Chapter 164: 164. The Second Half of Xiao Nian’s Life
Translator: 549690339
The sound of the whip, Duanmu Che’s screams of agony, Yan Shiba’s hysterical laughter, and the howling wind all intertwined.
“Xiaoliang, this can’t go on, the Fifth Prince has a frail body…” Lin Bojun’s face was filled with anxiety. He was tasked to save the prince and he couldn’t let
Duanmu Che be beaten to death.
Su Liang heaved a deep sigh, “That woman is not easy to deal with. General Nian, would you do us a favor? Please spare him a bit. We promise not to cause you any more trouble.”
Nian Jincheng, who was put down by Lin Bojun and was sitting against a rock, clearly saw Su Liang pleading with him earnestly, all while his hanging hand was discretely giving off signals.
Only Nian Jincheng could see it; Lin Bojun didn’t notice a thing.
Understanding the signal, Nian Jincheng coldly remarked, “I’ve already reached a dead end. Why should I care if he lives or dies?”
Lin Bojun also sighed, “General Nian, you still have family in the Heavenly Prison. ”
That statement was equivalent to adding fuel to the fire.
Nian Jincheng would never forget how when his entire household was thrown into the Heavenly Prison, thanks to the disaster Nian Ruxue and Nian Ruting caused, he was blamed for everything. His grandmother cursed him as a freak, his father scolded him as a disaster, and his brother, Nian Jinxing, despised him to the point of wanting to tear him limb from limb.
And he had done nothing wrong.
Nian Ruxue, who should take the blame, had escaped, while Nian Ruting demanded Nian Jincheng to reveal Gu Ling’s location. When he ignored her, she betrayed him.
For a while, Nian Jincheng treasured his so-called relatives, especially after the calamity that befell the Gu Family and Gu Ling’s departure.
But now, Gu Ling was back. As far as Nian Jincheng was concerned, he was the only relative he could trust.
Yan Shiba asked loudly, “Where were you branded?”
Nian Jincheng replied, “On my chest.”
The next moment, a horrifying scream sounded. Yan Shiba laughed maniacally, “Since we don’t have an iron here, I just cut off a small thing from the chest of the Fifth Prince. Is that enough?”
“It’s enough.” Nian Jincheng replied.
Lin Bojun’s expression was terrible, and Huang Bo, who had been hiding in the shadows, couldn’t help but reveal himself, “Miss Su, General Lin, we must think of a way quickly!”
In fact, Duanmu Che was only beaten a few times so far, but at this rate, it wouldn’t take long for him to be beaten to death.
Su Liang’s gaze was firm. She spoke to Nian Jincheng, “I don’t know who saved you, but perhaps you might be interested in another person.”
Nian Jincheng coldly asked, “Who?”
Su Liang replied, “Nian Ruting. I heard she was the one who betrayed you?
“What do you intend?” Nian Jincheng snorted.
“It’s simple, make her stop hurting the Fifth Prince. You and Nian Ruting, two for one. It’s a good deal, isn’t it?” Su Liang said.
Nian Jincheng nodded, “I agree, but I don’t know who that woman is. She may not agree.”
“Just make the proposal!” Su Liang said.
Nian Jincheng coughed a few times again. Huang Bo, anxious, urged him to speak quickly. Only then did Nian Jincheng speak out, “Stop!” No response. Nian Jincheng raised his voice, “Stop!”
Still no response.
Unable to bear it, Huang Bo shouted loudly, “Stop it immediately!”
From behind the huge stone, Yan Shiba’s sly voice came, “Do you wish to switch to a second method? Sure!”
Huang Bo looked horrified, “No, no, no! It’s not like that! It’s just that General Nian has something to say to you!”
“Little Nian? If you have something to say, hurry up!” Yan Shiba peeked half of his body out.
Weakly, Nian Jincheng said, “Stop hitting. Let them bring Nian Ruting too. I want to take her away.”
“Nian Ruting? The bitch who betrayed you? Sure, bring her here and chop her into pieces!” Yan Shiba agreed cheerfully and spoke to Su Liang, “Little girl, you heard it, bring that bitch from the Nian family over. You have half an hour. If I don’t see her by then, I will castrate this waste!”
Before Yan Shiba finished speaking, Huang Bo had already disappeared.
However, moments later, Huang Bo returned and whispered to Su Liang and Lin Bojun that someone had gone to report to the Emperor.
“Miss Su, I’m really worried about the Master’s health. Can you ask that woman to let you go treat him?” Huang Bo asked.
Lin Bojun frowned, “She won’t agree, and it’s too dangerous.”
Yet, Su Liang asked Yan Shiba, “How is Prince Five? Can I go treat his injuries first?”
