Chapter 302: 302. Indeed, it’s my Great God

Translator: 549690339

Gu Ling’s left arm was injured in Wolong Snow Mountain in Liang Country’s Yao City while saving someone, and Su Liang had treated him.

If nothing had gone wrong, his wound should have healed by the time he returned to the warm climate of Jiaye City for the New Year celebrations.

However, what Su Liang saw was Gu Ling’s left arm unnaturally twisted, with his left hand’s fingers swollen and blackened at the joints, reminding her of a food from her past life, Boneless Phoenix Claws…

It wasn’t funny; her heart was filled with rage.

Che Yun walked behind Su Liang, watching her perform acupuncture on Gu Ling. After taking the antidote Su Liang gave him, his mind and body gradually regained strength, breaking free of his previous lethargy.

The other two generals sensed that Su Liang did not intend to share Gu Ling’s plan with them, so they wisely left.

“Su Xiaoliang…” As Gu Ling’s consciousness gradually recovered, Su Liang’s face became clearer in his eyes. He squinted and grinned, “It really is you. I thought I was dreaming…”

“Stop smiling, it’s not a good look.” After examining him, Su Liang concluded that Gu Ling’s injured left arm and hand urgently needed medical treatment; otherwise, the arm would be useless.

“Fetch water,” Su Liang instinctively ordered the person next to her.

“Alright.” Che Yun responded and turned to fetch the water. Su Liang frowned slightly; she actually meant to call Gu Ling, but had momentarily forgotten he wasn’t there to act as her assistant.

Although Che Yun was injured too, Su Liang showed no sympathy, leaving him to clean and care for Gu Ling while she stepped away for a moment.

Upon seeing Su Liang leave, Gu Ling furrowed his brows and asked Che Yun, “Where is Gu Xiaoling? I thought I heard him speak… Did I see him on the boat, or was it just a hallucination?”

Che Yun sighed, “It’s not a hallucination. Gu Ling traded himself for you.”

Gu Ling’s eyes widened in shock, “What? He exchanged himself for me? Who decided that? Su Liang? No, that’s impossible… Why would they let him take my place?”

“Don’t move.” Che Yun shook his head, “It was Gu Ling’s own decision. He’s very strong and wasn’t controlled by Yin Country’s people. Instead, he captured the bastard Fan Tong and hid with him in the forest on the opposite shore. They might return with Fan Tong once it’s dark. Who hurt your arm?”

Gu Ling lowered his head to look at his limp left hand and snorted coldly, “It was Fan Gang, Fan Tong’s son. I cursed him out.”

Che Yun let out a deep sigh, “You’ve become a captive. Why are you still causing trouble? You may have enjoyed cursing him, but is it worth becoming disabled over?”

“Whenever I think about how they killed Grandpa Yuan…” Gu Ling’s eyes reddened as he spoke, “I blame myself for fooling around all these years instead of focusing on what’s important.”

After Gu Ling was captured, trouble broke out in Jiaye City. At first, he didn’t know that Yuan Ye had been killed. It was only when he heard Fan Gang bragging about their victory, mocking the freshly-slain General Yuan Ye, that Gu Ling’s rage exploded.

It wasn’t just because Gu Ling had cursed Fan Gang that he had been retaliated against. Gu Ling lied, claiming he had Jiaye City’s defense map for a trade, lured Fan Gang to his side, and nearly bit off one of his ears. At the time, Gu Ling had no weapons and his limbs had no strength.

This led the infuriated Fan Gang to almost strangle him to death. Fan Gang also twisted Gu Ling’s left arm and broke every finger on his left hand.

Gu Ling knew it was irrational, but there was a moment when he even wanted to die along with Fan Gang and his father.

“Even if it’s not for your own sake, think about your family, ” Che Yun said, frowning.

Gu Ling’s face stiffened, “What…what do you mean? What happened to my family?”

“You don’t know?” Che Yun hesitated for a moment, “Your entire family has been captured. Now, besides you, they’re all in the hands of Yin Country’s people.”

