Chapter 199 - 199:199. She won I t come back tonight
Chapter 199 - 199:199. She won I t come back tonight
Translator: 549690339
Su Liang changed her disguise back to “Wen Liang.”
To prevent Xing Ti or Lin Bojun from worrying about her unexplained
disappearance, she left a note on the table stating that she had gone to run some errands and asked them not to worry.
Of course, the specifics had to remain unsaid.
“Let’s go,” Su Liang called to Ning Jing.
During her time at the General Mansion, Ning Jing always avoided the usual routes, allowing her to easily bypass the guards with Su Liang and enter a small alley.
When they reached the main street of Xuanbei City, Su Liang had a basket in her hand, filled with items needed to offer incense.
Ning Jing also bought two temporary horses.
At the North City Gate, Su Liang told the guards that they were from out of town, coming specifically to visit Ping’an Temple to pray for their family elders, so they could smoothly pass through.
At this moment, Che Yun, who had escorted Peng Wei’s group out of the city, was still standing on the city building.
He could no longer see the Liang Country’s convoy in his line of sight. Che Yun was preparing to return to the military camp when he suddenly saw two people riding out of the city. He squinted his eyes, recognizing them as familiar figures.
He shifted his gaze, left the city gate, and returned to the military camp.
Seeing only Lin Bojun with Xing Ji, Che Yun asked about Su Liang.
“Xiaoliang said that she wanted to change her clothes and that we didn’t need to worry about her. Everything is handled, and it doesn’t matter if she doesn’t come,” Lin Bojun chuckled.
Xing Ji nodded, “You guys did a great job.”
There was something else, a story that Xing Ji only remembered upon seeing
Peng Wei. His father, Old Bei Jingwang, had some “friendship” with Peng Wei. However, because of conflicting political stances, the friendship had remained unknown, and it wasn’t related to the two countries’ interests.
The Xing Family’s ancestors were founders of the nation, and the Bei Jingvvang Mansion treasured numerous valuable items, including the collection of medical books sent to Su Liang as a gift.
Years ago, Peng Wei’s son was critically wounded in an assassination attempt and poisoned. His life was hanging by a thread. They found a divine doctor, who said it was possible to save the boy but needed a rare, essential medicinal ingredient.
The divine doctor knew Old Bei Jingwang and had long coveted the wonderful medicines in the Bei Jingwang Mansion. He informed Peng Wei that, as far as he knew, only Qian Country’s Bei Jingwang Mansion had the life-saving medicine.
This was a fact.
For the sake of his son’s life, Peng Wei disguised himself, came to Qian Country personally, pleaded with Bei Jingwang Mansion, and exchanged a valuable item for the medicine, thus saving his son’s life.
The valuable item eventually became the Luoying Sword that Xing Ji later gave to Su Liang.
Old Bei Jingwang once mentioned Peng Wei, saying, “He is a bold man. It’s a pity he’s not from Qian Country and there’s no chance to drink together.”
Xing Ji planned to tell Su Liang about this incident the next time they met, although it wouldn’t impact anything.
Che Yun did not mention that he saw suspected Su Liang leaving the city. Su Liang’s relationship with Xing Ji and Lin Bojun was very close, so maybe they already knew.
Su Liang and Ning Jing didn’t waste much time before catching up with Peng Wei’s group. Their speed was slightly faster, and when they approached the foot of the mountain near Ping’an Temple, they spotted Peng Wei and the others.
The two slowed down because Peng Wei had stopped.
“Could that old man be planning to climb the mountain to worship the Buddha?” Su Liang wondered.
As her words fell, she saw Peng Wei lead two attendants up the mountain.
Su Liang and Ning Jing rode over.
The rest of the Liang Country’s convoy were resting nearby and took notice of them.
One of the junior officers shouted, “What are you guys doing?
“Offering incense,” Su Liang got off her horse and tilted the basket to show them.
Ning Jing and Su Liang climbed the mountain, hurried along, and spotted Peng Wei in the distance. They kept a safe distance and followed behind.
“He doesn’t look like he’s going to kill anyone, so who’s going to kill him?” Su Liang whispered.
Ning Jing shook his head, uncertain.
The day was the 15th, so there weren’t many people visiting the temple. Moreover, it was getting late.
The mountain path was eerily silent, with only “brother” Ning Jing and Su Liang accompanying Peng Wei and his two attendants.
The newly-bloomed peach blossoms in the mountain forest swayed in the wind, emanating a faint fragrance.
However, Su Liang had no interest in appreciating the scenery, as her gaze never left Peng Wei.
