Chapter 332: 332. New Master

Translator: 549690339

After Qiao Cong returned from Jiaye City, it took him three days to build a new kitchen.

Now he decided to go find Gu Ling, so he was busy from morning till night, first buying grain, then filling the backyard shed with firewood, reinforcing the house doors and windows, and fences, and cleaning up inside and out.

Today, he left early in the morning and didn’t return until after noon, carrying a bamboo pole with two vines, one with wild chickens tied by their legs and fluttering wings, and the other with wild rabbits hanging from it.

Qiuyue had been very diligent these days, getting more and more proficient in her work. Sensing that Qiao Cong was no longer as annoyed with her, she grew bolder. Seeing Qiao Cong walk into the courtyard looking like this, she couldn’t help but burst into a giggle and quickly called out to Su Liang, “Miss Su, come and see, the Master has caught a lot of game!”

Su Liang came out and couldn’t help but laugh, thinking the wild chicken and rabbits looked both pitiful and cute, and they must taste good….

Qiao Cong put all the live game into bamboo-woven chicken cages and rabbit cages.

Qiuyue found it fun and went over with Su Liang to have a look when Qiao Cong suddenly called her, “You, come here.”

Qiuyue instinctively grabbed Su Liang’s sleeve, still a little afraid of Qiao Cong, but didn’t dare to disobey, so she braced herself and went over.

Qiao Cong pointed at the chicken cage, “Pick one.”

Qiuyue didn’t know why but thought perhaps he was asking her to pick one to eat today. After carefully looking it over, she pointed at the fattest one.

“Take it out.” Qiao Cong said.

Qiuyue’s eyes widened, “Me?”

Qiao Cong squinted his eyes and upon seeing Qiuyue glance at Su Liang again, ordered Su Liang to return to her room.

Su Liang guessed what Qiao Cong was planning to do and chuckled, “Master wants Qiuyue to kill chickens and rabbits? If she’s not brave enough to do it, I can.”

Only then did Qiuyue realize what was going on and took two steps back in fear. She truly didn’t dare to do it, nor had she ever done it before. Recently, Qiao Cong had been the one killing the game, and Qiuyue was initially nervous about handling the freshly slaughtered meat.

“No.” Qiao Cong insisted that Su Liang go back and rest, as he wanted to teach Qiuyue how to kill a chicken himself.

Su Liang gave Qiuyue a helpless look before heading back to the front yard.

Entering her room, Su Liang picked up the now thoroughly dried out bamboo shoot, light as a feather, “Little god, I hope I’m not mistaken, that the Great God is truly in Xiangyue City, and the Master can find him.”

Su Liang missed Gu Ling very much, especially after discovering her pregnancy, she wished more than ever that Gu Ling could be by her side. At the same time, she was sure that Gu Ling missed her even more, and wished to accompany her during this time, watching their baby grow day by day.

Some things, once missed, cannot be made up for.

Su Liang had written a letter yesterday to be given to Gu Ling by Qiao Cong. Otherwise, if they met, they might start fighting, which wouldn’t be good.

As for whether Gu Ling was willing to stay with Su Liang on this island, or if he would try to take Su Liang away after he arrived, that was for later. First, he needed to know where Su Liang was and come to reunite with her. That was the most important thing.

As for the outside situation and whether Qian Country needed Gu Ling to do anything, Su Liang had no way of knowing and didn’t want to think about it too much. Good or bad, it was not her doing, and she had no freedom at the moment, so she did not worry about the world. Besides, she knew that Gu Ling would undoubtedly drop everything else to find her given the opportunity.

Su Liang did not mention asking Qiao Cong to let her go, not because she didn’t want to leave, but because Nangong Qian’s physical condition dictated that Qiao Cong wouldn’t let her go. Besides, Qiao Cong was now showing that he cared about the baby in her belly and had even started making a cradle, so it was hard to say whether he wanted Su Liang to give birth here.

Su Liang didn’t think she would or wanted to stay here for too long, but there was no need to talk about things that couldn’t be changed or hadn’t happened yet.

In a short while, Su Liang heard Qiuyue’s scream, but she didn’t go out to check. However, she planned to help Qiuyue share some of the housework after Qiao Cong left, or at least wash her own clothes.

