Chapter 299: 299. Son-in-law of the Su Family

Translator: 549690339

Qian Country, sandwiched between Liang and Yin Countries, struggled to deal with the concerted attack of the two coun tries despite having the strongest national power.

Luckily, the past alliances between Liang and Yin Countries were far from being united. Most of the time, Yin Country instigated Liang Country to send troops and then chose to stand by and watch, in hopes of gaining from others’ misfortunes after both sides were weakened.

Last year, Liang Country, which had been badly fooled by Yin Country, chose to appease Qian Country by agreeing to a royal marriage between the two countries after once again failing.

Duanmu Yi had expected that Yin Country would not sit idly by. However, it was beyond his expectation that Yin Country, known for its scheming and despicable behaviors, would directly target Qian Country.

Qian Country was not unprepared, but it couldn’t just move its northern border troops to the south because of the alliance with Liang Country. If Yin Country launched a full-scale attack, it would be very tricky.

Even at this moment, they could not rashly transfer troops from the north. Despite the approaching wedding, they still needed to guard against Liang Country at all times.

Therefore, when Duanmu Yi saw Su Liang dressed in wedding attire, he didn’t even bother to ask if she had already worshipped with Gu Ling. Instead, he bluntly said, “You head south first, and Nian Jincheng will bring reinforcements later. No matter what, you must defend the south!”

Duanmu Chen looked worried, “Father, let Gu Ling escort Su Liang. They can go together, which might be safer.”

Duanmu Yi nodded and then waited for Su Liang to express her opinion.

With a respectful expression, Su Liang asked, “I wonder, will I go as an

Imperial Physician, Military Doctor, or General?”

“Your position as a General is restored and promoted to the second rank. Do everything that you can and do not disappoint my trust in you!” Duanmu Yi said coldly.

A second-ranked Military Commander was equal in rank to Xing Ji, making her the highest-ranking position in the south. There was no first-ranked General in Qian Country’s army who could command the whole army.

“Yes, Your Majesty, I accept the order.” Su Liang said respectfully. She had known this would be the outcome when she received the news. But even if she didn’t regain her position as a General, she would still go to the south because her friend Lian Shun was captured, and Che Yun was seriously injured. She had to go and save them.

When Su Liang left the palace, Duanmu Yi summoned the young commanders he highly valued, Nian Jincheng and Lin Bojun.

However, Qin Yujin didn’t need to worry about Lin Bojun going to the battlefield because Duanmu Yi had already decided to let Nian Jincheng lead the reinforcements to the south, while Lin Bojun stayed in the capital city.

As Su Liang walked out of the palace gate, she saw a flash of red. Gu Ling was waiting for her, holding a large red silk flower in his hand, like he was coming to receive her for the wedding ceremony.

But at this moment, Su Liang had already put the wedding out of her mind.

While walking, she said, “The Emperor has agreed. We will go together, and

Nian Jincheng will bring reinforcements later.”

“Good,” Gu Ling nodded. In fact, while waiting for Su Liang, he had been thinking about whether to discuss with her to worship the hall before taking off the wedding gown, which wouldn’t be too time-consuming.

However, when he saw Su Liang’s solemn expression and hurried pace, he knew why she was acting that way, and he couldn’t say what was on his mind. If he mentioned it, Su Liang might get upset, thinking he couldn’t tell the difference between priorities.

Gu Ling knew that going to the south was crucial, and time was of the essence. He also cared about Lian Shun’s safety. However, when his long-awaited wish was about to be fulfilled only to be disrupted, reason told him it was nothing— after solving the trouble, they could get married. But there was a feeling that if he didn’t settle the marriage that day, he would regret it…

As Su Liang got on her horse, she saw Gu Ling still standing beside her and asked with a frown, ‘What’s the matter?”

Gu Ling shook his head, “Nothing.” He mounted his horse as well, still holding the red silk flower in his hand.

The two rode forward without any further conversation.

Halfway, Su Liang asked Gu Ling if he would return to the Marquis Chang Xin Mansion, but he said no.

A few days earlier, he had already moved the things he needed to Yuanming Pavilion. He should be worshipping the hall with Su Liang right now, and then staying at Su Mansion.

The disappointment in his heart surged like waves, receding and then returning. Gu Ling began to struggle with whether to pull Su Liang into the hall of worship or not…

The Su Mansion was decorated with festive colors, and the guests were still there at this time.

