Chapter 258 - Chapter 258: Is the young master alright?

Chapter 258: Is the young master alright?

Translator: 549690339

When Gu Ling returned to the capital city and stayed in the Marquis Chang Xin Mansion for the second night, the person who had been ordered to keep an eye on him finally noticed something.

It wasn’t that Gu Ling did something, but someone came to find him.

“Gu Ling!”

From the voice, the visitor was a young man who stood outside and called for Gu Ling without approaching the door of his room.

The watcher immediately held his breath, focused, and listened carefully.

It was late at night, and Gu Ling had not yet rested. There was still a light in his room, and he was repairing the medical book that had been torn in half at Su Family Village.

Su Liang’s nagging was not wrong. That night, Gu Ling left and went to Feiyan Town but wanted to see Su Liang again, so he turned back to the village without disturbing Su Liang. In order to prevent Su Liang from suddenly waking up and discovering him, Gu Ling took the broken book as an excuse. In the end, Gu Ling stared at Su Liang’s sleeping face for a long time until the sky was getting bright and took the book with him when he left.

Hearing the noise, Gu Ling put away the book, hid it, got up, opened the door, stood under the eaves, and looked at the visitor.

Thecold moon was frosty.

The visitor was dressed in a black robe, his figure indistinguishable, and he wore a silver-cast mask on his face. The mask had only one eye hole, and the other eye was covered.

Gu Ling’s face was half-bright and half-dark, still stunningly beautiful, demon-like in the dark night.

The visitor spoke again with a cold hum, ‘You, are you Gu Ling?”

Gu Ling looked at him coldly, “Are you sick?”

The watcher in the dark twitched the corner of his mouth. At first, they thought the visitor was Nian Jincheng or someone else related to Gu Ling, but after the questions and counter-questions, it was clear that they did not know each other at all.

The visitor coldly snorted again, “My master invites you, Marquis Gu, to come with me!”

The visitor suddenly let out a weird laugh, “A woman you definitely won’t refuse.”

The watcher stared wide-eyed, a woman? Gu Ling wouldn’t refuse?

Gu Ling once again interrogated with his soul, “Are you sick?”

The visitor’s eyes narrowed slightly, “Don’t you want to see your only friend?” Gu Ling remained as calm as ever and asked again, ‘Who?”

“Marquis Gu knows best who his only friend is. My master kindly saved him for Marquis Gu and has been waiting to hand him over to Marquis Gu safely.” The visitor chuckled, “Marquis Gu, shall we go? My master has been waiting for a long time.”

Gu Ling now knew that it was Yan Shiqi who had come. Although Yan Shiqi had deliberately disguised his voice this time, the evil aura in his laughter could not be hidden.

The last time Su Liang saw Yan Shiba was months ago. At that time, Yan Shiba had just returned from Yin Country with serious injuries and claimed that Yan Shiqi had died saving her.

But Gu Ling was sure that this was Yan Shiqi, and the “master” he was referring to was naturally Yan Shiba.

However, Gu Ling believed that Yan Shiba, who had not appeared for a long time, was probably under Yan Shiqi’s control by now. Otherwise, it would have been Yan Shiba who came tonight, and she wouldn’t have used Nian Jincheng as an excuse. Gu Ling knew where Nian Jincheng was, so he was sure Yan Shiqi was setting a trap to lure him somewhere else, and there would be no good outcome.

But, Gu Ling did not expose Yan Shiqi. Knowing that Duanmu Yi had arranged for someone to watch him, and since Yan Shiqi had brought up that it was Yan Shiba who saved Nian Jincheng, Gu Ling could take advantage of the situation, confirm this, and dispel Duanmu Yi’s suspicion.

“Let your master come to see me.” Gu Ling’s expression was indifferent.

Yan Shiqi lightly hummed, “If Marquis Gu cares about his friend’s safety, he should follow me quickly. Although my master has told me not to make things difficult for you, she also ordered that she must see you tonight.”

Gu Ling shook his head slightly, “Let her come to see me.”

Yan Shiqi’s voice became even colder, “Marquis Gu, don’t force me to be rude by refusing a toast and having to take the punishment instead!”

“Go back and tell your master that if she wants to see me, come with Nian Jincheng.” Gu Ling turned around and was about to go back to his room.

Just before Gu Ling closed the door, Yan Shiqi moved, taking a step and swinging his palm towards Gu Ling!

Gu Ling deftly parried with a palm, remaining in his original position, while Yan Shiqi stumbled back two steps, his eyes full of astonishment. “I never thought that the legendary Gu beauty would be an unknown master! In that case, why don’t you dare to go with me?”

“Have your master speak to me.” Gu Ling finished, then heavily closed the door.