Yan Shiba scoffed, “Little girl, is this your brother or your lover? Aren’t you afraid that once you come here, I’ll keep you? Or are you planning to assassinate me?”
Su Liang sighed and helplessly shook her head at Huang Bo. She was willing to take the risk, but they didn’t give her a chance, so there was nothing she could do.
During the time they were waiting for Nian Ruting to be brought, Yan Shiba sat cross-legged behind a boulder. One-half of his body was visible, while the unseen hand held a needle, regularly poking Duanmu Che again and again.
Duanmu Che had passed out from the pain, not making a sound.
Yan Shiba started a conversation with Su Liang, “Little girl, by the sound of your voice, you seem young. What’s your name?”
After a moment of silence, Su Liang said, “I’m Su Liang. If you’re interested in me, how about we take turns asking each other questions, and we’ll stop when someone doesn’t want to answer, okay?”
Yan Shiba laughed out loud, “Interesting, interesting! Come on! Su Liang? Now I know that you’re the Martial Arts Champion of this year’s exam! Did you take the military exam to become an official? Or to go to war?”
Su Liang responded, “I haven’t thought about that yet. My turn. Are you sent by
Gu Ling?”
Yan Shiba snorted lightly, “So you all think I’m Gu Ling’s man? I’m not!”
Lin Bojun furrowed his eyebrows and Huang Bo’s facial expression changed.
Then, Yan Shiba continued, “I heard your fiancé is Ning Jing, the head of the Ning family and the top scholar in this year’s exam. Do you like his face or his wealth?”
Su Liang replied, “Only a kid would make a choice. He has both, and I want all.” Lin Bojun and Huang Bo both twitched at the corners of their mouths.
Nian Jincheng closed his eyes and bowed his head, fearing he would burst into laughter if he didn’t…
Yan Shiba laughed heartily again, “Ambitious!”
“Why did you save Nian Jincheng? Who sent you here?” Su Liang asked again. Yan Shiba chuckled, “Since you insist on asking, then it must be Gu Ling.”
“But you just said it wasn’t.” Su Liang said.
“Did I? I was just joking.” Yan Shiba said.
“Who really sent you? Aren’t you brave enough to tell?” Su Liang snorted coldly.
“Little sister, don’t rush, it’s my turn to ask you.” Yan Shiba grinned, “Have you and Ning Jing slept together yet?”
Su Liang shook her head, “Not yet. Why are you so interested in intimate affairs? If you weren’t sent by Gu Ling, were you one of Nian Jincheng’s admirers?”
Yan Shiba burst out laughing again, “Since my little sister, you sincerely asked, I really like you, so it doesn’t hurt to tell you. I am indeed an admirer, but not of Nian Jincheng. I’m an admirer of another.”
Su Liang furrowed her brows, “Are you referring to Gu Ling?”
“You asked an extra question, oh!” Yan Shiba laughed sweetly, “You guessed correctly! A fleeting glance in the past left me captivated and missing him. I wanted to find him, but he disappeared without a trace. I wanted to ask his only rumored friend, Nian Jincheng, but he had been captured just at this time! What bad luck! But since I’m already here, it can’t be for nothing. I’ll save Nian Jincheng, then if my dream lover is alive and hears about this, he will surely come to find me.”
Su Liang looked bewildered, “If what you said is true, it’s indeed possible to achieve your goal. But, how would Gu Ling know where to find you?”
“He could just come to my house, in…” Yan Shiba’s voice trailed off, she snorted softly, “Naughty little girl, trying to get words out of me. Nearly fell for your trick! Since you are willing to help me spread the word, then go to… a place known only to Gu Ling and Young Nian! I’ll let him decide after I’ve saved him.”
“Sister, you are indeed impressive in both power and courage. Why not reveal your name, so Gu Ling can find you later?” Su Liang said gently.
Yan Shiba scoffed, “Little sister, you asked two more questions. It’s my turn now. What would you do if Ning Jing falls in love with someone else?”
Su Liang casually responded, “I’ll let him leave with nothing. I may not need him, but all of the Ning family’s property is mine.”
“And what if you fall for another man?” Yan Shiba asked again.
Su Liang thought for a moment, ‘We’d part on good terms. He’d give me half of his properties.”
Lin Bojun:
Huang Bo: . ..
Nian Jincheng: …I need to tell my brother about this.
Yan Shiba laughed joyously, anyone who didn’t know the situation would think she had a chance encounter with Su Liang while appreciating the moon in the mountain tonight and that they got along well at first sight.
Duanmu Yi, who was waiting in the palace, upon learning of the circumstances, immediately ordered Nian Ruting to be sent over, insisting that Duanmu Che must return alive.
After the person left, Duanmu Chen admitted his mistake, “I thought Nian Ruting’s matter would be public soon, so when I saw Su Liang and Lin Bojun tonight, I casually mentioned it during our conversation.”
