Chapter 454: 454. It’s too scary.

Translator: 549690339

Heavy snow was falling, and two men in black stood still outside the main entrance of Su Mansion, looking like guards from a distance.

These two were Sheng Yue’s subordinates who had been released from the dungeon. They waited outside for Sheng Yue but dared not go in to ask when he failed to show up.

At this time, Sheng Yue had finished eating the steamed bun thrown at him by Yan Shiba, as well as the soup Su Liang had given him, and began to talk about his initial plan for returning to Xingluo Island.

“When I return, I’ll tell Mo Yan about your origins and my previous deception,” Sheng Yue said. “I’ll say that He Wei was trying to kill me to hide this secret back then, and it would have been detrimental to both Xingluo Island and Mo Yan no matter who ended up killing the other. Of course, I won’t mention the fact that you’re a Transmigrator. As for your plan to mislead him, as long as Mo Yan doesn’t realize it, I’ll continue to mislead him.”

Su Liang’s expression was indifferent. “You need a more convincing reason.”

Sheng Yue nodded slightly, “Firstly, I’m afraid that Mo Yan would have a hard time deciding what to do if he knew about your identity, given his lifelong ambitions. Secondly, you deliberately sent Min Rou to reveal your identity, but your intention was not pure. If I had chosen to side with you back then, I would’ve fallen into your trap.”

“Exactly.” Su Liang sneered. “Though it might not be a strong reason in terms of deception, I believe you have the ability to persuade Mo Yan. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be his top subordinate.”

“He Wei is the one,” Sheng Yue said. “He’s been loyal to Mo Yan all his life, and Mo Yan is well aware of his selfishness, which was actually promised to him by Mo Yan.”

“What did he promise? To help He Wei rule the world before he leaves?” Su Liang asked.

Sheng Yue nodded, “It’s pretty much like that. If it weren’t for you and Gu Ling, Mo Yan’s promise to the He Family wouldn’t be an empty one. With his abilities and influence, he could control the former royal family of Liang Country and do whatever he wanted. To me, you were Mo Yan’s destined nemesis. Bloodline-wise, you are his granddaughter, but in your heart, you are a visitor from another world.”

Obviously, Sheng Yue understood the difference between soul transmigration and body transmigration and wasn’t hiding that he knew Su Liang was a soul transmigrator.

“In your opinion, does Mo Yan still want to help He Wei rule the world now?” Su Liang asked.

Sheng Yue shook his head, “To him, it was originally something easy, but things have changed now. His main concern is whether or not he can return to his old world, and everything else is secondary. He Wei is not a fool, but even though the He Family has a deep foundation on Xingluo Island, the people there are loyal not to him, but to Mo Yan. Without Mo Yan, the island’s people are no different from ordinary gangs, just highly skilled in martial arts. So even if He Wei knows Mo Yan will betray him, he can only continue to be Mo Yan’s dog rather than giving up waiting for so many years.”

“How do you plan to explain to Mo Yan about your decision to carry my message back?” Su Liang asked.

With a calm expression, Sheng Yue said, “I’ll just say that I failed several times trying to kidnap Gu Ling but was never caught by you guys. The last time, you called out to me to meet with Mo Yan. I thought it was time to go back and report, so I temporarily gave up my plan. As for my prior disappearance for so long, I was healing my injuries.” He lifted his right arm, which was missing a hand.

Su Liang and Gu Ling looked at each other and asked him, “What do you think?”

“Say less, make fewer mistakes. This is good enough.” Gu Ling said.

If they let Sheng Yue make up a complicated story, it wouldn’t be difficult, and Su Liang and Gu Ling could do it too. However, Mo Yan knew that as well. A seemingly simple and not so tight story is easier to believe.

“If you don’t trust me and don’t want to go with me to Xingluo Island, you can send someone with me instead, disguised as one of my subordinates,” Sheng Yue suggested. Unless they captured Gu Ling or Su Liang, they couldn’t openly bring anyone related to them back to the island, as they couldn’t explain why they had hostages but gave up on the mission and returned to the island instead.

After thinking for a while, Su Liang found that none of the young people around her, except for the old and the children, had families, except for Qiao Jing. However, Qiao Jing was a recognizable enemy to the Xingluo Island and could be easily exposed. Moreover, Qiao Jing had already started writing letters to Min Rou, engaging in a long-distance relationship. She also thought about Cheng Yun, but the risk of dropping his wig and exposing his identity made him unsuitable.

“There’s no need. We believe in you.” Su Liang smiled.

“Then, can you provide me with some poison to help me in my mission?” Sheng Yue asked.

Gu Ling refused, “No.” Sheng Yue was immune to all poisons, so he wasn’t afraid of them, but his abilities didn’t require the use of poison either.

