Chapter 64: 064. Duan Muchen l s Plan (First update)
Translator: 549690339
After a day, Nian Jincheng’s subordinate Nian Ye came to the village to give Su Liang a banknote worth three thousand taels of silver.
Su Liang did not let him in, just talking at the front door for a while.
“How is his injury?” Su Liang asked.
Nian Ye said, “Young master’s wound is better now.”
“That’s good. If there is any problem, you can come to me,” Su Liang said.
Nian Ye clasped his hands, “Thank you, Miss Su Liang!”
Then he left in a hurry.
Su Liang closed the door and turned around, seeing Ning Jing standing under the eaves. She mentioned the origin of the three thousand taels to him. After listening to her, Ning Jing asked, “Why not five thousand taels?”
Su Liang coughed lightly, “I just said that casually.”
Since getting the poisonous scripture, she has temporarily put the medical book aside. There were some ready-made poison recipes in it, and she wanted to try them out, asking Ning Jing when he would go to the county town again, to help buy the medicinal materials back.
“Fine,” Ning Jing agreed, going today.
Su Liang wrote down the list of medicinal materials and handed it to Ning Jing, asking him to buy some rice paper as well. As for ingredients, he could decide what to buy.
Then Ning Jing left by himself, driving the carriage.
Today was sunny, and it was warm outside. Su Liang closed the front door, holding the book and sitting in the courtyard, reading.
The pen holder Ning Jing made for her was placed in front of her, in sight.
It was different from the relief landscape penholder that Ning Jing made for himself. After he got Su Liang’s drawing, he made a wooden, pocket-sized villa according to the proportions. Each small room’s door and window could be opened, delicate and exquisite.
The pen holder was just a part of the small house.
Su Liang liked it very much, thinking it was a lovely piece of art.
The weather was good, and Su Dakuan, who had recovered, brought his grandson to Su Liang’s house to thank her, carrying a wild rabbit which he had caught in a trap on the mountain.
Su Liang invited the grandfather and grandson in, pouring water and offering desserts for them.
Since Ning Jing was not at home, Su Dakuan noticed the book Su Liang was reading, sat down for a moment, then got up to leave, saying he would visit Old Bail s house.
Su Liang smiled and nodded, “That’s good. Erniu, go play with Little Tiger.”
After sending away Su Dakuan and his grandson, Su Liang tied the legs of the still -living wild rabbit and put it in the kitchen, planning to let Ning Jing kill it when he returned.
After receiving two more patients from neighboring villages for follow-up treatment, Su Liang continued reading.
Ning Jing arrived at the county town and, as usual, went to the largest pharmacy first to buy the medicinal materials Su Liang needed.
The carriage was parked outside the pharmacy. Ning Jing carried a bamboo basket he had woven himself, filled with many well-packed medicinal materials. When he walked out of the pharmacy, he bumped into Nian Ye, Nian Jincheng’s subordinate.
Nian Ye had come to get the medicine for Nian Jincheng with Su Liang’s prescription- Although he had been to Sli Family Village. he hadn’t seen Ning
Jing before and didn’t recognize him. He only thought this young man was quite outstanding in appearance and temperament, so he glanced at him and walked straight past.
Ning Jing walked out of the pharmacy and saw a person standing with his back to him under a big tree.
It was Nian Jincheng.
He had been staying in the county government to recuperate from his injury for the past two days.
Early in the morning, Nian Ye went to Su Family Village. After returning, he had to go out again to get the medicine, so Nian Jincheng joined him for a walk.
He looked at the bustling street, which was far less lively and prosperous than the capital city’s.
But he enjoyed the feeling of not being watched by anyone even while standing in the noisy streets.
Although there were young ladies who noticed this handsome young man, they only stole glances at him, not a group of people who knew his identity peering closely at his every move and gesture.
There was a carriage parked not far away, with a young apprentice of the pharmacy standing beside it. Nian Jincheng saw it but didn’t pay attention. “Young Master Ning, have you finished shopping? Have a safe trip!”
The enthusiastic voice of the young apprentice reached Nian Jincheng’s ears.
He turned his head and saw a familiar figure walking to the side of the carriage. Ning Jing gave the young apprentice a few rewards, put the basket in the carriage, jumped in, picked up the whip and drove away.
Nian Jincheng froze.
He had imagined many scenarios of meeting “Ning Jing” again but never thought they would unexpectedly encounter each other here.
