Chapter 353 - Chapter 353: 353. It’s to defeat him.

Chapter 353: 353. It’s to defeat him.

Translator: 549690339

Ying Ying remained silent.

Lian Shun’s heart stirred, “In that case, can I like you?”

He had heard of her name before seeing her, which had made Lian Shun fantasize and expect a lot from Ying Ying. The feeling after actually seeing her was rather peculiar. Curiosity, wanting to explore everything about her, worrying about her when she was in pain – all made her very interesting to him.

This was definitely not because Ying Ying was Su Liang’s friend.

Ying Ying shook her head, “I’m not in the mood to consider that now.”

Lian Shun comforted her instead, “It’s okay, I understand. Let’s talk about it after your brother is safe. Let’s start off as friends first!”

Ying Ying looked deeply at Lian Shun, “Alright.”

After crossing the Liuxian River, the two continued their horseback journey.

It was always Lian Shun who insisted on stopping for a break, and only then would Ying Ying stop. Lian Shun was only worried that her body might not be able to take it, as her wounds had not yet healed.

Capital city.

Under Su Liang’s meticulous treatment, Nangong Qian could now get out of bed and walk around. Although she still looked quite weak, she was able to move freely, which was a key development considering her long-term bedridden condition.

Qiao Cong was delighted. His foot injury was also healing. He was anxious, mainly because he felt that he owed Su Liang too much and wanted to recover sooner to help her.

Cen Man’s eyes were recovering more slowly than expected, but there were notable changes. Not only could she perceive light, but she could also see objects vaguely. Although not clear, she could distinguish obstacles and even identify every person in the mansion by their blurry outlines. She could also recognize bright colors, no longer needed a walking stick, and could move around the house.

“A gift for Grandma Cen!” Zhengzheng carried a large bunch of brightly colored flowers and ran over.

Seeing the figure of a child running in her line of sight, Cen Man’s face revealed a loving smile. Bright yellow, fiery red, and rich green blended together in her eyes, forming a lively and beautiful picture.

Cen Man bent down and held the flowers Zhengzheng had given her.

There was also a light purple flower in Zhengzheng’s hand. He tiptoed and tucked it behind Cen Man’s ear, grinning, “You are more charming than the flowers.”

Cen Man’s face blossomed into a smile. From a distance, Qiao Cong watched quietly, a small smile appearing on his face as well.

Today, Gu Ling cooked fried fish nuggets, which both he and Zhengzheng particularly loved so they ate them in the kitchen. Su Liang had recently started to experience morning sickness, which was fine with other dishes, but fish and shrimp dishes would make her nauseous.

“It’s a pity the baby doesn’t like fish.” Zhengzheng’s little mouth was greasy as he sat in his chair, swinging his legs, and lamented with a regretful expression on his little face.

Gu Ling shook his head, “Not necessarily.”

Zhengzheng was confused, “Auntie likes to eat it. But Auntie can’t eat it while she’s with the baby. Doesn’t that mean the baby doesn’t like it?”

Although Gu Ling thought Zhengzheng was very smart for his age and analyzed the situation reasonably, he knew from what he had learned from Su Liang about childbirth science that it was due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, not the still-unformed little deity revealing food preferences.

However, Gu Ling did not explain so much to Zhengzheng, only saying they would know once the baby was born.

Gu Ling was very worried about Su Liang’s morning sickness. He was always afraid she wouldn’t eat well, so he started to create some new dishes to whet her appetite.

Gu Ling, who had a talent for cooking, had never dabbled in dark cuisine due to his seriousness and understanding of ingredients. No matter what he cooked, everything turned out great once he got the hang of it.

Thus, Su Liang was able to taste some dishes she had never eaten before. There were no disgusting ones, as Gu Ling would always taste test first, only serving it to her if it was good.

Originally, Su Liang had always tried to assure Gu Ling that morning sickness was normal and that there was no need to worry as long as she wasn’t hungry. But seeing his enthusiasm and attentiveness in taking care of her and remembering his words about “this being his way as a father, feeding the child together with Su Liang,” she let him be.

When Su Liang, who rarely entered the palace, saw Duanmu Chen again, she was asked about the Mu Family’s secret scroll of mechanisms.

Although Situ Xie had confirmed earlier that the old man from the Mu Family was indeed working together with Su Liang and that she must have a complete secret scroll of mechanisms in her possession, he didn’t mention this in the letter accusing her to Duanmu Yi. Situ Xie thought that Su Liang must have already handed over the secret scroll to the royal family of Qian Country, and if she had not, he did not want her to hand it over to them. Therefore, the matter of the secret scroll was not mentioned in that letter.

Duanmu Chen still didn’t know that the heir of the Mu Family was in Su Liang’s house. There were too many things going on before, so he didn’t pay attention to the secret scroll. And now he remembered it again.

