Chapter 342 - Chapter 342: 342. I have one condition.

Chapter 342: 342. I have one condition.

Translator: 549690339

After Ying Ying left, Xing Ji couldn’t help but sigh, “Xiao Liang’s friends are all people of loyalty and righteousness.”

Qi Jiang agreed, “This time, we have Miss Ying to thank.”

Though Ying Ying was the one who administered the poison, it was not actually poisonous. If she hadn’t come, Situ Xie would have arranged for someone else, and it might have even been her master, Madam Yue, who they would not have been able to withstand.

Before going to sleep, Xing Ji was considering how to report this incident to Duanmu Yi and recalled what Ying Ying had said – Su Liang was being held somewhere, and Situ Jing had been poisoned blind and had gone to find her for treatment. But Su Liang had previously sent a letter to Jiaye City to report her safety. Was she still trapped, or had she already escaped?

Thinking about the suspicious Duanmu Yi, Xing Ji worried for Su Liang and Gu Ling’s situation. Their disappearance and the fact that one was captured and the other went in search of her, if they didn’t return soon, it would inevitably cause complications.

…

Jiaye City.

On their way to Jiaye City, Su Liang and Gu Ling discussed and decided not to go there but to Nanshan City, which was just across the river.

There were too many people watching Jiaye City, which would easily expose them. Whether to “return,” when to “return,” and how to “return” were all issues that needed careful consideration.

No one knew better than Su Liang and Gu Ling what they had done in the past. Since they had now turned against Situ Xie, there was a considerable possibility that certain matters would be revealed to Duanmu Yi. If this were to happen, their return to the capital of Qian Country would not end well.

Situ Jing had previously settled in Nanshan City, but since Nangong Lin also knew about that place, they couldn’t go there again. After Gu Ling changed her appearance, they purchased a secluded and ordinary house in the city. The location was suitable and they stayed the night there.

Gu Ling unceremoniously took the best courtyard to stay with Su Liang, showing no intention of taking care of the sister and injured old man.

Seeing Gu Ling busily taking care of Su Liang, Lian Shun sighed quietly, “When will it be my turn for such fate?”

Su Liang laughed softly, “What kind of person do you like?”

Lian Shun: …Is this something that can be asked? The only one he has ever confessed to was her…

“We are not suitable,” Su Liang said, “I think you are more suited to a … fiery girl.”

Lian Shun’s expression was strange, “What’s a fiery girl? Fiery like fire? Spicy like pepper?”

“Well,” Su Liang thought about how to describe it, “the kind who would beat you up whenever you disagree with her.”

Gu Ling slightly hooked the corner of her lips, “Yes.”

“Gu Xiaoling, you can actually laugh? You can actually smile?” Lian Shun found it miraculous, but then thought about what the two had said and was speechless, “Su Xiaoliang, what kind of strange taste is this? You just want to see me get beaten up, right? Why can’t I marry a gentle and lovely woman when you and Gu Ling can enjoy such sweet moments together?”

“You’re too proud,” Su Liang said seriously, “You would find gentle and lovely boring.”

Lian Shun smirked, “Well, Su Xiaoliang, you do know me very well. However, I disagree with your view that I should marry a wife who beats me up every day!”

Su Liang shook her head, “I didn’t say every day, I was thinking maybe once every three days? You’re the one who said every day, which means deep down, you really crave it.”

Lian Shun touched his forehead and silently drifted away. He just happened to see Gu Ling’s and Su Liang’s interactions and suddenly wanted to get married, but the conversation took such a bizarre turn. This couple was really great at talking nonsense so seriously…

After a while, Lian Shun came back, “Let’s talk business. What should I do now that you both are settled here? Can I go home?”

“How do you explain your sudden disappearance if you go back now?” Su Liang asked counter-questioningly.

Lian Shun scratched his head, “Say I was captured, but they released me because they caught the wrong person?” He shook his head as he spoke, “That’s too far-fetched. Saying I randomly wandered off and disappeared is even more far-fetched.”

No matter how they explained it, it would be difficult to justify his sudden disappearance for several days and then his safe return. But he wanted to let his family know that he was alright as soon as possible.

“We’ll talk about it tomorrow.” Gu Ling finally spoke.

“Alright, you guys discuss it and see what to do next.” Lian Shun felt the situation had become very complicated. He knew why Gu Ling and Su Liang weren’t going home, but he also felt that if they stayed away for too long, there would certainly be problems in the capital.

