Chapter 174 - 174: 174. I want to know the truth.
Translator: 549690339
It was getting late in the night.
Yang Yu leaned against Su Liang’s arm, resting her head on her shoulder, and let out a long sigh, “I really wish I could be with you forever.”
Su Liang feigned surprise, “You… can’t be falling for me, are you?” Yang Yu laughed, “Yes! If you were a man, I would definitely marry you!”
“The last girl who said that is getting married soon. I’ll introduce you to her tomorrow.” Su Liang chuckled. “Is it Miss Lin?” Yang Yu asked.
Su Liang nodded.
Actually, Yang Yu’s original personality was very similar to Lin Xueqing’s. Growing up without a care in the world, they were both innocent, gentle, and sensible.
However, after experiencing hardships, Yang Yu lost her loved ones, and became independent and mature.
Nowadays, she could only be so relaxed in front of Su Liang.
Lin Xueqing’s life, on the other hand, was much smoother than Yang Yu’s. With the care of her father and brothers, friends, and a loving lover, she would not be forced to grow up overnight nor face the harsh realities of life alone.
Speaking of Lin Xueqing, Su Liang recalled an important matter to tend to, “Since you’re here, stay with me before you leave the capital, and I’ll teach you some self-defense techniques when I have time.”
Yang Yu gratefully rubbed against Su Liang’s arm, “You’re so good to me. My body is weak, so I might not learn well, but I’ll try my best.”
Su Liang said seriously, “Yes, I’ll have Nian Jincheng supervise you. One of his main tasks in the future is to teach you martial arts. As long as you’re willing to learn, it’s never too late to start. Even if you don’t learn well, it’s better than knowing nothing at all.”
Yang Yu nodded, “I will do my best.”
The next day, Su Liang called Yang Yu and Nian Jincheng together, intending to teach them disguise techniques first. She could provide the disguise medicine, but they had to master the techniques themselves.
Yang Yu and Nian Jincheng were sitting side by side across from Su Liang when Ning Jing, who was reading by the window, was called to help demonstrate.
Ning Jing raised his head, “Use them.”
“Alright,” Su Liang looked at Nian Jincheng and Yang Yu, “Which of you is willing to volunteer your face?”
Both of them said in unison, “I’ll do it.”
“Let Nian go first.” Su Liang made the decision.
But just as Su Liang was about to start changing Nian Jincheng’s face, guests arrived at the door.
Su Liang slapped her forehead, “I forgot. I told Xueqing yesterday that we’d go to Huguo Temple together today.”
“Let’s wait till you get back,” Nian Jincheng got up to hide.
“Ning Jing, if you’re not going, can you teach Nian how to disguise? I’ll teach Yang Yu later,” Su Liang asked.
Ning Jing closed his book and stood up, “I’m going.”
“What are you doing with a group of girls?” Su Liang scoffed, and before she could finish her sentence, she heard Xing Yusheng’s voice from outside. Yang Yu followed Su Liang out, and Lin Xueqing hesitated, “Who is this?”
Su Liang briefly introduced them. Although they met for the first time, they had all heard Su Liang mention the other party, so they did not feel like complete strangers.
Yang Yu saw her past self in Lin Xueqing, while Lin Xueqing greatly admired Yang Yu for single-handedly managing Yang Family’s huge business, thinking it was an incredible feat.
The two chatted for a while and quickly clicked.
“Yang Yu, you and Xueqing ride in the carriage together, while we ride horses,” Su Liang made the arrangements.
After they set off, Xing Yusheng said that the Lin Family brothers had each gone to pick up their respective fiancées, and several Qin Family brothers would also join them today.
Su Liang joked, “Why isn’t anyone organizing poetry or flower gatherings? You guys are going on dates in such a peaceful Buddhist place, is that really suitable?”
Xing Yusheng coughed lightly, “Huguo Temple has beautiful scenery. In three days, my grandfather will have his birthday celebration. Today, you should have received the invitation brought by your cousin.”
“I have to think carefully about what birthday gift to prepare for the old master.” Su Liang said.
Xing Yusheng smiled, “As long as you attend, my grandfather will be very happy. Uncle Lin taught the Tai Chi techniques you taught him to my uncle. My grandfather said it was very ingenious, and he has improved a lot, so he wants to practice as well. He also wants to prepare a thank-you gift for you.”
