Chapter 391: 391.Breakthrough

Translator: 549690339

“Make sure it’s clean.” Min Rui’s voice reached Gu Ling’s ears.

Lady Min snorted coldly, “Don’t worry.”

There was silence afterwards, but Gu Ling did not leave, still waiting quietly in his original spot. He heard Lady Min moving around in the room, the sound of a chair being moved, and a teacup being picked up and put down.

About a quarter of an hour passed, and Min Rui spoke again, “I wonder if your father’s matter has been settled.”

Lady Min immediately silenced him, “Shut up. This has nothing to do with you. If you dare to talk more, don’t expect me to help you.”

The conversation was quite informative. Gu Ling thought about the information he was ordered to investigate about Min Rui before his arrival in Chang’an: both of Lady Min’s parents had died, and there were no other relatives in the house. Apparently, this was different from what Min Rui and his wife were discussing. As for the “helping Min Rui” Lady Min mentioned, Gu Ling had already guessed what it was.

Old Master Qin had already passed the title of Duke to his son Qin Kang. Now, he was merely a respected nobleman in Qian Country’s capital city and held no real power, nor would he have any grudges with anyone. Lady Min intended to create an accident to kill Old Master Qin stealthily. There could only be one reason: Min Rui wanted it.

As for the conflict between Min Rui and Old Master Qin, there was only one thing that could be considered an issue: years ago, Old Master Qin had rejected the Min Family’s marriage proposal and did not marry his daughter, Qin Yuan, to Min Rui.

From the tone of the couple’s conversation, they were definitely not loving or affectionate. In fact, it seemed that they not only lacked any affection but even disliked each other. It was possible that Min Rui still could not forget Qin Yuan after so many years and was still dwelling on that unrequited love.

Probably because Xing Ji was too far away and difficult to deal with, Min Rui aimed his grudge at Old Master Qin instead.

However, what Gu Ling was more interested in at the moment was Lady Min’s father. Judging from Min Rui’s words, his father-in-law was also in the capital city, and some secret matters were being dealt with. Coincidentally, last night Duanmu Chen had experienced an assassination attempt. When connected, it became clear: Lady Min’s father should be one of the four assassins and the fifth person who provided support last night.

Gu Ling and Su Liang suspected that the mastermind behind last night’s assassination was the mysterious force colluding with Situ Xie, which had been investigating them, the transmigrators.

Therefore, Gu Ling currently speculated that Min Rui and Lady Min were both people related to that mysterious force, and they must know some secrets.

Su Mansion.

Seeing that it was noon and Gu Ling hadn’t returned yet, Su Liang found it strange. It shouldn’t take much time to administer the acupuncture treatment. Gu Ling had immediately come back after finishing his task in the past two days.

“Shall I go to the Min Mansion to check?” Qi Yan asked.

Su Liang nodded and then quickly shook her head, “You go to Old Doctor Gao’s house first to see if he has returned yet.” She had an intuition that Gu Ling had not come back because something had happened beyond his expectations and he couldn’t get away. But in broad daylight, it was not very likely that Gu Ling was trapped by any trouble.

Su Liang thought of Min Rui and his wife, wondering if Gu Ling had discovered anything suspicious about them. After all, Gu Ling had gone to the Min Family, and if there was any trouble, it would most likely involve the Min Family. Qi Yan openly going to ask could possibly ruin things.

Qi Yan immediately took his orders and went to the Gao Family.

At lunchtime, Ji Xiaoshu and Zhengzheng both asked why Gu Ling hadn’t returned yet, and Su Liang said he was dealing with something else.

“Then how will Master eat?” Ji Xiaoshu asked with a grin.

Zhengzheng replied, “Master went to treat someone. Of course, someone will take care of him.”

“I know; he’ll use needles to poke people.” Ji Xiaoshu nodded and asked Su Liang, “Does it really not hurt?”

Su Liang smiled, “Do you want to try it?”

Ji Xiaoshu immediately shook his head, “I’m not sick, so I won’t try. Teach me how to do the acupuncture, Mom!”

“It’s not as simple as poking with needles; you have to learn a lot of medical principles. If you’re interested, I’ll teach you little by little.” Su Liang said.

The two children nodded enthusiastically, indicating that they were very interested.

