Chapter 275 - Chapter 275: 275. Reunion

Chapter 275: 275. Reunion

Translator: 549690339

Qian Country’s Xuanbei City.

As the twelfth lunar month approached, the weather grew colder.

On this day, someone from the capital city arrived, bringing the transfer order for Che Yun.

After listening to Xing Ji’s advice, Duanmu Yi transferred Che Yun to serve as a general in the south, and promoted him by one rank; just like Nian Jincheng before the incident, and now Lin Bojun, Che Yun became one of the highest-ranking young generals in Qian Country’s military.

Xing Ji sent someone to summon Che Yun and read aloud the transfer order.

After sending away the person who had come from the capital city, Che Yun took a deep breath, bowed deeply with respect, and solemnly thanked Xing Ji for his guidance and care all along.

Xing Ji helped Che Yun up, pulled him to sit down, “There are no outsiders here, so there is no need to be so formal. Your ability and temperament are both excellent, and the achievements you have made today are all due to your own efforts. There’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about.”

Che Yun replied seriously, “Please speak, Marquis.”

“Before Lian Shun came to Xuanbei City, I always thought you had a very cheerful personality. But after Lian Shun arrived, the contrast between the two of you made me realize that you seemed to have a heavy heart, but you just didn’t want to show it.” Xing Ji asked with concern, “Is it because of your brother’s situation?”

Hearing these words, Che Yun closed his eyes and said heavily, “Back then, I was the one who took my little brother out to play and lost him. I can never forgive myself if I can’t find him.”

Xing Ji was taken aback. They all knew that Che Yun had a missing brother, but this was the first time they heard that Che Xiao was kidnapped while playing with Che Yun.

Xing Ji sighed, “You were young at the time, how could you have guarded against scheming kidnappers? Don’t blame yourself too much. ”

“Actually, I know my parents hate me.” Che Yun said bitterly, “But they try their best to hide it, not wanting me to see it. Once I merely suggested that we should look forward and make the best of our lives for now, and the way my parents looked at me then is something I’ll never forget. A few days ago, Su Liang came and said that if I got married and my parents embraced their grandchild, they might feel better, but I know that nothing will change. If I get married, my parents will only hate me more because my brother’s life and death are uncertain, and we don’t even know where he is suffering. What right do I have to be happy?

Xing Ji frowned, “How can you think like that? Your parents are depressed and can’t let go; you should comfort them properly. How can your family live happily like this?”

Che Yun took a deep breath, shook his head, and said, “Actually, my life now is not too bad. I have mv Darents. food. and clothing. a few good friends. and I can even do what I like. Compared to my little brother, who is somewhere unknown, I am already very fortunate. Marquis, there’s no need to persuade me; I know what I’m doing.”

Xing Ji patted Che Yun’s shoulder once again, “Fine, if you say so, I won’t say more.” From his own experience, he knew that outsiders could never truly understand family matters, and preaching great principles was often of no use. Affection could serve as support, but at times it could also become an inescapable bondage, or even an immovable boulder weighing down on one’s heart.

The Imperial Edict had already been issued, and Che Yun had to set off for the south within three days.

“Go home and talk to your parents. They can accompany you to the south and continue looking for your brother. Su Liang is also helping you. Leave a servant here at home; if Che Xiao returns, let him come to me, and I’ll inform you immediately.” Xing Ji said as he sent Che Yun to the door.

Che Yun nodded, “Thank you, Marquis.” He took a deep breath and said, “I should go back and tell my parents about the trip to the south.”

“Go ahead, talk to them properly; if it doesn’t work out, let me know, and I’ll talk to them.” Xing Ji said.

When Che Yun returned to the Che family home, it was quiet, but he knew everyone was there.

He entered his father and mother’s room, closed the door behind him, and went over to sit down. His mother handed him a cup of hot tea.

Che’s father asked, “The transfer order has arrived, right? When do you set off?”

Che Yun said calmly, “The day after tomorrow. Tomorrow, I’ll accompany mother to the Ping’an Temple to offer incense.”

Che’s father nodded, “All right.”

Che’s mother, with tearful eyes, grabbed Che Yun’s arm, “This time when you go to the south, as long as you finish the tasks the master has given you, will he return our child to us?”

