Chapter 161 - 161: 161. Duanmu Che Kidnapped (Second Update)
Translator: 549690339
In the middle of the night.
Su Liang suddenly woke up from her sleep, lifted the bed curtain, and found two more people in the room.
One was Ning Jing; the other was wearing a mask, and judging by their figure, it was Yan Shiba.
When the two people who had been quietly confronting each other saw the curtain move, they both turned their eyes to Su Liang.
Ning Jing quickly turned his head away, breaking eye contact.
Yan Shiba angrily removed his mask and threw it on the table. He pointed at Ning Jing with an accusatory finger, “Liang-sister, this pretty-boy sneaked into your room in the middle of the night with indecent intentions! If I hadn’t come here to see you, who knows what perverted things he might have done!”
Su Liang was only wearing her inner clothes, and her hair was a bit messy. At first, she didn’t notice, but when Ning Jing turned his head, she became aware and hurriedly used both hands to pull the bed curtain over herself, leaving only her head exposed. A light blush spread over her fair cheeks.
“Don’t talk nonsense. He thought you were an assassin, so he came to save me.” Su Liang saw the truth at a glance, “Ning Jing, you go back to sleep.”
Without turning his head, Ning Jing replied with a simple, “Mm,” before walking out of the room without even sparing Yan Shiba a glance.
Watching his retreating figure, Su Liang noticed that Ning Jing was also wearing only thin inner clothes, feeling that things were fairer now.
Yan Shiba, clearly dissatisfied, walked over, pulled open the bed curtain, and sat on the edge of the bed. He poked Su Liang on her forehead, “Little girl, what’s wrong with you? Isn’t Gu Ling supposed to be the one who holds your heart? Why are you letting that pretty boy have his way?”
“He hasn’t done anything to me; he just wanted to kill you.” Su Liang laid down and grinned.
Blinking, Yan Shiba said, “Little sister Liang, you’re so beautiful! Only Gu Ling is a suitable match for you! That pretty boy is far from enough!”
“It’s like you know Gu Ling,” Su Liang sarcastically remarked.
Yan Shiba nodded, “I wouldn’t say I know him, but I did see him once. He is unparalleled in elegance, astonishingly beautiful! Little sister Liang, you really have good taste!”
Su Liang:…Looking forward to the day when a certain ‘great god’ reveals his true face.
With one foot on the ground and the other hanging off the side of the bed, he didn’t bother taking off his shoes. “I searched day and night, I even went into the heavily guarded Imperial Palace Library, but there’s not a trace of Nian Jincheng, not even the slightest clue! I excel in killing people, not finding them! With all this time, I might as well be flirting with little Yunyun!” Su Liang coughed lightly, “You can’t go back on the promise you made to me.” Every time she met Yan Shiba, Su Liang felt more worried about Cheng Yun.
Yan Shiba snorted, “Who said they were going to marry Ning Jing, letting me not look for Gu Ling?”
“That wasn’t my true intention.” Su Liang said with a sincere face.
Yan Shiba pinched her slightly upturned nose, “Regardless of whether you were sincere or not, you said you wanted Gu Ling; you can only be married to him!
Nobody else will do!”
“You need to find him first,” Su Liang said.
Yan Shiba scratched his head, “The only one who might know where Gu Ling is would be Nian Jincheng! But I can’t just kidnap the emperor and force him to tell me where he’s hiding Nian Jincheng, can I?”
Su Liang’s eyes brightened slightly, “So there are things that even you don’t dare to do?”
“Liang… sister…” Yan Shiba spoke with a ghostly tone, “You’re actually using reverse psychology on me?”
“You’ve caught on, Yan Shiba, you’re so smart.” Su Liang laughed lightly, “But kidnapping the emperor is too risky; he must have a strong protector by his side. We can choose someone else.”
Yan Shiba squinted his eyes, turned Su Liang’s shoulder towards him, looked into her eyes, and snorted coldly, “It seems that my Liang-sister has found a suitable candidate? Why do I feel like you’ve dug a hole for me to jump into?”
