BXBX NOVEL Chapter 188 - 188: 188. Get rid of that woman as soon as possible.
Chapter 188 - 188: 188. Get rid of that woman as soon as possible.
While riding on horseback through the wilderness, the wind whispered as they looked at the distant mountains, still covered with white, frozen snow.
This was the first time Su Liang had traveled such a long distance after crossing through dimensions, seeing the changing natural scenery from the middle to the northern part of Qian Country.
“Let’s rest here. Tomorrow we’ll reach Xuanbei City.” Ning Jing spoke, leading Su Liang into a valley.
After finding a sheltered spot, they tied their horses to a tree and Ning Jing headed up the mountain.
Su Liang followed with a bag, “Have you been here before?”
“Yes.” Ning Jing’s voice came from ahead.
After walking for a while, Ning Jing turned back and saw Su Liang crouching on the ground, digging for something.
He returned to her side.
“Good medicine.” Su Liang happily raised a dried-up herb.
Ning Jing accurately named the herb. He had read all the medical books she had.
While he had no practical experience in Medical Skills, he had learned a lot in theory.
Su Liang put away the herbs, and the two reached mid-hill. Ning Jing went to a place overgrown with weeds, moved two large stones, and revealed the entrance to a cave.
Su Liang was surprised, “Have you lived here before?”
Ning Jing nodded and motioned Su Liang to stay outside while he crouched to enter.
Looking around, Su found that from her position, she could already see the gate of Xuanbei City.
She had gathered a pile of firewood by the time Ning Jing’s voice came from inside the cave.
The cave was too low for Su Liang to enter without crouching, but she found it quite spacious once inside.
The sun had not yet set, and with the light coming through the entrance, Su
Liang noticed that the stone walls had been artificially smoothed, quite even.
There was a clean straw mat on the ground, probably left by Ning Jing when he had stayed here before, and it was covered with a piece of cloth.
The fireplace was a recessed circle, charred black from use.
Su Liang brought her luggage in, followed by the firewood.
The temperature in the mountains dropped once the sky darkened.
She lit a bonfire and skewered the dried flatbread with a clean piece of wood to roast over the flames.
They had bought a small iron pot along the way; Ning Jing had returned with water, which was already heating up.
He moved a wooden stump inside, placing a plate and two bowls on top.
Su Liang put a roasted cake on the plate.
After all the bread was roasted, Ning Jing had been gone for quite some time, so Su Liang was about to go out and look for him when she saw him come in.
She smelled raw meat – Ning Jing had brought back a cleaned wild chicken.
What surprised her was, “I didn’t think you knew how to kill a chicken.” Usually, at home, she was the one who did such tasks.
“I can occasionally.” Ning Jing replied as he took out a knife and cut the chicken into pieces.
Su Liang opened her bag and took out the spices. She had prepared them herself, and Ning Jing had especially brought them from the capital city; they had not used them yet on the way.
Both of them drank some water and ate half a plate of roasted cakes.
When the chicken soup emanated a delicious fragrance, Su Liang sighed,
“Finally, I can have a hot meal.”
Under the clear moonlight in the mountains, Su Liang and Ning Jing sat on the stone by the cave entrance, each holding a bowl of chicken soup.
It had only been six and a half days since they set out from the capital city, faster than their planned journey.
They were truly exhausted since they had limited time to rest each day, and they didn’t eat or sleep well.
“I thought you were always in the capital city and staying at Huguo Temple before the Gu Family incident. After that, you went to Su Family Village.” Su Liang spoke, ‘Were you sneaking out to play during your years at the temple since you were rarely seen?”
“Sometimes.” Ning Jing replied.
They each ate a chicken leg.
Having not eaten meat for several days, they both finished their meal and drank the soup.
Su Liang felt much less fatigued. Eating meat was the best remedy.
“We don’t know what tomorrow will be like, so let’s have a good night’s sleep and keep up our strength.” Su Liang yawned, “Who sleeps first?”
Ning Jing shook his head, “Together.”
Su Liang paused. She hadn’t thought much about it, believing it was for safety reasons that they should take turns keeping watch during the first and second half of the night.
Ning Jing didn’t misunderstand, “No need.”
Upon extinguishing the fire, Ning Jing let Su Liang lie on the mat with dry straw underneath. It wasn’t hard, and she could use her luggage as a pillow and clothing as a blanket.
Ning Jing sat down by the entrance of the cave and closed his eyes.
“We’ll switch at the third watch. Call me when you wake up.” Su Liang said, yawned again, closed her eyes, and soon fell asleep as drowsiness overcame her.
Ning Jing remained motionless, eyes still closed, like a stone statue.
Su Liang opened her eyes, and it was already broad daylight.
She sat up, looked instinctively at the place where Ning Jing had sat the night before, and found it empty. Frowning slightly, she quickly got up.
