Chapter 165: 165. Deep bond between brothers
Translator: 549690339
Su Liang slept soundly until the sun was shining brightly, and when she got up to make breakfast, guests arrived.
It was the elderly doctor Gao Jiabao and his grandson Gao Jiabao.
Having received an imperial decree from the Emperor this morning, Doctor Gao took the initiative to visit Su Liang, hoping that she could also help take a look at Gao Jiabao’s injury.
Ning Jing hosted the grandfather and grandson in the small hall, making tea for them.
“We apologize for the intrusion,” the old doctor began.
Ning Jing shook his head slightly, “The matter of treating the Fifth Prince cannot be delayed.”
“Yes, indeed!” The old doctor laughed heartily.
Gao Jiabao asked, “It was Su Liang who saved the Fifth Prince last night?”
Ning Jing nodded, “It wasn’t only her.”
As they spoke, the tea was ready, its aroma inviting and refreshing.
Dr. Gao took a sip and was astonished, “Is this…?”
Ning Jing replied calmly, “Da Hong Pao.”
As a doctor who frequently served the nobles in the palace, the old doctor recognized the scent of Da Hong Pao tea, which was often drunk by the Empress Dowager.
Gao Jiabao took a couple of sips and nodded, “Truly extraordinary!”
As the head of the Ning family in Xunyang, a renowned tea merchant, it was not surprising that Ning Jing had Da Hong Pao tea on hand.
However, having it was one thing, but choosing to serve the best Da Hong Pao tea to their unexpected guests was surprising to them.
After all, they were not close.
As guests, feeling respected and valued, their hearts naturally warmed.
Ning Jing gave them a sense of sincerity, even though he was not overly enthusiastic in his words and smiles.
Su Liang brought over breakfast she had prepared, and without any communication, Ning Jing went to set the table, getting four sets of utensils.
“Don’t bother, we’ve already eaten,” Gao Jiabao said, a bit embarrassed.
Su Liang smiled, “It’s my fault for getting up late today. Please try some simple home-cooked dishes, and after we finish, we’ll discuss the main issue.”
Seeing that in their brief conversation, Ning Jing had already prepared four bowls of porridge, the grandfather and grandson stopped declining.
Gao Jiabao thought, even if it wasn’t tasty, he mustn’t show his disappointment.
Unexpectedly, after one bite of the porridge, he was conquered by its deliciously sweet and smooth taste.
Dr. Gao happily commented, “I didn’t expect Miss Su to be such a good cook.”
The pair was surprised that Su Liang cooked the meal herself since there were no servants at her residence. She and Ning Jing clearly didn’t lack money.
After breakfast, seeing Ning Jing getting up to clean up the dishes, the grandfather and grandson were even more astonished.
As Ning Jing went to the kitchen, Gao Jiabao couldn’t help but ask Su Liang, “Do you always do things like this?”
Both of them were top scholars in civil and military fields and extremely wealthy, but they did everything themselves? The Gao family was not nobility, and even Gao Jiabao, a young master, had two young servants and two maids to attend to him.
Su Liang nodded, “We’re used to it.”
Firstly, both Su Liang and Ning Jing had secrets to keep. Living with a third person wouldn’t be as carefree as they were now, able to say and do as they pleased without worry.
Secondly, as a transmigrator, Su Liang’s education in her previous life made it difficult for her to accept enslaving others.
There was a great difference between paying someone to help with work and buying a servant as property, owning them and having full control over their fate.
However, she respected the rules of this time and didn’t see her friends’ ownership of servants as wrong.
When Xing Yusheng had previously sent Qi Jun to be their coachman for a day, Su Liang hadn’t refused his well-intentioned gesture.
Just like the matter of being vegetarian. Whether one is a vegetarian due to personal reasons, what they eat, and whether they eat or not, it is their own business. But if they point fingers and criticize others’ dietary choices, thinking that eating meat is wrong and persuading others to become vegetarian, that would be too meddlesome.
“You guys really…” Gao Jiabao thought for a moment but didn’t know how to describe it, then said, “Are very special.”
Su Liang talked to the old Imperial Physician Gao about treating Duanmu Che, and Gao Jiabao sat nearby, finding it very fascinating.
His grandfather had always been quite stubborn when it came to medical skills, yet he was surprised that when discussing it with Su Liang, there was no trace of the elder’s pride. After Duanmu Che’s matter was done, he even took the initiative to consult Su Liang about some problems he had failed to solve for a long time.
What was even more amazing was that Su Liang could answer most of the questions his grandfather asked.
The old man’s eyes sparkled even more, and he exclaimed three times, “That’s right, it should be like this! How come I didn’t think of it!”