He only saw Ning Jing’s silhouette, and he thought Ning Jing must have seen him and recognized him.
They were like strangers on the street, appearing in the same space and time, silently brushing past each other and parting ways.
While Nian Jincheng was lost in thought, the carriage disappeared from sight.
He walked into the pharmacy, and Nian Ye was taking the medicine from the counter, “Young master, it will be ready soon.”
“Hmm.” Nian Jincheng came in intending to ask the apprentice what Ning Jing had bought.
But the words stuck in his throat when he suddenly recalled Su Liang’s previous words to him, “Stay away from us.”…
“Young master, let’s go.” Nian Ye found it strange that Nian Jincheng seemed to be lost in thought.
As soon as the master and servant left the pharmacy, Nian Jincheng saw a carriage parked across the street. Ning Jing had come back.
She didn’t deliberately avoid him when he left just now. She just went to buy something else.
Nian Jincheng sighed silently in his heart, turned back his gaze, and returned to the county government office with Nian Ye, where Chang’an informed him that Mai Fei was looking for him.
As soon as he saw Nian Jincheng, Mai Fei asked, “Has the 3000 taels been delivered?”
Nian Jincheng nodded.
“What did Su Liang say?” Mai Fei asked.
Nian Jincheng told the truth, “Miss Su asked about my injuries and said that if there was any problem, she could be invited over.”
Mai Fei laughed softly, “She usually doesn’t see patients, but she seems to care a lot about your injuries.”
Nian Jincheng frowned, “Your Highness…”
“I’m just joking. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if Su Liang truly had a crush on you, it shouldn’t happen so soon.” Mai Fei shook his head, “Let’s talk about business. The plan I mentioned to you was carried out last night, and it went smoothly so far.”
Mai Fei was referring to the matter of Gai Yun and Gai Huai’an.
After being arrested, no one had come to the prison to break in or silence them. The father and son remained unyielding, claiming they knew nothing and had no involvement, and that they were framed and set up.
As a result, Mai Fei’s real investigation into the iron mine smuggling case had come to a deadlock, with the clues stopping at Wu Family father and son. If they don’t open up and confess, all of Mai Fei’s previous efforts would have been in vain.
The traitor who was stabbed in both knees by Su Liang at the deserted Wu family residence is still alive. After Mai Fei brought him back, he came up with a plan.
The traitor, greedy for wealth and status, naturally did not want to die. So, he confessed everything he knew truthfully.
The mastermind behind everything was very good at controlling spies. These small players were in contact with their handlers separately and simply followed orders after being bribed heavily, having no idea who their real master is.
After questioning, Mai Fei did not find the person who bribed the traitor. The assassin had long fled since the mission failed.
Although no important information was obtained, there was still something useful about the situation.
Mai Fei initially wanted Nian Jincheng to take action, but Nian Jincheng was injured blocking an arrow for him, and Su Liang said he couldn’t use martial arts for a month. So, Mai Fei arranged for another master among his subordinates who was similar in physique to the traitor to take people and act.
The plan was to “save” Gai Yun and Gai Huai’an and try to gain their trust.
It was, of course, impossible to have Gai Yun hand over the account books directly. But as long as they believe it’s their own people, anything said or done would be progress.
By now, the person had been “saved,” and things were going smoothly, but there was a problem.
Mai Fei sighed, “I told you before that Gai Yun and Gai Huai’an fell into disgrace because they offended Miss Su Liang, otherwise I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to deal with them.”
Upon hearing Mai Fei, Nian Jincheng had a feeling that it had something to do with Su Liang.
“That madman Gai Huai’an said that as long as Su Liang was captured and brought to him, he would believe that their own people were there. Otherwise, the father and son would not say a word and await their fate, whether they would be killed or mutilated.” Mai Fei sighed again.
Nian Jincheng frowned, “Of course, we can’t let Miss Su go. They will definitely push harder and make more outrageous demands.”
Mai Fei was not surprised by Nian Jincheng’s reaction. The reason why he sought the help of someone obviously from the crown prince’s side was that he understood Nian Jincheng’s character. He was genuinely upright and principled in his work.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to sacrifice Su Liang.” Mai Fei shook his head, “It’s just that without her appearance, there would be no progress in the matter. I think we can let her try and see the reaction of Gai Yun and Gai
Huai’an.”
