Chapter 266 - Chapter 266: 266. A promise is a promise.

Chapter 266: 266. A promise is a promise.

Translator: 549690339

Gu Ling savored the surprising embrace, silently watching Su Liang focused on studying the concealed weapon fan he gave her. It felt good.

If it was said that he envied Nian Jincheng and Yang Yu about to get married, it was true.

Yet Gu Ling was also enjoying his current situation with Su Liang. Though they were often acting, their well-coordinated performances brought another kind of enjoyment. Besides having to occasionally suppress the desire to get closer, everything else was perfect.

And Gu Ling’s self-restraint was mainly because Su Liang was still young.

No matter at what age women in this world marry and have children, Gu Ling insisted on complying with Su Liang’s point of view.

“Great God, I don’t want ten fans, can you make me nine other different concealed weapons to make it round?” Su Liang looked up and smiled at Gu Ling.

Gu Ling shook his head, “I can’t.”

“It’s really rare to hear these two words from the Great God’s mouth,” Su Liang stated with surprising “generosity”, “Then give me a discount, five kinds.”

Gu Ling shook his head again, “No.”

Su Liang showed disbelief.

Gu Ling took out another folding fan that was a little bigger from the same series, opened it casually, and gently fanned it twice, “Maybe in the future.”

Su Liang laughed lightly, “That’s what I mean. With the Great God’s intelligence, once you grasp the principle, you can quickly make three to five different ones.’

“I want to eat ribs.” Gu Ling said.

Su Liang immediately stood up, folded the fan in an instant, tapped it lightly on her arm, bowed slightly, her smile sweet, “Yes, sir!”

Nian Jincheng and Yang Yu, who were an unmarried couple and no longer needed to hide their relationship, were holding hands and taking a stroll by the lake. Seeing Su Liang coming out of the Yuanming Pavilion and heading towards the kitchen, they were not surprised at all.

“I’m going to help Su Liang.” Yang Yu let go of Nian Jincheng’s hand.

Nian Jincheng clasped her hand again, “Go ahead. It’s tough for Su Liang to deal with an elm knot like Gu Ling.”

Upon hearing the man who was once a true elm knot mock Gu Ling, Yang Yu laughed and ran away.

“Su Liang, Gu Ling likes you, right?” Yang Yu asked solemnly.

As she was blanching the ribs, Su Liang nodded, “Of course. We are each other’s favorite friends.”

Yang Yu blinked, “Can’t you take it a step further?”

Su Liang, holding the spoon, paused for a moment, frowned in thought, and then laughed, “He has no interest in women, and doesn’t even see me as a woman. We are like brothers.”

Yang Yu was speechless, “What if he changes his mind? Sees you as a woman, and pursues you, would you accept?”

“Ah, this…” Su Liang imagined Gu Ling pursuing her, she burst into laughter, “You’re thinking too much, it’s impossible. We know each other so well, just thinking of becoming that kind of relationship makes me feel goosebumps all over. It’s too awkward.”

Before Yang Yu could say anything, Su Liang laughed and said, “Do you know what he’s more interested in than marrying and having children?”

Yang Yu shook her head, indicating she didn’t know. Despite actually knowing him for quite a while, she had hardly any direct interactions with Gu Ling.

With a slight curve at the corner of her lips, Su Liang said, “He wants to experience childbirth for himself, haha.”

Yang Yu was flabbergasted, “You… he… you guys…” Unable to comprehend, she decided not to question or comment anymore, and just let it be.

Su Liang cooked steamed ribs with sticky rice, which she hadn’t made before. Because she had received a fan weapon today, she was in a good mood and wanted Gu Ling to have a good meal, so that he could make her some new hidden weapons.

Just as the ribs were about to be done, she suddenly heard Ren Dong’s voice from outside, “Master, someone from the palace is here.”

Su Liang frowned instantly, and Yang Yu also had a bad feeling.

“Let them in the front hall first.” Su Liang ordered.

Ren Dong shook his head, lowering his voice, “The person who came said he was here to find Marquis Chang Xin, the emperor ordered him to enter the palace immediately, I didn’t dare to refuse.”

Su Liang glanced at the steaming and aromatic ribs, sighed, and said to Yang

Yu, “You and Nian can eat this.”

By the time Su Liang removed her apron and left the kitchen, Gu Ling had already descended the stairs and was ready to leave.

Two guards from the palace came with an oral message. They only told Gu Ling that he must enter the palace immediately without stating the reason.

