Chapter 61: 061. Nian Jincheng l s Questioning (Second Update)
Translator: 549690339
The day after leaving the capital.
During a break, Nian Ye asks, “The emperor won’t let you stay in the north for too long, will he?”
Nian Jincheng puts down his water bottle, slightly tilts his head back, and looks at the rising sun in the eastern sky. A faint smile appears on his handsome and resolute face, which disappears as soon as it emerges, “Guarding a mine is not bad either.”
Nian Ye frowns, “Didn’t you want to become a great general and gallop across the battlefield?”
Nian Jincheng, silent, takes another two sips of water, and lets out a slight sigh, “Indeed.”
But the burning enthusiasm of his youth has grown cold over these last two years.
He has been busy doing what others deem necessary. He is very harsh on himself, always striving for perfection, and thus receives a lot of praise. But when he is alone, he still feels a void in his heart.
He increasingly doesn’t know why he does those things. It would seem that no matter how hard he tries, no one cares…
Unexpectedly, he recalls the day when he first met Xing Yusheng at the Qin Mansion. Xing Yusheng had joked that Gu, the Crown Prince, is rumored to only have one friend, and that is Nian Jincheng.
Since the incident with the Gu Family, many have hypocritically ridiculed Nian Jincheng for being ordered by the emperor to hunt Gu Ling. Xing Yusheng’s words were insignificant in comparison. The fact that he sought out Nian Jincheng again suggested that he did not believe that Nian Jincheng genuinely wished to kill Gu Ling.
Nian Jincheng has heard harsher words before, even from his own family. His older brother and even his sister Nian Ruxue, who he thought was the only person who cared for him.
Of course, Nian Jinxing doesn’t care about Gu Ling’s life or death. He’d simply never miss an opportunity to ridicule and humiliate Nian Jincheng.
But there was something Nian Jincheng had wanted to say to Xing Yusheng that day, something he didn’t dare say, “Gu Ling was also my only friend.”
He had requested to be the one to hunt Gu Ling. He’d traveled thousands of miles, but found nothing.
But no one knew that that night, in Su Village, monitored closely by Han Gonggong, the emperor’s trusted eunuch, he was prepared to kill anyone who discovered something amiss.
Nian Jincheng, of course, knew that the person in Su Village was not the real Ning Jing. The seventh son of the Ning family in Xunyang had died long ago, right in front of him. In fact, he was the one who buried him…
Su Village.
Ning Jing is currently cleaning and polishing a pair of slim blades.
These were the ninth weapons he and Su Liang had “picked up” from the assassins at Yanyun Building in recent days.
The first was Yan Suit s long sword, which was hanging in Ning Jing’s room. After cleaning the twin blades, Ning Jing hands them to Su Liang, “You try.”
Su Liang puts down the medical book, grabs one with one hand, and swings a few times, “Not very coordinated.”
She is used to using her right hand, and hadn’t tried a two-handed weapon before. Suddenly interested, she invites Ning Jing for some practice.
But mimicking from memory, there are bound to be mistakes and many weaknesses exposed.
Ning Jing patiently feeds Su Liang moves and enlightens her through their sparring.
At first, their movements were very slow. At times, Su Liang would change her mind and start over after a move if she felt her posture was incorrect.
Eventually, she became more proficient and the speed increased. Su Liang found the twin blades handle quite smoothly. The power of having a weapon in both hands exceeded that of having just one weapon.
After the practice, Su Liang hides the twin blades in her lower legs, one blade on each side. They fit perfectly, replacing her original ordinary daggers and becoming her new weapons.
“Not everyone at Yanyun Building can be a great master, right?” Su Liang asks, “The people who came later were not as good as the ones before. If, in the end, even the minions come to snatch the lord’s ring, then they are truly courting death. ”
Every night, alert and unable to sleep well, waiting for assassins’ arrival, was thrilling at first. Now, Su Liang is starting to feel the strain, mostly due to a lack of sleep.
Ning Jing shakes his head, “There are many masters, but only a few will truly want to steal the jade ring.”
Those who are truly strong and clever wouldn’t fixate on the jade ring, a dead object.
Although it is supposedly a symbol of the master of the building, the rules are defined by people and can be changed. As long as one is powerful, ruthless, and able to control the situation, they could become the new master of Yanyun Building.
Even Yan Sui died in Su Village. There may be others in Yanyun Building who are more powerful than Yan Sui, but such people do not need the ring.
