Chapter 367: 367. Imperial Concubine Yan

Translator: 549690339

“The princess of Yin Country for the marriage alliance has arrived, but there’s still no news from Ren Dong. I wonder how she’s doing.” Su Liang sighed lightly.

Much to their surprise, as soon as her words fell, Qi Jun’s voice came from outside, filled with jubilation, “Master, Ren Dong is back!”

Before long, Su Liang saw Ren Dong. She was much thinner than when she’d left, but she seemed uninjured, her complexion was decent, and a tall, sturdy young man followed behind her. He was likely the younger brother, Bai Yang, she’d set off to find on this trip.

“Master, your subordinate is back,” Ren Dong saluted, then pulled the young man behind her forward, “Bai Yang, this is the Master.”

Bai Yang had a handsome countenance, and his behavior still carried traces of an imperial guard. He stepped forward and bowed deeply, although he didn’t address Su Liang as Master per Ren Dong’s lead, “I am grateful to Divine Doctor Su for taking care of my sister.”

Su Liang didn’t find Bai Yang’s behavior disrespectful. She had sent Ren Dong to find Bai Yang not because she wanted another subordinate to order around.

Seeing Ren Dong furrow her brows and tug Bai Yang, as if reminding him not to act rashly, Su Liang thought it was clear that the siblings hadn’t come to an agreement on certain things during their journey back.

“You must be tired from your journey. Please sit down. Qi Jun, bring the tea.” Su Liang had already noticed Qi Jun lurking at the door.

“Yes!” Qi Jun answered.

Ren Dong pulled Bai Yang to sit down, only to hear Su Liang ask, “Did Shaoyao go to Yin Country to give you trouble?” If Shaoyao had found Bai Yang before Ren Dong, or if they’d bumped into each other, things likely wouldn’t have gone this smoothly.

Bai Yang nodded, “She didn’t appear.”

Su Liang looked at Ren Dong. If Shaoyao hadn’t gone looking for Bai Yang, they should have been able to return much sooner.

Ren Dong sighed, “After leaving Xiangyue City with Bai Yang, I wanted to check out the valley Master mentioned on our way back. I didn’t expect there to be an array in the valley. We got lost before we could find Madam Yue’s hideout and were trapped.”

“An array?” Su Liang frowned. Gu Ling knew a bit about this subject, but only from collecting related records from ancient texts. To her, this all seemed a bit absurd.

“It was a place like a maze, with dense trees and multiple paths, and no way to find the exit,” Ren Dong described what they had seen.

Now that didn’t sound so mystical. Su Liang had seen mazes like that on TV in her previous life.

“There were many poisonous creatures inside. Fortunately, we had the medicine Master gave us. We were trapped for seven days but eventually made our way out,” said Ren Dong. “However, we didn’t find Madam Yue’s hideout or Miss Ying. We took a detour, so we were delayed in our return.”

“As long as you’re alright, it doesn’t matter.” Su Liang told Ren Dong that Ying Ying was okay and that she’d gone to find her younger brother again, but there was still no news.

Qi Jun brought the tea over and covertly evaluated Bai Yang.

After a while, Ren Dong took Bai Yang away to clean up and rest.

“Master, do you think there’s a chance that something more…intimate…might develop between those two siblings?” After much hesitation, Qi Jun asked Su Liang.

Su Liang rolled her eyes at him, “Although they aren’t blood related, you’re overthinking things. They’ve been siblings since they were young; they’re family. If you like Ren Dong, you should confess your feelings soon. Now that her brother is back, she might impulsively agree to be with you.”

Qi Jun’s eyes lit up, then he coughed lightly, “What do you mean she might impulsively agree to be with me? Do you think we’re well-matched?”

Su Liang shook her head, “It doesn’t matter what I think, as long as you both feel you’re well-matched, that’s what counts.”

She wasn’t surprised that Qi Jun had developed feelings for Ren Dong. The familiarity born of spending a lot of time together often leads to affection. People often limit their romantic pursuits to those within their social circle, because they have little to no interaction with outsiders, making dating impossible.

Even the relationship between Su Liang and Gu Ling was a product of this circumstance. After living together for a long time and finding themselves compatible, they gradually went from friends to lovers.

“Wish me luck.” Gathering his courage, Qi Jun ran off.

Su Liang asked Gu Ling what he thought about Bai Yang.