When Su Liang received the Imperial Edict and left in her wedding dress, everyone knew that something had happened. They all thought that she would go to the south to save people after seeing the Emperor, and perhaps even lead an army into battle.

Qi Jun and Ren Dong didn’t know how to handle this situation, so they asked Old Master Qin and Lin Shuzhi for advice.

Lin Shuzhi asked Old Master Qin if it was time to let the guests go first.

However, Old Master Qin suggested waiting for a bit. “What’s the rush? They are all here for the wedding banquet. Since there’s nothing important happening, let’s at least wait for Miss Liang to return and assess the situation.”

Old Lady Xing asked Xing Yusheng to call Old Master Qin and Lin Shuzhi over for a conversation.

All three families were related by marriage. Their relationships were now harmonious and close, thanks to Su Liang’s efforts.

“Ah, Miss Liang is indeed capable, even relying on her in such a big matter. But it’s such a pity that it has to be today,” Old Lady Xing sighed. “However, choosing an auspicious day and then changing it is considered unlucky. Besides, it wasn’t easy for the two children to be together. In my opinion, even if there are urgent matters, we should let them complete the ceremony first. Everything is ready and it won’t take too long.”

Old Master Qin nodded repeatedly, “This is exactly what I was thinking! Only after the ceremony can their marriage be considered official. So that even if something happens later, they can better support each other.”

Lin Shuzhi frowned, “I understand your feelings, and I also hope their marriage can be settled today. However, when Xiaoliang returns, she will likely bring the Imperial Edict and they’ll have to leave immediately. The Emperor might have other plans for Gu Ling and might not let him go with her. If we go to Marquis Chang Xin’s Mansion to call him over for the ceremony, it will really delay the time.” Considering the rescue situation involved, Lin Shuzhi’s concern was quite realistic.

Old Master Qin frowned, “If Miss Liang is going to the south, how could that young man not go with her?”

Old Lady Xing made the decision, “In that case, if Miss Liang returns with Gu Ling, then they must complete the ceremony no matter what. If Miss Liang returns alone, we’ll have to let it go today. We can’t afford to delay important matters!”

Both Old Master Qin and Lin Shuzhi agreed.

Old Lady Xing called Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing over and gave them some instructions. Xing Yusheng then informed Qi Jun and Ren Dong to prepare.

As Su Liang and Gu Ling entered the door, they hurried inside.

“The guests must have left by now,” Su Liang said. “We’ll change our clothes and set off. Should we bring Qi Jun and Ren Dong with us?”

Gu Ling shook his head, “No, we don’t need them.” The two of them could take care of each other, and having a third person around would make conversation less convenient.

Su Liang nodded, “That’s true. They wouldn’t be much help anyway, so it’s better to let them stay behind and take care of Old Bai.”

As they spoke, the front hall came into view.

Su Liang was stunned. There were so many people still there, watching them. Why hadn’t they left?

Gu Ling’s eyes suddenly lit up, perhaps…

The next moment, as Su Liang was about to greet the guests and ask them to make themselves comfortable, Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing ran over.

“What are you guys…” Before Su Liang could finish her question, Lin Xueqing covered her head with a wedding veil and pulled her forward. “It’s just in time, without missing the auspicious moment! Su Liang, don’t speak, and don’t object; that will only delay us more!”

Su Liang: … How could she not have expected this situation? It seemed as if they were afraid she wouldn’t be able to get married if they didn’t hurry up with the ceremony.

Xing Yusheng dragged Gu Ling forward quickly, “Time is of the essence. Hurry up with the ceremony. If you dare to refuse, I’ll curse you to be lonely and unmarried for the rest of your life!”

Gu Ling: … Refuse? That’s impossible!

Su Liang and Gu Ling were pulled into the wedding hall, with smiles once again appearing on the faces of the guests. No matter how stormy it was outside, fate ordained that they should become husband and wife today, and no one could stop it.

Originally, Lin Shuzhi was supposed to officiate the ceremony, but Old Master Qin took the initiative and “bullied the old to sell the old”, taking over the role instead.

Seeing that the couple was in place, Old Master Qin cleared his throat and announced, “The auspicious time has come!”

Su Liang could only see a small area of red, lit up by the wedding veil. When Lin Xueqing guided her to turn and bow to Gu Ling, Su Liang saw a pair of embroidered cloud-patterned boots and the hem of Gu Ling’s wedding robe, adorned with delicate patterns embroidered in gold thread.

