嫩草影院地址一二三

Chapter 351: 351. Could it be Ying Xiaoying?

“He was initially in direct contact with Shaoyao, reporting directly to the Grand Emperor. Now that Shaoyao is missing, the Emperor doesn’t even know Bai Yang’s existence,” Su Liang said to Ren Dong. “The Grand Emperor said that the last time Bai Yang’s news came was at the beginning of the year, nearly half a year ago. We don’t know his current situation. You go and have a look; if you find him, bring him back.”

Ren Dong’s expression became serious, “Alright, this subordinate will set off today.”

“I’ll make preparations first. I’ll ask Yang Yu if he has any letters for Nian Jincheng, and you can deliver them along the way. We’ll discuss who will accompany you on your journey,” Su Liang said.

Ren Dong was stunned, “Master, I don’t need anyone to accompany me. I can do it on my own.”

“I know your strength is not weak, but it is still very dangerous to encounter Shaoyao. Besides, I also want to ask you to find my older sister, Ying, and check on her situation.” Su Liang’s expression was serious.

Ren Dong nodded upon hearing this, “I will follow the Master’s arrangement.” She then went to find Yang Yu.

It was quite difficult for Su Liang and Gu Liang to determine who should accompany Ren Dong on the trip south.

Gu Ling would never leave Su Liang easily. Old Bai was teaching Su Liang his poison techniques, Old Mu’s martial arts were insufficient to deal with Shaoyao, and Cen Man’s eyes had a chance of recovery, but it would take some time.

In fact, the most appropriate choice was Qiao Cong, but his foot injury had not yet fully healed.

Su Liang thought of Yan Shiba, wondering if she was still in Liang Country, if not, she could hire her to go.

Earlier, Su Liang had ordered Qi Jun to find Cheng Yun at Huguo Temple. However, Cheng Yun had already left the capital and went back to Ping’an Temple, which was between Xuanbei City and Nanping City.

“Great God, what should we do? If we only need to find Bai Yang, Ren Dong can go alone. There’s a possibility that she won’t encounter Shaoyao after such a long time. But I am worried about my elder sister. If Yue Mei knows that she betrayed them, we don’t know what she might do,” Su Liang sighed.

Gu Ling spoke up, “I’m not going.”

Su Liang rubbed her forehead, “That’s not what I meant. How about asking Old Bai to go? After all, we have to go to Yue Mei’s lair, and he is the most suitable person.”

Gu Ling furrowed his brow, “Maybe, Yue Mei will come here to find you.”

Su Liang’s expression was indescribable, “That’s not impossible.”

“If Yue Mei leaves Yao City and returns to Yin Country, she will pass by here. If her granddaughter fails in her mission, she won’t leave without doing anything,” Gu Ling analyzed. “As long as she doesn’t go back, Ying will not be in much trouble.”

Su Liang thought it made sense. Considering the timeline, there was a high probability that Yue Mei was still in Liang Country at this time.

“Then, let’s not look for Ying first and have Ren Dong only find my younger brother?” Su Liang sighed. “Pregnancy is indeed very inconvenient; otherwise, we could all go.”

Gu Ling frowned, “It’s all my fault.”

Su Liang giggled and reached out to touch and rub Gu Ling’s face, “Great God, what are you talking about? I swear I’m not complaining about having our baby, I’m just expressing my feelings.”

Gu Ling gently stroked Su Liang’s belly, “It would be nice if I could be the one pregnant.”

Su Liang coughed lightly, “Shall we swap souls? Use my body?”

Gu Ling nodded, “That would be best.”

“Enough with the nonsense. I know you want to experience it, but it’s probably not possible in this lifetime,” Su Liang laughed. “Let’s just settle on this. Maybe Ying has already taken my younger brother and is safely on their way here.”

For Yue Mei’s lair, besides Old Bai, Su Liang didn’t trust anyone else to go, and it would be too dangerous for Gu Ling to go as well.