Living in Nanshan City made life much more convenient than before, as anything they needed could be quickly purchased.

Su Liang estimated that it would take Qiao Cong three months to recover from his injured foot. If all went well, Situ Jing’s eyes should recover in a shorter time, about ten days to half a month.

That night before bed, Su Liang and Gu Ling discussed their next steps.

“Situ Xie knows I’ve lost control, and he’s likely going to inform Duanmu Yi about the matters he learned from Uncle Liang,” Su Liang said with a slight sigh. She knew that this was bound to happen eventually. The moment she decided to return to the capital city for revenge on behalf of the Su Family, her conflict with Duanmu Yi was inevitable.

As the emperor, Duanmu Yi believed that only he had the right to deal with his son’s wrongdoings, no matter how heinous they were, and that no one else had the qualifications to interfere. However, he couldn’t possibly punish Duanmu Cheng and Duanmu Ao fairly.

Su Liang avenged herself in her own way, maintaining a superficial harmony with Duanmu Yi.

Unfortunately, this harmony would be shattered eventually.

Knowing that their secret had been discovered by Situ Xie, they also knew that he was not a good person. But Su Liang and Gu Ling adhered to the principle of not offending others unless provoked. They wouldn’t kill Situ Xie because of his affair with their sister-in-law, nor would they kill to keep their secret from leaking. Moreover, they might not be able to kill him at all. Situ Xie was not only powerful, but also had a huge influence.

Su Liang and Gu Ling never resorted to unscrupulous means to achieve their goals. However, for their actions, they would always have to bear the consequences.

Gu Ling calmly said two words, “Rebellion.”

Su Liang was a bit surprised, “Great God, do you want to be the emperor?”

Gu Ling shook his head, “I just want to be your man.”

Su Liang smiled, “I know. So what’s your plan for the rebellion?”

“Let Duanmu Chen take the throne,” Gu Ling said.

Su Liang thought about it. What she had done was unforgivable from Duanmu Yi’s perspective, but for Duanmu Chen, it was all beneficial. And the Imperial Throne was something Duanmu Chen had always dreamed of.

“It’s a good idea,” Su Liang mused. “If it succeeds, many problems will no longer be problems. The key question is, how? Do we have to kill Duanmu Yi?”

“Let Duanmu Chen decide,” Gu Ling said.

As long as Duanmu Yi knew that Su Liang carried out the deeds against Duanmu Ao and Duanmu Cheng, he would not let her go. It was a life-and-death situation.

It wasn’t that Duanmu Yi valued his dead son more than anything else. Rather, the actions of Gu Ling and Su Liang were intolerable for an emperor. If Duanmu Yi were an emperor who could treat “the crown prince’s crimes like those of common people,” it would be different, but clearly, he was not.

Su Liang sighed deeply, “We’ve finally come to this point. However, Duanmu Yi is surrounded by many skilled masters, and it won’t be easy to deal with him. We can’t let him know our intentions in advance, or he will take action against our friends and family. If only my master were not injured, we could ask him for help.”

The next day, Lin Shun came to ask Su Liang and Gu Ling if they had made a decision.

“I’ll help you send a message of safety, and you’ll go to the capital city,” Gu Ling said as he handed Lin Shun a bottle of medicine.

Lin Shun, slightly stunned, took the bottle and asked, “What is this?”

“Poison,” Gu Ling replied with one word.

Lin Shun frowned, “Explain clearly. What am I going to do in the capital city? Who am I poisoning?”

“The emperor,” Gu Ling said.

Lin Shun’s hand trembled and he nearly dropped the bottle, “You… What are you guys planning?”

“All you need to do is deliver this bottle of poison to the crown prince,” Gu Ling said. “And this letter.”

The letter was written by Su Liang, telling Duanmu Chen that the situation might soon spiral out of control. He could choose to stand with Duanmu Yi and continue as the crown prince, or ascend the throne earlier to avoid complications. If he chose the latter, they would still be partners.

“Are you sure?” Lin Shun was shocked by Gu Ling and Su Liang’s sudden decision to join forces with the crown prince in a rebellion, as he was not aware of some previous events.

Su Liang nodded, “Definitely.” But the poison would only cause a stroke-like symptom, not death.

