Chapter 51: 051. Am I not?
Translator: 549690339
[Am I not?]
Ning Jing, not waiting for Mu Fei to explain, rejected the request on Su Liang’s behalf, “She can’t help you.”
Mu Fei’s expression was unimpressed, “I was discussing the matter with Su Liang, not asking for your opinion.”
Su Liang’s expression was indifferent, “With Lord Mu’s status, don’t you have skilled people under your command? I truly cannot help, nor do I have the time.”
But Mu Fei continued to speak on his own, “I am investigating iron mine smuggling and recently have acquired reliable clues. As long as I can find a certain account book, I will be able to find out who is involved. The account book is most likely in the hands of General Wu Yun, the elderly officer who guards the mine. He has been awarded numerous battle merits and requested to guard the mine due to his old age and illness. He has a reputation for being honest and upright.”
“Wu Yun’s other sons are all in the capital, only his youngest son Gai Huai’an stays with him. Years ago, Gai Huai’an was injured and crippled on the battlefield, and Wu Yun sought the help of famous physicians in vain.”
“I want to send someone undercover to Gai Huai’an’s residence, but I can’t find a suitable candidate for now. If we startle the enemy and the account book is destroyed, all our efforts will be wasted.”
Mu Fei stopped here.
Su Liang frowned, “You want me to approach the father and son with a doctor’s identity and help you find the account book?”
Mu Fei nodded, “You are the most suitable candidate. All these years, only doctors have been able to enter that mansion and meet Gai Huai’an.”
“But just entering is not enough, I also need to win their trust and ideally stay there. Is that what you mean?” Su Liang asked.
Mu Fei smiled, “I knew you were smart and would understand immediately.”
“I understand, but I can’t do it. You should find someone else who is more capable.” Su Liang still refused.
Mu Fei’s brow furrowed, “This matter is critical. If we can’t catch them all at once, Qian Country will face a severe threat.”
“This is a problem that Lord Mu needs to solve. I cannot bear such a heavy responsibility.” Su Liang knew her limitations.
Mu Fei made it sound simple, but in reality, it was extremely difficult and risky.
If the seemingly loyal military commanders and their sons were involved, they must be extremely vigilant and have masters at their side.
Finding such an important account book easily would be a miracle.
“Su Liang, as long as you help me with this, no matter what you want, we can discuss it.” Mu Fei showed his sincerity.
“I’m powerless to help, Lord Mu, please leave.” Su Liang’s attitude was firm.
Without her help, Mu Fei would think of other ways on his own.
This was entirely different from when she and Ning Jing actively went to the county town to help catch thieves.
Even in the thief-catching case, Su Liang was criticized by Ning Jing for being reckless and taking chances, let alone this time, which was far more dangerous and significant.
When with Ning Jing, Su Liang’s self-perception was that she was an average martial artist. She was working hard to improve, but the road ahead was long.
“If you change your mind, I am always available.” Mu Fei left after leaving those words.
BV the time he left Su Village, it was alreadv late.
“Master, must I come back tomorrow to deliver the five thousand taels of silver notes?” Chang’an asked.
Mu Fei coldly snorted, ‘What five thousand taels?”
Chang’an hesitated, “Master, you didn’t pay for tonight’s meal.”
“When she comes to me, I will talk about it. If she doesn’t, I won’t give it.” Mu Fei, in his high position, hadn’t been treated so coldly before. His easygoing temperament was purpose-driven. Now that his plan had failed, he was very unhappy.
Ning Jing came out after cleaning up the kitchen and saw Su Liang opening the window, sorting out the books that Qi Yan had sent. She had a smiling expression with brows raised, loving the sight.
“Are these all medical books?” Ning Jing asked, standing outside the window. Su Liang nodded, “These are exactly what I need now.”
Ning Jing came in to help her sort them out and flipped through a few. They were ancient books from the previous dynasty, all unique.
These books were considered antiques like relics, and usually treasured by noble families as heirlooms. Ordinary people could never see them, and they were hard to find even if you had the money.
If Su Liang hadn’t cured the precious grandson of Old Lady Xing, she wouldn’t have been so generous.
This unique medical book was also a sign of friendship with Su Liang. Having witnessed her medical skills, there might be future use for her help.
“I need a bookshelf.” Su Liang stated.