After Ren Dong got Yang Yu’s letter for Nian Jincheng, she quickly went to find Su Liang, and knowing the plan, she set off right away.

Su Liang told her to be discreet once she arrived in Xiangyue City and to be cautious to avoid bumping into Shaoyao. Ren Dong said she would.

There was something that Su Liang didn’t know. Before Ren Dong left, Qi Jun found her privately, wanting to go with her. But Ren Dong refused on the spot, implying that Qi Jun’s strength was too weak and would hinder her work…

Liang Country and Yin Country were both going to form marriage alliances with Qian Country, with the wedding dates set for the end of July. Situ Yao would marry into Qian Country first, followed by the princess of Yin Country.

Ever since learning about Bai Yang’s whereabouts, Gu Ling had not returned to the palace to treat Duanmu Yi.

The Empress Dowager Xiao expressed her concerns to Duanmu Chen, suggesting that Duanmu Yi’s health be allowed to recover somewhat and not be tormented so cruelly. She found it somewhat unbearable.

Duanmu Chen said it was impossible. It was either not done at all or done with absolute assurance of success.

At this point, Xiao naturally listened to Duanmu Chen and did not raise the issue again.

In the blink of an eye, it was the last day of May.

Having learned poison techniques from Old Bai for half a day, Su Liang realized that Gu Ling was not in Yuanming Pavilion or preparing lunch, as if she had gone out.

su Liang found it a bit strange. Lately, Gu Ling rarely let her out of sight, always sneaking glances at her even when cooking. How could she go out without notice?

Seeing Qi Jun carrying a piece of wood nearby, Su Liang stopped him and asked if he knew where Gu Ling was.

Qi Jun shook his head, saying he had been working with Old Mu on modifying the secret chamber all morning and hadn’t seen Gu Ling.

Just as the words fell, Qi Jun inadvertently saw a figure flash by on the second floor of Yuanming Pavilion, “Master, is Marquis upstairs? There seems to be someone.”

“You go and do your work.” Su Liang went back in after she spoke.

Upon going upstairs and finding the door closed, Su Liang called out, “Great God?” Nobody responded.

Walking to the door, she pushed it open, only to see the room full of fresh flowers. A lovely child emerged from the flower bushes, who else could it be but Zhengzheng?

Zhengzheng’s smile was radiant, “Aunt! Aunt!”

The person Su Liang was looking for was standing nearby with a smile on his lips, this was a surprise for her.

After returning to the capital, they hadn’t seen Zhengzheng because the Wan Hui couple had left the capital with their child to return to their hometown.

Su Liang had even made a special request for Qi Jun to inquire about when the Wan family in the capital would return, as she missed Zhengzheng very much. However, the steward didn’t know.

Su Liang didn’t send a letter to the Wan family either. The Wan family wasn’t originally in the capital. It was only after Zhengzheng met Su Liang and Gu Ling that the Wan Hui couple began living in the capital with him. Now that they were reunited, she didn’t want to disturb them.

But unexpectedly, Zhengzheng had suddenly come from the sky!

Su Liang was delighted. Zhengzheng ran over with the most beautiful bouquet of flowers, “To Aunt!”

Su Liang caught it and bent down to hug Zhengzheng, giving him a peck on the side of his face, “Zhengzheng has grown taller.”

Zhengzheng nodded with a beaming smile, “I’ve grown up! Aunt is even more beautiful now!”

“What about him?” Su Liang smiled as she pointed to Gu Ling.

Zhengzheng’s little face turned serious, “Uncle Gu is the most beautiful of all!” After a pause, he whispered mysteriously to Su Liang’s ear, “I know, uncle Gu is actually Uncle Ning.”

Su Liang raised an eyebrow, imitating Zhengzheng’s manner, she whispered into his ear, “How did you know that?”

Zhengzheng replied softly, “Intuition.”

Su Liang couldn’t help but smile, “Zhengzheng’s intuition is very strong, huh!”

Gu Ling, with his excellent hearing, watched Su Liang and Zhengzheng whispering “behind his back”, even though he could hear every word clearly, he didn’t expose them.