Su Liang’s eyes were clear, “You’re more cautious than before, which is a good thing. I do have a candidate, someone who has been repeatedly annoying me.” “Who dares annoy you? They’re looking for death!” Yan Shiba coldly snorted.
“Fifth Prince, Duanmu Che.” Su Liang said, “Actually, he saved my life back then, otherwise I would have died early. But after returning to the capital this time, he first caused me troubles several times, then inexplicably took a fancy to me, and wanted me to marry him. He must be out of his mind. He was seriously ill, and I treated him, so we are square for the saving lives part, owing nothing to each other. The main reason I chose him is that he is the emperor’s favorite son.”
After hearing Su Liang’s words, Yan Shiba’s face darkened, “Little Sister Liang is so lovely, it’s natural for someone to like her, but whoever dares to trouble you, I’ll teach them a lesson! Duanmu Che, right? You wait, I’ll catch him and cut off his root!”
Su Liang shook her head, “Not necessary. Anyway, he did save my life, disgusting as it may be, he can’t do anything to me.”
“It’s your call!” Yan Shiba thought for a moment, catching Duanmu Che to exchange for Nian Jincheng was indeed feasible, and the difficulty was not too high, and it was the most direct and efficient method at the moment.
But he couldn’t go too far. Even though she would hide her identity, it was hard to guarantee that she wouldn’t be discovered. Yanyun Building didn’t fear offending the court, but couldn’t offend them too harshly, otherwise, it would be difficult to do business in the future. “Be careful.” Su Liang patted Yan Shiba’s shoulder. Yan Shiba smiled, “Let me hear you call me sis.”
Su Liang lay down and closed her eyes, “Take care.”
“You little brat! Wait until I find Miss Gu, let’s see if you don’t beg me!” Yan Shiba’s words fell, a gust of wind blew, the bed curtain fluttered, and the room was left with only Su Liang.
Su Liang closed her eyes again and suddenly thought of something, so she asked Ning Jing through the wall, “Are you asleep yet?” “No.”
“If he doesn’t escape, there’s no chance for him to clear his name either. Now, all he can do is seek to survive.” Ning Jing said.
Su Liang thought about it as well. First, the Nian Family cheated in the
Imperial examination, committing the crime of deceiving the emperor, and Nian Jincheng’s suspicion of colluding with Gu Ling due to the relationship with her “only friend” was not a recent development, it’s just that there is now a “witness” to confirm it.
For this kind of thing, it’s usually better to kill wrongly than to let go, just a little bit of suspicion, without evidence, still results in a dead end.
Early the next morning, Qi Jun paid a visit.
“The master asked me to be a coachman for the two of you for the day.” Qi Jun said with a smile.
A top scholar and a martial arts champion going out together, neither was suitable to drive the carriage. Although “The Martial Arts Champion’s Doting Husband” sounded interesting, Xing Yusheng still felt that at this time, they needed someone to dispatch.
Otherwise, once the two entered the palace, who would watch the carriage outside?
“That’s very kind of you.” Su Liang readily agreed.
Having an outsider here, the only inconvenience was that Su Liang and Ning Jing couldn’t mention any “sensitive topics” when Qi Jun could hear them.
But it was only temporary and didn’t have much impact.
“Will the crown prince Xing also enter the palace today?” Su Liang asked.
Qi Jun nodded, “Yes, when I left, the crown prince was preparing.”
As he spoke, Qi Jun brought up another matter, “The news of the emperor selecting concubines for the fourth and fifth princes was announced this morning. Upon hearing it, the Madam wanted the third Miss to participate, but the Marquis scolded her.”
Third Miss Xing Yan, was Xing Yusheng’s half-sister from the same father but different mothers.