Leaving the cave, she saw a slender figure bathed in the morning light coming up from the foot of the mountain. The ordinary appearance created by disguise couldn’t hide his cold and dustless temperament.
“I went to feed the horses.” Ning Jing said, “Pack up and let’s go.”
Without relighting the fire, they drank some cooled water from the previous night, restored the cave entrance, and then descended the mountain. They rode their horses through the valley, and Xuanbei City appeared in the distance.
Liang Country, located in the northern part of Qian Country, had always been at odds with Qian. The most recent major conflict had taken place three years ago, with heavy casualties on both sides; a stalemate had led to a ceasefire agreement.
However, Liang Country’s cold climate, barren land, and poor resources resulted in constant attempts to invade Qjan. The northern border had been
uneasy in the past year.
Despite several tests from Liang Country, the two sides had not had an open conflict. Officially, it was still a peaceful period between the two countries.
As Xuanbei City was a necessary stop on the way from Qian to Liang, there were many merchants transporting goods between the two countries.
Su Liang and Ning Jing disguised themselves as brothers who were going to Liang Country to buy fur. They showed the silver notes they had brought with them, and “shared” some with the city guards before easily entering the city. They found an inconspicuous inn and booked a small courtyard.
After placing their luggage, they went out to eat.
Having been here before, Ning Jing led Su Liang into a small, unassuming restaurant. It appeared rather shabby from the outside but was bustling inside.
The men drinking and boasting inside paid little attention to the newcomers. People from all over came through here, and Su Liang and Ning Jing didn’t stand out.
Ning Jing ordered food and drinks.
While waiting for the dishes to be served, Su Liang overheard people at the neighboring table saying that the second son of General Wan of the military mansion had taken in another concubine a few days ago.
A man, unable to hide his frustration, lowered his voice and said, “All the good-looking girls in the city are being taken by that Second Son Wan!”
Upon hearing this, Su Liang was filled with anger, instantly reminded of Gai Huai’an who once caused trouble to many young girls in Bei’an County.
These children of the elite, relying on the far distance from the emperor, treated themselves as local tyrants, doing whatever they wanted.
“Be careful not to let others hear you. If the word reaches the Second Son Wan’s ears, your life will be in danger!” An elderly man lightly snorted.
“I saw the two sons of the Wan family leading soldiers out of the north city gate early in the morning. I wonder if those barbarians from the north came to make trouble again!” A middle-aged man said.
“Drive them back if they come!” A man slapped the table, “I heard those barbarians are so hungry they can’t even eat rice properly. Look at them, coming to beg with their bowls in their hands, yet still thinking about fighting with us!”
Laughter filled the restaurant.
Indeed, that was the truth. Liang Country suffered from a constant shortage of food, with common people often starving or freezing to death, and it was far worse in terms of natural conditions than Qian Country.
And this was the main reason why Liang Country would not give up invading Qian Country.
Upon hearing this, the useful information Su Liang received was that Father and Son Wan in Xuanbei City still didn’t know about the major changes in the capital city. Otherwise, Second Son Wan wouldn’t have the leisure to take in a concubine, and it seemed like today was just an ordinary day.
The food and drinks were served.
The portions were generous, the cooking was a bit rough, but it had a unique taste.
Ning Jing only poured Su Liang half a cup of alcohol. She took a sip, found it spicy, and set it down.
Ning Jing calmly drank two cups and didn’t drink any more.
After leaving the restaurant, the two walked around Xuanbei City but didn’t go near the military camp before returning to the inn.
“Judging by the timing, even if Wan Shan is not aware of the situation now, he will soon receive the news from the capital,” analyzed Su Liang. “We must act tonight.”
“Yes, let’s go to bed.” Ning Jing said, standing up, “Go to your own room.” Su Liang: …
After catching up on some sleep, when Su Liang woke up again, she felt refreshed, and the fatigue of the past few days was gone.
As night fell, the two changed to another big restaurant for dinner, learning that the two Wan brothers who had led the soldiers out of the city in the morning had returned by evening.
“The barbarians from Liang Country came again, and General Wan received the news early on. He sent two sons to lead the soldiers out of the city, and they drove them far away!” A man said loudly.
Praises for the Wan family’s father and sons filled the restaurant, showing their high reputation in Xuanbei City.
“I heard that General Wan’s old injury has relapsed. I sincerely hope that there is a divine doctor who can cure him. Our Qian Country still needs him to guard our borders!” Someone sincerely said.
Although Su Liang was a doctor, she couldn’t just visit Wan Shan to treat him. Given his status, he would certainly be very cautious about newcomers appearing around him.
After dinner, the two returned to the inn. Before long, they put out the lamp, put on their nightclothes, covered their faces with black cloths, and quietly left the inn to head towards the General Mansion in Xuanbei City.