His previous disguise as Ning Jing was no longer a secret. It was not surprising that Zhengzheng could sense it – children were very accurate at reading people.

Su Liang asked where all the flowers in the room came from?

Gu Ling pointed at Zhengzheng, “It was his idea.”

Zhengzheng grinned, showing his teeth but not his eyes, “I missed you so much, but I didn’t know what gift to give.”

Zhengzheng had returned to the capital today and couldn’t wait to see Su Liang. He insisted on coming secretly, wanting to surprise her.

Wan Hui had Lu Yu send Zhengzheng “quietly” over. Su Liang didn’t notice, as she was busy studying when he arrived.

Gu Ling let Zhengzheng stay and asked Lu Yu to leave. Determined to give Su Liang a gift, Gu Ling carried Zhengzheng on his back as they went around the capital picking flowers and decorating the room, waiting for Su Liang to discover them.

Now, with Zhengzheng sitting happily between Gu Ling and Su Liang, he gently touched Su Liang’s belly with his little hand. His face was full of curiosity, “Is the baby brother in there? Why isn’t he moving?”

Su Liang laughed lightly, “We don’t know if it’s a little brother or a little sister yet.”

Zhengzheng’s eyes lit up, “Can I have a little sister, then?”

Su Liang coughed lightly, “Dear, we won’t know until the baby is born. It’s already decided, so we can’t choose.”

“Really?” Zhengzheng seemed to understand, “My mom’s baby is going to be a brother. What if I want a sister?”

Su Liang looked at Gu Ling in surprise.

Gu Ling nodded, “It’s been three months.” Wan Hui was pregnant with a second child, which they didn’t know before. That’s why Zhengzheng subconsciously called Su Liang’s baby a brother, but he actually wanted a sister.

Su Liang was happy for Wan Hui and Lu Yu. She had helped Wan Hui with her health before, and Zhengzheng had always wanted a sibling.

As for the gender of the child, Su Liang had no preference. She thought both sons and daughters were great and Gu Ling felt the same way.

They chatted for a while, mostly about what had happened at Zhengzheng’s home recently.

As they talked, Zhengzheng’s stomach began to growl, “Auntie, I’m hungry.”

Gu Ling stood up, “I’ll be right back.”

After Gu Ling left, Zhengzheng hugged Su Liang’s arm, resting his head on it, “I’m so happy that Auntie and Uncle Ning got married! It would be great if the baby arrived soon! I’d play with them! I’d be a big brother!”

Su Liang smiled and rubbed Zhengzheng’s head, “There’s no way to speed it up. We’ll have to wait a bit longer.”

Soon, Gu Ling came back with food. When Zhengzheng had arrived, Gu Ling had been cooking a soup, which was now ready to eat.

After finishing their meal together, Su Liang felt sleepy, and Zhengzheng began to yawn too.

Gu Ling prepared the bed for them to rest, then tidied up the dishes and went downstairs.

When Gu Ling returned to the room, he saw Su Liang and Zhengzheng fast asleep facing each other, their small fingers intertwined. They looked adorable.

Gu Ling took off his shoes and socks and lay down on the outer side of the bed. Looking at Zhengzheng, he couldn’t help but imagine raising a child with Su Liang in the future.

When Su Liang and Zhengzheng woke up and were washing their faces, Gu Ling brought over a plate of freshly cut fruit.

Su Liang saw that Gu Ling had cut the fruit into delicate little stars, crescents, and flowers and couldn’t help but laugh, “Great God, you have the potential to be an outstanding dad.”

Zhengzheng, the flatterer, laughed, “Auntie is right!”

After eating the fruit, Su Liang went to find Old Bai.

Gu Ling prepared the gear and took Zhengzheng fishing.

Due to their injuries, the bored Qiao Cong and the still-recovering Cen Man also joined in, saying they wanted to fish for Su Liang to eat.

