Chapter 339: Do you have that medicine?

Translator: 549690339

As Lian Shun’s consciousness gradually returned, he heard the increasingly clear sound of waves and people talking nearby.

“Grandfather, it seems you really have fallen for Su Liang,”

This voice was all too familiar to Lian Shun – Che Yun, who was now better known as Situ Jing.

Qiao Cong spoke up coldly, “She once sincerely regarded you as a friend. Why were you insistent on following Situ Xie’s orders? Even for the sake of the Che Family, there should be other ways!”

This was the question Lian Shun wanted to ask Situ Jing as well. Why…

After a moment of silence, Situ Jing spoke up again, “What if I say that I just want power, to return to Liang Country as a prince, to become the crown prince and seize the Dragon Throne? Would grandfather be against me like you were against Nangong Lin?”

Qiao Cong spoke up again with anger, “What is so good about that throne anyway?”

Situ Jing coldly said, “I have been under others’ control since I was little, walking on thin ice every step of the way. Situ Xie treated me like a pawn, so did Nangong Lin. Where was grandfather during those times? To him, because I had Situ Han’s blood, I was an existence that was both unwilling to be abandoned and utterly detestable! I have never obtained what I once longed for and have long been disappointed, so I don’t need it anymore!”

Qiao Cong’s face darkened, “I didn’t detest you. It’s just that during those past years, I was trapped by some matters, unable to extricate myself and care for you and Qianqian properly.”

Situ Jing’s face was full of self-mockery, “Yes, you all have your own matters and lives. What about my life? The so-called Liang Country prince, the Che family’s young master, the military commander – they are all just jokes! Even now, if I were to sabotage Situ Xie’s plans for Lian Shun’s sister, causing him to lose everything, Lian Shun would still not give me another chance! Neither would Su Liang! They are both morally noble and spotless people, but I am not. My heart is dark, and I have killed people to survive long ago. I am not worthy to be their friend! To be your grandson! I truly like Su Liang, envy Lian Shun, and am jealous of Gu Ling! But I want power even more, and I don’t want to be anyone’s puppet or accessory any longer! The Situ surname has brought me nothing but pain and oppression for the past twenty years, so why should I not try to seize that throne?”

Qiao Cong sighed deeply, “I know your life has been difficult, but even if you truly sit on the Dragon Throne, will you be happy then?”

Situ Jing scoffed, “You want me to be like Lian Shun and Su Liang, optimistic and cheerful, always staying kind and good-hearted no matter what difficulties they face. But I am not Lian Shun, nor am I Su Liang. They have not experienced my life. It is tough to be a good person, and I am already tired.”

“Jingjing,” Qiao Cong said earnestly, “It was grandfather’s fault for not taking care of you in the past, causing you to suffer so much. I will ask Su Liang to treat you, but whether or not your eyes can be healed, as long as I am alive, you can never return to the Liang Country royal family.”

“What about the things grandfather did to Su Liang and Gu Ling for me and my sister?” Situ Jing asked coldly.

Qiao Cong shook his head, “Foolish, short-sighted, impulsive, big mistakes. As Su Liang said, I was blinded by affection at the time and did things against my conscience. Now, I regret it deeply.”

“What if Su Liang refuses to treat me?” Situ Jing asked.

Qiao Cong bent down to help Situ Jing up, “I will have a good talk with her about this.”

Just then, Nangong Lin, who had fainted on the ground, suddenly opened his eyes. A cold glint flashed across them as he ruthlessly severed Qiao Cong’s right Achilles tendon with a hidden dagger!

Under the dark night sky, with no stars or moon, and amidst the sound of waves and rustling bamboo leaves, Qiao Cong was focused on speaking with Situ Jing and did not notice that Nangong Lin had regained consciousness.

As Qiao Cong was about to help Situ Jing up, he was caught off guard by Nangong Lin’s successful sneak attack. Gasping in pain, he fell back to the ground with Situ Jing!

“Grandfather? What’s wrong?” Situ Jing sensed that something was amiss but couldn’t see what had happened.

As soon as Lian Shun, who had already regained consciousness, opened his eyes, he saw Nangong Lin getting up from the ground, clutching his chest and staggering towards the sea.

Lian Shun’s hands and feet were tied up tightly, making it impossible for him to break free. If he were to speak up at this moment and try to stop Nangong Lin from escaping, he would surely be taken hostage by Nangong Lin, potentially losing his life in the process.