Yan Shiqi stood quietly in the courtyard, looking at his one remaining hand, his eyes full of hatred. Gu Ling was even more beautiful than the rumors, but what he never expected was that Gu Ling’s martial arts skills were above his! Fortunately, he had been cautious and decided to test the waters first. If he had taken action directly, it would have been difficult for him to escape unscathed!

Yan Shiqi cast one cold glance at Gu Ling’s room door before disappearing into the night.

After another quarter of an hour, Gu Ling’s room darkened, and the secret guard quietly left the Marquis Chang Xin Mansion and headed towards the direction of the Imperial Palace.

Duanmu Yi had instructed that if there was any abnormal situation with Gu Ling, he should be informed immediately , regardless of how late it was.

It was already late at night, Duanmu Yi listened to the report with a surprised expression, “Could it be that he arranged for someone to act just to cover up

the lie?”

Duanmu Yi contemplated, “A woman? It was indeed a woman who saved the Nian Jincheng siblings. If it was arranged by Gu Ling, he should have followed tonight, and then Nian Jincheng would naturally appear. You said, Gu Ling is a master?”

The secret guard was not quite sure, “Your Majesty, I was afraid of being discovered, so I stayed far away. I only saw Master Gu and that person exchange a palm strike, with the other person retreating two steps and not attacking again. I dare not speculate on Master Gu’s strength.”

But actually, Duanmu Yi was not surprised that Gu Ling knew martial arts. If he was truly just a gentle and beautiful person, he would not have been able to vanish without a trace back then.

Gu Ling had stayed in Huguo Temple for a long time. After he left, Master Pu Hui, the abbot of Huguo Temple, told Duanmu Yi honestly that a high monk was impressed with Gu Ling’s talents, took him as a disciple, and taught him martial arts.

This point, from another angle, could be seen as the reason why Gu Ling didn’t collude with anyone and managed to survive on his own until now.

Compared to Gu Ling being a master himself, Duanmu Yi was more wary of the idea of him colluding with others for treason.

“He is not willing to go because he is cautious. If there really is a woman who saved Nian Jincheng, and Nian Jincheng is still in her hands even now, the fact that Gu Ling has seemed to invite him tonight means…” Duanmu Yi calmly evaluated tonight’s events, thinking that Gu Ling’s actions were rational and not suspicious. “It seems that the woman is, more often than not, Gu Ling’s admirer.”

As things developed to this point, after sorting out all the known information, the only “truth” Duanmu Yi could deduce was: there was a mysterious woman who took a fancy to Gu Ling but couldn’t find him. When she found out that Gu Ling’s friend Nian Jincheng had been captured, she saved him. Perhaps she wanted to learn Gu Ling’s whereabouts from Nian Jincheng, but after all this time, she got nothing. Either Nian Jincheng didn’t know where Gu Ling was, or he knew but wouldn’t tell. So now the woman was only contacting Gu Ling, not showing herself, but rather sending someone to try to use Nian Jincheng to get him to meet…

Highly skilled in martial arts, a mysterious woman wanted Gu Ling… this point, regardless of whoever else it would be, would seem far-fetched and even absurd without evidence. But happening to Gu Ling, it made perfect sense; his face was the evidence that even Duanmu Yi believed.

“Keep an eye on them and don’t do anything rash just yet. Let’s see what he will do.” Duanmu Yi felt that Gu Ling couldn’t possibly ignore Nian Jincheng. “Increase manpower, and if a woman appears, capture her!”

On the other hand, Yan Shiqi returned to see Yan Shiba.

Yan Shiba mocked and ridiculed Yan Shiqi for not having captured Gu Ling.

Yan Shiqi remained silent for a long time, as if he hadn’t heard it. When Yan Shiba was tired of cursing and prepared to sleep, Yan Shiqi suddenly spoke, “Gu Ling is very strong. Did you know before? You know him, don’t you? When? Where?”

Yan Shiba’s eyes, which had just closed, opened again, looking at Yan Shiqi with laughter. “Of course… in a dream…hahaha! You saw Gu Ling with your own eyes, and you were beaten by him. How could you still have the face to live?” Yan Shiqi snorted coldly, “I don’t believe he won’t care about Nian Jincheng!”

“But you don’t have Nian Jincheng in your hands.” Yan Shiba sneered, “I know where he is. Stab yourself and I’ll tell you!”

Yan Shiqi’s face turned cold, “Isn’t it you who wants to see Gu Ling?”

Yan Shiba smiled seductively, “Shiqi, can you come to your senses? I advise you not to provoke Gu Ling anymore. It’s just humiliating yourself. I really feel pity for you.”