Gu Ling’s face turned pale; his whole body froze.

He was captured when he went out alone that day and hadn’t been held with his family afterward. Today, when he was brought out of captivity, his mind was befuddled, so he had not heard the conversation between Fan Tong, Gu Ling, and Su Liang. As a result, he only now learned that not just himself, but his entire family had become captives.

If he had known earlier, Gu Ling wouldn’t have provoked Fan Gang.

Gu Ling remained silent as Che Yun recounted recent events.

“Don’t be too hard on yourself. Yin Country had planned this for a long time and was well-prepared. Nobody could have known they’d target you and your family,” Che Yun said. “Su Liang is here now, so there must be a way. Hurry up and get yourself together.”

When Su Liang returned, Che Yun had already cleaned Gu Ling and changed his clothes.

“You can go now,” Su Liang told Che Yun.

He nodded and silently left.

“Su Liang,” said Gu Ling, his voice devoid of any energy and no longer teasingly calling her ‘Su Xiaoliang’, “my family… They’ll be alright, won’t they?”

“Haven’t you seen them since you were captured?” Su Liang couldn’t help but frown. She wondered why Gu Ling hadn’t asked her about his family as soon as he’d woken up, but now she realized he had known nothing.

Gu Ling’s bloodless face answered Su Liang’s question.

“They captured your family because they’re valuable alive. To the captors, hostages are only valuable if kept alive.” Su Liang said coldly, speaking the truth.

Lian Shun’s complexion did not improve, “Gu Ling, I hope there won’t be any problems…”

“You don’t need to worry about him.” Su Liang said as she applied medicine to Lian Shun’s wounds, “First, take care of your injuries, and both Gu Ling and I will find a way to rescue everyone.”

“Thank you,” Lian Shun’s voice paused for a moment, as he took a deep breath and gritted his teeth, “If I find out who the bastard behind this whole hostage situation is, I’ll tear them apart!”

Standing outside the door, Che Yun lowered his head, clenched his fists, and after taking a deep breath, he walked away with large strides.

After treating Lian Shun’s injuries, Su Liang instructed him not to move around and gave him a bowl of medicinal soup with a calming ingredient.

Seeing Lian Shun asleep, Su Liang carried her medical kit outside and met Che

Yun who was coming over, “How is he? Can his left arm recover?” Su Liang sighed slightly, “Not very optimistic, I’ll do my best.”

“There’s no activity from Yin Country’s side.” Che Yun said, “I’ve arranged accommodation for you and Marquis Chang Xin, and your luggage has been moved as well. Would you like to go and see it now?”

“Alright.” Su Liang nodded.

On the way there, Che Yun apologized to Su Liang again for what he had said by the river before.

Su Liang only said one sentence, “Gu Ling and Lian Shun are also friends.”

“He told me about what happened in Liang Country.” Che Yun said, “He probably doesn’t even know that you two are married.”

Not continuing with the topic, Su Liang said, “How did the people of Yin

Country come up with the idea of taking Lian Shun’s entire family as hostages? I would very much like to know who proposed it.”

Such a tactic isn’t that special or unusual, but even if they were to take hostages, it is usually important figures like princes or princesses, or at least someone with a higher status or influence.

Lian’s Family does have influence in Jiaye City, but that’s for the common people. As for their value to the Qian Country’s Royal Family, how much could it be?

The person who made the decision was sure that Yuan Ye would not abandon Lian’s Family? Then, why not directly take his only grandson as a hostage? It would be much easier and more direct than taking over a dozen people of Lian’s Family.

It should be known that Lian Shun’s identity in Jiaye City comes from his long-deceased grandfather, and not any real authority that he has. Even if he recovers and takes up a position in the army, his status would still be below

Yuan Ye and Che Yun.

Che Yun sighed, “Whoever came up with this idea, it’s really effective.”

“Indeed, it’s effective, but unusual.” Su Liang shook her head and followed Che Yun into a quiet courtyard.

