Chapter 253 - Chapter 253: 253. She Doesn’t Understand (Second Revision)

Chapter 253: 253. She Doesn’t Understand (Second Revision)

Translator: 549690339

Yin Country’s Imperial Palace.

Duanmu Chen was tasting the soup that Imperial Concubine Xiao had made when Duanmu Yi suddenly arrived.

Mother and son quickly got up to greet him. Duanmu Yi smiled warmly, helped Imperial Concubine Xiao up, and took her hand to sit down together, “What kind of soup am I missing out on today? Are you making it just for Chen’er and not for me?”

Imperial Concubine Xiao hastily explained that she had just received the recipe and wanted Duanmu Chen to try it out first, fearing it might not turn out well.

Duanmu Chen pretended to be hurt, “So, the soup my mother made for me was just for me to taste it first before giving it to my father.”

Imperial Concubine Xiao chided Duanmu Chen with a glare, “Don’t talk nonsense.”

Duanmu Yi burst out laughing.

The atmosphere was harmonious, and they really looked like a happy family of three.

However, after a while, Duanmu Yi made an excuse to send Imperial Concubine Xiao away, apparently having something to talk to Duanmu Chen alone about.

“Su Liang should have already dealt with her family’s funeral. I’ve been having headaches these past few days for some reason, and even the senior Imperial Physician couldn’t find anything wrong.” Duanmu Yi said, rubbing his forehead.

Duanmu Chen looked concerned, “Father, please take care of yourself. Is there anything I can do to help you?”

Duanmu Yi shook his head and sighed, “I’m fine. I’ll probably be better in a couple of days. I’m just wondering whether or not to send someone to summon Su Liang back to the capital. Your great-grandmother hasn’t been in good health recently!”

Duanmu Chen nodded, “Su Liang is indeed a brilliant physician. It would be more reliable to have her in the capital city. However, I’ve been thinking; since there have been some misunderstandings between her and my great-grandmother, having her treat her could make the situation worse.”

Duanmu Yi picked up his teacup, “It sounds like you don’t want Su Liang to come back anytime soon.”

Duanmu Chen’s heart leaped, but he didn’t show it on his face. He quickly shook his head, “I absolutely do not mean that. It’s just that another physician might be more suitable to treat my great-grandmother. As a citizen of Qian Country, Su Liang would naturally comply with my father’s wishes.”

It seemed as if Duanmu Yi finally heard what he wanted to hear, so he nodded and said, “In that case, I’ll leave this matter to you.”

Duanmu Chen lowered his gaze and obediently accepted the order, but he was not entirely happy about it. He had always wanted to be the crown prince, as the other princes were not as smart or capable as him, so he thought the position should be his. However, he was not in a hurry to ascend to the throne.

Currently, the three kingdoms were in a fragile peace, and war would inevitably break out sooner or later. In this situation, becoming the emperor too soon would be too risky. It was better to slowly accumulate strength and power as the crown prince, step by step.

It was only because of Su Liang that Duanmu Chen began to worry. If Duanmu Yi were to truly lose his senses and do something irreversible, his plans might take an unexpected turn…

Imperial Concubine Xiao returned, and the three resumed their pleasant conversation, as if Duanmu Yi had only come to see his beloved concubine out of idle boredom.

Adult princes had to live outside the palace, and the Crown Prince’s residence was also located outside. Only Duanmu Che had been an exception, having been allowed to live in the palace for a while by Duanmu Yi.

Upon returning to his residence, Duanmu Chen wrote a letter and sent someone to deliver it to Bei’an County, asking Su Liang to come back to the capital city.

Seeing Duanmu Chen’s uneasy expression, Chang’an couldn’t help but ask,

“Master, wouldn’t it be a good thing if Miss Su comes back sooner?”

Duanmu Chen didn’t nod, only saying two words, “Good thing.”

The tone seemed like he was affirming Chang’an’s question, but also seemed like a rhetorical question. He then changed the subject, “Have there been any movements concerning Duanmu Che lately?”

Chang’an shook his head, “None. Prince Number Five has stayed here, just like before.”

Duanmu Chen’s eyes narrowed slightly, “I almost forgot something. The next time I go to the palace, I’ll remind my father to arrange a marriage for the Fifth Prince.”

Chang’an blurted out, “Prince Number Five has feelings for Miss Su, so he might not agree.”

Duanmu Chen sneered coldly, “But Father Emperor’s attitude towards him is not as good as before, so if he acts recklessly again… it may not be a bad thing. We’ll just wait and see.”

The next day, Duanmu Chen went to the palace to attend court. After the court session, he was summoned by Duanmu Yi and reported that he had already sent someone to Bei’an County to order Su Liang to return to the capital as soon as possible.

Duanmu Yi appeared calm and brought up Gu Ling and Nian Jincheng.

“If they are far away from the capital and haven’t made it back yet, it’s possible.” Duanmu Chen pondered, “But I think they might not come back and instead choose to continue living in anonymity.”

Duanmu Yi shook his head, “I believe they will definitely return.” “Father Emperor’s intention is…” Duanmu Chen respectfully asked.