Gu Ling shook his head, “I don’t know him well enough.”

“Understandable. It seems he doesn’t plan on staying at Su Mansion, he likely has other plans.” Su Liang surmised.

Having plans was a good thing. It would be strange for a strong, young man with great martial arts skills, who had just escaped being a spy, to resign himself to being a servant. Although Ren Dong thought following Su Liang was a good choice, Bai Yang was not her.

Later, when Ren Dong came to find Su Liang, she let out a sigh as soon as she spoke, “Bai Yang wants to be a palace guard.”

Su Liang raised an eyebrow, “Does he particularly like this job, or is there another reason? If he wants to make a name for himself, why not join the army?”

“Maybe he’s just used to that kind of life. He tends to be quiet and not very sociable, so joining the army might not suit him,” Ren Dong said helplessly. “I wanted him to stay and follow you, but he wants to do something on his own and not rely on others. He’s always been headstrong, and I can’t persuade him. But I think it’s better this way. We’re all in the capital. It’s not like we’re far apart. What do you think, Master?”

Su Liang nodded, “There’s nothing wrong with that. If one can get the emperor’s favor as a palace guard, the future won’t be bad.”

Ren Dong cheered up, “If you approve, then there’s no problem.” She hadn’t planned to let Bai Yang benefit from Su Liang’s palace connection, but to make him find Duanmu Chen himself.

Su Liang chuckled, telling her not to worry about many things, to take good care of her health and to regain her weight lost during her trip.

After Ren Dong left, Su Liang discussed Bai Yang’s situation with Gu Ling, “I might be overthinking, but I always feel there is more to his wanting to join the guard than he led on. We need to first exclude the possibility that he was turned by the royal family of Yin Empire and that he returned as a spy for them.”

After all, Bai Yang’s previous disguise as a spy in the Yin Imperial Palace was as a guard.

“The emperor will take all these into consideration and investigate thoroughly.” Gu Ling advised Su Liang not to worry about Bai Yang’s matters as he was fostered by Duanmu Yi and now wanted to serve Duanmu Chen.

“That’s right. Let it be then.” Su Liang nodded, “I wonder when Qi Jun is planning his declaration of love and if he’ll be rejected.”

By evening, as Ren Dong went out, she saw a figure swaying outside the courtyard.

“Do you need anything from me?” Ren Dong wasn’t surprised when she saw Qi Jun. As the only two guards of Su Mansion, the two were used to frequent exchanges.

Startled by the sound of Ren Dong’s voice next to him, Qi Jun looked up to see she’d already come over, “Um…indeed I do have something.”

Ren Dong nodded, “Speak.”

Qi Jun seriously proposed, “Let’s talk about it in the garden.”

“Why?” Ren Dong looked around, “There’s no one here.”

“It has to be in the garden.” After leaving these words, Qi Jun turned around and walked away, “Hurry up.”

Ren Dong silently followed, not questioning further.

The sunset in the west, with dusk painting half the sky red.

Qi Jun walked to a large banyan tree in the garden, turning to face Ren Dong in the fading sunlight, which lit up half his face.

Ren Dong expression remained unchanging, looking like she was patiently waiting to hear him out.

Qi Jun took a deep breath, breaking into a handsome smile, “Miss Ren Dong, I’m fond of you, and I want you to be my wife.”

Ren Dong was taken aback for a brief moment, then looked at Qi Jun with furrowed brows.

Qi Jun touched his face, there shouldn’t be anything dirty on it. He couldn’t quite understand Ren Dong’s reaction; was she unhappy? Or considering?

“Why today?” Ren Dong asked.

Qi Jun was a bit confused, “What…why?”

“Why did you wait until today to confess?” Ren Dong asked seriously, “Is today a special day?”

Qi Jun blinked: …so, Ren Dong had known for a long time that he liked her, and she had been waiting for his confession, is that it?

“Because, you’ve found your little brother and returned home.” Qi Jun told her the truth, “Previously, you were always worried about your brother and I didn’t dare to confess my feelings rashly, fearing that you’d say you’re not in the frame of mind to consider it.”

“Indeed.” Ren Dong nodded.

“So…” Qi Jun looked at Ren Dong expectantly, “Have you agreed to be with me then?”

Ren Dong shook her head, “I didn’t say anything. Why this place?”