“No harm done.” Duanmu Yi’s expression was grave, “That lowly woman doesn’t hold much value, it’s useless keeping her around. Thankfully, you told Su Liang, who thought on her feet and suggested using her as a bargaining chip. Otherwise, Che’er might have survived, but there’s no telling how bad his injuries would be! I have really misjudged Nian Jincheng!”
Duanmu Chen sighed, “He’s probably given up completely. What surprised me is, why would a woman appear? There aren’t many women with overwhelming power in this world. If she was sent by Gu Ling, was he originally in the vicinity of the capital? Otherwise, there’s no way she could have arrived so quickly.”
Duanmu Yi’s eyes slightly narrowed, ‘We’ll see if Su Liang and Lin Bojun can find out any information.”
“Is the Emperor considering promoting Su Liang?” Duanmu Chen asked.
Duanmu Yi huffed lightly, “She is indeed a smart little girl. She’s powerful, but don’t you think she’s mysterious?”
Duanmu Chen nodded, “She grew up in the capital, but I have never heard of her before. I wonder if she was concealing her abilities or if she had an extraordinary experience after leaving the capital. But for her to be so amazing at such a young age is a rare genius indeed.”
“Cheer suspected she was a spy.” Duanmu Yi stated.
Duanmu Chen was stunned, “Didn’t the Fifth Prince have a soft spot for Su
Liang?”
“That was after the Military Exam.” Duanmu Yi expressed, “Do you think Su
Liang could be a spy? No evidence is needed, just tell me what you feel.”
Duanmu Chen seemed lost in thought, “I feel, if someone is manipulating Su Liang, it’s a waste to have someone of her talent serve as a spy. Her martial arts are secondary, her medical skills are superb. Wouldn’t it be better to have such a person for our personal use?
Duanmu Yi pondered, “That makes some sense.”
“If you doubt someone, you don’t use them. Father, if you think she’s problematic, give her a token position and dismiss her.” Duanmu Chen righteously suggested.
In reality, this was his subtle way of invoking reverse psychology, whilst distancing himself from Su Liang.
“Let’s see how tonight unfolds.” Duanmu Yi declared.
When Nian Ruting was thrown in front of Su Liang, Su Liang didn’t recognize her at first glance. Her legs weren’t treated in time and were now completely disabled. Her hair was messy, her face was deathly pale, and her eyes were staring straight at Su Liang.
“Dear sister, your person is here.” Su Liang spoke up, very politely, “It’s time to exchange.”
“Nian Ruting?” Yan Shiba called out.
Nian Ruting responded to the call with a question, “Are you sent by Gu Ling?”
Yan Shiba snorted, “You small wench, are you fantasizing about my beloved? Wait and see how I deal with you!”
However, she never anticipated that it would be a woman pining for Gu Ling?!
“Little sister, throw that woman with the last name Nian off the cliff!” Yan Shiba commanded.
Nian Ruting froze instantly, “You dare? I am Gu Ling’s fiancée!”
“Shut up! Or else, I will chop you in half and throw you down!” Yan Shiba roared, “My little brother is waiting below! Just under that tree with the lantern hanging on it!”
“Alright. I will throw her down, and you will bring the Fifth Prince out from behind the rock, agreed?” Su Liang negotiated with Yan Shiba.
“Deal!” Yan Shiba readily agreed.
Then, Su Liang dragged Nian Ruting by the arm to the edge of the cliff, looked at the ancient pine with a red lantern hanging on it and was about to throw her down. But she asked Yan Shiba, “In case your little brother is napping, do you want me to call out to him.”
Yan Shiba flung a stone down and a man’s groan echoed from the bottom of the cliff…
Su Liang guessed it was probably Yan Shiqi.
Feeling ill at ease, Nian Ruting clung to Su Liang’s leg, “I won’t go with her! Send me back to the Heavenly Prison!” If it truly were Gu Ling’s admirer, she certainly wouldn’t let her go easy.
Su Liang pulled Nian Ruting’s hand off and pushed her off the cliff.
Nian Ruting’s scream echoed through the mountains before coming to an abrupt halt.
Yan Shiba kept her promise, dragging one of Duanmu Che’s legs from behind the giant rock and then she let go of Duanmu Che, she then walked towards the location near the ancient pine, “Let the little one come here, I will take him away.”
There was an abrupt sound of fighting from behind the giant stone. Yan Shiba sneered, “Little sister, I like you, so I was talking to you nicely. Who would have thought someone would try to attack me from behind? They’re seeking death!”
Su Liang had no idea who had gone, it must have been a master appointed by Duanmu Yi, trying to rescue Duanmu Che from behind, and then attack Yan Shiba.
