Chapter 159 - 159: 159. A perfect match of top scholars in both literature and martial arts
Translator: 549690339
As she entered, Su Liang suddenly thought, “Your palace exam is tomorrow, won’t it? Will our issues cause you to miss out on the Top Scholar position you should have gotten?”
On the surface, Duanmu Yi seemed magnanimous, not giving them trouble after asking for clarification.
But it was uncertain whether he would be fair to Ning Jing afterward.
The problem wasn’t with Duanmu Cheng, Duanmu Ao, or Duanmu Chen. It was Duanmu Yi’s most cherished Duanmu Che.
Ning Jing shook her head slightly, “I don’t know.”
Su Liang: …Fine then.
When Su Liang was packing up and preparing to read for a while before going to bed, she heard movement in the courtyard.
Assuming it was Yan Shiba who had come to find her, and since she had something to discuss with Yan Shiba as well, she immediately put down the book and went out.
“Su Xiaoliang.” Lian Shun stood under the moon, his neat row of teeth shining white; the dark shadows couldn’t block the smile that appeared when he saw Su Liang.
But because of Duanmu Che’s words in the palace tonight, Su Liang guessed that Lian Shun might have come to apologize or act as a mediator? Afraid that she wouldn’t continue treating Duanmu Che? So she asked indifferently, “What’s the matter?” Lian Shun sighed softly, “As expected, you’re still annoyed with me.” “It’s not you,” Su Liang said.
Lian Shun chuckled, “That’s good. You must never resent me because of my cousin’s actions. I am innocent!”
“What do you want at this late hour?” Su Liang asked again.
Lian Shun stood where he was and sighed, “I came to say goodbye to you. I’m going home. ”
Su Liang paused for a moment, “Is it because of tonight’s incident?”
Lian Shun nodded, “You can say that. I suddenly feel that running to the capital city was quite boring, probably the most foolish thing I’ve done in my life.”
Su Liang shook her head slightly, “Life is still long, don’t make conclusions too early.”
Lian Shun coughed lightly, “Would it be even more foolish in the future? Thank you, Su Xiaoliang!”
As they fell silent for a moment, Lian Shun glanced at Ning Jing’s room, which still had the lights on, and suddenly raised his voice to ask, “The engagement between you and Ning Jing is fake, right?”
‘Why do you say that?” Su Liang countered.
Lian Shun laughed, “You said you were like siblings before, so I feel that you wouldn’t deceive me.”
Su Liang replied with a seemingly perfunctory but actually profound statement, “Think what you want.”
Lian Shun’s smile deepened, “Alright, then it’s true. But if you get tired of Ning Jing someday, consider me. Although I’m not as good-looking as Ning Jing, nor as wealthy and talented, but my family has an Orange Garden! You can eat as much as you like!”
Su Liang smiled, “Why don’t I just buy your family’s Orange Garden? Wouldn’t that be easier?”
Lian Shun held his forehead, “Not for sale!”
Ning Jing’s room door opened, and he came out, holding something in his hand.
“Xiao Jingjing, I’m leaving,” Lian Shun smiled.
Ning Jing walked up to him and handed over the object in his hand, “For you.”
Lian Shun froze, then saw it was a palm-sized wooden carving of an eagle, intricately carved with wings spread wide.
Lian Shun raised his eyebrows, “Did you make this? Not bad, I really like it, thank you! ”
Although he suspected that Ning Jing gifted it to discourage him from further attempts, he couldn’t continue pursuing Ning Jing now that he’d accepted the gift.
However, to be honest, despite their limited interactions, he quite liked Ning Jing’s character – indifferent but not cold, principled, and reasonable.
“Do you have a gift for me, Su Xiaoliang?” Lian Shun asked with a smile. Su Liang thought for a moment then shook her head, “No.”
Lian Shun: …So, his true friend was Ning Jing. Su Xiaoliang was too disappointing!
Lian Shun took a step forward, hugged Ning Jing briefly, and let go, “I’m leaving. Su Xiaoliang, you must protect my friend Xiao Jingjing well!”
Obviously, his words were sarcastic.
Su Liang nodded, “I’ll do my best.”
Watching Lian Shun’s figure disappear into the night, Su Liang sighed,
“Duanmu Che is such a dog!”
Ning Jing shook her head, “Don’t insult dogs.”
