Chapter 173 - 173: 173. Me too
Translator: 549690339
The court has released the appointments for the new scholars.
Su Liang and Ning Jing received their notices and went together to the palace to pick theirs up and express their thanks.
There was a cushy position in the Ministry of Revenue that many were eyeballing, but ultimately it went to Ning Jing, the top scholar.
As Duanmu Chen had said, Su Liang joined not only the Ministry of War but also served under Lin Bojun, and held a dual role as an Imperial Physician, enjoying the salaries of two positions.
This was unprecedented in Qian Country’s history.
Despite being injured, Gao Jiabao was also placed in the Ministry of War, albeit in an idle desk job that fell short of his expectations. But for now, he could only heal before making other plans.
Hidden among them was Luo Rong, who had been saved by Ning Jing and Su
Liang, but was unaware of their help. His luck held out in the military exam, placing him high in the rankings and securing him a military position as he wished.
Upon leaving the palace, Gao Jiabao invited Su Liang and Ning Jing to his home as guests.
With plans for the day already, Su Liang proposed a future visit and departed with Ning Jing for the Lin family.
Having been in the capital city for several months, Lin Shuzhi had successfully arranged the marriages for his two sons and daughter. Looking cheerful and rejuvenated, he seemed even younger than before.
Among his children, Lin Boyan’s marriage was the last to be settled. After discussing it with his future in-laws, it was decided that because Lin Boyan was the eldest, he would be the first to get married, with the wedding set for next month.
The Min family was thoroughly pleased with Lin Boyan as their son-in-law and raised no objections.
Lin Shuzhi was currently busy preparing the betrothal gifts for Lin Boyan.
The mansion in the capital city that originally belonged to the Lin family was bought to house the two brothers, Lin Boyan and Lin Bojun. But with both of them soon to marry noblewomen, they would certainly bring along a considerable number of maids as dowry, leaving the house unable to accommodate everyone.
Upon learning that Lin Shuzhi was searching for a new mansion, Su Liang suggested that Wan Hui could help keep an eye out. The Wan family was well connected in business and always had the latest news.
Lin Shuzhi laughed as he said, “I’ve already asked Zhengzheng’s parents to help look.”
Previously, Lin Shuzhi proposed to teach Zhengzheng, and after the tea ritual denoting her as his student, Wan Hui became heavily invested in the affairs of the Lin family. Even before Lin Shuzhi asked, she had already thought of sending two mansions to the Lin brothers, but Lin Shuzhi firmly refused the offer, only asking her for assistance in finding suitable housing.
“Congratulations to Master. After Big Brother, Second Brother and Xueqing are married, will Master live with Big Brother?” Su Liang asked.
Lin Shuzhi had previously mentioned that once his sons were married, he planned to separate from them and let them live their own lives.
“I’m not going to live with anyone,” Lin Shuzhi said with a smile. “The Imperial College has invited me three times to teach there. I didn’t agree at first, but now that they all have their marriages arranged, once that’s taken care of, I’ll start teaching there. When all of you have children, I’ll then help look after them and teach them.”
Su Liang and Ning Jing exchanged glances, and she coughed gently before saying, “Here’s to hoping you’ll have grandchildren soon.” One couldn’t possibly expect her and Ning Jing to provide grandchildren in this situation.
Within a few months, all of their friends had settled their lifelong affairs.
Everyone else was genuine in their arrangements, while she and Ning Jing were just pretending.
Only after Su Liang and Ning Jing had a meal at the Lin’s did they leave. Lin Xueqing invited Su Liang to visit the Huguo Temple with her the next day, along with Qin Yujin and the two ladies from the Min family.
As Su Liang and Ning Jing wouldn’t start their official duties for three more days, they agreed.
On their horse ride home from the Lin Mansion, they noticed a carriage parked outside their gate when they entered the alley.
As they neared on their horses, Su Liang felt she recognized the person sitting in the coachman’s seat.
The carriage curtain was lifted, and a teenage girl, about sixteen or seventeen, looked towards Su Liang.
Her skin was fair and delicate, possessing attractive features and a distinctive mole on the right end of her brow.
Su Liang knew Yang Yu was coming, but due to some delay, her arrival kept getting postponed. Seeing her now still brought a sense of surprise. As soon as Su Liang dismounted, Yang Yu quickly rushed over and hugged her tightly,
“I’ve missed you so much!”
Su Liang patted Yang Yu’s back, her voice filled with a smile, “Me too.”