Gao Jiabao had a feeling that his grandfather’s medical skills were really not as good as this young girl’s.
As a result, it was almost noon, and the old Imperial Physician showed no sign of stopping, completely forgetting about the time.
But he had to go to Five Princes Mansion in the afternoon.
Gao Jiabao couldn’t help but remind him, “Grandfather, it’s getting late.”
Upon hearing this, the old Imperial Physician looked out and saw the sun shining brightly, with the day halfway gone. He hurriedly got up to leave, “Sorry, I won’t have time today. When does Miss Su have time? I’ll bring Jiabao over, and you can have a look at his injury.”
Gao Jiabao: …Before, it was agreed that after discussing Duanmu Che’s matter, Su Liang would help examine his injury, or else he wouldn’t come. As a result, his grandfather was about to leave, and only remembered him now.
Even Gao Jiabao felt that the old Imperial Physician just wanted to find an excuse to visit Su Liang again and discuss medical skills, using him as an excuse…
Su Liang smiled, “Whenever I am at home, I can do it. I also have many questions to ask the old Imperial Physician Gao.”
The old Imperial Physician immediately nodded, “No problem.”
Su Liang escorted them out of the courtyard and met Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing.
After exchanging simple greetings, the Gao family left, and Su Liang welcomed Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing inside.
“Sister Su, yesterday the emperor asked my second brother to save the fifth prince. I was so worried; I couldn’t sleep until my second brother returned,” Lin Xueqing’s bloodshot eyes showed that she indeed hadn’t slept well last night. However, she laughed, “I knew it, with Sister Su there, nothing could have
gone wrong! My second brother said that it was all thanks to Sister Su that the fifth prince was saved, and he didn’t even do anything!”
Su Liang shook her head, “It wasn’t just my credit.”
“I don’t care about credit, I just worry about your safety!” Lin Xueqing laughed.
When Xing Yusheng went to the Lin Family to pick up Lin Xueqing, he already knew what had happened, but he still had some questions to ask Su Liang, “Do you believe that the woman who kidnapped the fifth prince said she is just an admirer of Gu Ling?”
Su Liang nodded, “Without any evidence to prove otherwise, let’s believe her for now.”
“How incredibly beautiful is Gu Ling to have such a crazy admirer?” Lin Xueqing was very curious.
Su Liang indicated that she was curious too.
Xing Yusheng actually wanted to find Gu Ling as well. Not for any other reason, but just because Gu Ling had saved his mother years ago, and he wanted to confirm that Gu Ling was still alive.
When Ning Jing entered, Lin Xueqing laughed and said, “I think Senior Brother Ning is the most beautiful, wealthy, and talented with a boundless future. What do you think, Sister Su?”
Su Liang shook her head, “No, I am the most beautiful, wealthy, and talented with a boundless future.”
Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing both nodded repeatedly, unable to stop laughing.
After learning that Lian Shun had left the capital and headed south, Xing Yusheng was somewhat surprised. Men’s intuition told him that Lian Shun had feelings for Su Liang. He didn’t expect Lian Shun to give up after learning that Su Liang had set her marriage, which showed he had a good character.
“Both my second brother and I are about to get married, but my eldest brother’s lifelong matter hasn’t been settled yet. It’s really worrying.” Lin Xueqing sighed lightly.
This was not a world where marriage was free, and the order of the elder and younger was strict. Especially in marriages, they’re often arranged according to the order of age, and it was rare for a younger brother to marry before his elder brother.
Xing Yusheng smiled, “My father-in -law said we don’t have to worry about my eldest brother for now. We have to wait for him to find a girl he likes before discussing it. We can’t delay the marriage between my second brother and Xueqing. Let outsiders say whatever they want. ”
As long as Lin Boyan didn’t mind his younger siblings getting married first, there wouldn’t be any problems.
After chatting for a while, Lin Xueqing and Su Liang cooked together, while Xing Yusheng saw Ning Jing working on a wood carving. There were already many placed on the bookshelf, of various sizes and shapes, all very delicate. He jokingly asked if Ning Jing could give him one.
Ning Jing shook his head, “No.”
Xing Yusheng: …He knew this would be the outcome.
The young couple came to visit and left in the afternoon because Lin Xueqing said she wanted to take a look at Wangxiang Mountain, so Xing Yusheng took her out of town.
Just as they left, Duanmu Chen’s confidant Chang’an secretly came over and brought Su Liang another piece of news.
“His Majesty said this morning that he not only wants to choose consorts for
Master and the Fifth Prince, but also for the Sixth Princess.” Chang’an said, “His Majesty specially mentioned Vice Minister of Rites Lin, and has a high regard for him.”
