嫩草影院地址一二三

Chapter 341: 341. Count it on Su Liang’s head.

Because Duanmu Chen knew very well that he was only subconsciously defending Su Liang, not truly doubting the origin of this letter.

The fact that “Ning Jing” is Gu Ling, Duanmu Chen hadn’t thought of before. As for the other matters, he had already had suspicions. Even when he saw the line in the letter stating that the top scholar “Ning Jing” was simply a disguise by Gu Ling, it clarified Duanmu Chen’s long-held doubts!

In other words, Duanmu Chen knew that much of what was said in the letter was true.

It wasn’t that Su Liang and Gu Ling had shown any obvious flaws, but looking at the results, there were too many coincidences.

The “story” told in the letter, compared to what they visibly saw Su Liang and Gu Ling do, the former fits more with their natures! This, was the most lethal point!

Duanmu Chen somewhat regretted impulsively defending Su Liang just now. He still thinks that he should defend Su Liang, but saying those words so quickly might make Duanmu Yi suspect that he was already aware of everything and was in cahoots. After all, he had become the crown prince, while the original crown prince and both the Second and Fifth princes, seen as obstacles, had either died or were under house arrest Semi-crazy…

Looking at the results, if Duanmu Chen was suspected of colluding with Su Liang and Gu Ling, it would appear quite plausible that he swept away obstacles to ascend, they sought revenge, and thus formed a covert alliance.

And the truth is, Duanmu Chen truly had a cooperative relationship with Su Liang. It’s just that many of the later developments were not discussed with him by Su Liang, and the purpose was not to help him, but the results were always to his advantage.

Duanmu Chen thought that Duanmu Yi would reprimand him, he was already thinking about how to reply next.

But, Duanmu Yi only looked at Duanmu Chen with profound eyes, not saying anything, making Duanmu Chen feel even more uneasy.

Just as Duanmu Chen’s thoughts cleared and he prepared to explain, he heard Duanmu Yi say, “You’re right, this letter must be related to Situ Xie. He wants to sow discord to cast doubt on Su Liang and Gu Ling, and use my hand to eliminate them.”

Duanmu Chen felt a relief in his heart, “This servant also believes that this is Situ Xie’s doing. Relying on his relationship with Gu Ling, he fabricated some seemingly plausible stories to confuse us.”

“You may leave.” Duanmu Yi’s spoke and left the Imperial Study proceedings before Duanmu Chen could say anything else.

Duanmu Chen then came out of the Imperial Study, looking at the vague daylight outside, the morning mist hitting his face felt a bit cold, remembering the look in Duanmu Yi’s eyes, his heart sank again.

Duanmu Chen knew, Duanmu Yi believed what was said in that letter, perhaps regardless of whether he defended Su Liang or not, Duanmu Yi would identify him as a conspirator in harming his brothers.

In fact, if Su Liang had initially approached Duanmu Chen to conspire to remove Duanmu Cheng and Duanmu Ao, Duanmu Chen would not have refused…

Chang’an was waiting outside the palace and was somewhat surprised when Duanmu Chen came out so quickly.

Duanmu Chen silently boarded the carriage, Chang’an hurriedly drove back to the mansion.

Halfway there, a voice suddenly came from the carriage, “Chang’an, do you think Su Liang would harm me?”

Chang’an was stunned for a moment, he pondered for a while before answering, “This servant believes, as long as the master does not do anything inappropriate, Miss Su will certainly not harm the master.”

Duanmu Chen silently nodded his head, it was a reminder he had always given himself since knowing Su Liang.

At the moment, Su Liang was not around, she might still be under control or she might have escaped, but regardless, Duanmu Chen never doubted that she would definitely solve the trouble and return safely.

What mattered to Duanmu Chen was not about what Su Liang had deceived him about, because they were never really close friends.

More importantly, Duanmu Chen had received many benefits because of Su Liang, and firmly believed, there would be future “cooperation” between them. He even felt that without the help of Su Liang and Gu Ling, he might be stuck at the position of crown prince of Qian Country, unable to go any further.

These two years of experience have made Duanmu Chen realize his shortcomings. Sometimes, having status and cunning is not enough to get what one wants.