Su Liang and Gu Ling had carefully studied every blueprint recorded in the secret scroll. The flat drawings made it difficult for Su Liang to imagine what the weapon would look like, so Gu Ling patiently explained it to her.

After examining it from beginning to end and gaining a detailed understanding, both came to the same conclusion: This secret scroll of the Mu Family was far less destructive than rumored.

The ancestors of the Mu Family were experts in mechanical arts, and this secret scroll was passed down from generations ago. Because of their legacy, later generations did not innovate or improve in this area. This included Old Master Mu, who loved mechanical arts but never thought of using them to create large-scale weapons.

As a result, this historically significant secret scroll was more focused on the mechanics rather than the weapons themselves. There was even a considerable portion of the scroll where different mechanical devices were ingeniously combined together, showcasing great wisdom and described as magical but had little practical use.

The most practical weapon was a large crossbow, but Gu Ling believed it needed modification. According to the original blueprint, it would be too cumbersome to load the arrow and achieve high accuracy.

Therefore, when facing Duanmu Chen’s inquiry, Su Liang didn’t hide anything and directly admitted that she indeed had the complete secret scroll of the Mu Family.

Duanmu Chen’s expression changed instantly, “Where did you two get it?” Su Liang had it, but it didn’t mean she was the one who obtained it — it could be Gu Ling as well.

Su Liang simply said that she had met the real heir of the Mu Family by chance and received it from them.

“You…” Duanmu Chen was more puzzled than angry at the moment. If Su Liang didn’t plan to hand it over, why wouldn’t she just keep hiding it? If she did plan to hand it over, why didn’t she mention it earlier?

Su Liang explained that she didn’t mention it earlier because she couldn’t trust the Grand Emperor at first, and later there were too many things going on, so she forgot.

Duanmu Chen was somewhat speechless, “So, now that you admit to having it, do you plan to give it to me?”

Su Liang nodded, “Yes, but Your Majesty probably won’t understand it.”

Duanmu Chen wondered if he had been indulging Su Liang too much lately. It seemed like it, as every time there was a new treasure in the palace, he would think of sending it to his unborn godson first. He rarely called Su Liang to the palace and had someone deliver half of the tribute fruits to the Su Mansion immediately…

However, Su Liang wasn’t arrogant due to favoritism. She was just telling the truth, although it might not sound pleasant.

Afterward, Su Liang explained the content of the secret scroll to Duanmu Chen in detail.

After listening, Duanmu Chen’s first reaction was, “You know so much about mechanical arts? Is there anything you don’t know?”

“I really don’t know.” Su Liang shook her head. “It’s Gu Ling who understands. When we were in Su Village, he apprenticed himself to an old carpenter in the village, who happened to be my relative. He learned some carpentry skills and had a basic foundation.”

Duanmu Chen’s mouth twitched slightly, finding it difficult to decide whether it was more absurd for Gu Ling to apprentice himself to a remote village’s old carpenter or Su Liang to think that the carpentry skills taught by the village’s old carpenter could serve as a foundation for mechanical arts…

“Of course, I say this because my husband is very smart and talented in this area. I wouldn’t understand those blueprints if I looked at them.” Su Liang said earnestly.

Duanmu Chen snorted, “Yes, yes, your Gu Ling is the smartest, the number one genius in the world.”

Su Liang expressed that it wasn’t an exaggeration at all. Gu Ling was not only smart but also very serious and dedicated to everything he did, which naturally contributed to his success.

“In that case, do I not need the secret scroll? How about asking Gu Ling to make some practical weapons for me?” Duanmu Chen asked with furrowed brows.

Su Liang nodded, “Let him try. He’s currently modifying one of the weapons. If it’s successful, I’ll then show it to Your Majesty.”

“If I hadn’t asked, when would you have mentioned it?” Duanmu Chen huffed.

Su Liang smiled, “I was planning to give Your Majesty a surprise when the weapon was ready.”

Duanmu Chen replied coldly, “Thank you very much!”

“Your Majesty is too polite.” Su Liang said with a respectful expression.

“When can I taste the dishes personally cooked by Gu Ling?” Duanmu Chen suddenly changed the subject.

Su Liang hesitated for a moment, “Did he promise to cook for Your Majesty? I wasn’t informed.”

Duanmu Chen snorted, “Stop pretending to be clueless. I can’t forget the steamed bun from your house that cost 500 taels.”

Su Liang nodded, “No problem, next time I make steamed buns, I’ll send a plate to His Majesty.”

After Su Liang left, Changan saw Duanmu Chen’s expression was strange, sometimes frowning, sometimes sighing, not knowing what he was thinking.

