Chapter 345: 345. Please master, watch the house.
Translator: 549690339
Duanmu Chen knocked the soup bowl Duanmu Yi had used onto the ground, then picked up the fallen Duanmu Yi and carried him into the inner chamber. He gently laid him on the bed, took off his shoes and socks, and covered him with a quilt, his movements both gentle and meticulous.
If one were to ignore Duanmu Yi’s furious eyes and trembling, twitching lips, it would truly be a scene of filial piety.
Turning around, Duanmu Chen saw Xiao Family’s lady with red eyes and a pale face, looking completely at a loss. He took her hand and had her sit down by the bed, “Mother, there’s no need to worry. Father will be fine.”
The lady from Xiao Family looked at Duanmu Yi, and was frightened by his almost fiery gaze, shrinking into Duanmu Chen’s embrace.
Duanmu Chen hugged her, “From now on, Mother will have to work hard to take good care of Father. As for the matters of the court, Father doesn’t have to worry about them. Your son will do his best and will not disappoint Father.”
At this point, Xiao Family’s lady was well aware of what was happening and why Duanmu Chen had to do this.
Although she had feelings for Duanmu Yi and thought that everything had been quite satisfactory before he fell, Duanmu Chen, though sitting on the Dragon Throne, was still under Duanmu Yi’s control and there was no guarantee that there wouldn’t be any changes.
Xiao Family’s lady was surprised by Duanmu Chen’s sudden and ruthless move against Duanmu Yi.
However, at this point, as Duanmu Chen’s mother, she could hardly blame him or stop him from doing what he wanted. For all these years, they had been enduring patiently, and now that there was a chance to rise, ensuring Duanmu Yi’s “peaceful recovery” wasn’t a bad thing.
Duanmu Yi was fully conscious and saw the mother and son embracing, rage surged, and blood seeped from the corner of his mouth.
Old Imperial Physician Gao, who had been waiting in the palace for several days, hurried over and knelt down to salute Duanmu Chen as soon as he saw him.
“You may rise. Please take a look at what’s going on with Father. He has been complaining of headaches and weakness these days, and suddenly became like this after lunch today. It seems like it’s a stroke.” Duanmu Chen sighed continuously.
The lady from the Xiao Family cried with a worried face, “My son, you must make sure to cure your father!”
Upon hearing this, blood seeped from the corner of Duanmu Yi’s mouth, speeding up and turning his collar red.
Old Imperial Physician Gao had been waiting in the palace for several days but had not seen the rumored sick Grand Emperor Duanmu Yi. Today, he finally saw him, and just as Duanmu Chen said, at first glance, it seemed like a stroke.
However, after taking the pulse, Old Imperial Physician Gao found that Duanmu Yi’s illness was not quite the same as Old Master Qin’s stroke. Instead, it was more like Uncle Wan Shan’s stroke later on…
Old Imperial Physician Gao’s heart sank, for he knew that the young and strong Military Commander Wan Shan had suffered a stroke at that time because he was drugged by Su Liang. And in that case, Su Liang went to Xuanbei City to deal with the Wan Family and the father and son on the orders of Duanmu Yi, who was now lying in front of Old Imperial Physician Gao, unable to move.
Wan Shan was dead, but before he died, his stroke symptoms were much improved by the treatment provided by Old Imperial Physician Gao. Moreover, the treatment method was learned from Su Liang.
But at this moment, Old Imperial Physician Gao was unsure if he should treat Duanmu Yi wholeheartedly. It depended on how Duanmu Yi had ended up like this…
Just as Old Imperial Physician Gao was uncertain and hesitant, he heard Duanmu Chen’s voice beside him, “Old Gao, your silence suggests that you have no confidence? If you are unsure how to treat Father’s abrupt and severe illness, just use some safe means and don’t let Father’s condition worsen. I will find Imperial Physician Su as soon as possible!”
Old Imperial Physician Gao had been dealing with the Royal Family for many years. Hearing this, he immediately responded, “This humble official indeed doesn’t have much confidence. If Imperial Physician Su comes back to treat the Grand Emperor, it would indeed be more secure.”
Duanmu Chen sighed deeply, “I understand. Old Gao, please stay in the palace to take care of Father. I will definitely bring Imperial Physician Su back.”
Old Imperial Physician Gao hurriedly agreed.
At this moment, Duanmu Yi’s anger had reached its peak, and another mouthful of blood spewed out. With a tilt of his head, he passed out completely.
…
People are not aware of Duanmu Yi’s physical condition, only that the old Imperial Physician has not left the palace for several days.
Lian Shun stayed in the capital for three days, eating and sleeping, recuperating and gathering strength. Unexpectedly, he would soon have to travel day and night to return to Nanshan City.
Finally, at the agreed time, Lian Shun appeared before Chang’an again.
Chang’an was not surprised this time and, like last time, took Lian Shun disguised as a guard into the palace.
