Chapter 259 - Chapter 259: 259. This is a kind of disease

Chapter 259: 259. This is a kind of disease

Translator: 549690339

The secret guard responsible for monitoring Gu Ling’s every move day and night had already met Duanmu Yi before Gu Ling entered the palace and reported the second “unusual situation” that had occurred to Gu Ling since the appearance of Yan Shiqi that night.

“What did you say?” After listening, Duanmu Yi simply doubted his own ears.

The secret guard respectfully repeated his report, “Upon receiving the order,

Master Gu left the restaurant to ride to the palace, and happened to meet Imperial Physician Su, who had just arrived at the capital and was passing by the restaurant. Their horses nearly collided, and Imperial Physician Su helped Master Gu while publicly praising his extraordinary appearance, seemingly captivated by him.”

An image of Su Liang’s infatuated expression towards Gu Ling on the street surfaced in Duanmu Yi’s mind, and he immediately shook his head, “Impossible! Su Liang is not so superficial!”

The secret guard blurted out, “But that’s Gu, the beautiful one…”

Duanmu Yi’s face darkened. Gu Ling’s beauty was unparalleled, and his temperament was like that of a celestial being. Moreover, he was also a martial arts master. Could it be that Su Liang had truly fallen in love with him at first sight?

Someone reported from outside the door that the crown prince had arrived.

Duanmu Yi waved his hand, and the secret guard disappeared.

At this time, Gu Ling had already entered the palace gate. Duanmu Chen arrived earlier than him, and after paying respects, he sat upright, waiting for Gu Ling to arrive.

Duanmu Chen knew that Duanmu Yi had summoned him and Gu Ling to discuss how to save Nian Jincheng. The city had been sealed off for investigation a few days ago, and although no one had been found, a clear clue had been obtained nonetheless.

If the incident had really been orchestrated by the two leader assassins of

Yanyun Building, Yan Shiba and Yan Shiqi, both Duanmu Yi and Duanmu Chen believed it was normal they hadn’t caught them that day. With the reputation of Yanyun Building and its numerous assassins, ordinary investigations couldn’t touch them. By now, they might have escaped or still be hidden somewhere in the capital city.

But since they had important clues about Nian Jincheng’s whereabouts, they couldn’t do nothing.

Duanmu Chen hadn’t learned about Su Liang’s “love at first sight” with Gu Ling on the street yet because he had gone straight to the palace after receiving the notice. He had not had any contact with Gu Ling since Gu Ling returned to the capital city.

“Did you know that Gu Ling is highly skilled in martial arts?” Duanmu Yi began.

Clearly stunned, Duanmu Chen replied, “In response to Your Majesty’s question, this minister has not heard of this matter before.”

The fact that Gu Ling knew martial arts did not come as much of a surprise to Duanmu Chen. The reason was simple: if Gu Ling had been weak, he would have been dead long ago.

What surprised Duanmu Chen more was Duanmu Yi’s sudden mention of this matter. Could it be that he was wary of Gu Ling?

“On the night of that day, Yan Shiqi, the owner of Yanyun Building, went to find him and was forced to retreat two steps by Gu Ling’s palm strike,” Duanmu Yi sighed, “He has always kept his abilities hidden.”

Upon hearing this, Duanmu Chen was indeed somewhat surprised, “Is Gu Ling really so powerful?”

But with just this point, Duanmu Chen believed that it actually proved Gu Ling had no intention of rebelling. Martial arts could not be achieved overnight in just three or five years. Gu Ling, as the legitimate eldest son of the traitorous Gu Yuan, would have a future like Duanmu Chen’s present if the Gu Family’s rebellion succeeded. Moreover, it was apparent that the Gu Family was backed by Liang Country’s King Yue and Situ Xian in that incident.

However, there was no trace of Gu Ling at all, and even Gu Yuan had been found to have repeatedly scolded Gu Ling as a disaster at home, wishing he could strangle him to death…

In short, now that Gu Ling’s strength was so strong, he had refused to help Gu Yuan back then, and even after the incident, he had not taken any action to save the Gu Family members. At least for now, there was no evidence suggesting that he had been in contact with Situ Xian. Logically, Gu Ling’s behavior was not only unrelated to the rebellion, but even anti-rebellion in nature.

The father and son discussed briefly, and then Gu Ling arrived.

