Chapter 400: 400. I want it too

Translator: 549690339

After getting to know Old Bai, Su Liang began to suspect the original owner’s identity was unusual. Learning the truth about Xingluo Island from Min Rou and that Yue Mei indeed colluded with them, Su Liang suspected that the original owner’s mother might be from Xingluo Island and could even be Shen Qingxue’s daughter.

But Su Liang never expected that Mrs. Min would say she looked like Mo Yan’s daughter. That means Mo Yan’s daughter and Shen Qingxue’s daughter point to the same person. Did Shen Qingxue follow Mo Yan after being harmed by Yue Mei?

However, Min Rou mentioned that Mo Yan had a portrait of his lover from a distant land, dressed not like this world but like Su Liang’s previous life. This caused Su Liang to subconsciously think that Mo Yan never married or had children after transmigrating and was always missing a lover from another world.

“Could it be that Shen Qingxue resembles Mo Yan’s lover from his previous life?” Su Liang posed a guess.

Gu Ling nodded, “It’s possible.”

Su Liang took a box out of the cabinet, opened it, and inside was a shiny purple jade pendant.

It was left by the original owner. Su Liang wore it around her neck for a long time, but later Gu Ling gave her a new jade pendant which she replaced with this one.

When they moved Su Yuanzhou’s family’s graves back to their hometown, Su Liang initially wanted to set up a tombstone for the original owner. But first, her cousin, Su Bai, objected, thinking it was ill-fated. Second, before that, Su Liang received a note, which turns out probably to have been sent to her by He Wei.

That note made Su Liang suspect that there were other transmigrators in this world targeting her. To avoid unnecessary trouble, Su Liang dropped the idea of setting up a tombstone for the original owner but buried the relics left behind by the original owner in Su Yuanzhou’s coffin, including her clothes and many embroideries she made by hand.

This purple jade pendant wasn’t put into the coffin because Su Liang felt it might be useful, in case the original owner’s maternal family showed up. There had to be a token of trust when necessary. Whether or not it was used, she couldn’t dig Su Yuanzhou’s grave again when she wanted to use it.

At this moment, Su Liang placed the purple jade pendant on the table, directly above her written summary of Xingluo Island.

There were no words on the jade pendant, but Su Liang intuitively felt this item belonged to the original owner’s mother and might be related to Xingluo Island.

“Mo Yan’s portable space might not be an object and can’t change ownership, but exists in his mind and consciousness. Although I think it’s too mysterious, I am a mysterious existence myself.” Su Liang continued to analyze, “Since He Wei is Mo Yan’s number one confidant and knows him very well, even knowing his transmigration and space situation, what is his purpose in remaining loyal to Mo Yan?”

Gu Ling looked deep into her eyes, “They think Mo Yan is an immortal, capable of getting the world if he wants to.”

Su Liang snorted, “So, He Wei and these top martial arts death soldiers believe that following Mo Yan would lead them to soaring heights? He Wei’s position on Xingluo Island is exalted, and the old men who die for the cause most likely do so for their descendants’ futures.”

Gu Ling nodded in agreement. Those who have achieved top martial arts either truly lived in seclusion or had huge ambitions once they emerged into society.

These masters would have a hard time gaining the trust of the royal family directly. If there was an opportunity to become a founding hero of a new dynasty, it could secure generations of glory.

Mo Yan was regarded as a king because he genuinely had abilities beyond ordinary people, which could only conquer these people.

“I used to think Mo Yan’s idea of getting back to the past was impossible. But now I think he may really want to go back. Because he doesn’t have any children or grandchildren here. Even if the original owner is his granddaughter, he doesn’t know of her existence.” Su Liang said, “Plus, he still misses his lover from his previous life. Shen Qingxue might just be a substitute.”

Gu Ling looked at the purple jade pendant thoughtfully, “Maybe Mo Yan promised that once he got the world, he would give it to He Wei, and he would leave. If he was greedy for power, he wouldn’t have waited so long to leave the island.”