“Could there be someone who wants to kill you and steal me as their wife?” Su Liang asked.
Ning Jing nodded, “I’m really looking forward to it.”
Su Liang expressed that Great God Ning hadn’t killed anyone for a while, and his hands were itchy. It was understandable.
The day after the Military Exam.
Two explosive pieces of news spread throughout the capital city.
First, the newly crowned Martial Arts Champion, Su Liang, was already engaged, and her fiance was none other than her sworn brother, Ning Jing, the head of the tea merchant Ning Family from Xunyang.
Second, Nian Jincheng, the number one young general in Qian Country and the second son of the Nian Family, was still secretly colluding with the treacherous rebel Gu Ling.
As for the Crown Prince and several other princes proposing marriage to Su Liang at the palace banquet, that news had not leaked, indicating that someone was suppressing the information.
Su Liang suspected that the biggest possibility was the Crown Prince Duanmu Cheng.
Today was the Imperial examination for the Civil Examinations, and it wouldn’t be long before they knew whether Ning Jing could be the Top Scholar.
During the previous scholar examination, all the adult princes, besides the seriously ill Duanmu Che, had taken a test in the palace, but the results were kept secret.
After breakfast, Su Liang drove the carriage to send Ning Jing to the palace for the examination, because Ning Jing had sent her last night. Afterward, Su Liang headed toward Huguo Temple.
So, the news quickly spread.
The Martial Arts Champion personally drove the carriage to deliver her fiance to the palace, and then went to Huguo Temple to pray for the Buddha’s blessing on Ning Jing becoming the Top Scholar.
What a scene of “The Martial Arts Champion Pampering Her Husband” that would make others envious.
Xing Yusheng went out and heard everyone talking about Su Liang and Ning Jing, finding it very amusing.
He went to the Lin Family to pick up Lin Xueqing to go to the Duke Mansion, and was stopped by Lin Shuzhi, who asked him what happened in the palace last night.
After Xing Yusheng finished speaking, Lin Shuzhi couldn’t help but laugh and cry, “These two kids, why don’t they just get married earlier.”
Xing Yusheng listened and knew that his father-in-law shared his feelings. Although it looked real, the engagement between those two was mostly fake.
If it was true, there was no reason their closest friends didn’t know anything about it until yesterday. Moreover, every time they tried to bring Ning Jing and Su Liang together, the two of them always found ways to dodge.
“This time, getting married is different from when they were in the small village. Soon, the whole world will know. Unless they both abandon their current identities, they will be husband and wife,” Xing Yusheng smiled. “Even if they’re not together, no third person can affect their relationship. Just let it
“
Lin Shuzhi nodded, “That’s true. I hope Jingjing has a smooth day today.”
Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing were about to leave when they saw Lin Bojun rushing back from outside.
“Second brother, where did you go early in the morning?” Lin Xueqing asked. Lin Bojun sighed deeply, “I went to inquire about General Nian’s situation.”
Lin Xueqing frowned, “His sister suddenly betrayed him; could it be a baseless slander? If he really had contact with Gu Ling, wouldn’t the Nian Family’s crime be even greater?”
Being implicated in rebellion would be much more serious than cheating in the Imperial Examination.
Xing Yusheng sighed lightly, “I also think that Nian Family’s fifth sister is crazy, making up things out of thin air. Nian Jincheng is an anomaly in the Nian Family and probably the only upright person among them. They just can’t stand to see him prosper.”
In fact, Xing Yusheng didn’t want to speak in favor of Nian Jincheng, but he cared more about Gu Ling, who had once saved his mother. He believed that Gu Ling could become friends with Nian Jincheng, which already showed Nian Jincheng’s character.
Lin Bojun’s face was solemn, “But in such a matter, even if there’s no evidence, the court will not let it go. Moreover, General Nian and Gu Ling used to have close contacts. Now there are rumors outside that General Nian volunteered to pursue Gu Ling last year, but in fact, he did so to let Gu Ling escape. He was originally imprisoned with the Nian Family in the Heavenly Prison, but now, no one knows where he was taken for interrogation.”
Xing Yusheng said seriously, “Second Brother, you know General Nian’s character from working with him. But with this matter, it’s best not to get involved.’
Xing Yusheng did not want the Lin Family to be blackmailed, for if they got into trouble, the Xing Family would not be able to protect them.
Especially Lin Bojun, who was a military commander.
