嫩草影院地址一二三

Chapter 235 - 235: 235. I have a cleanliness obsession (Fourth Update )

Two important matters were settled at the night banquet.

Duanmu Qianqian would marry into Liang Country and become the crown princess of Liang Country.

Gu Ling, once the most wanted fugitive in Qian Country, transformed into the new Marquis Chang Xin, with a noble title. The former Marquis Chang Xin’s mansion had now become Marquis Zhong Xin’s mansion, Duanmu Yi even gifted Gu Ling a new mansion.

Many things, even if the inside story was complicated, could be handled as long as there was some public explanation.

Su Liang was satisfied with the outcome.

After leaving the palace, Su Liang still went back with Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing, riding in their carriage.

Qi Yan drove the carriage, slowly leaving the square in front of the Imperial palace.

After some distance, Xing Yusheng took a long breath, “Gu Ling is finally safe.”

Su Liang knew that when Gu Ling was a child, he had saved Xing Yusheng’s mother Qin Yuan. Xing Yusheng wanted to find Gu Ling, naturally with good intentions, but in order to avoid causing more issues and because there were no clues to be found, he had to give up in the end.

Now, Xing Yusheng’s exclamation was indeed heartfelt happiness for Gu Ling.

Lin Xueqing had also heard about Xing Yusheng’s connection to Gu Ling. She smiled and said, “I wonder if Lord Gu, now Marquis Gu, will return when he gets the news?”

Xing Yusheng shook his head, “It’s hard to say. I haven’t actually met him. I’ve only heard that he is a very beautiful man like an immortal, and a very Buddhist in character, not caring about wealth and glory. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have stayed in the Huguo Temple for so long. And,” Xing Yusheng lowered his voice, “Who knows if the emperor really wants to let him go? If he’s living well elsewhere, it’s better not to come back.”

“My husband, do you really want to meet Gu Ling?” Lin Xueqing asked.

Xing Yusheng nodded, “Of course, I want to know him and be friends with him. In any case, tonight’s events turned out to be good news. At least he now has the chance to choose, and if he wants to return, he can. As long as the relationship with Liang Country is still acceptable, the emperor will have to keep his word for the sake of face and not make things too difficult for him.” Su Liang also thought so.

The carriage stopped first at the entrance of Su Mansion, where Su Liang got off, bidding farewell to Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing.

As the carriage curtain was put down, it was lifted by Lin Xueqing. She smiled at Su Liang, “The Princess Yaoguang of Liang Country is indeed very beautiful, but in my heart, Sister Su is the most beautiful!”

As the carriage slowly left for the entrance of the Xing Mansion, Su Liang could hear Xing Yusheng’s voice from inside, “I don’t care, my wife is the most beautiful.”

“I don’t care, Sister Su is the most beautiful!”

“My wife is the most beautiful!”

“Sister Su is the most beautiful! I heard that Gu Ling is also very beautiful! I really want to know what he looks like.”

“Am I not the most beautiful in Qingqing’s heart?”

Su Liang could not help but laugh and shook her head. She turned around, leaped over the courtyard wall and entered the door. She just couldn’t be bothered to unlock the door – this saved time.

Anyway, Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing had the keys to the main door of Su Mansion, and they could come and go freely.

Su Liang was thinking of telling Gu Ling the good news. As soon as she entered the garden, she hadn’t approached the Yuanming Pavilion yet when a black shadow fell from the sky, blocking her way.

It was the lean old man again, Uncle Liang.

“What’s the matter?” Su Liang didn’t bother to be polite to him, as the old man had never been polite to her from the beginning.

“Tonight, you should have seen in the palace that Prince Yue was willing to do a lot for the young master, even willing to give up his dignity and beg Emperor Qian publicly. If you know where the young master is, let him come out. Everything is fine now!” Uncle Liang said coldly.

Su Liang shook her head, “I’ll say it again, I don’t know.”

“You!” Uncle Liang sneered, ‘You were with him all the time. How could you not know where he is?”