As for the assassins who need the thumb guard, if they really come to snatch it, it would be a foolhardy and suicidal act for them.
“So, you’re saying that aside from Yan Sui, none of the truly powerful people from Yanyun Building have come, nor will they?” Su Liang asked.
Ning Jing nodded.
Su Liang sighed faintly, “I’ve overthought things, assuming that the ones who came recently were the strongest from Yanyun Building. Turns out they lack both power and brains.”
However, they were perfect for her to practice on.
Should a master like Yan Sui appear, Su Liang would only have the option to hide or flee.
Thinking of this, she bent down to draw her twin blades again, pointing them at Ning Jing, “I still have a long way to go, let’s keep practicing!”
As the days went by, it couldn’t be said that Su Liang’s abilities had made a huge leap forward, but her progress was indeed rapid.
She believed that a large portion of the credit should go to her excellent master, Ning Jing.
High-intensity, highly efficient, one-on-one guidance, custom “training”, strict but patient.
The physical foundation of Su Liang’s transmigrated body was average, but her talent, comprehension, diligence, and perseverance were all top-notch, and her body could be transformed.
After their chat that day, people from Yanyun Building came again, but then they stopped coming.
Together, Ning Jing and Su Liang had killed thirteen Yanyun Building assassins, including Yan Sui, and confiscated thirteen weapons.
Yan Suits long sword was taken by Ning Jing, the twin blades by Su Liang, and the rest of the weapons were used by both Ning Jing and Su Liang for sparring.
As the end of September approached, the weather grew increasingly colder.
Early that day, Ning Jing drove to the county town to buy medicine for Su Liang, purchased some fresh ingredients, a sack of aluminium wire charcoal, and two boxes of osmanthus cake from Mingxiang Building. By the time he returned home with the carriage, the sun had set.
During dinner, Su Liang again asked Ning Jing when they planned to leave for the provincial city.
The provincial exam was starting on the fifteenth of October and would last for three days.
Last time they discussed it, Ning Jing said they would leave five days before, but Su Liang felt that was too rushed. Any slight delay on the road could make them miss the exam.
“On the eighth of October.” Ning Jing said.
“How about the fifth?” Su Liang suggested, “This way we can take our time on the road and enjoy the scenery.”
“Ok.” Ning Jing nodded.
“We only have ten days left.” Su Liang calculated, “The carriage that I asked Hu Er to find someone to make should be delivered soon. We’ll take turns riding the carriage. While riding, we can read. While resting, we can practice martial arts. Nothing will be delayed.”
Considering that they have a long journey ahead, Su Liang planned to take all her books with her, as well as bedding and winter clothes. They had a lot of luggage and their old carriage was too small.
It so happened that Hu Er had visited a few days ago and had mentioned that he knew an artisan who was good at making carriages.
Su Liang had drawn a diagram of the interior structure of a carriage according to her needs and had given it to Hu Er to have it made by the artisan. She insisted that only the best materials be used, money was not an issue.
The shoes and clothes that Aunt Bai had been hired to make were also ready.
“I’ve never seen you read any books related to the imperial examination. Are you that confident?” Su Liang asked Ning Jing.
He spent every day instructing Su Liang in martial arts, cooking meals, doing laundry, cleaning, and spending a lot of time in the woodworking shop. Even when he reads, it’s medical books that Su Liang has finished reading.
“I don’t know what will be on the exam, so there’s not much to prepare for.” Ning Jing said.
Su Liang coughed lightly, “If you say that out loud, someone might hit you.”
However, Su Liang had never considering that Ning Jing would fail the provincial exam, or that they wouldn’t go to the capital city.
In Su Liang’s eyes, Ning Jing was like a god. He might not know something, but as long as he had an interest in it, he could master it to a profound level.
“It’s been several days since we’ve seen Chang’an. I wonder how his case investigation is going.” Su Liang mentioned offhand.
Ning Jing didn’t care about Mai Fei and Chang’an’s matters at all, he asked Su Liang what kind of pattern she wanted to carve on the pen holder.
It all started the day before yesterday when Su Liang saw a new pen holder on Ning Jing’s table. It was made of wood, with relief carvings of mountains and rivers that were quite interesting.
Su Liang asked Ning Jing if he could make one for her, and Ning Jing agreed, on the condition that he got to choose the dishes for the day’s meal.