The room was very clean, and Su Liang and Gu Ling’s luggage were placed on the table, unopened.

Only at this point did a realization flash in Su Liang’s mind: she and Gu Ling were now married, so from the perspective of outsiders, it would only be appropriate for them to live in the same room and share one bed.

“Thank you,” Su Liang said.

“You rest first,” Che Yun said as he left.

Su Liang sat down and called out to him again.

“Is it the good news you mentioned when you first arrived?” Che Yun’s expression turned serious, “You said it was something good.”

Su Liang nodded, “You can judge for yourself after listening.”

She told Che Yun about her encounter with a young man named Ling Yun and his dying father in a valley near Qianhu city.

“Before he died, the old man mentioned that Ling Yun should go to Xuanbei City to find relatives.” Su Liang said, “The age and birthmark match, and I can see a resemblance to your father in his features. At that time, we were in a hurry, so I didn’t reveal anything or take the time to investigate.”

Che Yun’s expression became excited, “That must be my younger brother! It must be him! I have to tell my parents!”

Seeing Che Yun stand up, Su Liang said, ‘You’re injured, and we can’t afford to fight here for now. Qianhu City isn’t far away, so if you want to find Ling Yun, I approve.”

“Well…”Che Yun hesitated for a moment, “Let me go back and discuss it with my parents. In any case, thank you, Su Liang.”

“You don’t need to thank me. Meeting your brother was just a coincidence.” As Su Liang finished speaking, she saw Che Yun quickly leave.

Su Liang tidied their belongings and put away their clothes in the closet. As for the single set of bedding and how to sleep when Gu Ling returns, they would discuss it later.

A servant brought food and Su Liang ate a little before heading to the Meeting Hall.

Che Yun was not present, so Su Liang gathered the other generals and asked them about the situation and the current deployment in detail.

“General Su, if Marquis Chang Xin manages to bring Fan Tong back, what will our next step be?” a general asked Su Liang.

Su Liang shook her head, “Let’s wait until he comes back.”

When Che Yun came to see Su Liang again, he said he had decided to go to Qianhu City immediately to find Ling Yun, fearing that something unexpected might happen if he went too late.

“Even if the emperor blames me and removes me from my post, I have to go.” Che Yun said solemnly, “I apologize to you and Lian Shun. If I find my younger brother, I will bring him back as soon as possible. Take care of yourselves.” Su Liang nodded, “You go ahead. Be careful.”

After Che Yun left, Su Liang went to see Lian Shun and told him about Ling

Yun.

Lian Shun was delighted for Che Yun, “It’s great that his years of concern can finally be resolved! ” But when he thought of his own family, Lian Shun’s expression soon became despondent.

Su Liang checked on the wounded soldiers and treated several of them who were seriously injured herself.

She was busy until it gradually grew dark. The sky had been overcast all day long, and it finally started raining. Gu Ling hadn’t returned yet.

With an umbrella, Su Liang left the wounded camp and returned to Lian Shun. She saw Che Yun’s parents who had come to talk with him. Che Yun’s mother had prepared a meal for them on the table.

When Che Yun’s father saw Su Liang, he was about to kneel down, but she stopped him, “Uncle, you don’t have to do this.”

With tears in her eyes, Che Yun’s mother couldn’t speak as she held Su Liang’s hand.

Unaccustomed to the situation, Su Liang asked about the food on the table, saying she was hungry.

After sending Che Yun’s parents away, Lian Shun worriedly asked Su Liang, “Gu Ling hasn’t come back yet? It’s dark and raining. Could something have happened to him?”

Su Liang shook her head, “I’m not worried that something will happen to him. If he doesn’t come back tonight, maybe he has a new plan.”

“I know you two are married.” Lian Shun frowned, “But how come you don’t seem to worry about him at all?”

Su Liang shrugged, “You don’t understand; it’s trust. Is worrying useful?” “After all, he is just one person.” Lian Shun sighed.