Qi Jun mentioned the private affairs of the Marquis Mansion, which should not be shared with outsiders, to Su Liang. First, it was because Su Liang was not an outsider, and second, it was because she had informed the Lin and Duke Qin’s Mansions about the selection of concubines for the two princes yesterday, allowing Lin Bojun and Qin Yujin to get engaged before the selection was officially announced.
At that time, Old Madam Xing was worried that this move would upset the emperor, thinking that someone had leaked the news, and that Duke Qin’s Mansion was deliberately avoiding the selection by hastily arranging the engagement.
Xing Ji, however, thought that Old Madam Xing was overthinking it. Because Lin Bojun rescuing Qin Yujin from Duanmu Ao was not something that the emperor might not know about.
Later, the Lin Family and Duke Qin’s Mansion had a close relationship. Moreover, considering the marriage between Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing, the Qin and Lin families could be considered relatives.
After Lin Bojun returned to the capital, he had contact with Qin Yujin, although not alone. Old Master Qin and Lin Shuzhi had met several times before, so it could be said that the marriage of their children had already been decided. They were just waiting for Lin Bojun to return to formally propose.
From any perspective, it all made sense.
Besides, with Nian Jincheng gone, Lin Bojun would objectively be more valued.
Duanmu Yi was not a foolish emperor. He had allowed Xing Jiming to take part in the abduction before, so why not this time?
But Xing Yusheng’s stepmother Miao really couldn’t see the situation clearly. She once wanted Nian Ruxue as her son’s wife, and now she wanted to send her daughter to the marriage selection. She was really confused.
Grandma Xing mentioned that although Miao was not a bad person, she still competed with Qin Xiang even after her death. She came from too humble a background to be comparable and pinned all her hopes on her children, hoping they could succeed.
In fact, because of Grandma Xing’s presence, Xing Yusheng was always the top priority among the sons and daughters of the Xing family, making Miao’s children almost nonexistent. They didn’t even have the opportunity to attend the nobles’ banquets and show their faces after they arrived in the capital for several days.
Xing Ji’s original intention was to protect his children, as the Xing Family was now in a special situation and they didn’t need to achieve anything. Stability is most important.
But Miao’s heart was naturally filled with dissatisfaction.
Qi Jun sighed and added, “Madam blames the Marquis for only caring about the crown prince and never considering her own children. Grandma is troubled by family matters and says she wants to ask Miss Su your opinion when she sees you again. You are the smartest and perhaps have a solution.”
Su Liang held her forehead. No wonder Qi Jun said so much; it turned out that Grandma Xing wanted her to give advice? A clear official finds it difficult to judge family matters, and she doesn’t know most of the Xing family members. How could she interfere in their family affairs?
However, upon further thought, Su Liang realized that Grandma Xing’s intention to let Qi Jun say these things was not for her to help with the idea of reconciling the family conflict, but rather to persuade Xing Yusheng to reconcile with the other family members?
After all, Grandma Xing believed that the conflicts between Xing Yusheng and his family were mostly due to misunderstandings, but he refused to listen to any explanation for all these years.
This must also be the reason why Grandma Xing had specifically talked to Su Liang about the emotional entanglements between Xing Ji, Qin Xiang, and Miao.
Unfortunately, Su Liang didn’t understand the deeper meaning and didn’t talk to Xing Yusheng about it.
After some thought, Su Liang still felt that she shouldn’t interfere in other people’s family affairs. She fully understood Grandma Xing’s desire for a harmonious family, but if Xing Ji couldn’t handle it, outsiders would be even less likely to help.
As they arrived at the palace gate, Ning Jing and Su Liang got off the carriage, instantly attracting the attention of everyone around.
One scholar and one warrior, both talented and beautiful, a match made in heaven… These were the praises they received in the rumors these days.
“Sister Liang!” Seeing Su Liang, Qin Yujin ran over.
Old Master Qin, supported by his two grandsons, stood not far away, smiling at Su Liang.
“Congratulations, congratulations,” Su Liang saluted.
Qin Yujin’s face turned red, “I have no thank you gift for you as a matchmaker!”