Duanmu Chen secretly observed Gu Ling and could not help but sigh that he was indeed blessed by heaven, captivatingly beautiful, not resembling a mortal.

“Did Master Gu encounter any problems these days?” Duanmu Yi asked in a gentle tone.

Gu Ling shook his head, “This humble servant has been waiting, and the people from Yanyun Building have not appeared again.”

“I heard that Master Gu had a close call on the street just now?” Duanmu Yi casually mentioned, ‘Were you injured?”

Duanmu Chen’s eyes flickered. Duanmu Yi had already received news of the incident on the street just now? That must mean someone had been keeping an eye on Gu Ling all along, and they didn’t mind letting Gu Ling know about this. Whether or not it was mentioned, Gu Ling probably was aware that his behavior was being watched.

Duanmu Chen was very curious about what Gu Ling had encountered on the street that was worth Duanmu Yi’s special inquiry.

Gu Ling’s expression remained indifferent, “Thank you for your concern, Your

Majesty. Nothing happened, I just encountered the rumored Martial Arts Champion Miss Su Liang.”

Duanmu Chen’s heart stirred! It actually had something to do with Su Liang?

No wonder Duanmu Yi asked about it! What exactly happened? Could it be that Gu Ling and Su Liang had a public dispute? Given Gu Ling’s and Su Liang’s personalities, it was unlikely. It couldn’t be that Gu Ling took a fancy to Su Liang, could it?

However, looking at Gu Ling’s indifferent expression as he mentioned Su Liang’s name, Duanmu Chen didn’t think it was likely either.

Duanmu Yi smiled and asked, “What do you think of Su Liang, Marquis Gu?”

Duanmu Chen found this question a bit like trying to set up Gu Ling and Su Liang, but this was not something Duanmu Yi would do. He inexplicably felt the atmosphere had become a bit strange, deviating from their original purpose of meeting.

Gu Ling’s face remained calm, “As it was our first meeting, this humble official does not know much about Top Scholar Su.”

“First impressions are the most profound. Tell us, what is your impression of Su Liang?” Duanmu Yi still did not give up on this question.

Gu Ling’s beautiful brows slightly furrowed, “I feel that Top Scholar Su has a bold and uninhibited manner.”

Duanmu Chen: …What, what, what? Did Su Liang do something to Gu Ling on the street?

Duanmu Yi chuckled, “Bold and uninhibited? Where does that come from?”

Gu Ling explained, “This humble official does not like being touched, especially by a strange woman.”

Duanmu Chen: …So did Su Liang really do something to Gu Ling? Touching his body? Was it that upon seeing Gu Ling’s beauty, she directly pounced on him? Impossible!

Duanmu Yi’s smile deepened, “Marquis Gu, you’d better clarify what happened. Perhaps it’s a misunderstanding.”

“Top Scholar Su mistakenly thought that this humble official was about to fall off the horse, so she rushed to help me. She was overthinking it, as I intended to dismount by myself,” Gu Ling said indifferently.

Duanmu Chen: …So Su Liang had just grabbed Gu Ling’s arm? Was Gu Ling ill? Was it worth mentioning this? Was he even a man? He didn’t like to be touched? Even a beauty like Su Liang was not allowed? He might as well become a monk!

Duanmu Yi burst into laughter, “We thought it was something serious. Marquis Gu, you shouldn’t be too sensitive. Su Liang had good intentions. However, when we see her next time, we must remind her to be more careful as men and women should not be intimately close, and such actions can easily lead to misunderstandings.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Gu Ling gave a slight nod.

“Alright, you can all go back now.” Duanmu Yi waved his hand.

Duanmu Chen was speechless. He didn’t know if Duanmu Yi had forgotten the main issue or had changed his mind at the last minute, but he had made a trip in vain.

As Duanmu Chen and Gu Ling walked together on the way out of the palace,

Duanmu Chen asked solemnly, “How does Marquis Gu plan to save General Nian?”

“Wait,” Gu Ling replied with a single word.

Duanmu Chen thought: …He didn’t like being touched or talking more than necessary. Could Su Liang have really taken a liking to such a person?

“Marquis Gu won’t dislike Su Liang because of her kind gesture, will you?” Duanmu Chen half-jokingly asked.

Gu Ling shook his head, “It was a misunderstanding this time, but I hope there won’t be a next time.”