“Even if they settle down themselves, and get married and have children in the future, will any woman be willing to hide with them and not be able to face anyone? Are they going to let their children continue hiding for a lifetime?” Duanmu Yi snorted lightly.

Duanmu Chen’s expression became serious, “Father Emperor is right, I was not considerate enough. If Nian Jincheng returns, will Father Emperor use him again?”

Duanmu Yi nodded, “Why not? He is straightforward, and the matter in the past was not a slander against him. I also want to find out who the woman was

who saved him.”

Duanmu Chen’s eyes flashed faintly, “It’s essential to find out about this matter. That woman caused my fifth younger brother to be seriously injured at the time.”

“Mmm. Che’er’s health is much better now, you brothers should interact more.” Duanmu Yi said.

After Duanmu Chen agreed, he smiled and said, “Father Emperor had selected consorts for me and my fifth brother before, but it was put on hold due to some issues. Now that my marriage has been settled, my fifth brother is still alone.”

Duanmu Yi chuckled, “I have been too busy recently and forgot about this matter. Since Che’er’s mother is no longer with us, let’s entrust this matter to your mother. I trust her the most to handle this matter, and take the opportunity to select you another imperial concubine.”

Duanmu Chen first expressed his gratitude, then hesitated for a moment and sighed softly, “I don’t know if my fifth brother will be unhappy about this.”

Duanmu Yi’s expression darkened slightly, “It’s a good thing, what does he have to be unhappy about? Let your mother take care of it, it’s all according to my wishes!”

“Yes, Father Emperor.” Having achieved his goal, Duanmu Chen went to find Imperial Concubine Xiao.

Now in charge of the Imperial Harem, Imperial Concubine Xiao took Duanmu Yi’s instructions very seriously and immediately ordered the Ministry of Rites to send a list of imperial consorts and their portraits as soon as possible.

The next day, Duanmu Chen visited Duanmu Che in accordance with Duanmu Yi’s instructions.

Duanmu Che’s attitude was cold, and when he heard that Duanmu Chen was going to select a consort for him, he didn’t show any displeasure, saying only that he would listen to Father Emperor’s decision.

This surprised Duanmu Chen.

Upon returning to his mansion, the more Duanmu Chen thought about it, the more he felt that something was off with Duanmu Che. He instructed Chang’an to dispatch more people to watch the movements of the Fifth Prince’s Mansion and report any abnormality to him immediately.

Su Family Village.

Su Liang had returned to the village for half a month. In addition to practicing martial arts and reading daily, she also treated patients who came to her door. Her days were fulfilling.

Her plan with Gu Ling was to not return to the capital unless someone came for her, and she hoped to stay in the village until after the New Year.

Because Gu Ling couldn’t be seen by others, Su Liang kept the door locked during the day and night, only opening it when someone knocked.

That evening, as Gu Ling was tending to the fire, and Su Liang was preparing to fry vegetarian meatballs, they suddenly heard someone knocking on the door.

Su Liang told Gu Ling to go back to his room first, and without even taking off her apron, she went to open the door.

“Who is it?” Su Liang asked first. It didn’t sound like someone from the Bai Family or Qi Jun, otherwise, they would have called her directly. Su Liang thought it might be a patient.

“Master.” A female voice, not very familiar to Su Liang, came from outside the door.

Su Liang was stunned. To be honest, since she sent Ren Dong away before setting off from the capital city, she had forgotten about this girl, and never expected her to find her way here…

Su Liang opened the door and saw Ren Dong standing outside, tired and travel-worn, with two bundles on her back, one of which was round and bulging.

“Did you bring back Mu Ya’s head?” Su Liang asked.

Ren Dong shook her head, “Please forgive me, Master, I did not complete my mission.”

“What’s in there?” Su Liang frowned.

“It’s the head of Mu Ya’s lackey, Qiu Jianren.” Ren Dong replied.

Su Liang’s expression changed slightly, she made way, “Come in and let’s talk.”

Ren Dong entered the door without looking around. She followed Su Liang’s guidance and went to the small room in the corner.

Su Liang went to the kitchen first, seeing that the oil was already hot, she did not immediately go to ask Ren Dong what had happened, but continued to fry the meatballs.

The porridge and other dishes were prepared beforehand. When Su Liang finished frying the meatballs, Bai Xiaohu came over to deliver the steamed buns and took away a large bowl of vegetarian meatballs.

Su Liang served the food and let Gu Ling eat first. The two did not talk, Gu Ling already knew that Ren Dong had arrived and signaled Su Liang to send her away as soon as possible.

Su Liang had the same intention, but she had to find out what Ren Dong had done in Yin Country first.

Seeing that Su Liang had brought in the food, Ren Dong quickly got up, only to hear Su Liang say, “You go to the kitchen and wash your hands first, then come over and eat something.”

“I’m not hungry, I don’t want to bother you.” Ren Dong’s expression was somewhat uneasy.

“That’s an order from me.” Su Liang said indifferently.

Without a word, Ren Dong went out to the kitchen and came back after a simple wash, she took the chopsticks that Su Liang handed her.