With Mo Yan’s capabilities, he could have stirred up the world by now. Just like this time, if it weren’t for his space, Liang Country wouldn’t have enough food and supplies to fight Qian Country.

“What does the Great God think Mo Yan has been hiding for so many years?” Su Liang asked.

Gu Ling’s expression was indifferent, “Maybe he’s been building a time machine.”

Su Liang held her forehead, “With the level of technology here, that really isn’t possible.”

“I meant that he’s been looking for a way back. It doesn’t necessarily require technology; it may be some mysterious thing.” Gu Ling said.

Su Liang looked puzzled, “Great God, you mentioned earlier that he might have traveled from my past life’s future. Perhaps his past life’s era really had a time machine, or some special device that could complete time travel, even going back?”

“Maybe his time machine launcher is out of battery or broken, and he has been trying to fix it,” Gu Ling said.

This was derived from a TV series called “Seeking Qin” that Su Liang had told Gu Ling about. The male lead traveled back to the Qin Dynasty through a time machine to complete a mission, carrying a signal transmitter. Once he pressed the transmitter, someone could re-open the time machine and return the same way…

“Stop, stop.” Su Liang shook her head, “If we continue thinking in this direction, the possibilities will only grow. In short, Mo Yan’s goal might be to go back, no matter what method he uses. Then, why is he looking for me? Does he need help?”

After pondering for a moment, Gu Ling said, “Maybe he wants to use you as a test subject.”

If he needed help, he could come over openly and greet them, communicate with them, and have a proper talk. However, under the current situation, Mo Yan already knew that one of the husbands and wives, Gu Ling and Su Liang, must be a transmigrator, and he had basically confirmed that it was Gu Ling. Then, Mo Yan began to help Situ Xie to fight against Qian Country. Gu Ling and Su Liang were the core power of Qian Country’s royal family.

That is to say, Mo Yan is actually an enemy to Gu Ling and Su Liang, not intending to cooperate with them at all.

Gu Ling believed that Mo Yan’s plan was to defeat him, make him lose everything, control him, and ask him to do something that only a transmigrator could do. It certainly wouldn’t be a good thing, otherwise, he would never agree to it through negotiation.

“I think your speculation makes sense, Great God. He Wei thought I might be Mo Yan’s granddaughter and wanted to kill me to prevent Mo Yan from meeting me. Could it be because if I really am, Mo Yan might not leave? Or would he stop being our enemy and give up all his plans?” said Su Liang.

“Not necessarily,” Gu Ling shook his head, “But there is such a possibility. You are a threat and obstacle to He Wei.”

Su Liang rubbed her forehead, “At least things are clearer now.” Since receiving that note, the fog that had been shrouding their eyes had dispersed a lot with Min Rou’s confession, but there were still some unresolved mysteries, including whether Mo Yan really wanted to go back and whether it was really possible, as well as what he wanted from the other transmigrators.

“Let’s eat first,” Su Liang held Gu Ling’s hand and pulled him up, “After you finish, you have to go to the palace again to see if the black mist on Duanmu Chen’s brow has disappeared.”

Ji Xiaoshu never expected Gu Ling to test his homework during the meal, and immediately said, “Grandfather Lin came yesterday, but he didn’t teach us anything!”

“What about the characters you wrote yesterday?” Gu Ling asked.

Ji Xiaoshu was dumbfounded, and Zhengzheng lowered his head in silence. Because there was no class, the two of them had played too much and even forgot to write the two pages of characters that Gu Ling asked them to write every day.

“Can we make it up today?” Ji Xiaoshu asked weakly.

“Master, I didn’t write either,” Zhengzheng admitted voluntarily.

“Double it,” said Gu Ling indifferently.

Zhengzheng immediately nodded in agreement, while Ji Xiaoshu gave Su Liang a look for help with a mournful face.

Su Liang smiled, “After you finish writing, if your master has time, let him take you to find tadpoles and frogs. Weren’t you two interested in seeing them?”