He was facing a cunning and cruel war without smoke of gunpowder, with endless enemies, some cleverer than him, and many with more power and means.

Duanmu Chen often felt uneasy after Su Liang’s incident and increasingly realized that his luck played a large part in his success today. And his luck came from Su Liang.

Chang’an heard Duanmu Chen sigh and couldn’t help but ask, “Master, what’s wrong?”

It took a while for Duanmu Chen to reply, “Nothing.”

He was worrying about his own situation, but considering the current condition of the royal family of Qian Country, if Duanmu Yi has not lost his sanity, he should know that he is the only suitable candidate for the crown prince.

Duanmu Yi might choose to continue to use Su Liang and Gu Ling, or he might turn against them.

Duanmu Chen did not just come to realize today, only that he became more aware that Duanmu Yi will sooner or later get rid of Su Liang and Gu Ling. Originally, he was going to “put away his bow after the birds are gone”, but now he may continue, or he may take action ahead of time.

And when Duanmu Chen subconsciously defended Su Liang in the Imperial Study, he had already made his choice. His interests and Duanmu Yi’s are not the same, they even conflict, because he wants the position Duanmu Yi currently holds, and Duanmu Yi might not give it to him.

But, past experiences told Duanmu Chen that although his interests and Su Liang’s were fundamentally different, they could reach the same result, and he was the one who benefited.

At this point, although Duanmu Chen felt uneasy, he had more clarity about his future.

Upon returning to the Crown Prince’s mansion, Duanmu Chen behaved as normal and did not go out again.

In the middle of the night, Lin Shuzhi woke up suddenly. Sitting up, he noticed a letter on his blanket.

There was no one else in the room, all doors and windows were shut. He devoted his gaze, picked up the letter, scanned it and his face changed dramatically!

The letter was sent by Duanmu Chen, and it contained just one piece of information: Duanmu Yi had come to know that the past “Ning Jing” was a disguise of Gu Ling.

This was indeed a concern for Lin Shuzhi.

Duanmu Chen had guessed right. The Lin father and son were aware of the fact. His goal for sending this letter were twofold. Firstly, to utilise Lin Shuzhi to pass the message to Su Liang. Even if Lin Shuzhi didn’t know where Su Liang was at the moment, Duanmu Chen believed that his family would find out before he does when Su Liang escapes. Secondly, by risking his identity Duanmu Chen is expressing his allegiance, he is on Su Liang’s side.

Lin Shuzhi put the letter under his pillow, closed his eyes and sighed deeply.

Next day, before going to the court, Lin Boyan had a talk with Lin Shuzhi for a quarter in the study room.

Lin Xueqing, who is pregnant, often stays with her mother. She wished to go shopping on that day, and Xing Yusheng accompanied her. They bumped into Yang Yu at Yang Family’s Embroidery Workshop, where they went to buy fabric for their nephew. As it was approaching noon, they decided to have lunch together at the Wan Family Restaurant.

In the afternoon, they all left the restaurant. Yang Yu returned to the Su Mansion, where she had moved in a while ago and had been living for some time.

Xing Yusheng took Lin Xueqing to visit the Marquis Zhong Xin’s Mansion and meet the dowager. She mentioned sending some seasonal fruits to Xing Ji in Xuanbei City.

Xing Yuyan, who was originally to be married to Liang Country, was secretly sent to the capital city. Accompanying her was Situ Jing, the eldest grandson of Situ Xie.

That night, Ren Dong met Duanmu Yi again.

“Any news from Su Liang?” Duanmu Yi asked, his voice cold.

Ren Dong shook her head, “Your Majesty, General Nian sent a letter to the Madam Nian a few days ago to assure her of their safety, but still there is no news of Doctor Su.”

“Alright, retreat. Inform immediately upon receiving any news,” said Duanmu Yi.

Ren Dong paid her respects and left, unaware of Duanmu Yi’s icy glare.

When Ren Dong returned to Su Mansion, Yang Yu was still awake.

She went straight to her room without speaking to Yang Yu. The important news that Duanmu Chen had divulged was already passed to Yang Yu and Ren Dong by the Lin Mansion. Following this, Yang Yu would promptly inform Nian Jincheng. Xing Yusheng had also secretly sent someone to inform Xing Ji in Xuanbei City and make preparations.