Su Liang had requested her wedding dress be as simple as possible, without any gold or silver threads. As a result, Yang Yu had arranged all the festive and auspicious patterns designed by the embroiderer onto Gu Ling’s wedding robe. Su Liang only noticed it now.

Very beautiful… Su Liang thought. It was a pity that Gu Ling, who was rarely dressed so gorgeously, deserved to be appreciated and praised. If she didn’t, it would be disrespectful to Gu Ling’s beauty.

“The ceremony is complete!” Old Master Qin announced with great energy. “Guests, please take your seats! The bride and groom can go and attend to their business. As for entering the bridal chamber, you can decide for yourselves!”

Qi Jun lit the firecrackers, and red paper flakes burst and fluttered like fireworks, while Su Liang smelled the faint scent of gunpowder.

She could actually lift the veil by herself, but she didn’t realize it at the moment.

So, Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing, the married couple, each grabbed Gu Ling and Su Liang’s hands, bringing them together.

“Alright, brother-in-law, take sister Su away quickly! Go wherever you need to go!” Lin Xueqing gently pushed Su Liang.

“Okay, thank you.”

Su Liang heard Gu Ling’s voice, much gentler than usual, perhaps it was her illusion. Why say “thank you”? Yes, their friends had put a lot of effort into their marriage, so it was appropriate.

Su Liang still hadn’t thought about lifting the veil, and then she heard Zheng’ er’s voice, “Auntie, Uncle Gu is so beautiful!”

Someone laughed, and then Zheng’er said with a grin, “I’m wrong, I’m wrong, it’s uncle-in-law!”

Everyone laughed.

As the laughter gradually faded away like the wind, Su Liang finally realized that she was still wearing the veil. What for?

Just as Su Liang raised her hand to lift the veil, she suddenly felt enlightened, and the piece of red cloth had already fallen into Gu Ling’s hands.

In fact, Gu Ling had been staring at Su Liang’s hand, and when he saw her hand move, he lifted the veil first. He had already seen Su Liang without the veil, but he wanted to look at her with it on for a while longer, being led by him as they walked forward, inexplicably well-behaved and adorable.

“I was really dazed by their act,” Su Liang said as she released Gu Ling’s hand, took a deep breath, and didn’t stop walking, “It was just as well, and didn’t waste much time.”

She was originally going to greet the guests, and this counted as an alternative greeting.

“Mmm,” Gu Ling nodded. If Su Liang turned around at this moment, she could see the laughter hidden in his eyes. Good, very good, extremely good, and many thanks to those who insisted on them getting married today.

While talking, the two had arrived at Yuanming Pavilion. As they went upstairs, Su Liang was in front, and Gu Ling was behind. In one hand, he was still holding the red silk flower, and in the other, Su Liang’s veil, watching her long skirt sway like ripples, dancing in front of him.

“Fifteen minutes.” Su Liang entered her room.

“Okay.” Gu Ling entered his room next door. He put down the silk flower and veil, took off his wedding robe, and tried to calm himself down from the joy of getting married before joining Su Liang in handling the serious business.

In exactly fifteen minutes, they both opened their doors, having changed into lighter travel clothes, each carrying a bundle. Gu Ling reached out, and Su Liang handed over her medicine box. Everything seemed natural and well-coordinated as if they had practiced countless times before.

As they walked out of Yuanming Pavilion and went downstairs, they saw Ren Dong waiting outside. “The Master and his wife are going together?” In-law? Gu Ling liked this title.

Su Liang nodded. Ren Dong quickly asked, “Are we and Qi Jun going too?”

Su Liang shook her head, “You stay at home and take good care of Old White.”

Ren Dong was not surprised. Su Liang now had someone to accompany her side, it was her favorite Gu Ling. As they were newlyweds, of course, they didn’t want her and Qi Jun to be in the way.

“The horses are ready.” Ren Dong said. While the couple was paying their respects in the hall, she and Qi Jun had gone to feed Gu Ling and Su Liang’s horses. Qi Jun was now preparing dried food for their trip.

Su Liang nodded, “Thanks for your hard work.”

Ren Dong saw Gu Ling carrying Su Liang’s medicine box silently walking beside her, finding it particularly pleasing to her eyes, thinking that Gu Ling must really like her young master.

Once again, as they passed the front hall, Su Liang and Gu Ling didn’t stop. Old Master Qin wanted to say a few things to them, but he felt that both of them were smart, and he didn’t have to say anything.

Qi Jun was waiting at the gate, with dried food and water already placed on the horse’s back.