Su Liang walked over with a smile, “Marquis Gu hasn’t received his acupuncture treatment yet today. After finishing your tasks, could you make another trip here?”

Gu Ling responded with a calm expression, “Thank you, Imperial Physician Su. I must take my leave now.”

Nian Jincheng wanted to follow him, but a glance from Gu Ling signaled him to stay. The emperor had not asked for him.

Watching Gu Ling disappear from her sight, Su Liang turned around and saw Nian Jincheng and Yang Yu standing behind her, looking worried.

“Could the emperor be intending to cause trouble for Aling…” sighed Nian Jincheng.

Su Liang smiled, “You never know why the emperor asked for him. Don’t worry for nothing. Go eat the ribs while they are still hot.”

“Aren’t you eating?” Yang Yu asked Su Liang.

Su Liang shook her head, “I’m not hungry, I’ve already tasted it.” Upon returning to Yuanming Pavilion, Su Liang found that Gu Ling had left both fans on the table.

Sitting down, she could not figure out why Duanmu Yi would summon Gu Ling and decided to stop pondering over it.

Nian Jincheng and Yang Yu ate the ribs that Su Liang had originally prepared for Gu Ling. Then, Nian Jincheng left to wait for Gu Ling at the Marquis Chang Xin’s Mansion.

Duanmu Yi smiled warmly, “Imperial Physician Su has been administering acupuncture for you these past few days. Has your headache gotten any better?”

Gu Ling nodded slightly, “In response to the emperor, I am much better.”

“That’s good.” Duanmu Yi nodded, “Previously, your maternal grandfather, King Yue of Liang Country came to Qian Country to plead on your behalf. Out of respect for King Yue, I pardoned you. Now that you are well, you should see King Yue and assure him that I kept my promise. There are some matters regarding cooperation between both countries that King Yue brought up but didn’t discuss in detail. You take a trip and finalise it with Emperor Liang.

Seeing that he is your cousin, it should be easy to talk.”

Having said that, Duanmu Yi handed a folded paper to Gu Ling.

Gu Ling accepted it and saw that it listed the conditions for peaceful coexistence between Qian and Liang Countries.

In fact, when Situ Xian, King Yue of Liang Country, had discussed with

Duanmu Yi previously, they had already agreed on everything, The details that Duanmu Yi gave to Gu Ling were based on the original agreement, asking Liang Country to make more concessions and give more benefits to Qian Country.

“Marquis Gu, I have confidence in your capabilities and hold great expectations of you. Do not disappoint me,” said Duanmu Yi with a smile.

Gu Ling closed the paper and nodded slightly, “I will do my best to fulfil the emperor’s trust.”

Duanmu Yi’s smile deepened, “Good, very good! I knew I wasn’t wrong about you! If this mission is successful, I will reward you generously! The entourage has been arranged. You shall depart tomorrow morning!”

When Gu Ling left the palace, he bumped into Duanmu Chen.

Duanmu Chen asked Gu Ling if his head was still hurting, to which Gu Ling responded that it was much better.

It was only when Duanmu Chen met Duanmu Yi that he found out Gu Ling was being sent as an envoy to Liang Country. He was momentarily stunned. Since everything had been arranged, it wasn’t something that Duanmu Yi decided on a whim. Yet, there was not a word about it beforehand.

“My son, what do you think?” Duanmu Yi asked Duanmu Chen.

Duanmu Chen responded seriously, “Your Majesty is wise. This journey of Marquis Chang Xin not only showcases your magnanimity but also tests his loyalty to Qian Country. However, I have some doubts.”

“What are your doubts?” Duanmu Yi asked.

Duanmu Chen furrowed his eyebrows and said, “If Marquis Chang Xin successfully accomplishes the task given by Your Majesty, making Liang

Country agree to our terms, could it be a deliberate act by the Liang Royal Family in collusion with Marquis Chang Xin? They sacrifice some interests to let him earn Your Majesty’s trust and favor?”

Hearing these words, Duanmu Yi laughed, “Now, this is what a crown prince should be considering. I was afraid that you had become soft-hearted and sentimental after becoming crown prince, only talking about fairness and justice.”

Duanmu Chen was taken aback and quickly responded, “If there were any mistakes in my actions, I beg Your Majesty to correct me.”

In fact, when Duanmu Yi mentioned sending Gu Ling to Liang Country, the first thought that came to Duanmu Chen’s mind was: Duanmu Yi undoubtedly did this to separate Gu Ling and Su Liang.

