Chapter 278: Selling Fan Scheme
Translator: 549690339
Upon learning that Su Liang was going to cook personally, Situ Yao hurried to HanXiangyuan.
“Dr Su, is it because the food here doesn’t suit your taste?” Situ Yao asked upon seeing Su Liang.
Preparing lavish meals as hospitality, if the guest wants to cook for themselves, could be seen as an insult to the host’s family.
Su Liang smiled and explained, “Princess misunderstood. The food in King Yue’s residence is excellent, and I have no issues with it. I just wanted to make something by hand that Marquis Changxin loves.”
Situ Yao stared for a moment, then laughed. “I see, Dr Su is truly kind to my cousin. What does he like to eat? He wouldn’t tell me before.”
Su Liang shook her head, “This is a secret that I got from General Nian and my close friends. I can’t share.”
Situ Yao could not help but smile. “In that case, I won’t ask. If Dr Su needs anything, just ask Gui Yue. Grandfather said to have her at your disposal.”
“Thank you for the clothes and perfume you sent, Princess, ” Su Liang said.
“You’re too polite, Dr Su.” As soon as Situ Yao finished speaking, she left without asking to watch Su Liang cook or taste her skills.
Having not met many times but Situ Yao’s impression on Su Liang is very “King Yue”-style perfection, with impeccable manners and conduct. Situ Xie’s eldest grandson, Situ Jing, is the same.
Being of royal blood, whether or not wearing a mask to maintain such an image is proof enough to be smart.
In comparison, Situ Min seemed somewhat “inadequate” in power.
Waiting for Gui Yue to deliver the ingredients Su Liang needed, the servants of King Yue’s residence had already tidied up the kitchen for use.
Su Liang casually asked, “Is the Third Young Master alright?”
Gui Yue shook her head, “I’m not sure. I’ll go and ask.”
Su Liang didn’t stop her either. It was her “fault” that Situ Min got beaten up, so she should show some “concern.”
When Su Liang started kneading the dough, Gui Yue returned and reported Situ Min’s situation in detail. He could only lay down, unable to get out of bed, with an Imperial Physician coming to change his medicine every day. He had a fever last night, but it had subsided now.
Su Liang sighed softly, “If you need me to treat the Third Young Master, just let me know.”
Gui Yue nodded, “Thank you, Dr Su. I will report to the prince.”
Situ Xie’s response was that Situ Min was not in any serious danger, and it would be inconvenient for Su Liang to treat him. He thanked her for her kind intentions.
Su Liang was not surprised by this result and didn’t really want to treat Situ Min. However, this back-and-forth should make Situ Min feel the smugness and ridicule from her, the “instigator”, upon learning about it.
Su Liang did it on purpose. If everyone in King Yue’s residence was like Situ Xie, it would be too peaceful, making it difficult to find a breakthrough.
Indeed, when Su Liang brought in the cooked dumplings to Ning Xiang’s residence, Situ Min was informed that Su Liang had inquired about his situation and offered to treat him, he immediately became angry and knocked over the medicine brought by the servant.
“Marquis Gu, I made you something to eat. Can I come in?” Su Liang knocked on the door.
“No need,” came Gu Ling’s cold voice from inside.
Gu Ming stood at the entrance of the courtyard, with eyes fixed on his nose and his nose fixed on his heart.
Su Liang knocked on the door again, “Marquis Gu, the Emperor has a verbal message for you that I forgot to pass on earlier. Please open the door.”
The door opened, Su Liang entered and closed it from the inside, blocking the view from outside.
Placing the dumplings on the table and the special dipping sauce for Gu Ling in front of him, Su Liang couldn’t help but sigh, “Had I known pursuing you would be so exhausting, I should have let you pursue me. That way I could eat dumplings made by you.”
Gu Ling silently looked at Su Liang for a moment and picked up his chopsticks.
“I was thinking, when you firmly reject me, and I give up heartbroken, followed by your regret and realizing you’ve fallen for me, then you would start to pursue me, but I wouldn’t agree. Haha! ” Su Liang found it more interesting as she spoke, “If only we could go back to my original world, we could self-direct and perform a TV series.”
Seeing Su Liang enjoying herself, Gu Ling slightly nodded, “Whatever you say.”