Changan asked Duanmu Chen if he wanted to go to the Empress Dowager’s palace, Duanmu Chen shook his head, “There are still memorials left unapproved.” Then he asked Changan, “Does Su Liang know some kind of enchanting tricks?”

Changan was surprised, “This… not possible, right?”

“When I was the crown prince, I thought that I couldn’t treat Su Liang as a friend, only as a partner. When I become the emperor, I must establish my authority and make her stick to her place as a servant. I also think that it was right for my father to show kindness and strictness to Su Liang, and it was normal to suspect her.” Duanmu Chen frowned, “But after I really became the emperor, I wanted to be friends with her, and I couldn’t be strict in front of her. Did she drug me?”

Listening until the end, Changan coughed lightly, “If Mrs. Gu really had a drug that could conquer people’s hearts, perhaps she would have already used it on the Empress Dowager…” As he spoke, he realized his disrespect and didn’t dare to finish.

But Duanmu Chen had already understood Changan’s meaning. Thinking about it, if Su Liang had such a heaven-defying ability, there would be no enemies for her in this world, and everyone would like her just by casually drugging them.

“Indeed, it’s impossible.” Duanmu Chen nodded, “Then it’s my problem.”

Changan said weakly, “Actually, I think the current situation is not bad. From another perspective, Your Majesty has also gained Mrs. Gu’s trust.”

“That makes sense.” Duanmu Chen’s brows relaxed, “To be honest, I feel pretty good. There are very few people who can make me feel that I’m neither above them nor under pressure, but talking to them on an equal footing without having to think thrice before speaking.”

From childhood to adulthood, Duanmu Chen had developed the skill of pleasing everyone in every situation, always careful and calculating with his words and actions. Even in front of his mother, Empress Dowager Xiao, he had always followed the rules.

But when facing Su Liang, he was more relaxed, revealing more of his personal emotions.

Su Liang didn’t know that Duanmu Chen had thought so much. When she returned home, she told Gu Ling that Duanmu Chen wanted to eat his steamed buns, and Gu Ling said no.

“Great God, are you afraid that he’ll never be satisfied?” Su Liang asked with a smile. Gu Ling’s steamed buns were incredibly delicious, no matter how they were made. Su Liang thought they were better than hers.

Gu Ling nodded, “He definitely will be.” This time he wanted steamed buns; next time he would order dishes.

“Just refuse him next time. I had no choice but to agree to it this time. After all, it’s not good to completely snub him, who is the ruler of a country.” Su Liang shook Gu Ling’s arm, “You don’t have to make them especially for him, just send him a few when you make them.”

“Alright.” Gu Ling agreed. As for the matter of weapons, he had already been working on it.

Su Liang calculated the time, “Ren Dong should have arrived at Jiaye City by now. Situ Jing should also be almost at Yao City. It remains to be seen whether Yue Mei will come to cause me trouble.”

…

Liang Country’s Yao City.

Yue Mei had left for several days, and Situ Xie remained in seclusion.

On the day Situ Jing arrived at Yao City, he didn’t go to the King Yue’s mansion to find Situ Xie, but directly sneaked into the Imperial Palace to see Situ Han. With his martial arts skills, it was very easy.

Father and son hadn’t met before, and when Situ Han first saw Situ Jing descending from the sky, he was cautious. But after recognizing his face, he became excited, “Jingjing? Are you Jingjing?”

Situ Jing nodded indifferently, “It’s me.”

“Your eyes are alright?” Situ Han approached, looking at Situ Jing’s face, very happy, “That’s great, as long as you’re fine, it’s good you came back. Have you seen your uncle the emperor yet?”

Situ Jing shook his head, “No.”

Upon hearing this, Situ Han showed a satisfied expression. This was his son, hidden and concealed from him by Situ Xie for so many years. He didn’t want Situ Jing to be completely devoted to Situ Xie and be distant from himself.

Situ Han pulled Situ Jing to sit down and asked about the details of the matter.

Situ Jing said that his maternal grandfather had been won over by Su Liang, and he pretended to repent and gained her trust. Su Liang treated him and after he was healed, he secretly left and came to Liang Country.

“Your grandfather didn’t listen to you but chose to side with Su Liang instead?” Situ Han snorted coldly, “That girl is indeed best at enchanting people’s hearts!”

“Father Emperor.” Situ Jing called out.

Situ Han looked relieved and temporarily did not think about the possibility that Situ Jing was sent by Su Liang. He brought up Situ Xiang.

After reminiscing about the past, Situ Han said he would officially restore Situ Jing’s status and let him return to the Liang Country’s Royal Family; this was what Situ Jing wanted, so he naturally would not refuse.

After that, Situ Jing left the palace to see Situ Xie.

Situ Xie was very happy to see Situ Jing return with his eyes healed but began to harbor doubts in his heart.