Both day and night, the General Mansion was heavily guarded. The two kept their distance and observed for a while. They sneaked into the General Mansion when the soldiers changed their shifts.
The mansion covered a large area, but there were only three adjoining courtyards with lights on. Deducing, these should be the residences of the Wan family’s three fathers and sons.
Wan Shan’s wife was in the capital city, the daughters-in-law, who were originally in Xuanbei City, were sent back to the capital city when they became pregnant. It was Duanmu Yi’s idea.
However, the three men weren’t short of female company. Wan Shan and his eldest son, Wan Cong, each had a concubine by their side, while the second son, Wan Lin, had eight. Once they got pregnant, they would be sent to the capital city. After giving birth, they were not brought back. Currently, he had three by his side, including the newly taken one.
After exchanging looks, Su Liang and Ning Jing chose a courtyard that didn’t seem to belong to Wan Shan.
Ning Jing went first and confirmed no one would discover them. Su Liang approached him.
Su Liang hid behind a large tree, keeping an eye on Ning Jing, who leaned against the back wall, waiting for him to signal.
To Su Liang’s surprise, Ning Jing returned to her side after just a short while.
“No one there?” Su Liang found it strange. She thought they should have listened longer to make sure no one was in the room.
“It’s Wan Lin.” Ning Jing said.
Su Liang frowned, “We could still listen to what he’s up to.”
“And his concubine.” Ning Jing’s expression remained calm.
Su Liang immediately understood, “Oh, let’s try another one.” Certain adult matters were better left unheard, lest they dirty their ears.
They moved on and entered another courtyard.
Ning Jing went to eavesdrop first again, but this time he listened for quite a while without gesturing to Su Liang. Su Liang patiently waited in a corner.
Ning Jing finally returned, saying, “There’s no one.”
Su Liang: …Alright. What a waste to leave the light on when no one’s there.
Thus, the two arrived at their third target courtyard.
At first glance, it was clear this was the main courtyard. Unsurprisingly, it was Wan Shan’s residence.
It didn’t take long for Ning Jing to make a silent gesture to Su Liang after approaching the house.
Su Liang slowly got closer, her ears perked up listening to the voices coming from inside.
First, a young man spoke, “I never expected the emperor to depose the crown prince! Does he really want Duanmu Chen to be the new crown prince?”
A moment later, a middle-aged man replied, “Duanmu Chen? He’s just a bit clever. If the new crown prince is him, I’ll send him to meet the Yama King sooner rather than later!”
“Ah, if only we’d known it would come to this, we should’ve gotten rid of Duanmu Chen sooner. Father, I think after deposing the crown prince, the emperor’s next step will be to make us hand over our military power!”
“Hmph! The Wan family has made great contributions to Qian Country. If the emperor is unkind, he cannot blame us for being unrighteous!”
“Father, we didn’t report Liang Country’s several attempts for a truce to the court. What if that backfires?”
“What is there to be afraid of? Who in Qian Country would believe that those barbarians from Liang Country don’t want war? If we make peace with them, where will our opportunity to earn merits come from?”
“Haha, today my second brother and I led troops out of the city for a ride. The report we submitted to the court will earn us another merit! By then, even the common people won’t support the emperor if he tries to move against the Wan family! ”
“Why hasn’t your second brother arrived yet?”
“Forget about him. He just got a beautiful woman and is enjoying himself. The matter of the deposed crown prince requires our attention!”
“The crown prince really messed things up. With his status, he can have any woman, but he had to get involved with Xiao Mulian! Making such a mess and not even cleaning up properly afterward, leaving a loose end!”
“With the crown prince’s identity, what kind of woman wouldn’t he have access to? Even his own sisters would be at his disposal. However, that Martial Arts Champion Su Liang was certainly unexpected. In just over a year, how did she become so capable? Hasn’t the emperor ever suspected her of being a spy?”
“With something so obvious, the emperor must have investigated her thoroughly before entrusting her with an important position. Right now, the emperor has deposed the Eldest Prince but his attitude towards the Second Prince is unclear. Let’s wait for more news; we should know the candidate for the new crown prince soon.”
“The Second Prince? I don’t think the emperor will make him the crown prince.
He will surely take the opportunity to elevate Duanmu Chen!”
As soon as Wan Cong finished speaking, new news from the capital city arrived. Contrary to his expectation, the news confirmed that the new crown prince was indeed Duanmu Ao!
After dismissing the messenger, Wan Cong sneered, “It seems the emperor is still wary of our Wan family! Even after deposing the Eldest Prince, the position of crown prince still can’t be separated from the Wan family!”
Wan Shan’s voice, however, grew somber, “I still feel like the emperor is trying to deceive us.”
“What should we do now?” Wan Cong asked.
Wan Shan coldly snorted, “The problem lies with that Su Liang! Send a message back to the capital, urging the Empress Dowager and the Empress to get rid of that woman as soon as possible!”