Su Liang was stunned for a moment, and then realized that Chang’an was talking about Lin Boyan. At a young age, Lin Boyan had already become the Vice Minister of Rites, and was once praised by Duanmu Yi for having the style of his father.
Before Lin Shuzhi retired, the former emperor once said that Lin Shuzhi had the talent to be a prime minister.
Without any surprises, Lin Boyan would have a bright future in the officialdom.
It was common in history for top scholars to marry princesses, but Ning Jing, the top scholar in literature, and Su Liang, the martial arts champion, had directly become a family, leaving no opportunity for others to exploit their marriage.
Otherwise, it might be possible that Su Liang would marry Duanmu Che, and Ning Jing would marry Duanmu Qianqian, which would be terrifying.
Duanmu Yi apparently had no intention to let his favorite daughter marry into a powerful family, but instead considered her happiness, choosing a person whose family status was not high but had a promising future and a clean family style. Who would dare not treat Duanmu Qianqian well by marrying down?
Su Liang sighed faintly, “His Majesty has a good eye.”
Chang’an laughed, “Master ordered me to inform Miss Su about this, but he hopes that Miss Su won’t interfere this time. Although there were coincidences in Miss Lin and General Lin’s marriage, His Majesty has also fulfilled it. If Lin Boyan was chosen as the son-in-law this time, it would be a bit hard to explain if a fiancée suddenly appeared.”
Su Liang covered her forehead, “I understand. Thank you for the kindness of the Fourth Prince.”
Su Liang didn’t expect that similar things would happen again and again.
Upon calming down and thinking, Su Liang found that she was getting closer and closer to the center of power, and some things were bound to happen.
Originally, Duanmu Qianqian had shown fondness for Nian Jincheng, and Duanmu Yi might have intended to let Nian Jincheng become his son-in-law, but he had not yet granted the marriage. Nian Jincheng was accused of rebellion and was directly disqualified.
However, Duanmu Qianqian had reached the age when she had to get married, so they could only choose another person. The two sons of Lin family were all outstanding young talents highly regarded by Duanmu Yi. Lin Bojun already had a partner, and apart from his low birth, Lin Boyan was suitable in all other aspects.
He was also a top scholar, although not from this session.
Not long ago, Lin Xueqing was still worried that her elder brother couldn’t find a wife, but here she comes.
After Chang’an left, Su Liang went to talk to Ning Jing about it, “Duanmu Chen only wants to curry favor, and he figured out that as long as I know it, I will definitely find a way to break off this possible marriage. There is no benefit for Duanmu Chen in having Lin’s elder brother become the son-in-law because Duanmu Qianqian is not his sister from the same mother but was born to the empress. Nowadays, the Lin Family is married to Xing Family and Qin Family, and the interests in this relationship are not concealed.”
The marriage relationships among the aristocrats in the capital city were intricate, and many interest combinations were through marriage, especially the royal family.
Duanmu Yi might be considering his daughter’s lifelong happiness. But the Empress and the Crown Prince’s faction might not be trying to use Duanmu Qianqian’s marriage to expand their power.
It is difficult to tell who first associated Lin Boyan with Duanmu Qianqian. Although it seems to be proposed by Duanmu Yi, it might be the whisperings of the empress.
Su Liang continued, “Duanmu Chen sent someone to tell me about this, and said not to interfere, and not to be discovered by His Majesty. I think he wants me to interfere, but not to leave any traces, and not to involve him. I think we can manage or not manage. What do you think?”
Ning Jing said indifferently, “Don’t interfere for now, and we’ll see how it goes.”
Su Liang nodded, “Well. There’s no need to act rashly since nothing has been settled yet. You should thank me.”
Ning Jing looked up, “Thank for what?”
Su Liang smiled, “I have reason to suspect that if I hadn’t said we were engaged, you would be the most popular candidate to be the son-in-law of the Sixth Princess. It’s quite a classic scenario for a top scholar to be a son-in-law.” “Thanks.” Ning Jing said halfheartedly.
Su Liang negotiated with him, “Then the condition you asked me to promise because of the marriage should be written off, right?” Ning Jing shook his head, “No, I already thanked you.”
Su Liang:… Alright then.
At the Residence of the Fifth Prince.
When Elder Imperial Physician Gao came, Duanmu Che had drunk the medicine and was sleeping.
It took half an hour before Duanmu Che woke up, and Huang Bo let Elder Imperial Physician Gao go in.
In just a few days, Elder Imperial Physician Gao felt that Duanmu Che had become much gloomier. He carefully paid respects, saying that he had learned the acupuncture technique that Su Liang used for Duanmu Che in the future and he would be responsible for treating Duanmu Che.
Duanmu Che spoke coldly, “Except for Su Liang, I won’t accept any other doctors! Elder Imperial Physician Gao, please leave!”
