Chapter 320: 320. Who is the Chess Piece

Translator: 549690339

Dawn had broken.

Che Yun and Che Xiao had both disappeared, but their parents were still here.

“Miss Su, we really don’t know anything!” Che’s mother said through her tears, “We’ve just found Xiaoxiao. We thought we could finally live a peaceful life.

Days passed, and then this happens… what did we do to anger the heavens?”

Su Liang kept a calm expression, “Che Yun is not your son. You surely can tell your own son from someone else’s.”

Che’s father’s face stiffened noticeably, and he looked down, speechless.

Che’s mother paused in her crying, only to start again.

“I know you must have been coerced. You should be clear now that Che Yun may not be in danger, but he may not care whether Che Xiao lives or dies. Can Che Xiao be blamed for anything?” Su Ling looked at both parents, letting out a sigh.

Both nodded in agreement, Che’s mother looked at Su Liang through her teary eyes, “Xiaoxiao is still a child. We lost him for so many years, and he just returned less than a month ago. What can he do?”

The typical “he’s still a child” line. Su Liang hadn’t forgotten the tone Che Xiao had used when he told Che Yun to capture Nian Jincheng last night.

“I want to help you.” Su Liang’s expression couldn’t have been more sincere, “At this point, if you still won’t confess everything, eventually you will only harm your innocent son.”

Che’s father looked up, pulling himself together. Che’s mother even stopped crying. They exchanged a glance, looking somewhat hesitant.

“Che Yun might not be your blood son, but you should have two sons originally. If I’m not mistaken, your elder son is still being controlled and unable to return home?” , Su Liang asked tentatively.

As soon as her words died out, Che’s mother burst into sobs again.

Apparently, Su Liang was right.

“Che Yun’s disguise has been exposed, he’s no longer of any use to you both or your home, including your two sons, to him and those who work behind his back.” Su Liang sneered coldly, “If you think I’m just trying to scare you, then I have nothing more to say.”

Che’s mother grabbed Che’s father’s arm in a panic, her face filled with disarray, “What… What should we do?”

Che’s father’s hands clenched and then relaxed. After a moment of silence, he stared at Su Liang, “First and foremost, you swear that you will do everything you can to save both our sons! And that you will not hurt them!”

Su Liang’s expression remained casual, “I’m not here to seek your permission. If you want to save your sons, cooperating with me is the only way out. At this point, you’re in no position to make terms with me.”

Che Xiao was no saint, the true eldest son of Che’s family, Su Liang had no idea whether he was dead or alive, or what kind of person he was.

About Che Yun’s background, Su Liang and Gu Ling had speculated a bit, only wanting confirmation from Che’s parents.

“You are a good person. Even if our children have done something wrong, they were forced against their will. We believe you will not make things more difficult for them!” Che’s father said, looking intently at Su Liang.

Su Liang’s expression was indifferent, “I will judge that for myself.”

“Yun… that child, he’s the grandson of King Yue of Liang Nation.” Che’s father spoke in a strained voice, revealing the family’s biggest secret.

Su Liang narrowed her eyes, they had guessed it right.

“He was sent here when he was very young, while our eldest son was taken away by King Yue.” Che’s father said somberly, “We have no idea where he is now. ”

“Later, King Yue also took away our younger son…” Che’s mother said through her tears, “He just got back and now there’s been an accident.”

Su Liang was confused, “Why would Situ Xie choose your family?” She believed there must be an underlying reason.

Che’s father hesitated a while, then sighed deeply and said, “Our ancestors were originally from Liang Country, and my deceased father had once worked for King Yue.”

Upon hearing this, Su Liang understood. The entire Che family had been spies for Liang Nation for generations. This was why Situ Xie gave Che Yun to them.

“We…haven’t done anything wrong…you know, we originally conducted some small business in Xuanbei City, we’re not really capable of much.” Che’s father tried to explain, but his evasive eyes betrayed his guilt. “What is Che Yun’s real name?” Su Liang asked.

“His name is Situ Jing.” Che’s mother replied.

Su Liang frowned. Jing? She was quite familiar with this character.