With his sweet mouth and cuteness, Zhengzheng quickly conquered the old fellows who were looking forward to having a disciple, making them even more eager for one.

At dusk, Gu Ling drove the carriage with Su Liang and Zhengzheng inside, heading towards the Wan Family.

Seeing Wan Hui, she looked much better and even a bit plumper than before. She was pleasantly surprised when she found out that Su Liang was also pregnant.

Wan Hui mentioned that her father had recently decided to move the entire family to the capital city. She and Lu Yu came first to make arrangements while the others were on their way.

“When we heard that even you were captured, we were very worried. My father has been sighing all day, thinking that peaceful days might not last long.” Wan Hui sighed softly, “Once the war starts again, if it goes on for a long time, who knows what the situation will be like. My father thinks it’s safer to be at the feet of the emperor and wants to hand over most of our family business to the court. Making too much money might not be a good thing.”

The Wan Family’s grain business would be difficult to operate in times of war and chaos. It would be easy to make a mistake if they weren’t careful.

Old Wan’s age was showing, and he no longer had the drive to compete like in his youth. He only hoped for his family’s safety and stability.

Deciding to move to the capital was also related to Su Liang. After all, having a connection within the court made his plan more achievable and he wouldn’t dare to deal with the officials recklessly otherwise.

Listening to this, Su Liang expressed her support. Tea was a luxury for common people, while grains were the foundation of a nation, so they were different in nature.

Old Wan’s decision to back down was a wise move, and Duanmu Chen would undoubtedly be happy to see the Wan Family voluntarily contribute to the national treasury.

Su Liang planned to get a plaque or something similar for the Wan Family, as it might be useful at certain times.

After having dinner at the Wan Family’s residence, Gu Ling took Su Liang and left, while Zhengzheng said he would come back to fish the next day.

Life was peaceful and fulfilling for Su Liang in the following days. Zhengzheng was almost always around, so there was no need for Gu Ling and Su Liang to accompany him all the time, as he could play well with the elderly folks in the mansion.

Old Mu had already taken Zhengzheng to play in the secret chamber several times, the one he had initially forbidden Su Liang from seeing. He had also made some interesting little gadgets for Zhengzheng.

Rushing through their journey day and night, Ren Dong arrived at Jiaye City and went to find Nian Jincheng to deliver the letter.

Lian Shun was also present. His family was already on their way to the capital, and Ren Dong had met up with the Lin Family’s convoy midway.

As Nian Jincheng read the letter, Lian Shun asked about the situation in the capital, to which Ren Dong answered truthfully.

“Is there any news about Ying Xiaoying?” Lian Shun asked, thinking of Ying Ying.

Ren Dong paused for a moment before realizing that Lian Shun was referring to Su Liang’s friend. He shook his head, “There is no news from Miss Ying. The Master initially wanted me to look for Ying Ying while I was on my way to Yin Country but decided against it due to the potential danger.”

Lian Shun frowned, “Is that so? Is that old witch still in Liang Country?”

Ren Dong shook his head, “I’m not sure. But the Master thinks that if Madam Yue is to return to Yin Country, she may try to make trouble for the Master first.”

Lian Shun blinked, “That makes sense. I hope Ying Xiaoying is safe! If she escapes with her brother, will she come looking for us first?”

Ren Dong thought it was possible, as it was well-known that Nian Jincheng was Gu Ling’s best friend.

Ren Dong had a bite to eat and was about to continue on his trip when he heard a thump outside the door. A dark shadow collapsed not far away.

Ren Dong’s expression tightened, as Nian Jincheng and Lian Shun also came out when they heard the sound

The three of them cautiously approached, Lian Shun bent down and turned the person who was lying on the ground over.

The moonlight was bright, revealing a beautiful, pale face with closed eyes. Checking her breath, she was still alive but seemed to have sustained severe injuries.

“Could she be the legendary Ying Xiaoying?” Lian Shun’s eyes brightened, “She looks just like someone who would be good friends with Gu Xiaoling and Su Xiaoliang!”