The Doctor's Three-Time Marriage

282  282. Actually, he really likes me.

Su Liang returned to Han Xiangyuan, carrying the Imperial Matrimonial Decree with her. Upon entering, Ren Dong immediately asked, "Mistress, do you think Emperor Liang might have ulterior motives?"

If Su Liang and Gu Ling, as servants of Qian Country, accepted the conferment by the Emperor of Liang Country, that would make them citizens of Liang Country in some sense.

Gu Ling's mother's lineage is the Royal Family of Liang Country, but Su Liang had no original connection with Liang Country whatsoever.

Su Liang put the Imperial Decree on the table, her eyes slightly cold, "Lord Gu should refuse."

"Then, Mistress, you should refuse this decree. If our emperor finds out, who knows what he might think?" Ren Dong was worried about the possible troubles Su Liang could face when she returned to Qian Country.

Su Liang turned to her, a smile on her face, "Everyone in the world knows I am infatuated with the beautiful Lord Gu. The only reason I accept this decree is because I want to marry him, and there's no other meaning to it. It would seem strange if I were to refuse such a good opportunity, don't you think?"

Ren Dong frowned, "Subordinate still believes Emperor Liang is up to no good."

Su Liang was heading out, "I need to go to the palace to give him his treatment."

Only yesterday, Situ Han had instructed Situ Xie not to accompany Su Liang to the palace daily, but to look after his own grandson instead.

Today, Situ Xie did not accompany Su Liang, but she still ran into him in the palace. He had arrived beforehand.

Upon seeing him, Su Liang bowed, "Ling'er is at Qingjing Temple, I wonder if he has accepted the Imperial Decree? His majesty, the King Yue, will check."

"Please let Marquis Chang Xin know that after we are married, I will definitely treat him twice as nice." Su Liang said with a serious look on her face.

Both Situ Xie and Situ Han laughed, filling the air with a jubilant atmosphere.

However, the moment Situ Xie left, Situ Han said to Su Liang, "Uncle thinks it is extremely inappropriate for me to confer and decree marriage for you and Gu Ling. It will surely displease Emperor Qian, what do you think?"

It was a glaringly apparent fact that Situ Han and Situ Xie were not of the same heart.

Su Liang was uncertain whether Situ Han knew Situ Xie was his biological father and not his uncle. If Situ Han was unaware, it would make sense why he was wary of Situ Xie. No emperor would want their uncle to possess such vast power.

To Situ Han's question, Su Liang responded with a smile, "How could our emperor possibly be displeased with such a kindness from Emperor Liang?"

Situ Han chuckled, "Since you say so, I feel relieved. However, shouldn't you change the way you address me?"

Su Liang was momentarily taken aback, should she call Situ Han her stepfather? She just couldn't bring herself to say it...

"No matter, once you're married to Gu Ling, you can simply call me Royal Uncle." Situ Han said with a smile.

Su Liang sighed softly, "I'm not sure if Lord Gu would agree to marry me."

After Su Liang had finished treating Situ Han, she was getting ready to leave when she heard someone report that Gu Ling had arrived, carrying the Imperial Decree.

Situ Han told Su Liang to return first, as he wanted to have a serious talk with Gu Ling.

Su Liang locked eyes with Gu Ling but could not figure out what he intended to do. The events of the day had taken them by surprise, leaving no chance for them to meet and discuss. Regardless, she didn't have to worry, because no matter the outcome, it wouldn't make much difference to her.

...

After she left the palace, Su Liang returned to Prince Masion. Situ Yao came over with some homemade desserts to find her.

"Grandfather said cousin had gone to the palace, I wonder if he will accept the arranged marriage." Situ Yao sighed a little, her concern for Su Liang apparent.

As it stands now, since Gu Ling is a servant of Qian Country, if he were to reject Situ Han's conferment and marriage decree, it wouldn't be considered defiance. The same goes for Su Liang. She could refuse as well. However, she has always been playing the part of a pursuer infatuated with Gu Ling, so accepting it would be reasonable.

Su Liang shook her head, "Lord Gu has no feelings for me. He should refuse. But I won't blame him. I don't want to force him either."

Situ Yao gripped Su Liang's hand, her expression serious, "You are so good, my cousin will definitely see that. I think you two are a match made in heaven."

"What about you? Do you like our crown prince?" Su Liang asked Situ Yao about her feelings with a slight smile.

Situ Yao was taken aback, then said, "I've heard a lot about him and think he's quite good. He has good character, talent and ability. Importantly, he's good friends with you, which gives me peace of mind."

A voice came from outside the door, "Mistress, Lord Gu is back."

Su Liang quickly got up and walked a few steps towards the door, then sat back down, "What should I say when I see him?"

Situ Yao suggested that she could ask Su Liang on her behalf.

"Forget it, it's better if I go myself, after all, this concerns both of us." Su Liang took a deep breath and headed out.

Entering the Ningxiang Residence, Gu Ming came out of Gu Ling's room. Upon seeing Su Liang, he bowed and smiled, "Congratulations, Divine Doctor Su."

Su Liang paused, "He agreed?" Without delay, she rushed into Gu Ling's room.

