BXBX NOVEL Chapter 217 - 217: 217. This can be possible.
Chapter 217 - 217: 217. This can be possible.
After seeing Su Liang take his pulse and remain silent, Peng Fan couldn’t help but urge, “Does General Su have a cure for my father’s illness?”
Su Liang sighed softly, “He’s been sick for too long, I can only try.”
After inserting acupuncture needles into Peng Qian, Su Liang left, saying that she would deliver the decoction once it was prepared.
Peng Fan thanked her repeatedly, but Su Liang remained indifferent, stating that she was only doing this to fulfill a promise made to his grandfather and would do her best.
After instructing the old housekeeper to arrange for food and lodging for Peng Fan, his father, and their two accompanying servants, Su Liang returned to her residence.
Upon entering, she saw that Gu Ling was still there, and the initially messy table had been tidied up. He was reading the medical book she had recently studied, with her notes beside him.
“It’s very late, you can go to sleep if you’re tired. I need to make a decoction for Peng Qian.” Su Liang said, yawning.
Gu Ling closed the book and stood up, “Let me do it.”
Su Liang thought for a moment, “That’s a good idea. There are two medicinal herbs that we need, can you help find them?”
An hour passed, and Su Liang had prepared the medicinal ingredients. She began to boil the decoction on the small stove in the corridor.
The door was half open, and Gu Ling sat inside, not too far away from her.
Su Liang told Gu Ling about Peng Qian’s condition and her preliminary treatment plan. After listening, Gu Ling asked, “How long will it take?”
After carefully considering, Su Liang responded, “If the treatment is effective and everything goes well, he will require at least a hundred days to restore his body to the point where he can take care of himself. But to get out of the danger zone, we will need to observe for half a month.”
Even though peace between Liang and Qian country had temporarily been restored after the death of Wei Yao and Wei Hao, no one could be sure whether this peace would last for three months. Peng Wei was old and still recovering from injuries, and without his sons by his side, he was likely to be powerless in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Therefore, Su Liang had decided to stay in Xunyang City for another half month. Once Peng Qian’s condition improved and the Peng family returned to their country, she would return to the capital city.
Gu Ling had no objections to this plan.
While Su Liang was half-asleep after adding firewood to the stove several times, the decoction was finally ready. She poured it out and personally delivered it to the guesthouse.
Peng Fan was wiping his father’s hands. Seeing Su Liang, he quickly got up, “Thank you for your efforts, General Su.”
“Feed this medicine to your father.” Su Liang handed the decoction to Peng Fan, “You’ve come a long way, you should just rest here. As for the remuneration, I will not be shy to accept.”
Peng Fan nodded earnestly, “If General Su can cure my father’s illness, I will be forever at your service.”
Su Liang shook her head, “That’s not necessary. I have to go now. If anything happens, feel free to call me.”
After speaking, Su Liang turned around and left. After Peng Fan fed the medicine to Peng Qian, although his face didn’t show any noticeable improvement, being in a warm and comfortable room, holding a bowl that was still warm, his tense body and mind were able to relax a bit.
When Su Liang returned again, Gu Ling had already left her room. After a simple wash, it was already late at night, and she soon fell asleep.
The next day when she went to see Peng Qian again, he was still unconscious, but his complexion had stabilized compared to the previous day.
“Would you like me to teach you how to make the decoction?” Su Liang asked Peng Fan.
Peng Fan was taken aback, “I… don’t understand…”
Su Liang explained, “I have some things to handle, so I don’t want to entrust it to the servants, to avoid any mistakes. I will teach you how it works.”
Peng Fan immediately agreed and listened carefully to Su Liang’s explanation of how to decoct the medicine. When the servants from Ning Mansion moved the stove and the tools needed for the decoction, Su Liang also gave him the prepared medicinal ingredients.
“The sign has been hung, and we are no longer receiving guests.” The old housekeeper told Su Liang, “Mistress has been busy since returning, you should take a break. After returning to the capital in a few days, you will
inevitably be busy again.”