With one hand holding the teacup, Che Yun looked down at her slender, pale hand clasping his arm, his voice low, “Don’t worry, I’ll bring your child back.” “What about… you?” Che’s mother’s voice choked.

Che’s father frowned, “Why are you asking that? Young Master is the Lord’s own grandson; the Lord will naturally make proper arrangements.”

Hearing this, Che Yun placed the teacup down, gently removed his mother’s hand, and when he looked up again, there was no warmth in his eyes. “Once the matter is settled, we’ll have nothing more to do with each other.” Having said that, he got up and left.

Che’s father stared at Che Yun’s retreating figure, his eyes lost in thought.

However, Che’s mother covered her face and sobbed, “He’s also a child we raised with our own hands…”

Yao City, Liang Country.

Gu Ling lived in King Yue’s Mansion and hardly went out. Every day, he either read books in his room or took a walk in the garden.

The original garden of King Yue’s Mansion was very beautiful, but now most of the trees had been removed. Although new ones were planted quickly, the view was not as good as before.

One sunny day, Lian Shun went out early in the morning and usually came back only after dark.

In the afternoon, Gu Ling sat alone in the lake pavilion of King Yue’s Mansion garden. Thick wind curtains hung around the pavilion, and he lifted the one facing him, revealing the thickly iced lake and the Linglong Tower in one corner of the garden.

It was a three-story wooden tower. Gu Ling had once been inside with Situ Ning when he visited King Yue’s Mansion as a child. The tower was filled with ancient books collected by Situ Xie.

“Cousin. ”

Upon hearing this, Gu Ling looked away and turned to see the curtain behind him being lifted, and Situ Yao entered, carrying a tray.

“I just made some pastries. Please try them, cousin.” Situ Yao uncovered the lid, and a sweet aroma wafted out.

The pastries in Yao City of Liang Country were generally sweeter than those in Qian Country, which Gu Ling didn’t like. He didn’t touch the pastries that had been sent to him before.

When Situ Yao learned this, she specifically made less sweet Red Date Cake for him, cut into small pieces and arranged in the shape of plum blossoms.

However, there was a misunderstanding. Gu Ling didn’t have a particularly fondness for plum blossoms. It was simply his mother’s favorite flower. Whenever he looked at flowers, he often wondered if Su Liang could make something delicious with them…

Gu Ling took a piece of Red Date Cake and tasted it. When Situ Yao asked how it was, he just nodded slightly without speaking.

Situ Yao smiled, “As long as my cousin is willing to eat it, I consider it a success.”

Gu Ling finished a piece and wiped his hands, “Thank you.”

“Why be so polite?” Situ Yao smiled brightly. “Next year, when I marry into Qian Country, you will be my only relative there, cousin. I’ll have to rely on you.”

“Alright.” Gu Ling nodded.

“I heard that my idol, the divine doctor Su Liang, is pursuing you, cousin!” Situ Yao asked Gu Ling with a smile, “Don’t you like her? She’s so beautiful, skilled in Martial Arts, and has impressive Medical Skills.” Gu Ling shook his head, “I don’t like her.”

“Then what kind of girl do you like?” Situ Yao asked.

Gu Ling shook his head again, “I don’t like any.”

Situ Yao looked surprised, “You and Master Lin seem quite close. Could it be that you two…?”

Gu Ling’s expression was indifferent, “If I were to be alone, would that be a calamity?”

Situ Yao was taken aback, realizing what she had said, and quickly waved her hand, “I didn’t mean anything else. I was just joking. Please don’t be angry, cousin.”

“I’m not angry. But you’re blocking my view.” Gu Ling faced Situ Yao, but his eyes were looking into the distance.

Situ Yao looked back at the view behind her and awkwardly stood up, “I’ll leave first. If there’s anything you want to eat, just tell Gu Ming to let me know.”

Left alone, Gu Ling picked up another piece of date cake. He felt that it was much worse than Su Liang’s, and the more he ate, the more he missed her. He thought to himself, he didn’t want to be alone at all…

Lian Shun returned that evening with an ice sculpture as tall as a person.

As night fell, the lanterns under the porch cast a dim yellow light.

Lian Shun placed the ice sculpture under the eaves and called Gu Ling through the window, “Gu Xiaoling, come quick and see what this is!” Gu Ling walked to the window and took a look, answering, “Ice.”