Su Liang was speechless. “You did what he asked you to do, and of course, he would know about it afterward. If he wants to come out, he will come out by himself. If he doesn’t want to come out, it means he doesn’t want to see you and Prince Situ anymore. Is it so hard to understand? This is my family’s Su Mansion, please leave immediately. If I ever see you trespassing again, I won’t be so polite!”

Uncle Liang looked scornfully at Su Liang, “Just because of you? Do you think you’re invincible just because you are the Martial Arts Champion? Don’t forget, who saved you back in Su Village!”

“Of course I haven’t forgotten who saved me. But I also remember that you hated me very much and wished you could throw me away to fend for myself. Do you really think you are my savior? At your age, your skin shouldn’t be so thick.” Su Liang said coldly.

Uncle Liang was furious, with his mustache and eyes widened. Su Liang walked straight past him and headed toward the Yuanming Pavilion, “Go find someone else!”

Su Liang walked into the Yuanming Pavilion. The first floor was lit by candles, so it wasn’t dark.

She walked upstairs, and as she turned the corner, there was a light in her room on the second floor.

Su Liang laughed softly, went upstairs, and entered the room, “It feels like a voice-activated light has been installed. Semi-automatic, Great God brand.”

By now, Gu Ling was almost able to understand Su Liang’s “nonsense.” He was weaving a Chinese knot by the window under the moonlight, and it was almost

finished.

Su Liang put one hand behind her back, “Great God, I brought you something delicious. Guess what it is.”

Gu Ling shook his head, “No guessing.”

Su Liang was speechless, placing a bunch of grapes wrapped in a cloth on a plate on the table, “Then don’t eat it.”

In former Marquis Chang Xin Mansion, now Marquis Zhong Xin Mansion, there was a grape garden with ripe fruits. Old Lady Xing would always have servants send some grapes to Su Liang every time.

But the grapes at the palace banquet were different from those in Marquis Zhong Xin’s mansion, and the taste was also different.

Su Liang thought they were delicious, so she took a bunch back for Gu Ling on her way out.

Seeing Gu Ling clean his hands and start eating grapes, Su Liang didn’t bring up the palace banquet immediately. Instead, she thought of a tongue twister and said it out loud, “Green grapes, purple grapes, green grapes aren’t as purple as purple grapes, eat grapes without spitting grape skins, don’t eat grapes but spit grape skins, if you want not to eat grapes and not spit skins, first eat grapes without spitting skins.”

Su Liang recited the whole phrase without any mistakes, feeling proud of herself. But then she saw Gu Ling frowning at her, his thin lips parted slightly, “Are you crazy?”

Su Liang kicked Gu Ling under the table, “You’re the crazy one. It’s called a tongue twister, used to practice eloquence. Can you repeat it without making any mistakes?”

Gu Ling nodded, “Yes, but I don’t want to.”

Su Liang rubbed her forehead, “Great God, don’t you think you’ve become increasingly annoying?

Gu Ling shook his head, “I don’t find myself annoying. I don’t think so.” Su Liang: …Makes sense…

After drinking a glass of water, Su Liang finally told Gu Ling about the palace banquet.

“From what I can see now, your grandfather seems genuinely trying to help you, but whether he has ulterior motives remains unknown,” Su Liang said. “You’re now the Marquis Chang Xin of Qian Country. How does it feel?” Gu Ling counter-questioned, “Is there a salary?

Su Liang chuckled, “Great God, tomorrow morning when it’s time for the court session, you can go to the entrance of the Imperial Palace and ask for an audience with the emperor. When you see him, ask him in front of all the civil and military officials how much salary he will give you each year. If he doesn’t give you enough money, refuse to be this damn Marquis.”

“If there’s no salary, will you support me?” Gu Ling asked Su Liang.

Su Liang shook her head, “No, I can’t do that. I’m not short of money, but if your identity is restored and you appear to be rich, people will suspect where your money comes from, given that the Gu Family was confiscated long ago, and you don’t seem to be the type who can make money. It’s widely known that you only have one friend, and he’s currently on the run.”

“I can make money.” Gu Ling finished his grapes, wiped his hands clean, and picked up the almost finished Chinese knot.

Su Liang couldn’t help but praise, “It’s really beautiful, just like this.” She just described the knot to Gu Ling, not expecting him to weave one himself. Su Liang didn’t even know how to do it.

