嫩草影院地址一二三

Chapter 312: 312. The Perfect Master

By the time he finally “calmed down” and came back from the lake, he ran into Nangong Lin.

“Ling’er, what happened to you…” Nangong Lin looked at the soaking wet Gu Ling with an indescribable expression on his face.

Gu Ling’s face remained calm, “I have a sleepwalking condition, and only discovered myself in the lake when I awoke.”

Nangong Lin frowned, “Sleepwalking? Can’t Xiaoliang cure it?”

Gu Ling shook his head, “After getting married, it’s been much better than before.”

Nangong Lin nodded, “When you sleep at night, let Xiaoliang watch you, so there won’t be any accidents.”

“Okay.” Gu Ling asked Nangong Lin, “Has senior sister woken up yet?”

“She just woke up for a moment, and then fell asleep again.” Nangong Lin deeply sighed, “I told Qianqian that you had arrived, and she said she was very sorry. She always feels like a burden and adds trouble for you.”

Gu Ling didn’t say anything polite. This time’s matter was indeed somewhat troublesome, and his calling Nangong Qian a senior sister was just out of courtesy, nothing more.

“You better go back. If Xiaoliang wakes up and can’t find you, she’ll definitely be worried.” Nangong Lin said to Gu Ling.

However, Gu Ling didn’t leave, “Who taught Master his martial arts?”

Nangong Lin was stunned, “Why do you suddenly ask this?”

Gu Ling’s expression was faint, “I just feel that I knew too little about Master before.”

Nangong Lin sighed softly, “Yes, although we are master and disciple, we haven’t said more than a few words to each other over these years. My master was a down-and-out wandering swordsman. When we first met, I was only ten years old, and thought he was a beggar. I gave him some food, and he grabbed me, pinched my bones, and said he would give me a great gift. Later, he would often secretly find me and teach me martial arts, including the Cold Moon Sword Technique. But I didn’t have much desire for fame and fortune, and when I was young, I just wanted to do business properly, and then take good care of Qianqian.”

When Nangong Lin was young, even though he was born of a concubine, he was still a standard rich young master with handsome looks, gentle temperament, and a hidden top-level master, which indeed qualified him to get acquainted and become brothers with the Situ sisters, Situ Xiang and Situ Ning.

Gu Ling did not question Nangong Lin’s words, because that was his experience many years ago, and it was impossible to verify. He just wanted to ask clearly, “Does Master have any other disciples?”

Nangong Lin was taken aback for a moment and then laughed, “Yes, there’s

Qianqian, but she is physically weak and can’t practice martial arts. The other person who calls me master is Xiaoliang. When I have time, I can give her some guidance.”

“No need,” Gu Ling shook his head, “She has me.” Su Liang was menstruating and temporarily unable to do martial arts, so they wouldn’t stay here for too long.

Nangong Lin chuckled, “That’s true. You’ve surpassed your master in skill. Your current strength must be better than mine.”

After chatting for a while, Master and disciple separated. Gu Ling returned to their room, changed his clothes, carefully got into bed, laying down outside, and under the bright moonlight, quietly looked at Su Liang’s peaceful sleeping face.

“Great God, why don’t you hug me?” Su Liang didn’t open her eyes but suddenly spoke, her tone teasing.

“Did I wake you?” Gu Ling pinched Su Liang’s cheek.

Su Liang opened her eyes, looked at Gu Ling, “I woke up when you went out.”

Gu Ling sighed softly, “You couldn’t sleep well either, I should have slept on the soft couch.”

Su Liang leaned towards Gu Ling, hugged his arm, and closed her eyes again,

“Why did you take so long?”

Gu Ling thought Su Liang looked just like a lazy little kitten at this moment, adorable to death, wanting to kiss her, but considering his recent poor self-control, he restrained himself.

After listening to Gu Ling’s conversation with Nangong Lin, Su Liang nodded, “If you have other senior brothers or junior brothers, they might be your opponents.” But Nangong Lin’s meaning was that he didn’t teach any other disciples.