Neither Gu Ling nor Su Liang could accept handing over their poison to someone they didn’t trust, as there was no guarantee he wouldn’t use it to harm someone else.

Sheng Yue shook his head, “Alright, is it okay if I leave now?” Saying that, he reached for the last steamed bun on the table that Yan Shiba had left behind.

Yan Shiba was by the window watching Gu Xiaonuan and avoided looking at Sheng Yue, or he would have definitely cursed “Scum!” at him again.

But Gu Ling and Su Liang didn’t care much about this trivial matter, letting Sheng Yue take the bun if he wanted to.

“I’ll take my leave.” Sheng Yue put the bun in his pocket and turned to leave.

As soon as he stepped out of the door, three snowballs came flying at him from different directions.

Yan Shiba’s cough-ridden laughter followed, “Hahahaha! Good job, kids! Cough, cough!”

“Bad Uncle, are you leaving?” Zhengzheng peeked out from behind a nearby tree, a snowball in his hand.

Sheng Yue’s mouth twitched slightly when he heard “Bad Uncle”, “Yes, I have to go.” He knew Zhengzheng was the young master of the Wan Family.

Ji Xiaoshu had already started his fierce close-range snowball attack on Sheng Yue, as well as Ying Ye.

Sheng Yue didn’t dodge, letting the snowballs hit him on the body and head.

“Scoundrel, why don’t you dodge?” Ji Xiaoshu asked angrily, “Do you think you can settle our grievances like this? You’ve captured Sister Zhen’er before and also captured my Apprentice Brother Jingyun! Today I want to take revenge for them!”

Sheng Yue looked back, only to see that Gu Ling and Su Liang had already disappeared from the first floor of Yuanming Pavilion, leaving only the interweaving laughter and coughs of Yan Shiba.

“What do you want?” Sheng Yue also knew that the cunning-looking little boy in front of him was the young crown prince of Yuanyan Country, who now, like Zhengzheng, was the disciple of Gu Ling and Su Liang, living in Su Mansion.

“Let us beat you up!” Ji Xiaoshu said.

Zhengzheng whispered to Ji Xiaoshu, “Be careful of trickery, in case he catches us and runs away, that would be bad.” Zhengzheng had been a hostage before when Yue Mei captured him.

“Anyway, I have to beat him!” Ji Xiaoshu said, running over in a flash, stomping hard on Sheng Yue twice, and then quickly running away.

Ying Ye followed suit and stomped twice more.

Sheng Yue looked at the footprints on his shoes and continued to walk, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll say goodbye.”

Yan Shiba yelled from behind, “Kids, kick him in the crotch! Make him a eunuch!”

Sheng Yue hesitated for a moment, seeing Zhengzheng holding back Ji Xiaoshu who was about to run over, “Xiaoshu, don’t make trouble.”

When in doubt, ask the master… Ji Xiaoshu then yelled out to Gu Ling, “Master, can I kick this scoundrel into a eunuch? It won’t affect his ability to help Master and Mistress, right?”

From the second floor of Yuanming Pavilion, Gu Ling’s cold voice came, “Wait until you can beat him yourself.”

Ji Xiaoshu looked at the height difference between him and Sheng Yue and sighed, “Forget it, you scoundrel, if you dare, wait another ten years for me!”

Zhengzheng smiled, “Xiaoshu, we’re still young, but maybe Bad Uncle won’t live that long, so don’t get your hopes up.”

Sheng Yue, who had just softened his gaze toward Zhengzheng:…

Yan Shiba burst into laughter, as long as she wasn’t coughing to death, she would laugh to death. She really loved these clever and mischievous kids in the house!

The other people, who were focused on building snow houses, just glanced this way and continued to be busy.

Before leaving Su Mansion, Sheng Yue unexpectedly encountered Min Rou, who was visiting. Min Rou was also surprised.

“Sister Rou’er,” Sheng Yue called Min Rou as before.

Min Rou’s face turned cold, “I’m not your sister!”

Sheng Yue nodded slightly, “Min Rou, I’m going back to the island. Do you have any messages or items you need me to take back for someone?”

“I don’t have any lingering affection for that ghost place!” Min Rou held an umbrella to block the snow, her fingers clenched tightly.

Sheng Yue didn’t say anything else and was about to leave when Min Rou spoke again, “When you see Mo Yan, tell him: those who persist in evil will die by their own hands!”

“Alright, I will find a suitable time to pass on the message,” Sheng Yue replied and left the mansion.

When Min Rou looked back, Sheng Yue and the two black-clothed men had already disappeared outside the gate, leaving only an endless expanse.

