Translator: 549690339
After leaving the military camp, Ning Jing secretly returned to the General Mansion in Xuanbei City, bringing back two sets of clothes for Su Liang and herself, along with Su Liang’s dical kit.
When Lin Bojun t Xing Ji again, he ntioned that Su Liang had sothing to do and didn’t know where she was going, not returning Tonight.
Xing Ji frowned imdiately, “Did she tell you this herself? Why didn’t you ask for details?”
Lin Bojun shook his head, “She left a note. We shouldn’t worry, Xiaoliang has always been very sensible in doing things.”
Xing Ji sighed slightly, “I know that, but she’s alone… no, she has soone with her, the master who was picking mushrooms outside the city that day. Why is she always so mysterious? It’s not that I don’t trust her, but she clearly treats us like outsiders.”
Lin Bojun heard Xing Ji’s dissatisfaction and couldn’t help but smile, “That’s not the case. Xiaoliang has always been the type to deal with problems on her own, and if we were in trouble, she wouldn’t hesitate to help. We’ll know what’s going on when she cos back tomorrow.”
Xing Ji nodded, “If that’s the case, let it be. If anyone asks, just say that I sent her to do so important work and that it must be kept secret. Don’t let anyone suspect her.”
Actually, Su Liang’s behavior of disguising herself and suddenly disappearing from the city could easily be used against her.
The reason she wasn’t worried was precisely that she trusted Xing Ji and didn’t consider him an outsider.
Dusk fell.
After three bell rings in Ping’an Temple, Su Liang returned to the courtyard where Peng Wei was staying from the back mountain.
The two traitors who were knocked unconscious by Ning Jing were still not awake, and Peng Wei was also sleeping heavily.
As Su Liang stood in the courtyard, thinking about how to settle dinner, she heard an old and deep voice behind her, “Little benefactor, how is Mr. Peng?”
Su Liang turned her head and saw an old monk with white eyebrows walking into the courtyard, his bearing extraordinary.
She imdiately guessed his identity, “Master Pu Qing?”
“Does this little benefactor recognize ?” The old monk smiled warmly.
Su Liang shook her head, “This is our first eting. My na is Wen Liang. I know a young master with the dharma na Cheng Yun, who saved a friend of mine and beca acquainted with .”
“Oh?” The old monk was sowhat surprised, “Cheng Yun is my disciple, he has gone to Huguo Temple in Qian Country to practice.”
“Yes, I heard Cheng Yun ntion that his master was in Ping’an Temple. When I was traveling here, I ca to visit Master yesterday, but you were not seeing guests. I ca again today and t General Peng.” Su Liang smiled.
Master Pu Qing nodded slightly, “So that’s how it is. You must be the dical expert Mr. Peng ntioned.”
“I am not very talented, but that’s .” Su Liang was very polite.
After their conversation, they both went to check on Peng Wei together.
Su Liang stated that she wanted to stay in the temple tonight to take care of Peng Wei but due to her identity as a Qian Country citizen, she didn’t want to be known.
Master Pu Qing expressed his understanding and, after confirming that there was no longer a threat to Peng Wei’s life, he left.
Su Liang hadn’t had ti to ask about dinner, so she could only wait for Ning Jing to return.
Not long after, Master Pu Qing personally sent over a set of clean bedding for Su Liang.
Su Liang thanked him, and asked about the dining issue.
Master Pu Qing said that he had already instructed the temple’s al hall to prepare, and when it was ready, he would personally bring it over.
This way, Su Liang could avoid being seen by others.
“Thank you so much.” Su Liang felt that this old monk was very nice, even more flexible than Cheng Yun.
After Master Pu Qing left again, Su Liang laid the bedding in the small room next door.
Just as she finished, Ning Jing returned.
“I brought clothes.” Ning Jing placed the bundle and dical kit on the table, and glanced at the only small bed in the room, “You stay up all night, and I’ll sleep here.”
Su Liang: .
“How are we going to eat?” Ning Jing asked.
Su Liang replied, “Master Pu Qing will send us vegetarian dishes later.”
Ning Jing opened the dical kit, and an enticing aroma of at spread throughout the room, “I brought a roasted chicken.”
Su Liang’s stomach growled, and since she hadn’t eaten much today, she asked in a low voice, “Is it all for you and not for to eat?”
“I thought you would say that it’s not appropriate to eat at in a place of Buddhist tranquility.” Ning Jing’s expression was indifferent, “Since you didn’t say it, then let’s share it.”
Su Liang: … If she had said that, she would have to eat vegetarian only? Speechless, but reasonable…
When Su Liang was about to wash her hands to eat the roast chicken, she heard footsteps in the courtyard. She opened the door and went out, then closed the door again.
“I’m really troubling Master.” Su Liang took the food box from Master Pu Qing.
Master Pu Qing shook his head, ‘You have a kind heart for saving others, and you are also a friend of my disciple. There’s no need to be so polite. If you need anything else, just co find .”
After Master Pu Qing left, Su Liang didn’t bother with the resting Peng Wei and brought the food box to her own room. She opened it, and the steam wafted out.
