Chapter 348 - Chapter 348: 348. Dispute among Masters

Chapter 348: 348. Dispute among Masters

Translator: 549690339

Duanmu Chen asked, and Su Liang selectively recounted her experiences over the past three months.

Telling about the sudden change of the Yin Country’s crown prince having something to do with Gu Ling was not an option. Moreover, Gu Ling was not exactly controlling the crown prince; she was merely helping him in view of the future.

After Duanmu Chen finished listening, he couldn’t help but sigh, “Su Liang, your ability to win people’s hearts is so strong!” This was in reference to Qiao Cong and Cen Man.

Su Liang smiled, “Your Majesty overpraises me. Success in such matters is not up to me but depends mainly on the other party. I just do what I think is right, and if the other party agrees with me, everything can be discussed.”

Duanmu Chen’s eyes darkened as he realized that Su Liang was hinting at him too.

“Haha, that makes sense.” Duanmu Chen nodded with a smile, then took the initiative to mention his plan of asking Situ Xie to exchange his granddaughter for his grandson and asked Su Liang what she thought of it.

“Very good.” Su Liang nodded, “There are many benefits.”

As for Situ Jing staying, he might be useful, but not necessarily. He was initially here for a marriage alliance, and Qian Country detained him on the pretext of his illness. However, at that time, Xing Ji kept him because he suspected that the war in the south was related to Liang Country and that Liang Country might take advantage of the chaos.

Now that the three countries have temporarily restored a peaceful situation, no matter how much Qian Country wants to destroy Liang Country and Yin Country, they have to maintain a superficial “friendship” before taking action, so that there is room for negotiation in both war and peace.

Therefore, Situ Jing can be released. However, simply letting him go would be too cheap for Situ Xie, considering the elaborate “gift” he sent to Qian Country beforehand.

But other conditions would not be suitable. Asking Situ Xie to continue the previous marriage alliance would provide an excellent opportunity.

This is not an exchange of hostages; it is an opportunity for Liang Country to continue its marriage alliance with Qian Country. As for a mutual marriage alliance, don’t even think about it.

Hearing Su Liang’s approval and not mentioning Situ Yao in a single word, Duanmu Chen felt very comfortable. When Duanmu Yi asked him if it was for Situ Yao, it really wasn’t. He did want Situ Yao, after all, she was a beautiful and talented woman, but it wasn’t a big deal if he couldn’t have her.

Duanmu Chen didn’t discuss the future plans with Su Liang. They had just returned, and there was no need to be so anxious about some things, and he also needed time to plan the next steps carefully.

After that, Duanmu Chen took Su Liang and Gu Ling to see Duanmu Yi.

“Father, look who’s here!” Duanmu Chen sat down by the bed, holding Duanmu Yi’s hand.

Duanmu Yi was awake, staring straight at the ceiling. Hearing Duanmu Chen’s words, his eyes turned before seeing Su Liang and Gu Ling standing beside him.

Doubt and surprise quickly turned into rage, erupting like a volcano!

“You…” Duanmu Yi’s lips trembled, uttering an indistinct sound.

Su Liang stood calmly, “This minister pays respect to the Grand Emperor.”

Duanmu Chen stepped aside, “Su Liang, you should examine Father’s pulse.”

Officially, today was the day for Su Liang to enter the palace to treat Duanmu Yi, and Gu Ling was carrying the medicine box.

Su Liang went forward to take Duanmu Yi’s pulse, then shook her head and sighed, “The Grand Emperor’s illness is difficult to cure, and this minister has no confidence.”

Duanmu Chen looked disappointed, “Just do your best.”

Duanmu Yi was well aware that Su Liang and Duanmu Chen had conspired to keep him half-dead.

After applying the acupuncture to Duanmu Yi with a golden needle, Su Liang was about to leave when she heard Duanmu Chen say, “I think Father wants to talk to you. I’ll step back, and you can chat.” As soon as he finished speaking, he went out alone.

Su Liang raised an eyebrow, “Unfortunately, I don’t understand the Grand Emperor’s intentions. However, I do have some grievances that need to be aired.”

Duanmu Yi stared intently at Su Liang, who sighed calmly, “Actually, being an emperor in and of itself isn’t a big problem for the Grand Emperor, and even compared to Situ Han and the emperor of the Yin Country, you are much more astute. But I always believe that no matter what your status, you must first be a person. If you have children, you should teach your own children how to be a person. Instead of letting your son become a prince or crown prince and look down on the common people, take their lives for granted, and act shamelessly, you are nothing more than a beast wearing human skin.”

