Chapter 417: 417. I will find the opportunity to take action myself

Chapter 417: 417. I will find the opportunity to take action myself

Translator: 549690339

When Yan Shijiu saw Su Liang again, she had changed into a new outfit.

“You go first, we still have some matters to arrange, and will catch up later,” Su Liang said.

Yan Shijiu was taken aback, “Are both Divine Doctor Su and Marquis going?” Though Gu Ling was now the Regent King, many people still referred to him as the Marquis out of habit, as his regency was hardly noticeable.

Su Liang sighed softly, “The child is still young, neither of us wants to be separated from her, so let’s go together. We had also planned to return to Su Family Village this year, so this will just speed up the trip.”

Yan Shijiu’s expression was one of gratitude, “Thank you, Divine Doctor Su!”

“That being said, you should return first and tell Yan Shiba to hang on. We will be arriving shortly,” Su Liang said.

“Alright,” Yan Shijiu nodded, “Then I will take my leave now!”

“I forgot to write replies for Little Tiger and Zhuzi.” Su Liang frowned, “Never mind, time is of the essence, we’re going over anyway.”

And so, Yan Shijiu left the Su Mansion first.

When Su Liang told him that she and Gu Ling would take Gu Xiaonuan to Su Family Village together, she didn’t really mean it. It was true that neither of them wanted to leave their child, but Gu Ling also didn’t want to bring the child along on their journey – it would be too much of a hassle. Since there was business to attend to, it was pragmatic to get it sorted out as quickly as possible and return.

Gu Ling would go, leaving Su Liang behind. First, their daughter needed her mother more. Second, Gu Ling was skilled in martial arts. Third, he had essentially mastered the medical skills that Su Liang possessed, so saving people would not be a problem.

But letting Gu Ling go alone made Su Liang uneasy. She wanted at least one more person to accompany him. Among those in the mansion, only Qiao Cong and his grandson, Qiao Jing, had high martial arts skills and wouldn’t be a hindrance.

Considering Qiao Cong was elderly and had just managed to return home, Su Liang called for Qiao Jing, asking him to accompany Gu Ling on the trip.

Qiao Jing agreed without even asking what the matter was. Ji Yuebai had been crowned king, but Qiao Jing had not. Because he had already severed ties with the Situ Family of Liang Country, he was essentially a military commander of Qian Country. However, in times of peace, military commanders were not as busy, and he was on leave.

Upon learning that the matter related to Yan Shiba, Qiao Jing wasn’t surprised. He had known for a long time that Yan Shiba and Su Liang were closely connected. When Qiao Cong and Qiao Jing were in Xuanbei City, they had heard Su Liang give several instructions to inquire from Little Monk Cheng Yun at Ping’an Temple whether he had seen Yan Shiba.

“Although it seems safe for now, we must always be vigilant,” Qiao Jing stated, advocating caution. Yan Shijiu’s severed arm served as evidence of the previous calamity he mentioned, but it was not clear if it was caused by a different reason or was part of some intricate plot.

Yan Shijiu claimed that Yan Shiqi had colluded with a group of top-notch masters to plan another attack on Yan Shiba. According to the timeline described by Yan Shijiu, it was possible that these people were from Xingluo Island.

“If only I knew medical skills, then I could go alone and you wouldn’t have to split up,” Qiao Jing blurted out, and then realized how awkward his statement sounded, as if indeed stating the obvious.

Qiao Cong had no objections to Qiao Jing leaving with Gu Ling on a mission. He had complete faith in Gu Ling’s abilities. He knew that Qiao Jing would be safe with him, and besides, their mission was a secret. It was unlike before when everyone knew where Qiao Jing was, making him an easy target for assassins.

“You both should go and return quickly. There’s no need to worry about home, I will manage it well,” Qiao Cong said.

Gu Ling had already said goodbye to Su Liang, had given his daughter a hug and a kiss. Gu Xiaonuan, oblivious to the fact that Gu Ling was leaving on a long trip, kept smiling gleefully. Meanwhile, Zhengzheng and Ji Xiaoshu, the two little ones, clung to him reluctantly.

“Master, have a safe journey. Go quickly and return quickly,” Zhengzheng said with a serious expression on his little face.

Ji Xiaoshu held onto Gu Ling’s leg, “Master, you must miss me!”

“I won’t,” Gu Ling assured.

Ji Xiaoshu huffed, “If Master comes back late, baby sister will call me brother first! Ha, ha!”

Gu Ling’s face darkened slightly, indeed this was a valid threat. He almost forgot that his daughter would soon start talking, and he wouldn’t be home then. Thinking about it, he was very tempted to either stay or take Gu Xiaonuan with him.

“Junior brother, stop making nonsense! Our sister will definitely first call ‘mom’, then ‘dad’, and then ‘brother’!” Zhengzheng is a thoughtful and obedient child.