“Did he always know that he wasn’t your son?” Su Liang asked.

Che’s mother shook her head and then nodded, “He came to our house and only found out a few years later.”

Su Liang understood. Situ Xieding must have wanted Che Yun to bond with Che’s father and mother to better control him.

“Last year, when he was transferred to Jiaye City, was it Situ Xieding’s idea?” Su Liang asked.

Che’s mother subconsciously nodded, ‘Yes…the master said to let him go south on some business, and that he would return Xiao back to us when the matter was resolved.”

Su Liang had known last night that her encounter with Che Xiao on the way was not accidental, but a coincidental meeting deliberately arranged by someone who knew the whereabouts of herself and Gu Ling.

This made it even harder for her to doubt Che Yun’s story about his brother’s disappearance

Atter all, it Che Yun, who had been busy with otticial duties and had no time to find his brother, suddenly located Che Xiao, it would seem very odd.

“Was it Che Yun’s idea to seize Lian Shun’s whole family as hostages?” Su Liang asked again.

Che’s father looked uncomfortable, “He didn’t want this either…it was when Miss Lin came to see him and overheard some secrets by accident that the master sent someone to kill Miss Lin and keep everything under wraps. Yun…the young master then suggested taking the Lin family as hostages.”

Indeed, the problem was with Lian Shan — accurately predicted by Gu Ling. Her amnesia wasn’t accidental, it was deliberate.

“Does Che Yun truly love Lian Shan? Or did he marry her to keep her under control for fear of her regaining her memories?” Su Liang asked coldly. Che’s father and mother did not answer, but from their expressions, Su Liang already knew the answer.

“My son and us both do not want to harm anyone, it’s all the master’s coercion!” Che’s mother said, her eyes reddening. “It’s tough for my son. If it weren’t for the master’s promise to release our son, he wouldn’t be manipulated by him… I do blame him for bringing trouble to our family, but after all, he is the child we raised. How can we not have affection for him? The matter with the Lin family, the young master was wrong. But he did it in order to save them, or else the master’s people would have killed Miss Lin a long time ago! ”

Su Liang was thinking that Situ Xieding’s man might be Si Yun, the military adviser who infiltrated Fan Tong’s side. Chances are, he was the ‘master’ Che Xiao mentioned.

“Who taught Che Yun’s martial arts?” Su Liang asked.

“It was someone arranged by the master,” Che’s father replied.

But Su Liang suspected that Nangong Lin had connections with Che Yun early on, otherwise the old man would not have appeared last night.

Che Yun must indeed be Situ Han and Situ Xiang’s son. And his swordsmanship was very impressive, possibly taught by Nangong Lin.

In other words, not only was he Gu Ling’s cousin, but he might also be his martial brother.

As for Nangong Qian, Su Liang presently suspected that she was the daughter Situ Xiang bore to Nangong Lin later, Cha Yun’s half-sister with the same mother.

“Ms. Su, the person Yun truly loves in his heart is you!” Che’s mother, who obviously had some sincere feelings for Che Yun, couldn’t help but say more than Su Liang had asked.

Meanwhile, Che’s father kept a solemn face and remained silent.

Su Liang frowned, “How can you be so sure? Did he say that himself?”

“I raised this child, how could I not know what he’s thinking?” Che’s mother sighed. “You certainly have a place in his heart. His wish to marry Miss Lin is not out of malice, it’s a necessity. Otherwise, the master’s people would not forgive Miss Lin either. After the betrothal, I noticed that he became quieter and no longer had a smile on his face.”

Su Liang was not surprised at this moment, because she did not care about whether Che Yun liked her. However, Che’s mother’s revelation had cleared up another doubt she had before: why did Nangong Lin capture Gu Ling to fulfill Nangong Qian’s infatuation, but “kindly” let her go?

One should know, that night in the Prince’s Mansion of Xiangyue City, the old man had every opportunity to kill Su Liang while capturing Gu Ling, but not only did he not do so, Nangong Lin even deliberately staged a play, deceiving Su Liang, trying to trick her into believing that everything was because of Mu

Ya.