As usual, Su Liang and Qiao Cong ate their meals sitting across from each other in the courtyard. Nangong Qian couldn’t come out, so Qiuyue always fed her first and then ate in her room.

“Will Master set out tomorrow?” Su Liang asked.

Qiao Cong shook his head, “Today.”

“How long will it take to get to Xiangyue City?” Su Liang asked again. She knew how long it took Qiao Cong to get to Jiaye City from here and how far Jiaye City was from Xiangyue City, but it might not be necessary to pass through Jiaye City en route to Xiangyue City from here.

“Eight days,” Qiao Cong said.

“So Master should be back in just over two weeks,” Su Liang said, telling Qiao Cong where to find Gu Ling in Xiangyue City after he arrived. The place was the mansion she had bought before, and she had a strong feeling that Gu Ling was there.

Qiao Cong nodded and asked Su Liang in return, “What is he doing there?”

“Something big,” Su Liang said. To completely solve the problem in Liang Country, they needed to first take down Yin Country in order to have no more concerns about the rear.

Qiao Cong didn’t ask any further and called Qiuyue over after finishing his meal. He instructed her to take care of Su Liang when he was gone, not to let her run around or do any work, or Qiuyue alone would be held accountable.

Qiuyue dared not refuse and promised to take good care of Nangong Qian and Su Liang.

When Qiao Cong packed up and left, he saw Su Liang standing outside.

“I’ll go to see Master off at the beach,” Su Liang said, fearing he’d refuse, she added, “It’s broad daylight, I won’t fall, and going out for a walk is good for the baby.”

Qiuyue had to stay and watch over Nangong Qian, so Qiao Cong, seeing Su Liang’s eager expression, nodded his consent.

The midday sun was scorching. Just outside the small courtyard, Qiao Cong took off his straw hat and put it on Su Liang’s head.

“Master, aren’t you worried that Situ Jing will be in danger when he returns to Liang Country?” Su Liang asked.

It took Qiao Cong a while to answer, “It’s the path he chose.”

“True. He is not Nangong Qian. He has experienced much since he was young and has pursuits. Forcing him to stay with Master would be meaningless,” Su Liang said.

Actually, she wanted to say that the letter Qiao Cong had helped her send to Jiaye City before might have jeopardized the relationship between Nangong Lin and Situ Jing. Although they didn’t really control her, they probably believed she was completely under their control, so it was unlikely they would use her as a hostage to negotiate with Qian Country and Gu Ling.

But Su Liang felt that Qiao Cong must have been aware of the consequences of the letter, yet he still sent it for her. Since this was the case, it was pointless to talk more about it.

When the duo reached the seaside, Qiao Cong threw their bundle onto the boat and told Su Liang to hurry back.

“The hat.” Su Liang took off the straw hat and placed it on Qiao Cong’s head.

“You wear it back.” Qiao Cong took it off again.

“I’ll walk back through the forest, so I won’t be exposed to the sun. Wear it Master, your sea journey is a long one.” Su Liang said. The sea offered no shelter and exposed one to the relentless sunshine.

Seeing her insistence, Qiao Cong finally put it on. He dragged the boat to the edge of the sea, jumped aboard, and turned to Su Liang. “Take good care of Qianqian’s health. Don’t worry about anything else.”

Su Liang nodded. As Qiao Cong was about to set sail, she called out, “Master, are we sure that no outsiders will come here?”

She suddenly thought, what if someone else appeared? She was pregnant, Nangong Qian was bedridden, and Qiuyue had only just regained a bit of strength today.

Qiao Cong furrowed his brows. “No.” He paused then said, “To be safe, I won’t go.”

Su Liang was stunned. “Master, can we pretend I didn’t ask anything and hurry on your way?”

Qiao Cong appeared to think of something. After a moment of silence, he said, “In a few days, a blind old woman will come. She is our own.”

With an astonished expression, Su Liang asked, “Is she a skilled friend you invited, Master?”

Qiao Cong nodded. “Go back now.” With that, the boat left the shore and soon drifted away.

Su Liang watched Qiao Cong disappear into the distance, walking along the coastline for some time before retracing her steps.

When Qiuyue saw her return, she patted her chest. “Miss Su, I felt anxious when you were not here.”