It was Su Liang who had ordered the old housekeeper to close the door to guests, but she still instructed him to find her immediately if a critically ill patient came seeking treatment.
After closing the courtyard door, Su Liang stretched her body out in the bright sunlight, getting ready to start a sweet task she had planned – making candied peach.
Some of the fresh peaches were set aside for eating, while the remaining were a basketful of large, plump ones.
Early in the morning, Gu Ling went to the mountain where Lingyin Temple was located, and picked a good amount of sour berries that Su Liang had used to roast chicken yesterday. He then smashed them into a juice.
The two of them washed the peaches, removed the skins and pits, cut them into evenly sized strips, and marinated them thoroughly with sugar and the berry juice.
By the time these tasks were completed, it was approaching noon. Su Liang went to see Peng Qian again. He had finally regained consciousness, but his mind was still a bit hazy. Upon hearing from Peng Fan that they were at the Ning family’s residence in Xunyang City, Qian Country, and that Su Liang was treating his wounds, Peng Qian’s hand trembled slightly – he looked at Su Liang but couldn’t utter a word.
“Don’t rush things, we need to take it slow,” Su Liang said, and suddenly asked about Peng Wei, “As you’ve come to Qian Country, is everything safe on your grandfather’s side?”
Peng Fan replied seriously, “Thank you for your concern, General Su. A martial arts expert is with my grandfather, so he should be safe.”
“That’s good.” Having said that, Su Liang left.
This time Peng Fan noticed the pouch at Su Liang’s waist. The cute rabbit on it was a big surprise to him. He felt it somewhat out of character for Su Liang.
After lunch, the pickling process of peaches was completed.
As Gu Ling started the fire, Su Liang cooked the peach flesh over a low heat until it was slightly soft. This did not take long.
Once the pan was removed from the fire, Su Liang deeply inhaled the aroma of the sweet and tangy fruit in the air, and said with a smile, “Let it soak overnight, then take it out to dry tomorrow.” “Can’t we eat it now?” Gu Ling asked.
Su Liang nodded, “You can try it if you want.”
Gu Ling scooped a piece out with a small bowl, gently cooled it, and slowly tasted it. “So this is what cooked peaches taste like.”
“How is it?” Su Liang asked.
“Not as good as fresh peaches.” Gu Ling finished the remaining half, washed the bowl and chopsticks, and put them back in their place.
At dusk, a woman in a critical condition, who was indicated as beyond help by the doctors after falling heavily while pregnant, came seeking help.
The elderly housekeeper immediately reported it to Su Liang. Su Liang rushed over in a hurry and managed to save her after a strenuous night, though the child, being too premature, could not be saved.
Riding alone, Su Liang, with her medicine box, passed through most of Xunyang City in the middle of the night on her way back to the Ning family.
As she passed a secluded street, a sharp arrow targeted her back.
She reacted quickly, narrowly avoided the arrow, and was drenched in cold sweat. She was initially a bit tired, but instantly became extremely alert!
A group of black-clad assassins appeared, surrounding Su Liang.
As she leapt off her horse, the Twin Blades were already in her hands, and she faced the assassins with icy, steady eyes.
She wasn’t entirely surprised. Since she crossed over to this world nearly a year ago, she had made some friends but also managed to offend some important figures. Leaving the capital didn’t mean she was safe, Su Liang knew this well.
In the midst of the fight, Su Liang seemed to be back on the back mountain of the Su Family’s village last year, dealing with the assassins from Yanyun Building.
That was when Su Liang’s strength dramatically increased under the immense pressure of life and death that Gu Ling had created for her.
There were eight assassins today. Comparing their skills with the top assassins of Yanyun Building who had come to steal her pitch adjuster, they were a notch lower.
But still, one against eight made Su Liang feel somewhat strained.
In the midst of the fight, a mysterious masked man suddenly appeared to help her against the assassins.
