Chapter 295: 295. Get married first, and then talk about it

Translator: 549690339

The candles flickered.

Su Liang looked serious, “Great God, shall we get married?”

Gu Ling didn’t see any affection or shyness in Su Liang’s eyes, just her typical businesslike manner.

This made the wave of emotion that had just surged in Gu Ling’s heart quickly recede. He was well aware that this was yet another marriage proposal with ulterior motives.

Therefore, Gu Ling asked calmly, “Why?” instead of asking whether Su Liang had developed feelings for him.

Su Liang then explained that after Xing Yuyan was honored and about to marry into Liang Country, the old lady Xing gave her some advice that she found sensible.

“The emperor and the crown prince’s cunning strategies should not be underestimated. I know very well what their trust in me is based on, but this trust is unreliable,” Su Liang sighed slightly.

Duanmu Yi and his son Duanmu Chen believe that Su Liang would only do what she thought was right. Thus, she would unconditionally defend her home and country when enemies attack. She would help when someone is sick. Of course, she would protect Qian Country, because she is a citizen of Qian Country, and this is where her home is.

On the other hand, Duanmu Chen assumed that if he overstepped and did something Su Liang disagreed with, he would lose her support. In such a case, when he needs to use Su Liang, he will restrain his actions. This is the premise of their cooperation. But when Su Liang is not of much use to him, their relationship is bound to change.

Regarding all this, Su Liang has a clear understanding and she would always adhere to her principles.

Of course, Gu Ling understood what she was saying. Their journey till now had often been propelled by people and events, being a servant wasn’t their choice or goal, and getting out wasn’t easy, so they needed to be more careful.

As two lone individuals, the possibility of their marriage being arranged by the royal family is very high, even inevitable, it’s just a matter of sooner or later.

This is why Su Liang publicly pursued Gu Ling, making everyone believe that she’s devoted to someone.

But as long as the marriage isn’t set, there’s room for others to intervene.

Seeing that Gu Ling was silent, Su Liang frowned slightly, “Great God, you don’t like this idea? Then never mind.

Gu Ling shook his head, “Not at all, I was just thinking about something else.”

For a moment, Gu Ling was wondering, was this the opportune moment to confess his feelings towards Su Liang?

But he quickly dismissed that thought.

Su Liang’s proposal of marriage tonight was a pleasant surprise for Gu Ling. Even though she didn’t really want to be his wife, at least they could have the title of husband and wife. They could live together publicly, without giving any third person a chance to interfere.

Comparatively, Gu Ling could only see Su Liang during his “sleepwalks”, otherwise he was alone. This was much better.

But Gu Ling understood Su Liang. She didn’t have romantic feelings towards him yet, at least for now she didn’t want to change their tacit and natural friend relationship. In such a situation, if Gu Ling rashly confessed, he might be pushed away by Su Liang.

Therefore, his rational mind told him: don’t rush, get married first and then

See.

Gu Ling looked indifferent, “Are you sure about this? It’s not the same as when we were living in the Su family village, or in Liang Country. Once this happens, the whole world will know that we are husband and wife.”

Su Liang chuckled, “I don’t mind at all, as long as you don’t mind me blocking your romantic pursuits. If I ever fall for someone else in the future, he must be someone who trusts me.”

I absolutely trust you… Gu Ling thought to himself.

“Okay. I don’t mind either. Living like this will be much more convenient for me, it’s a good thing,” Gu Ling not only appeared very calm, but also gave a very rational and realistic reason. Regardless of how their feelings developed, he wanted to live with Su Liang.

Su Liang knew this, and laughed in response to his words, “Very well, deal!”

The two of them clapped hands, reaching a new agreement. But this time, they only talked about getting married, they didn’t discuss the conditions under which they would separate. Su Liang felt that it wasn’t necessary to talk, and they understood each other without saying. Gu Ling also felt it was unnecessary, if she married him for the third time and he still couldn’t keep her, then he might as well become a monk…

“Then next, Great God you…” Su Liang planned to discuss the upcoming play with Gu Ling.

However, Gu Ling interrupted her, “I’ll handle this. You just wait and see.”

Su Liang blinked, “Oh, alright, I’ll leave it to you. In the meantime, I have to learn poison techniques from Old Bai quickly, and I have to send someone to retrieve treasured items from Old Bai’s secret hideout, I hope they are still there.”

But this was not easy. Su Liang had only two subordinates. She always regarded Qi Jun as someone to help her, she didn’t want to send him to do risky things. Ren Dong was an informant sent by Duanmu Yi, although he was loyal to her, she didn’t want the royal family to know that she was learning poison techniques if she let Ren Dong leave the capital city.

“Let Old Mu go.” Gu Ling guessed what Su Liang was worrying about, and gave his suggestion.

Su Liang’s eyes brighten up, “That’s an idea, I forgot about my master. I will ask him tomorrow, if he’s not willing, I’ll find another way.”

Old Mu was strong and familiar with the area where Old Bai was active. He was the best choice.