Qi Jun was confused again, “What’s wrong…with this place?”

Ren Dong frowned, “I mean, why did you insist on confessing here?”

“Oh!” Qi Jun flashed a huge grin, “When you were not at home, I found this spot, this time, to be particularly lovely with a special charm which, in our master’s words, is exceedingly romantic.”

Hearing the words, Ren Dong retreated a few steps back.

Looking at the sunset, the evening glow, the large banyan tree, and the man grinning underneath the tree, she nodded, “It really is a beautiful sight.”

“Does that mean you’ve agreed to be with me?” Qi Jun asked again.

Ren Dong was about to speak when Bai Yang’s voice came from a short distance, “Sister.”

Ren Dong turned her head, “I’m over here.”

Disappointment settled in Qi Jun’s heart. As a third person joined, the romantic atmosphere was instantly shattered.

Bai Yang came over and greeted Qi Jun as ‘big brother Qi’.

Qi Jun responded with a slight nod. Then, he heard Ren Dong ask Bai Yang about his business.

“I haven’t been back to the capital for many years, I wanted to go out and look around.” Bai Yang explained.

Ren Dong nodded, but Qi Jun jumped in, “I’ll accompany you! I’m free!”

Bai Yang hesitated for a moment, “Wouldn’t it trouble you, big brother Qi.”

“We aren’t strangers, why the formality?” Qi Jun shook his head, “I’ll treat you to some alcohol.”

“Is sister coming along?” Bai Yang asked Ren Dong.

Ren Dong shook her head, “I won’t join you. Don’t drink too much, be back early.”

Bai Yang nodded and started walking ahead.

Qi Jun walked up next to Ren Dong, and with an earnest gaze, lowered his voice to ask, “So, it’s possible right?”

Ren Dong nodded, “Yes.” She then left in a different direction with a casual stride.

Qi Jun was over the moon, and upon seeing Bai Yang’s confused expression, walked over to him, patted his shoulder and said with a smile, “From now on, I’ll be your brother-in-law!”

Bai Yang nodded, “Oh, brother-in-law.”

Qi Jun raised an eyebrow, “You agree?”

“I trust sister’s judgment. She often mentioned you on our way back.” Bai Yang replied.

Upon hearing this, Qi Jun could hardly contain his joy. There was no doubt about it, Ren Dong liked him as well. Today was indeed special, a perfect day for a confession!

After Qi Jun and Bai Yang had toured the city and stopped by a restaurant for drinks, he sought out Ren Dong, only to find that she was already asleep, and the lights at the Yuanming Pavilion were all off.

Wanting to share his joy with someone, Qi Jun rushed back to the Marquis Zhong Xin mansion to find his brother.

It was already late, Qi Yan was startled awake, thinking it was an intruder. Upon seeing it was Qi Jun, he kicked him away, “What’s the matter?”

Qi Jun was tossed onto the floor but didn’t show any irritation. He got up, grinning at Qi Yan, “Brother, I’m engaged!”

Qi Yan was taken aback, “That Miss Ren Dong? You confessed? She didn’t hit you?”

Qi Jun coughed, “Why would she hit me? She likes me!”

“Alright, get out!” Qi Yan rolled back under his covers.

Qi Jun pulled the covers off Qi Yan again, “Brother, aren’t you happy for me?”

Qi Yan replied with a token effort, his eyes closed, “I’m happy. Now get out!”

Qi Jun: … He’s definitely too envious to know what to say. It has to be that!

The next day, when Su Liang encountered Qi Jun, she saw him with dark circles under his eyes. Clearly, he didn’t rest well the previous night.

“Were you rejected?” Su Liang asked, smiling.

Qi Jun shook his head, “Ren Dong agreed. I was thinking about the wedding all night.”

“Congratulations.” Su Liang gave him a thumbs up, “Your father should be back soon. Shouldn’t it be better to wait for him to handle the wedding arrangements?”

Qi Jun nodded vigorously, “You’re right, Master! I’ll wait for my father to come back!”

Bai Yang requested to see Duanmu Chen, but Duanmu Chen didn’t see him immediately. Instead, he sent Chang’an to invite Su Liang and Gu Ling to the palace.

“Is that Bai Yang trustworthy?” Duanmu Chen cut to the chase.

Gu Ling shook his head, “I don’t know, I don’t understand him.”

