Chapter 387: 387. She looks so much like that person.

Translator: 549690339

Regarding the “noble guest’s” question, Situ Xie pondered for a long time before answering, “In fact, my grandson Gu Ling has never changed. Since he was a child, he appears to be born with a pair of perceptive eyes, able to see through the human heart. As a result, he is extraordinarily indifferent to people, even towards his parents, with no normal child’s closeness and dependence, let alone me.”

The old man sitting in the shadows straightened, and his hoary eyes squinted, “What age are you referring to him?”

Situ Xie replied, “Four years old. It was when my daughter Ning took Gu Ling back to her home after marrying, and it was the first time I saw my grandson. I still remember his eyes, deep and calm, seemingly bottomless pools, always staring directly into the center of one’s brows as if he could see through the flesh and discern one’s thoughts. It was because of this that I paid special attention to him and always felt that he was no ordinary person. He would surely achieve greatness in the future. I was not mistaken. He is a genius. The only mistake I made was that he has never been under my control.”

“What about Su Liang?” The old man asked.

This time, Situ Xie answered more quickly, “As for Su Liang, I think Brother Mo’s investigation results are almost the same as mine. She is the granddaughter of Su Yuanzhou, a famous doctor in the Qian Country’s capital city. She was once unknown and luckily escaped when the Su family encountered troubles and returned to her hometown. Then she married Ning Jing, whom Gu Ling was disguised as. When the two of them returned to the capital city, Su Liang had already transformed and rose to prominence.”

“What do you think brought them together?” The old man asked again.

Situ Xie said that when Su Liang and Gu Ling first married in the Su family village, there was a person present, Uncle Liang. According to Uncle Liang, Gu Ling took pity on Su Liang and wanted to help her escape the control of her wolfish relatives.

“It is certain that when Su Liang first married Gu Ling, her body was weak and she had no other strengths apart from her excellent embroidery skills,” Situ Xie said. “It is rumored that she met a high monk who taught her martial arts and medical skills, but as far as I know, her real master was Gu Ling.”

“You mean she learned her medical skills from Gu Ling?” The old man asked.

Situ Xie shook his head and then nodded, “She is Su Yuanzhou’s granddaughter, so it’s natural for her to know medical skills. Later, I found out that Gu Ling’s medical skills were also very strong, but unknown to others. He claimed that Su Liang taught him, but in my opinion, he probably knew all along and just didn’t want people to know about it. Just like his powerful martial arts. In addition, he knows many other things, such as carving and perhaps mechanism techniques.”

“Why would the genius Gu Ling take a fancy to Su Liang?” The old man asked, looking at Situ Xie.

Situ Xie gave his own opinion, “This woman has an extremely likable character and is very skilled at winning people’s hearts, a perfect match for my grandson. I think she was once powerless when her family encountered troubles and later gained guidance and support from Gu Ling. She is equally talented and grew rapidly, undergoing a transformation.”

“Do you think that Gu Ling is the one leading between them?” The old man asked.

Situ Xie contemplated for a moment, “Not entirely. In external matters, I think Gu Ling leads, because many problems are solved based on his strength. Su Liang’s ability is still far behind his, and I think that Gu Ling is still hiding in some unknown talents. But emotionally, Su Liang leads, for she has completely conquered Gu Ling. It is also her who changed Gu Ling from a person who once desired nothing and only wanted to live in isolation to choose a different path.”

The old man stood up, his figure very tall and thin, his empty ink clothes shaking on his body.

Situ Xie also got up, “Brother Mo, are you leaving?”

“Yes.” The old man stepped towards the door, “The grain will be delivered on time. But whether or not you can win the battle, it’s not up to me.”

Situ Xie nodded, “Thank you, Brother Mo, for your help. If there is anything I can do for you…” Before he finished his sentence, the old man had already disappeared at the door.

Situ Xie walked to the eaves, squinting at the cotton-like clouds in the azure sky, recalling the conversation he had just had with the old man.