Duanmu Chen: …Ah, why did he feel annoyed knowing Gu Ling was like this? Many men pursued Su Liang, and Gu Ling looked down on her? If he knew, one of the main reasons Duanmu Chen didn’t pursue Su Liang was because he knew he’d be rejected, it wasn’t because he had no feelings!

Duanmu Chen felt very upset in his heart and planned to let Chang’an pass on the message to Su Liang after leaving the palace: avoid Gu Ling in the future and stay away from him!

Upon leaving the imperial palace, Chang’an was waiting outside with the carriage. After watching Gu Ling ride away, he sighed, “There is such a perfect person in this world.”

Duanmu Chen in the carriage raised his foot and kicked Chang’an through the curtain, “Is your sleeve broken?”

Chang’an subconsciously looked down at his sleeves, “No, they’re fine.”

Duanmu Chen kicked Chang’an again, who then realized what he meant.

Chang’an quickly explained, “This subordinate was only amazed by Marquis Chang Xin’s beauty; there was no other meaning, Master, please don’t misunderstand!”

“Whether you misunderstand or not is not important. It is important whether a certain person will misunderstand. Hurry up and go!” Duanmu Chen said with a hint of gloom.

Chang’an didn’t know who Duanmu Chen was referring to as “a certain person”, and he found Duanmu Chen too cryptic!

Su Liang returned to Su Mansion, and Yan Yu was overjoyed. Nian Jincheng had hidden early and did not show up.

“Qi Jun can go look for your brother, don’t worry about coming back soon, there’s nothing much on my side,” Su Liang said.

Qi Jun then went out with gifts for Qi Yan and Xing Yusheng.

Ren Dong’s injury was not serious last time, and she had almost recovered. She had to wait until night to meet Duanmu Yi and report the situation of monitoring Su Liang during this time. As for what should be said and what should not be said, and how to deal with Duanmu Yi’s inquiries, Su Liang had already given Ren Dong a special “training” before returning to the capital city.

After a simple wash and change of clothes, Su Liang and Yan Yu sat in her room on the second floor of Yuanming Pavilion and talked.

“Where’s he?” Su Liang asked.

Yan Yu said Nian Jincheng was hiding in a vacant courtyard in the mansion, and also mentioned Gu Ling’s visit to the capital.

“Marquis Chang Xin has returned, but he hasn’t come looking for Achen. Achen doesn’t dare to go look for him either. Previously, Marquis Chang Xin led people to search and secretly instructed me to provide clues, but I don’t know what his plan is for the next step. Achen said that he was being closely watched by the Emperor and didn’t dare to act rashly.” Yan Yu sighed softly.

Su Liang picked up the teacup and calmly replied, “Oh.”

Yan Yu was startled for a moment, “Why don’t you ask anything? Aren’t you curious about that beauty Gu?”

Su Liang’s lips curled slightly, “Not curious.”

Yan Yu felt something was strange and suddenly had a thought, “Could it be that you already knew each other?”

Originally, Su Liang’s daring move to save Nian Jincheng had puzzled Yan Yu

because their friendship didn’t seem deep. If there was Gu Ling’s shadow behind that incident, everything would make sense.

“You keep guessing.” Su Liang teased.

Yan Yu frowned and thought, “You knew Gu Ling beforehand, so you saved Achen to help Gu Ling? Then why has he been avoiding Achen and not seen him? Achen has never mentioned where he is.”

Seeing Yan Yu trapped in a dead end, Su Liang hinted, “This time you didn’t even ask me if I was heartbroken when Ning Jing died.”

Hearing Su Liang suddenly change the subject and mention Ning Jing without any warning, Yan Yu was taken aback, “Brother Ning, he…” she widened her eyes, covered her mouth, and looked subconsciously around and outside the window, “He… he couldn’t be… he is…’

Su Liang just smiled without saying a word.

Yan Yu was shocked, and it took her a long time to recover, “How could it be like this? Did Achen know it early on? You’ve been hiding it from me to protect me, but he won’t even tell me the truth!”

Hearing Yan Yu’s annoyance, Su Liang “added fuel to the fire,” “That’s right, I thought he had told you long ago. It’s harmless for you to know this, you two will get married soon, and you must be honest with each other.”