However, of course, Duanmu Chen couldn’t show it. He started talking from the perspective of Qian Country’s interests, but he didn’t expect to get reprimanded by Duanmu Yi.

A cold sweat broke out on Duanmu Chen’s back. Indeed, even Chang’an had commented that he had become milder than before, which was clearly not what Duanmu Yi wanted.

At this moment, Duanmu Chen would of course not think that Duanmu Yi allowed Gu Ling to leave out of jealousy. Even if this was a factor, it wouldn’t be the main reason.

From the perspective of Duanmu Chen as the crown prince of Qian Country, sending Gu Ling to negotiate with his cousin and grandfather in Liang Country was a very good chess move. Su Liang’s pursuit of Gu Ling may have merely advanced the timeline for Gu Ling’s trip to Liang Country, but there was no direct cause-and-effect relationship.

“I’m aware that you have a good relationship with Su Liang,” Duanmu Yi looked at Duanmu Chen and said indifferently, “But don’t forget that you will be a ruler and she a subject.”

“Yes, Your Majesty, I will bear this in mind,” Duanmu Chen said respectfully.

It was then that Duanmu Yi responded to Duanmu Chen’s previous question, “If Gu Ling completes the task I assigned to him, it may be due to his own abilities, or perhaps because the Liang royal family wants to pave his way. But whether or not I trust him depends on me. Regardless, the outcome will be advantageous to Qian Country.”

“Yes, Your Majesty is wise, I have been short-sighted,” Duanmu Chen responded.

“I also want to see just how close Situ Xian is with his grandson,” Duanmu Yi let out a light humph.

Duanmu Chen then asked, “May I ask who Your Majesty plans to send to Liang

Country with Marquis Chang Xin

“Lin Boyan, Lin Bojun, one scholar and one warrior. What do you think?” Duanmu Yi inquired.

Duanmu Chen immediately thought of the wives of the Lin brothers, both of whom were pregnant, but of course, he did not dare to suggest to Duanmu Yi to choose someone else. “They are both talented and loyal individuals. There is no one more suitable for this trip to Liang Country.”

Duanmu Chen knew that the Lin brothers were talents highly valued by Duanmu Yi. One was a scholar and the other a military commander. Their families lived in the capital city and had marriage ties with the Duke Qin Mansion, the Ministry of Industry, and the Marquis Zhong Xin Mansion, so there would be no disloyalty. Both of them had even been considered by Duanmu Yi as potential candidates for son-in-law.

After leaving the palace, Chang’an noticed that Duanmu Chen looked unwell and asked if something had happened.

Seated in the carriage with a cold expression, Duanmu Chen responded,

“Nothing. Has there been any recent news about Duanmu Che?”

Chang’an replied, “I was about to report to the Master, the fifth prince entered the palace earlier today.”

Duanmu Chen’s face fell. He suddenly felt that his position as the crown prince was not entirely secure…

Upon learning that Gu Ling was set to leave for Liang Country in the early morning, Nian Jincheng immediately suggested that he should ask the emperor to send troops to escort Gu Ling.

“Get a grip,” Gu Ling said calmly. “The emperor won’t allow both of us to go.”

“Those assigned by the emperor are definitely there to monitor you!” Nian Jincheng frowned.

“It was bound to happen sooner or later,” Gu Ling didn’t find today’s events too surprising and didn’t think Duanmu Yi had sent him to Liang Country because of Su Liang.

“So you’re really leaving for Liang Country tomorrow?” Nian Jincheng looked upset. His once unwavering loyalty to the royal family had changed. Now, all he felt was that Gu Ling’s journey was fraught with danger.

Gu Ling nodded, “If I have to go, I’ll go. Why are you so anxious?”

“I always feel that the emperor means no good,” Nian Jincheng voiced a thought that could be deemed “treasonous”.

Gu Ling remained calm, “He is the emperor, it’s not for us to judge him as good or bad.’

“What about Su Liang?” Nian Jincheng asked.

Gu Ling shook his head, “She is stronger than you are. Take care of yourself.”

Nian Jincheng: …He was asking about Gu Ling’s relationship with Su Liang! Never mind, Gu Ling always had this attitude of “I would rather die than confide in you”…

“The ribs are delicious,” Nian Jincheng commented.

Gu Ling squinted his eyes and threw the paperweight at him, “That’s mine.”

Nian Jincheng caught the paperweight and tossed it back, “Su Liang invited me

to eat. ”

Gu Ling threw it back again, “Disappear.”

