor, how can she get

Lin Xueqing shook her head, “Every living being can get sick. What’s so strange about that? Stop asking, let’s hurry up!”

By the time Xing Yusheng arrived at the Crown Prince’s Mansion and saw Duanmu Chen, he informed him that Su Liang was unwell and couldn’t attend the banquet today.

Duanmu Chen asked instinctively, “She’s so skilled in medical treatment, how could she get sick? Does she just not want to come?”

Xing Yusheng responded seriously, “Your Highness, Su Liang is human too, it’s not weird for her to get sick. As for the specifics, I’m not sure, but I don’t think it’s anything serious.”

“Let her rest then.” Duanmu Chen didn’t have any special feelings for Su Liang and assumed she just wanted to be alone. Since she didn’t want to come today, then it didn’t matter.

Upon hearing a servant report that Princess Yaoguang from Liang Nation had arrived, Duanmu Chen asked a servant to guide Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing to the garden while he went to greet Situ Yao.

Like Xing Yusheng, Duanmu Chen had heard of the news. He was initially surprised when Duanmu Yi planned to have him marry Situ Yao as his crown princess.

But he chose to accept Duanmu Yi’s arrangement.

First, he could not refuse what Duanmu Yi had decided; second, there was no need to refuse as there were no other women he was particularly interested in, he didn’t need to marry anyone specific; and third, Duanmu Chen believed that unless a woman had some special abilities like Su Liang, her main task was to continue the family line, even if she was the crown princess. As long as she was noble, pretty, good-mannered, healthy and obedient, it was enough for him.

Both Situ Yao’s character and appearance were flawless, if Situ Xie agreed to the marriage, it meant there was nothing wrong with Situ Yao’s health.

The only concern was the “obedience” part, Duanmu Chen did not know Situ Yao’s temper but he believed that it might take time to get used to each other. Besides, a princess who had a far-off political marriage wouldn’t dare to go against her husband, her only support. Even if she had other intentions, what could one woman do against watchful eyes?

The marriage negotiation was nearly settled. When Duanmu Chen met Situ Yao again that day, outsiders thought they matched very well, there was a sense of intimacy in the air.

When Situ Yao asked if Su Liang came, Duanmu Chen mentioned that Su Liang was unwell and could not come. Situ Yao looked disappointed, “That’s a real shame. ”

Qi Jun bought the lunch from the Wan Family Restaurant. The meal was lavish yet mild, prepared with both meat and vegetables as well as warm soup, it was enough for Su Liang and Gu Ling.

In the afternoon, Su Liang took a nap. When she woke up, she pushed open the window, glimpsed through the gaps between leaves and saw Gu Ling fishing by the lake.

“He really has nothing to do.” Su Liang commented and realized she had nothing to do and no books to read.

Later in the afternoon, Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing returned from the banquet and visited Su Liang at her mansion, but Gu Ling had already left with the fat fish he caught.

Xing Yusheng sat downstairs while Lin Xueqing went upstairs to see Su Liang. Seeing the study room door closed, she didn’t think too much of it.

“Su, are you feeling better?” Lin Xueqing asked with concern.

Su Liang smiled, “Much better.”

“I thought you martial arts practitioners wouldn’t feel pain during your periods.” Lin Xueqing joked.

Su Liang replied seriously, “Regular physical exercise does help but it also depends on individual constitution.”

“Yes, yes, yes, I have been exercising as you recommended, even my husband can’t beat me now!” Lin Xueqing playfully flexed her fist.

Spotting two red Chinese knots hanging in Su Liang’s room, Lin Xueqing immediately got up to have a closer look. “They’re so pretty! Su, did you make these? They’re really beautiful!”

Su Liang thought to herself: They were not made by her. She bought them, at an exorbitant price, but this was something she couldn’t reveal.

So, Su Liang had no choice but to falsely claim she made them. If she admitted to buying them, she would have to reveal where she bought them from.

“I really like it, can you give me one?” Lin Xueqing asked enthusiastically.

Su Liang shook her head, “Not these two.” Mainly out of fear that someone would be unhappy if she gave it to Lin Xueqing, since he was the one who made them.

However, Su Liang had a solution for her best friend’s request. “It’s actually quite simple. I can write down the steps for you, you’ll understand once you look at it.”

Lin Xueqing was a little surprised that Su Liang wouldn’t give her one. Not that she insisted on it, she just thought Su Liang wasn’t usually this stingy. Especially if it was something she made herself…

Nevertheless, after hearing that Su Liang was willing to teach her, Lin Xueqing no longer persisted, “That’s great! No need to write it down. I’ll bring thread over tomorrow and you can show me how to make it!”

Su Liang laughed, “Actually, I was planning to write it down for Yang Yu. If she’s interested, she can get the embroiderers at home to make them for sale. I can give you a copy as well.”

“That works.” Lin Xueqing nodded, “Shall I come by to pick it up tomorrow?” Su Liang agreed.

The dinner was still bought by Qi Jun. After everyone left, Gu Ling appeared carrying a pot of creamy fish soup, a fragrant scent wafted from it. Naturally, the fish was one he had caught in the afternoon.

Also, Gu Ling handed Su Liang a piece of paper.

Upon seeing it, there were instructions on how to make a Chinese knot. Illustrations and text were clear and precise.

“This doesn’t cost anything, does it?” Su Liang habitually asked.

Gu Ling shook his head, “No.”

“That’s more like it.” Su Liang put away the paper, planning to give it to Lin Xueqing tomorrow. She’ll talk about Yang Yu’s side when she attends the wedding.

That night, Gu Ling sneaked into the Imperial Palace but failed to steal books from the Library Pavilion. The Pavilion had only one door which was heavily guarded. All windows were nailed tight from both inside and outside, not easily opened.

The next day, Su Liang requested an audience with Duanmu Yi. After she stated her purpose in the palace, to her surprise, Duanmu Yi was very agreeable. He easily permitted her to borrow books from the Library Pavilion at certain times during the day, as long as she promptly returned them undamaged.

When Su Liang left the palace, she was carrying a box full of books. It was pretty heavy, but she was absolutely delighted.

When she got home, she shared the books she borrowed with Gu Ling. They each took half, promising to exchange once they were done.

Two days later, Situ Yao’s marriage alliance with the Qian Kingdom was settled.

With two marriage alliances, it seemed like the Qian and Liang kingdoms were truly becoming allies.

Su Liang believed that the Yin Kingdom wouldn’t keep quiet. If Yin Kingdom decided to initiate a war and Man Ya was among the commanders, Su Liang would love to return to her position as a general and meet her on the southern battlefield.

The next time she met Xing Yusheng, he brought news: Nian Jincheng had been pardoned as well.

“When Nian Jincheng got into trouble, the charge was conspiring with the rebel Gu Ling. Now that Gu Ling is free, Nian Jincheng is naturally absolved.” Xing Yusheng said with a smile, “The Emperor intends to reinstate him as long as he returns, he will still be highly valued!”

Su Liang spoke calmly, “After that incident, he might be disappointed in the royal family.”

Xing Yusheng nodded, “Not impossible.. However, I’ve heard from reliable sources that the Emperor has found Nian Jincheng’s location and sent people to summon him!”