Both she and Ning Jing tacitly slowed down, and the attendant who looked back twice didn’t notice anyone behind them.
When the attendant turned to look for the third time, Su Liang felt something was wrong…
The next moment, she saw a glint of a blade flash in front of her. Without any warning, the attendant attacked Peng Wei’s back with his knife!
Su Liang cursed and dropped her basket, rushing forward with Ning Jing!
Naturally, the one that Peng Wei brought with him was someone he trusted, and he had no defenses. At this moment, he had already been slashed once and had fallen to the ground.
When the second slash from the attendant was about to land on Peng Wei’s body, Ning Jing struck them on the back with his palm, knocking them to the ground.
Another attendant, who had been standing on the side without taking action or stopping the others, now drew his sword and charged toward Ning Jing!
It was clear that both of Peng Wei’s subordinates were accomplices, both intent on killing him!
Ning Jing chose a tricky angle to dodge the sword thrust at him, seizing the assailant’s wrist and giving it a vicious twist!
A blood-curdling scream filled the air, scaring away countless birds.
Su Liang didn’t bother with the people trying to kill Ning Jing but hurried to check on Peng Wei’s injuries instead.
The knife wound was deep and bleeding continuously, and Peng Wei’s consciousness was already becoming scattered.
Having come in disguise, Su Liang hadn’t brought a medical kit, but she had brought an emergency kit since her mission today was to save someone’s life.
She pried open Peng Wei’s mouth and stuffed in two pills, then quickly stopped his bleeding and bandaged him.
Although the two men who wanted to kill Peng Wei had decent martial arts skills, they were no match for Ning Jing.
Ning Jing didn’t kill them, but rendered them disabled, then used their clothes to tear into strips and tie them up.
After making sure that both of their faces were free from disguise, he confirmed that they were indeed Peng Wei’s subordinates.
“Is he still alive?” Ning Jing asked Su Liang.
“Yes,” Su Liang replied, wiping the sweat from her forehead before taking Peng
Wei’s pulse again.
Fortunately, the rescue was timely, and if all went well, his life should be preserved.
‘Who are you?” one of the attackers asked with a face ashen as death, his teeth clenched.
“We’re just good samaritans,” Ning Jing replied indifferently.
“It’s none of your business. It’s best not to interfere, or else…” Before one of them could finish, Su Liang strode over and kicked him in the face. Su Liang coldly asked, “Why do you want to harm General Peng Wei?”
The two men remained silent.
Su Liang glanced at Peng Wei, who was lying on the ground, and found herself in a difficult position.
Taking Peng Wei back to Xuanbei City would not be appropriate and risked sparking a conflict between the two countries.
Although the incident had occurred in a “non-war zone,” people in Liang Country would probably suspect Qian Country first.
However, there was still a team waiting at the foot of the mountain for Peng Wei to descend and return to South Wind City. If too much time passed without him appearing, they would start looking for him.
The key issue was that Peng Wei’s trusted aides had betrayed him; even with a life-threatening injury, they had taken him away and left him with the people of Liang Country, which would likely lead to more harm than good.
If Ning Jing had discovered the black fog, it meant that they were destined to save his life, and they must do it all the way.
Just as Su Liang was considering her options, Ning Jing said, “He’s awake.” Su Liang went to Peng Wei’s side and saw him looking pale as he opened his eyes.
She propped up Peng Wei’s head and softly spoke in her original voice, “I am Su Liang. We met just a short while ago.”
Peng Wei looked at the young man in disbelief.
“I disguised myself,” Su Liang explained. “I was worried you would have trouble before returning to South Wind City, and it would be pinned on our Qian Country. I came here to ‘see you off.’ I didn’t expect a disaster to happen. I am a doctor; you should have heard of me before, right?”
Peng Wei nodded weakly, saying, “Thank you…’
“Do you know who wants to kill you?” Su Liang asked.
Peng Wei frowned and did not speak.
“Please tell me first how we should handle this mess. It’s not fair to blame our Qian Country for an assassination attempt. I think you should be a principled person,” Su Liang said bluntly.
Indeed, she had no idea how to deal with the situation. If someone in Liang Country wanted Peng Wei dead, why would they attack him at Ping’an Temple? It was hard not to suspect that those behind the scenes intended to frame Qian Country.
Peng Wei looked at his two attendants, and his face grew even uglier.
“You two… disguise yourselves,” Peng Wei said in a low voice. “Go down the mountain… say that I twisted my ankle… and I need to stay at Ping’an Temple for a night… let them go… I will return… tomorrow… ”
Su Liang thought about it and concluded that this was the only way.