Having finished discussing their matters, Su Liang brought up the issue of Xing Yuyan’s marriage.

“I never thought the emperor would arrange for my foster-father’s daughter to marry. He is commanding soldiers in the north. If his daughter married and became the crown princess of Liang Country, wouldn’t the emperor fear that my foster-father would collude with the Liang royal family? But today, it really happened. ”

Su Liang sighed slightly, then continued, “The emperor is very clever, suspicious, but also resolute. My foster-father’s family is all in the capital city, the possibility of him taking the risk of rebelling for his married daughter is almost non-existent. Moreover, after the incidents, the emperor understands my foster-father’s character well, knows that he values friendship and has no ambitions. Only the daughter of the former Bei Jingwang would be qualified enough to marry, this represents Qian Country’s founding meritorious service nobility. Presumably, Liang Country is satisfied with this and must have expectations of my foster-father. If there really is action in Liang Country, my foster-father only needs to follow the plan, this would be very beneficial for

Qian Country.”

No matter how, Duanmu Yi let Xing Ji’s daughter go to marry, indeed there was an existing risk, but if he bet right, the benefit would be greater.

After all, a marriage on the surface is just the beginning of the game, and the princess who is married is just a pawn.

From Su Liang’s angle, she could see at once what this marriage would bring to Xing Ji, and how he would choose. Duanmu Yi certainly understands this too. Gu Ling agreed with Su Liang’s viewpoint. From Duanmu Yi’s perspective, this

move was undoubtedly a good one.

As she woke up early, Su Liang opened her eyes, remembering the matter she discussed with Gu Ling last night, rubbed her face and muttered to herself, “Maybe I was a bit impulsive… It’s okay, it’s the Great God after all…”

Su Liang is a person who likes to think through all possible consequences for any matter. But what she didn’t realize is that her absolute trust in Gu Ling had reached the point where she didn’t need to consider the consequences for things between them, because she knew that Gu Ling would always make the best choices for her.

Gu Ling said before he left last night, regarding the marriage, don’t mention it to anyone in advance, and don’t let a third person know it’s fake.

Su Liang agreed with this. Since it’s a secret, the fewer people know the better.

When she met Old Mu again, she asked him if he wanted to go back to the brothel.

Old Mu said righteously, “What do you mean go back? I’ve never been there. Don’t aim to tarnish my innocence.”

Su Liang couldn’t help but laugh, “Yes, yes, master is right.”

“No, it’s not interesting.” Old Mu shook his head. The moment he ran away from the old woman who was clinging on him, he decided he would never enter a brothel again, let alone drink there.

“I have a favor to ask of master.” Su Liang spoke sweetly.

Old Mu nodded readily, “Why be so formal with me? I’m not like Old Bai, who doesn’t even dare to be your master, who told you he would give you things, but turned out to be empty words, I don’t even know if they are true!”

Old Bai appeared at the door, looking at Old Mu, his eyes full of hostility. “You, come out, we need to settle scores.”

Old Mu said to Su Liang with due solemnity, “Did you see that, my obedient apprentice? Old Bai is a brute with a simple mind and strong limbs who only knows how to fight. I don’t like to fight at all!”

Su Liang: … to put the blatant fear of a sure loss and unwillingness to fight in such a sophisticated way is indeed unparalleled…

But of course, she would not intervene, because she still wanted Old Mu’s help in finding treasures.

Su Liang invited Old Bai into the room and together they sat for some tea.

“My good apprentice, you mentioned earlier that you need my help with something? Speak up!” Old Mu, in Old Bail s presence, liked to show off how good his relationship with Su Liang was, and seemed very pleased. Su Liang said earnestly, “I would like my master to help me find Old Bail s treasure.”

Immediately Old Mu shook his head, “No! The gift he gives you, and I have to retrieve it? Why doesn’t he fetch it himself? If he’s fit enough to fight then he should stop playing sick! I’m not going to be his runner!”

Su Liang hurried to explain, “Master, the situation is that I want to start studying the poison techniques from Old Bai sooner, he is not as healthy as you and I thought it would be more suitable for you, my master who is not only strongest but also the most secure person around me, to retrieve it. Qi Jun and Ren Dong won’t cut it.”

This remark pleased Old Mu, “That’s true after all, those two are too young, they don’t have any experience in the world, and their actions are not reliable. If it’s only Donable if I’m the one going, I’ll do it then!”

“Thank you, Master.” Su Liang was overjoyed.

Then Old Bai chimed in, “At least you’re of some use running errands.”

Su Liang covered her face and listened as the two old men started arguing with each other again. Not going to mediate. Letting out emotions on the spot was not such a bad thing, arguing is healthier. They were friends even before they met Su Liang, so this was their unique way of interaction.

By the end of their quarrel, Old Bai had clearly stated all the places he needed to remind Old Mu of, and warned him to run immediately if he saw any old women.

“Look how scared you have become, what did the crazy old lady do to you?” Old Mu huffed.