After lunch, Su Liang sent them upstairs for a nap, and Gu Xiaonuan was also coaxed to sleep.

After a while, Qi Yan returned, “Imperial Physician Gao is at home, and he said that after Marquis finished giving the treatment, the two of them left the Min Family together. Marquis said he was going to visit Old Master Qin at Duke Mansion, so they parted ways.”

Su Liang’s expression was strange, a sudden decision to visit Old Master Qin? This wasn’t something Gu Ling would do. There must be some special reason, and it had nothing to do with Old Master Qin himself.

Qi Yan continued, “This subordinate went to the Duke Mansion and saw Old Master Qin, who was at home. He said that Marquis did come, but he left without seeing anyone after entering the mansion. It’s unknown where he went. Old Master Qin also said that he would come over to fish tomorrow and asked Marquis to make him some fried fish.”

Su Liang nodded, “I see.”

Qi Yan frowned, “Where should we look for Marquis next?”

“You don’t need to worry about it. Go call my fourth master, and then go eat your meal,” Su Liang waved her hand.

Based on the current information, Su Liang was certain that Gu Ling’s visit to Old Master Qin was just an excuse, and going to the Duke Mansion was just a convenient way to “disappear”. As for Gu Ling’s whereabouts, Su Liang guessed that he must be at Minister Min’s mansion. He must have discovered something or someone suspicious at the Min Family and needed to conduct a secret investigation. Hence, he used the freely accessible Duke Mansion as a cover to make a detour back.

Cen Man quickly arrived at Yuanming Pavilion when she found out Su Liang was looking for her.

She first looked at Gu Xiaonuan, who was sleeping soundly in the cradle, before sitting down next to Su Liang and softly asking what was going on.

“It’s fine, she won’t be disturbed by this noise,” Su Liang said, “I want to ask fourth master to go to the Ministry of Industry Minister Min’s Mansion, which is right next to Duke Mansion.”

Cen Man asked what was to be done there but then remembered that Gu Ling had been at Min’s Mansion all day and hadn변t returned yet, so she frowned, “Is there a problem with Xiaogu?”

Su Liang shook her head, “No. I guess he’s hiding somewhere in Min’s Mansion, observing someone, most likely their recently returned patient, Min Rui.”

Cen Man understood, “Should I go there secretly, see if he’s there, and if he is, should I stay and let him come back?”

“Yes,” Su Liang nodded, “Whether he comes back or not doesn’t matter, just see if there’s anything he needs on his side.”

“Alright,” Cen Man stood up, “I’ll change into some lighter clothes and go over.”

Min Mansion.

Gu Ling listened as Min Rui and Madam Min had their lunch and took their medicine, but they had not engaged in any “effective” conversations afterward. Neither the matter Madam Min was supposed to deal with nor the matter concerning her father was mentioned again.

During that time, Min Rou had come by. The couple’s relationship seemed much better when Min Rou was there, but as soon as she left, they returned to their previous frosty state.

Following Su Liang’s instructions, Cen Man found Gu Ling under the window behind Min Rui’s room.

Gu Ling’s body was pressed against the wall, his face expressionless, and he didn’t move at all.

Cen Man knew that he must be eavesdropping on the conversation inside the room, and it must be very important. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have stayed away from home without discussing it with Su Liang beforehand.

Gu Ling also saw Cen Man, and he understood that Su Liang must have sent her. He and Su Liang had an unspoken understanding, which they didn’t need to express.

Instead of approaching, Cen Man used gestures to ask Gu Ling if she should “switch shifts” and take over for him.

Gu Ling nodded slightly, and then Cen Man quietly moved closer. She still didn’t know why they needed to eavesdrop here, but it wasn’t convenient to ask at this moment.

Gu Ling raised one hand, facing Cen Man, and wrote the character “woman” on his palm, then pointed to the wall.

Cen Man understood that the person being watched was the woman in the room. In this case, if Madam Min were to leave the room, Cen Man would have to follow her. As for Min Rui, a seriously ill person, he couldn’t go anywhere nor do anything by himself.

Afterward, Gu Ling left quietly without a sound.

However, he didn’t return home immediately but went to Duke Qin’s Mansion again.

Old Duke Qin was taking a short nap in the afternoon when he suddenly saw Gu Ling appear in his room, giving him a big fright. Slapping his chest and glaring at Gu Ling, he said, “You youngster, why are you lurking around today? What’s the matter?”

