Chapter 370: 370. It’s Gu Ling

Translator: 549690339

In order to avoid drawing too much attention in the city, Gu Ling made some explosives and went out of town to test them in a deserted area.

For safety reasons, Su Liang wanted to go too, but he was rejected and did not persist.

Accompanying Gu Ling out of town was old Mu. He knew how fireworks and firecrackers were made and had some understanding of explosives, but the formula Gu Ling used and the peculiar-shaped final products all made him feel very novel, and he didn’t know how powerful they were.

Seeing this, Old Mu strongly requested to follow Gu Ling to have a look before Su Liang even had the chance to invite him.

While waiting for news at home, Su Liang talked to Qi Jun about the matters in Xuanbei City brought back by Qi Jiang, mainly about what Qiao Cong and Qiao Jing had done since arriving in Xuanbei City.

After Qi Jun finished speaking, he left to find Ren Dong. In a short while, he reappeared in front of Su Liang, “Master, Bai Yang is back! Ren Dong is talking to him secretly, and they asked me to leave. Are they talking bad about me?” The last sentence was spoken in a joking tone.

It was almost as predicted.

As for what Ren Dong was discussing with Bai Yang, Su Liang knew very well, he smiled and said, “The emperor has other plans for Bai Yang, and Ren Dong is trying to persuade him to accept it.”

Qi Jun was stunned, “What kind of arrangement?”

“To let him join the military in the south and be Nian Jincheng’s deputy,” Su Liang said. “Deputy” doesn’t mean that Bai Yang is really suitable for being a normal general. His greatest strength is Martial Arts and disguise, which are also very important in war. Firstly, he can protect the safety of military commanders like Nian Jincheng and Lian Shun, and secondly, he can carry out necessary assassinations or infiltrate the enemy’s army to do something. Su Liang had discussed these issues in detail with Ren Dong and asked her to talk to Bai Yang.

Upon hearing this, Qi Jun was surprised and envious, “It seems the emperor values Bai Yang very much.”

Su Liang knew that Qi brothers always wanted to join the military, but Qu Jiang wouldn’t let them take the risk.

“There is a shortage of young military commanders nowadays,” Su Liang said. “But since you’re planning to marry Ren Dong, you probably don’t want to join the military, right?”

“Well… That’s also true, but it’s still a bit of a pity that after living for over twenty years, I haven’t done anything remarkable. Except following my Master, which doesn’t count compared to my Master and Uncle,” Qi Jun opened his heart.

Su Liang thought for a moment, “Then why don’t you discuss with Ren Dong, both of you and Bai Yang go to the south? Xiao Nian and Lian Ershan are definitely in urgent need of talented people. Their siblings are highly skilled in Martial Arts, and you are intelligent and have read many military books, you will surely have some achievements in the army.”

Qi Jun’s eyes lit up, but he frowned again, “If we all go, there will be no one to take care of the family.”

Su Liang shook his head, “You don’t have to worry about that. I’ve said before, you’re not servants. You stayed before because you didn’t have other suitable things to do. But you have to discuss with your father and Ren Dong, your father was strict because he wanted to protect both of you.”

Qi Jun looked serious, “I understand. I’ll go and see if Ren Dong and Bai Yang have finished talking, ask her opinion first, then take her to see my father. My father is very supportive of our marriage, and he is already choosing a date.”

“Go ahead,” Su Liang nodded.

After Qi Jun left, Su Liang sat in the lakeside pavilion and read a few more pages of his book. When he heard footsteps, he saw Bai Yang coming.

Su Liang closed his book, waiting to chat with him, but Bai Yang walked into the pavilion and knelt down in front of Su Liang, “Thank you, Master, for protecting us in that matter.”

Su Liang frowned slightly at Bai Yang’s sudden change of address. “There’s no need for that. The emperor considered our feelings, but he also thought about the overall situation.”

But Bai Yang knew that even if Duanmu Chen wanted to deal with Ji Yueyan temporarily for the sake of the overall situation, he still had plenty of ways to kill him and torture Ji Yueyan.

