BXBX NOVEL Chapter 340: 340. Groundless Talk
Chapter 340: 340. Groundless Talk
Peeling off the blindfold, Su Liang leaned in to check the condition of Situ Jing’s eyes.
Lian Shun glanced at Gu Ling subconsciously, only to find his expression usual, and showing no intention to intervene.
As Su Liang straightened up thoughtfully and distanced herself from Situ Jing, Qiao Cong quickly asked, “How is it? Is it possible to heal?”
Su Liang shook her head, causing Qiao Cong’s face to sink. But then she said, “There’s less than a sixty percent chance.”
“More than fifty percent is considered good odds. As your master, I believe in your medical skills!” Qiao Cong sighed with relief. “Don’t feel pressure. He’s already in this state; even if he can’t be cured, it won’t be your fault.”
Situ Jing:…
Su Liang smiled slightly as Gu Ling was pulling her to sit down, “Master, I haven’t even said that I wanted to heal him yet. I was just taking a look.”
Qiao Cong frowned, “If you have any conditions, just voice them. It’s just that there was no medicine around. Otherwise, I would have wiped his memory clean last night.”
“That does seem like a solution,” Su Liang agreed. “But there’s really no such medicine now. I can’t trust that he won’t stand against us in the future.”
Qiao Cong narrowed his eyes, “I will keep an eye on him and prevent him from making the same mistake!”
“But given your age, Master…” Su Liang shrugged, “No offense, but whether you’re protecting or watching him, there will come a day when you cannot. It’s not a long-term solution.”
“Then what do you suggest? As long as you can heal him, preventing him from becoming blind at such a young age, I will agree to any condition,” Qiao Cong still wanted to save Situ Jing in the end.
“I really didn’t think of anything,” Su Liang turned to Gu Ling, “What do you say, my dear?”
Lian Shun thought to himself that Gu Ling would certainly be unhappy for Su Liang to heal Situ Jing. Asking him this kind of question wouldn’t yield any answer.
Who knew, without even a second thought, Gu Ling opened his mouth, “Alright.”
The sudden agreement took Qiao Cong, Cen Man, and Lian Shun by surprise, and they were all curious as to what Gu Ling’s condition might be.
“This is an opportunity for Su Liang to practise,” Gu Ling began, making clear his reason for not opposing Su Liang’s offer to heal Situ Jing. It had nothing to do with Qiao Cong’s influence, nor turning a blind eye to old grudges, nor considering Situ Jing a brother out of respect for his mother. It was purely for Su Liang’s sake. She is a hardworking doctor. If she encountered a challenging case that intrigued her, she loved to take a crack at it. If the treatment worked, then great, if not, no harm done.
Qiao Cong’s beard trembled slightly at this.
Lian Shun felt like laughing out loud. Gu Xiaoling lived up to his reputation! His provocation was always blunt and straightforward. He liked it!
“If he can be cured, he must repay his debt.” Gu Ling continued.
Situ Jing’s face darkened, but Qiao Cong nodded, “That’s only fair. What do you want in return?”
“Let him do what he’s good at,” replied Gu Ling.
Lian Shun raised an eyebrow. What was Situ Jing good at? Serving as a spy?
Hearing this, Situ Jing guessed what Gu Ling was driving at, and snorted coldly, “Do you want to manipulate me as your tool too?”
“You can choose to remain blind,” Gu Ling replied indifferently.
“If that’s the case, how are you any different from Situ Xie?” Situ Jing’s face twisted with anger.
“He forced you to become a spy,” said Gu Ling. “You will have to beg us for a chance to serve us. Take it or leave it.”
Situ Jing’s face turned from pale to green, lips tightened, and fists clenched.
Qiao Cong and Lian Shun both knew that the last thing Situ Jing wanted was to be under someone’s thumb again. That’s why he pursued power directly and primarily.
Gu Ling’s condition had struck at Situ Jing’s weakest point.
Qiao Cong sighed deeply and bargained with Gu Ling, “Can we come up with another condition? I don’t want him involved in those things again; it’s too risky.”