“Let’s go fishing at my place.” Gu Ling said.

Old Master Qin’s mouth twitched, “You came twice just to invite me to go fishing? Why? No, Qi Yan came at noon to look for you, and I told him to tell Su Liang that I would go fishing at your house tomorrow. What’s going on with you?”

“Go today.” Gu Ling said, “Don’t let anyone know that I invited you. I’ll wait for you at my house.”

In the blink of an eye, Gu Ling disappeared again, leaving Old Master Qin stunned. After a moment, he came to his senses and couldn’t help but complain, “How does Little Liang put up with this kid…” He had forgotten how he used to praise Gu Ling and talk about him when educating his own grandson.

Of course, it was just a few complaints. Soon, Old Master Qin changed his clothes and asked his servant to prepare a carriage, announcing that he was going to the Su Mansion to fish.

Qin Kang happened to come over, “Father, didn’t you say you were going tomorrow?”

Old Master Qin calmly said, “I had a nap and dreamed about Nuannuan. I miss her and there’s nothing to do today anyway, so I don’t need to notify Little Liang in advance.”

Qin Kang smiled, “Alright. I originally wanted to have a couple of games of chess with Father.”

“If you want to play chess, go find Xueqing’s father, I don’t have time.” As soon as Old Master Qin finished speaking, he ordered his entourage to bring his fishing supplies and left.

Just outside the courtyard, he turned his head and said to Qin Kang, “Your orchid is blooming, give me a pot.”

Qin Kang raised many rare orchids, one of which had just bloomed this morning. Upon hearing this, he coughed lightly, “Father, what do you want the orchid for when you go fishing?”

“It’s not proper to go empty-handed, right? I’ll take it to Nuannuan to play with.” Old Master Qin said cheerfully.

Qin Kang: …It’s true that you shouldn’t go empty-handed. Now the center of the Su Mansion seems to be Miss Gu Nuannuan, but she’s too young. What’s the fun in orchids?

Nevertheless, Qin Kang let Old Master Qin take his beloved orchid away. After all, he also likes Nuannuan, and a pot of orchids is nothing.

By the time Old Master Qin left the mansion to head to the Su Mansion, Gu Ling had secretly returned home.

As soon as Su Liang saw him, she asked, “Is there a problem with Min Rui and his wife?”

Gu Ling nodded, “Madam Min has a dark complexion.”

Su Liang’s eyes narrowed, “It’s not her who is sick, could she be… planning to kill?”

Gu Ling nodded again and shared the useful information he had overheard.

Su Liang was incredulous, “Madam Min wants to kill Grandfather Qin? Just because he didn’t marry his daughter to Min Rui back then? Min Rui is insane! It’s been so many years, he’s married and has a daughter, why does he still think about Qin Yuan?”

Gu Ling’s expression was indifferent, “Revenge is his nature.”

Knowing his grandmother’s doting, the youngest son of Min Laoshu was spoiled from an early age. Old Master Qin once mentioned that Min Rui was accustomed to everything going his way, unable to accept any setbacks or failures.

“Min Rui’s father-in-law…” Su Liang pondered, “Maybe one of the assassins last night was him, and the two who escaped are even more likely. Since the three of them returned to the capital city, it means that Madam Min’s father is not a small character.”

With this in mind, Su Liang understood why Gu Ling had been so vigilant in monitoring Madam Min after discovering the problem. This could be their biggest lead so far, and every word spoken by the couple might provide crucial information.

Sending Cen Man instead of Old Mu was due to her many years of blindness which had sharpened her ears beyond those of ordinary people, making her suitable for monitoring and eavesdropping missions.

“What about Grandfather Qin, then…” Su Liang thought if Madam Min would act today, Cen Man would definitely step in to save Old Master Qin. But what would the couple do if their hidden agenda was exposed?

Gu Ling reached out and rubbed Su Liang’s forehead tenderly, “I invited him to fish, and he should be here soon.”

Su Liang’s eyes brightened, “Right! Delaying their plan and not giving the woman a chance to act will force Min Rui and his wife to provide us with more information.”

Considering that the top master last night was a Death Soldier, Su Liang felt that once the matter was revealed, it would be difficult to pry open the mouths of Min Rui and his wife. Even if they confessed, it would be hard to verify the truth and might even be misled by them.