This was the young lady who had once suffered a calamity, who Ning Jing and Su Liang helped, and aside from Ning Jing, the first friend Su Liang had made in this world.
Even though it had only been about half a year since they first met, they felt no awkwardness upon the reunion.
Zhou Yuan, the steward who used to deliver letters to the Su family’s village for Yang Yu, was the coachman. A burly figure on the outside with a well-groomed beard, Zhou Yuan merely nodded at Ning Jing when he saw him looking over.
After Su Liang let go of Yang Yu, she studied her. She had lost some weight, but still appeared to be in good spirit. Her naive innocence had vanished, replaced by a sense of maturity and serenity.
“Let’s go inside and talk.” Su Liang handed the reins to Ning Jing and walked in with Yang Yu.
Yang Yu instructed Zhou Yuan to unload the bags and let him leave in the carriage.
Yang Yu greeted Ning Jing briefly before entering Su Liang’s room, where the two enclosed themselves for a private conversation.
Ning Jing returned to his quarters where he found Nian Jincheng, who was busy eating biscuits…
Because the decision for Su Liang and Ning Jing to dine at the Lin family was made on a whim, they once again forgot about Nian Jincheng.
“Do we have guests?” Nian Jincheng asked.
Ning Jing nodded, walked over to take away the biscuits, not allowing him to eat anymore.
Nian Jincheng: …Life is too tough…
“Nian Ruxue is still missing, and the entire Nian family has been sentenced to exile. They will leave the capital city in three days.” said Ning Jing.
Upon hearing the recent events of the Nian family again, Nian Jincheng remained calm, “It has nothing to do with me.”
Not to mention that he is currently in hot water, even if he wasn’t, he wouldn’t want to involve himself with that family again.
“You’re almost fully recovered.” Ning Jing stated.
Nian Jincheng was taken aback, “Are you chasing me away?”
Thanks to Su Liang’s treatment, his body had indeed greatly improved, he didn’t need to keep resting in bed, he was originally reading a book. Ning Jing nodded, “Your presence in the capital city is too conspicuous.” “Aren’t you too…” Nian Jincheng muttered quietly.
But he knew he couldn’t compare himself to Ning Jing. Even if he were to change his identity and disguise himself, it would be very hard for him to maintain a perfect facade.
“Yang Yu is here.” Ning Jing mentioned.
Nian Jincheng froze, ‘Who?”
Upon asking, he recalled, this is a name that Ning Jing mentioned before. Apparently, she was Su Liang’s good friend and the head of the silk merchant, the Yang family.
“Are you seriously considering entrusting me to the head of the Yang family?” Nian Jincheng asked with a frown.
Ning Jing nodded.
“I am a huge trouble. What if I bring disaster upon them?” Nian Jincheng felt uncertain.
Ning Jing retorted, “If you can’t even avoid this, you might as well not live.”
Nian Jincneng: …
“I really don’t know how to do business.” Nian Jincheng sighed.
“You can learn. We don’t need you to be a secret guard, you can be Yang Yu’s guard, she has money, she can support you.” Ning Jing suggested.
Nian Jincheng sighed, “Is this temporary or long-term?”
He planned to follow Ning Jing and Su Liang’s arrangements, but honestly, he didn’t quite like this arrangement. Serving as a guard to an unfamiliar lady seemed rather awkward, no matter how he thought about it. Ning Jing shook his head, “We’ll see.”
It meant that the decision would be based on the situation.
Nian Jincheng sighed, “Well, I don’t have any other desires at the moment, let’s take it one step at a time. If you insist, I accept.”
In the next room, Yang Yu shared her experiences from the past few months with Su Liang, focusing on the good parts.
But Su Liang knew, there must be many difficulties that she hadn’t mentioned.
“I was surprised to learn that your marriage was false. But thinking about it, the two of you didn’t really seem like a married couple.” Yang Yu laughed, “However, I always thought you two were a perfect match, so I assume you’re getting seriously engaged now?”
With a calm demeanor, Su Liang replied, “Depends on the mood.”
Yang Yu was taken aback for a moment, then laughed again, “I see.”
She had heard that the fifth prince wanted to marry Su Liang, and even went mad because of it, so she suspected that this engagement between Su Liang and Ning Jing might be to ward off suitors.
Yang Yu primarily came to the capital city to see Su Liang, and to tend to some business matters on the side, so she wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon.