Qiuyue didn’t know what Qiao Cong had gone to do, only that he would return in about half a month. Su Liang told her that she could expect Qiao Cong’s blind friend to stay on the island temporarily in a few days. There was no need to be afraid, just remember to be polite when they met.

Seeing Su Liang going to wash her own clothes, Qiuyue quickly grabbed them. “No! Master told me so, and if he comes back and finds out, he will punish me. Besides, bending over and sitting for long periods is not good for a pregnant woman like Miss Su.”

Hearing the last sentence, Su Liang agreed and suggested taking turns cooking with Qiuyue.

Qiuyue disagreed, saying the kitchen was dangerous.

Su Liang smiled, “Don’t worry, I have experience. I won’t burn the kitchen down.”

“Miss Su, I know you are a very, very kind person who doesn’t treat me like a servant. If you weren’t pregnant, I wouldn’t stop you from working, but it really isn’t good for you now,” Qiuyue said stubbornly. She genuinely liked and appreciated Su Liang and felt comfortable being around her as if they were equals.

That night, as Su Liang prayed before sleeping, she hoped that Qiao Cong could successfully find Gu Ling and bring him back.

Liang Country, Yao City.

“Stop crying!” Old Mu yelled impatiently.

Situ Yao, sitting in the corner with red eyes, pleaded, “Senior, please let me go home. I really haven’t done anything wrong.”

Old Mu scoffed, “It’s all because of your worthless grandfather!” With that, he left for the next room.

Old Bai was asleep but was awakened by Old Mu. “Stop sleeping! We’ve captured Situ Xie’s granddaughter, but we still can’t find where our little girl is being held. She couldn’t still be on her way to Yao City, right? Quick, what should we do now? That girl’s crying is annoying me!”

“Give this to Situ Xie and make sure he eats it.” Old Bai tossed a coarse porcelain bottle to Old Mu.

Old Mu caught it, his brow furrowed. “Why don’t you give it to him? Why do you always order me around?”

Old Bai didn’t say anything and closed his eyes again.

Old Mu stored the bottle and left the room.

It was broad daylight, yet King Yue’s mansion was tightly shut.

Situ Jing followed Situ Xie into Han Xiangyuan and noticed the two characters “Ning” and “Xiang” carved on the rockery in the courtyard.

“They grew up together since childhood and were closer than real sisters.” Situ Xie looked wistful, “Now, they are both gone. I originally thought that after you and Gu Ling knew about each other’s identities, you could support each other like brothers, but he is an outsider after all. Now it seems he’s not only unreliable, but has also become our biggest threat.”

Situ Jing asked, “If there is a chance to get rid of Gu Ling, will Grandfather be willing to do it?”

Situ Xie shook his head, “He is Aning’s only child, how can I bear to do that?”

After entering the room, Situ Xie told Situ Jing about Su Liang’s previous visit to Liang Country and asked him when he planned to enter the palace to see Situ Han.

“Your father has loved your mother since they were young and couldn’t see anyone else. We all thought that they would end up together. However, after your mother met Nangong Lin, she became infatuated with him and refused your father. Your father was young and hot-headed at that time, and given his status, he impulsively forced himself on her, which was a grave mistake.” Situ Xie sighed, “These years, he has never forgotten your mother. When he found out that you existed, he was overjoyed and wanted to see you as soon as possible.”

However, Situ Jing shook his head, “If I reveal my identity now, I will become a target. People around Su Liang would spare no effort to kill me.”

“I understand.” Situ Xie nodded, “Let’s not reveal your identity yet. You can pose as a guard and accompany me into the palace, so your father can see you. It’s not convenient for him to leave the palace at this time.”

“Alright.” Situ Jing agreed.

Situ Xie’s face brightened, “I will make arrangements later.”

In the dead of night, a composed maid brought a bowl of soup from the kitchen. Situ Xie valued his health and maintained a regular habit of drinking soup, and there was a fixed set of people to prepare and serve it for him. This information was obtained by the old man Mu from Mu Yu.

Now, Mu Yu had already left Yao City and went to Qian Country according to the old man Mu’s command. After this ordeal, he had come to understand Situ Xie, as well as himself, and abandoned his previous unrealistic fantasies, realizing that the old man Mu was the only person who genuinely cared about his safety.