After listening to Situ Jing’s words, Situ Xie sighed, “Don’t blame your grandfather. In fact, if you can regain Su Liang’s trust and stay by her side, it would be better and more conducive to what we are going to do next.”

Situ Jing’s face was calm, “I know. My maternal grandfather tried his best to repair my relationship with Su Liang, and I pretended to repent and asked for her forgiveness, but she resolutely refused to give me another chance. That’s why I had no choice but to leave.”

Situ Xie sighed deeply, “It’s good to be back. Your father emperor must be very happy to know; he is very worried about your safety.”

“I have just seen my father emperor.” Situ Jing’s expression was faint, “My father said he will hold a banquet for the officials tomorrow and let me make my official appearance.”

Situ Xie’s eyes flickered slightly, “That’s very good. You have suffered a lot of grievances over the years, and your grandfather will make it up to you.”

“I want the position of the crown prince, and I hope my grandfather will help me.” Situ Jing said bluntly.

“I will discuss this matter with your father emperor.” Situ Xie did not agree or disagree.

When Situ Jing left the mansion, he came face to face with the twin brothers from King Yue’s Mansion, Situ Zhang and Situ Min. Situ Min had almost killed Lian Shun last year, and as a result, became Su Liang’s enemy. At that time, he was punished with fifty lashes, his skin torn apart, but he had recovered by now.

Seeing Situ Jing, Situ Min’s eyes were hostile, “You are the bastard who ruined our grandfather’s big plans, causing my elder brother to be captured? You have the nerve to come back?”

Situ Zhang frowned and pulled Situ Min to calm down, but he didn’t pull hard, and Situ Min still rushed in front of Situ Jing.

Situ Zhang just watched from the side. It was true that Situ Jing’s involvement led to Situ Jing falling into the hands of Qian Country.

“Situ Jing? It sounds like a name my grandfather randomly chose to imitate my elder brother.” Situ Min sneered, “You were blind, but how did you recover so quickly? Was it originally a pretense? Did that slut Su Liang heal you? I heard you two were good friends before? What kind of friends? You wouldn’t also be her lover, would you? Why did you come back? To be a spy for her? To continue to harm Liang Country and the Situ Family?”

Situ Jing’s eyes turned cold, “Get out of my way.”

Situ Min sneered, “This is my home, and you’re telling me to get out of the way? Who do you think you are? My elder brother is still suffering in Qian Country, my younger sister is being forced to marry, and you’re living a carefree life. Why? You have two choices: First, go to Qian Country and rescue my elder brother safely, then I can barely accept you as a cousin. Second, kneel down and kowtow to me; I can, for the sake of my grandfather, temporarily not hold a grudge against you. Otherwise, I will——”

As soon as Situ Min’s hand was raised, Situ Zhang heard the crisp sound of bones cracking, followed by Situ Min’s pig-like screams.

After breaking Situ Min’s arm, Situ Jing raised his hand and slapped him, then continued on the other side.

Situ Zhang’s expression changed, and he stepped forward to stop Situ Jing but was slapped away!

By the time Situ Xie rushed over after receiving the report, his two grandsons were beaten beyond recognition. Situ Jing was ruthless and showed no mercy to Situ Zhang, deliberately targeting his weak points. Situ Jing’s strength was enough to easily crush the two of them.

“Stop!” Situ Xie shouted angrily, “Jingjing, what are you doing?”

“He called me a bastard.” Situ Jing said casually, throwing down Situ Min, who he was beating, and took out a handkerchief to wipe the blood from his hands. He knew very well that Lian Shun’s broken arm last year in Liang Country was Situ Min’s doing, and Situ Min scolded Su Liang because Su Liang had hurt him for Lian Shun’s sake.

Situ Xie’s face darkened, “Minmin, what nonsense are you talking about? Hurry up and apologize to Jingjing!”

But Situ Min’s face was too swollen to speak.

Situ Xie sighed, “Jingjing, they are also worried about their elder brother being caught and are venting their anger on you. You are all brothers, but your hand was too heavy.”

Hearing the word “brothers,” Situ Jing immediately thought of Lian Shun’s bright and smiling face. He looked down at Situ Zhang and Situ Min on the ground, and said coldly, “Prince Uncle, do they dare to be so disrespectful and use abusive language in front of the Crown Prince?”

Situ Xie frowned, and saw Situ Jing turned around, throwing down a sentence, “I kindly helped Prince Uncle discipline his grandsons; there’s no need to thank me. Please let them remember that I am the second prince, and let them go and say that I am a bastard in front of father emperor.”

Looking at Situ Jing’s retreating figure, Situ Xie’s face darkened, and he increasingly felt that this grandson, who he had once placed high hopes on, had long ago gone out of control and as if he had come back to suppress his (own) power…