Having been fatigued from traveling, Su Liang fell asleep soon after chatting with Gu Ling for a while.

Gu Ling imagined the scene of beating up Nian Jincheng in their next meeting and finally fell asleep as well.

It was already broad daylight when Su Liang woke up since she fell asleep late last night. As she sat up, Gu Ling came in with warm water, “Do you feel uncomfortable?”

Su Liang shook her head, “I’m fine.”

After getting up, tidying up, washing, and changing her clothes, Su Liang stood in the courtyard and looked at the lush mountains and forests behind the mid-hill villa. The thick greenery, moist, and fresh air made it an extremely comfortable place for health preservation.

Last night, when they arrived it was dark, and during the daytime, the exquisitely carved beams and rafters of the villa also contrasted with the natural landscape, as the builder had exceptional taste.

Breakfast included some exotic Yin Country delicacies Su Liang hadn’t eaten before; overall, the taste was light and delicious.

“Master is a very considerate person.” Su Liang said to Gu Ling.

Gu Ling nodded, “Too perfect, even a bit fake.”

Su Liang raised an eyebrow, “I think the most perfect person in the world is you, but you’re very real.” At first acquaintance, Su Liang had been amazed by Gu Ling’s beauty, but then she saw his cold demeanor and down-to-earth actions.

Gu Ling’s eyes filled with laughter. He lowered his head and gently kissed the corner of Su Liang’s lips, “I like it when you praise me.”

“It’s sincere.” Su Liang smiled lightly. “To compare, Master represents another kind of perfection in character and behavior, showing no weakness in every word and action.”

But this doesn’t mean Nangong Lin is pretending. It is possible that he is genuinely such a considerate person, and it is natural for him to treat his beloved disciple and daughter-in-law well.

Gu Ling only talked about his feelings. He wasn’t indifferent to human relationships. He could play chess and chat with Lianshun’s father, and even if his own chess skills were poor, he didn’t feel impatient, and listening to him talk and laugh felt very intimate. However, when facing Nangong Lin, he had never felt any desire to get close to him.

“A bit fake” doesn’t mean that Gu Ling found anything wrong with Nangong Lin; it’s just intuition.

After breakfast, Gu Ling and Su Liang went to see Nangong Qian again.

The weather was beautiful. Nangong Qian was carried by Nangong Lin to lie on a lounge chair under the trees in the courtyard. Her palm-sized little face was almost translucent in the sunlight, with delicate blue veins barely visible on her forehead.

“Qianqian, look who’s here!” Nangong Lin said with a smile, getting up.

Upon hearing this, Nangong Qian slowly turned her head. Her gaze fell on Gu Ling’s face, and she stared at him intently as if being transfixed.

“Qianqian, this is Gu Ling whom Dad told you about,” Nangong Lin bent down and said to Nangong Qian.

“I thought I saw an immortal from the heavens…” Nangong Qian murmured, her eyes still fixed on Gu Ling.

Nangong Lin smiled at Gu Ling and Su Liang, “Qianqian hasn’t met many people since she was a child, but she always heard me talk about Linger, and she thought I was exaggerating. She was quite surprised to meet you today.

Please don’t mind.”

Su Liang: … It’s fine, actually she was amazed when she first saw Gu Ling too.

“This is Ling’er’s wife, Su Liang,” Nangong Lin introduced her to Nangong Qian.

Only then did Nangong Qian notice Su Liang, speaking weakly, “I’ve heard Dad mention you… Thank you for coming…”

While Gu Ling was looking at the orchids in the courtyard, Su Liang sat down next to Nangong Qian, and observed, asked, and palpated her.

“Senior sister, don’t worry too much,” Su Liang said to Nangong Qian.