“Do you want it? One hundred thousand silver taels.” Gu Ling said.

Su Liang answered in a faint tone, “Why not just rob someone?”

“I can steal your money, and you can’t stop me. But I chose not to and do business with you instead,” Gu Ling said.

Su Liang bowed with a faint smile, “Then I must thank you for showing mercy.”

After that, Su Liang felt that they were increasingly talking nonsense and irrelevant topics.

“Let’s talk about serious matters.” Su Liang said seriously, “When are you planning to make your appearance?”

“We’ll see,” Gu Ling shook his head.

“Right, if you show up tomorrow, it would seem as if you’ve planned it with Situ Xie and came together,” Su Liang said, “You should wait at least three to five days. Besides, I don’t know where the emperor has granted your Marquis Mansion. Once you openly appear in the capital city, you’ll have to move to your own mansion.”

“There’s no rush.” As Gu Ling spoke, he finished the last bit of the Chinese knot and handed it to Su Liang.

“I can’t afford 100,000 silver taels,” Su Liang shook her head. Though she really wanted it. She liked this kind of red, festive decoration. No other reason, just because it looked pretty.

“Give me the Flower Card, then,” Gu Ling proposed.

Su Liang laughed, “You wish! That’s mine!”

“Alright.” Gu Ling nodded and still handed her the Chinese knot, “You can owe me 100,000 silver taels.”

“Fine.” Since Su Liang really liked it, she took it, thinking that it’s no big deal to owe each other debts, and everything would be settled naturally.

However, when it was time for Su Liang to go to bed, Gu Ling sent her a wooden plaque engraved with 100,000 silver taels and the signature of two water droplets—the agreed-upon code.

Su Liang took it and handed it back to Gu Ling, completing the “debt note ceremony.”

“Great God, how many of these little wooden plaques did you make expecting to scam me?” Su Liang asked.

Gu Ling walked out, “A lot, guess.”

Su Liang thought about it, she owed Gu Ling a “favor on demand” and 100,000 silver taels, and Gu Ling only owed her a Flower performance for amusement.

After hanging the Chinese knot on the head of her bed, Su Liang thought: Whatever, even if she couldn’t repay it in the end, Great God Gu couldn’t do anything to her.

The next day, the news about Gu Ling’s royal pardon and becoming Marquis Chang Xin spread throughout the capital city.

Once a taboo name, it was now being talked about again. People discussed whether Gu Ling would return to the capital city to be the Marquis Chang Xin.

Many believed he would come back, while others doubted.

Su Liang didn’t go out today, because early in the morning Wan Hui had sent Zhengzheng over. She and her husband needed to leave the city to do some errands. Since Zhengzheng was eager to see Su Liang, they entrusted her to take care of him for the day.

The weather was fine, so Su Liang took Zhengzheng boating on the lake.

Sunlight warmed their bodies as Zhengzheng leaned over the side of the boat, stretching out his little hand to touch the water. Whenever he did, he would burst into happy laughter.

After a while, the little boy lost interest in the water game, wobbled over to Su Liang, and sat down beside her. “Auntie, do you miss Uncle Ning?” he asked.

Su Liang nodded, “Yes.”

“I miss Uncle Ning too!” Zhengzheng said, cupping his little face, “When will he come back? Will he be back for the New Year?”

Su Liang shook her head, “I don’t know.”

After a while, Zhengzheng fell asleep with his head on Su Liang’s lap. Su Liang let go of the oar and let the boat drift gently on the lake.

Meanwhile, on the other side, as soon as Situ Xie arrived for his visit, he saw a big lock hanging on the gate of Su Mansion.

Thinking that Su Liang had gone out, Situ Xie was about to leave when Xing Yushenz and Lin Xueainz came over from next door.

When they learned that he was looking for Su Liang, Xing Yusheng said he would notify her for him.

Then, Situ Xie watched as Xing Yusheng took out a key to unlock the main door of Su Mansion and led Lin Xueqing inside.

When Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing found Su Liang, she was resting with Zhengzheng in her arms on the boat, leisurely and carefree.