However, Yan Shiba definitely didn’t come alone; she was eager to fulfill her promise to Su Liang to find Gu Ling as soon as possible. Tonight she brought a lot of her brothers, each of whom was a ruthless assassin.
The sound of the fight was still ongoing. Seeing Yan Shiba wanting to return to Duanmu Che’s side, Su Liang quickly spoke, “Let them do their fighting, should we continue our trade?” As she spoke, she pulled Nian Jincheng over.
Yan Shiba snorted coldly, “I’ll give you another chance! Hurry and bring
Xiaonian over!”
Lin Bojun followed behind, his hand on his sword hilt, ready for any eventuality.
As Su Liang released Nian Jincheng, Yan Shiba grabbed him and tossed him off the cliff!
On seeing this, Su Liang took a step and arrived at Duanmu Che’s side.
But Yan Shiba did not leave immediately. She laughed coldly, drew her sword, and charged at Su Liang, “Let me have a taste of the superior skills of Qian Country’s Martial Arts Champion!”
Su Liang met Yan Shiba’s attack head-on, providing an opportunity for Huang Bo to carry Duanmu Che away.
The experts arranged by Duanmu Yi had all emerged, and the assassins on Yan Shiba’s side had all revealed themselves. The fight between the two sides was on the verge of blowing up.
“I’m tired! No more playing!” Yan Shiba feinted and leapt off the cliff.
Her companions followed suit, all disappearing over the edge like dumplings in a pot.
Su Liang saw the people sent by Duanmu Yi giving chase. She wanted to remind them not to, but if they did not chase, the blame would again fall on her, and since she was not in charge of those people, she let them be.
“Miss Su! Quick, come and see our master!” Huang Bo was calling for Su Liang.
Su Liang glanced once more at the red lantern fluttering in the wind, then sheathed her weapon and began to walk back.
Lin Bojun let out a sigh of relief. As long as Duanmu Che was alive, their mission was completed. And furthermore, Su Liang had proposed handing over an extra Nian Ruting, saving Duanmu Che’s life.
Su Liang was stunned upon seeing Duanmu Che. His face was covered with fine blood vessels. On closer inspection, there were tiny red dots all over his face, all punctured by a needle…..
The dozen or so lashes Yan Shiba had given him also left two bloody streaks on Duanmu Che’s face. It was a ghastly sight.
There was a large pool of blood on Duanmu Che’s right chest. Yan Shiba had indeed cut off something from his chest.
Huang Bo was livid, “That vicious woman! I hope I never find her!”
Su Liang took Duanmu Che’s pulse. The situation was bad, but his life was not in danger.
She administered medication to Duanmu Che and bandaged his wounds to stop the bleeding before instructing Huang Bo to return him to the palace.
Huang Bo, carrying the unconscious Duanmu Che, left. Su Liang, without paying attention to those chasing after Yan Shiba, descended the mountain with Lin Bojun.
By the time Su Liang and Lin Bojun entered the palace again, the men who had gone after Yan Shiba had also returned.
All of them were alive, a few were injured, but none fatally.
“Those people seemed like the work of assassins, but they didn’t seem interested in killing tonight,” the elder at the head said.
Duanmu Chen frowned, “Are they really Gu Ling’s admirers, or assassins hired by Gu Ling? From Yanyun Building?”
Duanmu Yi’s face was grim, “We’ll discuss this later. Su Liang, you’ve made a significant contribution this time, you can tell me what reward you want. The most important task I’m entrusting you with now is to help Che’er recover.”
Su Liang furrowed her eyebrows slightly, “Your Majesty, could you assign someone else to treat the fifth prince?”
Duanmu Yi’s face turned cold, “Why? You’re not willing?”
Su Liang shook her head, “At the beginning, I was very willing to treat the fifth prince, even though he didn’t like me at all, which Huang Bo knows. Now it seems that the fifth prince has taken a liking to me, but I am already engaged. I’m afraid more interactions would only lead to more troubles.”
Duanmu Yi’s face softened slightly, “That’s true. It would not be proper for Che’er to persist in wanting to marry you. Very well, you can teach the method of acupuncture and medication for Che’er to Imperial Physician Gao.”
Su Liang immediately nodded, “Alright, thank you, your Majesty, for your understanding.”
When Su Liang returned home, it was almost dawn.
Ning Jing came out of the room, “How did it go?”
Su Liang smiled, “It went smoothly. Your brother is now in Yan Shiba’s hands. We need to think about how to help him.”
Ning Jing nodded, “Thank you.”
“The rest of Xiaonian’s life depends on you, how do you plan to settle him down?” Su Liang asked.
Ning Jing thought for a moment and said, “Let him sell tea. Or give him to Yang
Yu, the cloth seller would work just fine..”
This 𝓬ontent is taken from fre𝒆webnove(l).𝐜𝐨𝗺