The eyes of both children lit up instantly, and they stared at Gu Ling in unison.

“Master, if you don’t agree, let the mistress beat you!” Ji Xiaoshu fearlessly added fuel to the fire.

Gu Ling agreed, but also twisted Ji Xiaoshu’s ear.

Ji Xiaoshu laughed, “Master, you must be hungry! It didn’t hurt at all this time!”

Zhengzheng: …

After breakfast, to be allowed to go with Gu Ling to catch tadpoles, the two children obediently went to practice their writing.

Gu Ling secretly entered the palace to see Duanmu Chen.

Duanmu Chen was still hiding in the Library Pavilion and had not gone out. Today’s morning court was canceled, and the officials were informed that Duanmu Chen had been injured in an assassination attempt, making everyone uneasy.

Fortunately, there was still no news of a battle breaking out in the north. If there were such reports at this time, it would only make people more uneasy.

When Gu Ling saw Duanmu Chen, the black fog in his brow was still there. This meant that He Wei and his party were still in the capital city, perhaps waiting to confirm Duanmu Chen’s death before leaving or maybe He Wei was planning to kill Su Liang before leaving. Once they found out that Duanmu Chen had escaped the explosion, they would surely strike again.

“Your Majesty, please hide for a few more days.” Gu Ling said.

Duanmu Chen sighed, “For the sake of stability in the court, why not issue a decree to make you the Regent King, in charge of the government for now?”

Duanmu Chen was sincere, having thought about it all night. However, he felt that Gu Ling would definitely refuse, but Gu Ling directly agreed, “I was just thinking the same.”

Duanmu Chen looked at him strangely, “If it weren’t for knowing that you’re not interested in the throne, it’d be hard not to doubt your motives for going around in such a big circle!”

Gu Ling’s expression was indifferent, “As long as Your Majesty doesn’t suspect me of being attracted to you, the rest doesn’t matter.”

Duanmu Chen: … What kind of words are these? Absurd! He was a perfectly normal man!

However, if Chang’an were here, he would surely nod in agreement with Gu Ling. Ever since Duanmu Chen found out about Gu Ling staying up all night for him, his attitude toward Gu Ling had been so enthusiastic that it was outrageous. He constantly called Gu Ling his best friend, completely forgetting that he once said he and Gu Ling would be enemies if it was not for Su Liang’s presence. For several days, Chang’an hadn’t heard Duanmu Chen mention Su Liang’s name, while Gu Ling’s name was mentioned quite frequently…

However, Duanmu Chen wanted outsiders to think he was severely injured, and that was Gu Ling’s idea. In order to prevent He Wei from bombing the palace again, Chang’an secretly went to see Empress Dowager Xiao, who ordered Gu Ling to become the Regent King.

While this may make the officials and common people suspect that Duanmu Chen is no longer capable, it doesn’t have a significant impact on the situation. Gu Ling handling the government affairs wouldn’t lead to any chaos.

As Gu Ling was about to leave, Duanmu Chen called him back.

Gu Ling thought something important had come up, but Duanmu Chen said, “Next time you come, can you bring me some steamed buns? The meat buns you make.”

Gu Ling gave Duanmu Chen a cold look and left him to ponder.

Gu Ling left the palace and returned home shortly after. An imperial edict from the palace soon arrived, as Duanmu Chen was injured and needed to recuperate. Empress Dowager Xiao conferred Marquis Chang Xin, Gu Ling, as the Regent King of Qian Country and temporarily managed the government.

The news quickly spread throughout the capital city and beyond.

Some people suspected that Duanmu Chen had already died, and he had no sons. His only surviving brother, Duanmu Che, was rumored to be insane and hidden away somewhere for treatment. Grand Emperor Duanmu Yi was still alive, but had suffered a stroke and could not take care of himself.

Of course, there were also conspiracy theorists who suddenly remembered that half of Gu Ling’s blood came from Liang Country’s Situ Family and had once been conferred as a king by Liang Country’s royal family. They thought Gu Ling must have harmed Duanmu Chen to conspire with Liang Country’s royal family to seize control of the Qian Country.