“Look closely, really closely. Who is this?” Lian Shun pretended to be mysterious.

Gu Ling said another word, “You?”

Lian Shun was speechless, “You really have a problem with your eyesight. This is clearly a woman! Su Liang! Su Xiaoliang! Can you see it now?”

Gu Ling shook his head, “It has nothing to do with her.”

Lian Shun touched his forehead, “There’s a shop on the street that sells ice sculptures. I bought a piece of ice at the post station, carved it for a day, and brought it back as a gift for you. Can’t you give me some face?”

“Your carving skills…” Gu Ling’s voice trailed off for a moment.

Lian Shun blinked, “Don’t you think it’s alright?”

“Just give up.” Gu Ling turned away as he finished speaking.

Lian Shun looked intently at the ice sculpture from left to right, “I think it looks quite alike! Gu Xiaoling, are you deliberately saying it doesn’t? Anyways, it won’t melt just sitting here. When Su Xiaoliang arrives, let her decide for herself if it looks like her! You’re so nitpicky about my carving skills, as if you are any better!”

The next morning, Lian Shun opened his door and greeted the ice sculpture in the corridor with a smile, “Good morning, Su Xiaoliang!”

As soon as he finished speaking, Lian Shun rubbed his eyes, “Where’s my huge

Su Xiaoliang?”

“Look to the left.” A cold voice came from Gu Ling’s room.

Lian Shun turned left and saw a plum tree. He heard Gu Ling say “look down” and lowered his gaze to see an ice sculpture of a rabbit under the plum tree.

“Su Xiaoliang! Su Xiaoliang, what happened to you?” Lian Shun rushed forward with a “wail”, “Su Xiaoliang, how did you become a spirit? Ah ah ah, I’m so sorry! Gu Xiaoling, you jerk! Jerk, how is your carving so great? This rabbit looks so pretty! And there’s a stick, what’s the stick for?”

Gu Ling pushed open the window, his tone faint, “That’s a carrot.”

“Does Su Xiaoliang like carrots? Haha! When she comes, I’ll say this is the token of affection you gave her!” Lian Shun pinched the ice rabbit’s crystal clear ear, and then carefully selected two plum blossoms to place on its ears, “It looks even more like Su Xiaoliang now.”

“Lian Shun.”

Upon hearing Gu Ling call his name, Lian Shun turned his head and was hit in the face by a snowball.

“Gu Xiaoling, what are you doing?” Lian Shun was quite speechless.

“I’m hungry.” Gu Ling’s expression was indifferent, “Go and buy that delicious breakfast you mentioned yesterday.”

Lian Shun said angrily, “I’m not your servant!”

“Let’s break off our friendship.” Gu Ling closed the window as he spoke.

Lian Shun was livid, “Okay, I’ll buy it! Just you wait!” And he rushed out.

Gu Ling opened the window again and saw the ice rabbit under the plum tree. His eyes softened momentarily. It was his, and he didn’t want Lian Shun to mess with it.

After Lian Shun bought breakfast and they finished eating, he went to the post station alone.

The Lin Family Brothers were waiting for him; they had agreed yesterday to go mountain climbing together. Situ Jing was not available, so he arranged for the twin brothers to accompany them. They were all skilled in martial arts and quite strong.

“Da Lin, can you do it? Why don’t you go play chess with Gu Xiaoling?” Lian Shun doubted if Lin Boyan could make it up the mountain.

They were going to Wolong Snow Mountain, the most famous mountain in Yao City. It would be difficult to climb during this cold and slippery season. The twin brothers had specially prepared mountain climbing boots, windproof leather jackets, hats, gloves, walking sticks, and other items.

Lin Boyan really wanted to go, but considering his health and not wanting to trouble the others, he gave up, “You guys go ahead, be careful, and come back down the mountain early. I’ll go to the prince’s mansion later to play chess with Marquis Chang Xin.”

“In two more days, Su Xiaoliang will arrive.” Lian Shun said, “I’ll go scout the route with Xiao Lin first, and then have Su Xiaoliang accompany Gu Xiaoling later. ”

Climbing Wolong Snow Mountain was a favorite challenge for the nobles of Liang Country who practiced martial arts in the winter. In previous years, there were even mountain climbing competitions organized by the royal family. As a result, the Situ family’s twin brothers were quite familiar with the area and had also brought a team of guards along.