None of these terrible things happened, all because Su Liang and Gu Ling protected Ji Yueyan at the critical moment and gave Duanmu Chen a suggestion, while also giving Bai Yang and Ji Yueyan a bright and legitimate future they never dared hope for.

Because in their original plan, even if they managed to elope against all odds, they could only hide far away in a place where no one knew them and live in fear for the rest of their lives. Moreover, there was a great possibility of failure, and they could even lose their lives.

With the current situation, even if Bai Yang had to wait ten or eight years, he would be willing. He didn’t fully believe in Duanmu Chen as the emperor, but he believed in Su Liang and Gu Ling.

Bai Yang got up and sat across from Su Liang, apologizing to her first. In his original plan, he had intended to use his sister’s relationship with Su Liang. Although it was a helpless move.

“Ren Dong has helped us a lot. In addition, your affair with her didn’t cause too much trouble and didn’t have serious consequences, so there’s still a chance to make a good ending.” Su Liang sighed slightly, “It seems that you’ve accepted the emperor’s arrangement?”

With a guilty look on Bai Yang’s face, he said, “It’s a great kindness from the heavens.”

“That’s good. You should head south today, and let Nian Jincheng arrange your duties. You don’t need to enter the palace to see the emperor again. Although the emperor is magnanimous, he doesn’t want to see you for now. If you can make great achievements for Qian Country, your wishes will be better guaranteed. However, don’t risk your life. Bravery and recklessness are different. Discuss with people around you if you encounter any problems. Nian Jincheng and Lian Shun are my friends, and they both know Ren Dong, so they will take care of you.” Su Liang said.

Bai Yang nodded, “I understand, thank you, Master. However…”

Su Liang interrupted, “If you want me to arrange for you to see the Yin Imperial Concubine before you leave, it’s impossible.” Duanmu Chen has already made great concessions, and they cannot overreach or let anything happen that would jeopardize the reputation of the Royal Family.

Bai Yang quickly shook his head, “Master misunderstood. My brother-in-law said earlier that he and my sister would go with me. Can I wait for their decision before leaving?”

“Of course.” Su Liang’s expression relaxed, “It should be settled today. However, if you have anything to say to the person in the palace, I can help pass the message when I see her next time I enter the palace. It can only be verbal.”

Bai Yang’s eyes lit up, “Thank you, Master!”

In the afternoon, Gu Ling and Old Mu returned home.

Old Mu was covered in dirt, but his old eyes were frighteningly bright. He excitedly ran to find Su Liang, “Good apprentice, you have no idea how powerful the treasure that Xiaogu made is! If I weren’t afraid of scaring my disciple, I would have let you see it, haha!”

Gu Ling came in afterwards and told Old Mu to go take a bath.

“I’ll go eat something to fill my stomach first, and then I’ll come to you. Teach me how you did it! Let’s go out of the city and have fun again tomorrow!” Old Mu ran off happily after he finished speaking.

Gu Ling’s clothes were still relatively clean, but his shoes and trouser legs were dirty. After the successful experiment with Old Mu, he used a previously prepared shovel to fill the blasted hole back up… Old Mu thought it was unnecessary, but Gu Ling was meticulous in his work and didn’t want anyone to discover those strange holes. They went to a deep valley, making sure no one was around and that the noise outside wouldn’t be easily heard.

“How was it?” Su Liang handed Gu Ling a cup of water.

Gu Ling took it and drank it all in one gulp, then began to talk about the results of today’s experiment. The two grenades and a pack of explosives they brought all successfully detonated. However, the detonation time of the grenades was not very stable, one was too fast and the other too slow. Detonating too fast could hurt oneself, while detonating too slowly could result in the enemy kicking it back.

Just like the previous night at Wan Family’s Garden, when Gu Ling realized what was flying towards him, he didn’t dare to strike or kick it back because he wasn’t sure when it would explode. It could have exploded at any moment. Dodging immediately was the best choice.

However, Gu Ling wanted to fix the detonation time of his own grenades within a suitable range, neither too fast nor too slow.

The explosives were detonated with a fuse that was lit, and the explosion time depended on the length and burning rate of the fuse. This was easy to control. Today, Gu Ling got a more intuitive understanding of the power of explosives.