But Gu Ling didn’t give in, “No.” Qiao Cong didn’t even have a temporary master-disciple relationship with him, and the fact that he was willing to teach Qiao Cong swordsmanship was just an apologetic gesture from Qiao Cong. He accepted it but didn’t feel indebted as a result. Fair is fair.
And adults must bear the consequences of their choices.
Situ Jing’s eyes are poisoned and blinded; it was his own fault. The poison was intended for Situ Xie. If Situ Jing hadn’t chosen to side with Situ Xie initially, nothing would have happened to him. Not to mention, he didn’t have a choice then, but after he reunited with Qiao Cong, he had a complete opportunity to break free from the control of Situ Xie and Nangong Lin.
Now, if Situ Jing wants to regain his sight, he must beg Su Liang and Gu Ling and agree to and fulfill the conditions they propose, even if that’s something he’d least like to do.
Alternatively, if Su Liang had let Gu Ling set conditions, offering Situ Jing a chance to be healed, it was out of respect for Qiao Cong.
Unable to help himself, Lian Shun cut in, “Situ Jing, isn’t being a prince in Liang Country what you want? Now, you’re relying on your grandfather and unwilling to pay the price. Do you expect Su Xiaoliang to treat you for free? Stop dreaming! You made all the choices, and the right to choose is still in your hands.”
Cen Man said softly, “Old Qiao, I don’t think it’s a bad thing.” She thought no matter what Gu Ling asked Situ Jing to do, it was a chance for him to atone for his mistakes.
With his eyes slightly narrowed, Qiao Cong said, “Jing Jing, in that case, you should agree. No matter what Su Liang and Gu Ling ask you to do afterwards, you must do it with all your might.”
“Alright, I agree to your conditions,” said Situ Jing in a heavy voice.
Lian Shun scoffed, “Don’t be so reluctant. If it wasn’t for your grandfather, you wouldn’t even have the chance to choose. If Su Xiaoliang cures you and you betray her, Gu Xiaoling will definitely gouge out your eyes! Don’t think I’m joking!”
Cen Man brought up a point, “Su Liang, do we need to send someone out to buy the medicinal materials? Is Master Lin staying on the island?”
Su Liang shook her head, “He needs to go home as soon as possible; otherwise, his family will worry.” Then she moved closer to Cen Man and took another look at her eyes.
Sensing something, Cen Man asked Su Liang what was going on.
“Nothing. “Su Liang smiled, “I’ll go back and write out a prescription.”
Just looking at Situ Jing’s eyes had given Su Liang a new idea for treating Cen Man. She decided to give it a try. Even if it failed, it couldn’t be any worse. On the off chance it succeeded, Cen Man would be able to see again in her lifetime, and her life would significantly improve.
Lowering his head, Qiao Cong glanced at his injured foot. “Can I go out now?”
Su Liang shook her head, “Master, you need to recuperate. We need to move.”
Qiao Cong’s brow furrowed, “Are you leaving?”
“No.” Su Liang shook her head. “We can’t stay here anymore, it’s not safe. If Master hadn’t been injured, it would be fine, but right now, only Gu Ling can go out. If the rest run into Nangong Lin coming back for revenge, it will be quite troublesome.”
Nangong Lin had waited for many years, expecting Qiao Cong to teach him the complete swordsmanship, but all his efforts had been in vain. Now that they’ve cut ties, given his crafty and sadistic nature, he certainly won’t let it go. Moreover, his only daughter, Nangong Qian, is still here.
Su Liang believed that it was highly possible that Nangong Lin would recover from his injuries and return. Because he didn’t know that Gu Ling and Cen Man were also on the island, he would surely think that he could easily take on an injured Qiao Cong and that Su Liang would pose no threat to him.
The only one suitable for going out and buying supplies was Gu Ling. If Nangong Lin were to arrive while Gu Ling was present, they could handle him and even seize the opportunity to eliminate him. But if he infiltrated the island when Gu Ling was away, that would be a significant problem.