Considering this, Lian Shun closed his eyes again, pretending to be unconscious. After all, none of the three people around him were on his side, so he must not act rashly.

With his Achilles tendon severed and blood gushing out, Qiao Cong struggled to stand up, knowing that his chances of catching and defeating Nangong Lin were slim. For Situ Jing’s safety, he decided to forget about Nangong Lin for now.

“He injured me and escaped,” Qiao Cong ripped a piece of cloth to wrap around his ankle, but it didn’t help much.

By the time he looked back at the sea, Nangong Lin had already disappeared.

Su Liang had already gone to bed, as Gu Ling was waiting for Qiao Cong to come and practice martial arts with him, as they had been doing for the past few days.

When the usual time for Qiao Cong’s arrival had passed, Gu Ling thought he wasn’t coming and didn’t go looking for him, deciding to go to bed early that night.

However, not long after, the voice of Cen Man came from outside, “Xiaoliang!”

Gu Ling sat up. At this time, Cen Man must have called for Su Liang because something had happened.

Cen Man called again, and Su Liang finally woke up, drowsy and held by Gu Ling as she sat up, “Is Master calling me…?”

“Yes. I’ll go out first and see.” Gu Ling spoke as she got out of bed.

As he opened the door, he saw Cen Man supporting Qiao Cong, who entered the courtyard with one leg suspended in the air, clearly in pain.

“Qiao Cong’s ankle has been severed by Nangong Lin. Please let Xiaoliang take a look at it quickly!” Cen Man’s expression was anxious. A normal person would become disabled if their ankle was severed, and the impact on a martial artist would be even more severe.

Su Liang got dressed and went to the door. Upon hearing Cen Man’s words, her face changed, “Bring Master in quickly!”

She lit two lamps in the room, looked at Qiao Cong’s injured ankle, and furrowed her brows.

Gu Ling had silently brought the medicine box and placed it beside Su Liang’s hand.

“Can it be saved?” Cen Man asked, frowning.

Su Liang focused her gaze, “I’ll try.”

Qiao Cong’s face was as calm as water, and he didn’t explain the cause of the injury at all.

Su Liang asked Gu Ling to assist her in treating Qiao Cong’s injury, not having the time to investigate what had happened.

After a quarter of an hour, Su Liang let out a sigh, “It’s a severe injury. Whether it can recover depends on the healing process. Do not engage in martial arts again.”

“Hmm.” Qiao Cong spoke up and sighed, “I should have just killed Nangong Lin!”

“What exactly happened? Did Nangong Lin return? Where is Situ Jing?” Su Liang sat down with Gu Ling and asked about the cause.

Qiao Cong told the truth. Nangong Lin and Situ Jing had captured Lian Shun from Jiaye City and brought him to the island, intending to force Su Liang to treat Situ Jing’s eyes.

Upon hearing the beginning, Su Liang was filled with anger.

“Nangong Lin said that your master poisoned Jingjing’s eyes in Yao City.” Qiao Cong said.

Su Liang scoffed, “Without evidence, are they blaming everything on me?” However, she suspected it was the handiwork of Old Bai and Old Mu. Strictly speaking, Old Bai was not her master.

Qiao Cong shook his head, “It’s just his one-sided claim.” He then talked about how he followed Nangong Lin, met Situ Jing and Lian Shun, knocked Nangong Lin unconscious, tried to persuade Situ Jing, but didn’t expect Nangong Lin to wake up so quickly and escape after ambushing him.

“It was because Nangong Lin was the man her daughter loved most, so Master couldn’t be cruel to him.” Su Liang said indifferently. They had been master and disciple for many years and later became in-laws. Nangong Lin naturally tried his best to disguise himself and even intentionally brainwashed Qiao Cong in front of him. No matter what he did, he always claimed it was for the sake of Qiao Cong’s grandchildren, and even used Nangong Qian and Situ Jing to drag Qiao Cong into it.

The only miscalculation Nangong Lin made was that Qiao Cong genuinely liked Su Liang and sobered up because of her.

But Qiao Cong attacked Nangong Lin because he didn’t want him to harm his grandchildren anymore. After all, they shared a long-standing relationship, and Qiao Cong subconsciously never thought about killing Nangong Lin, so he didn’t hit him hard enough.

Qiao Cong sighed deeply, “It was my momentary confusion!”

“Is Lian Shun alright?” Su Liang asked.