Su Liang returned to her room and carefully sketched out her former home. It was a mountain villa left by her grandmother, where she would stay during each vacation.
After handing it over to Ning Jing, he took a look and asked Su Liang, ‘Your former home?”
Su Liang nodded, “Sometimes I feel like you can read minds.”
Just last night they were saying how Chang’an and Mai Fei hadn’t appeared recently, and the next morning, Chang’an came.
“Master will be going to the mine today, and he asked me to ask if Miss Su would like to come?” Chang’an asked.
Su Liang originally planned to avoid Chang’an if he had anything to do, but she didn’t expect that Mai Fei had invited her to visit the mine.
This was something Su Liang had wanted to do for a while but never had the chance.
She immediately agreed, then called to Ning Jing.
Ning Jing was in the room, holding a pen holder in his hand, engrossed in carving. Without raising his head, he replied, “I’m not going.”
In broad daylight, with Su Liang out, Ning Jing had no intention of following. He had secretly been to the mine before, to deal with Su Daqiang’s family.
“It works out then. I probably won’t be back by noon. You bring some meat and go eat at Little Tiger’s house.” Su Liang then told Chang’an to wait, went back to her room to change clothes, hid her twin blades by her calves, then led her horse from the backyard and left.
As the two of them left Su Family Village, Su Liang asked Chang’an, “Where is your master?”
“Master is waiting in town, we should hurry.” Chang’an replied.
Visiting the mine today was not a spontaneous idea for Mai Fei, but inviting Su Liang was a decision he made after arriving at Feiyan Town.
Su Liang knew that if Mai Fei was being friendly, he must have a request. However, since it was not mentioned at first, there was room for discussion no matter what it was.
The two of them swiftly rode their horses to town. Mai Fei had been waiting impatiently, but was still polite to Su Liang, “Miss Su, would you like to share a carriage with me? Riding a horse is too tiring.”
“The weather is nice today, and I rarely ride horses, so I won’t trouble Mr. Mai.” Su Liang politely refused.
Mai Fei didn’t insist, he lowered the carriage curtains and ordered to set off.
At this moment, Nian Jincheng and his servant, who had been hurrying day and night from the capital city, had just arrived at Bei’an County. When they went to check with the county government, they were informed that Mai Fei had gone to the mine.
Nian Jincheng was specifically assigned to guard the mine, so he and his attendant, Nian Ye, left the county town and galloped towards the mine.
On their way passing through Feiyan Town, Nian Ye mentioned the matter that Xing Yusheng had entrusted to Nian Jincheng.
Nian Jincheng glanced in the direction of Su family’s village, but did not stop,
“First meet with the fourth prince, settle the official affairs, then help Prince Xing deliver things.”
At noon, the caravan paused at the doorstep of the sealed Wu Family’s entrance. The mine was not far from this place.
Mai Fei got out of the carriage, wanting to pay a visit to the Wu Family and have lunch there, before proceeding to the mine.
Su Liang followed him into the Wu Mansion.
The mansion, once known for its ornate architecture, now bore witness to several excavations, with most of the walls and buildings torn down, in a state of disrepair and chaos.
“Miss Su, are you interested in treasure hunting?” Mai Fei asked.
Su Liang shook her head, “If there was a treasure in this haunted place, Mr. Mai would have found it long ago.”
Mai Fei sighed, “I’m starting to suspect if there really was an account book.” Su Liang didn’t pick up the conversation.
Servants set up tables and chairs, along with food and refreshments by the lake in the back garden. After all, Mai Fei was the fourth prince, and no matter where he went, he still kept his noble style.
“Mr. Mai truly has a knack for selecting locations.” Su Liang withdraws her gaze.
Mai Fei chuckles, “After all, Miss Su and I joined forces to fight for justice for them, what is there to fear?” Saying this, he raises his glass, “I should have invited Miss Su for a drink long ago.”
“I merely sought to save myself, I dare not claim any credit.” Su Liang says as she sips the wine slightly spicy. In her previous life, she rarely drank alcohol, and after coming here, she and Ning Jing drank together once. She did not dislike it, nor was she particularly fond of it. It wasn’t something she would take the initiative to drink.
“You are too polite, always on guard against me, afraid that I might scheme against you?” Mai Fei asks with a laugh.
Su Liang shakes her head, “Mr. Mai jokes, if you have any instructions, please say them directly.”