Duanmu Yi’s eyes flared with rage, if he could move, he would rip Su Liang apart.

Su Liang continued, “My entire family was killed by your son without any wrongdoing on our part. I’ve taken revenge for my relatives and considered your feelings as well as the relationship between us as monarch and subject, taking the big picture into account. Why is it that my grandfather deserved to die, while your beastly son deserved to die and I should pay with my life? Grand Emperor, as a person, don’t be so hypocritical. Your status, even as an emperor, doesn’t belong to you forever. You should be happy that the current emperor is rational, prioritizes the greater good and is a blessing of Qian Country, and we will do our best to assist him.”

As the conversation ended, Su Liang stood up and left with Gu Ling. In front of others, Gu Ling was still aloof and reticent. He had nothing to say to Duanmu Yi. After all, the people of the Gu Family were executed by Duanmu Yi. But unlike Su Yuanzhou, Gu Yuan’s death was not unjust, and Gu Ling had no affection for that father.

Before leaving the palace, Su Liang suddenly remembered something and asked Duanmu Chen, “Does His Majesty know that there used to be a woman named Shaoyao by the side of the Grand Emperor?”

Duanmu Chen knew about the masters around Duanmu Yi, but it was Su Liang who reminded him. However, he was surprised when she specifically asked about Shaoyao, “You know Shaoyao?”

Su Liang shook her head, “I don’t know her personally. She is Ren Dong’s master.”

Duanmu Chen knew Ren Dong, who was originally called Silver Flower and was a maid arranged by Duanmu Yi to serve Su Liang.

“Shaoyao has disappeared and hasn’t come to see me,” Duanmu Chen said, “All the other masters in the capital have already visited me.”

Su Liang frowned, “Shaoyao has another disciple, Ren Dong’s brother. Does Your Majesty know where he is?”

Duanmu Chen shook his head, “I don’t know about such a person.”

Shaoyao was in direct contact with Duanmu Yi. Her disciples were unknown to others. Ren Dong’s brother had been arranged by Duanmu Yi to work in another place and was not in the capital city. Perhaps only Duanmu Yi and Shaoyao knew about his whereabouts. Now that Shaoyao had disappeared, she might have learned that Ren Dong had followed Su Liang and was afraid of retribution. In that case, she might do something terrible to Ren Dong’s brother…

Su Liang reminded Duanmu Chen to be careful, as Shaoyao might become a traitor and join another master, which would be detrimental to both Qian Country and Duanmu Chen.

On their way out of the palace, Su Liang asked Gu Ling, “Shall we cure Duanmu Yi first, ask him where Ren Dong’s brother is, then poison him? But he might not tell us.”

Gu Ling nodded, “We can give it a try.”

“I didn’t bring it up in the palace, afraid that His Majesty would think we were going too far. Let’s go home and ask Ren Dong first,” said Su Liang. She had to be mindful of Duanmu Chen’s politeness to her.

As soon as Su Liang returned home, she saw her familiar friends and relatives who knew she was pregnant.

Old Master Qin said cheerfully, “When the baby is born, I’ll teach him to fish!”

Lin Shuzhi smiled, “I will enlighten the child and teach him to read and play chess.”

Qiao Cong spoke up, “I will teach my apprentice Martial Arts.”

Cen Man smiled, “I will teach the child how to use hidden weapons for self-defense.”

Old Madam Xing felt that she should also say something, “Let the child’s Grandfather teach him how to lead troops and fight wars.”

Su Liang touched her forehead, “The baby hasn’t been born yet. There’s no need to arrange so much. We’ll discuss it when the time comes.”

Lin Xueqing held Su Liang and smiled, her eyes turning red again, “Sister Su, it’s so good that you’re okay!”

Su Liang comforted Lin Xueqing, “Don’t worry. If anyone tries to cause trouble, it won’t be me who ends up in trouble. Otherwise, my master wouldn’t agree.”

Before she could finish her last sentence, Lin Shuzhi, Qiao Cong, and Cen Man all nodded in agreement.

At this moment, a familiar voice came from outside the hall, “Girl, your master has returned!”

Full of energy, it was Old Mu who had previously gone to Liang Country.

Behind him were the expressionless Old Bai and the travel-weary Qi Jun.