“Eat and talk.” Su Liang sat down opposite Ren Dong, “Why didn’t you kill Mu Ya? Was it because you couldn’t, or was it for some other reason?”

Ren Dong replied respectfully, “When I reached Yin country and found Mu Ya, I found out that she was pregnant.”

Su Liang was taken aback; this was something she hadn’t expected. After Mu Ya had stirred up trouble in Qian Country’s military exams, she returned to Yin Country and became a concubine of the Crown Prince. It was normal for her to be pregnant now.

Su Liang asked coldly, “So you didn’t kill her because she was pregnant?”

Ren Dong’s face stiffened, she put down the chopsticks and knelt down in front of Su Liang, “Please forgive me, Master. I thought of your kindness and only intended to kill Mu Ya, not the child in her womb.”

Su Liang’s eyes narrowed, she stared at Ren Dong intently, “Then why did you kill Qiu Jianren? This was not my command either.”

“It’s my own decision, thinking that… Master…” Ren Dong tried to explain in a panic but couldn’t finish her sentence.

“What did you think?” Su Liang snorted coldly, “I thought that you didn’t have your own ideas and would only obey others’ orders. What if I order you to go and kill the pregnant Mu Ya now, would you do it?”

Ren Dong looked up at Su Liang with a startled expression, then quickly bowed her head again, “I will follow your orders.”

“So, you didn’t try to kill Mu Ya in Yin Country, not because you had a tender heart, but because you thought I should have a tender heart?” Su Liang asked coldly.

“Please forgive me, Master… I… I just couldn’t bring myself to kill a pregnant woman…” Ren Dong said solemnly.

“You’ve seen the emperor before coming to find me, haven’t you?” Su Liang asked.

Ren Dong lowered her head and did not speak, which meant she had admitted it.

“I am not your master, you may leave. You can either leave now or finish your meal before you go. This is my thank you for bringing back the head.” With that, Su Liang got up and left.

Just as she reached the door, she heard a heavy thud, as Ren Dong’s head hit

tne grouna. ‘Ylease snow mercy, master! 1 am loyal to tne emperor, ana 1 was forced to do this!”

Su Liang’s eyes narrowed, she turned back and sat down, “If I understand correctly, you intend to betray the emperor and truly pledge your allegiance to me? Is that what you mean?”

With tears in her eyes, Ren Dong looked at Su Liang, “Please take me in, Master! No matter what you want to know, I will tell you everything I know without reservation!”

“Why?” Su Liang asked, “Do you trust me? But we don’t seem to know each other very well.”

“Yes, I trust you, Master, because I know you are a good person.” Ren Dong said seriously.

Su Liang sneered lightly, “A good person? What do you mean by a good person?

Are you implying that the emperor is a bad person?”

“That’s not what I meant…” Ren Dong’s face turned pale.

“Then what do you mean?” Su Liang’s tone was rather aggressive. She was surprised by Ren Dong’s sudden change in attitude and couldn’t easily trust her.

“I… I don’t know how to say it… ” Ren Dong fell silent for a moment, then raised her head again and looked at Su Liang, “Master treats me as a person. In the emperor’s eyes, I am not even a human being!”

“I am a subject of Qian Country. You are talking about the Emperor like this, aren’t you afraid that I will betray you?” Su Liang said coldly.

Ren Dong shook her head, “I’m not afraid!”

“Get up.” Su Liang said, “Eat the food I made while it’s still hot, don’t waste it. While you eat, think carefully about what you want to tell me. Once you’ve thought it through, I’ll come back and find you.”

“Yes, Master.” Ren Dong looked respectful, watching Su Liang get up and leave, she let out a small sigh of relief.

Su Liang returned to her room, closed the door, and sat down opposite Gu Ling.

She picked up her chopsticks, ate two meatballs, and then softly said, “She wants to pledge her loyalty to me. Can I trust her?”

Gu Ling nodded, “I told you to win her over.”

Su Liang frowned slightly, “The key is, I didn’t do anything to win her over, what if she’s deceiving me?”

“You did win her over.” Gu Ling said. Su Liang was startled, “What did I do?”

“You invited her to dinner.” Gu Ling replied.

Su Liang held her forehead, “Who would change their loyalty just for a meal?”

Gu Ling drank pumpkin porridge elegantly and nodded slightly, “I would. It’s delicious.” Moreover, they had just cut open a large pumpkin today, so there would be delicious fried pumpkin seeds to eat tomorrow.

Su Liang rolled her eyes at Gu Ling, “Great God, I’m talking about serious matters here, can you stop joking?”

Gu Ling shook his head, “I’m not joking. If I were a spy, and you invited me to dinner with your own cooking, I would choose to follow you.”

Su Liang was speechless, “That’s because you’re a strange person. Forget it, I’ll let you enjoy your meal. I need to think carefully about Ren Dong’s situation.”

Gu Ling silently continued to drink his porridge, thinking that Su Liang had mentioned in her previous life, a widespread saying, “To grasp a man’s heart, you must first grasp his stomach.” He wanted to express that Su Liang had grasped his stomach, but was he being too subtle? She was so smart; how could

she not understand….