“If you want to come back alive, remember what I said,” Old Bai said coldly.

“I get it, I get it, stop talking such nonsense!” Old Mu looked impatient and turned to Su Liang with a smile on his face, “My dear apprentice, your master is going on a long journey, he needs a good meal!”

Su Liang nodded, “No problem. I will prepare a feast for the master today.” “Can I eat meat and have Old Bai eat veggies?” Old Mu asked. Su Liang shook her head, “It’s best to have a balanced meal with both.” The lunch was cooked by Su Liang herself, which was very abundant.

Old Mu had a good meal, packed his bag, and decided to go and find the treasure for Su Liang. Actually, Old Bai always said that being Su Liang’s master was taking advantage of her, and he was not of much use to her. Although Old Mu was angry, he knew Old Bai was right. Su Liang was too good to him and he didn’t have much to teach her.

Therefore, whenever Su Liang needed his help, he was actually happy. As for Gu Ling, he has given him the secret scroll, let him study on his own.

Su Liang walked Old Mu to the gate, where he hesitated for a moment before asking her, “Girl, when you were in Liang Country, did you ever tell Situ Han that Mu Yu was siding with Situ Xie?”

Su Liang shook her head, “No.”

Old Mu sighed with relief, “That’s good.” After all, Mu Yu was a disciple raised by Old Mu. He chose to let go, but he still hoped Mu Yu could survive. If Situ Han found out that Situ Xie had Mu’s heir and hid it from him, thus the conflict between Emperor Liang and King Yue would escalate, and Mu Yu, caught in the middle, could become cannon fodder and quickly reach the dead end.

Old Mu knew that even if Su Liang used Mu Yu to sow discord between Situ Xie and Situ Han, it was not her fault, as she had her own standpoint. But he was relieved to know that Su Liang did not do so.

The reason Su Liang gave up on exploiting the chance to stir up trouble was exactly because she knew that Old Mu did not want to see Mu Yu end up in a tragic situation. In fact, the strife between Situ Xie and Situ Han was already out in the open, regardless of Mu Yu’s existence, the dispute was doomed to be irreconcilable.

After sending away Old Mu, Su Liang was still thinking on her way back to Yuanming Pavilion, wondering how Gu Ling planned to get them to the point of marriage. Will he start courting her openly? She was quite curious.

What Su Liang didn’t know was that Gu Ling was on his way to Duke Qin’s mansion at the moment.

Today Old Master Qin was at home. When he heard the servant say that Marquis Chang Xin had come to visit, he was stunned for a moment, then said irritably, “What does that young fella want with me?”

The steward asked if he should show him away, Old Master Qin frowned,

“Bring him here! I want to see what he’s up to!”

About whether Gu Ling had deceived Su Liang or not, Lin Shuzhi was aware of it but did not tell Old Master Qin about it, because he wasn’t supposed to know at the time.

After Xing Yusheng found out, he didn’t think to specifically notify his grandfather either.

And in respect of Situ Han’s dignity, Duanmu Yi did not publicize the truth, so outsiders still thought Gu Ling was a person of poor character, including Old Master Qin.

By the time Gu Ling was invited to Old Master Qin’s study, he hadn’t even prepared any tea, and his demeanor was not warm, “Marquis Chang Xin, what brings you here?”

After paying his respects, Gu Ling took a seat, “I have a favor to ask of Old

Master Qin.”

“Marquis Chang Xin jests, you are the emperor’s favorite, and at my age I have no part in affairs, and can’t help you with anything.” Old Master Qin said lightly.

Gu Ling remained unchanged, “I wish to ask Old Master Qin to accompany me to the Su Mansion to ask for Su Liang’s hand in marriage.”

Old Master Qin was dumbfounded, suspecting there was something wrong with his ears, “You… what did you say?

Gu Ling repeated his request.

Old Master Qin was annoyed, “Young man, make up your mind, what is going on? Speak clearly!”

Gu Ling looked calm, “Regarding the previous marriage in Liang Country, it was a temporary strategy, a joint conspiracy by Su Liang and me to cope with Emperor Liang, not an intentional deception.”

Old Master Qin was instantly stunned, “Really?”

Gu Ling nodded, “Yes.”

Old Master Qin frowned, “Then why do you want to marry her now?

Gu Ling’s eyes were clear, “After spending time together in Liang Country, I have grown fond of Miss Su Liang.”

Old Master Qin relaxed, “Well, that’s more like it! Su Liang is such a good girl, it would be strange if you didn’t like her! However, about this, from the emperor’s side…”

Gu Ling shook his head, “Neither she nor I are married, nor do we have elders in our family restraining us, so we can make our own decisions. If we love each other and marry openly, it doesn’t concern anyone else.”

Old Master Qin nodded, “If that’s the case, I’ll act as the matchmaker for you. When would you like me to propose to her?”

“Today,” said Gu Ling.

Old Master Qin glared at him, “What have you been doing until now? Really! Let me go change clothes!”