“Just kidding. We’ll see, let’s discuss it if needed. We’re not putting on a show for the sake of it.” Su Liang shook her head, noticing that Gu Ling had already eaten four dumplings, and quickly used her chopsticks to split the dumplings in half.
This was just a snack, as the main meal was prepared by King Yue’s Mansion. So Su Liang didn’t make too many dumplings. She wanted to split them evenly based on the initial number of dumplings, but Gu Ling insisted on dividing them based on the current number.
In the end, of course, Su Liang was defeated. It had always been like this.
After finishing the dumplings, Su Liang brought up the real issue, “I can also apply to Situ Xie to borrow books from the Linglong Pavilion. But I don’t think the Mechanism Map is in there.” Since the ladies and gentlemen of King Yue’s Mansion could go in and borrow books and even Gu Ling could go.
Gu Ling had been staying in King Yue’s Mansion for some time and hadn’t found anyone suspicious like descendants of the Mu Family.
When Su Liang returned to Han Xiangyuan, the ice sculpture rabbit carved by Gu Ling was placed on the windowsill outside her room, illuminated by the lanterns, crystal clear, like a crystal.
Su Liang sighed that the Great God was truly skillful, and when she saw the hidden weapon fan she had put on the table, which Gu Ling had given her, she suddenly had an idea.
So, Su Liang went to Ning Xiangju again under the pretext of looking for a lost jade pendant.
“Great God, I have an idea.” Su Liang said in a low voice, “No one besides Ren Dong has seen the hidden weapon fan you gave me. Why don’t I disguise myself and sell it, claiming to be a descendant of the Mu Family, to see if it attracts anyone?”
Gu Ling shook his head, “No.”
Su Liang frowned, “What’s wrong?
“Your martial arts are too weak, save it for self-defense.” Gu Ling’s face was calm. He couldn’t sell the gift he had personally made and given to Su Liang.
Su Liang, helpless, asked, “Then what do you suggest?”
Gu Ling took out his own fan, “Use mine.”
Su Liang held her forehead, “Great God, can you finish your sentences all at once? I thought my plan was unfeasible.”
“I’ll do it,” Gu Ling said. Su Liang’s figure was not easy to disguise, making it easy for people to see that she was a woman and arousing suspicion.
“Alright.” Su Liang turned and left, “Sorry for the disturbance. Tomorrow, if Marquis Gu has time, we can go out together?” Gu Ling’s indifferent voice came from the room, “I won’t have time.” Su Liang left with a “regretful” expression on her face.
The next day, when Su Liang went to the imperial palace, Gu Ling asked Gu Ming if there were any temples in the city.
Gu Ling actually knew there were some, having secretly visited one when he had come to Yao City a few years earlier.
“Qingjing Temple is quite popular, would Young Master like to go?” Gu Ming asked.
Gu Ling nodded, “Prepare a carriage.”
Gu Ming quickly prepared a carriage and reported to Situ Xie.
When it was time to set off, Situ Jing appeared and offered to accompany Gu Ling. Gu Ling didn’t refuse.
“Is cousin going to Qingjing Temple to offer incense?” Situ Jing asked with a smile.
Gu Ling shook his head, “No.”
“Then to see the scenery? The scenery at Qingjing Temple is also a unique feature of Yao City,” Situ Jing said. Gu Ling shook his head again, “No.”
“Then…,” Situ Jing expressed curiosity.
“Find someone to play chess with.” Gu Ling’s expression was indifferent.
Situ Jing was slightly surprised, “Are there acquaintances of my cousin at
Qingjing Temple?”
Gu Ling shook his head, “No. But the old monks generally have very formidable chess skills.”
Situ Jing grinned, “I see. I heard that my cousin once lived in Huguo Temple of
Qian Country for quite a while. Were you there to play chess with the Abbot Master?”
Gu Ling nodded lightly, “Yes.”
“I was joking, but it turns out to be true.” Situ Jing exclaimed, “My cousin’s chess skills must be exceptional indeed. Although I’m not very proficient in chess, I would like to learn from you when the opportunity arises. My grandfather also loves chess; I’m sure he would be delighted to play with my cousin.”
“Okay.” Gu Ling agreed.