Situ Jing came and saw just this scene, Situ Xie looking at the sky, but not really looking.

“Your Royal Ancestor.” Situ Jing spoke, breaking the silence.

Situ Xie regained his senses, looked at him, his expression indifferent, “What is it?”

“About the grain issue…” Situ Jing asked.

Situ Xie interrupted, “Don’t worry, I have already arranged everything.”

Situ Jing then said that he was just curious about how the grain was transported from Yin Country to Liang Country without being discovered by the people of Qian Country.

Situ Xie, however, did not resolve his confusion. “This is a top-secret matter, it’s not the time to tell you now.”

Situ Jing closed his eyes slightly, “Yes, I’ve talked too much.”

“Is there any news about Shaoyao and her apprentices?” Situ Xie asked.

Situ Jing shook his head, “Not yet. I think their chances of success in stealing the secret scroll from Qian Country’s capital city are very small.”

“Just give it a try. If it doesn’t work, then so be it.” Situ Xie shook his head. Since he believed that the Qian Country’s Royal Family would definitely use the large-scale weapons invented by the Mu Family on the battlefield after obtaining the secret scroll, Shaoyao was sent to search for the secret scroll in order to better understand the enemy and prepare for defense. But now time is of the essence, so there’s no other choice.

“Grandfather Emperor, can we really rely on Yin Country?” Situ Jing hesitated for a moment, then asked.

Situ Xie sneered lightly, “Befriend a distant state while attacking a neighbor, this is a simple principle. In the matter of attacking Qian Country, Liang Country and Yin Country are in a similar position. They both want to wait for us to both be weakened, but once the war begins, either Liang or Qian Country will become stronger, leaving Yin Country unable to resist. Especially in the past two years, Qian Country has gained Gu Ling and Su Liang. Ji Yuebai should know that if he teams up with Liang Country, they can fight for the division of the world. Otherwise, without Liang Country, Yin Country will not survive either.”

Situ Jing nodded, “Grandfather Emperor’s words are reasonable. I’ve learned something.”

“Moreover, the food and supplies sent by Yin Country are tangible gestures of goodwill. Ji Yuebai has no way out once he takes this step. If Yin Country fails to act at that time, I will let Qian Country know that most of Liang Country’s food and supplies were given by Ji Yuebai, forcing Yin Country to send troops.” Situ Xie said coldly.

Upon hearing the last sentence, Situ Jing, thinking back to the previous events, immediately realized that there must still be key spies placed by Situ Xie in the north of Yin Country’s army. As long as the war starts in the north, even if Yin Country does not want to fight, Situ Xie will order someone to create a fuse to cause a war between Qian Country and Yin Country, which is actually quite simple.

“Grandfather Emperor is brilliant!” Situ Jing admired.

“This battle is a matter of Liang Country’s national destiny. We can only win, not lose!” Situ Xie’s eyes were firm, as he was speaking not only to Situ Jing but also to himself.

Xuanbei City of Qian Country.

When Xing Ji arrived, Qiao Jing was training the army. He had received the secret order that Liang Country might launch an attack in early March, and that he should be prepared for everything.

After finishing the training, Qiao Jing sat down with Xing Ji to discuss the current situation. According to the spies’ report, the training frequency of Liang Country’s army has recently increased, with many changes in the main general and movements.

“His Majesty’s intention is that you are still the main general.” Xing Ji told Qiao Jing, “I’m here just in case, to give you some advice when necessary.”

Qiao Jing nodded, understanding Xing Ji’s meaning. Duanmu Chen wanted to cultivate young people, while Xing Ji himself also wanted to retire early. But due to Qiao Jing’s unique identity, he faced a high risk of assassination. In case something happened to him, Xuanbei City needed someone to take over, which was the reason why Xing Ji had to come.

“Where is your grandfather?” Xing Ji asked.

“After receiving Su Liang’s message, my grandfather has been going to Nanping City every day to check on the situation.” Qiao Jing answered, “He hasn’t returned today.”