Hearing this, Yan Shiqi snorted, “Just wait and see!” and then left.

Yan Shiba lay down, sighing softly. “I just love those who are beautiful and skilled in martial arts…” His voice suddenly lowered, his eyes became gentle,

and he whispered three words, “little monk.”

Early the next morning, after the court, Duanmu Yi received a report that Marquis Chang Xin was seeking an audience.

Duanmu Yi had a feeling that it had something to do with what happened last night. He met Gu Ling in the Imperial Study.

What happened next surprised Duanmu Yi. Gu Ling honestly told him about the person who came to see him last night, exactly as the secret guard had said. Finally, Gu Ling made a request, hoping that Duanmu Yi could arrange for someone to rescue Nian Jincheng.

“How does Marquis Chang Xin think he should be saved?” Duanmu Yi asked in a faint tone.

Gu Ling narrowed his eyes and said, “Seal the city gates and conduct a full city search.’

Duanmu Yi’s eyes were deep and mysterious, “Now is a time when we need people. If something really happened to Nian Jincheng, it is not what I hope to see. In that case, just follow your plan. You do this, no matter how many people you need, I will approve.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Gu Ling left the palace after expressing his gratitude, and soon Lin Bojun arrived with his men, following Gut s orders.

In broad daylight, the capital city’s gate was suddenly closed, leaving the common people confused and uneasy.

Soon the news spread that someone had captured Nian Jincheng and was hiding in the capital city. The emperor ordered Gu Ling to search for him, and anyone who provided useful clues would be heavily rewarded.

Nian Jincheng, who was staying at the Su Mansion, received the news and spat out a mouthful of tea.

Yang Yu handed him a handkerchief to help him wipe his face and looked worried, “How could this happen? If you’re found out, won’t that be bad? Will someone suspect I captured you?”

Nian Jincheng coughed lightly, “No. Since it’s Aling personally leading the search, there’s no need to worry. It seems I’ll be able to restore my identity soon. I hope we can get married this year.”

“Let’s wait until Su Liang comes back. If she has other arrangements, we’ll listen to her.” Yang Yu said seriously.

Nian Jincheng: … He had thought Yang Yu had no “head of the family” and was wrong. Su Liang was the one, and Yang Yu was so self-disciplined to follow her words!

Yan Shiqi had never expected things to develop in this direction. With his strength, it was easy to hide in the capital city.

However, just as the search began, another piece of news quickly spread that the thief they were looking for had one blind eye and one severed hand. Any clue about this one-eyed man with one hand would be greatly rewarded!

Upon hearing this, Yan Shiqi was furious. Compared to worrying about his own safety, he felt this was a great insult to him!

When the search reached the Su Mansion, Yang Yu had already had Nian Jincheng hide in the dungeon in advance.

“This is Su Mansion; you’re not a Su, where is the master of the house?” Gu Ling asked Yang Yu with an indifferent look. They had met yesterday at the Embroidery Workshop, so he “could know” who Yang Yu was.

Yang Yu smiled, “Marquis, this mansion belongs to my friend named Su Liang, who has been away from the capital recently. I’m staying here.”

“Su, Liang?” Gu Ling repeated the name and nodded slightly, “I have heard of her.”

Gu Ling stood by the lake next to Yuanming Pavilion, waiting for the search to continue. Yang Yu stood not far away, and the atmosphere became silent.

“The one-eyed, one-handed man is Yan Shiqi, the owner of Yanyun Building.” Gu Ling suddenly said in a low voice.

Yang pretended to bend down to nick on fallen leaves from the ground.

avoiding anyone seeing her astonished expression.

By the time Yang Yu stood up, Gu Ling had turned his back to her. Lin Bojun came running over and reported the search results to Gu. Naturally, there was nothing suspicious.

“It’s been hard; let’s go.” Gu Ling said as he prepared to leave. Yang Yu hesitated and called out to him, “Marquis, please wait!”

Lin Bojun frowned, “Miss Yang, do you have any leads to provide?”

Yang Yu frowned and asked, “I heard that the person you’re looking for is a one-eyed, one-handed man?”

Lin Bojun nodded, “If Miss Yang knows anything, please be sure to inform us.”

Yang Yu sighed softly, “I don’t want to cause trouble. If I tell you, can you promise not to let anyone know that the information came from me?”

Lin Bojun looked at Gu Ling, who nodded slightly, “You can tell.”

“There was an incident at my home before, and I offended someone. I’ve been targeted by assassins more than once.” Yang Yu said seriously, “Later, I wanted to find the owner of Yanyun Building, pay a high price to protect myself, and ask Yanyun Building to name a price but not to accept any business related to me.”