Although it was just plain porridge and vegetarian dishes, the taste was still good.
Both Su Liang and Ning Jing were hungry, so they didn’t care where they were. They arranged the vegetarian dishes from Ping’an Temple and the roasted chicken from Xuanbei City together and started eating.
After eating a chicken leg and taking a sip of porridge, Su Liang sighed comfortably, “I want to go ho.”
She was referring to her hotown.
After leaving, Su Liang often missed the simple, quiet, and fulfilling tis there.
“I can go back anyti to see you.” Ning Jing’s expression was calm.
Su Liang sighed softly, “Let’s wait until we deal with Duanmu Cheng and the Wan family, then we’ll see how we can leave. I didn’t think that much back then, but now I want to go back to the village to live, I’m afraid it’s not going to be easy.”
Initially, she left to take revenge for the family of the Original Master, and now it’s almost done.
“By the way, did you tell Second Brother Lin what happened?” Su Liang changed the topic.
Ning Jing shook his head, “I just told him that you had sothing to do and wouldn’t return tonight.”
“Just watch, next ti we see him, he’s going to tease us.” Su Liang smiled then suddenly changed the topic again, “I have a hunch that sothing happened to Old Peng today, and it might be related to his son-in-law, Wei Yao.” “Hmm.” Ning Jing nodded succinctly, “I feel the sa way.”
In fact, knowing that Wei and Peng’s families exchanged the position of the main generals in Liang Country made Su Liang suspect that Peng Wei’s son’s accident was caused by the Wei Family.
Besides, the ones who tried to assassinate Peng Wei today were not real assassins but his confidants.
Two people from Liang Country were probably bought by soone from their country because the interests they pursued were there.
“What would Wei Yao’s intention be if he did this?” Su Liang thoughtfully
asked.
Ning Jing’s thin lips opened slightly, “Starting a war.”
Su Liang was stunned for a mont, “But isn’t Liang Country lacking food?”
“Who told you that Liang Country has a food shortage?” Ning Jing countered.
Su Liang blurted out, “Wei Yao.”
Two nights ago, Wei Yao suddenly led his troops to the foot of Xuanbei City, allowing his son Wei Hao to challenge Su Liang. If Wei Hao won, Qian Country would have to give 100,000 stones of grain.
An idea struck Su Liang, and her expression grew serious. “Could it be possible that Wei Yao did this deliberately, creating an illusion that Liang Country lacks food, making us believe that they can’t afford to fight, and thus causing us to lower our guard?”
“When Peng Wei was the general of Liang Country, he always advocated for an alliance with Qian Country.” Ning Jing said.
Su Liang’s expression was inexplicable, “Although Peng Wei has given up his position to Wei Yao now, he must still have a high prestige in the army. Is it possible that there is a disagreent between the father and son-in-law? Is that why Wei Yao wants to get rid of Peng Wei? If so, who gave Wei Yao the courage to go to war with Qian Country?”
“What do you think?” Ning Jing asked again.
Su Liang pondered for a mont, “Yin Country?!”
Attack when the enemy is near, and make friends when they are far away.
Therefore, it is a more reasonable strategy for Liang and Yin countries to join forces against Qian Country according to the art of war.
But Su Liang had heard from Lin Bojun that throughout history, Liang and Yin countries had tried several tis to join forces to fight against Qian Country. In the end, all those attempts started with great fanfare, only to end in disappointnt. Not only did they fail to prevail, but Qian Country beca more and more powerful, eventually becoming the strongest among the three countries.
The alliance between Liang and Yin countries, which should have been in the best interests of both sides, never worked out. The reason for this was that the Yin Royal Family didn’t provide enough support, or rather, Yin people were too cunning.
Ti and again, they instigated Liang Country to start a war, promising a grand alliance, pledging to fight together, only to renege on their promise, always wanting to preserve their own strength. They hoped to reap the rewards when Liang and Qian countries exhausted each other.
It is not an exaggeration to say that it was not Qian Country that brought disaster to Liang Country, because of Qian Country’s geographical location, they always adhered to the principle of not offending others unless they are offended first.
It was Yin Country to the south that was restless, instigating wars every few years. In the end, Yin Country didn’t suffer much loss, but it led to Liang Country’s decline.
Therefore, the so-called “attack near and befriend far” strategy can only work effectively among wise rulers.
Liang Country is reckless, and Yin Country is cunning, so their alliances have never had a good outco.
No wonder Peng Wei advocated peace, because Yin Country had broken their promises too many tis, and Liang Country couldn’t afford to lose anymore.
At this point, Su Liang scoffed, “I’m afraid Wei Yao is really behind this, with people from Yin Country egging him on, perhaps Yin Country has promised to provide Liang Country with sufficient food and provisions if they go to war. In this way, it all makes sense.”
Although it was just a guess, Su Liang believed it was very likely.
Maybe after today’s incidents, Peng Wei himself understood this…
There was a noise coming from the next room, and Su Liang put down her chopsticks. “I’ll go check on the old man.”