Qiao Cong shook his head, “He’s fine. I asked Qiuyue to make some food for them. If you want to see him now, I can call him over.”

“As long as he’s fine.” Su Liang yawned, “Master, go back and rest first. Don’t touch the wound. Let’s talk about other things tomorrow.”

“Alright.” Qiao Cong nodded.

Gu Ling had no intention of escorting Qiao Cong back. He didn’t want to leave Su Liang for a moment, in case Nangong Lin snuck back onto the island.

Cen Man offered to carry Qiao Cong on her back, but he refused.

“I think it’s fine.” Su Liang spoke up, agreeing with Cen Man’s suggestion to carry Qiao Cong back.

“Xiaoliang has already said it, don’t push yourself. No one’s laughing at you.” Cen Man insisted.

Qiao Cong finally agreed to listen to Su Liang, reluctantly letting Cen Man carry him on her back.

A specially built road made of stone slabs connected the small courtyard by the lake to Qiao Cong’s courtyard, making it easier for Cen Man to walk.

Cen Man carried Qiao Cong on her back, walking slowly on the stone slab road, surrounded by tranquility.

“Old Qiao, you can’t continue making blunders. Nangong Lin is nothing but trouble.” Cen Man sighed, “Regardless of whether Xiaoliang is willing to treat your grandson or not, you can’t force her. She doesn’t owe you anything.”

“I know,” Qiao Cong said solemnly. “No matter what decision she makes, I’ll accept it.”

On the other side, Su Liang and Gu Ling were lying in bed, sleepless.

“Great God, should I treat Situ Jing?” Su Liang asked, and then added, “Of course, on the condition that I can treat him.”

Gu Ling gently stroked Su Liang’s hair, “It’s up to you.”

Situ Jing had once been Su Liang’s friend, but he had never been Gu Ling’s friend. Gu Ling wouldn’t consider Situ Jing his brother just because of the sisterly bond between Situ Ning and Situ Xiang.

However, he respected and supported Su Liang’s choices. Many things weren’t simply black or white. Some people couldn’t be judged solely based on good and evil.

“Let’s see how things go tomorrow then!” Su Liang sighed slightly. Qiao Cong certainly wanted to save Situ Jing, as he was his grandson.

Qiao Cong slept on the ground in the kitchen, leaving his room for Lian Shun and Situ Jing.

Cen Man was worried about the two of them fighting, but Qiao Cong assured her there would be no problem.

Lian Shun wasn’t injured and still didn’t know that Gu Ling was on the island. When he asked to see Su Liang, he was told that she had gone to bed and would see him tomorrow…

From the conversation between Qiao Cong and Situ Jing earlier, Lian Shun knew that Qiao Cong had been “conquered” by Su Liang. The letter of reassurance was most likely personally sent to Jiaye City by Qiao Cong.

As such, Lian Shun wasn’t too worried about his situation and decided to wait until he saw Su Liang.

The only discomfort came from sharing a room with Situ Jing.

They used to be very close friends, sharing a room or even squeezing together on a bed when there was limited space.

But now, things could never be the same.

Lying on the ground, Lian Shun closed his eyes, and immediately heard Situ Jing’s voice from the bed, “I admit, I like Su Liang. But the friend I least want to lose is you.”

Lian Shun was instantly amused and angered, “What do you want? Should I thank you, too?”

“It’s me who wants to thank you.” Situ Jing spoke in a low voice, “I’ve thought about being completely honest with you, but I didn’t have the courage. Later, as certain events happened, there was no turning back.”

“Do you think that by saying these things, I’ll forgive you and act as if nothing happened? And let Su Liang treat you?” Lian Shun coldly said.

Situ Jing sighed, “I know you won’t. But I still want to say that, from start to finish, the person I least want to hurt is you. You may not believe me, but in my heart, Su Liang holds less importance than you.”

“How ridiculous! If I’m so important, then why did you arrest my entire family, cause my sister to be injured and lose her memory, and cause the death of Grandpa Yuan!” Lian Shun coldly said.

Situ Jing was silent for a moment before speaking again, “I don’t want to make excuses that those weren’t my ideas, but at the time, I wasn’t in complete control. If I hadn’t participated in the incident at Jiaye City, Yuan Ye wouldn’t have been the only one dead.”

Upon hearing this, Lian Shun’s anger grew, “If you had revealed the truth earlier, Grandpa Yuan wouldn’t have died at all!”