“The old master is too polite.” Su Liang’s lips curled slightly, “But I’m looking forward to it.”
Xing Yusheng liked Su Liang’s straightforwardness.
At the foot of the mountain, bumping into Second Prince Duanmu Ao was something Su Liang didn’t expect.
She was very calm.
But Duanmu Ao was a bit resentful when meeting his enemy.
Especially since, during that incident at Huguo Temple, Su Liang had injured Duanmu Ao, causing him to suffer from a secret illness that he had been unable to cure despite trying many methods. Meanwhile, Su Liang seemed to grow more and more successful.
“When are the two top scholars going to get married? This prince will definitely prepare a generous gift! I’m sure the Second Young Master Xiao, if his spirit is in heaven, will be happy for you too! ”
Hearing Duanmu Ao’s sarcastic words, Su Liang remained calm, “I’m sure the spirit of the Second Prince’s concubine, if in heaven, will bless Second Prince.” Duanmu Ao’s expression stiffened, “What did you say?”
Su Liang smiled, “I’m sorry, is this something that can’t be mentioned?
Duanmu Ao’s expression turned furious, “Your grandfather caused the death of my first wife, and you dare mock me with these words? You’re courting death!”
Su Liang looked innocent, “Mock? Second Prince, you must have misunderstood, I have no such intention. I just heard you mention Second Young Master Xiao, so I thought you were missing the Second Prince’s concubine.”
“Su, Liang!” Duanmu Ao’s eyes were cold and sharp, “Don’t think that just because my father favors you, I can’t do anything to you!”
Hearing this, Su Liang laughed, “Under the bright sun, in the wide-open world, is Second Prince threatening me? I’m so scared!”
Her words were full of provocative intent.
Xing Yusheng furrowed his brow. Su Liang was not an impulsive person, but today she seemed to be deliberately trying to antagonize Duanmu Ao. He wondered what her purpose was.
Many people around them saw that Duanmu Ao and Su Liang had gotten into a dispute and were not having a good time.
But in public, Duanmu Ao could only suppress his anger, toss a “We’ll see” at Su Liang, and go up the mountain ahead of them.
After Duanmu Ao left, Lin Xueqing and Yan Yu got out of the carriage, Su Liang got off her horse, and they all started walking up the mountain.
“If you make things so obvious and something happens to Second Prince afterward, you will be the first one suspected.” Xing Yusheng whispered to Su Liang.
Su Liang calmly retorted, “If something happens to me, the Second Prince will also be the first one suspected, won’t he?”
Xing Yusheng was stunned for a moment, “That’s natural. What are you trying to do?”
Su Liang shook her head, “Have you set your wedding date with Xueqing?
When Xing Yusheng heard this, he knew Su Liang didn’t plan to tell him, so he didn’t ask any further.
“It’s set. My eldest brother is getting married in March, my second brother at the end of April, and our wedding date is set for June 15th.” Xing Yusheng said, “My grandmother thinks it’s a bit late, but we consulted someone for matching our birth horoscopes, and it’s the best auspicious day in the first half of the year.”
“That’s good.” Su Liang nodded.
“What about you guys?” asked Xing Yusheng. Whether a real or fake marriage, since they had already announced it, they should go through with it.
Su Liang looked at Ning Jing, “Shall you choose a good day?”
Xing Yusheng coughed, “Can you not be so casual? My father intends to adopt you as a sworn daughter. He asked me to ask for your opinion. If you agree, the Xing family will be your maternal family.”
Su Liang was surprised, “Uncle Xing is too kind, please thank him for me, but let’s forget it.”
Having a maternal family to rely on is certainly a good thing for women. Since Xing Ji had mentioned it, he meant it seriously. If Su Liang agreed, they would go through the proper procedures for adoption, and from then on, Su Liang would be a member of the Xing family.
Su Liang believed that Xing Ji didn’t appreciate her excellence and want to use her for something, but just wanted to support her.
Though she appreciated his kindness, she couldn’t accept his offer.
In fact, Su Liang quite liked Xing Ji and his mother, the problem was herself. Both she and Ning Jing had “thunder” on them, and although they wouldn’t cut ties with their friends, they still needed to maintain some distance.