She brought many gifts with her, each of them of high value. Most of them were for Su Liang with a few for Ning Jing.
“With you around, I have beautiful clothes to wear every day.” Su Liang joked, “I truly am the envy of others.”
“What’s the issue? What’s mine is yours, it doesn’t matter if you wear one and throw one away.” Yang Yu looked serious.
Su Liang indicated that waste is wrong, and the two exchanged smiles.
Yang Yu mentioned the Li family, explaining that with the Wan, Ning, and Yang families combined forces, the Li family, which already had numerous internal issues, was in trouble and their family business was difficult to maintain.
Previously, Li San hired people to assassinate Lu Yu, kidnap Zhengzheng, and even plotted to blackmail Su Liang, but failed.
Su Liang invited Yang Yu for a meal and noticed her frown, so she asked if she was busy with something.
“Can I only stay for one meal? I’ve told Uncle Zhou to leave. I plan to stay here.”
Yang Yu sighed, “If you’re not welcoming, nevermind.”
Su Liang blinked, “Oh, you can leave now then.”
Yang Yu hugged Su Liang tightly, “I’m not leaving! It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other. I want to stay and sleep with you! And I want to chat with you all night!”
Su Liang shook her head, “Why can’t we talk during the day? Staying up late will make you look ugly.”
“Ugly is fine, I didn’t plan on getting married anyway.” Yang Yu laughed and let go of Su Liang.
Su Liang thought of someone, “What about your sworn brother, Yang Wen? I thought the two of you…”
Yang Yu looked surprised, then quickly shook her head, “We’re only siblings. Wen has had a girl he liked for a long time, they’re going to get married in two months.”
Yang Wen could also be a possibility.
“Xiaoyue is very smart and learns quickly. I originally wanted to take her to the capital city, but she wanted to stay at home. She asked me to tell you, she will definitely repay your kindness in the future.” Yang Yu said.
Su Liang nodded, “As long as she is well, that’s the best repayment for me. The same goes for you.”
Yang Yu rested her head on Su Liang’s shoulder, “I originally thought of getting the Yang family’s business in order and giving it to you, but now it seems that you probably aren’t interested and don’t have time to worry about it. I also won’t mention anything about repayment. From now on, we’ll be sisters for life, even if you refuse.”
“Who said I was going to refuse?” Su Liang’s lips curled slightly, “For the sake of new clothes, I’m very willing.”
Yang Yu knew Su Liang was joking, and couldn’t help but laugh, “Rest assured, sister will provide you with new clothes for a lifetime.”
Su Liang and Yang Yu cooked a few dishes together for dinner.
It wasn’t until mealtime that Yang Yu realized there were other people in the home besides Su Liang and Ning Jing.
“Who is this…” Yang Yu didn’t recognize Nian Jincheng.
“A fugitive on the run, Nian Jincheng.” Su Liang spoke straightforwardly. Yang Yu’s eyes widened in surprise, “How is he here…”
She had heard the name Nian Jincheng, but she never expected the most wanted man across the country was hiding in the capital, let alone in Su Liang’s home.
“He is my friend.” Su Liang said.
Yang Yu calmed down, “I see.”
“Head of the Yang family.” Nian Jincheng greeted with a salute. Yang Yu nodded, “Mr. Nian… Just call me by my name.”
“You can call me by my name, too.” Nian Jincheng said. “Alright. Nice to meet you.” Yang Yu was very polite.
Nian Jincheng nodded, “Nice to meet you.”
Ning Jing and Su Liang, who had already sat down and taken up their chopsticks, chorused, “Let’s eat.”
Nian Jincheng and Yang Yu sat down, both a little rigid. To each other, they were just strangers they had only just met.
“Yang Yu, has anyone been giving you trouble?” Su Liang asked.
Yang Yu chuckled, “No problem, I’ll be careful.”
Of course there were, quite a few in fact. After all, she was a woman managing such a huge family business. Relatives and acquaintances all wanted a piece of the pie, some even wanted to snatch it directly. Among them were those who were courteous to her, wanted to marry her, or even wanted to marry into her family. However, she had never considered these things.
“Do you need a guard?” Su Liang asked.
The hand Nian Jincheng was using to hold his chopsticks paused. He felt like he was being sold…
Yang Yu laughed and asked, “Do you know a master looking for a job that you want to introduce to me? That would be great. I will be completely assured with the person you find. The commission is guaranteed to be substantial.” Su Liang glanced at Nian Jincheng, “What do you think of him?”