Ji Xiaoshu blinked, “But master is not at home, who is our sister going to call ‘dad’?”

Su Liang knocked on Ji Xiaoshu’s forehead, “Your master already feels bad about going out, don’t make it worse.”

Ji Xiaoshu immediately behaved, “Master, I’m sorry, I was joking. Brother and I will definitely protect our sister, and before master returns, we will only let her learn to call ‘mom’! We won’t even let her call ‘brother’!”

Zhengzheng nodded hurriedly, “Right!”

Gu Ling simply didn’t want to be separated from Su Liang and the children. But when problems arise, they need to be resolved as soon as possible.

Late into the night, the small village was quiet and peaceful. Compared to Gu Ling’s last departure, there were a few newly built bridges over the small river, and the houses of many people were somewhat larger than before.

The first house that Su Liang and Gu Ling had stayed in was located by the river, it remained unchanged.

Qiao Jing had been here before. He crossed the bridge alone, and as soon as he passed the courtyard wall, a shadow appeared from a short distance, “Who is it?”

“Me.” Qiao Jing mimicked Gu Ling’s voice. It wasn’t too difficult because Gu Ling seldom spoke, so he also tried to keep it brief.

“Marquis Gu?” Yan Shijiu came over and looked behind Qiao Jing, “Did Divine Doctor Su not come?”

“It’s inconvenient with the child.” Qiao Jing replied calmly, “Where is Yan Shiba?”

“Over here.” Yan Shijiu lead Qiao Jing towards a room quickly. It wasn’t the original dwelling of Gu Ling and Su Liang, but the small corner room where Yan Shiba used to live, originally it was the firewood room.

Yan Shijiu opened the door, a light was turned on in the room, the bed curtain was drawn, and it was very quiet.

Qiao Jing was cautious; he quietly scanned the surroundings but found no lurking figures.

Yan Shijiu lifted the bed curtain, revealing a woman with a pale face lying there with her eyes closed.

“I arrived last night, and she has been unconscious.” Yan Shijiu sighed deeply, “Marquis Gu, please examine her quickly.”

“Em.” Qiao Jing nodded and approached, “You go find some food.”

Yan Shijiu hesitated for a moment, “Alright, I’ll be right back!” After saying that, he turned and left, even closing the door behind him.

Qiao Jing looked at the woman on the bed, pondering whether they were overthinking things. So far, he hadn’t detected anything unusual.

Qiao Jing, not knowing any medical skills, only checked Yan Shiba’s breathing to confirm she was alive. He took a thorough look around the room, it was very clean but with not much furniture.

Gu Ling didn’t show up, and Qiao Jing didn’t look for him, guessing that he was probably keeping an eye on Yan Shijiu.

Yan Shijiu returned soon, bringing two steamed buns, “This was made by Neighbor Bai. Marquis, please make do as you see fit.”

Qiao Jing accepted it. It was cold, but he didn’t mind, he ate one and then told Yan Shijiu, “I’ve checked her condition, I need to prepare some medicine; I’ll go to the county town in a while for the ingredients.”

Yan Shijiu looked grateful, “Thank you, Marquis Gu, I appreciate your efforts!”

Qiao Jing finished both steamed buns, drank a glass of water and then left. After leaving the village and making sure no one was following, he waited in the forest they had agreed upon for a while before Gu Ling appeared.

“How is it?” Qiao Jing asked.

Gu Ling shook his head, “I didn’t see anyone else.” He had confirmed that other than Yan Shiba and Yan Shijiu, there were no other people hiding. Also, he had checked after Qiao Jing left. It was indeed Yan Shiba who was seriously ill but still alive.

“I ate the buns Yan Shijiu gave me.” Qiao Jing suddenly frowned, “What if he poisoned them... I was really not careful enough.”

Gu Ling looked at Qiao Jing with cold eyes.

Qiao Jing lightly coughed, “What should we do next? Do you need to find some herbs?”

“Mm.” With that, Gu Ling disappeared. Since it was really Yan Shiba, he would have to save her.

Qiao Jing found a place to rest in the forest, waiting for Gu Ling to return.

At Su Liang’s house.

Yan Shijiu stood by the backyard wall, knocking his fingers against it rhythmically. After a moment, someone responded.

“Master, Gu Ling has arrived, alone.” Yan Shijiu lowered his voice.

A low but youthful male voice came from beyond the wall, “Su Liang has to take care of the child; it’s not convenient for him to come. Gu Ling’s medical skills are not inferior to Su Liang’s.”

“What should we do next?” Yan Shijiu asked.

“You don’t have to do anything, and don’t communicate with me either, so as not to arouse Gu Ling’s suspicion.” The man’s voice was light, “I will find an opportunity to act.”