When Gu Ming looked back, the door was already closed. He quickly left to report to Situ Xie.

The moment she closed the door, the smile disappeared from Su Liang's face. She frowned, walked over, and sat opposite Gu Ling, "What's going on? Why did you agree to the Imperial Matrimonial Decree? How do we handle the aftermath?"

Although Su Liang thought any outcome would be acceptable, she believed that Gu Ling would certainly refuse.

Gu Ling looked at Su Liang, his expression calm, "There's nothing wrong with marriage."

Su Liang nodded, "That's what they say, and we have acted as a couple before. However, not many people knew about it and in name, it was me who was involved with Ning Jing. If we were to marry now, the whole world would know. You used to reject me and suddenly agreed, which needs a convincing explanation. Otherwise, how can we justify it to Duanmu Yi? Is it because you suddenly realized you loved me the moment you received the Imperial Matrimonial Decree? That sounds absurd."

Gu Ling looked away, "I asked Situ Han for something."

Su Liang was stunned, "What? You used the marriage as a bargaining chip to ask Situ Han for benefits? What treasure is it?"

"The thousand-year-old Snow Lotus," Gu Ling said.

"Situ Han has that? What do you want it for? To maintain eternal youth?" Su Liang felt bewildered.

"It was not planned," Gu Ling explained, "He has it, but only agreed to give me two petals of the Snow Lotus."

Su Liang nodded, "Such a precious thing, of course, he wouldn't give you the whole thing. Why do you think Situ Han is insisting on our marriage?"

"To drive a wedge between us and Duanmu Yi." Gu Ling said.

Su Liang contemplated. Although she was just an imperial physician and always thought her status in Qian Country was insignificant, Situ Xie and Situ Han didn't seem to agree.

Su Liang could guess what they were thinking. After all, she had previously served as a general and could be assigned to lead troops at any time if needed. Marquis Zhong Xin Xing Ji was quite close to her, not to mention Duke Qin's Mansion, Lin Mansion, and Crown Prince Duanmu Chen, whom Situ Yao referred to as "Su Liang's good friend".

Besides, Su Liang was not only the head of the Ning Family, one of the four major businesses in Qian Country, but she also had extremely close relationships with the Wan Family and the Yang Family. Therefore, she controlled considerable wealth.

If Su Liang and Gu Ling accepted both Situ Han's tribute and the marriage decree in Liang Country, regardless of how reasonable the reasons might be, it would be an act of humiliation, or even betrayal, as far as Duanmu Yi was concerned.

That was why Su Liang accepted it, assuming that Gu Ling would refuse, and then everything would work out perfectly.

"But why did you agree to it just for the sake of two snow lotus petals? Is someone's life hanging on this?" Su Liang looked puzzled.

"When Gao Jiabao was poisoned, I went to find someone for the antidote." Gu Ling suddenly brought up this matter.

Su Liang certainly remembered this, "What was the woman's name?"

Gu Ling's expression was calm, "Ying Ying."

Ying Ying, a master of poison techniques, admired Gu Ling and offered him the urgently needed antidote on the condition that Gu Ling stayed with her. However, Gu Ling refused. The condition was then changed: If Gu Ling got married, Ying Ying would emerge and compete in poison techniques with his wife. If she won, Gu Ling would leave with her.

"Yes, if we are going to get married this time, I might be poisoned to death." Su Liang touched her forehead, "Without anyone to guide me, in poison techniques, I am bound to lose."

"She needs the snow lotus." Gu Ling said.

Su Liang's eyes brightened, "You mean, when she shows herself, you can give her the snow lotus, and then your bet with her will be abolished?"

Gu Ling nodded.

Su Liang clapped her hands, "So this is what it's about! Only this way she will come looking for you, and resolve her issue, so there will be no future worry!"

"Do you hope that I will break off the engagement then?" Gu Ling asked Su Liang.

Su Liang thought for a moment, "Let's see how it goes. I guess Duanmu Yi may send people to stop us once he finds out. But no matter what, we will have an explanation when we return to Qian Country. In this way, not only can we repay Ying Ying's favor but also avoid future entanglements. Are you sure she will give you up for Snow Lotus?"

Gu Ling nodded, "Her only younger brother is ill and needs the Snow Lotus for prescription."

"How do you know that Situ Han has the millennium Snow Lotus?" Su Liang asked.

"I'm not certain, it's just a guess. If it exists in this world, it should be in Liang Country." Gu Ling said.

Su Liang nodded, "If it's in Liang Country, it would naturally belong to the Liang royal family."

The incident today caught Gu Ling off guard, he had to improvise, planning to seize the opportunity to make a deal and resolve the predicament left behind. Under the pressure of the moment, he made a bet with Ying Ying, he couldn't break his word, but there was room for negotiation and change. Perhaps by the time he and Su Liang were to marry, Su Liang's poison techniques would surpass Ying Ying's. Still, Gu Ling didn't wish for anyone to interrupt or destroy that day.

"Great God, you're really clever. Yes, let's do it like that!" Su Liang found the plan workable, "Seems like we can only celebrate New Year in Liang Country. Is the wedding date set?"