Ning Jing agreed to make it and also ordered the dishes he wanted to eat the next day.
After taking out all the books, there was still an antique carved wooden box at the bottom of the crate.
Su Liang opened it, and inside was a set of gold needles for acupuncture, placed in a beautifully embroidered cloth pouch. It was obvious that it was a valuable antique at a glance.
Although Su Liang knew that the generous gifts from Old Lady Xing were not only out of gratitude but basically more comfortable than Mu Fei’s condescending attitude when asking how much it would take for Su Liang to be his cook.
Even if Mu Fei pretended to be easy to talk to, the arrogance of a superior was always present.
Such people could cooperate and make deals but not become friends.
Never get emotionally involved with members of the royal family—this was Su Liang’s understanding.
The next day, Su Liang continued to practice how to deal with a master using a whip.
Unlike swordsmanship training, Ning Jing didn’t teach her any predefined routines but let her explore and understand during battles, giving pointers occasionally.
Each time Su Liang felt she could handle it, Ning Jing would create new challenges for her.
Such training required extreme focus and was also a challenge to her physical strength.
However, gaining experience and progress through combat had high thresholds and high efficiency.
Approaching noon, Su Liang was about to cook when she heard a knock on the door.
She opened the door, and outside stood a kind-looking, white-haired old man. Not far away was a carriage.
“Excuse me, is this the home of Doctor Su Liang?” The old man asked.
Su Liang nodded, “I am.”
“My master would like to invite Doctor Su to come to the mansion and treat the young master’s leg illness.” The old man was very polite.
Su Liang suddenly remembered what Mu Fei mentioned last night about the Wu Family father and son. She didn’t ask further, only said she would not visit patients.
“My young master is ill and can’t come here. I ask for Dr. Su to make an exception, and the consultation fee is negotiable,” said the old man with an apologetic smile.
“Sorry, I’m just a weak woman who doesn’t go to strangers’ houses. Please find someone else,” Su Liang said and began to close the door.
The old man quickly stepped forward, “My master is the old General Gai Yun. Dr. Su might have heard of him. There is absolutely no need to worry about safety.”
“My medical skills are limited, only enough to treat headaches and fever for the villagers. I can’t cure the son of General Gai Yun,” Su Liang closed the door right after.
The old man had no choice, said a few more words, realized that no one answered, then left.
“Do you think it’s the Wu Family father and son who heard about me in the Su village and sent someone to ask for help, or is there an ulterior motive? Mu Fei mentioned them just last night, and someone from the Wu Family came today. Is it just a coincidence?” Su Liang asked contemplatively.
Ning Jing simply said, “Don’t get involved.”
When the food was ready, Qi Yan arrived. He had traveled day and night to get here and had not rested much, so he woke up late.
“How is your master?” Su Liang asked.
Qi Yan sighed, “The prince sent someone to bring Old Madam back to the Prince Mansion. Only the crown prince went to the capital under the imperial decree and stayed at Qin Mansion. Old Qin really loves his grandson. The sons and daughters of the Qin family are also nice, but after all, he is living under someone else’s roof, and we don’t know what the emperor plans.”
“Didn’t they say that they were selecting a husband for the Sixth Princess?” Su Liang asked.
Qi Yan shook his head, “The Sixth Princess is quite favored, and it’s unlikely that she would marry my master. I heard that she admires General Nian, who is the second son of the Nian Mansion, called Nian Jincheng.”
Su Liang had actually met him before.
On the night when she crossed over, Nian Jincheng chased after the rebels and came here, said some inexplicable words, and gave her a jade hairpin.
Thinking of Nian Jincheng’s appearance, Su Liang felt it was normal for him to be favored by the princess.
“Is he in good health?” Su Liang asked.
Qi Yan stared blankly, “Nian Jincheng is a military commander, of course, he is in good health!”
Su Liang shook her head with a smile, “I’m talking about Xing’s crown prince.”
“Oh! My master has always followed the prescription given by Miss Su. His health has improved a lot, but he didn’t let others know,” Qi Yan said.
“That’s good,” Su Liang nodded.
After dinner, Qi Yan told Su Liang about her past that he had investigated in the capital. This was the main purpose of Qi Yan’s trip since Su Liang said she had lost her memory.