“It’s already impressive that you successfully detonated it on your first try.” Although Su Liang said this, she knew that Gu Ling was a perfectionist when it came to his work, and would certainly improve quickly until he was satisfied.

After eating, Gu Ling accompanied Su Liang for a nap.

Anxious to study the “treasure” with Gu Ling, Old Mu wandered outside the Yuanming Pavilion, wanting to call Gu Ling but afraid of disturbing Su Liang’s rest.

As soon as he heard movement inside, Old Mu rushed in to grab Gu Ling, and they went to a courtyard specially designated for Gu Ling to “mix medicine”. They got busy again.

Cen Man asked Su Liang what treasures Old Mu and Gu Ling were tinkering with, but Su Liang mysteriously said it would be kept secret for now.

Qi Jun took Ren Dong to see Qi Jiang.

If Qi Jun went on his own to ask if he could go to the south to join the army, Qi Jiang would surely refuse. However, in front of his future daughter-in-law and upon learning that she and her brother would also go, Qi Jiang didn’t want to separate Qi Jun and Ren Dong, or make his daughter-in-law think he was an unreasonable old stubborn, so he agreed.

Qi Jiang earnestly warned Qi Jun to listen carefully to Ren Dong’s words and not to behave recklessly.

Qi Jun was a bit embarrassed, but more excited about fighting side by side with his wife, which seemed absolutely fantastic.

The most speechless person had to be Qi Yan. Not having a wife was bad enough, but when he suggested to Qi Jiang that he also go to the south to join the army, he was refused with the words, “Find a wife first before talking about it!”

The frustrated Qi Yan had a fight with Qi Jun, only to find out that Qi Jun’s strength had somehow surpassed his at some point!

Qi Yan felt that his dignity as a big brother was seriously challenged, so he made a big decision: since Qi Jun and Ren Dong were both leaving, he would go to Su Mansion and become the housekeeper! By following Su Liang, not only would he gain experience and improve his skills, but he might also find a wife!

Qi Jun laughed heartily when he heard Qi Yan’s reasoning and expressed his absolute support.

Qi Jiang didn’t have any objections to this either. It was definitely a good thing for his son to follow Su Liang.

Thus, when Su Liang saw Qi Jun again, he told her that his father had agreed to let him, Ren Dong, and the Bai Yang siblings go to the south together. Also, he strongly recommended his brother Qi Yan to take his place at Su Mansion.

“Why not?” Su Liang cheerfully agreed, “He can come if he wants. Now that my foster father and your father are back, there should be no need for him to do anything at the Marquis Zhong Xin’s Mansion.”

Qi Jun, Ren Dong, and Bai Yang left the capital for the south that night. Su Liang wrote a letter to Yang Yu and asked Qi Jun to inquire at Lin’s Family and also help them deliver a letter to Lian Shun.

After three days of research, Gu Ling finally made a hand grenade that satisfied him.

As Old Mu’s excitement faded, he sighed, “You’re not going to give this to the emperor, are you? If this is used on the battlefield, it will cause rivers of blood.”

Su Liang shook her head, “No.” Making this weapon was to be prepared for the unseen “fellow townsmen” and not for his use.

Old Mu nodded, “That’s good. No matter how the situation changes in this world, at least we shouldn’t become accomplices to executioners. Moreover, once this thing goes out, if Qian Country has it, the Liang Country and Yin Country will try their best to imitate it, along with other ambitious people. By that time, will there be peace anywhere in the world with all the explosions?”

Su Liang agreed, and she also thought so. For now, it seemed that the “townsmen” had not cooperated with any royal families, at least this advanced weapon had not appeared in Liang Country and Yin Country yet.

After making the hand grenade, Gu Ling planned to make a musket because Su Liang’s “townsman” might already have that kind of weapon.

Old Mu’s interest and curiosity were piqued again as he wondered how Gu Ling came up with all kinds of gadgets. When Gu Ling said he had dreamt about them, Old Mu hit him playfully.