“Xiaoliang has thought everything through.” Cen Man nodded, “Why not, let’s all go to my place. It’s not far from here, Nangong Lin doesn’t know about it, and there are houses to live in.”
Su Liang shook his head, “Living on an island, it’s very quiet during uneventful times, but it is incapable of self-sufficiency, and life is inevitably inconvenient. Especially now with the injuries and the illness, we need not only food but also medicine. I think, we better return to a normal place to live.”
Lian Shun agreed emphatically, “Right! Let’s go back to Jiaye City! If you don’t want anyone to know, I can arrange a safe place for you all!”
Shame filled Qiao Cong’s face, “It’s all my fault. You had just settled into your finished house for a few days, and now you must leave.” He knew back then that Gu Ling had agreed to stay with Su Liang just to enjoy some tranquillity and avoid the tumult of the outside world.
Su Liang dismissed it with a smile, “Plans always fall behind changes, we couldn’t have stayed here too long anyway.”
Cen Man stated that she will follow Su Liang no matter where they go.
Situ Jing didn’t have the luxury to speak up, but he knew Su Liang’s decision was a very wise one. He isn’t Nangong Lin’s son, and the so-called master-disciple affection was only so genuine, one look at how Nangong Lin treated Gu Ling made it clear. There won’t be any good outcome when they meet again. He will need to avoid risks until his eyes are fully healed.
Having settled on this, they would set off from this island and return to Jiaye City today. Lian Shun has already thought about where to settle them, but Su Liang felt they could decide when they get there; buying another residence might indeed be safer than living in a cottage in Lin’s house.
For the time being, both Su Liang and Gu Ling did not wish to appear openly in Jiaye City. They were not hiding from Duanmu Yi but the Liang Country’s Royal Family, led by Situ Xie. Based on previous events, given the opportunity, Situ Xie would spare no effort to capture or eliminate Gu Ling and Su Liang, as they were the biggest obstacles on his path to great achievement.
Upon finding out they were leaving the island to return to the city, Qiuyue was overjoyed. Even though she had tried her best to adapt, she still didn’t want to live on the island long-term. As long as she could leave this place, she would be one step closer to home.
Nangong Qian didn’t understand much, and Qiao Cong didn’t wish for her to know too much. He only stated that due to his injuries, it wasn’t convenient to reside here.
Gu Ling, with Su Liang in his arms, went back to their little courtyard by the lake to pack. Lian Shun followed behind. Being the kidnapped party, he had absolutely nothing to pack. He didn’t even have a change of clothes. So, he requested to borrow an outfit from Gu Ling.
“Such a beautiful place, such a pity we have to leave soon.” Lian Shun sighed, “But once the baby is born, you guys can choose to come back and live here whenever you want. Just remember to bring me along, I can help look after the child!”
“Stay away from my child.” Gu Ling said.
Lian Shun was instantly offended, “Why?”
“Stupidity, it’s contagious.” Gu Ling commented darkly.
Stepping up, Lian Shun took Gu Ling’s arm on the other side and rested his head on him, “Calling me stupid? I’ll start with you!”
Suppressing her amusement, Su Liang chimed, “You two carry on, should I go?”
Gu Ling kicked Lian Shun away with one foot, “Stop talking nonsense. No wild guesses.” Aware of Su Liang’s knowledge of multiple sexual orientations from her past life, he knew she was teasing him.
Ricocheting off a bamboo stalk, Lian Shun bounced back onto the cobblestone path. He recalled the times he was kicked by Gu Ling in Jiaye City and found he was getting accustomed to it…
Gu Ling didn’t have much luggage. Su Liang had many items, most of which were bought for her by Qiao Cong after they moved here, among which was a thick stack of medical books.
As for bedding and such, Su Liang thought she would leave them here so they could be used when they return.
But Gu Ling insisted on bringing them along, mentioning that the boat ride would be bumpy and given they set out today, they wouldn’t reach Jiaye City until tomorrow.
Packing was simple, but they still needed to prepare a day’s worth of provisions for everyone in the group.