Xing Yusheng smiled, “That’s fine, too. Although I want to hear you call me brother, I feel it’s inappropriate when I think about you having to call someone your godmother if you acknowledge my dad as your godfather.”
Xing Yusheng never hid his dislike for Miao Family’s lady.
Su Lianz didn’t sav anvthinq either. Since she wasn’t Xing Yushenq’s real mother, there was nothing wrong with him not liking her. It was good to maintain a distance and not hurt each other.
When they arrived at Huguo Temple, they waited for a while before the Qin siblings, Lin Family brothers, and Min Family sisters arrived.
Su Liang introduced Yang Yu, whom she brought along, to everyone.
Qin Yujin was surprised, “I didn’t expect the master of the rumors in the Yang Family to be so young and beautiful. You are really amazing. I also want to thank you. The skirt I am wearing today is a gift from Sister Liang. I think it was thanks to your good fortune.”
Yang Yu smiled and said, “Miss Qin, you are being too polite. It’s my honor.”
Su Liang met the Min Family sisters again. They were both beautiful and elegant, with refined manners and speech.
When everyone went to play in the back mountain of Huguo Temple, Su Liang thought of Cheng Yun, whom Yan Shiba had asked her to take care of, and decided to go and see him.
Ning Jing, who had always been low-key in the crowd, also followed Su Liang and left the back mountain.
“It’s like a big group date.” Su Liang complained softly, “If I had known, I wouldn’t have come.”
Even though they were engaged, unmarried men and women would still be gossiped about if they went out alone. So even though Xing Yusheng went to see Lin Xueqing every day, he always brought Qin Yujin along as a companion.
Su Liang thought their sweet interactions were cute and well-matched, but she felt calm and even a little bored.
The hustle and bustle and sweetness belonged to others, while what she most wanted to do was to hang Duanmu Ao up and beat him…
When the two arrived at the Scripture Pavilion, they were informed that Cheng Yun was no longer there and had gone to the abbot’s house.
Huguo Temple’s abbot was called Master Pu Hui, whom Su Liang had heard of.
“You must be very familiar with the abbot, right? Why don’t you just not go?” Su Liang whispered. Ning Jing had once stayed at Huguo Temple for a long time and didn’t want to be recognized by the high monks.
“Alright.” Ning Jing agreed, changed direction, and quickly disappeared from Su Liang’s sight without saying where he was going.
Su Liang thought he might be going to see the place where he once lived, so she didn’t bother. After asking for directions, she went to find the Abbot’s courtyard.
Cheng Yun was sweeping the courtyard when he heard someone calling his name. He looked up and saw it was Su Liang, so he placed the broom against the wall corner and walked over.
“Amitabha, does benefactor Su need something from this humble monk?” asked Cheng Yun.
Su Liang nodded, “Please come with me.”
Cheng Yun followed Su Liang to a large tree. After confirming that there was no one around, Su Liang asked Cheng Yun, “Has Yan Jiujiu not come to see you recently?”
Upon hearing this, Cheng Yun sighed and shook his head, “Benefactor Yan came a few days ago. Benefactor Su, can you…”
“Yes, I’ll persuade her to stay away from you,” Su Liang smiled. “There’s nothing else. I came to Huguo Temple with some friends today and just wanted to see how you’re doing.”
Cheng Yun nodded, “Thank you for your concern, Benefactor Su. This humble monk is doing well.”
“Does the Scripture Pavilion at Huguo Temple have any medical books?” Su Liang asked.
Cheng Yun was slightly taken aback and then nodded, “There are some medical manuscripts.”
He had previously been assigned to sort out the ancient books in the Scripture Pavilion, so he knew about it.
Su Liang then asked, “Is the Abbot here? I would like to borrow a book.”
“Benefactor Su, please wait here. This humble monk will go and ask the Abbot,” Cheng Yun replied and then entered the courtyard again.
Su Liang stood under the tree and waited. About a quarter of an hour later, Cheng Yun came out and invited her in.
Master Pu Hui looked compassionate and kindly, smiling at Su Liang when he saw her, “I heard from Cheng Yun that you are a highly skilled doctor, Miss Su, and you would like to borrow the medical books from Huguo Temple?”
Su Liang nodded, “Yes.”
