Chapter 94: 094. Reunion (First Update)
Translator: 549690339
The capital city of Qian country lies moderately north of the Central Plains, the winter here was not as cold as the one in Bei’an County, but even on sunny days, there wasn’t a hint of warmth.
Xing Yusheng let Qi Jun buy a pure white rabbit, put it in a delicate bamboo cage, and brought it to see Qin Yujin.
Qin Yujin fell ill after going out for a trip about half a month ago. An Imperial Physician was called to examine her and said it wasn’t serious, but she has been feeling downcast and hasn’t left the house since then.
As soon as the maid saw Xing Yusheng, she rushed to announce, ‘Miss, the
Crown Prince is here!”
Qi Jun pushed the wheelchair to the door and let go, and Xing Yusheng pushed it himself inside with the little rabbit on his lap.
Qin Yujin looked thinner, pale, and managed a weak smile, “Cousin.”
Seeing Qin Yujin hardly noticed the gift he brought, Xing Yusheng lifted the bamboo cage and gently smiled, “Cousin, this gift is for you.”
Qin Yujin took it and placed it on the table, played with it for a while, and then went to pour tea for Xing Yusheng with a lackluster attitude.
“Cousin, what actually happened that day?” Xing Yusheng asked sternly.
Upon his words, Qin Yujin’s eyes turned red, “I don’t want to discuss it. It’s just troublesome.”
Xing Yusheng sighed, “Cousin, if the trouble has already arisen, covering it up will only lead to a bigger problem next time.”
Qin Yujin paused for a moment, finally beginning to share her incident when she went to visit the ancient temples on the outskirts of the city.
She was caught up in enjoying the scenery and got separated from her servants, where she encountered Prince Duanmu Ao.
As soon as he heard the name Duanmu Ao, Xing Yusheng’s face turned grave. He was already aware that Duanmu Ao was not a good person due to the incident wherein the entire Su Yuanzhou family was wiped out, leaving only Su Liang behind.
Sure enough, Qin Yujin said that Duanmu Ao started making inappropriate advances, confessed his long-held affection for her and expressed his desire to make her his Imperial Concubine.
The expression on Xing Yusheng’s face was furious. “Damn! What did he do to you?”
Qin Yujin shook her head, “Nothing. A young master intervened.
Xing Yusheng was surprised, “Who?” It must have been someone extraordinary to be able to rescue her from Duanmu Ao.
“I didn’t know him, but I have seen him once before with General Nian. He introduced himself as Lin Bojun,” Qin Yujin replied.
Xing Yusheng remembered, he was aware of this name as the Martial Arts
Champion from the cohort before Nian Jincheng.
Although the Lin Family came from a common background, the father and his two sons were all top scholars. Lin Bojun’s father, Lin Shuzhi, was a famous scholar in Qian country and currently served as the dean at Qianshan Academy in Pingbei City.
He then remembered that Ning Jing was taking the provincial exam in Pingbei City.
The exam results had not yet arrived in the capital city and he had already sent Qi Yan to gather information.
Qin Yujin said, Lin Bojun intervened without knowing the Prince’s identity, and even hit him…
“Upon returning, I immediately told my father, who instructed me to stay at home and put the incident behind me. I really have no idea what to do at this point,” said Qin Yujin with teary eyes. “Actually, I’m perfectly fine, it’s just that I’m worried that Prince Duanmu would seek revenge on Master Lin.”
Xing Yusheng looked somber.
Due to the marital relationship with Bei Jingwang mansion, the Qin Family was also cautious, and offending Prince Duanmu was not a wise move. Duanmu Ao was known for his amorousness and he held grudges.
Luckily, Qin Yujin was unharmed.
However, Lin Bojun, who stood up for what is right, might face great trouble.
“Don’t overthink it, cousin. I’ll go and discuss it with Uncle, and send someone to inquire about the situation of the Lin Family Brothers.” ,” Xing Yusheng said.
Qin Yujin nodded repeatedly, “Good! I’ll wait for your news then! ”
Xing Yusheng hadn’t reached the door when he heard Qi Yan’s voice, “Master, I found out! Ning Jing topped the Imperial Scholar!”