Qiao Cong only came back at dusk. Upon seeing Xing Ji, he immediately asked, “Who does my disciple resemble? Is she very cute?”

Xing Ji thought of Gu Xiaonuan and smiled, “Her appearance resembles Xiaogu more, and she is extremely cute.”

Previously, Su Liang had written a letter with Gu Xiaonuan’s little handprint. Qiao Cong had been carrying it with him, taking it out to have a look whenever he had the chance.

After hearing Xing Ji’s words, Qiao Cong sighed even more, “I really want to go home as soon as Liang Country is defeated!”

“Is there any abnormal situation in Nanping City?” Xing Ji asked.

Qiao Cong shook his head, “No! I go and check every day. Nanping City has only so much grain and fodder, and there hasn’t been any massive increase! I even walked a bit further today and checked out the city to the north of Nanping City, but there was no sign of a huge amount of grain and fodder either! What exactly gives Situ Xie the confidence to go to war with us? Could it be that they’ve reached an agreement with Yin Country?”

Su Liang wrote a letter asking Qiao Cong to pay attention to whether the grain and fodder supply of the Liang Country’s army had increased significantly. Qiao Cong was quite certain that it had not.

Xing Ji shook his head, “Xiaoliang said Yin Country won’t make a move. Qiao Lao, please continue to keep an eye on Liang Country’s grain and fodder supply.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll go again tomorrow! If there’s a large shipment of grain and fodder coming in, they won’t be able to hide it! As soon as I find it, I’ll set it on fire! Let’s see how they’re going to fight!” Qiao Cong snorted.

Qian Country’s capital city.

On the 100th day of Gu Xiaonuan’s birth, the Su Mansion held a banquet, with only close friends and relatives invited.

Old Master Qin arrived early, bringing with him his great-grandson. He was the son of Qin Yu Heng, Qin Yujin’s older brother, and only a month younger than Lin Shuzhi’s grandson. In fact, the two children were cousins because Qin Yuheng’s wife, Min Jingya, and Lin Boyan’s wife, Min Jingwen, were twin sisters and granddaughters of the former Minister of Industry, Min Lao Shangshu.

Old Master Qin held Gu Xiaonuan tightly in his arms, and Su Liang was playing with the Qin family’s young master. Old Master Qin mentioned an event, “Min Rui has returned.”

Su Liang hesitated for a moment, certain she had heard the name for the first time. However, she quickly realized that this Min Rui must be the long-lost son of Min Lao Shangshu who had left home many years ago. It seemed to have some connection with the Qin family.

Duke Qin’s Mansion and the Ministry of Industry’s Mansion were very close, almost neighbors. Min Rui, the son of Min Lao Shangshu, was infatuated with Qin Xiang, the only daughter of Old Duke Qin, in his youth. Min Lao Shangshu even went to the Qin family to propose marriage, but Old Master Qin didn’t approve of Min Rui, who spent his days indulging in pleasure, and Qin Xiang didn’t like him either, so the proposal was rejected. Qin Xiang was later granted marriage to Bei Jingwang, Xing Ji, and as a result, Min Rui left home and disappeared for more than twenty years. Many people thought he was dead.

This was an old story that Su Liang had learned from Qin Yujin when she talked about her elder brother’s marriage.

“That’s good news,” Su Liang said with a smile. “I’m sure Min Lao Shangshu is very happy.”

However, Old Master Qin sighed, “I’m afraid he’s not happy at all! I ran into Old Min today, and he said Min Rui is very ill and wanted to ask for your help. Since there’s a celebration at your house, he didn’t want to disturb you by paying a visit.”

Upon hearing this, Su Liang nodded, “No problem.”

The 100-day celebration was lively. Ji Xiaoshu met his three little junior brothers and instantly felt like an elder brother himself, looking forward to them growing up a bit so he could play with them.

Aside from Lin Shuzhi, no one else knew about Ji Xiaoshu’s identity. Gu Ling only said he was a friend’s child who was staying temporarily, and his name was Xiaoshu, without mentioning his surname.