"The sixth day of the Lunar New Year." Gu Ling said.

14:47

"About the right time, by then I can cure Situ Han. If he doesn't want to start a war with Qian Country, he won't demand our stay in Liang Country. If old Mu shows up to take you as his disciple during this period, that would be even better." Su Liang thought everything was going well so far.

During the incident with Gao Jiabao, Gu Ling was only helping her out of convenience, but it attracted a troublesome person. The sooner he could repay the debt, the better. Indeed, it was an unexpected gain.

As for getting married or not, it wasn't something Su Liang really cared about.

When Su Liang returned to Han Xiangyuan with a joyful expression, she found Situ Yao hadn't left yet.

"Divine Doctor Su, I heard that cousin agreed to marry you, is this true?" Situ Yao asked Su Liang.

Su Liang answered with a smile, "Yes, it's true, I asked him."

Situ Yao happily said, "I knew it! I knew cousin must like you!"

But Su Liang shook her head, "That's hard to say. I asked him why he was willing to marry me, but he remained silent. I suspect he doesn't really want to marry me, there might be some other purpose."

Situ Yao frowned, "Really? Don't overthink it."

Su Liang gave a slight sigh, "I hope I am overthinking it. No matter what, his willingness to get married to me should make me happy. I fell in love with him at first sight, I hope he will eventually grow to like me."

Situ Yao expressed that it was certain.

Ren Dong was watching from the side. The two women looked like they were best friends, but compared to when Su Liang was with Yang Yu or Lin Xueqing, Ren Dong felt that when Su Liang was with Situ Yao, she seemed to be wearing a mask, it was a bit fake.

...

The news of Gu Ling's ennoblement as the King Ning of Liang Country and Su Liang becoming Princess Yu Heng, along with their wedding being set for the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, spread rapidly throughout Yao City.

Situ Han also awarded Gu Ling a King Ning Mansion not far from Yue Wang Mansion.

On the surface, Gu Ling's status became equal to Situ Xie's overnight. However, when it came to real power, there was no room for comparison. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Situ Xie approached Gu Ling to ask why he suddenly wanted to marry Su Liang again. Gu Ling did not reveal the deal about the Snow Lotus, merely said that it was his own business and advised Situ Xie not to concern himself.

How could Situ Xie not feel the growing distrust from Situ Han? He wasn't consulted about this issue at all. The betrothal concern was his granddaughter, but it was as if he had no right to question it.

However, on the surface, Situ Xie was very pleased with the upcoming marriage between Gu Ling and Su Liang, pretending to be as if he wasn't the one who tried to stop Situ Han in the palace.

It took Mu Yu two days to repair the broken folding fan and presented it to Su Liang.

In reality, Su Liang felt it was uglier than the original one Gu Ling made, but she did not show it on her face. She lavished it with praise and asked Mu Yu to make another five fans for her to bring back as gifts for her friends.

Soon, this matter also spread in Yao City. The secret folding fan weapon made by the descendant of the Mu family was dismantled by Su Liang. A skilled craftsman in Yue Wang Mansion restored it to its original state and could replicate similar ones.

This was a rumor intentionally released by Situ Xie, hoping to draw in Mu Yu's master, and thus acquire the other half of the mechanical secret scroll. Otherwise, if the old Mu hid, there was no way to find him.

...

On the third day after Gu Ling's ennoblement as Ning Wang, he and Gu Ming visited Ning Wang Mansion granted by Situ Han.

Upon hearing this, Su Liang also followed with Ren Dong.

"Ren Dong, why don't you ask Gu Ming to have a drink? I'll explore around here with Marquis Ning." Su Liang instructed.

Gu Ming quickly protested that he didn't drink, but Ren Dong pulled him away saying, "We will only get in the way here."

Gu Ming furrowed his brows, but still followed.

The empty Ning Palace is roughly built. Gu Ling said the original owner was Situ Hao, Situ Han's younger brother.

Situ Hao died of illness when he was young, and the mansion was unoccupied ever since. After it was bestowed to Gu Ling, it was hurriedly repaired.

In this season, other than the pines and firs, the rest of the trees are bare.

Gu Ling and Su Liang walked in the garden of Ning Palace. Their surroundings were in clear view, there was no need to worry about others eavesdropping on their conversations.

"Situ Xie spread the news around. I wonder if Old Mu will search for his ill-disciplined disciple." Su Liang was still concerned about Gu Ling's apprenticeship.

"Perhaps he won't." Gu Ling walked into a pavilion, took out a handkerchief to wipe the dust off a stone bench, then went to the opposite side.

Su Liang sat on the bench that Gu Ling had wiped clean. Looking at the ice lake not far away, she sighed softly. "If I were Old Mu, I would not look for Mu Yu. After all, he's the child I raised. I wouldn't bear to kill him, but the issue is with Mu Family's ancestral teachings. That thing might not necessarily be correct. Mu Yu is determined to pursue wealth and power. He won't turn back unless he hits a dead end. It's better to let go and stop caring. Sooner or later, he will pay the price for his choices."

Just as Su Liang finished speaking, a cold hum came f