“Pretend to be captured, and if they make unreasonable demands, we back off?” Nian Jincheng asked.
Mai Fei shook his head, “Of course we can’t just let it be. If the father and son want to harm Su Liang, let her fight back.”
Nian Jincheng’s eyes narrowed, “Your Highness means to have Miss Su pretend to be captured, and if the father and son make excessive demands, let her regain consciousness and fight back against Your Highness’s men?”
Mai Fei nodded, “To put on a show, it has to be the full package. If one tactic doesn’t work, change course. As long as the father and son see with their own eyes Su Liang fighting for life and death with my people, they will naturally believe that those people are really trying to save them. Don’t reveal any flaws in the middle, let Su Liang escape in the end, leaving one or two survivors among my men to continue fleeing with Gai Yun and Gai Huai’an, then the show succeeds!”
Nian Jincheng frowned, “Is Your Highness planning to sacrifice subordinates for the sake of the investigation?”
Mai Fei laughed, “As I said from the beginning, it’s all an act. Leaving only one or two survivors is also part of the act.”
“But fooling Gai Yun and Gai Huai’an won’t be easy.” Nian Jincheng said.
Mai Fei sighed deeply, “Yes, especially Gai Yun, who is old and cunning. If he senses something wrong, all our previous efforts will be wasted. Therefore, it is essential for Su Liang to go, and only she can give us a chance of success. Not only is she the one Gai Huai’an specifically wants, but she is also skilled in martial arts and medical skills. I suppose she knows very well how to beat someone so severely that they appear to be on the verge of death, but who won’t actually die.”
“This is too difficult.” Nian Jincheng’s gaze was serious, “Your Highness should put on a vivid act to the extent of severe injuries and near death. They must do their utmost to attack the enemy, especially Your Highness’s subordinates, who must try their best to kill Miss Su so that Gai Yun may believe it. However, the premise is that Miss Su’s martial arts should be able to deal with them and not be completely overwhelmed, otherwise, you will not be able to fool Gai
Yun.”
Mai Fei nodded, “You have identified the problem. I don’t know how strong Su Liang’s martial arts are. But this is not the biggest problem. The key is whether she is willing to help. She is very smart, and as long as she is willing to help us, there must be a way.”
Nian Jincheng shook his head, “Your Highness has thought things through carefully, but I do not agree with this plan. This is something we should do and has nothing to do with Miss Su, and she has already helped us a lot before. We shouldn’t make her take on such a great risk again.”
Mai Fei snorted lightly, “I know you’re a man of integrity who doesn’t want to use women, but I’m not the kind to stop at nothing to achieve my goals, and I don’t intend to force her. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have come to you.” “What does Your Highness want me to do?” Nian Jincheng asked.
“You and I both know that this case is of great importance, and it’s not a matter of whether you or I can make a merit!” Mai Fei said seriously, “If we don’t get to the bottom of this as soon as possible, it poses a huge threat to the Qian Country!”
Nian Jincheng fell silent, and Mai Fei continued, “Su Liang has already been involved from the beginning, and there is no alternative. I think you should know what is more important.”
Nian Jincheng was silent as he heard Mai Fei say, “At the very beginning, I tried to test Ning Jing, which caused Su Liang to have prejudice against me. This matter is up to you. Coerce her, bribe her, and seduce her. Use any means necessary to make her agree to help, and don’t delay. At the latest, by tomorrow, I want to see results!”
Nian Jincheng’s face darkened slightly, “I think that precisely because this matter is of great importance, we shouldn’t rely on a young lady and put her in danger. If this plan fails, we should think of other ways.”
Mai Fei’s face changed instantly, “Nian Jincheng, I’m not discussing this with you. It’s an order! You must accomplish it! If the mission fails, are you going to tell the Emperor that Su Liang’s safety is more important than the safety of Qian Country? Do you think the Emperor will cut your head off?”
As his words fell, Mai Fei took the tea to see the guest out, “You are a smart man, I don’t need to say anything more. Go, I’ll await your good news.”
After Nian Jincheng left, Mai Fei called for Chang’an.
“You follow Nian Jincheng.” Mai Fei instructed.
Chang’an knew what Mai Fei wanted to do and frowned, “I believe that no matter who goes to persuade her, Miss Su will not agree.”
Mai Fei’s expression was mild, “I’ve tried everything I can think of.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from f(r)eeweb(n)ovel.𝒄𝒐𝙢