Yang Yu looked at Nian Jincheng and blurted out, “Ah? You mean, let him, be my…”
Nian Jincheng kept his head down, eating in silence, with no chance to speak his mind.
“I will disguise him well, so no one will discover his true identity,” Su Liang said, “He can’t stay in the capital, and I can’t trust others with him.”
Upon hearing this, Yang Yu straightened up, “It’s not that I refuse, but I just feel, compared to his original status as a general, letting him be my guard would be beneath him. It you are just looking tor a place tor him, leave it to me, I assure his safety.”
Su Liang shook her head, “He wants to find something to do. He is young and unwilling to live in seclusion.”
Nian Jincheng was not the kind of hermit that Ning Jing was. He was someone who yearned for friends, yearned for a home.
“In that case, then let’s follow your plan,” Yang Yu said, suggesting that she was comfortable with whatever Su Liang decided.
“Then let’s decide it this way for now,” Su Liang smiled, “Little Nian, what do you think?”
Nian Jincheng, who was several years older than Su Liang, inexplicably felt at that moment like Su Liang was his mother, Ning Jing his father, and they were discussing on entrusting their mischievous and unfilial son to a reliable relative…
“I have no objections,” Nian Jincheng said.
Of course, he believed that any arrangements made by Ning Jing and Su Liang were for his best interests.
Although he would jokingly complain about these two abandoning him, they were just jokes.
The key to the problem was that Nian Jincheng himself had no concrete ideas.
The only one he came up with was to be a secret guard for Ning Jing and Su Liang, but they really didn’t need one, so he didn’t have other thoughts about his future.
Now, he thought it was good that someone was willing to make plans for him and arrange his future clearly.
After dinner, Ning Jing cleaned up the dishes and went to the kitchen. Su Liang followed him out, saying, ‘You two chat. You’re both my friends, so that makes you friends too. Get to know each other.”
When she heard the closing of the door, Yang Yu felt weird, but she couldn’t put her finger on it.
Nian Jincheng had the same feeling.
The two looked at each other, and Nian Jincheng said, “I don’t know if you’ve heard of me. Although I come from a prestigious family, I’m currently a fugitive. My whole family was exiled, and I have nothing.”
Yang Yu asked the question that had been troubling her, “Haven’t you thought about saving your family?”
Nian Jincheng shook his head, “I was just born into the Nian family, but nobody cares about me. I consider them all as dead, and I’ve no connections to them anymore. What about you?”
Yang Yu sighed softly, “I used to have a brother, but he’s dead now. I’d rather not talk about it. The only family I have now is Su Liang.”
Nian Jincheng meant to say that the only family he had was Ning Jing and Su Liang, but he didn’t want to reveal Ning Jing’s identity, so he ended up saying, “Same for me.”
“How did you meet Su Liang?” Yang Yu curiously asked.
Nian Jincheng replied, “She saved my life. ”
Yang Yu laughed, “Me too.”
Nian Jincheng bowed, “I hope for your kind guidance in the future.”
Yang Yu said seriously, “The feeling is mutual.”
In the kitchen, Su Liang asked Ning Jing, “Great God, are you trying to match your brother with Yang Yu?”
Ning Jing nodded slightly, directly admitting it.
On the surface, Nian Jincheng seemed highly capable, but commendably, he was so dedicated to friendship and family that he was easily fooled due to his poor judge of character and lack of decisiveness.
Yang Yu, on the other hand, seemed to be just a weak woman, but when faced with calamity, she could expend all her energy to seize opportunities for rescue, supporting a family with her strong independence, discerning right from wrong, and decisive in crises.
One was tough outside but gentle inside, and the other was soft outside but tough inside.
Ning Jing thought that they were both lonely souls, and it might be a good idea to bring them together.
After listening to Ning Jing’s opinion, Su Liang agreed, “But for such matters, it’s best to let nature run its course. If they’re destined to be together, they will naturally come together. If they’re not, forcing a pairing would be useless. We merely introduced them, and they’re both adults, so they can handle what comes next themselves. Though I never expected you to go into matchmaking.” Ning Jing replied indifferently, “I need to marry him off somehow.”
Unable to contain her laughter, Su Liang replied, “In that case, when the right lady comes along, I will also get you married off. That’s what good siblings should do.”
Ning Jing’s gaze was frosty, “Take care of yourself..”
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