Yao City is surrounded by mountains, and even the Imperial Palace was built on the slopes. However, Qingjing Temple is not located on a mountain. The architectural style is different from Qian Country’s temples. The temple’s golden brilliance is very eye-catching, and there is even a nine-story high tower.
The carriage stopped at Qingjing Temple, and Situ Jing accompanied Gu Ling inside, going straight to find Master Xuanqing.
When Master Xuanqing learned Gu Ling’s intention, he gladly agreed.
Situ Jing sat beside them, watching Gu Ling and Master Xuanqing’s chess game. They played two games, each winning one.
As Master Xuanqing found a worthy opponent and Gu Ling showed no intention of leaving, Situ Jing accompanied them for an hour before finally getting restless. He said he had other matters to attend to and left first.
After giving acupuncture to Situ Han this time, Su Liang requested to visit the
Liang Country’s Imperial Palace and was granted permission, with Situ Xie even accompanying him personally.
The Liang Country’s Imperial Palace is a vast complex, built according to the terrain, and has many peculiar and beautiful sights. As Su Liang listened to Situ Xie’s introduction, he looked on very seriously, occasionally praising the scenery.
The Imperial Garden of the Liang Country’s Imperial Palace is built in a terraced style, with rare plum blossoms in full bloom. And there is even a greenhouse with many precious orchids planted inside.
“Ling’er’s mother loved playing here when she was little,” said Situ Xie, suddenly bringing up Situ Ning.
Su Liang looked very interested, “Why did the daughter of King Yue marry Gu Ling’s father?”
Situ Xie sighed deeply, “It’s a long story. Didn’t Ling’er tell you?” Su Liang shook his head, “He’s not very talkative, even to me.”
“That child has been wise since he was young. He sees through the world very clearly. It’s not that he doesn’t know how to interact with others; he simply doesn’t want to.” Situ Xie’s assessment of Gu Ling was so accurate that it surprised Su Liang.
After another sigh, Situ Xie talked about the story of Situ Ning marrying Gu Yuan, and even mentioned Situ Xiang.
After Situ Xiang’s disappearance, Situ Ning had gone everywhere in search of her.
At that time, Qian and Liang countries had been fighting for a long time. The situation initially favored Liang Country, but Qian Country’s Bei Jingwang, Xing Ji, managed to capture the general, Wei Teng, and the outcome of the war changed dramatically.
When the news reached Yao City, Situ Xie was ordered to supervise the battle.
Situ Ning took advantage of Situ Xie’s absence and sneak out of the house, intending to search for Situ Xiang dressed as a man.
When Situ Xie saw his beloved daughter again, she was in Qian Country’s army, saved from danger by the young General Gu Yuan of Qian Country.
Continuing the fight would be unfavorable for Liang Country. When the two sides negotiated peace, they mentioned a marriage alliance. Liang Country had no princesses of suitable age, only one princess – Situ Ning.
“I was foolish back then. For the sake of the big picture, I agreed to let Ning’er get married. She said she admired Gu Yuan, so I personally facilitated their marriage. Qian Country’s Former Emperor also agreed. I thought it would be better than marrying into the Royal Family since she and Gu Yuan shared mutual feelings. Who knew that Gu Yuan was ambitious, causing Ning’er to die of illness and even plotting a rebellion, nearly preventing me from even catching a glimpse of my only grandson?” Situ Xie mentioned Gu Yuan with resentment in his voice.
For the first time, Su Liang heard the story involving Xing Ji. But the incident of Xing Ji had no direct connection with Gu Yuan and Situ Ning’s marriage.
By looking at Gu Ling’s appearance, it was evident that Gu Yuan must have been a handsome man, or he would not have caught Situ Ning’s eye.
But as for the story Situ Xie told, Su Liang was somewhat skeptical. Especially in regard to Gu Yuan’s rebellion, there might be some influence from Situ Xie, but it can no longer be verified.
“I heard that Han Xiangyuan, where I’m staying, was once the residence of King Yue’s adopted daughter, Situ Xiang. After so many years, there is still no news about her?” Su Liang asked.
Situ Xie shook his head, “I have searched all the places I could, but there is still no trace. I just hope she lives well and I ask for nothing more.”