“The thing we discussed initially, let’s discuss it again once we’re back in the capital. At the moment, there really isn’t anything else, I just thought that maybe you would be willing to check out the mine.” Mai Fei hints.
Su Liang feigns ignorance to the words “you helped me several times before”, and merely thanks Mai Fei.
Mai Fei asks when she and Ning Jing plan to depart for the provincial city, Su Liang answers truthfully.
“What a pity, I can’t return to the capital for now, otherwise traveling with the two of you would definitely be interesting.” Mai Fei smiles, “Once you pass the provincial exam, you’re heading to the capital, right?”
Before Su Liang could reply, she suddenly hears someone announce loudly,
“Master, General Nian is here!”
Looking over as soon as she hears the voice, Su Liang sees a tall, robust figure walking towards them against the light. It reminds her of the scene where Nian Jincheng broke into the bridal chamber on the night..
It’s not a coincidence, the one who has arrived is indeed Nian Jincheng.
He’s wearing dark sturdy attire and looks somewhat haggard from his journey. Compared to the last time they met, he seems even more lean, yet his eyes are firm as always.
Nian Jincheng also sees Su Liang.
But there is no familiar sensation. He subconsciously assumes that she is Mai Fei’s lady companion, barely glances her way, and then retracts his gaze.
Mai Fei stands up and, with a full face of smiles, goes to meet him, “Jincheng, you are finally here!”
Nian Jincheng tries to kneel to pay his respects, but Mai Fei stops him, “There’s no need for such formalities. We’re not in the capital. I had sent a letter stating an urgent need for assistance, fearing the emperor would not permit you to come. Now that you are here, I am at ease.”
Nian Jincheng looks respectful, “As per the emperor’s command, I will do my best to assist the Crown Prince.”
“That’s good to know,” Mai Fei orders Chang’an to add a chair. He introduces Nian Jincheng to Su Liang first, “This is Nian Jincheng, the General appointed by His Imperial Majesty to take over Gai Yun’s duties. The previous Martial Arts Champion, he’s one of the most outstanding generals among the younger generation in Qian Country.”
“You flatter me, Crown Prince. I’m really not deserving of your praise.” Nian Jincheng feels that there is no need for Mai Fei to introduce him to Su Liang.
“General Nian, ” Su Liang nods.
Then, Mai Fei introduces Su Liang to Nian Jincheng, “This is Miss Su, originally from the capital, the granddaughter of the famous doctor Su Yuanzhou, currently residing in Su Family Village in Feiyan Town. Her medical skills are extraordinary and she is exceptionally intelligent. If it were not for Miss Su, the scandalous actions of father and son Gai Yun would not have been exposed.”
On hearing the words “Miss Su,” Nian Jincheng’s eyes sharpen. He is incredibly surprised and confused. He cannot connect the young woman before him with the Su Liang he had met in the past.
They seem like two entirely different people.
In front of Mai Fei, Nian Jincheng does not reveal that he has met Su Liang before and simply nods slightly, saying, “Miss Su.”
Mai Fei starts chatting with Nian Jincheng, “Have you seen Crown Prince Bei
Jingwang since he arrived in the capital?”
Nian Jincheng nods, “I’ve met Young Master Xing at a poetry meeting in the
Qin Mansion.”
“I’m surprised, you actually attended a poetry meeting.” Mai Fei looks like he knows Nian Jincheng very well, “Young Master Xing used to live in Bei’an County, Miss Su knows him as well.”
Nian Jincheng does not continue the conversation, nor does he bring out the item that Xing Yusheng had asked him to deliver to Su Liang.
Chang’an leaves for a while and comes back, giving Mai Fei a look.
Mai Fei then stands up and leaves, saying that he will be back shortly.
Only Su Liang and Nian Jincheng are left by the lake. Nian Ye has been arranged by Chang’an to go elsewhere to rest and drink water.
“We meet again, Miss Su.” Nian Jincheng looks at Su Liang expressionlessly.
She’s become fairer and more beautiful, her temperament has completely changed from his memories.
Su Liang keeps her face calm, “General Nian, nice to see you again.”
“If I’m not mistaken, you are a married woman. Yet, you go out with men in broad daylight, chatting and laughing merrily..” Nian Jincheng speaks coldly, “What is your relationship with Xing Yusheng? What is your relationship with
Crown Prince? Does your husband Ning Jing know?”
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