Lian Shun tightly held the medicine bottle, “Good! With you all here, I don’t need to worry about my home. I’ll go today.” He wasn’t naive enough to believe that Duanmu Yi fully trusted Gu Ling and Su Liang. One was the son of a traitor, carrying the bloodline of the enemy’s Royal Family, and the other was suspected of killing two princes. Yes, Lian Shun had also guessed the latter, but he had never asked Su Liang for verification. Some things were better left knowing less.

Su Liang also gave Lian Shun some other medicines for self-defense.

Lian Shun asked, what if Duanmu Chen refused to take action against Duanmu Yi and betrayed them?

Su Liang only said one sentence, “He’s not a fool.”

Although it seemed that Duanmu Chen was the only suitable person for the position of crown prince in Qian Country, the other princes either went insane or were underage.

However, going insane could be cured, and being underage could be grown out of. If Duanmu Yi determined that Duanmu Chen had colluded with Su Liang in some matters, he might not hesitate to act against his own son. Because Duanmu Chen directly threatened his Imperial Throne. Even if he intended to pass the throne to Duanmu Chen, whether to give it and when to give it should be up to him; if Duanmu Chen harbored any intention to seize it, he could not be forgiven.

So, Lian Shun secretly left Nanshan City and headed for the capital city.

On the same day, Gu Ling secretly went to Jiaye City to see Nian Jincheng.

“Lian Shun is safe, and you’re with Su Liang, that’s great.” Nian Jincheng heaved a big sigh of relief and was happy, “Aling, congratulations, you’re going to be a dad! I didn’t expect that you would have a child earlier than me, even though you got married late!”

As he spoke, Nian Jincheng sighed again, “I have been away on continuous trips since my marriage, leaving Xiaoyu at home alone.”

Upon hearing Gu Ling talk about the task entrusted to Lian Shun, Nian Jincheng’s expression changed abruptly, “In that case, will Xiaoyu be in danger in the capital city?”

Gu Ling shook his head, “If she leaves rashly now, it would only attract attention.”

Nian Jincheng looked worried, “Can we rely on the crown prince? If something goes wrong, it will affect many people.”

“Duanmu Chen is not that weak,” Gu Ling said.

“Do you want Situ Jing to ascend to the throne of Liang Country?” Nian Jincheng frowned and asked.

Gu Ling shook his head, “He’s not that strong. But he can cause some trouble for Situ Xie.”

Not long after, Gu Ling left. He bought some medicinal materials that Su Liang needed in Jiaye City and then rushed back to Nanshan City.

Qian Country’s capital city.

Duanmu Yi had claimed to be ill for three consecutive days and had not attended the court, making the officials somewhat uneasy.

Duanmu Chen had been seeking an audience for three days, and finally saw Duanmu Yi on this day.

In March, Duanmu Yi had already deposed the original Empress Wan and established Duanmu Chen’s biological mother, Xiao Imperial Concubine, as the new Empress.

Duanmu Chen saw Duanmu Yi’s face as usual, without any signs of illness, feeling that something was amiss.

“Sit. I have something to tell you.” Duanmu Yi sighed before he spoke.

Duanmu Chen nodded and respectfully said, “Please give your instructions, Father Emperor.”

“The Liang Country princess that I originally wanted you to marry is now impossible. As the crown prince of Qian Country, your principal wife must be chosen as soon as possible.” Duanmu Yi said.

Duanmu Chen was surprised inside but showed nothing on his face, “I don’t know what Father Emperor meant?”

“After going through all the eligible choices in the capital city, the only suitable one in terms of status, talent, and beauty is Xing Ji’s daughter. Since the marriage alliance is not possible, you should marry her!” Duanmu Yi said.

Duanmu Chen never expected that Duanmu Yi would actually decide to let Xing Yuyan, who was initially chosen to marry into Liang Country as the crown princess, marry him!

Duanmu Chen had met Xing Yuyan before, but she didn’t leave a deep impression on him. He had heard from Chang’an that Xing Yusheng’s relationships with his siblings were very distant, and that Xing Yuyan’s mother came from a humble background with manners that were somewhat petty. What kind of daughter could such a mother raise to be outstanding?

Although Xing Ji was originally of a different royal surname, he is now the Marquis Zhong Xin, and the main commander of Qian Country’s northern army. However, Xing Yuyan is a daughter born from a secondary wife, which makes her status inferior to that of a daughter from a primary wife. If her grandfather were Old Master Qin, and her uncle were Qin Kang, Duanmu Chen would be more willing.

“What, you’re reluctant?” Duanmu Yi frowned.