After they set off, Lin Boyan took a carriage to the prince’s mansion.

When he walked into Ningxiang Residence and saw the ice rabbit under the plum tree, he asked Gu Ling, “Did you make this?”

Gu Ling nodded.

“If I remember correctly, the rabbit embroidered on the sachet that Su Xiaoliang always wears is a gift from you, right?” Lin Boyan asked.

Gu Ling nodded again.

“You like her.” Lin Boyan stated with certainty.

Gu Ling asked back, “Not allowed?”

Lin Boyan shook his head, “It’s none of my business. You guys have fun.”

Lin Boyan stayed in Prince Mansion for most of the day. When the sun was about to set, he planned to leave, but Gu Ming ran in, “His Highness asked me to inform the young master that Divine Doctor Su from Qian Country is arriving soon!”

Gu Ling immediately closed the book in his hands, stood up, and then sat down again. He said to Lin Boyan, “You go pick her up and tell her I’m here.”

As Lin Boyan reached the entrance of the Prince Mansion, he heard the sound of horse hooves.

Four people rode up on horses, and one of them was Su Liang. She arrived two days earlier than Situ Xie had expected.

Situ Xie quickly stepped forward to greet her, “Divine Doctor Su, you must have worked hard on your journey!”

Su Liang dismounted gracefully, took off her hood, and revealed her small face.

She bowed to Situ Xie and said, “Your Royal Highness, it’s nice to see you again. I heard that Marquis Chang Xin is staying in the Prince Mansion, I wonder if I can stay here as well?”

Situ Xie said with a beaming smile, “Of course, I’ve already prepared a place for you. It’s getting late today, why don’t you rest for the night and accompany me to the palace to see His Majesty tomorrow morning?”

Su Liang nodded and looked at Lin Boyan. She called out to her big brother.

Lin Boyan smiled, “Bo Jun and Lian Shun have gone to climb the snow mountain. They should be on their way down by now.”

Su Liang hesitated for a moment, “They haven’t returned yet? Are you sure they’re coming down?”

Lin Boyan frowned at her words, and Situ Xie’s expression turned serious. He immediately sent someone to check.

Su Liang wanted to see Gu Ling first because she had something important to discuss. Situ Xie personally led her to Ning Xiang Residence.

Worried about Lin Bojun and Lian Shun, Lin Boyan didn’t leave and decided to wait for news at the Prince Mansion.

“This courtyard is where Ling’er’s mother used to live before she got married.” Situ Xie led Su Liang into Ning Xiang residence, “Ling’er, Divine Doctor Su is here.”

The door was tightly closed, but a cold voice came from inside, “I know, I’m not sick, so there’s no need to waste her time.”

Su Liang:…He’s really good at acting. She understood completely but suddenly felt the urge to kick him.

“Divine Doctor Su has something important to talk to you about.” Situ Xie knocked on the door.

Gu Ling opened the door, and Su Liang quickly slipped inside. She swiftly closed the door behind her, “I need to talk to Marquis Gu privately. Your Highness, big brother, please leave.”

Lin Boyan shook his head with a helpless look, “What nonsense.” Situ Xie smiled and said, “I actually think they’re a perfect match.”

In the room, Su Liang was already held by Gu Ling.

“Alright, alright, a handshake is proper when meeting.” Su Liang pushed Gu Ling away.

“I remembered wrong.” Gu Ling said, then held Su Liang’s hand, “Why is it so cold?”

“I just came from the icy and snowy road, of course it’s cold.” Su Liang said.

Gu Ling nodded, “I’ll give you… ‘

Before he could finish his words, a voice came from the courtyard, “Your Highness, something is wrong!”

Su Liang’s expression changed, and she opened the door and went out, leaving Gu Ling’s hand behind.

Gu Ling frowned slightly and followed her out to the eaves.

They heard someone kneeling in front of Situ Xie and reporting. The person said that today, the two young masters took Lin Bojun and Lian Shun to climb the mountain, but Lian Shun accidentally slipped and fell from the cliff. He had not been found yet.

“I’ll immediately send soldiers to…” Situ Xie turned around while speaking, only to find that the door was open and Gu Ling and Su Liang had already disappeared..