The shadow stalking Ren Dong stayed in Su Mansion for another hour. Unable to glean any information, it left to report back.

Meanwhile in the Crown Prince’s mansion, Duanmu Chen, who had just gone to bed, suddenly sat up, his brows deeply furrowed.

He believed it was Situ Xie’s doing. However, Situ Xie had earlier sent his grandson as a spy, and had taken Su Liang into custody. If she was in his hands, he could not have sent such a letter, as it might risk losing her value as a threat to the royal family of Qian Country.

Duanmu Chen finally realised something. If the letter did come from Situ Xie, it meant that Su Liang had already escaped!

But if that were the case, the letter had been sent all the way from Liang Country to Qian Country and it took so long, yet there was no news nor a return of Su Liang…

Duanmu Chen looked worried. If Duanmu Yi figured this, he would be more doubtful of Su Liang and the missing Gu Ling!

“Chang’an!”

Chang’an entered quickly. Seeing Duanmu Chen walk out of his inner room, rubbing his forehead, he asked,” Any unrest in the palace?”

Chang’an shook his head, “Nothing unusual. Did the master have a bad dream?”

Duanmu Chen sighed, “If she doesn’t come back soon, I will truly start having nightmares.”

Chang’an was stunned for a moment, “Master, are you concerned about Miss Su? This subordinate believes that she is naturally blessed and will certainly return safe and sound!”

Duanmu Chen:… Yes, there were signs of Su Liang escaping, yet no news of her. But she might stir up Duanmu Yi if she really came back.

For a moment, Duanmu Chen began to suspect that Su Liang was deliberately evading. Consequently, it would confirm her “disloyalty”. Furthermore, she had also married the son of a rebel….

The more he thought about it, the more uneasy Duanmu Chen became.

“Master, is all well?” Chang’an noticed that something was off with Duanmu Chen’s expression.

Duanmu Chen sat down, making and unmaking a fist, “Has there been any movements from Duanmu Che recently?”

Chang’an shook his head, “There hasn’t been any news from the fifth prince for quite some time.”

Duanmu Chen took a deep breath to calm himself down, “Alright, nothing is wrong, you may go rest.”

Xuanbei City.

After dinner that day, Xing Ji suddenly felt stabbing pains in his chest, occurring intermittently. Qi Jiang, who dined with him, also presented the same symptoms.

The military physicians were well-experienced in treating external injuries, but knew little about poisons. They diagnosed them as poisoned, but couldn’t identify which type of poison it was. They tried a silver needle on the remaining food, but it didn’t turn black.

An hour later, a letter was delivered.

The letter straightforwardly stated that Xing Ji must personally meet out of the city at midnight to exchange Situ Jing for the antidote. Otherwise, it was certain death before dawn!

“You absolutely mustn’t go! It’s definitely a trap!” Qi Jiang looked pale.

Xing Ji was relatively calm, “Situ Xie’s objective is just saving his grandson, not killing me.” But, he couldn’t rule out the possibility of them attempting to kill him after freeing Situ Jing.

“But Situ Jing isn’t here.” Qi Jiang furrowed his brows.

They had received the news earlier, that Situ Xie had captured Su Liang. Duanmu Yi then secretly transferred Situ Jing to the capital city.

Xing Ji summoned all the military commanders of Xuanbei City, instructing them on who should take over in case he met with misfortune.

Although encountering such a situation was unexpected, Xing Ji was psychologically prepared. His role was inherently in a high-risk position, it would be strange if the enemy didn’t want to get rid of him.

If he chose not to go, he would die from poison. If he went, there might be a turning point. Situ Jing wasn’t in Xuanbei City, providing a good chance to bargain and delay by negotiating terms.

Qi Jiang wanted to accompany him but was asked by Xing Ji to stay. Xing Ji wrote a letter to his family, or should it be more accurately called a “will,” just in case.

At midnight, Xing Ji led a team of soldiers, appearing at the agreed-upon location.

There were three people on the other side, and the female leader was actually Ying Ying, who had been arranged by Situ Xie to rescue Situ Jing.