To Su Liang’s surprise, it wasn’t Gu Ling. She wasn’t sure, but she had a feeling that Gu Ling was nearby. Yet, he was not the one who emerged.
The helper’s martial arts skills were impressive, taking half of the pressure off Su Liang.
After about a quarter of an hour, Su Liang sheathed her sword, watching as the only surviving assassin bit his tongue and committed suicide. She let out a small sigh of relief.
“General Su, are you alright?” A not so unfamiliar voice came.
Su Liang was taken aback, “Mr. Peng?”
The man removes his black face mask under the moonlight, his face rugged and determined, it’s Peng Fan.
“I’m fine. How came Master Peng is here?” Su Liang asked calmly.
Responding to Su Liang’s enquiry which wasn’t expressed as gratitude, Peng Fan explained, “I heard a servant from Ning Mansion mention that you had not yet returned from the rescue, and the housekeeper was worried about your safety. With my fair share of martial arts skills, I informed the housekeeper and came looking for you.”
Su Liang nodded, “I see, thank you.”
Peng Fan found Su Liang’s horse in a nearby alley and walked with her back towards the Ning Mansion. Peng Fan walked alongside her, mentioning that Peng Qian was regaining consciousness and was able to recognize him.
“Good, let it recover slowly.” Su Liang said.
“Does General Su plan on returning to the capital of Qian Country?” Peng Fan asked.
Su Liang nodded, “Yes, I’m going back. Once your father’s health improves, you can leave in about half a month and return home for further recovery.”
“I hope so.” Peng Fan sighed. “My grandfather once mentioned that Ning Jing had a good friend who rescued him alongside you in Xuanbei City. If possible, could you tell me the name and whereabouts of that benefactor? I would like to express my gratitude in person.”
Su Liang shook her head, “After the incident with Ning Jing, we separated, and
I have no idea where he went.”
“If General Su happens to meet that benefactor again, could you convey my gratitude?” Peng Fan said earnestly.
“Alright.” Su Liang replied. The main gate of Ning Mansion was now in sight.
When Su Liang returned to her room, she realized she was covered in blood. But she had only a slight wound on her arm and was fine overall.
After she had a bath and cleaned her wound and applied medicine, dawn was already breaking.
Just as she was about to go to bed, Gu Ling finally appeared.
“Great God, I have a thought,” Su Liang said gravely.
Gu Ling’s attention fell on Su Liang’s right arm and then shifted away. He asked calmly, “What is it?”
“How about I take advantage of my time in Xunyang City for you to run a trip to the capital and kill Duanmu Cheng?” Su Liang suggested. “I was attacked tonight, Peng Fan was kind enough to help. He asked about you later, which got me thinking, the Emperor probably assumed that Ning Jing had been accompanied by a martial artist, which is why he had agreed to send him to
logical for his martial artist friend to seek revenge for him. I will surely be suspected, but with a perfect alibi, I will be able to excuse myself saying that I did know that Ning Jing had such a friend who had guarded me before, but I am not aware of your details, nor have any knowledge of where you went. If the Emperor grows suspicious and chooses not to trust me with important tasks, all the better. I’d then be free to travel elsewhere! It’s a win-win situation!
Otherwise, I don’t know when I will find a chance to get rid of Duanmu Cheng!” Gu Ling countered, “How is Peng Fan’s prowess?”
“I didn’t pay much attention, but I think it’s probably stronger than I expected,” Su Liang said, “Great God, are you worried about me? If I encounter trouble after you leave, I’ll ask Peng Fan for help, he would certainly be more than happy to.”
The reason she said this is because the Peng Family owes Su Liang a big favor.
Seeing Gu Ling silent, Su Liang laughed, “It’s just a sudden thought I had tonight. If you’re not willing to go, it’s okay. I’ll figure out another way.” “Fine.” Gu Ling agreed.
Su Liang thought he meant she should think of another way, so she yawned and prepared to go to bed. “I’m practically dead from exhaustion, please take your leave.”