Previously, Su Liang thought that Nangong Lin was considering Nangong Qian’s physical condition, thinking that he might need her in the future.

But now, Su Liang had to suspect, perhaps it had something to do with Che

Yun.

“Who did Che Yun kill a few days after I went to Nanshan City last month?” Su Liang coldly asked.

Che’s father and mother both widened their eyes, looking at Su Liang in shock, it was obviously unexpected that she would ask this.

“No…None…” Che’s mother shook her head in denial, but her voice was not convincing.

“I’ve already found out, that’s why I’m asking you. If you deny it again, I’ll have to assume you’re in on it too.” Su Liang said coldly.

Then Che’s father immediately nodded, “He did kill a servant, that servant overheard our conversation, we had to silence him.”

“He really had no choice, he never wanted to harm anyone …” Che’s mother still insisted that “no matter what my child did, he was forced.”

Compared to that, Che’s father was much colder towards Che Yun.

“For the sake of your safety, do not leave home from now on, I’ll arrange for someone to protect you.” Su Liang stood up as she spoke.

Che’s father dragged Che’s mother to kneel down to Su Liang and kowtow,

“Please, Miss Su, save our child!”

Su Liang did not pay them any heed, she walked out, closed the door from outside, and went towards Gu Ling.

They came together because Gu Ling was not comfortable with Su Liang going alone. But for interviewing Chels father and mother, Su Liang went in alone, after all, they had known each other for a long time, and she had even treated them before, which eased their guard.

“Did you hear all that?” Su Liang linked her arm with Gu Ling’s.

Gu Ling nodded. With the exposure of Che Yun’s identity, the doubts about the incidents during this period were all cleared up.

“Situ Xie was so ‘kind’ to you before only because you did not pose a threat to him then, he still wanted to win you over, to be a spare piece.” Su Liang said coldly, “Now, we have spoiled his plans, he has realized that you are the biggest obstacle in his path to achieving great things, and he wants to kill you.”

If the two of them openly returned to Jiaye City and Che Yun wanted to carry out Situ Xie’s order, while Nangong Lin and his master were around, things would be very tricky.

“Let’s go back first.” Gu Ling hugged Su Liang and walked out. It was approaching noon, and the two had not eaten or slept for a day and a night.

The Lian Mansion was just next door, as soon as they entered, they saw Lian Shun walking towards them.

“How… how did it go? Did you find out anything?” Lian Shun looked exhausted.

Su Liang nodded, “Let’s walk and talk.”

When he heard the beginning of the story, learning that Che Yun was Situ Xie’s grandson, who had been sent to Xuanbei City since a young age, and that the entire Che family were spies of Liang Country, Lian Shun’s face turned extremely unpleasant, “Did he always know his true identity?”

Su Liang sighed faintly, “He knew since he was a child.”

Lian Shun recalled how he met Che Yun, he could not believe that Che Yun had deliberately approached him, but now that things had come to this, it didn’t matter. They were fundamentally opposed, impossible to be friends.

When Lian Shun heard about how Lian Shan was injured, lost her memory, and how the whole family was captured, and the ringleader of this, he completely blew up, “It was him?! It was all his idea?!”

Su Liang patted Lian Shun on the shoulder, “I know it’s hard for you to accept, but he did it. The Che family elders mentioned that Che Yun did it to save Lian Shan and asked for a guarantee of safety for your entire family from those who captured you.”

Lian Shun gnashed his teeth, “We fell into the hands of Yin Country, how does that guarantee safety? Am I supposed to thank him for that?”

Su Liang nodded, “It’s good if you think so. What I want to tell you is that his

helplesspess is no excuse for hetraying voll and endangering your family-

Although your family members survived, he indirectly caused the death of old

General Yuan and murdered a servant to silence him.”

If it wasn’t for the black fog that Gu Ling saw that day, they wouldn’t have known about Che Yun’s murder. This was the key for Su Liang to see Che Yun’s true colors. Wanton killing of innocents is not justified under any circumstances.

It seemed that Che Yun cared about Lian Shun and his family, but this only further revealed his selfish nature. The lives of those he cared for mattered and the rest were insignificant. Was he really left with no choice but to be forced? If he had been honest with Su Liang earlier, she would definitely have helped him.