Halfway to her destination, a gust of wind blew the maid’s purse onto the ground. She carefully set the soup on a nearby stone platform before picking up her purse. Noticing the strap had broken, she tucked the purse into her chest pocket, picked up the soup, and continued toward Situ Xie’s study room.

Situ Jing’s presence in the mansion was a secret, and most of the servants didn’t know about it. For safety reasons, he stayed in Situ Xie’s study room.

The maid didn’t make eye contact and simply served the soup in front of Situ Xie, then left, closing the door behind her.

“Jingjing.” Situ Xie spoke.

Situ Jing came out from behind the bookshelf, changed into a new set of clothes, and prepared to enter the palace tonight to see Situ Han.

“This is the soup I specifically asked the kitchen to prepare for you. Your mother used to love it the most. You should try it.” Situ Xie smiled and scooped a small bowl of soup, placed the spoon, and handed it to Situ Jing.

Situ Jing accepted it and took a sip, while Situ Xie asked if he liked it.

Situ Jing nodded slightly, then slowly finished the whole bowl.

As Situ Xie tried to serve him another bowl, Situ Jing said that he was full.

After putting down the bowl, Situ Jing suddenly felt a bit feverish and assumed it was because he had just drunk hot soup.

However, Situ Xie’s face suddenly changed, “Jingjing!”

Situ Jing’s ears, eyes, nose, and corners of his mouth began to bleed profusely, looking absolutely terrifying.

“What… What happened to me…” Situ Jing’s consciousness quickly blurred, and he collapsed to the ground.

Situ Xie hurriedly took out a pill bottle from his bag, poured a pill, and stuffed it into Situ Jing’s mouth, then patted his back to help him swallow it.

If Su Liang were there, he would find the pill that Situ Xie gave Situ Jing now looked exactly the same as the two life-saving pills old White gave Su Liang before. One of Su Liang’s pills was also eaten by Situ Jing.

“Come here!” Situ Xie yelled in fury.

A trusted guard appeared and quickly left.

Soon, a woman who had recently moved into the Yuewang Mansion’s guesthouse entered Situ Xie’s study room. From her silhouette, she had a thin figure, but her face revealed her age.

Quickly check what kind of poison he’s been exposed to! I’ve given him the life-saving pill you provided!” Situ Xie anxiously asked.

The old woman observed Situ Jing’s condition, narrowed her eyes, and took his pulse. Suddenly, she sneered, “I didn’t expect him to be here too.”

Situ Xie frowned, “Who? What are you talking about?”

“No need to worry.” The old woman stood up, glanced at the unfinished soup, “That antidote is enough to dispel the poison he ingested. The poison must have come from my senior brother’s hand. The last time we met… it feels like it was in a previous life…”

Ignoring the old woman’s sighs, Situ Xie felt relieved when he heard that Situ Jing would be alright. “Who is your senior brother? Has he joined the Qian Country Royal Family?”

The old woman shook her head, “Impossible. If he really took action, it would definitely be for someone’s sake, not for Qian Country.”

Situ Xie’s eyes narrowed, “Su Liang! Could it be that Su Liang is your senior brother’s disciple?”

At these words, a strong interest appeared on the old woman’s gaunt face, “Who is Su Liang?”

“I’ll explain later. When will Jingjing wake up?” Situ Xie asked.

“Half a moment.” The old woman said.

Time passed quickly, but Situ Jing woke up later than the old woman had expected.

Seeing him open his eyes, Situ Xie’s expression relaxed, and he helped him up.

Situ Jing sat in the chair, the bleeding had stopped after taking the medicine.

“Jingjing, do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?” Situ Xie asked with concern.

Situ Jing’s face was covered in blood, he opened his eyes and closed them again, “My eyes hurt…”

The old woman immediately pushed Situ Xie away, stepped forward to examine, and after a while, frowned heavily, “It’s ruined!”

Situ Xie’s expression changed, “What’s ruined? Didn’t you say that your medicine is definitely safe?”

As she spoke, the old woman gave Situ Jing another pill but without the confidence she previously had, “Damn it! He changed the recipe of the poison we developed together!”