After the 100-day celebration was over, Su Liang fed Gu Xiaonuan and put her to bed before going out with Old Master Qin, who hadn’t left, to visit the Min family. Gu Ling stayed at home to look after the child, and Cen Man accompanied Su Liang.

Upon arriving at the Min family’s residence, they were quickly ushered in.

High Monk the Imperial Physician had already been summoned and had not left yet. Upon seeing Su Liang, he explained Min Rui’s condition to her. He had a severe case of tuberculosis and had already started coughing up blood.

Su Liang heard a cough from outside the door and saw Min Rui when she walked in. A plainly dressed woman was supporting him by the bed, holding a handkerchief in her hand with a trace of blood on it.

Su Liang asked the woman to step aside, and the woman looked at her tearfully, falling to her knees, “Please, Divine Doctor Su, save my husband!”

It was then that Su Liang realized that Min Rui, who had left his home due to Qin Xiang, got married while he was away.

Su Liang took Min Rui’s pulse and examined his condition. She then went out to discuss treatment options with High Monk the Imperial Physician. Once they had agreed on a plan, she prepared to leave.

Min Lao Shangshu asked Su Liang whether Min Rui’s life was in danger.

Su Liang said that he could be treated, and they would check his condition again in half a month.

Min Lao Shangshu heaved a sigh of relief and expressed his gratitude repeatedly.

After Su Liang left, a beautiful young girl appeared beside Min Lao Shangshu, “Grandfather, was that the rumored Divine Doctor Su just now? She’s really beautiful.”

Min Lao Shangshu nodded, “Yes, that’s her. She said she could cure him. Your father will definitely get better.”

The young girl’s eyes lit up with joy. “That’s great! My mother and I have been urging my father to come back for years, but he felt that he had disgraced the Min family and was too ashamed to see you, so he had always refused. If it weren’t for his serious illness this time, he might still be unwilling to return!”

Min Lao Shangshu shook his head repeatedly, “He’s just a stubborn mule! A fool!”

After returning home, Su Liang first took a bath in Cen Man’s room, changed her clothes, and then returned to Yuanming Pavilion.

Gu Xiaonuan was awake and was babbling in Gu Ling’s arms, not knowing what she was saying.

“Tuberculosis,” Su Liang simply said about Min Rui’s condition. “I won’t go there in the future.”

That night, Chang’an came.

Su Liang thought Duanmu Chen had something to ask her or Gu Ling for, but it turned out to be about Min Rui’s condition. He had come specifically to inquire about it.

Given the current tense situation, Duanmu Chen needed to rule out the possibility that Min Rui and his family were spies. So he arranged for someone to investigate Min Rui’s experiences over the past years and the background of his wife.

After Su Liang informed Chang’an of the situation, she asked if there was anything suspicious about Min Rui.

Chang’an shook his head. “Nothing has been found so far. However, he claimed that he had lived in Yin Country for all these years, which is quite far away. It will take more time to verify whether his claim is true.”

Late at night, coughing sounds could be heard intermittently from Min Rui’s room.

Min Rui’s wife brought in the prepared medicine, and sat by the bed without immediately feeding Min Rui.

Min Rui coughed up another mouthful of blood, but instead of wiping his mouth, his wife asked him a question, “Did you see what Su Liang looks like?”

Min Rui had a pale face and spoke weakly, “I saw her… What’s wrong?”

“She looks too much like that person.” Min Rui’s wife instinctively lowered her voice, and whispered.

Min Rui looked puzzled, “Who does she look like?”

Min Rui’s wife shook her head, “You’ve never met her.”

Min Rui became even more confused, “What on earth are you talking about…”

“My father came to investigate specifically, but he hasn’t even seen Su Liang’s face. Otherwise, he would’ve noticed the resemblance earlier.” Min Rui’s wife’s eyes darkened, “We must eliminate her before our Master sees Su Liang!”