“Very well. Cheng Yun, go to the Scripture Pavilion and bring the medical books for Miss Su,” Master Pu Hui ordered.
“Thank you, master.” Su Liang expressed her gratitude.
“Please return the books promptly once you are done, Miss Su,” Master Pu Hui smiled.
Su Liang followed Cheng Yun to the Scripture Pavilion. She waited outside while Cheng Yun went in and came out with several books wrapped in a coarse cloth, “A total of five.”
“Thank you.” Su Liang had made the request on a whim after seeing Cheng Yun and hadn’t expected to actually get the books. It was an unexpected delight. She planned to take them home and copy them.
When Su Liang took the books to the back mountain, she had just seen a figure when a masked man in black appeared, brandishing a sword and attacking her!
Today the weather was clear and bright, and there were many young masters and ladies on the back mountain of Huguo Temple. It wasn’t long before someone noticed Su Liang fighting with someone.
As the news spread, Xing Yusheng and the others hurried over.
Lin Bojun stepped in to help but was no match for the assassin.
It was only after Xing Yusheng brought Qi Yan and Qi Jun over that the assassin gave up and left.
“Are you alright, Su Liang?” Yang Yu was visibly tense.
Lin Xueqing and Qin Yujin also ran over, looking Su Liang up and down in concern, fearing she might be injured.
Su Liang breathed a sigh of relief, “I’m fine. But that assassin was really skilled. If it hadn’t been for Second Brother Lin’s help, I might not have been his match.”
Xing Yusheng wanted Qi Yan and Qi Jun to chase the assassin but was stopped by Su Liang, “Don’t bother chasing him. I don’t want anyone to get hurt because of me.”
Thus, the news of the assassination attempt on the Martial Arts Champion Su Liang quickly spread within Huguo Temple.
Someone mentioned that before going up the mountain, Su Liang had had a conflict with the Second Prince, Duanmu Ao.
When the two incidents were put together, it was easy for people to suspect that the person who tried to assassinate Su Liang was connected to Duanmu
The group ate vegetarian dishes at Huguo Temple and went down the mountain. Yang Yu, thinking of Nian Jincheng who was alone at home, brought a portion of the temple’s vegetarian dishes for him.
When they returned home, seeing Ning Jing entering Su Liang’s room, Yang Yu knew they had important matters to discuss and went to see Nian Jincheng instead.
“I wonder if Duanmu Chen has gotten any information from the Xiao Family.” Su Liang said.
Today at Huguo Temple, the person who tried to assassinate her was actually Ning Jing in disguise.
This was called striking first to gain the advantage. Everyone knew that she and Duanmu Ao had a deep conflict, so to avoid Duanmu Ao playing the victim and framing her, they decided to act first and pin the blame on Duanmu Ao.
After all, Ning Jing had nothing better to do.
At this moment, in the Prime Minister’s Mansion.
Duanmu Chen sat in Prime Minister Xiao Qi’s study, both the young and the old silent.
As the tea grew cold, Duanmu Chen spoke again, “Grandfather, I originally didn’t want to interfere with Cousin’s affairs. But I didn’t expect Su Yuanzhou’s granddaughter to be alive and return to the capital city, and she clearly has ill intentions. I admit I tried to win her over, but it’s not easy. Recently, I found out she’s investigating the extermination of the Su Family. This is why I came here today specifically to ask my grandfather about the cause of my cousin’s death. ”
Xiao Qi sighed, “A little girl who hasn’t grown up yet, even if she can do martial arts, isn’t worth your concern.”
Duanmu Chen snorted, “Grandfather, don’t underestimate Su Liang. The death of the Su Family is directly related to my cousin. I need to confirm that my cousin was harmed by someone and that the Xiao Family and my cousin did not make mistakes in that matter. Otherwise, if I should win Su Liang over, only to be stabbed by her from behind, it would ruin everything.”
“The Xiao Family is certainly not at fault!” Xiao Qi said with a solemn face.
Duanmu Chen’s eyes narrowed slightly, “Grandfather, I will ask one last time, what exactly happened back then and why did my cousin die? I want to know the truth!’
Xiao Qi’s face turned even uglier, and after another moment of silence, he finally said, “It was all because of the crown prince that Mulian died! I don’t know who killed the Su Family, but it must have been the doing of the crown prince and the Second Prince!”
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