“Is Ningjing the person you met in Bei’an County?” Qin Yujin asked.
Xing Yusheng nodded, “He is the descendant of Xunyang’s Ning Family, Su
Liang’s sworn brother.”
Although Qi Yan had brought back the news that Ning Jing and Su Liang’s marriage was a ruse and they became sworn siblings instead, suggesting that Xing Yusheng could pursue Su Liang,
But even though Xing Yusheng admired Su Liang, he felt inadequate for such a confident and strong girl, and he decided not to pursue her further.
At this moment, hearing that Ning Jing had topped the Imperial Scholar, Xing Yusheng was not surprised, he was only happy for him.
Hence, after the New Year, Ning Jing and Su Liang would definitely come to the capital.
Xing Yusheng found his uncle, Qin Kang, and learned that he had already met with Lin Bojun privately to express his gratitude, as well as caution him to be careful. He even suggested Lin Bojun to request to assist Nian Jincheng in Bei’an County to avoid trouble.
Beyond that, the Qin Family currently didn’t have the ability to help.
Lin Bojun thanked Qin Kang for his kindness, but he didn’t plan to apply for a transfer away from the capital.
“He originally planned to head north with Nian Jincheng, but now he can’t, he’s concerned about his elder brother,” Qin Kang sighed.
Xing Yusheng frowned, “After all, in the capital city, the Lin Family Brothers are famous young talents. Prince Duanmu wouldn’t dare to act openly against them. But I’m worried that Prince Duanmu might seek to harm their family members.”
Qin Kang nodded, “I thought of this as well. Bo Jun said that he and his brother already applied for leave, and as soon as it’s approved, they will together return to Pingbei City, to bring their father and sister to live in the capital. They have already set off a few days ago.”
“That’s good.” Xing Yusheng gave a sigh of relief, “I hope they have a safe journey.”
Qin Kang had been busy with official duties for the past half month, and hadn’t gotten the chance to inform Qin Yujin.
Knowing that she was still scared, he asked Xing Yusheng to tell her that nothing had happened for the time being. If the Lin Family were to face trouble in future, the Qin Family would not stand idle.
“There are rumours in the court that the fourth prince has found the mastermind behind the iron mine smuggling.” Qin Kang had a serious look on his face, “Some say it’s South Mingwang, others say it’s your father.”
Xing Yusheng forced a smile, “Whether my father was involved or not is hard to say. Anyway, if something happens to Bei Jingwang Mansion, grandfather and uncle must not bother about me anymore.”
Qin Kang frowned, “What are you saying? You carry the blood of the Qin Family, this is an indisputable fact. Your mother married your father because of the Former Emperor’s decree, not because the Qin Family wanted to ally with the Xing Family. Even if the worst-case scenario happens, the Qin Family still has a token of immunity from death to offer you. Stop talking like that!”
Xing Yusheng felt warm in his heart, but he was also very worried. If the Xing family were exterminated, he might be able to rely on the protection of the Qin family, but what about his grandmother?
Upon learning that the Lin Family Brothers had left the capital to fetch their family, Qin Yujin felt slightly relieved, but soon began worrying about the possibility of the Second Prince sending men to assassinate them on their journey.
“I’ll send Qi Yan with some men to catch up and escort them back to the capital.” Xing Yusheng said.
At last, a genuine smile appeared on Qin Yujin’s face, “Cousin, you’re the best!”
Pingbei City.
Lin Shuzhi initially wanted to leave the academy only when his sons sent someone to fetch him, but the newly appointed dean from the Government Office was eager to take his place.
Lin Shuzhi did not make any futile struggle. After saying goodbye to the teachers and students at the academy, he moved back into the city with Lin Xueqing and Su Liang.
The following days were peaceful and uneventful.
Su Liang worked out every day, read books, instructed Lin Xueqing in exercises, and practiced Tai Chi with Lin Shuzhi.
The three of them lived comfortably and easily.
One morning, Su Liang estimated the days and figured that ten days had already passed since Ning Jing left. If everything went smoothly, he should be back by now.