“There is something I don’t understand. Since Gu Ling’s mother’s marriage turned out like this, why did King Yue send his only granddaughter to marry into the royal family of Qian Country?” Su Liang asked Situ Xie.
Situ Xie gave a bitter smile upon hearing this, “It’s hard to defy an imperial edict.”
Su Liang: …I don’t believe you…
“l also nope tnat Qian country and Llang country can maintain peace tor a long time.” Situ Xie sighed, “After this year, Yaoyao will marry into Qian Country. I hope Master Su will take care of her more.”
Su Liang said solemnly, “King Yue, don’t worry. His Highness the Crown Prince is a person of noble character, and he will not let Princess Yaoguang be wronged. ”
After visiting Liang Country’s Imperial Palace, Su Liang returned to King Yue’s Mansion, and as soon as he entered, he asked where Gu Ling was.
Upon learning that Gu Ling had gone to Qingjing Temple and had not yet returned, Su Liang turned around and went there too.
It wasn’t until the evening that Gu Ling returned from Qingjing Temple, with Su Liang following behind.
The next day, Peng Fan came to invite Su Liang to be a guest at Peng Mansion tomorrow, and Su Liang happily accepted.
Meanwhile, Gu Ling went to Qingjing Temple again to play chess with Master Xuanqing for the whole day, this time without Situ Jing following her.
On the third day, after Su Liang administered acupuncture to Situ Han in the palace, he went to Peng Mansion.
Gu Ling, like the previous two days, went to Qingjing Temple.
That day, a piece of news quickly spread in Yao City. A mysterious young man, who claimed to be a descendant of the divine craftsman of the former dynasty, the Mu Family, sold a hidden weapon folding fan to the Treasure Pavilion at a high price of 5,000 silver taels!
When Su Liang received the news, she was chatting with Peng Wei.
“Really?” Peng Wei stood up in surprise after hearing what Peng Fan said, “I have to see for myself!” He realized that Su Liang was still there, and hurriedly called her, ‘Girl, hurry up, come with me to take a look!”
As Su Liang followed him out, she asked, “What did the Divine Craftsman Mu Family do?”
“You don’t even know this, you are too young. In the former dynasty, the Mu Family was very powerful!” Peng Wei told Su Liang about the incredible things the Mu Family had done, but unfortunately, they are all lost now.
“Grandfather, what if that person lied about being a descendant of the Mu Family in order to sell for a high price?” Peng Fan raised a doubt.
Peng Wei nodded, “Of course there is such a possibility, but if it is really a descendant of the Mu Family, it would be amazing!”
“The Treasure Pavilion couldn’t keep him, so he must be a master.” Peng Fan said.
Su Liang jokingly said, “Master Peng, didn’t you say that you could never repay my great kindness? How about buying that precious fan and giving it to me? I really want it. ”
Peng Wei’s face changed, “Deal! Hurry! If we go later, it might be taken by someone else!”
The Treasure Pavilion in Yao City was surrounded by a crowd.
Peng Wei dragged Su Liang, squeezing through the crowd to enter, and saw that Situ Xie had already arrived, holding an exquisite folding fan in his hand, not yet unfolded.
After Peng Wei saluted Situ Xie, he looked at the manager of the Treasure
Pavilion, “Did King Yue buy it already?”
The manager subconsciously shook his head, and Peng Wei clapped his hands, “That’s great! I’ll take it! The 5,000 silver banknotes will be sent right over! King Yue, please feel free to appreciate it! I bought this to give to my life-saving benefactor, Master Su!”
Situ Xie’s hand paused, Su Liang smiled, “Thank you, Master Peng, then I’ll gladly accept. I want to give it to Marquis Chang Xin, I hope he will like it.”
The manager of the Treasure Pavilion was sweating. He originally thought it was a treasure, even if it wasn’t made by a descendant of the Mu Family, dismantling it and copying a batch of it would still make a lot of money, but now it has attracted so many wealthy and powerful people.
With everyone watching, Peng Wei handed the silver banknotes to the manager, and Situ Xie had no choice but to give the fan to Su Liang.
Among the crowd, there was an old man with a hunched back. His gaze fixed on Su Liang for a moment, then he turned around and walked away with faltering steps….
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