One of Peng Wei’s attendants was relatively thin and approximately the same height as Ning Jing.
Ning Jing had disguise medicine on him, so he knocked out the two attendants, dragged them by their arms, and led them deeper into the dense forest.
When Ning Jing reappeared, he had already disguised.
He hadn’t disguised himself as the one who slashed Peng Wei, since there were no noticeable bloodstains on his outer clothing.
Ning Jing picked up Peng Wei again and carried him to a flat, wind-sheltered spot in the forest.
“Wait here.” Ning Jing said and then left. She covered the traces of blood on the mountain path with soil before going down the mountain.
Peng Wei lay on the ground, cushioned by a follower’s coat.
Su Liang sat on a rock beside him and asked, “Old man, do you believe that I won’t harm you?”
Peng Wei revealed a pale, bitter smile, “Had it not been for you, I would have met Yama King by now… They all want to kill me; who else can I trust?”
“What about tomorrow?” Su Liang asked.
“I’ll return tomorrow.” Peng Wei’s eyes turned cold. “Old General, do you know who poisoned you?” Su Liang asked.
Peng Wei remained silent.
Su Liang seemed to be lost in thought, “I heard that you have only one son and one daughter. Your son was seriously injured and disabled by someone, and your son-in-law is Wei, the lord of South Wind City. Could it be Wei Yao who did it?”
Peng Wei’s face stiffened, “Why do you think that way?”
“I mean, your son’s injury may have been caused by Wei Yao. If your son was fine, perhaps today’s main general in South Wind City would have the surname Peng instead of Wei, right?” Su Liang asked.
Peng Wei’s face darkened severely!
“Of course, this is just a guess without any evidence. Perhaps you, old sir, think that your son-in-law is wonderful in every way. You treat him like your own son and show great love for your grandson. However, in light of today’s events, I think you should reconsider whether you have been deceived?” Su Liang sighed softly.
Peng Wei fell into a long silence.
Su Liang didn’t press him further, “Close your eyes if you want to think. Rest.” Peng Wei glanced at her again and closed his eyes.
Su Liang didn’t interrogate the two traitors either, waiting for Ning Jing’s return.
Those from Liang Country who were waiting at the foot of the mountain saw Peng Wei’s follower come down the mountain alone and found it strange.
Ning Jing didn’t approach them, but imitated the man’s voice, “The old general accidentally twisted his ankle. He’ll stay at the Ping’an Temple tonight and return to the city tomorrow!”
The junior officer in charge frowned, “Isn’t this improper?”
Ning Jing snorted, “The old general always sticks to his words. You can go back and tell the general that everything has been arranged!”
With that, Ning Jing turned and left.
The junior officer hesitated for a moment but didn’t follow up the mountain to confirm with Peng Wei. He continued on his way, leading the people back to South Wind City.
Seeing Ning Jing return, Su Liang knew thateverything went smoothly.
“What now? Do we take General Peng back to Xuanbei City for treatment?” Su Liang asked.
Peng Wei opened his eyes, “I have some connections with Master Pu Qing of Ping’an Temple…”
“Oh? Then let’s take you to Ping’an Temple!” Su Liang said cheerfully, “Perfect timing, my brother hasn’t changed his clothes yet.”
She looked at Ning Jing, “You carry General Peng to Ping’an Temple and send him to Master Pu Qing. Then come back, and we’ll take the two traitors there as well.”
Peng Wei was carried by Ning Jing, while Su Liang took off her coat and covered Peng Wei’s back, hiding the wound.
Whenever she dressed like a man, she wore extra layers of clothes, which still looked thin.
“You two…” Peng Wei frowned at Su Liang, “All this just to save me?”
“I’m a doctor, it’s not like I could stand by and do nothing. Plus, your misfortune here doesn’t bode well for Qian Country,” Su Liang replied.
If the mastermind behind the scenes truly wanted to frame Qian Country, Peng Wei’s survival was even more crucial.
Su Liang didn’t want the two countries to go to war, as it would only bring suffering to the common people.
Peng Wei gave Su Liang a deep look and was carried away by Ning Jing.
Upon arrival at Ping’an Temple, they directly announced that the Old General Peng from South Wind City had come to see Master Pu Qing but had twisted his ankle on the mountain path and couldn’t walk, so he needed to stay the night.
A little monk went to inform Master Pu Qing, and soon someone came to escort them.