Su Liang’s face lit up, “Master has returned!”

Qiao Cong squinted his eyes, examining the incoming Old Mu and Old Bai.

“Ha! You are both safe and sound! Good! I knew you’d be fine!” Old Mu was delighted to see Su Liang and Gu Ling in good condition and teased Old Bai, “If it wasn’t for this old man being afraid of that crazy woman, we would have brought back Situ Xie’s head to avenge you!”

Qi Jun quickly explained, “Elder Bai was just being cautious. The enemy had a crazy poisoner, and Situ Xie himself was very powerful. It would have been difficult for us to succeed if we had attacked again.”

Su Liang knew that Lady Yue was Old Bai’s junior apprentice sister, Ying Ying’s grandmother, and a tough and ruthless character.

“It’s good that Master returned safely. Nothing else matters.” Su Liang smiled and introduced them to each other.

As a result, when Old Bai and Old Mu learned that Qiao Cong was the one who kidnapped Su Liang, they immediately turned against him and unisonously struck their palms towards Qiao Cong!

Qiao Cong narrowly avoided the attack, and Su Liang blocked his back, fearing his injury might worsen.

“Master, Old Bai…” Su Liang began.

Old Bai glared and asked, “What did you call me?”

“Old… Bai… Ah… Didn’t you ask me not to call you Master?” Su Liang replied innocently.

Old Bai snorted, “Anyway, that mad woman already knows!”

“Oh, my two Masters.” Su Liang smiled, “Don’t fight. It’ll harm the harmony, and the person behind me is also my master.”

“Move out of the way!” Old Mu glared at Qiao Cong, “What kind of master is he? I don’t agree! You’re just too kind-hearted and easily deceived by others!”

Old Bai didn’t even want to waste words, and directly walked around Su Liang to attack Qiao Cong.

Gu Ling went to make soup for Su Liang and didn’t interfere in this matter. Helpless, Su Liang revealed her trump card, “I’m pregnant!”

Old Bai stopped in his tracks, and Old Mu was a little dumbfounded, “What do you have? What good news?”

Su Liang coughed lightly, “You two are going to be grandmasters. Are you happy?”

The next moment, Old Bai and Old Mu’s eyes lit up, staring at Su Liang’s belly as if it contained some rare treasure.

Qi Jun, who was standing at the door, was also overjoyed.

Old Mu grinned and laughed, “Hahaha! That stinky boy is really capable! Good boy! Good apprentice! How big is my dear grandson now?”

Su Liang’s voice was soft, “A little over a month.”

Old Bai was clearly excited, his eyes reddened, and he looked at Su Liang, repeating one word, “Good… good… good…”

After the surprise, Old Mu’s gaze fell on Qiao Cong again, still very unhappy, “Didn’t he almost hurt my precious grandson? Why are you protecting him?”

Su Liang shook her head, “It’s nothing. Don’t think too much. Wait for him to recover, and then you can fight.”

Old Mu snorted, “Alright! I’ll teach him a lesson then!”

Qiao Cong knew he was in the wrong and didn’t say anything. But when it came to fighting, once he recovered, he had to show these two a thing or two, to see who was Su Liang’s first master and who was the strongest grandmaster of the baby.

Old Master Qin and Old Lady Xing didn’t stay for dinner. They checked on Su Liang and then left, telling her to rest more.

Su Liang introduced Yuan Pei, who came to the capital city with her, to Lin Shuzhi. Yuan Pei wanted to study at the Imperial College, and Lin Shuzhi said it was no problem.

Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing also followed Lin Shuzhi away.

Qi Jun told Su Liang about what happened after he went to Yao City and brought back a letter from Xing Ji for Su Liang.

“You go and rest too.” Su Liang said, “I’ll give you a break for the time being.”

Qi Jun shook his head, “There are more people at home now, and I have a lot to do. I’m not taking time off.” Saying that, he went to find Ren Dong.

Su Liang thought, let him be.

In the afternoon, Su Liang asked Ren Dong to come and talked to her about Shaoyao’s disappearance.

“I can try to inquire about your brother’s whereabouts from the Grand Emperor, but at this time, Shaoyao might have gone to find him first.” Su Liang sighed softly, “I’ll give you two choices: either forget the past and stay here or leave to go anywhere you want, regardless of what Shaoyao does, or I’ll try to find your brother’s location for you to search for him, though it’s not guaranteed you’ll find him.”