Duanmu Chen lowered his eyes, “No, it’s just that I’m a bit surprised, and I didn’t react for a moment.”

He was not originally interested in women, as long as she had a good background, matched in talent and appearance, was obedient, and could bear him children.

Situ Yao was indeed outstanding, and he liked her. However, there was nothing to regret if he couldn’t marry her.

Upon careful thought, the fact that Xing Yuyan is Xing Ji’s daughter made her a fairly good choice for Duanmu Chen.

In fact, no matter who Duanmu Yi suggested, Duanmu Chen would not object.

The problem was, why did Duanmu Yi make such arrangements? After receiving that letter, he clearly believed what was written in it. Therefore, he should have been suspicious of the Marquis Zhong Xin Mansion, because they were close to Su Liang and Xing Ji even acknowledged Su Liang as his sworn daughter.

Could it be that Duanmu Yi felt that by making Duanmu Chen Xing Ji’s son-in-law, he could control Xing Ji? And even join with the Xing family and the Duke Qin Mansion of Lin Shuzhi as relatives by marriage…

Upon thinking about this, Duanmu Chen relaxed a bit, as it showed that Duanmu Yi had not given up on him.

“Since you’re willing, I’ll issue an edict for your marriage today.” Duanmu Yi said.

Duanmu Chen respectfully said, “Thank you, Father Emperor.”

“In addition, I feel that it’s time to entrust Qian Country to you!” Duanmu Yi said with a heavy heart as he looked at Duanmu Chen.

Instead of feeling happy, Duanmu Chen was extremely shocked. This was completely unexpected.

Not knowing what to say, Duanmu Chen immediately stood up and knelt in front of Duanmu Yi.

Duanmu Yi sighed, “I’ve always noticed your talent, and the imperial throne would eventually have to be handed over to you. Only by entrusting it to you can I rest assured. I knew that the letter I received earlier was meant to incite conflict, but whether those things were done by Su Liang, I know in my heart.”

Duanmu Chen’s back was instantly soaked with sweat, and he lowered his head without daring to speak.

“However, I believe that you haven’t conspired with her to harm your brothers.” Duanmu Yi looked at Duanmu Chen, “I understand your character. In the present world, the three countries are divided, and Qian Country is located in the Central Plains. Liang Country and Yin Country have been coveting Qian Country for years, especially in recent years, they have become increasingly restless. I know Su Liang and Gu Ling’s capabilities and believe they will continue to support you, after all, your relationships with them are quite good.”

Duanmu Chen’s heart tightened. Every sentence Duanmu Yi said touched on his thoughts, and he felt completely exposed.

“But between Su Liang and me, there are irreconcilable conflicts. I can’t act as if nothing has happened, and she won’t believe me either. Qian Country must not have internal strife, especially at this critical time. In order to maintain Qian Country’s stability and future, I have struggled to find this solution: the most secure way is to pass on the throne to you.” Duanmu Yi said solemnly, “I will become the Grand Emperor and help you from behind the scenes.”

Upon hearing this, Duanmu Chen finally understood Duanmu Yi’s intentions completely.

Duanmu Yi indeed wanted to continue using Su Liang and Gu Ling. Their abilities were not only able to help Qian Country, but also because they had become enemies with the Liang Country’s Royal Family, which would inevitably lead to continued struggles that would benefit Qian Country.

However, the previous harmony between the ruler and his subjects could no longer be maintained. Duanmu Yi might be able to continue pretending not to know, but if Su Liang were to suspect or find out that he was aware, she might strike first.

In fact, Duanmu Chen had already informed Su Liang’s friends about Duanmu Yi’s knowledge of the matter, and she was bound to find out.

Duanmu Yi’s decision to abdicate in favor of Duanmu Chen had a simple reason: Duanmu Chen could make better use of Su Liang to achieve their goals while avoiding danger.

This move was truly brilliant in Duanmu Chen’s eyes.

“I understand, thank you for your trust, Father Emperor!” Duanmu Chen spoke, accepting Duanmu Yi’s arrangement. That position was what he had always dreamt of.

However, Duanmu Yi did not ask him to stand up, but instead told him to raise his head and look into his eyes, “I have one condition.”

A bad premonition arose in Duanmu Chen’s heart, but he heard Duanmu Yi’s icy voice, “Swear to me that after Qian Country unifies the world, you will execute Su Liang and Gu Ling, as well as their children, to avenge and redeem your brothers’ deaths!”