Nangong Qian stared blankly, “I know… it’s not good for my body, but I can’t control it…”

“It’s due to physical reasons,” Su Liang said, “But you can try to make some adjustments, and think more about happy things.”

Nangong Qian let out a faint sigh, “I’m not as carefree and healthy as my sister, what happy things do I have to think about?”

Su Liang: … well, this temperament is somewhat like Lin Girl, it’s useless to say more.

Nangong Lin asked Su Liang if there was a way to treat Nangong Qian, and Su

Liang nodded, “I’ll do my best.”

Going through vast relief, Nangong Lin said, “Just let me know if you need anything. I can’t speak for other things, but Nangong Family won’t lack medicinal herbs.”

“Alright, I’ll write a prescription for Master and adjust Senior Sister’s diet,” Su Liang said.

Nangong Lin got the writing materials, and Su Liang quickly wrote a prescription for him.

Seeing Su Liang’s handwriting, Nangong Lin was surprised, “This handwriting is just like Ling’er’s.”

Su Liang smiled, “His writing is attractive, so I specially learned it.” After crossing into this world, she learned two types of handwriting, one from Ning Jing and the other from Gu Ling. Comparatively, she felt that Gu Ling’s writing suited her more. It was previously inconvenient to use, but now that Gu Ling had recovered his identity and married her, there were no more taboos. “Father, can I take a look too?” Nangong Qian reached out her hand.

Nangong Lin handed the prescription over to her.

“It’s so beautiful,” Nangong Qian praised, “The handwriting reflects the person.”

Su Liang knew that this must not be about her. The handwriting was Gu Ling’s, and she just imitated it.

After giving Nangong Qian another acupuncture treatment, it was still early,

GU Ling said he wanted to go for a walk. Man gong Lin wanted to arrange someone to show them around but was refused.

Su Liang and Gu Ling disguised themselves once more, left the villa, and headed to Hefeng City.

The sun shone brightly as Su Liang and Gu Ling strolled through the city, enjoying the rare leisure moments.

“How many days do you need?” Gu Ling asked again.

Su Liang thought and said, “Five to six days.” Once she confirmed that her medicine was effective for Nangong Qian, they could leave.

“Very well,” Gu Ling thought it was just right.

Su Liang knew what he was thinking and chuckled, “After we leave, we’ll visit the capital city of Yin Country.”

“Buy a mansion there,” Gu Ling said.

Su Liang coughed lightly, “Brother, although we’re not short of money, we may only stay for a day or two. Is it necessary?”

Gu Ling nodded, “It’s necessary. We can’t consummate our marriage in an inn. We can return and live there later – as a memento.”

Su Liang: …Well, as long as he’s happy.

The two of them went sightseeing in Hefeng City and visited the temples in the city.

By the time they returned to Mid-hill Villa, Nangong Lin had already prepared the medicine according to Su Liang’s prescription.

Su Liang checked that there were no issues and that all the ingredients were top-notch.

“Xiaoliang, I Imow you won’t stay here long. Qianqian has never had friends since she was a child. Before you leave, could you please accompany her more?” Nangong Lin sighed, “She likes you both very much and is afraid of causing you trouble.”

“Alright,” Su Liang agreed promptly. As a doctor, providing psychological counseling to patients was also part of the treatment.

“I’m truly grateful. If Qianqian’s health improves and she can go out, I’ll definitely take her out to see the world and visit you in Qian Country,” Nangong Lin said.

That night, Gu Ling slept on the soft couch and didn’t “sleepwalk” to soak in the cold water anymore.

It was deep into the night, and Nangong Lin was still with Nangong Qian.

“I’m very worried about my brother…” Nangong Qian’s face was full of concern, “What exactly does Situ Xie want him to do?”

Nangong Lin sighed and shook his head, “I don’t know what Situ Xie intends to do, but he can’t do more than attempt to seize worldly power by using Jingjing as his pawn. Jingjing is stuck in a quagmire now, and it is precisely because of his kind heart that he has been controlled by others. If only he were more heartless, things wouldn’t have turned out this way.”

