Chapter 238 - Chapter 238: 238. The first day Gu Ling left

Chapter 238: 238. The first day Gu Ling left

Translator: 549690339

“The Emperor has released a statement, saying he has found Nian Jincheng’s whereabouts. It’s a ruse, isn’t it?” Su Liang pondered.

It can’t be such a coincidence that Nian Jincheng was found just a few days after Gu Ling was pardoned.

Su Liang was more inclined to believe that Duanmu Yi was using this move to force Gu Ling and Nian Jincheng to show themselves.

As for his purpose… whether they are “rebels” or servants, they are always more reassuring under his watchful eye.

Gu Ling nodded, agreeing with Su Liang’s viewpoint and not believing Nian Jincheng had been exposed.

“So what do we do now? The Emperor suddenly remembered Nian Jincheng, and if you show up later, you’ll have to explain where he is. If Nian and Yang Yu’s relationship hadn’t developed to this point, things would be simpler. Once he gets married and regains his identity, people would suspect from Yang Yu that we are colluding with each other, or even more, some people might even suspect that you are the deceased Ning Jing.” Su Liang sighed lightly.

When Nian Jincheng was arrested in the past, Su Liang had asked Yan Shiba to save him. But in the eyes of others, regardless of who made the move, it was decided that Gu Ling had saved him.

If he comes back, this matter of being with Yang Yu would inevitably bring great trouble to Su Liang, who is well-known as Yang Yu’s good friend. Especially when Nian Jincheng was abducted, Yang Yu just happened to be in the capital, and she was staying with Su Liang.

Even if Duanmu Yi truly pardoned Gu Ling and Nian Jincheng, he certainly could not forgive Su Liang’s previous secret collusion with them, a deception of the monarch. Moreover, Yan Shiba who saved Nian Jincheng last time, had tortured Duanmu Che terribly.

By then, Duanmu Yi might even think that the woman who captured Duanmu Che and saved Nian Jincheng was Su Liang herself.

The reason why Su Liang doesn’t believe Nian Jincheng has been exposed is that if that were the case, Duanmu Yi would find trouble with her by now.

After a moment of silence, Gu Ling spoke again, “There was no choice at that time, but living uprightly today is also a good thing for him. After having a child, he cannot continue to live with two faces.”

“Well, should we ask Nian’s opinion? It might be a good opportunity to reclaim his identity, but there is always risk in doing so now. But if he wants to come back, he’ll have to temporarily sever ties with Yang Yu. In her previous letter, Yang Yu mentioned that she hasn’t publicised her wedding in fear of attracting attention to her husband’s identity. It’s not too late to intervene now.” Su Liang looked helpless.

But there’s only a little over half a month left. If anything needs to be done, it

must be done quickly.

“You…” Gu Ling looked at Su Liang, slightly frowning.

Su Liang understood, “Great God, don’t worry about me. I’m staying at home reading books, what could go wrong? You need to go find your brother. Only you can do this.”

It’s a matter of paramount importance, and cannot be communicated via a messenger. Su Liang cannot disappear from the capital suddenly either. “Tell Xing Yusheng to borrow Qi Yan or Qi Jun to help.” Gu Ling said. Su Liang agreed, “Their brothers should be very willing.”

“Alright, I’ll leave tonight.” Gu Ling stood up to pack his belongings after finishing his words.

Su Liang asked him what he wanted to eat, and Gu Ling said dumplings.

“Starting a journey with dumplings and ending it with noodles? Alright.” Su Liang chuckled. This was a “hometown” custom she had told Gu Ling about before.

Although it was said that Su Liang would make the dumplings, the tasks of chopping the filling, kneading the dough, and wrapping the dumplings all fell on Gu Ling. Su Liang was only responsible for preparing vegetables, seasoning the filling, and cooking the dumplings.

There were two types of fillings, both meat and vegetarian. Su Liang specifically made a bowl of sour soup dumplings for Gu Ling, who loved sour foods.

In the afternoon, Su Liang went next door to the Xing Mansion and saw Lin Xueqing carefully making a Chinese knot. She was almost done with one.

“I told you, once you see it, you’ll get it.” Su Liang smiled as she entered the room.

Lin Xueqing’s eyes lit up, she put down what she was doing and came over, “That’s because the step-by-step diagram you gave me was so helpful! This one is almost done, I want to give it to my grandmother. I’ll make another one to hang in my father’s study! Then one for my eldest brother and sister-in-law, another for my second brother and sister-in-law, and one for us!”

“Don’t I get one?” Su Liang joked.

Lin Xueqing huffed, “No! You won’t give me the ones you made, so I won’t give you one either!”

“Where’s your husband?” asked Su Liang.