“Where’s Young Master Jing?” Ying Ying asked coldly.

Xing Ji maintained a calm face, “He’s ill, severely ill. He was sent back to the capital city for treatment before, he is not in Xuanbei City.”

One of the men behind Ying Ying spoke up, “Stop playing tricks! If you don’t hand over Young Master Jing, just wait to die!”

Xing Ji sighed, “I’m not playing any tricks. Your people should have searched Xuanbei City by now, he’s really not here.”

The two men glanced at each other, and the other one spoke up, “Then please accompany us on a little trip, General Xing!”

Ying Ying’s eyes narrowed slightly, she lowered her voice, “What are you two planning to do?”

“Miss Ying, this is the prince’s wish.” The man’s tone was firm.

Ying Ying was silent and placed her hand on the longsword at her waist.

Xing Ji wasn’t surprised. He had no intention of getting caught in the hands of people from Liang Country.

“How about you give me the antidote first, set a time, and if Situ Jing hasn’t been delivered by then, you may poison me. I believe you can do it.” Xing Ji began negotiating with them, “I will not go with you. If I die from poisoning, your Young Master Jing will only die more miserably.”

“Young Master Jing is not in General Xing’s hands. If General Xing dies, I believe Emperor Qian won’t do anything to Young Master Jing. After all, he still needs to give our prince some face!” The man scoffed coldly.

Xing Ji’s heart sank slightly. He quickly reacted to the hard-line stance of the man before him, concluding that he wasn’t an ordinary subordinate.

Xing Ji understood that if he died, he would lose his value. Duanmu Yi might use Situ Jing to negotiate other benefits with Situ Xie. It was not certain he would avenge him by killing Situ Jing.

“Hand over the antidote, or you three will stay here.” At Xing Ji’s command, the soldiers surrounded Ying Ying and her companions.

“I kindly remind General Xing that the poison you were poisoned with— if you fight, it will only accelerate your death! The antidote will only be sent over once Young Master Jing is seen. How could we carry it on our persons?” The man, unafraid, sneered back, “If General Xing values his life, he should obediently go with us! Otherwise, you will definitely regret it!”

In fact, the antidote was on Ying Ying. If she were really one of Situ Xie’s people, she would think the two men accompanying her were quite clever.

But, she wasn’t.

Moreover, she knew that Xing Ji wouldn’t surrender. As the chief commander of Qian Country, the consequences of his capture would be severe.

The atmosphere became highly strained. Suddenly, Xing Ji gave the order for his soldiers to retreat.

“I can go with you. However, my friend was also poisoned, and I need the antidote to save him.” Xing Ji said.

The man said, “Deal! as long as General Xing goes with us, someone will deliver the antidote to your friend at the General’s Mansion in Xuanbei City! It’s impossible for us to produce the antidote right now, so save your breath!”

“General, you absolutely mustn’t go!” Somebody tried to stop him from behind.

Xing Ji didn’t look back. He took steps towards Ying Ying and her companions.

The two men exchanged glances and walked aside together, preparing to “welcome” Xing Ji.

At this moment, Xing Ji saw Ying Ying suddenly turn around. She pulled out her twin blades from her sleeves and viciously stabbed them into the backs of those two men!

Everything happened very quickly. Xing Ji had completely not anticipated that the three individuals would suddenly begin to slay each other. He was prepared to murder them, but he had not yet found the opportunity to make a move.

The pair fell forwards but promptly got up again. They drew their swords, aiming to kill Ying Ying, but their seven orifices bled and they died instantly.

Ying Ying was skilled in poison; if she wanted to kill someone, she would naturally smear the blades with lethal poison. As for the long sword she hung on her body, it was primarily used as a decoy to fool the enemy most of the time.

“I am Su Liang’s friend.” Ying Ying didn’t turn her head to look at Xing Ji, but she spoke in a low voice, “You should take me captive.”

Xing Ji’s face changed. He stepped forward and entered into a fight with Ying Ying.

Not long after, Ying Ying fell into Xing Ji’s hands.

To the soldiers watching, it looked as if the three enemies had suddenly revolted against each other, and then Xing Ji seized the opportunity to capture the only survivor.