Su Liang prepared both lunch and dinner for Ning Jing, but until late at night, he was nowhere to be seen.
Su Liang wasn’t worried something bad might have happened to him. What could possibly happen to someone who could even kill Yan Sui?
However, another three days passed and Ning Jing still didn’t return, Su Liang felt something was wrong.
‘Miss Su, you are worrying about Brother Ning!” Lin Xueqing said seriously.
Su Liang nodded, “Yes, according to his abilities, even if he was delayed, he should have been back in no more than eleven or twelve days.”
Lin Xueqing wanted to comment on Su Liang’s feelings for Ning Jing, but seeing how frank she was, it was clear she was only concerned about a good friend.
Lin Xueqing also shared her worry, ‘What if something bad really happened to Brother Ning?”
Su Liang thought for a moment and said, “I’ll wait another two days. If we still don’t see him, I’ll go to Xunyang City to find him.” To their surprise, Ning Jing returned that very night.
But he wasn’t alone.
With him were Lin Shuzhi’s two sons, Lin Boyan and Lin Bojun.
“Elder Brother! Second Brother!” Lin Xueqing was overjoyed, quickly ran toward them, grabbed her two brothers’ hands, her eyes filled with tears, “You’re finally back!”
Seeing his two sons’ rundown appearances and bloodstains on their clothes, Lin Shuzhi became very worried!
Ning Jing had already walked to Su Liang’s side.
“They were being chased and you happened to encounter them?” Su Liang asked. It was clear the Lin Family brothers had run into trouble on the road.
Ning Jing nodded, “So it seems.”
Actually, Ning Jing first encountered the people pursuing the Lin Family brothers, and he noticed that the leader had a black cloud between his eyebrows. Therefore, he decided to secretly follow them. Only after that did he meet the Lin Family Brothers.
If he had directly bumped into the Lin Family Brothers, they would have recognized him but he wouldn’t recognize them, which would have raised suspicions.
They were delayed on the road for several days due to Lin Boyan falling sick.
The reunion of the Lin Family stirred strong emotions in all of them.
However, Ning Jing did not mention Su Liang on the journey, and they missed the letter Lin Shuzhi sent to the capital, so they didn’t know who the strange girl in their house was.
Seeing Lin Boyan looking at Su Liang, Ning Jing spoke, saying only one word,
“Hungry.”
Su Liang nodded, “I’ll go make some late-night snacks for you, you light the fire.” She decided not to disturb the family reunion.
After the two left the room, Lin Boyan finally asked, “Who was that young lady just now?”
“Didn’t Jing tell you about her on the way?” Lin Shuzhi was surprised.
With a beaming smile, Lin Xueqing said, “Su is Brother Ning’s, why would he introduce her to his brothers?”
“Oh? So she’s Ajing’s fiancee?” Lin Boyan was shocked, “He was quiet all along the way. I didn’t expect him to have such a close female friend.”
Lin Shuzhi lightly coughed, “Yes, but not really.”
Lin Bojun was confused, “What do you mean? Father, you still love to beat around the bush.”
Lin Shuzhi glared at his second son.
Lin Xueqing chuckled, “It’s a long story, listen while I explain slowly!”
In the kitchen, the firelight illuminated Ning Jing’s handsome face. He was telling Su Liang about the situation of the Ning Family in Xunyang.
Su Liang bustled about the kitchen, chopping up ribs on the cutting board. Hearing about Wan Feng’s atrocities, she fiercely chopped the bones into pieces and coldly said, “If I were there, I would reduce those bad people to ashes!”
“Hmm.” Ning Jing nodded slightly, “I did.”
“There are two things in the world that one cannot stare at directly, one is the sun, the other is the human heart.” Su Liang sighed, remembering the words of a famous writer in her past life. The real Ning Jing died in vain. If Gu Ling hadn’t avenged him, those wicked people would have taken everything from him and lived carefree lives.
“Let’s leave the Ning family issue aside for awhile. After you finish your exams, and if you choose not to take up official duties, you can say you’re going back to take over the family business.” Su Liang smiled, “At that time, it will piss off a
lot of people..”
Read latest chapters at f(r)eewebnov𝒆l Only