Lin Xueqing led Su Liang to take a seat and laughed, saying that Xing Yusheng was in the study writing a letter, “The envoy from Liang Country will be going back soon. By the time General Lin and General Chen have to return to Xuanbei City, my husband wants to have the letter ready to hand to General Lin in case he runs out of time.”

“It seems they are getting along well now?” Su Liang commented.

Lin Xueqing nodded, “My grandmother says they are much better than before. I haven’t formally served tea to my father-in-law yet, but hearing about the past from my husband, I feel that my father-in-law has had a hard time. I hope they won’t quarrel anymore. I just don’t know when he will be back. My grandmother misses him very much.”

While they were talking, Xing Yusheng came over. Seeing Su Liang, who rarely visits his house, he immediately asked, “Is there something you need?”

“Can’t Miss Su visit me even if there’s nothing to do?” Lin Xueqing chided Xing Yusheng with a glance.

Xing Yusheng quickly laughed apologetically, but heard Su Liang say,

“Actually, there is something.”

Lin Xueqing pouted, “Miss Su, you really are hard to please!”

Su Liang smiled, “The emperor has allowed me to borrow books from the Imperial Palace library, and I will be very busy reading them. I don’t want to cook and clean by myself. Can I borrow someone from you?”

Upon hearing this, Xing Yusheng laughed, “We offered to help before, but you refused!”

With a serious look, Lin Xueqing said, “Miss Su, you could just come and eat with us. We live so close. Or we could come to eat with you.”

“No need. You two are so in love, I don’t want to be a third wheel. Right, Crown Prince Xing?” Su Liang said half-smiling.

Xing Yusheng coughed lightly, “Xueqing, since Su Liang is so busy, we shouldn’t disturb her. Let’s send Ajun over to prepare her daily meals and be at her service. ”

“Then it’s settled.” Su Liang stood up, “Starting tomorrow. I’ll pay Ajun’s wages.”

After that, Su Liang returned home.

Chang’an, who had been waiting by the lake, saw Su Liang and quickly paid his respects.

Su Liang approached him, “You sure know your way around.”

Chang’an smiled slightly, “I have no choice. Miss Su doesn’t have any servants at home and nobody to guard the gate.”

“How about you become my gatekeeper?” Su Liang suggested.

Chang’an paused for a moment, “Is Miss Su joking?”

“Of course, I’m joking. You are the crown prince’s confidant, it would be a waste for you to be my guard.” Su Liang said abruptly.

Chang’an was somewhat embarrassed by the sudden compliment but heard Su

Liang ask, “What does the crown prince want?”

Chang’an looked serious and took out an invitation, “King Yue of Liang Country and Princess Yaoguang will be departing for home in three days. Tomorrow, the crown prince has invited Princess Yaoguang to a hunting expedition outside the city, many young lords and ladies will be there. Miss Su, please make sure to attend this time.”

“I’d rather not, I don’t want to steal the spotlight from the future crown princess.” Su Liang joked.

Despite Chang’an attempting to convince her again, Su Liang said, “Tell the crown prince that I really can’t make it and I hope he and Princess Yaoguang have a good time.”

As Su Liang headed towards the Yuanming Pavilion, Chang’an followed her and said, “Does Miss Su have any delicacies prepared? I want to take some back for the crown prince. He said it’s been a long time since he had your food.”

Su Liang shook her head, “No.” She entered the Yuanming Pavilion as soon as she finished speaking.

Chang’an sighed repeatedly. Without delivering the invitation, he had no choice but to return and report back.

Upon hearing from Chang’an that Su Liang had declined to attend the event,

Duanmu Chen sneered, “As expected.”

“I don’t know what Miss Su is busy with. I didn’t dare to ask too much.” Chang’an said weakly.

Duanmu Chen sounded gloomy, “What else could it be? She even thought of borrowing books from the Imperial Palace library, so naturally, she must be busy reading. I remember, back at the Wu family in Bei’an County, when we were attacked by assassins, she even valued her book more than me.”

Upon hearing his master’s sarcastic comments, Chang’an wanted to laugh but didn’t dare to. He cleared his throat and asked, “So we’re just going to let it go?”

Duanmu Chen grunted, “What else? Others will gather for a mundane hunting trip, it’s not even interesting. If she doesn’t want to attend, should I force her?”

“That’s true. As long as Princess Yaoguang attends, it’s all good.” Chang’an replied.

Duanmu Chen thought of Situ Yao’s beautiful face and smiled faintly, “Go get my bow and arrow. I want to do some practice.”

As Chang’an was about to leave, he turned around and said, “Sir, I asked Miss Su if she had any delicacies prepared. She said she didn’t.”