Xing Ji ordered his men to bind Ying Ying. He searched the two bodies but didn’t find anything. He ordered his men to take everything back.

With his heart in his mouth, Qi Jiang anxiously waited. Seeing Xing Ji come back with a captive, he sighed in relief.

Xing Ji dismissed everyone else, leaving only Qi Jiang behind. He untied Ying Ying’s bonds.

“Miss Ying is Xiaoliang’s friend? May I ask your name?” Xing Ji was very courteous.

Ying Ying’s face didn’t look good. “My surname is ‘Ying’. I was the one who poisoned you, but it’s not lethal. You won’t need an antidote. It will pass in a few days. I am under Situ Xie’s control, thus I had no choice but to act. Please forgive me. I had intended to take Situ Jing back to settle matters, but I didn’t expect him to be absent here.”

Ying Ye, Ying Ying’s younger brother, was under their grandmother Lady Yue’s control. Therefore, Ying Ying had to obey Lady Yue’s orders. Now that they knew Su Liang was safe, letting Situ Jing go wouldn’t have much effect on Su Liang and Xing Ji. She had intended to rescue Situ Jing without harming anyone in order to avoid angering Lady Yue.

But plans couldn’t keep up with changes. Situ Jing was missing here and Situ Xie’s two subordinates were determined to take Xing Ji back, forcing Ying Ying to kill them in order to protect Su Liang’s adoptive father.

Her request to be captured was only to deceive Lady Yue and Situ Xie. A failed mission was always better than betrayal.

“Thank you, Miss Ying, for your help.” Xing Ji bowed. If Ying Ying hadn’t shown mercy because of Su Liang, he would have had trouble dealing with this situation.

“If you need to make a report, just say that I confessed to killing those two because they insulted me. ” Ying Ying frowned, “Don’t let anyone know that I am Su Liang’s friend; it wouldn’t be good for her.”

According to the original plan, they should have arrived earlier. They had encountered something else en route, and one of them insisted on returning to report to Situ Xie, which again delayed their journey.

Xing Ji understood Ying Ying’s meaning. Letting Duanmu Yi know that Su Liang had a friend who was adept in poison techniques, and that this friend was one of Situ Xie’s men, would just make the situation more complicated.

“Then, Miss Ying, please leave tonight. I will tell them that you provided the antidote in exchange for your freedom.” Xing Ji said.

“Alright.” This was exactly Ying Ying’s intention. She planned to take advantage of Lady Yue’s presence in Liang Country to look for her brother.

“Su Liang is not in Situ Xie’s hands.” Ying Ying told Xing Ji.

Xing Ji already knew about it. Qi Jun had informed him when he was on his way to Liang Country.

Unable to hold back his curiosity, Qi Jiang asked about his son. He was very worried about Qi Jun’s safety.

Hearing Qi Jiang say that his son was going to Liang Country to inform Su Liang’s master, Ying Ying realized that it must be the young man who was shouting outside Baihua Forest on the outskirts of Yao City that night.

“He’s alright. Situ Xie didn’t capture your men.” Ying Ying briefly described the situation from her understanding.

Qi Jiang breathed a sigh of relief, his heart lighter. He thanked Ying Ying again.

Ying Ying gave the antidote she had on her to Xing Ji, and also asked him to tell Su Liang that her master, Lady Yue, was a crazy poisoner who was currently working for Situ Xie. If they come across her, they must be careful.

“If Xiaoliang wants to find Miss Ying, where should we go?” Xing Ji asked.

Ying Ying frowned. She intended to invade Lady Yue’s lair, which was a dangerous place. She didn’t want to involve Su Liang.

However, considering that Su Liang would most likely encounter Lady Yue in the future, and if something happens, knowing Lady Yue’s lair could be helpful.

Thinking about this, Ying Ying told them a place so they could inform Su Liang when they saw her.

“If Miss Ying needs my help in the future, please don’t hesitate to ask.” Xing Ji thanked her seriously once again.

Ying Ying waved her hand, smiling, “I’ll owe it to Su Liang. I want her and Gu Ling’s child to consider me their godmother! I shall take my leave!”