However, no matter how the rumors spread, after the changes in the Qian Country’s royal family and court over the past two or three years, no one could shake the “power” headed by Gu Ling and Su Liang. As for the most important military commanders during troubled times, the Northern commanders were Su Liang’s adoptive father Xing Ji and Gu Ling’s cousin Qiao Cong, while in the South were Gu Ling’s childhood “only friend” Nian Jincheng and later, his friend Lian Shun. The commander of the City Guard Army was Su Liang’s senior brother Lin Bojun; his father-in-law was Duke Qin, and his brother-in-law was Su Liang’s sworn brother.

After receiving the decree, Gu Ling went back to the palace again, this time openly, to meet Empress Dowager Xiao, only saying that Duanmu Chen was currently hiding for safety reasons.

When Gu Ling returned home again, it was already time for lunch.

Su Liang cooked, specifically making a few dishes that he loved. Min Rou helped Su Liang and asked her to teach her when she was free in the future.

After eating, Min Rou went to clean up the dishes. She started to feel that doing household chores she was capable of was also nice, as no one was born to be enslaved by others.

Su Liang pulled Gu Ling to bed, thinking he had been too tired lately and planning to discuss the next steps after waking up.

“I suspect He Wei is hiding somewhere, waiting for an opportunity to harm you,” Gu Ling sighed, holding Su Liang.

Su Liang pointed at her brow, “Is it black?”

Gu Ling shook his head, “No.” For many years, he had saved many people with his special abilities, so that he could detect and avoid danger to those he cared about ahead of time.

Although Su Liang’s brow wasn’t black, Gu Ling couldn’t feel at ease as He Wei was still alive.

“I forgot about one person.” Su Liang suddenly sat up, “That assassin may recognize my face.”

The two got out of bed and went to the secret chamber.

Gu Ling gave the assassin the antidote and waited for him to wake up. If the assassin could really recognize Su Liang’s face and think of her as Mo Yan’s granddaughter, he might change his allegiance and help find He Wei’s hiding place. Anyway, there was no other use for this person, so it was worth a try.

The assassin woke up slowly, and Su Liang asked, “Have you seen me or someone with a similar face before?”

The assassin stared at Su Liang, and then, like his companion, bit off his tongue…

Although biting his tongue wouldn’t kill him immediately, Su Liang felt there was no need to continue the interrogation and led Gu Ling out, “Back to sleep.”

Su Liang slept deeply this time, waking up to hear Gu Xiaonuan laughing. Gu Ling had already gotten up and was at the window playing with their daughter.

Su Liang got out of bed and walked over. When Gu Xiaonuan saw her, she began to play hide-and-seek, hiding back and forth in Gu Ling’s arms.

Su Liang played along for a while, then ignored Gu Xiaonuan. She hugged Gu Ling from behind and leaned on him, “I was thinking, for now, we cannot let He Wei know that his daughter and granddaughter are in our hands, or else he could easily capture many hostages in the capital city to threaten us. So we can’t use He Qianqan’s signal to lure He Wei, in case he realizes something is wrong and goes after our people. I don’t know what he’s planning, but I’m worried that it could hurt the children in the end. So, maybe I should go out and go to Huguo Temple? See if I can lure He Wei out. Maybe he’s hiding somewhere waiting for me to leave.”

Gu Ling frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and then nodded, “Alright.” If they waited too long and let He Wei produce another batch of explosives, it would be even more troublesome.

Gu Xiaonuan stretched out her little hand to grab Su Liang’s hair and babbled for Su Liang to continue playing hide-and-seek with her.

Su Liang freed her hair, “Great God, your daughter is bullying me.”

Gu Ling held Gu Xiaonuan up in front of Su Liang, “Do as you please.”

As a result, Gu Xiaonuan leaned in and kissed Su Liang happily.

Laughter spread in Gu Ling’s eyes, “I want one too.”