Situ Jing sighed, “If you think that way, you’re underestimating Situ Xie and being too naive. I’m just his pawn. If I don’t obey, he’ll have other pawns. Your grandfather was a war hero, and you wholeheartedly served Duanmu Che, yet in his eyes, there was still no family affection, only manipulation from a higher position because he was born into the royal family. Su Liang is strong, but she’s merely a pawn in Duanmu Yi’s eyes; he’ll definitely get rid of her and Gu Ling when they’re no longer useful! What difference would it have made if I had told you all the truth back then? Unless I hid and ran away, I would never be able to escape the fate of being manipulated by others. I just saw the reality of this world and wanted to gain power and control, no longer being controlled by anyone!”

Hearing this, Lian Shun replied calmly, “Do you really think I, or Su Liang, don’t understand what you’re saying? But while living in this world, there are things we should do and things we shouldn’t. If you had revealed the truth earlier, perhaps it wouldn’t have changed the animosity between Liang Country and Qian Country, and I might still not have been able to save Grandpa Yuan. But Su Liang and I would have considered you our friend and done our best to help you. No matter what the future holds, good or bad, we would have faced it together.”

Hearing Lian Shun’s last words, Situ Jing fell into complete silence…

The next day, at the break of dawn.

Lian Shun followed Qiuyue to the lakeside and couldn’t help but exclaim, “This place is so beautiful!” As he spoke, he saw a familiar figure appear inside a small courtyard surrounded by a bamboo fence.

Lian Shun rubbed his eyes, thinking he was seeing things, “Gu Xiaoling?”

Upon realizing it was really Gu Ling, Lian Shun’s face lit up with joy, “Gu Xiaoling, I can’t believe you’re here too! No one told me last night!”

However, just as he moved to hug Gu Ling enthusiastically, he was coldly pushed away.

Not minding, Lian Shun looked behind Gu Ling and ran excitedly over, “Su Xiaoliang! It’s so great that you’re okay!”

As Lian Shun tried to hug Su Liang, Gu Ling grabbed his collar and pulled him away.

“How’s your arm?” Su Liang asked.

Lian Shun grinned, “It’s almost completely healed! Everything’s good at home; Xiaonian is doing well, aside from missing his wife every day! You don’t have to worry!”

Qiuyue spoke up, “Master said to please go to the other side with Miss Su.”

Lian Shun snorted, “Situ Jing is blind; the old man wants you to treat him.”

Su Liang’s expression remained calm, “Let’s go there and see.”

Seeing Gu Ling reaching out to hold Su Liang, Lian Shun sighed, “You two are really inseparable. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you two were just here for vacation.”

“I have news.” Su Liang said with a light laugh.

Lian Shun was taken aback, “What news?” After realizing what she meant, he exclaimed in excitement, “Really? Su Xiaoliang, you’re pregnant?! Gu Xiaoling, you’re amazing! Su Xiaoliang, you’re the best! I want to be the baby’s godfather!”

Gu Ling gave Lian Shun a cold look, leaving him to dwell on it.

When they met with Situ Jing, he was quietly sitting next to Qiao Cong, his eyes still covered with a black cloth.

Hearing Lian Shun saying “Gu Xiaoling,” Situ Jing furrowed his brows, “Grandpa, is Gu Ling here too?”

Just like Lian Shun the night before, nobody had informed Situ Jing.

Qiao Cong shook his head, “Whether he’s here or not, it has nothing to do with you.”

Su Liang knew that Qiao Cong was probably about to mention treating Situ Jing.

But unexpectedly, Qiao Cong spoke up, “Persuasion doesn’t work, but since there’s only one pill, I gave it to Qianqian. Do you have any?”

Su Liang was stunned for a moment before realizing Qiao Cong’s intention. Did he want to erase Situ Jing’s past memories as well?

Wasn’t this a ‘Restart Button’ for raising children… freely disposing of them? Although crude, it was indeed effective.

Qiao Cong was determined to get Situ Jing and Nangong Qian back on the right track. And this was what was truly good for them. Unconditional obedience and yielding would only harm them.

“As for that type of medicine, I don’t have any, nor do I know how to make it.” Su Liang shook her head. Old Bai certainly knew, but he wasn’t there.

Situ Jing’s expression changed, “What are you talking about?”

Qiao Cong’s expression became serious, “You must forget your past, start over, and I will ask Su Liang to heal you. If you’re unwilling, you may leave! I’ll just pretend that I don’t have this grandson!”