…After Bai Yang left for a few days, Su Liang and Gu Ling together went into the palace, proposing to treat Yin Imperial Concubine. Duanmu Chen guessed what she was going to do, but since everything was settled, he let her go without fussing over such minor matters.When Su Liang saw Ji Yueyan, she was doing embroidery, looking quite well.

Unlike last time, Ji Yueyan was noticeably happy to see Su Liang this time, and after having the servants serve tea and leave, she had many questions for Su Liang. Regarding Duanmu Chen’s decision and Bai Yang’s whereabouts, Ji Yueyan knew nothing. She had not been cast into the Cold Palace, lived a decent life with nothing lacking, but she had not seen Duanmu Chen again and still felt uneasy, not knowing the outcome.

Seeing Su Liang, Ji Yueyan felt much more at ease.

Su Liang briefly told Ji Yueyan of Duanmu Chen’s decision.

Ji Yueyan could hardly believe it, “Is it true? Is Emperor Qian really willing to…”

Su Liang nodded, “I don’t know what kind of person your father is, but for now, you can trust and can only trust that what I’m telling you is true.”

Ji Yueyan was both shocked and overjoyed, and it took her a while to calm down, looking at Su Liang, she said, “Anyway, I believe you.”

“I came here today to tell you that Bai Yang has been ordered to go south and I don’t know when he will return. He is with his sister and sister’s husband.” said Su Liang.

Ji Yueyan felt a moment of sadness but quickly regained her composure, “I know that he can’t come to see me in the palace right now, I can wait, even willing to wait for ten or eight years.” As she finished speaking, she got up and knelt in front of Su Liang.

From their words and actions, this pair of ill-fated lovers indeed had similar personalities.

Su Liang pulled Ji Yueyan up and conveyed Bai Yang’s message.

Ji Yueyan breathed a long sigh of relief, finally lifting the heavy weight in her heart.

“Remember, you are a princess from Yin Country and a noble concubine in the imperial harem. Maintain your dignity and do what you should do until that day arrives,” Su Liang reminded Ji Yueyan.

“I understand.” Ji Yueyan nodded quickly, then mentioned another matter, “The empress’s people wanted to visit me the other day, as did the Imperial Concubine Liang yesterday, but they were all stopped by the emperor’s people. The emperor doesn’t allow me to go out or let anyone come to see me, so I am actually quite at ease.”

Su Liang could easily guess what Xing Yuyan was thinking. But why did Situ Yao come to see Ji Yueyan? Was it out of “sisterly” concern, or did she want to confirm whether or not Ji Yueyan was genuinely sick?

Not wanting to stir up trouble, Su Liang didn’t bother to ask these questions, and after leaving Ji Yueyan, she and Gu Ling left the palace together.

The carriage moved slowly through the streets, and as Su Liang hadn’t been out for a while, she wanted to get out and walk. Gu Ling told Qi Yan to stop the carriage and helped Su Liang down, telling Qi Yan to go home first.

Gu Ling sensed that there seemed to be someone watching him in the dark, but he couldn’t spot the covert observer and guessed the other person must be highly skilled in Martial Arts since they could hide so well, probably the old man who threw the grenade at him previously.

Since he was with Su Liang, Gu Ling didn’t want to create trouble and didn’t purposely look for the person. The two entered the Yang Family’s Embroidery Workshop, and Su Liang bought a piece of cloth with a color that she liked, although it was not of the best quality.

Yang Yu had instructed that good items from the Yang family’s shop should be sent to the Su Mansion first, so Su Liang seldom bought things for herself.

After leaving the Embroidery Workshop, Gu Ling, with one arm around Su Liang and the other holding a piece of fabric, headed towards the Wan Family Restaurant.

As they walked, Su Liang told Gu Ling that she planned to use the cloth to decorate the baby carriage that Gu Ling had already made for their daughter, which would be very cute.

After the two entered the restaurant, in a dark alley in the city, the old man with a scarred hand recorded on a sheepskin book with a charcoal pen, “Gu Ling can make baby carriages, Su Liang can sew clothes.”

Turning the page, he reached the last page of the sheepskin book, with all the previous pages filled with writings.

The old man pondered for a moment and wrote three slightly larger words on the last page, “It’s Gu Ling.”