Su Liang smiled, “Your Majesty can ask the Grand Emperor about the information Bai Yang provided in the past, the things he has accomplished, and judge based on that.”

Duanmu Chen nodded, “I’ve asked. He has been performing his duties faithfully, transmitting quite a lot of news about the royal family of Yin Country, but not much of it has been very useful. After all, he’s just a guard. If there’s no problem with him, I want to make use of him; after all, he’s a master my father personally trained.”

Su Liang knew, as long as she vouched for Bai Yang, Duanmu Chen would not suspect anything. But she didn’t know Bai Yang enough to make such a guarantee.

“In that case, I will assign him some tasks and judge based on his performance!” Duanmu Chen already knew Su Liang and Gu Ling’s attitudes.

When she got home, Su Liang told Ren Dong about the situation.

Ren Dong didn’t think it was a big deal. It’s normal for the emperor to be suspicious. Su Liang indeed did not understand Bai Yang.

The next day, Bai Yang left the capital on official business.

As Su Liang speculated, Princess Ji Yueyan of Yin Country was entitled Imperial Concubine Yan on the day she entered the palace, the same rank as Situ Yao.

Before entering the palace, Ji Yueyan never showed herself, claiming to be acclimating to the local environment and resting in the post house.

Unexpectedly, Su Liang met this timid princess, whom Gu Ling described, on the night of her wedding to Duanmu Chen.

Because Duanmu Chen was injured by Ji Yueyan with a hairpin on their wedding night…

In the middle of the night, Chang’an came to invite Su Liang, and Gu Ling said he would go, but Chang’an insisted on Su Liang going too.

Thinking the situation was severe, Su Liang and Gu Ling went together.

Duanmu Chen’s face didn’t look good. The senior imperial physician, who had arrived earlier, had already treated his wound, which was not serious.

Imperial Concubine Yan, Ji Yueyan kneeled with her head down on the side. She was still dressed in a big red wedding dress, her body slightly trembling, but she did not cry.

A blood-stained golden hairpin was discarded on the ground.

The senior imperial physician told Su Liang about Duanmu Chen’s wound. Gu Ling looked at the wound and said it was not a problem. It was not a vital spot and not much blood was lost.

Duanmu Chen waved his hand, letting the senior imperial physician leave. He had Chang’an bring Su Liang and Gu Ling not for medical help but to discuss something else.

“She came to marry me, but she won’t let me touch her!” Duanmu Chen was not finished in anger, “I asked her why, and she’s like a mute! Su Liang, help me ask her what exactly is she trying to do!”

Upon finishing these words, Duanmu Chen let Chang’an support him to leave.

Gu Ling frowned, telling Su Liang not to get close to Ji Yueyan.

Su Liang sat down with Gu Ling. The dragon and phoenix candles were still burning.

“Imperial Concubine Yan, is there anything you want to say?” Su Liang asked calmly.

Ji Yueyan didn’t say a word, she just knelt unmovingly.

“Let me rephrase that. Do you have someone else in your heart?” Su Liang frowned. The reason Duanmu Chen didn’t do anything to Ji Yueyan, but specifically asked Su Liang, was that he hadn’t lost his rationality.

This couldn’t possibly be an assassination of Duanmu Chen organized by the royal family of Yin Country, but rather Ji Yueyan’s personal action. Given this, Duanmu Chen did not wish to make a big fuss because Qian Country wanted to seek cooperation with Yin Country to deal with Liang Country first.

Upon hearing Su Liang’s words, Ji Yueyan’s hand moved, but she still didn’t lift her head.

“Did you ever think of the consequences of doing so? Since you didn’t harm or kill yourself, it means you still want to live with the person you love, am I right?” Su Liang asked.

Finally, Ji Yueyan looked up at Su Liang. Her beauty was not as breathtaking as Situ Yao’s, but she was also elegant and charming. Her eyes were red at this moment, with stubbornness and a hint of desperation.

“It seems I’ve hit the nail on the head?” Su Liang’s face remained calm, “What do you want? As the princess sent by Yin Country to marry, you should know that our emperor is not lacking in women. He can avoid touching you, but he cannot let you leave. By doing this, are you hoping to be sent into the cold palace, preserving your chastity?”

Finally, Ji Yueyan spoke, “I know you, Su Liang, the Divine Doctor Su.”