Therefore, the matter of Lady Min wanting to kill Old Master Qin must be dragged on without leaving any traces, letting the couple think they’re operating in secret while plotting something else. Perhaps, they could even wait until Lady Min’s father goes to find them, which would be even better.

After Gu Ling bathed and changed clothes, Su Liang made him a bowl of Hot Soup Noodles.

Just as he started eating, Old Master Qin arrived, and Gu Xiaonuan woke up.

As soon as Old Master Qin entered, he rushed to Gu Xiaonuan with a pot of blooming orchids, “Nuannuan, look what Grandpa brought you!”

Then, Gu Xiaonuan grabbed the orchid with her little hand and plucked it off…

Old Master Qin laughed loudly, “Nuannuan is so strong! She’ll definitely be a master in the future!”

Su Liang:… Everyone treats Gu Xiaonuan as a treasure, so she must shoulder the responsibility of being a strict mother, educating her daughter properly, not spoiling her too much, but only when she’s older and understands more.

Old Master Qin played with Gu Xiaonuan for a while before he thought to ask Gu Ling about what happened today.

Su Liang explained, “The emperor was assassinated last night, and two assassins escaped. We were worried that Grandpa Qin might be in danger.”

Old Master Qin had a strange expression, “Why is it that I’m the only one in danger when the assassins escaped?”

Su Liang spoke directly, “Actually, Gu Ling accidentally overheard Min Rui and his wife plotting to harm Grandpa Qin.”

Old Master Qin looked at Su Liang in disbelief, “Who? Min Rui? He wants to harm me? Why?…” Before he could finish speaking, Old Master Qin realized why: other than the rejected marriage proposal years ago, there was no other possibility.

“He’s simply… crazy! Unreasonable! Reckless! Back then, I could see that he was stubborn and self-righteous, with no ability but arrogant! Why should he marry my daughter?” Old Master Qin scolded angrily.

Gu Xiaonuan babbled a few times, and Old Master Qin quickly calmed down, “Don’t be afraid, Nuannuan. Grandpa is scolding a beast.”

Gu Xiaonuan wasn’t scared; she just wanted to go outside and play.

Gu Ling finished his noodles, put down his chopsticks, and carried Gu Xiaonuan outside. Old Master Qin took a deep breath and said coldly, “So Xiaogu went to see if anything happened to me at home? What do you plan to do?”

“We hope Grandpa Qin won’t make any moves for now, pretending not to know anything, just being careful. Our people are watching that couple, and if they make a move, they’ll be stopped. But before that, we still need to investigate them secretly and not alert them.” Su Liang said.

Old Master Qin’s expression turned solemn, “You mean, besides wanting to harm me, they have other suspicious things?”

Su Liang nodded, “The origin of Min Rui’s wife is very suspicious.”

Old Master Qin knew that when Su Liang said so, it must be true. He took a deep breath, “Will the other people in the Min Family be in danger?”

“They want to do ‘big things’, so they won’t act recklessly.” Su Liang said. Trying to harm Old Master Qin was already a reckless action on top of their other plans, which was related to the poor relationship between Min Rui and his wife. Because of this, the couple’s interests did not align, leading to conflicts and troubles.

“I understand.” Old Master Qin nodded, “So I’ll listen to you. I’ll go out every day and never be alone.”

If it weren’t for Gu Ling calling Old Master Qin over, he would have gone fishing in his garden in the afternoon today. His habit of fishing was not to have servants by his side, fearing that any noise would scare away the fish. It was fine normally, but there was danger if someone had ill intentions towards him.

That was also the reason why Gu Ling could see the dark fog in Lady Min’s brows. If he didn’t intervene, she would have a high chance of succeeding.

Su Liang smiled, “Don’t worry, Grandpa Qin, nothing will happen.”

“Of course, I trust you. However… sigh!” Old Master Qin sighed deeply, “It’s all a tangled mess!” He thought of his daughter again. Although his son-in-law Xing Ji also dissatisfied Old Master Qin, at least his character wasn’t a problem.

Old Master Qin went fishing, and Su Liang looked out at the bright day, taking a long sigh of relief. The mysterious power, the mysterious Transmigrator, had already revealed the tip of the iceberg, but it was far from enough…