Upon hearing this, Ren Dong knelt in front of Su Liang, “Thank you, Master! Whether I can find him or not, I must try. Otherwise, I will never have peace of mind for the rest of my life. If I can find him, we siblings will be loyal to you for life, with no disloyalty!”

“Alright, I got it. However, I can only give it a try, and I will let you know once I find out.” Su Liang said.

This matter was handled by Gu Ling. Afterwards, Su Liang didn’t need to enter the palace, as Gu Ling went every day to treat Duanmu Yi. When he could speak, they stopped the treatment and asked him about Ren Dong’s brother’s whereabouts.

Although Su Liang rarely practiced medicine, Gu Ling had read and memorized all the medical books she had read and would timely ask her for clarification. He had also diligently learned many medical skills from her previous life and had even assisted her multiple times. By now, his medical skills were quite good, especially in acupuncture. Theoretically, he was even stronger than most doctors in this world.

Su Liang had seen the poison made by Old Bai previously and planned to take it out, sort it and distribute it to everyone for self-defense. She couldn’t use that much at home, and since Old Bai had returned, her main task now was to quickly learn poison techniques from him. By then, she could make whatever she needed herself.

Returning home felt great, especially since both masters who had gone out and Qi Jun had also safely returned. The mansion’s atmosphere suddenly became livelier.

Gu Ling entered the palace once again, bringing the medicine box and explaining his intentions.

After hearing this, Duanmu Chen was speechless, “Is this Su Liang’s idea? Curing his father first then drugging him again…”

Gu Ling’s expression was indifferent, “If Your Majesty doesn’t agree, let’s forget it.”

Duanmu Chen became even more speechless, snorted lightly, and said, “You know I won’t object.”

Duanmu Chen himself had drugged Duanmu Yi personally, so he had no regard for father-son affection. What made him speechless was that Su Liang was actually causing trouble to the Grand Emperor for the sake of a servant, completely disregarding the imperial authority. However, this was exactly who Su Liang was, and Duanmu Chen had long been aware of this.

And the reason why Duanmu Chen wouldn’t object was because this matter also had benefits for him. Shaoyao’s defection was a hidden danger. If they could find Ren Dong’s brother, they might also be able to locate Shaoyao and eliminate this threat.

Moreover, Duanmu Chen knew that since Su Liang dared to do this, she must have considered the pros and cons for him and knew that he would agree.

He asked Chang’an to take Gu Ling to find Duanmu Yi, and Duanmu Chen couldn’t help but laugh. Su Liang really knew him well. Since becoming emperor, they couldn’t be friends, but with no one suppressing him anymore, perhaps he could try seeing Su Liang as a friend. After all, many incidents have proven that she was his lucky star…

Upon returning home after treating Duanmu Yi and leaving the palace, Gu Ling saw Qi Jun about to go out.

Seeing Gu Ling, Qi Jun quickly said, “Marquis, please go and persuade them. They’ve started fighting!”

Gu Ling frowned, “Who?”

“Three senior elders! Well, four, actually. Elder Cen has also joined to help Elder Qiao!” Qi Jun said helplessly.

“Where are you going?” Gu Ling asked.

Qi Jun coughed lightly, “Master wants me to go to Huguo Temple and see if the little master Cheng Yun is still there.”

“Okay.” Gu Ling walked past Qi Jun and went inside.

As they approached Yuanming Pavilion, they could hear the sound of swords clashing.

The sun shone brightly, and Bi Lake was as clear as a mirror.

Old Bai, Old Mu, Qiao Cong, and Cen Man were all sitting in wheelchairs, fighting intensely, two against two.

Su Liang was sitting in the pavilion by the lake, with desserts and fruits placed in front of her, leisurely watching the battle.

Seeing Gu Ling approach, Su Liang picked up a peach slice with a fork and handed it to him.

Gu Ling lowered his head, ate it, and leaned in to kiss Su Liang’s lips before sitting down beside her.

With a smile on her face, Su Liang said, “I asked Old Bai to teach me poison techniques, and at the beginning, he suddenly started insisting that he must beat Old Qiao first, or else he couldn’t bear to live under the same roof. Since I had no choice, to be fair, I let Ren Dong and Qi Jun find four wheelchairs.”

Looking at the four elderly people with a combined age of over 300 fighting fiercely, Gu Ling said calmly, “I’m your first master.”