Su Liang furrowed her brows and looked at the dark sky outside, feeling a hint of unease. What if he got lost? What if he fell into a hunter’s trap and couldn’t get out? What if he was standing under a tree and got struck by lightning…

Su Liang shook her head, brushing off those unreliable thoughts. There are no what-ifs; that is her Great God, an omnipotent being.

Jiaye City, which was occupied by the Yin Country’s army, was quiet in the stormy night.

The General Mansion in Jiaye City used to be the residence of the Lin Family. After Lian Xuan passed away from illness, the Lin Family moved away, and Yuan Ye and his grandson moved in.

Now it was occupied by the Yin Country. Fan Tong, who had been captured during the day, was replaced by his son, Fan Gang.

Fan Gang looked grim, with his right ear wrapped in cloth. That was an injury inflicted by Lian Shun.

“Where are the Lin Family members? Why haven’t they been brought here?” Fan Gang asked coldly.

“General, let’s wait a little longer.” A sharp-eyed, thin middle-aged man spoke up.

“Wait for what? Are you in charge or am I?” Fan Gang shouted angrily.

The middle-aged man remained composed, “I am the military strategist appointed by the general for this attack on Qian Country. Your father asked me to give advice in his absence. Please listen to my opinion.”

Fan Gang slammed the table and stood up, “Your opinion? Who do you think you are? My father got into trouble because he listened to you! What kind of bullshit military strategist?! I think you’re a spy sent by someone!”

The middle-aged man sighed slightly, “Please calm down, General. There is no need to deal with all the Lin Family members…”

“Shut up! Be calm? Lian Shun almost bit off my ear, and you still want me to be calm and let him go! My father trusted you, but I don’t! Get out! You’re all useless!” As soon as Fan Gang finished speaking, he ordered his men to bring all the Lin Family members. “If Gu Ling doesn’t return my father safely, I’ll slaughter every single one of the Lin Family members!”

The middle-aged man’s face turned ugly, and he wanted to persuade him again, but Fan Gang didn’t even give him a glance, let alone listen to him.

After waiting for a while, Fan Gang urged again, and the reply was that they had gone to pick them up and were on the way.

Another half hour passed, but no Lin Family members were brought before him. Fan Gang kicked over two of his subordinates and broke Yuan Ye’s favorite pen holder.

The middle-aged man who had been sitting there all the time finally spoke again, “I’m afraid something has happened.”

Fan Gang snorted, “What could have happened? Everyone in Jiaye City is under our control!”

“General, don’t forget that Gu Ling took the general away from our army of ten thousand today.” The middle-aged man shook his head.

Fan Gang’s face stiffened, “Are you saying he came to Jiaye City? No way; he captured my father and would naturally run back to Nanshan City to negotiate terms with us!”

The middle-aged man sighed and shook his head.

Soon, Fan Gang received a report that there had been an incident halfway through the team escorting the Lin Family members, and they had all been kidnapped.

“How is it possible?” Fan Gang had a face of disbelief, “Gu Ling alone definitely couldn’t do it!”

The middle-aged man bitterly smiled and stood up, “I thought that after what happened during the day, General would realize that we underestimated Gu Ling’s strength. We shouldn’t have let him get close, let alone bring the Lin

Family members over.”

“With so many people, even if Gu Ling had a way to kidnap them, where can he take them? Search! Search the whole city! ” Fan Gang’s eyes were red with anger.

Upon receiving the search order, the Yin Country’s army moved, and throughout Jiaye City, the sounds of knocking and barking dogs resounded.

The search carried on until midnight, with no results. Gu Ling seemed to have vanished into thin air along with more than a dozen people.

Fan Gang finally realized the error of his decision and seriously underestimated the threat Gu Ling posed to them. He thought that Gu Ling would take Fan Tong back to Nanshan City and negotiate with them again, but he never imagined that Gu Ling came with no intention of leaving easily…

Fan Gang asked the middle-aged man for advice. The man sighed and said,

“He’ll show himself, but by then, any victory we achieve will be meaningless.”

Dawn was approaching.