Rebellion from military commanders with soldiers in their hands was the most feared by the court. That’s why this time, Nian Jincheng would find it hard to escape blame.
“I understand.” Lin Bojun nodded, ‘You guys don’t have to worry about that. Go and have fun.’
Su Liang went alone to Huguo Temple, not to pray for Ning Jing to become the top scholar as rumored, but to look for Yan Shiba.
Last time she didn’t talk much with Cheng Yun, so Su Liang didn’t know where to find him, so she asked a little monk.
“Master Cheng Yun is sorting scriptures in the Scripture Pavilion,” the little monk said.
Cheng Yun was young, but his master had a high status, so many young monks in Huguo Temple had to call him master.
Su Liang followed the direction given by the little monk and headed to Huguo Temple’s Scripture Pavilion.
She saw a seven-story tower from a distance and after walking around for a while, she finally arrived at the courtyard outside the Scripture Pavilion, where an old monk stopped her.
“Benefactor, this is a forbidden area of Huguo Temple,” the old monk said.
Su Liang nodded, “I want to see Master Cheng Yun. I heard he’s in the Scripture Pavilion, can you help me call him out?”
Seeing the old monk frown, Su Liang explained, “He once helped me, and I am here to thank him.”
“Please wait here, benefactor,” the old monk replied.
After waiting for about a quarter of an hour, Su Liang saw Cheng Yun come out following the old monk.
“Amitabha.” Cheng Yun put his palms together, “What brings you here, Benefactor Su?”
Su Liane also but her palms together, “Master Cheng Yun, may I have a word with you?”
Cheng Yun greeted the old monk and took Su Liang to Huguo Temple’s
Vegetarian Hall, “Benefactor Su can take some vegetarian dishes home.”
“Good. I came today to ask you something. Has anyone come looking for you lately?” Su Liang asked.
Cheng Yun was stunned, “Do you mean Miss Yan Jiujiu?
Cheng Yun had saved Yan Shiba by chance, and Yan Shiba claimed to be Yan Jiujiu, letting Cheng Yun send her to Su Liang’s home.
Su Liang nodded, “So she’s come to see you?
Cheng Yun sighed softly, “Please advise Miss Yan if you see her again not to pester me anymore, as I am a monk.”
Su Liang: … Not surprised at all.
“When did she come to see you? What did she say?” Su Liang asked. “Five days ago. She spoke some nonsense.” Cheng Yun looked a little helpless.
“Only once?” Su Liang asked.
Cheng Yun frowned and glanced at Su Liang, “Yes, she only came once.”
Su Liang coughed lightly, “I have no other intentions, just looking for her but don’t know where she’s gone.”
“How did Benefactor Su know that Miss Yan would come looking for me?” Cheng Yun asked.
Su Liang said seriously, “The last time I saw her, she said she wanted to thank you in person for saving her life.”
Cheng Yun shook his head, and didn’t say anything.
When they reached the Vegetarian Hall, Su Liang asked for some dishes that she had eaten and liked before, planning to take them away.
“If she comes to see you again, please help me tell her that I am looking for her,” Su Liang said, and then she picked up the vegetarian dishes and bid farewell to Cheng Yun.
As she took a carriage down the mountain, Su Liang went to wait for Ning Jing outside the palace.
It’s just to repay Ning Jing for waiting for her last night, with no ulterior motives.
However, her every move now attracts much attention.
So, a new episode was added to the ‘Martial Arts Champion Cherishing Husband Chronicles” – “Silently Waiting”.
This contrasted greatly from Su Liang’s fierce and overbearing presence on the Combat Stage yesterday, making people exclaim, she really spoils him!
When the palace gate opened again, it was already in the afternoon.
Su Liang sat in the carriage, eating some cold vegetarian dishes, and took a short rest.
Ning Jing walked out of the palace gate and immediately saw her own carriage.
She walked over, thinking nobody was there, and opened the curtain to see Su Liang leaning against the carriage wall with her eyes closed as if asleep.
“It’s over?” Su Liang opened her eyes and asked hastily upon seeing Ning Jing, “How did it go?”
“Take a guess.” Ning Jing replied.
With a light chuckle, Su Liang replied, “If you’re asking me to guess, I’d say you’re the top scholar.”
Ning Jing nodded to indicate Su Liang had guessed correctly.