“Your great-grandfather Su Yuanzhou has three sons. You are the only daughter of the youngest son. Your father, Su Hongzhao, was originally a scholar and had passed the provincial exam but didn’t become an official for some reason. He partnered with someone to do business in medicinal materials, traveling around.”
“It was said that your mother was a lonely girl your father met outside, whose family and name were unknown. The two got married and gave birth to you. On the way for your father to bring your mother and you back to the capital, he unfortunately encountered bandits. Both your parents died. You were hidden under your mother’s body and luckily survived. You were rescued by the government and brought back by your great-grandfather to the capital city to be raised.”
“Since you were weak and sickly, you rarely went out, and many people didn’t even know that the Su family had a young lady like you. After the Su family had an accident, how you left the capital city and came to Bei’an County is still a mystery.”
Su Liang thought of the handkerchief with the character “Yun” and asked Qi Yan, “Among the people related to the Su family, is there a man with the surname ‘Yun’ or a name containing the ‘Yun’ character?” Qi Yan frowned, “Miss Su, I can’t think of such a person right now.” Su Liang smiled, “It doesn’t matter.”
So far, this was all they could find about the original master.
Although she was called a young lady, in fact, she was just a common girl in the capital who did not go out. Outsiders knew almost nothing about her, and her family who knew her were no longer alive.
“My master said that when the Su family had an accident, it must have been a
set-up. If Miss Su needs help, my master can help investigate clues in the capital, collect evidence, and help Miss Su clear the grievances of her family,” Qi Yan said.
Su Liang shook her head, “Thank you for Xing’s crown prince’s kindness, but I don’t want to bother him with this.”
She knew Xing Yusheng was sincere in helping, but his situation was not good, and Su Liang didn’t want to cause him trouble.
For this matter, she intended to cooperate with the Fourth Prince, Duanmu Chen. At that time, she would find out the truth and take revenge for the original master’s family.
“I haven’t congratulated Ning on being the top scorer. There should be no problem with the upcoming provincial exam. Ning will go to the capital city for the exam next year. Will Miss Su go, too?” Qi Yan asked.
Su Liang nodded, “I will.”
“That’s great! My master is bored in the capital city. If both of you go, he will be delighted,” Qi Yan said and asked how Su Liang and Ning Jing became siblings.
Su Liang told him the truth that it was just a fake marriage.
Qi Yan was very happy, “I will tell my master when I return to the capital!” With bright eyes, he said, “Why not Miss Su go back to the capital with me? Anyway, Ning’s exam has nothing to do with Miss Su! When we arrive in the capital, my master will take care of everything and no one will bully you!”
Ning Jing put down the teacup in his hand and indifferently said, ‘You should leave.”
Su Liang smiled softly, “I’m not going to the capital for now. You have some tea, and I’ll write a letter to your master. Can you help me deliver it?”
Hearing the first part, Qi Yan looked disappointed, but after hearing the latter part, he quickly nodded, “Okay! Don’t hurry, Miss Su, take your time to write!” After saying this, he gave Ning Jing a provocative glance.
Su Liang went back to her room to write the letter. Her handwriting was similar to Ning Jing’s, as she had been practicing the second font style by copying the Buddhist scriptures Ning Jing had been copying recently.
In the letter, she thanked Old Lady Xing for the gifts and Xing Yusheng for the messages that Qi Yan brought. She wrote that she and Ning Jing might go to the capital after the New Year, and she would investigate the Su family’s affairs herself without troubling Xing Yusheng.
Su Liang handed the letter to Qi Yan and also gave him some steamed buns and dessert as dried food for his journey.
“Are you sure Miss Su doesn’t want to go back to the capital with me?” Qi Yan asked again.
“You should go now, take care on your way,” Su Liang waved her hand.
Watching Qi Yan leave, Su Liang closed the door and went back to her room, planning to flip through the medical books and decide on the reading order. Ning Jing from the next room asked, “What did you write in the letter to Xing
Yusheng?”
“Nothing much, ” Su Liang answered casually.
“Don’t let him misunderstand that you can be pursued,” Ning Jing said. Su Liang was speechless, “Am I not?”
“Do you want to be pursued by Xing Yusheng?” Ning Jing asked back.
Su Liang shook her head, “I don’t want that. I wrote the letter to him because I was afraid that Qi Yan would talk nonsense and let him misunderstand something.”
“That’s good,” Ning Jing said..
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