Named by Situ Xiang at birth, the boy and girl twins were called Jing and Qian, symbolizing peace and stability.

Che Yun’s real name was Situ Jing.

“Why doesn’t Situ Xie use Gu Ling instead?” Nangong Qian could not understand.

Nangong Lin snorted, “Situ Xie initially chose Ah Ling’s father, Gu Yuan, as the pawn against Qian Country. Unfortunately, he failed. Ah Ling is an apparent pawn and too conspicuous, so it’s not easy to use him. Besides, he has been extremely intelligent since childhood, unwilling to be manipulated by others. Jingjing, on the other hand, is the hidden pawn Situ Xie has planted, never giving him a chance to refuse.”

“My brother’s life is so difficult…” Nangong Qian’s eyes reddened, “Father, is there really no way to help him?”

Nangong Lin sighed deeply, “I’ve tried to help him get away several times, but he refused.

“If I recover, I’ll go see my brother,” Nangong Qian said.

Nangong Lin nodded, “It’s good that you’re thinking this way. He’s not that he doesn’t care about you; he just can’t get away.”

Nangong Qian appeared lost, “I really envy Su Liang.”

Nangong Lin’s eyebrows slightly creased, “Qianqian, could it be that… you like

Ah Ling?”

A faint blush appeared on Nangong Qian’s pale face as she lowered her eyes in silence.

Nangong Lin sighed continuously, “You and Jingjing are really…”

“What does it have to do with my brother?” Nangong Qian’s voice was as soft as a mosquito’s.

“Although he doesn’t admit it, I can see that he has feelings for Su Liang,” Nangong Lin said and then shook his head, “I shouldn’t have mentioned this to you; now you’ll overthink.”

Nangong Qian’s face was full of astonishment, “My brother likes Su Liang too? But Su Liang married Gu Ling… My brother must feel heartbroken watching them together…”

“Actually…” Nangong Lin hesitated to speak.

“What were you going to say, Father?” Nangong Qian frowned slightly.

“Back then, Xiangmei (Situ Xiang) and Aning were even closer than real sisters. I once heard them say that if they got married and had children, they would definitely become in-laws. Xiangmei even said that if she had a daughter, she wouldn’t feel at ease marrying her off to someone else. It would only be best if Aning was the mother-in -law of her daughter…” Nangong Lin looked somewhat melancholic, “At that time, there was no Gu Yuan, no Situ Han. We were all carefree and happy. How wonderful it was!”

Nangong Qian’s face was full of shock, “Father, are you saying… Gu Ling and I should have been…?”

Nangong Lin nodded, “Not should have been, but you two were engaged. It was delayed because of your weak physical condition and the incident in his family that caused him to lose contact. I should have told him earlier.”

Nangong Qian’s eyes dimmed, “Even if he had known earlier, he might not have liked me…”

Nangong Lin grasped Nangong Qian’s hand, looked into her eyes, and asked,

“Do you truly like Gu Ling and want to be with him? Tell Father the truth.”

Nangong Qian softly nodded, “From the moment I saw him, I’ve never been able to forget.”

“Alright, Father knows now,” Nangong Lin’s eyes flickered with a mysterious depth.

“Father… what are you going to do?” Nangong Qian widened her eyes.

“You don’t need to worry about it,” Nangong Lin stood up, “For you and Jingjing, Father will think of something.”

It was past midnight and the wind had picked up.

Nangong Lin returned to his study, opened a hidden compartment, and took out a painting scroll. Carefully, he unfolded it in front of him.

The woman in the painting was breathtakingly beautiful, her smile enchanting.

Nangong Lin gently touched the woman’s face in the painting, an inscrutable smile on his face, “Aning, I liked you so much back then, but you refused to accept me. Now I can’t tell whether I love you more or hate you more… But no matter what, I’ll never allow your son to reject my daughter again..”