Duanmu Chen touched his forehead, “She doesn’t even give you a chance to pay a bill.”

For dinner, Su Liang made crispy pan-fried dumplings as the main dish and also specially prepared two dishes that Gu Ling loved, for him to enjoy.

After dinner, Su Liang handed a letter to Gu Ling, “Take this to Yang Yu, she’ll understand once she reads it.”

Gu Ling couldn’t appear directly in front of Yang Yu, so she would assume it was Su Liang who sent the message.

The letter explained the situation, with Su Liang suggesting that Nian Jincheng return to the capital and reclaim his identity. Despite the risks, they were challenges that could be resolved openly. This was an opportunity. However, it might inconvenience Yang Yu by temporarily postponing the wedding, making “Ya Yan” disappear from her side. When she comes to the capital again, Su Liang would figure out a way for her to legitimately marry Nian Jincheng.

This time, Su Liang took the initiative to hug Gu Ling goodbye, “Great God, go quickly and come back quickly, be safe.” “Mm.” Gu Ling’s gaze settled on Su Liang’s forehead, “Be careful.”

Su Liang obediently nodded, “I will, please go.”

Watching Gu Ling escape out the window, disappearing into the vast night, Su Liang sighed softly, hoping his journey would be smooth.

After reading for a while, when Su Liang was about to go to sleep, she thought of something and went to Gu Ling’s room.

To be safe, she planned to consolidate all of Gu Ling’s belongings and store them in a place where they wouldn’t be found, especially his clothes. If anyone discovered that she had men’s clothes in her study at the Yuanming Pavilion, she wouldn’t be able to rationalize it.

But after Su Liang lit a candle and looked around, she discovered that Gu Ling had already tidied up. There were no traces of his clothes in the room, nor any indications that a man had lived there.

After once again appreciating Gu Ling’s cautious reliability, she comfortably went to sleep.

The next day, Qi Jun arrived, delivering breakfast made by the Xing Family’s cook to Su Liang.

“Have you eaten?” Su Liang asked.

Qi Jun hastily nodded, “I have eaten!”

“Right, are your master and mistress going hunting today?” Su Liang suddenly recalled.

“Yes.” Qi Jun replied, “The crown prince’s mansion had an invitation sent over.

The master and the mistress both want to participate. Miss Su, are you going?”

“I understand now. I’m not going.” Su Liang shook her head, “They should not have set off yet, you go as well.”

Qi Jun was puzzled for a moment, “The master has instructed me from today onwards…”

“Come back after their hunting trip.” Su Liang interrupted Qi Jun, “They both lack martial arts skills, you brothers should accompany them for protection.”

Qi Jun looked solemn, “Miss Su speaks wisely. I will return then.”

When Qi Jun returned to the Xing mansion, and Xing Yusheng learnt about the situation, he laughed, “Su Liang must be worried about Xueqing.”

Lin Xueqing admitted, of course she was.

The Marquis’ son of the magnificent Zhong Xin mansion naturally had more than two guards. However, Qi Yan and Qi Jun were different from ordinary guards, they were superior in martial arts and grew up alongside Xing Yusheng, they shared irreplaceable trust and understanding.

The window was open, Su Liang brewed a pot of tea and sat by the window reading.

The weather was clear, sunshine filtering through gaps in the leaves illuminated the brighter Chinese knot hanging by the window. Looking out, Su Liang could see the clear waters of Bi Lake and the rich green trees.

Just when she thought she would spend the day pleasantly, she suddenly heard footsteps and someone calling her “Doctor Su”.

An old duck-like voice, she seemed to have heard it somewhere…Su Liang frowned, quickly put down her book, closed the window, rushed downstairs, locked Zhengyang Pavilion’s door from the outside, then jumped back from a window left open, closing it securely from the inside.

Not long after, she heard the voices of the old and young eunuchs outside the door.

“Doctor Su didn’t leave the city, yet she’s not at home?”

“Seems like she’s not.”

“Oh dear, what shall we do? The Empress Dowager is unwell and specifically requested Doctor Su to come! We do not know where she’s gone.”

“What can we do?”

“We should go back and inform the Empress Dowager that we could not find Doctor Su.”

“Should we go seek the assistance of the senior Imperial Physician?”

“What do you know? His Majesty has also departed the city to hunt and ordered the senior Imperial Physician to accompany him. Move along now, don’t be too smart for your own good.”

Hearing the footsteps retreat, Su Liang narrowed her eyes.

Duanmu Yi also went hunting? The Dowager Empress from the Wan family suddenly fell ill at this time and specifically requested for her to treat her at the palace, certainly not with good intentions.