Nian Jincheng, who was secretly hiding in an empty courtyard waiting for Su Liang to find him, suddenly sneezed, feeling like someone was talking bad about him…

Yan Yu listened to Su Liang’s words, sighed, and began to explain for Nian Jincheng, “He didn’t want me to know so much to protect me. After all, Gu Ling had not been pardoned then, and it’s best not to mention his name to avoid trouble. ”

Su Liang smiled lightly, “That’s right, you trust each other, and you can get married.”

Yan Yu glared at Su Liang, “Stop joking. Let’s not talk about our business, I really didn’t expect that Brother Ning was actually Gu Ling in disguise. So what are your plans for the future? Pretend you don’t know each other? Or have an encounter, and then…”

Looking at Yan Yu’s meaningful smile, Su Liang calmly said, “As soon as I entered the city, I already had an encounter with Marquis Chang Xin, which was breathtaking. ”

Yan Yu sighed, “As long as you two are happy.”

Yan Yu left to serve tea to Nian Jincheng, letting Su Liang rest for a while, and they would discuss other matters later.

However, as soon as Yan Yu left, Ren Dong came to report that a guest had arrived.

It was Crown Prince Duanmu Chen. After leaving the palace, he changed direction halfway and headed to Su Mansion.

Although the two were in a cooperative relationship, formal visits were rare, and most of their interactions were secret.

And Duanmu Chen came today for a very good reason.

Ren Dong invited Duanmu Chen to enter the mansion and head to Yuanming Pavilion.

On the way, Duanmu Chen looked at Ren Dong and asked, “You used to work in the palace?

Ren Dong respectfully answered, “Yes. The Emperor arranged for this slave servant to serve Physician Su.”

Duanmu Chen entered Yuanming Pavilion, and Su Liang came down from upstairs, ordering Ren Dong to prepare tea.

Chang’an nodded and smiled at Su Liang outside, then went to wait by the lake.

As they sat down on the first floor of Yuanming Pavilion, Duanmu Chen looked at Su Liang, “You look well.”

“Your Highness, the Crown Prince looks even better.” Su Liang smiled.

“That maid, are you comfortable using her?” Duanmu Chen was referring to

Ren Dong.

Su Liang shrugged, “Actually, there’s no need, but I can’t refuse the Emperor’s kindness.”

The two looked at each other, knowing some unspoken matters, there was no need to say it out loud. Duanmu Chen knew that Ren Dong was here to monitor Su Liang, and he also knew that Su Liang understood this.

Ren Dong served the tea, and Duanmu Chen took a sip, got scalded and was somewhat speechless, “This maid is really not good, clumsy and inept. If you really need someone to serve you, I’ll send you a maid.”

Su Liang shook her head, “I’m not someone who can’t afford to hire people, so there’s no need for your Highness to worry.”

Duanmu Chen cleared his throat, “Actually, I came to see you today for a serious matter. I have just come out of the palace with Marquis Chang Xin.”

Su Liang’s lips curled up slightly, “It turns out that Marquis Chang Xin was in a hurry to enter the palace for an audience.”

Duanmu Chen’s expression was strange, “Su Liang, don’t tell me you’re really into Gu Ling?”

Su Liang nodded, and asked back, “Is that not allowed?” Duanmu Chen frowned, “I’m not joking with you.”

“I’m not joking either,” Su Liang said.

Duanmu Chen stared intently, “Are you really into him? Then I’ve come to the right place. Do you know how he evaluated you when my father asked him about you in the palace just now?”

Su Liang’s eyes lit up, “Beauty Gu mentioned me? What did he say?”

Duanmu Chen looked speechless, “Can you be more composed?”

Su Liang coughed twice and asked seriously, “Please tell me, your Highness, how Marquis Chang Xin evaluated me.”

Duanmu Chen snorted lightly, “He said he felt you were very bold because you touched him the first time you met. He doesn’t like people touching him and doesn’t want it to happen again!”

After saying this, Duanmu Chen watched as Su Liang’s expression faded and she suddenly became quiet.

Duanmu Chen looked serious, “He is indeed beautiful, it’s normal for you to like him, and I don’t think you’re unworthy, but it’s better to forget it. That person has always been mysterious, doesn’t like to interact with people, and might have some unspeakable problems.”

Su Liang nodded slightly, “Indeed.”

Duanmu Chen then laughed, “It seems you were just temporarily amazed by his beauty. I knew you weren’t that superficial.”

Su Liang smiled, “Your Highness is right. He doesn’t like being touched by me.. This is a disease and must be cured!”