Although the imperial examination was presided over by Duanmu Yi, with the presence of many great scholars for evaluation and princes also in attendance, there was no controversy about Ning Jing being the top scholar. It was because she was so thoughtful and eloquent, her debates with the great scholars being scintillating as well.
“That’s great!” Su Liang sighed in relief, “I was worried that I might have ruined your chances of becominz the top scholar.”
She simply assumed becoming the top scholar was Ning Jing’s rightful title, and if she hadn’t won it, that would mean there was some conspiracy. Su Liang drove the carriage, with Ning Jing joining her as they returned home together.
Duanmu Chen pushed Duanmu Che’s wheelchair out of the palace, and they saw this scene unfold.
Duanmu Chen said with a warm smile, “Our fifth brother actually met Su Liang before I did. But alas, when it comes to fate, it’s impossible to predict.”
With a stony expression, Duanmu Che asked, “Do you like her, fourth brother?”
Duanmu Chen nodded, “Yes, I do. But it seems she only has eyes for Ning Jing.”
After the news of Ning Jing becoming the top scholar spread, “Martial Arts Champion Dotes on Her Husband” transformed into “A Perfect Match Between the Civil and Martial Arts Champions,” and became a widely known story.
In the afternoon, friends came to their house to offer congratulations, only to find martial arts champion Su Liang with an apron on, baking adorable little cookies.
It wasn’t until late at night that their friends dispersed, with Zhengzheng taking a box of cookies with them. The remaining cookies were for Ning Jing.
While reading in the evening, Ning Jing glanced up and saw a plate of crescent-shaped cookies, even though she had told Su Liang she preferred star-shaped ones…
Late at night, just as Su Liang was about to sleep, the window suddenly opened. Turning her head, she heard Yan Shiba’s affected voice, “Liang Sis— Big Sis is here—”
Su Liang let Yan Shiba embrace her, “Sis Liang, I heard from Yunyun that you were looking for me? What’s the matter? Did you miss me?”
Speechless, Su Liang replied, “So you’ve gone to see Cheng Yun again.”
Yan Shiba huffed, “I was almost beaten by that old monk guarding the door! How infuriating! ”
Su Liang thought Yan Shiba wouldn’t go so far as to hurt or kill anyone at Huguo Temple, so it was good that Cheng Yun had someone to protect him. Otherwise, he would have been devoured by this demoness.
“Ugh! Helping you fulfill your request has been quite the rollercoaster! I thought Nian Jincheng would know something since he’s Gu Ling’s only friend.
But before I could find him after he returned to the capital, he got captured! Such a disappointment!” Yan Shiba was furious, “If Nian Jincheng was in the Heavenly Prison, I would have rescued him tonight! According to the recent information, he’s very likely to be imprisoned somewhere in the Imperial Palace! I have to find out more!”
Su Liang: … That was unexpected good fortune. She looked for Yan Shiba to help with precisely this matter, but Yan Shiba had already planned on rescuing Nian Jincheng herself. The goal? To find Gu Ling?
So, this would count as Yan Shiba repaying Su Liang the life-saving favor she had done her earlier.
With this in mind, Su Liang didn’t need to ask her for help anymore.
“By the way, Liang Sis, what did you want to discuss? Hurry up and tell me! Once we’re done talking, I’ll go take a stroll at the Imperial Palace!” Yan Shiba asked.
With a slight sigh, Su Liang said, “I’m engaged to Ning Jing now. Should we just forget about finding Gu Ling?”
Yan Shiba suddenly jumped up, “What? You’re engaged to that Ning brat? Really? How dare he take advantage of your absence to make a move on you! I’ll go and chop him up now!”
“You won’t be able to beat him.” Su Liang stopped Yan Shiba.
Yan Shiba snorted, “I promised you that I’d do it, so it’s not like me to go back on my word! I will find Gu Ling for sure, so you can dump Ning Jing later! This is not negotiable! I’m going now! You wait for my good news!”
“Wait!” Su Liang added,
With a mischievous grin, Yan Shiba suddenly leaned in close to Su Liang’s face and said, “So you grew up in the capital and met Gu Ling long ago? And you didn’t ask me to find him just because people said he was handsome—you like him, don’t you?!”
With a nod, Su Liang blinked, “You found out.”
Yan Shiba tousled Su Liang’s hair, “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure to find him for you..”
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