Gu Ling stood up, “You ask me to kill someone in the capital and now I have to leave without a farewell?” Su Liang turned her head and blinked at Gu Ling, “Didn’t you reject my offer?”
“I said, yes.” Gu Ling stated.
Su Liang rubbed her forehead. This man could often communicate by answering only half the question.
She faced Gu Ling, straightened her body, and bent slightly to salute him, “Thank you for your assistance, Great God.”
Gu Ling nodded slightly and then spread his arms.
Su Liang hesitated, then moved a step forward and hugged him, “Take care on your journey, Great God.”
The two parted after a brief embrace.
“It’s a pity, it’s not very suitable at this moment, otherwise I could prepare some dried food for you,” Su Liang said.
Gu Ling nodded, “In that case, I’ll leave another day.”
Su Liang: …
Gu Ling looked indifferent, “You’ll still be in Xunyang City for half a month, even if I leave in three to five days, it would still be in time, wouldn’t it?”
Su Liang sighed, “Yes. Great God, you weren’t planning on leaving tonight at all, were you?”
Gu Ling shook his head, “You said it, to prepare dried food for me. Let’s talk after it’s ready.”
Su Liang was left without a comeback.
“Go to sleep.” Gu Ling left after his last comment.
Su Liang laid on her bed, covered herself, a wave of sleepiness overcame her, and she quickly fell asleep.
Knowing that Su Liang went to bed late last night, the old housekeeper didn’t let anyone disturb her. She didn’t wake until mid-morning. After freshening up, she went to check on Peng Qian, he had woken up the night before and was now fast asleep after drinking his medicine.
Peng Fan asked about Su Liang’s wound, Su Liang waved her hand, “It’s nothing. ”
When she got back, Su Liang had breakfast, and then laid the soaked peach slices to dry in the sun one by one.
After all this, Su Liang went out in the afternoon to visit the pregnant woman she had saved the night before. Upon returning, she still didn’t see Gu Ling, so she asked the old housekeeper to prepare some excellent tea for her.
The Ning family was never short of tea leaves. Su Liang also requested a small
stone mill, and then ground the tea leaves into matcha powder.
The servants brought her dinner, and she told them to leave it at the door of the study. She then busied herself in the kitchen and finally made green tea cakes.
The tea was excellent, and the quality of the sticky rice flour was top-notch. Su Liang tried one, it had a gentle tea aroma, a subtle sweetness, and a soft, glutinous filling. It was a big success.
After setting up dinner, Gu Ling, who had been missing all day, finally appeared.
“Great God, where have you been?” Su Liang asked.
“I went to meet a friend,” Gu Ling replied. Su Liang was stunned, “You actually have a friend I wasn’t aware of?”
Gu Ling shook his head, “It’s your friend.”
Su Liang twitched the corner of her mouth,” So when you said you went to find a friend, you actually meant my friend? Do you think that’s reasonable, Great God?”
Gu Ling candidly said a name, ‘Yan Shiba.”
Su Liang frowned, “Why were you looking for her?”
“To protect you.” Gu Ling said with an indifferent expression, and his gaze fell on the green tea cake, “What is this?”
“Am I that weak? I’m not going to die without you,” Su Liang grumbled, and then answered his question, “Green tea cake, I specifically made it for your journey.”
Gu Ling took a bite, and nodded “Good.”
“Where did you find Yan Shiba?” Su Liang asked with curiosity.
Gu Ling said he just found someone from the Yan Yun Building and posted a mission to kill Su Liang.
Su Liang swore in shock, “So Yan Shiba, aware of the mission, will certainly come to Xunyang City to find me? Great God, have I ever told you what a genius you are?”
Gu Ling responded with a question, “Do you have red tea cake?” Su Liang nodded reluctantly, ‘Yes, that can be arranged.”
“Wait for your peach slices and red tea cake to be ready, then I’ll head to the capital.” As soon as Gu Ling finished speaking, he ate a green tea cake and elegantly wiped his hands in a napkin..