However, to avoid being held to account later, Su Liang simply changed into men’s attire, donned a latania hat, carried her medical case on her back, inside of which were the books she wanted to read. She mounted her horse, left the mansion from the back gate, and took the backstreets out of the city.

With no other place to go, Su Liang went to the Su family’s graveyard at Wangxiang Mountain. She first cleaned the grave markers, then found a shady spot, spread out her own mat, and continued to read her books leaning against a tree.

What Su Liang did not know was that not long after she left home, others came to seek her. It was someone sent by Duanmu Yi, and they just missed her.

It was initially an event organized by Duanmu Chen. Duanmu Yi did not express any intention to participate but decided to join at the last minute this morning. When he went to Ye Garden and discovered that Su Liang was not there, he inquired about her. Duanmu Chen told him the truth, Su Liang had something else to do and had informed him.

But using the excuse that Princess Yaoguang and the other young ladies might have minor accidents and injuries during the hunting and only a female doctor like Su Liang can put their minds at ease, Duanmu Yi sent someone back to the city to summon her.

But it turned out no one was present at the Su Mansion, and nobody knew where Su Liang was. The messenger could only report back with no results.

Because Duanmu Yi and Situ Xie also attended, the hunting event was just as Duanmu Chen had said, it was more of a social gathering rather than an actual hunt. The young girls present hardly had any horse riding skills, let alone archery skills.

Situ Yao grew up in Liang Country and her horsemanship was quite good. But her archery skills were not so great. Despite that, she was the most eye-catching among the women present.

Su Liang had taught Lin Xueqing how to ride a horse. But she didn’t know how to shoot arrow. She enjoyed the beautiful scenery with Xing Yusheng, which was also very enjoyable.

During that time, Su Liang picked some wild fruits from the graveside and continue reading until the sky turned dark. Only then did she realized the setting of the sun.

Standing in front of Su Yuanzhou’s tomb, she thought of the relocation Su Bai had once mentioned, she decided to plan it out and get started upon her return.

When Su Liang descended the mountain and rode back to the mansion, she found a troop of soldiers outside the main gate, “inviting” her to the palace.

Su Liang thought that Dowager Empress Wan had lodged a false complaint against her. She didn’t care and made her way directly towards the palace without entering her residence.

It was only after meeting with Duanmu Yi that Su Liang learnt about the events following her departure.

“Your Majesty, this humble servant had gone to pay homage to my ancestors at the family tombs,” Su Liang responded respectfully.

Duanmu Yi was taken aback, “Why did you have to go today of all days?”

“Yesterday a servant sent by the Crown Prince presented a note, but I did not receive it. I had planned to stay at home to read today. My lack of anticipation was my own oversight and I forgot about the obligations of a physician. I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to pay a visit to the family tombs because I had a dream last night where my grandfather expressed his desire to return home. In my initial puzzlement, I didn’t understand what he meant. But once I spent the day talking to my relatives and was ready to leave, I realized that my grandfather’s dream was indicating his wish to return to his roots. As such, I beg your Majesty to grant me permission to transport the remains of my relative to our ancestral burial grounds in Bei’an County.”

Hearing this, Duanmu Yi frowned halfway through her explanation, looking at Su Liang. His eyes were deep and after a long silence, he finally said, “If I don’t agree to this, it would appear as if I lack human feelings. But, it’s better to wait a few days until the weather gets cooler before you go.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” After expressing her gratitude to Duanmu Yi, he let her return home, completely oblivious to the fact the Empress Dowager Wan needed her medical attention.

Upon exiting the palace, Su Liang finally relaxed. She hadn’t planned to relocate the family graves so soon since it’s not suitable for her to go out without Gu Ling. It actually worked out perfectly a few days later.

Su Liang felt that Duanmu Yi was quite reasonable. Even until now, he had not mentioned Nian Jincheng in her presence, further convincing Su Liang that the Royal Family had not discovered Nian Jincheng’s whereabouts.

The night had completely set in.

Su Liang rode home alone, owing to the fact that Gu Ling had only left the night before, she did not anticipate any major incident for at least three days.

However, halfway home, as she passed through a deserted alley, a man dressed in black and with a masked face descended from the sky. Without saying a word, he attacked her, weapons drawn!

Su Liang’s eyes narrowed, she remained seated on the horseback, not even reaching for her weapon.

The masked man’s blade was nearly upon Su Liang, but he stopped upon seeing her immobility before retracting his weapon.

Su Liang snorted coldly, “Uncle Liang, how many times do I have to deliver the same message to you? The only reason your young master has not appeared before you is because he doesn’t wish to pay you any heed.. You wish to use me to force him to show himself? You must be out of your mind!”