As Lian Shun was about to leave and explain the situation to his family, he turned around after a few steps and asked Gu Ling with a frown, “If he’s Situ Xie’s grandson, why did you say he was the prince of Liang Country?”

Gu Ling replied indifferently, “Situ Han is Situ Xie’s son.” He led Gu Ling into the courtyard where they were previously lodging in the Lin’s home. The luggage in the small house had been brought over.

Lian Shun stood in a daze for a moment. After sorting out the relationship between Situ Xie and Situ Han, he cursed, “They’re all despicable!”

The deeper the feelings he once had, the more Lian Shun now hated Che Yun. Thinking about the aggrieved Yuan Ye, the emotionally deceived Lian Shan, their family’s experience of being captured, and thinking that if Che Yun succeeded, Liang Country would surely join forces with Yin Country to doom Qian Country, Lian Shun couldn’t wait to kill Che Yun himself!

Lian Shun calmed his mind, first telling the truth to his parents, Yuan Pei, and Nian Jincheng.

Both Father Lin and Mother Lin were stunned and felt a bout of fear afterward. They got so close to the Che family, and if they weren’t careful, they could’ve faced total annihilation!

Seeing Yuan Pei silently, Lian Shun felt guilty, “It’s all my fault, inviting the wolf into the house…”

Yuan Pei shook his head, his eyes icy, “My grandfather’s death was the result of the collaboration between Yin Country and Liang Country, it has nothing to do with you. But Che Yun, he must die!”

If it weren’t for Lian Shan’s inadvertent discovery of the secret, perhaps the original hostage captured would have been Yuan Pei. The other party had been plotting for a long time, and in any case, Yuan Ye could hardly escape death.

At Nanshan City, separated from Jiaye City by a river.

Nangong Lin looked at the untouched food in front of Che Yun and sighed, “That is your grandfather. He hated what your biological father did to your mother and therefore didn’t like you either. Hence, he had never visited you before. But you are his grandchild, and blood is thicker than water, he still cares about you deep down.”

“How did you know something was going to happen to me?” Che Yun asked coldly.

Nangong Lin said, “Actually, it’s just a coincidence. I didn’t expect Gu Ling and Su Liang to suspect you. There’s something I lied to you about before, but now I must tell you the truth. You and Qianqian are not boy-girl twins, she is your half-sister from the same mother, the biological daughter of your mother and me. Your mother did not die after giving birth to you, but was taken away by Situ Xie. I didn’t tell you all this before because I didn’t want you to blame your mother for not protecting you well. She loves you a lot, but how could she possibly resist Situ Xie?”

However, Che Yun did not continue about Situ Xiang as expected by Nangong Lin, but asked about Nangong Qian, “How is my sister’s health now?

Nangong Lin sighed deeply, “Not too good. After Su Liang treated her, some things happened and she got scared.”

“What happened?” Che Yun furrowed his brows.

Nangong Lin then told Che Yun about Nangong Qian’s affection for Gu Ling and what he had done to help the siblings.

Che Yun frowned at Nangong Lin, “You actually did that to them? And I thought you really cared about Gu Ling.”

Nangong Lin shook his head, “It was impulsive. Just happened that you both had feelings for them. As your master, I feel sorry for Qianqian, and also for you.”

“What does master plan to do now? To leave with you, change our names and live in anonymity?” Che Yun said coldly.

Nangong Lin looked at Che Yun, his eyes deep, “Would you like to?”

Che Yun was silent for a moment, then shook his head, “I don’t want to. I still have things to do.”

“To save the real Che Yun from Situ Xie’s hands?” Nangong Lin suddenly sneered, “Jingjing, is this your real intention? Or perhaps, you want to reclaim what should have belonged to you, hence you’ve been pretending to be reluctant, pretending to care about the people of the Che family, pretending to care about the people of the Lin family, and allowing Situ Xie to think that you’re kind-hearted and easy to control? He thinks you are a pawn, but in fact, you’re playing along, aren’t you using Situ Xie?”