Min Rou had known early on that Sheng Yue had willingly come for cooperation, being held in Su Mansion’s dungeon all the time. Su Liang didn’t hide it from her since she was a regular visitor here, even telling her that if she wanted to see Sheng Yue, she could just go.

But Min Rou had no interest in dealing with Sheng Yue again, and they hadn’t contacted each other during that time. This was their second meeting since parting on Xingluo Island; the first had been in the dense forest outside Xuanbei City at midnight when the two, who once called each other brother and sister, officially broke apart.

When Min Rou arrived outside the Yuanming Pavilion, the snow house had already been built taller than Zhengzheng and Ji Xiaoshu.

Nangong Qian ran over to talk to Min Rou for a moment, telling her to go in and find Su Liang before returning to building the snow house.

“Did you come today to deliver another letter to Mister Qiu?” Su Liang came downstairs with a teasing tone.

Min Rou took off her cloak and hung it on the rack by the door, turning to Su Liang with a gentle smile, “Not this time, at least we have to wait for him to reply to the last letter first.”

Su Liang raised her eyebrows, “It seems you’re making good progress. Does your grandfather know?”

Min Rou nodded, “He does. If I didn’t tell him, he’d be arranging a marriage for me.”

Qiu Jing was not only handsome, tall, with great martial arts skills, but also a reserved and quiet type, which Min Rou happened to like. They had spent some time together before, though they had hardly talked one-on-one. Qiu Cong had been secretly trying to bring them together, and Min Rou could feel it even back then, but she thought Qiu Jing didn’t like her. Receiving Qiu Jing’s confession letter was a surprise, a thrill, and an excitement that led her to reply quickly, for fear that a misunderstanding might arise in the meantime.

Min Rou sat down, gazing at the beautiful view outside the window, and couldn’t help but sigh, “I grew up on Xingluo Island, and today is the first time I’ve ever seen snow in my life. I want to have a good time playing, but I’m not sure how to do it. I can’t play with my grandfather, uncle or aunt since my cousin has married and I’m the youngest at home. I thought your place would be lively, so I came.”

“Is that all?” Su Liang was skeptical. If she was just here to have some fun, why would she come specifically looking for her? She wasn’t an outsider.

Min Rou coughed lightly, touched the teapot, then stood up again, “I wanted to have a cup of hot tea before going to play, but there’s none, so I won’t drink it.”

Su Liang seemed to understand, “Qiu Mu’s reply hasn’t arrived yet. When it does, I’ll send it over to you straight away.”

Min Rou pursed her lips and smiled, then ran out.

Su Liang imagined Qiu Jing and Min Rou standing together, and couldn’t help but nod: they made a perfect match, so harmonious that Qiu Cong must have been the first to notice.

Late, Su Liang and Gu Ling joined the snow house building team outside the Yuanming Pavilion. They were busy until noon, finally completing the snow house.

Gu Ling designed the originally planned snow house into a snow castle, even taller than the first floor of the Yuanming Pavilion, and very beautiful.

Only Yan Shiba, who was physically weak and couldn’t stand the cold wind, was left out of the fun. He sat by the Yuanming Pavilion and watched helplessly.

As the snow gradually weakened, the children ran wildly, chasing and playing around the castle. They refused to go back and drink hot soup even after being called several times. In the end, Gu Ling had to carry them back one by one. The gluttonous Ying Ye had already run back to drink a bowl of soup before coming out again when Su Liang called him the first time.

The children played so crazily in the morning that they all fell asleep in the afternoon.

Min Rou was about to leave, and Weng Ran went to see her off. Since Su Liang was busy, Weng Ran said she could teach Min Rou some basic medical skills first, and they needed to arrange a time for their next meeting.

As they walked out together, they saw Qi Yan bringing someone into the mansion. The newcomer was covered in snow, and his clothes were too thin for this kind of weather, leaving his face pale from the cold.

“This is the courier from Jiaye City,” Qi Yan said.

Min Rou’s eyes sparkled, and Weng Ran immediately turned her around, “It’s still early; let’s go to my place and read some medical books.”

“Alright,” Min Rou agreed without hesitation.

Qi Yan had intended to ask the courier if he had a letter for Min Rou, but seeing him shivering with cold, he didn’t ask and led them all back to the Yuanming Pavilion.

“We’ve received a letter from Jiaye City,” Weng Ran announced with a smile as soon as she entered the door.

Yawning and waiting for someone to send her back to bed, Yan Shiba immediately perked up, “Xiaoyun, did he write me a letter?”

Weng Ran was taken aback for a moment. Little cloud brother? Was she talking about Cheng Yun? Why would Cheng Yun write a letter to Miss Yan? Could it be that they… No, he was a monk not long ago.