Seeing Chang’an’s reaction, Lian Shun already guessed Duanmu Chen’s choice. Unless Duanmu Chen planned to stand with his father, get rid of Su Liang and Gu Ling, and capture Lian Shun as a hostage. This possibility is very unlikely; if Duanmu Chen were so unwise, Su Liang would not have cooperated with him in the first place.
This time, they didn’t go to Duanmu Chen’s Sleeping Palace. Lian Shun was taken directly by Chang’an to Empress Dowager Xiao’s palace, where Duanmu Yi was recuperating, and Duanmu Chen was also there.
Duanmu Yi had drunk the medicine prescribed by the old Imperial Physician and fell asleep. He added sedative ingredients in the medicine. It is indeed good for Duanmu Yi’s body because everything he saw and heard when he was awake could infuriate him further…
Duanmu Chen let Xiao Family take a rest and dismissed the servants. He alone guarded Duanmu Yi’s bedside. Hearing footsteps, he looked up and saw Chang’an and Lian Shun coming. He calmly waved his hand, indicating that they didn’t need to salute.
Lian Shun’s gaze fell on Duanmu Yi. However, he looked like he was sleeping soundly, and it was impossible to determine whether he had had a “stroke”.
Duanmu Chen had already done everything, and at this moment, he stopped pretending in front of Lian Shun. Without waiting for Lian Shun’s questioning, he pinched Duanmu Yi heavily and woke him up abruptly.
Lian Shun approached, only to see Duanmu Yi open his eyes, wake up, but his whole body was stiff, his lips trembling, only able to make unclear sounds.
“Grand Emperor, I am Lian Shun.” Lian Shun introduced himself.
Duanmu Yi’s eyes bulged out, staring at Lian Shun to pieces. At this moment, he must think of where the medicine in Duanmu Chen’s hand comes from.
Duanmu Chen spoke about Su Liang’s situation in front of Duanmu Yi, “You go back and tell her that the trouble has already been resolved. Let her and Gu Ling come back as soon as possible, I will not treat them unfairly.”
Lian Shun nodded, “I will deliver your message to her Majesty.”
“If there is nothing else, you can leave.” Duanmu Chen said.
Lian Shun saluted, and after that, Chang’an took him out of the palace.
Only Duanmu Yi and his son, Duanmu Chen, were left.
Duanmu Chen sat down by the bed, holding Duanmu Yi’s hand, and sighed, “There is something that I have wanted to say for a long time.”
Duanmu Yi’s teeth were chattering. Duanmu Chen spoke with a melancholy tone, “The shameless things that Duanmu Cheng and Duanmu Ao have done, Father Emperor knows all about. They killed Su Liang’s entire family, and Su Liang merely sought revenge on them, which is only natural, isn’t it? Moreover, Su Liang has been cautious and disguised, avoiding being discovered by Father Emperor, while repeatedly making merits and protecting Qian Country. Since the real victim, Su Liang, has not vented her anger on Father Emperor, can’t father forgive her? If it were for something else, I would understand, but is it worth it for your two shameless sons to be so?”
Duanmu Chen stared directly into Duanmu Yi’s eyes, suddenly laughed, pulled the quilt for Duanmu Yi, and whispered, “Yes, I made a vow that I would one day take revenge for Duanmu Cheng and Duanmu Ao, otherwise I will not be able to rest in peace for the rest of my life, and fall into hell after death. However, if there really is a hell, Duanmu Cheng and Duanmu Ao should already be in there, and I would not join the excitement. It would be ridiculous for me to break with Su Liang for their sake. And don’t worry about Qian Country or my own position, Father Emperor, when I made that vow, I was just… anxious to get the imperial throne. Heaven is watching, right and wrong, merit and demerit will be judged on their own.”
As the words fell, Duanmu Chen stood up, “Father Emperor doesn’t need to worry about those experts you have cultivated during these years. They are all smart people, and they will naturally choose to be loyal to me when I hold the throne. Except for a woman named Shaoyao who has lost contact, the others in the capital have met me in the past two days. If Father Emperor regrets giving me the throne, then I can only say I am sorry.”
Lian Shun came to Su Mansion again, Yang Yu was still not asleep, waiting for him.
“Did everything go well?” Yang Yu prepared the wine and dishes in advance this time.
“Sister-in-law is too polite.” Lian Shun said as he sat down and began eating without restraint, “Everything went smoothly. I’ll be heading back to the south shortly.”
“That’s good to hear.” Yang Yu sighed with relief and took out the letters she wanted to give to Su Liang and Nian Jincheng, placing them on the table, “I’ll trouble you to deliver these letters to Xiaoliang and Achen.”
Lian Shun nodded and casually asked, “Would Sister-in-law like to go to the south and accompany Xiaonian?”
Yang Yu hesitated for a moment before shaking her head, “I think I better not go. He’s going there for official business, and I’m afraid I might distract him and cause troubles.”
Lian Shun laughed, “Xiaonian is so lucky to have married such a good wife like you. Unlike me, I’m old and still single. Su Xiaoliang didn’t even bother introducing me to a nice lady!”