“What will happen to Jingjing? Tell me clearly!” Situ Xie frowned and asked.

The old woman gritted her teeth, “Even if he’s not blind, it will be half-blind.”

“Hurry up and detoxify him!” Situ Xie roared angrily.

“I tried my best, but it’s already too late. Some injuries cannot be reversed. My senior brother’s poison attacks the eyes, and even if the poison could be resolved, it would be too late to save them.” The old woman sneered, “If it wasn’t for my medicine, he would have met Yama King already.”

Situ Xie trembled with anger, “Damn it! Su Liang … it’s all because of Su Liang!”

The old woman asked, “Where is this Su Liang you’re talking about? I need to see if she is my senior brother’s disciple.”

“She’s in my hands.” Situ Xie said coldly.

The old woman sneered, “I want to see her!”

“You can’t see her; she’s not here!” Situ Xie couldn’t hide his anger, “You claim to be a poison expert, why don’t you quickly find a way to save my grandson!”

“I saved his life. As for his eyes, I said, I can’t do anything.” The old woman didn’t show any politeness either, “But as long as my senior brother is really in Yao City, I will find him!” As her words fell, her figure disappeared.

Situ Jing was awake; he had heard all the words between the old woman and Situ Xie. Tears streamed down his face from the pain in his eyes, washing away the blood stains. Struggling to open his eyes and look at Situ Xie, he realized that his vision had become unclear. He felt his heart filling with anger, unwillingness, and fear of turning blind, “Why … why is heaven treating me like this …”

On the other hand, after spending several days reconnitering and waiting a whole day, the old man Mu successfully poisoned Situ Xie. He returned to the place he was staying with Lao Bai and woke him up. “The poison has been applied, just like you said, the silver needle can’t detect it! Now we shall see whether that dog Situ Xie is dead or blind tomorrow! Hahaha! Let’s give him a taste of our revenge first and then go save our girl!”

Anonymous Island.

After Qiao Cong had left for five days, things were fairly calm for Su Liang. Most of the work in the small courtyard was done by Qiuyue. Su Liang was mainly responsible for treating Nangong Qian. When the weather was good, she would ask Qiuyue to carry Nangong Qian and place her on a reclining chair in the courtyard to bask in the sun. At other times, she would read books or take walks around the area.

At first, Qiuyue found it difficult to kill chickens and rabbits, but after a few attempts, she had no problems and could even kill a wild rabbit without changing her expression.

One day, as Qiuyue was sweeping the courtyard, she inadvertently looked up and saw someone standing outside the fence, she was startled and immediately called Su Liang.

Coming out of the house, Su Liang saw a tall, thin old woman standing outside the bamboo fence, her eyes were gray but her hair was meticulously combed, and her clothes were neat. She leaned on an eagle-headed cane.

“Senior, are you my master’s friend?” Su Liang spoke with a smile and went out to greet her, “Master told me you would come before he left.”

The old woman’s face was turned towards Su Liang’s direction, “You are the Su Liang that Old Qiao mentioned? His disciple?”

“Yes.” Su Liang nodded, “Do you need any help, Senior?”

“No need, just walk in front of me.” The old woman shook her head and followed Su Liang into the small courtyard. They sat down by the table, it seemed she had been here before and remembered the way.

“Qiuyue, make some tea.” Su Liang called Qiuyue.

Qiuyue responded and quickly threw down her broom to make tea.

“My surname is Cen,” the old woman said, “Old Qiao said you have his disciple in your belly and asked me to stay here for a while to help him look after the house and teach you some self-defense skills.”

Su Liang smiled, “Thank you so much, Senior Cen.”

“I specialize in hidden weapons.” As she spoke, she flicked her wrist and two silver nails were embedded in Su Liang’s door.

Su Liang was surprised. It must have taken remarkable perception and control to embed those nails precisely into the door when she heard the sound of the door opening.

“Senior Cen is so amazing!” As Su Liang got up and went over, she finally managed to pull out the nails. They were embedded exactly the right distance and depth to fit perfectly.

She had just put down the silver nails and sat back in her seat when she heard the old woman say, “Old Qiao said that being your master was very comfortable. So, if that stubborn old man could like someone so much then why don’t you also become my disciple?”