Su Liang and Gu Xiaonuan were already taking a nap together. Gu Ling heard the noise from downstairs and came up, telling the courier not to bother too much, then took the package handed to him, and let Qi Yan take the courier to have a meal.

Gu Ling opened the tightly wrapped cloth and took out the first letter, handing it to Min Rou, “Yours.”

Min Rou accepted it, and exchanged smiles with Weng Ran.

Gu Ling handed the second letter to Weng Ran, “Help me give this to Nangong Qian.” It was from Qiu Cong to his granddaughter.

Also, both Qiao Cong and Old Mu wrote letters to Su Liang. Qiao Jing had a letter for Gu Ling and Su Liang as well. The last letter was indeed from Cheng Yun, but it was for Su Liang too.

“Let me see Cheng Yun’s letter,” Yan Shiba reached out.

Gu Ling’s face was expressionless, “It’s not for you.” He went upstairs after saying this.

Yan Shiba waved her fist at Gu Ling’s retreating back.

Weng Ran didn’t keep Min Rou either. She let her take the letters back, then sent Yan Shiba back first, before giving the letters to Nangong Qian.

The snow had stopped, and Weng Ran pushed Yan Shiba’s wheelchair, the wheels making a creaking sound as they rolled on the ground.

“Sister Ran, have you ever seen Cheng Yun?” Yan Shiba asked Weng Ran.

“I have. He was still around when I arrived.” Weng Ran answered.

“Don’t you think he’s the most good-looking monk in the world?” Yan Shiba asked.

Weng Ran smiled lightly, “Maybe before, but now Cheng Yun has returned to secular life.”

Yan Shiba froze, “Secularized? When? Why didn’t anyone tell me about such an important matter?”

“It only happened recently. You just came back yesterday, so you didn’t know,” Weng Ran explained.

“That’s great! I’ve turned over a new leaf, and Little Yun Brother has returned to secular life. Now he can’t reject me anymore, haha!” Yan Shiba was overjoyed.

Weng Ran had a weird expression on her face. She had heard of Yan Shiba’s reputation before, and she was surprised that a once-notorious female devil would have a crush on a former little monk, and was still thinking about him now. It was amazing.

“Sister Ran, I’m sure our Liang Mei Mei will find a way to deal with the birthmark on your face!” Yan Shiba quite liked the cheerful and straightforward Weng Ran.

Weng Ran pushed Yan Shiba into the courtyard, “I was born with it. I don’t think it’s ugly, nor do I feel uncomfortable. Nuannuan said it’s like a flower on my face.”

Yan Shiba turned her head to look at Weng Ran’s smiling face and nodded, “It’s beautiful. When your sister recovers, I’ll look after you in the future!”

Weng Ran smiled lightly, “Thank you, Sister Yan Shiba. At that time, I’ll need to learn a few stunts from you.”

“No problem, no problem.” Yan Shiba nodded and was carried by Weng Ran into her room.

When Weng Ran finished tucking Yan Shiba in, she saw Yan Shiba smiling with her eyes closed, holding Weng Ran’s neck, “I haven’t seen Little Yun Brother in such a long time!”

Weng Ran, not used to the sudden intimacy, coughed lightly and removed Yan Shiba’s hand from her neck to put it under the blanket.

Weng Ran left to deliver the letter to Nangong Qian, telling Yan Shiba she would be back soon, and if Yan Shiba needed anything, she could call for her, as she was in the next room.

Yuanming Pavilion.

Gu Ling returned to his room, took off his coat, went to the bedside, and saw that Su Liang had woken up.

After reading Old Mu and Qiao Cong’s letters, everything was fine in Jiaye City. They mainly expressed their longing for the children and wished they could return immediately. Qiao Jing’s letter was about recent arrangements.

Cheng Yun’s letter was a straightforward account of his experiences during this journey, intended to share with Su Liang.

After reading the letter, Su Liang and Gu Ling decided to take a nap together. The weather was perfect for sleeping.

After lying down, Gu Ling asked Su Liang, “Yan Shiba has always been thinking about Cheng Yun. Do you think it’s possible for them?”

Su Liang shook her head slightly, “If you ask me, no. It’s not because of their dark past or anything, especially since Cheng Yun has returned to secular life now. But from the beginning, I just felt that they weren’t compatible at all, and it was solely Yan Shiba’s wishful thinking.”

Gu Ling nodded, “I feel the same. Do something about Yan Shiba, so she won’t act like she’s going to devour Cheng Yun all the time and corrupt the kids. Also, keep her away from Nuannuan. I strongly disapprove of Nuannuan having her as a godmother. It’s too frightening.”