Hearing them talking softly, Su Liang woke up. Being careful not to wake Zhengzheng, she sat up and paddled the boat to the shore.

Xing Yusheng took Zhengzheng from her, and Lin Xueqing helped Su Liang up before telling her that Situ Xie was waiting outside the door.

“We didn’t know if you wanted to see him, so we didn’t let him in. It may be a bit rude, but he came without announcing himself, so he was being rude first,” Xing Yusheng said.

“Since he’s already here, I might as well see what he wants,” Su Liang decided to meet with Situ Xie.

Qi Jun helped to invite Situ Xie to the front hall, and Su Liang went to the Yuanming Pavilion to change her clothes before heading over.

Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing had originally come to invite Su Liang to visit Duke Qin’s Mansion. Since Su Liang had a guest, they simply took the sleeping Zhengzheng away with them.

When Su Liang saw Situ Xie, he was sitting in the front hall of Su Mansion, drinking tea.

“I apologize for the intrusion, Miss Su. Please don’t take offense,” Situ Xie stood up and greeted her with a bow.

Su Liang nodded, “It is I who must apologize for not being a good host. Please have a seat, King Yue.”

Once they were both seated, a servant brought a gift box and placed it in front of Su Liang.

“What is this…?” Su Liang felt bewildered.

Situ Xie smiled and explained, “This is a gift from General Peng Wei, as a token of gratitude for saving his life on the border. On behalf of Liang Country, I’d also like to thank Miss Su for not letting us lose a great general.”

“Your Highness is too kind. Since it was given by General Peng, I’ll accept it,” Su Liang said indifferently.

Situ Xie waved his hand to dismiss the servant and looked at Su Liang, “I also want to thank you for looking after Ling’er over the past year.”

Upon hearing his words, Su Liang’s face remained impassive, “I’m afraid I don’t understand what you’re talking about, Your Highness.”

Situ Xie paused for a moment, “It was my lack of consideration. We won’t bring up the past. I came here today just to ask you to tell him that if he ever faces any trouble, he should remember that he has me, his grandfather, to rely on. In the past, I wanted to take care of him, but I couldn’t because of various reasons and the great distance between us. Now, all I want is to know if he’s safe and sound. As long as he’s well, I can rest assured.”

Su Liang smiled, “I saw Your Highness’s affection for his grandson last night, and I was deeply touched. Thank you for bringing General Peng’s gift. Is there anything else?”

Finding that Su Liang wouldn’t engage in conversation, Situ Xie sighed deeply, then stood up to leave, “This is the first time Yaoyao travels far from home. I wonder if Miss Su might be free to accompany her? She really likes you.”

Su Liang kept her smile, “Princess Yaoguang can ask Sixth Princess to accompany her. In the future, when the Sixth Princess marries into Liang Country, they can take care of each other.”

Situ Xie looked deeply into Su Liang’s eyes and nodded, “That makes sense. I’ll mention this to Emperor Qian. Farewell.”

“Farewell, Your Highness,” Su Liang stood in the doorway of the front hall, watching Situ Xie’s retreating figure. If it weren’t for his graying hair, he would look like a middle-aged man.

Su Liang returned to the Yuanming Pavilion with the gift from Peng Wei. It was verv Quiet since Zhengzhenz had been taken out to Dlav.

Going upstairs, she saw Gu Ling sitting by the window reading a book. The swaying shadows of the trees, dancing gently with the breeze, made his profile serene and beautiful, like a painting.

“Great God, your grandfather came and had some words for me to pass on to you,” Su Liang said.

With slender fingers, Gu Ling turned a page, his thin lips parting as he spoke in a cold, clear voice, “I fell asleep.”

Su Liang put the gift box on the table, puzzled, ‘Why do you resist him so much?” She wasn’t trying to advocate for Situ Xie or mediate between them. She only knew that Gu Ling was a good person but didn’t know much about Situ Xie or what had happened between them. However, she was curious about why Gu Ling refused to accept him.

A leaf spun into the room like a butterfly and landed on Gu Ling’s hair. He picked it off, placed it in the book, and spoke again, his tone steady, “The Emperor of Liang Country is his son. I have an aversion to dirt and don’t like dealing with dirty people..”