Yang Yu laughed, “What kind of girl do you like? I don’t know too many people, though, so Su Liang might be the one to rely on.”
Lian Shun calmly said, “I like girls with fiery personalities.” Su Liang said that, and he found it quite sensible. He couldn’t stand boredom, and he had seen enough well-behaved girls, all of them were nice, but they were not his type. After all, he would have to spend his whole life with one, so if there was no fun, it would be better to live alone.
Yang Yu couldn’t help but chuckle, “In that case, you should ask Su Liang for help. I hope you find a good match soon.”
“Thank you, Sister-in-law. I have a feeling that my girl will appear soon.” Lian Shun said seriously.
After a hearty meal, Lian Shun put away the letters and said farewell to Yang Yu before leaving the capital for the south overnight.
Nanshan City.
Su Liang was more than a month pregnant, and her stomach did not show any signs yet without any special reactions.
Gu Ling was more nervous than Su Liang and stayed by her side every day, always watching over her, afraid that she might hurt herself accidentally.
Half a month had passed since Lian Shun left, and on this day, after Su Liang treated Situ Jing with acupuncture once again, his completely blind eyes finally saw a hazy halo.
Situ Jing didn’t mention it. When Su Liang asked if he sensed light, he silently shook his head.
However, Gu Ling noticed that Situ Jing’s expression was off and threw a teacup at him.
Qiao Cong, who was sitting nearby, stood up on one leg, wanting to block it for Situ Jing.
But Situ Jing subconsciously reached out his hand and caught the teacup before it hit his face!
Qiao Cong frowned, “Jingjing, can you see now?”
Situ Jing, holding the teacup, realized that he’d been exposed and had to admit that he had just started to have a blurry sense of light.
Cen Man had been blind for many years and had very sharp senses, which she had honed over the years.
Situ Jing, on the other hand, had not been blind for a long time and always wanted to have his eyes cured. He never practiced his other senses.
Therefore, if he were completely blind, there was no way he could have caught the teacup that Gu Ling threw.
As soon as Qiao Cong heard what Situ Jing said, his face darkened even more, “When Xiaoliang asks you something, answer honestly! Otherwise, I think it’s better for you to remain blind!”
Situ Jing:
Su Liang lightly laughed, “Master, calm down, it’s alright. Whether he says it or not, I know the condition of his eyes. I asked him just to see if he would behave. Apparently, he was planning to pretend to be blind until he could see, and then run away.”
As Su Liang finished speaking, Qiao Cong, who had just sat down, picked up his crutch and hit Situ Jing’s head, “Apologize to Xiaoliang!”
Situ Jing had no choice but to apologize to Su Liang and promise not to do it again.
After treating Cen Man’s eyes, Su Liang tried even harder, but there was still no improvement.
Cen Man believed that Su Liang was a real divine doctor, and she longed to see the light again, but she didn’t want to put pressure on her, “It’s okay. I’m content with just having you as my disciple. It doesn’t matter if you can’t cure me.’
“Master isn’t too old.” Su Liang said seriously.
At her words, Cen Man laughed. Su Liang continued, “When your eyes are cured, Master, there will be many possibilities. Even now, there are.”
Cen Man was stunned, “What possibility are you talking about, Xiaoliang?”
Su Liang smiled, “For example, finding a life partner?”
It took a moment for Cen Man to understand Su Liang’s meaning, and her face became unnatural, “You girl, don’t tease me.”
“I’m serious. It’s because Master is older that you should do what you want and be with the person you like.” Su Liang said.
“What person do I like? Don’t talk nonsense.” Cen Man coughed lightly.
“Oh, I was just saying. From Master’s reaction, there must be someone you like. Let me think, who could it be? I’ve got it! It must be me!”
Cen Man laughed and hugged Su Liang, “Yes, yes, it’s you.”
But Cen Man knew that Su Liang could tell that there was something special between her and Qiao Cong. They just didn’t address it openly.
Su Liang guessed that there was a past between Cen Man and Qiao Cong that she didn’t know about. She just joked about it and didn’t want to get involved.
That night, before going to sleep, Su Liang calculated the time again, “If everything goes well, Lian Ershan should be coming back soon. Great God, if Duanmu Chen has already given Duanmu Yi the medicine, should we return to the capital?”
“If you don’t want to go back, we won’t go back.” Gu Ling shook his head.
Su Liang sighed softly, “Hiding here for ten months is not realistic. So many things can happen in ten months that we can’t predict. And what about after the baby is born? Hide for safety? I would be happy to find a place to live in seclusion with you, but not right now.”
“Alright, then we’ll go back.” Gu Ling said, “Invite all your masters to come back and watch the house.”
Su Liang smiled, “That’s what I was thinking. We have to hurry up and find Lao Bai and Lao Mu back. I want to learn all of Lao Bai’s skills as soon as possible. Then, with you and four powerful masters at home, who would dare to bother me and the baby? Just bring it on!”