Nian Jincheng sensed that Gu Ling was angry, and silently disappeared with the paperweight.

Logically, Gu Ling wasn’t very surprised about his trip to Liang Country and chose to accept it. He himself had planned on dealing with some matters in Liang Country. However, the thought of being separated from Su Liang filled him with irritation.

At dusk, Su Liang rode on a horse, carrying a big container of food, and brought Ren Dong to Marquis Chang Xin’s mansion.

Gu Ling and Nian Jincheng were about to go out for dinner at Wan Family Restaurant. When they saw Su Ling, Nian Jincheng patted Gu Ling on the shoulder, “Aling, I’m going to have drinks with Bojun, make sure to treat Miss Su properly, be polite.” And he left.

Gu Ling asked indifferently, “Why is Imperial Physician Su here?”

Su Liang smiled, “I haven’t given Marquis Chang Xin his acupuncture treatment today, so I came over. I also brought some dishes I made.”

“Imperial Physician Su is too kind. Please.” Gu Ling turned and walked inside.

It was Su Liang’s first time visiting the mansion of Marquis Chang Xin. As she walked around, she found the place to be deserted with large swathes of open land. There were a few trees, but it was quiet.

Su Liang took the food container from Ren Dong, asking her to wait outside while she followed Gu Ling into a room.

All the windows and doors were closed, finally blocking the prying eyes of outsiders. Su Liang sighed softly, “I heard you are going to Liang Country?” The news had already spread throughout the capital city.

Gu Ling nodded, “I want to eat ribs.”

Su Liang held her forehead, “Help yourself. It’s steamed ribs with rice flour. I made another portion for you.”

Gu Ling took out the food from the container. It was still warm. There were meat dishes, vegetable dishes, soup, main food, and his single-person dinner. The food container also carried the five-spice pumpkin seeds fried by Su Liang, a few bottles of medicine, several medical books, and Gu Ling’s fan.

“The emperor is not just sending you away because of me, right?” Su Liang asked.

Gu Ling shook his head, “Of course not.”

“Though definitely you are being sent away because of me,” Su Liang sighed softly, “Great God, I am sorry. I did not expect this. I originally wanted to ask the emperor to ‘chase’ you to Liang Country, but the emperor would surely not agree. Now I am not a general, but an imperial physician, and I can’t leave the capital easily.”

After tasting the steamed ribs, Gu Ling nodded slightly, “Not bad.”

After a few bites, Gu Ling looked at Su Liang and said, “I will be back before the New Year.”

Su Liang sighed, “The Emperor is sending the Lin brothers to accompany you so that you can come back as soon as possible. The sister-in-law and Yu Jin are

When Gu Ling had finished eating, he put down his chopsticks, stood up, and looked silently at Su Liang.

“What’s wrong?” Su Liang was taken aback.

Gu Ling opened his arms, “Aren’t you here to say goodbye?”

“Oh,” Su Liang reacted, stood up and hugged Gu Ling, “Take care, Great God. I’ll make you something delicious when you come back.”

“I want to eat rabbit,” Gu Ling said.

Su Liang nodded, “No problem! You can have it any way you want!”

There was a faint smile in Gu Ling’s eyes. He let go of Su Liang, “You can leave now.”

Just as Su Liang was about to leave, Gu Ling asked, ‘Will you see me off tomorrow morning?”

Su Liang considered, “OK, I will see you off tomorrow morning. I’ll express my love for you in public, ask my two brothers to take care of you on the road, and bring you some warm clothes. I heard it’s quite cold in Liang Country.” Su Liang laughed, “I just thought of something. Tomorrow I’m going to say something tough in public, ‘You can become a monk, but you’re not allowed to fall for anyone else!”‘

Gu Ling faintly responded, “That sounds good. I look forward to it.”

“When you’re leaving, will you say something like I choose to be a monk?” Su Liang joked.

Gu Ling reached out and tapped Su Liang’s forehead, “You’re the one who’s going to be a monk.”

Su Liang pretended to be disappointed, “Great God, don’t you want to experience what it feels like to shave your head? Look at Cheng Yun, he’s still handsome after shaving his head. Great God, even without hair, you’d still be an absolute stunner. You should be an incredibly good-looking monk.”

Gu Ling was indifferent, “Stop imagining.”

“Yes, sir.” Su Liang said seriously, “But I really want to go to Liang Country with Great God to see the snow.”

“Next year?” Gu Ling asked.

Su Liang nodded, “A promise is a promise..”