When Lin Shun witnessed Gu Ling’s elegant and skilled cooking, as smooth as flowing water, he couldn’t help but marvel, “Gu Xiaoling, are you a demon? Aren’t you? How is it that you can do everything so well? How are ordinary men like me supposed to live? I need to apologize to Su Xiaoliang, for ever confessing my affection to her. When compared to you, I feel like my presumption of being worthy of Su Xiaolian is utterly ludicrous!”
Gu Ling finished stuffing a meat pie and placed it on the cutting board, saying nonchalantly, “None for you.”
Lin Shun: … He absolutely couldn’t say that he would sever their friendship, because Gu Ling would surely agree immediately. Once the pie was cooked, he just had to snatch it!
Watching Gu Ling cook the first pie, Lin Shun was ready to reach out and take it. But Gu Ling scooped it up with a spatula, cut it into consume easier pieces, stuck a fork that he’d handmade himself into it, and turned to hand it over to him.
Lin Shun was moved in an instant, “Gu Xiaoling, you’re so good to me!”
There was a cold glint in Gu Ling’s eyes, “Take it to Su Liang. Don’t you dare sneak a bite.”
Lin Shun held his forehead, “Yes yes yes, who would dare to snatch it from her? She is carrying my godson, or maybe my goddaughter, hehe!” And with that, he went off to look for Su Liang with the meat pie.
Su Liang wasn’t hungry, so after tasting a piece, she gave the rest to Lin Shun since he was salivating.
Lin Shun took a bite, “This is…. Gu Xiaoling’s cooking skills are absolutely superb! It’s you who gave it to me. If he tries to beat me up, you’ll have to stop him.”
Su Liang smiled, “I like watching my husband beat people up, it’s particularly attractive.”
As Lin Shun ate the delicious meat pie, he quipped about the caustic couple, they were indeed a perfect match!
Under the scorching afternoon sun, Gu Ling placed a hat on Su Liang’s head, and with arm around her, walked through the bamboo forest to join others waiting on the beach. Lin Shun had made several trips to help them move their luggage.
There were two boats on the island, one owned by Qiao Cong, and the other was used by Cen Man earlier. The boat Nangong Lin and Situ Jing rode on the previous night had been taken away by Nangong Lin again.
Qiao Cong, Situ Jing, Nangong Qian and Qiuyue were in one boat, and Lin Shun was arranged to take care of them.
In the other boat were Su Liang, Gu Ling, and Cen Man. Blankets were laid out in the boat. Su Liang lay down comfortably, the sound of the boat moving through the water near her ear, as Cen Man, with a fan in hand, fanned her to cool her down.
Su Liang mentioned that it wasn’t necessary, but Cen Man insisted on doing so for the sake of her unborn grandchild…
Capital city of Qian Country.
Duanmu Chen was once again summoned to the palace early in the morning, unsure of what had happened again.
When he met Duanmu Yi, the latter appeared calm, but Duanmu Chen inexplicably felt a stifling atmosphere.
After bowing, Duanmu Yi remained silent and threw a letter at Duanmu Chen.
Unsure of the context, Duanmu Chen opened the letter. After reading the beginning, his eyes contracted sharply, and his heart sank: The Ning Jing who had earlier become the Top Scholar, was Gu Ling disguised, and the real Ning Jing was long dead. Gu Ling and Su Liang had colluded since their time in Su Family’s village, and had been deceiving the king from start to end.
The letter further stated that Su Liang became the Top Scholar out of revenge and that all the princes of the Qian Country who had either died or disappeared were a result of her and Gu Ling’s actions.
After reading, Duanmu Chen’s face returned to calm, he closed his eyes and respectfully replied, “Your Majesty, regardless of who wrote this letter, it’s all baseless nonsense! It’s just impossible! The whole world knows exactly how capable Su Liang and Gu Ling are. If that were so, both Liang Country and Yin Country would’ve done everything possible to eliminate them! Precisely for this reason, we can’t readily believe this letter that lacks substantiate evidence, because doing so would play right into the enemy’s hands!”