Ning Jing carried Peng Wei to see Master Pu Qing. After speaking with the master for a few moments, Peng Wei was arranged to be in a courtyard next door.
Ning Jing put Peng Wei on the bed, and he asked Ning Jing, “Are you that girl’s brother?”
“Bodyguard,” Ning Jing replied,
“You two posing as siblings.” Peng Wei nodded, “You go find her.”
Ning Jing and Su Liang circled around and brought the two traitors into Ping’an Temple through the back mountain.
Master Pu Qing had sent away the monk who was guarding the place beforehand.
Finally being able to sit down, Su Liang saw some warm water on the table and poured herself a cup to drink, letting out a sigh of relief.
“Elder Peng, someone might attempt to assassinate you tonight. Do you need our help?” Su Liang asked.
On the way up the mountain, Ning Jing mentioned that the dark mist around Peng Wei had not dissipated yet, and the danger had not been eliminated. Clearly, someone didn’t want him to return alive to Liang Country.
“I didn’t expect that I would need the protection of someone from Qian Country to preserve my life at the end…” Peng Wei’s face showed a mocking expression, but it was not directed at Su Liang.
“Then let’s assume you’ve agreed.” Su Liang turned to Ning Jing, “You go back to the city and tell Second Brother Lin that I won’t be returning tonight and will be staying at Ping’an Temple.”
Ning Jing nodded and left.
The two traitors who had been knocked out were locked up in the next room, leaving only Su Liang and Peng Wei in this room.
“You didn’t bring the Luoying Sword…” Peng Wei said.
Su Liang paused for a moment, “I didn’t.” When they were in Xuanbei City, Peng Wei had asked Su Liang who had given her the sword, and she replied it was from an elder.
“Was it Xing Ji who gave it to you?” Peng Wei told Su Liang about his experience using the Luoying Sword to exchange for medicinal materials to save his son many years ago.
Su Liang suddenly realized, “So that’s how it is.”
“You… are you really Su Yuanzhou’s granddaughter?” Peng Wei furrowed his brows, looking at Su Liang.
Su Liang raised her eyebrows, ‘You even know my grandfather?”
“Although my son is alive, he has been ill all these years. I’ve visited famous doctors all over the world and have also sought your grandfather.” Peng Wei said, and then coughed twice.
Su Liang poured a cup of warm water and handed it over, feeding him the drink.
Peng Wei let out a sigh, “Your grandfather… died too unjustly. Before meeting
you, I thought, how could Su Yuanzhou’s granddaughter be so capable?” “What about after meeting me?” Su Liang asked with a smile.
Peng Wei sighed, “I think even more so that you don’t seem like a girl raised in the Su Family.”
“Then whose family do I seem like I belong to?” Su Liang casually asked.
Peng Wei thought for a moment and said, “You seem like you’re from my family.”
Su Liang: …
“Unfortunately, I don’t have a granddaughter.” Peng Wei sighed deeply. Su Liang asked, “Do you have a grandson?”
Peng Wei nodded, and then said, “Do you want to marry my grandson? He’s very good-looking.”
Su Liang coughed lightly, “I have a fiancé.”
“That Ning guy? What’s so good about him?” Peng Wei asked.
Su Liang didn’t mind Peng Wei’s words, actually quite liking his straightforward attitude.
She thought for a moment and said, “He’s good-looking and wealthy.” “My family is also wealthy.” Peng Wei said.
Su Liang stood up, “You should think about whether you can survive to see your children and grandchildren before worrying about your grandson’s marriage.”
Peng Wei’s face darkened, and he stopped talking.
“Rest well. It’ll help your wounds heal faster. I’ll go find us some food.” Su Liang left as soon as she finished speaking.
Xuanbei City.
Lin Bojun had already seen the note Su Liang left in the room. Although he didn’t know what she was up to, he wasn’t worried as Ning Jing was with her. Xing Ji didn’t ask, so he didn’t mention it either.
When Ning Jing appeared in front of Lin Bojun, he was writing a letter to Qin Yujin.
“Ah…Jun?” As the word “Jing” reached his lips, he changed it. Lin Bojun quickly put the letter away, “What brings you here?” This was a military camp, and Lin Bojun didn’t know how Ning Jing had entered. Su Liang was not with him, so something must have happened.
“We have something to do, and she won’t be back tonight.” Ning Jing left after saying that.
Lin Bojun was stunned, as Ning Jing disappeared before he had a chance to ask more questions.
He furrowed his brows in thought, “Could they have switched to an undisturbed place to have their wedding night? They’re being so secretive..”