Su Liang sat up on her bed, frowning. She had ordered that she be informed of any news on Gu Ling no matter how late, but no one had come to seek her out.

Su Liang didn’t like this feeling. She hadn’t had a chance to discuss what to do with Gu Ling after arriving at Nanshan City yesterday. She believed in Gu Ling’s strength but started to worry about his luck.

Meanwhile, in Jiaye City, the fruitless search throughout the night drove Fan Gang to the edge of his patience. Just as his temper flared up, he received a report: Gu Ling had appeared at the South City Building.

The southern gate of Jiaye City, also the southern entrance of Qian Country, was the first checkpoint for the Yin Country to attack the Qian Country.

By the time Fan Gang arrived with his troops, he saw his father, Fan Tong, hanging from a flagpole on the South City building, swaying in the wind.

Gu Ling was up there, while the Yin Country soldiers who were previously up there had all put down their weapons and obediently left. The reason was simple: if they didn’t surrender, Gu Ling would stab a knife into Fan Tong’s heart.

Fan Gang heard Gu Ling’s voice coming from a gap in the city building’s wall,

“You have an hour to retreat from Jiaye City. If you’re even a moment late or harm a single commoner, get ready to collect your father’s corpse.”

Fan Gang’s face turned livid, “Gu Ling, if you dare, come out!”

The next moment, Fan Gang only saw a figure flashing by, and an arrow shot down from above, aiming straight at his neck!

Dodging the arrow, Fan Gang couldn’t help but break out in a cold sweat as he looked at the arrow buried in the ground.

The middle-aged man squinted his eyes, looked at the gap where Gu Ling was hiding, and sighed deeply, “For the safety of the general, let’s retreat first.” Fan Gang gritted his teeth, face full of unwillingness, and roared, “Retreat!”

The atmosphere in the city was tense, but Gu Ling, who was sitting at the top of the city building, was not nervous. He had chosen a blind spot, and only at the height where Fan Tong was hanging from the flagpole would it be possible to hurt him.

He didn’t go back last night. Would Su Liang worry about him? …Gu Ling felt a little uncertain about this simple question. He thought that Su Liang might believe that he could handle any situation and wouldn’t worry about his safety.

Not worrying meant Su Liang trusted him. Gu Ling knew this, and what he wanted was not Su Liang’s worry, but her care.

Of course, Su Liang cared about him, without a doubt, but … Gu Ling sighed lightly. What was he struggling over? Did he expect that after this brief separation, Su Liang would realize that she liked him, in the male-female romantic sense?

Gu Ling indeed hoped so, but he also knew that he was probably overthinking it. Su Liang cared for him, worried about him, and believed in him, regardless of whether they married or not.

Gu Ling’s decision to go to Jiaye City alone to rescue the Lin Family members was because he knew that as long as the hostages were in the hands of the Yin people, the situation couldn’t be reversed.

Of course, it was risky and not easy, but fortunately, he was very familiar with Jiaye City, and he had many good medicines from Su Liang. Carrying out covert actions against specific individuals would be manageable as long as he had enough strength, a thorough plan, and the element of surprise. It was just like how the Yin people had captured the Lin Family members before the war began.

With the important matter dealt with, Gu Ling seriously pondered how to capture Su Liang’s heart.

At this moment, Su Liang stood by the banks of the Liuxian River, where Gu Ling had left the day before, her eyebrows tightly knitted as she gazed at the opposite shore.

“General Su, the Yin Country is retreating! They have left Jiaye City!” The scout rushed over with an excited expression.

Su Liang’s gaze grew solemn, “What about Marquis Chang Xin?”

The scout reported that Gu Ling had captured Fan Tong and was on the South City Building, threatening Fan Gang to retreat.

Since Fan Gang hadn’t mentioned the Lin Family members again, it meant they were all safe… Su Liang took a long sigh of relief. “I understand. Continue scouting. ”

As the scout left, Su Liang turned to look at the flowing river in front of her, her eyebrows relaxing, and a faint smile appearing on her lips, “As expected from my Great God..”