Elder Imperial Physician Gao didn’t expect this situation.
Huang Bo persuaded Duanmu Che that his health was the most important thing.
However, Duanmu Che became angry, “If you really think my health is important, find that woman and bring her to me! I have something to say to her!”
Fearing to anger Duanmu Che further, Huang Bo could only ask the Imperial Physician Gao to leave first and then seek the Emperor’s decision.
Upon learning of Duanmu Che’s tantrum, Duanmu Yi did not indulge him and directly ordered someone to bring Duanmu Che to live in the palace, to get better before leaving. He then had Imperial Physician Gao treat Duanmu Che.
The next day, Imperial Physician Gao visited again, still accompanied by his grandson.
Su Liang asked if the treatment for Duanmu Che went smoothly yesterday, and Imperial Physician Gao told the truth, saying that it did not go well.
Su Liang was speechless. Duanmu Yi really loved Duanmu Che, so much that Duanmu Che could be quite a handful! At this rate, he would eventually cause his own death!
To avoid being forgotten again, Gao Jiabao asked Su Liang to help check his injuries first.
“The recovery is not bad.” After examining him, Su Liang asked what medicine the Imperial Physician Gao used, and the two of them discussed for a while before making some adjustments to the prescription.
Then, the old and the young started discussing medical skills. They exchanged knowledge, but Gao Jiabao was not interested in medical skills. After getting Su Liang’s permission, he went for a walk in the garden.
At the moment, Su Liang’s biggest concern was where Yan Shiba took Nian Jincheng.
That night, Yan Shiba appeared again at three in the morning, and the same scene happened as last time. Su Liang’s room suddenly had two more people…
“Ning Jing, you should go back to sleep.” Su Liang only peeked her head out very naturally.
After Ning Jing left, Yan Shiba got into Su Liang’s bed again, “Liang sister, wasn’t our collaboration seamless the other night?”
Su Liang nodded, “Not bad.”
“What do you mean ‘not bad’?” Yan Shiba coughed lightly, “That was perfect!
We were in perfect harmony!”
“What about Nian Jincheng? Did you ask him about Gu Ling’s whereabouts?” Su Liang asked.
Yan Shiba shook her head, “Nian Jincheng wouldn’t say a word. I didn’t hit him, as you suggested, but I threatened him. If he doesn’t confess tonight, I’ll find some girls at Zuixiang Building to take care of him. He was really scared, haha!”
Su Liang: …
“Don’t worry, Liang sister. I can definitely pry Nian’s mouth open!” Yan Shiba was quite confident, “What about Nian Ruting, who’s still alive? How are you going to deal with her?”
“Let Nian Jincheng decide.” Su Liang said, “I was worried that you might accidentally kill Duanmu Che in the heat of the moment, and I wouldn’t be able to explain it. Why don’t you hand Nian Jincheng over to me, and I’ll ask him?”
“No way! We agreed that I’d bring Gu Ling to you! You can’t find him yourself!” Yan Shiba said.
“Then be careful that Gu Ling finds you and kidnaps Nian Jincheng back.” Su Liang said.
Yan Shiba laughed slyly, “I hope he comes! I’m afraid he won’t!”
After chatting for a while, Su Liang didn’t ask where Nian Jincheng was hidden, and Yan Shiba hurriedly left.
Su Liang called for Ning Jing through the wall but received no response. She understood what was going on.
When it was almost dawn, Yan Shiba reappeared, furious. “Damn it! Last night, Gu Ling really stole Nian Jincheng away! I didn’t catch him!”
Su Liang frowned, “So soon?”
“Maybe Gu Ling had his eyes on me the night before!” Yan Shiba clenched her fist and slammed the bed, “I’m so angry! Our efforts were in vain, and the trail is now broken!”
Su Liang patted Yan Shiba’s back, “Why not just let it go?”
Yan Shiba leaped up, “Let it go? No way! Even if I have to search the ends of the earth, I’ll catch Gu Ling and make him warm your bed!”
With that, Yan Shiba disappeared again.
Su Liang hesitated for a moment, wondering whether she should tell Yan Shiba the truth, but changed her mind. Although Yan Shiba sometimes seemed to treat Su Liang well, her character couldn’t be relied upon. In matters of great importance, she mustn’t speak out.
When Su Liang got up, she knocked on Ning Jing’s door and was told to come in. Pushing open the door and walking past the screen, she saw Nian Jincheng lying weakly on the bed, and Ning Jing standing by the bedside, wringing a wet towel.
This scene of brotherly love touched Su Liang.
The next moment, Ning Jing threw the wrung towel onto Nian Jincheng’s face and said, “Wash your face, you’re filthy..”
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