“Take care, Master!” Qi Jun watched Su Liang mount her horse and, together with Ren Dong, saw them out.

“Take good care of the young master, my in-law!” Qi Jun shouted at Gu Ling. Gu Ling     a hum and felt that Qi Jun and Ren Donq hadn’t heard, so he turned back to look at them and said, “I will.”

It wasn’t until Su Liang and Gu Ling’s figures disappeared from sight that Qi Jun and Ren Dong turned around and headed home at the same time.

“Master won’t need us anymore in the future.” Ren Dong sighed softly.

Qi Jun chuckled, “It’s great that Master can be with the one she loves! We are not important. ”

Ren Dong agreed, but sighed again, “I don’t know how the situation is in the south. Talent is often overworked, but they shouldn’t push people like this. Whenever there’s trouble, they ask Master to go.”

Qi Jun looked helpless, “There’s no way out. Qian Country has Imperial Physicians and Military Commanders, but only Master can hold both roles at once, and nobody can replace her. After all, she’s going there to save people. Even if the emperor didn’t order her, Master would definitely rush there, since the person in trouble is her friend.”

Ren Dong knew this, but was just worried that Su Liang would never have a peaceful life, and her marriage had almost been ruined. It was because both Old Master Qin and Madam Xing had received Su Liang’s great kindness that they could genuinely make arrangements for her marriage.

When Duanmu Yi saw Nian Jincheng, he asked whether Su Liang and Gu Ling had completed their wedding ceremony, but Nian Jincheng said they hadn’t.

Soon after Nian Jincheng left to deploy troops, Duanmu Yi received a report: Su Liang and Gu Ling had completed their ceremony at home before setting off.

At that time, Duanmu Chen was also present, and he thought Duanmu Yi might get angry. However, he felt that such a matter was actually not a big deal. How much time would it take to complete a wedding ceremony? It was just a matter of talking to people for a moment or two. Su Liang was definitely not a person who didn’t know priorities.

As a result, Duanmu Yi just snorted coldly, “Maybe they really were husband and wife early on, fearing that Su Liang getting pregnant would be difficult to deal with.”

Duanmu Chen: It was he who thought too much, but whether Duanmu Yi’s guess was overthinking or not was hard to say …

After Su Liang and Gu Ling left the capital city for ten miles, the gloomy morning suddenly cleared up.

The two of them had been on the road for half a day without having lunch. When they passed a river, they stopped to rest.

The sky was as clear as a wash, the breeze brushed their faces, and the willow trees by the river had already sprouted, a beautiful green color.

“Great God, you really know how to pick days.” Su Liang handed Gu Ling some dessert. She thought about what had happened today and felt it was quite magical.

Gu Ling took a bite of the dessert, and it tasted extra sweet, “You’re now the wife of Marquis Chang Xin.”

Su Liang looked up with squinted eyes at the sky, the sunlight making her face gleam white, “No, you’re Su Family’s son-in-law.”

Gu Ling nodded slightly, “Miss Su, please take care of me in the future.”

Su Liang laughed softly, “Of course. But I have to remind you, your only brother, Xiao Nian, is now on my side too. Given our current relationship, if you dare to treat me badly, many people will scold you.”

Gu Ling then asked Su Liang, “I don’t know what to do, should I learn from

Nian Jincheng and Xing Yusheng?”

As Su Liang ate the dessert, she laughed and said, “You can try one, let’s see.” Those two were both crazy about their wives, so she was curious what Gu Ling had observed?

The next moment, she saw Gu Ling wipe his hands with a handkerchief, then grabbed her arm, gently shook it, and frowned slightly, “Xiao Liang, am I really the most important thing in your heart?”

Su Lianz choked on the dessert she had iust put into her mouth, coughing. Gu Ling patted her back while unscrewing the water flask and handing it to her.

Su Liang took two sips of water while holding Gu Ling’s hand, shook her head to signal she was fine, and only when Gu Ling was screwing the flask closed did she realize he had used his own flask instead of hers, because of his hurry .

Su Liang didn’t notice this, and Gu Ling silently put the water flask down, pretending nothing had happened.

The rest ended there, and Su Liang got up and walked towards the horse, saying “Great God, was that your impression of Xing Yusheng just now? That was terrifying.”

Gu Ling followed her with both water flasks, “Nian Jincheng is like that too.” And it was because of Su Liang that both men felt they weren’t the most important thing in their wives’ hearts.

Su Liang gave a light cough, “Great God, just be yourself..”