Lin Bojun was puzzled, “What does this have to do with the current situation? Please, Miss Yang, be clear.”

Yang Yu’s eyes narrowed, “Now, the owner of Yanyun Building has only one eye and one hand.”

Gu Ling said indifferently, “As far as I know, Yan Shiba is a woman.”

Yang Yu shook her head, “Yanyun Building has changed hands, and the owner is not Yan Shiba, but Yan Shiqi.”

“Yan Shiba is a woman?” Lin Bojun frowned, “Yan Shiqi is the one-eyed, hand-amputated man? Marquis, could it be that these are the people we are looking for?”

Lin Bojun is friends with Nian Jincheng and is very concerned about his safety. He genuinely wants to find him and takes the clues provided by Yang Yu very seriously. He also understands why she didn’t want to say anything and promises not to leak any information.

After leaving the Su Mansion, Gu Ling and Lin Bojun continued to lead a search party. After searching for another hour, they released the news that a mysterious person had provided a clue that the one-eyed, hand-amputated person they were looking for was none other than Yan Shiqi, the new leader of Yanyun Building.

Lin Bojun reported the latest progress to the Imperial Palace, not daring to conceal from Duanmu Yi that the clue was provided by Miss Yang.

Duanmu Yi’s face darkened, “Yan Shiba, Yan Shiqi… Yes, the woman who rescued Nian Jincheng back then must have been Yan Shiba! No wonder she is so ruthless! I didn’t expect Gu Ling to be taken fancy by a female assassin leader!”

But after searching until nightfall, they still did not find any sign of Yan Shiba or Yan Shiqi.

However, Gu Ling’s goal had been achieved. He had no interest in what had happened between Yan Shiba and Yan Shiqi, nor in whether Yan Shiba needed his help. After this, it would be enough to make Duanmu Yi believe that the rescue of Nian Jincheng was done by Yan Shiba.

After a few more days, Nian Jincheng could reappear, claiming that Yan Shiba and Yan Shiqi had an internal conflict, and he escaped amidst the chaos.

In the following days, Yan Shiqi did not show up again, and Gu Ling still went to the street-facing private dining room in Wan Family Restaurant every day. Xing Yusheng often brought Lin Xueqing along, always sitting in the next room.

On this cloudy day, Gu Ling estimated that Su Liang would arrive either today or tomorrow. After dinner, he sat by the window, his stunning side profile facing the street, visible to anyone passing by on horseback.

Gu Ling held a teacup in one hand but did not drink, putting it down to switch hands, avoiding the cup blocking his face.

After the tea had cooled, Su Liang still hadn’t appeared. Gu Ling didn’t leave, instead taking out a book to read.

Just after turning a page, he heard a knock at the door, “The Emperor commands Marquis Chang Xin to enter the palace immediately!”

Gu Ling furrowed his brows but had no choice but to close the book and open the door. Standing outside were two palace guards who repeated their earlier words.

Gu Ling went downstairs, and a waiter brought a horse. Just as Gu Ling was about to mount, he heard someone shout from a short distance, “The Martial Arts Champion has returned!”

Gu Ling didn’t turn to look, his movements to mount the horse as graceful as flowing water, his back straight, and his face and silhouette otherworldly.

Gu Ling seemed not to hear the approaching hooves as he “naturally” rode out of the alley next to the Wan Family Restaurant.

“Watch out!”

A familiar female voice rang out, and the two horses were about to collide. Su Liang leapt up from her horse in the open and grabbed Gu Ling’s arm, pulling him as they both landed safely on the ground.

“So beautiful!” someone exclaimed.

“Are you alright, sir?” Su Liang asked, smiling as she let go of Gu Ling’s arm.

Gu Ling, his head lowered, slowly looked up at Su Liang.

A thunderclap echoed through the sky, the wind picking up and blowing Gu Ling’s hair across Su Liang’s cheek.

Their eyes met, seemingly isolated from everyone else.

“Master,” Qi Jun spoke.

After calling her name three times, Su Liang finally came to her senses.

The crowd around them seemed to understand, the Top Scholar, Su Liang, was enchanted by the beautiful Gu Ling!

“I am Su Liang. May I ask your name, sir?” Su Liang inquired with a bow.

Gu Ling, with an indifferent expression, turned and left, leaving two words behind, “Gu Ling.”

Su Liang’s gaze followed Gu Ling’s figure until he disappeared, then she sighed, “Truly, truly, truly beautiful!” Qi Jun: …I can’t bear to look.

Ren Dong: …This is not her master!

The onlookers: …Their gossip-souls burning, they couldn’t wait to see the scene of Su Liang madly pursuing Gu Ling!