When Su Liang entered the room, the wind blew, causing the fla on the oil
lamp to flicker violently.
She closed the door behind her, went to the bedside, and saw Peng Wei staring at the ceiling, as if he was looking at nothing.
“Old Peng?” Su Liang opened her mouth, “How are you feeling? Where does it hurt?”
Peng Wei’s gaze shifted to Su Liang’s face, his voice weak, “Do you think my wound hurts?”
Su Liang couldn’t help but laugh, “If it hurts, that’s good. Next ti, make sure to be more careful and don’t be deceived by those around you.” Peng Wei’s face stiffened, “Little girl, do you know sothing?”
“I don’t know, I just guessed.” Su Liang sat by the bed and took Peng Wei’s pulse, “This morning during the negotiation, I could feel that Elder Peng hopes for Liang Country to coexist peacefully with Qian Country. As it is, why not continue discussing certain matters?”
Peng Wei’s eyes were deep as he looked at Su Liang, “What do you want to talk about?”
“Talk about your good son-in-law, who wants to earn rits by plunging the people of Liang Country into the depths of suffering again?” Su Liang said half-jokingly.
But Peng Wei fell silent.
“The situation is not very good. The bandaging was done rather hastily at the ti. My brother brought my dicine box. I’ll go call him to help you change your dressing.” Su Liang got up.
Peng Wei spoke again, “It was Wei Yao who did it.”
Su Liang sat back down, “If Elder Peng is willing to tell the whole story, I’ll be all ears.”
“A few days ago, Wei Yao ntioned to that he wanted to form an alliance with Yin Country.” Peng Wei said gravely.
Su Liang frowned, “Isn’t it up to the royal family to decide on such matters?”
“From top to bottom, there has been endless debate in Liang Country over whether to cooperate with Yin Country. I’m determined not to trust the treacherous and shaless Yin Country people again, but Wei Yao has been bewitched by soone and thinks that now is a good opportunity to form an alliance with Yin Country and launch an attack on Qian Country, since Qian Country’s royal family is in turmoil, and Xuanbei City Lord will be replaced.”
Peng Wei gasped for breath and continued, “I scolded him harshly and told him to give up the idea of cooperating with Yin Country as soon as possible. Now it seems that not only did he not listen to , but he also intends to get rid of , the obstacle. Although he is the commander in na, many generals in Nanfeng City still prefer to listen to . If sothing happens to , he can fabricate that it was Qian Country people who killed and thus have a reason to start a war.”
“So, Wei Yao’s transaction with Yin Country people did not go through the
Royal Family, but was privately reached? He has quite the nerve. The Yin Country, which openly betrayed alliances with two countries, is even more untrustworthy in a secret alliance.” Su Liang felt that Wei Yao had lost his sanity.
“He had that seductive woman by his side, who ca from the South. He was enchanted by her. I told him to drive her away, and he did. Now that I think about it, he must have been pretending to comply. That woman is likely a spy sent by Yin Country.” Peng Wei bitterly smiled, “I even cultivated Wei Yao like my own son, and in the end, this is what I got.”
“If what you say is true, chances are that Yin Country’s royal family has promised Wei Yao so enticing benefits through the spy. If I were to make a bold guess, it could even be—after joining hands to destroy Qian Country, supporting him to beco the emperor of Liang Country?” Su Liang said.
Peng Wei’s hand at his side trembled. He felt that Su Liang was exaggerating, but the more he thought about it, the more possible it seed.
“As long as Wei Yao sends soone to kill you tonight and blas Qian
Country, perhaps the war would break out tomorrow.” Su Liang stood up again,
“I’ll have my brother co and change your dressing.”
Watching Su Liang leave, Peng Wei’s eyes were tired, and his face bitter.
Su Liang returned to the neighboring room and saw that Ning Jing had finished eating his half-roasted chicken, with the chicken bones neatly arranged on the plate.
Su Liang quickly relayed the information she had learned from Peng Wei to Ning Jing.
Their guess was actually almost in line with the truth. As of now, with Peng
Wei’s confidant betraying him, the mastermind behind the scenes had started to show their flaws. If no one saw it, it would be fine, but it was unfortunately seen by Su Liang and Ning Jing.
If it weren’t for Ning Jing’s special ability, they wouldn’t be able to prevent today’s tragedy, let alone the possibly resuming war in the future.
Su Liang took out what she needed from the dicine box, “You go change
Elder Peng’s dressing, and then feed him the remaining porridge.”
“Okay.” Ning Jing scooped a bowl of warm porridge and took the items passed by Su Liang, then went to the next room.
“What’s the relationship between you and that girl?” Peng Wei asked as he looked at Ning Jing.
Ning Jing’s expression was indifferent, “I am a good friend of Ning Jing, taking care of Su Liang for him.”
Peng Wei snorted, “That young man nad Ning knows how to worry about this girl, but isn’t he afraid you’ll abduct her?”
Ning Jing finished wrapping Peng Wei’s wound and said calmly, “She’s not easy to abduct..”
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