“No problem, Second Brother Lin will definitely give me a big red envelope,” Su Liang said with a smile.
Qin Yujin blurted out, “I won’t let him give it!”
Su Liang raised an eyebrow, “Well, I really can’t do anything about it. Second
Brother Lin will definitely listen to you.”
Qin Yujin gently hammered Su Liang, “Stop teasing me!”
Su Liang sighed, the once dignified and graceful Miss Duke Qin’s Mansion was now so shy after her engagement. She was so adorable that it was indeed a match made in heaven.
She and Ning Jing were undoubtedly like real brothers.
Qin Yujin held Su Liang’s arm as they walked ahead, with Ning Jing following behind.
After entering the palace, Qin Yujin looked back and suddenly smiled, teasing
Su Liang, “I bet Ning Jing is cursing me in his heart for stealing you away.”
Su Liang shook her head, “Don’t slander him, he never swears at anyone.” Qin Yujin’s eyes lit up, “Sister Liang, you still won’t admit it, you just like him!”
“Yes, I like him,” Su Liang said calmly. This was true, but not in the sense of romantic love. Anyway, they were about to play the role of a fake husband and wife soon, so acting was necessary.
Qin Yujin then kept asking Su Liang when she fell in love with Ning Jing.
“Well, I’m not saying I can’t tell you, but if you ask me, you first have to tell me when you fell in love with Second Brother Lin?” Su Liang asked.
Qin Yujin blushed and said, “Probably the day he saved me.”
“Hero saving the beauty, truly classic,” Su Liang smiled and said, “I promise to let Second Brother Lin know today that he liked you that day, and you also saw him that day. What a wonderful fate.”
Qin Yujin felt sweetness in her heart and insisted that Su Liang confess her feelings for Ning Jing.
Su Liang thought for a while and said, “Maybe it was the moment I saw his face.”
Now, she hadn’t seen it yet. She would wait until she saw someone’s true face. Qin Yujin let out a small exclamation, “Love at first sight? That’s so nice.”
Su Liang: …Actually, I haven’t seen it yet. Let’s talk about it when I see it.
The Enrong Banquet was held in the Imperial Palace Garden.
Among the imperial scholars this time, except for Ning Jing, there were three other students from Qianshan Academy. One of them was Ning Jing’s fellow student from Bei’an County.
Before the banquet started, they came together to greet Ning Jing. Although Ning Jing was not talkative, they could still chat.
Su Liang saw Gao Jiabao. His right arm was wrapped in white cloth, and when he saw Su Liang looking at him, he pulled out a pale smile.
Su Liang was taken by Qin Yujin to meet several of the ladies from the big families she had a good relationship with. They only knew her by name, and they all admired Su Liang greatly.
The banquet was about to start, so Su Liang sat in her designated seat. Ning Jing was directly facing her, and Gao Jiabao was next to her.
“How is your injury?” Su Liang asked.
Gao Jiabao sighed slightly, “Grandfather says it needs two or three months to recover.”
“As long as it can recover,” Su Liang said.
“I had originally wanted to join the army after the Military Exam, but I don’t know when that will be now,” Gao Jiabao said.
Su Liang was surprised at the ambitions of a grandson of a physician, but admired him, “It will recover faster when it gets warmer. You are a talented scholar, and the emperor will surely allow you to join the army if you wish.”
“But my family is strongly against it,” Gao Jiabao said with a bitter smile, “Let’s not talk about it. Congratulations, you are getting married.”
“Thank you,” Su Liang nodded.
When the time came for the banquet to begin, there was still no sign of Duanmu Yi.
All the princes and princesses had arrived, but there was no sign of Duanmu Che, who was said to be recovering from his illness recently.
Su Liang had a premonition that Yan Shiba had made his move.
As expected, news soon came that the fifth prince had been kidnapped.. The kidnappers demanded Nian Jincheng in exchange, or they would chop up the
fifth prince!
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