The Doctor’s Three-Time Marriage

Chapter 234:234. Marquis Chang Xin (Midnight)

Translator: 549690339

Su Liang lightly huffed, “May I ask where the young master went for a stroll?” “Everywhere.” Gu Ling said.

Su Liang looked up at the sky speechlessly, thinking this guy is insane!

“Let’s talk about serious matters,” Su Liang said solemnly. “Earlier, when you disguised yourself as Ning Jing, Uncle Liang told your grandfather about it. Although that identity is over now, if someone brings it up again and with the royal family’s suspicions, they might believe it. For safety’s sake, you must hide well recently and not be discovered by anyone. Otherwise, it’ll be troublesome.”

“Mm.” Gu Ling nodded.

“What if your grandfather troubles me?” Su Liang asked.

Gu Ling shook his head slightly, “Suit yourself.”

Before going to bed, Gu Ling soaked some beans. The next day, before dawn, he ground the beans into soy milk using a small stone grinder, adding a few peanuts and red dates, then boiling it in a small pot.

By the time finished exercising, the soy milk was at the perfect temperature to drink. She also made two simple pancakes and a cold dish, which made their breakfast.

Now that they lived upstairs, one essential task for Gu Ling was to heat bathwater for Su Liang and to drain it, which was part of the housework he had always handled before.

After Su Liang had taken a bath and changed her clothes, the sun had just risen.

Today, she wore one of the new dresses that Yang Yu had given her, a light purple chiffon gown. As she walked, the skirt gently floated, looking soft and beautiful.

Seeing Gu Ling looking at her skirt, Su Liang asked, “How is it?”

Gu Ling nodded slightly, “Not bad.”

“Does it look very gentle and well-behaved?” Su Liang asked, holding her face.

Gu Ling nodded again, “Not bad.”

“That’s good. I have to make a good impression when meeting strangers, so I shouldn’t let them think I’m someone not to mess with,” Su Liang explained, clenching her fists, knuckles cracking, and humming, “If anyone wants to bully me, just wait and see!”

When Su Liang came downstairs, Chang’an appeared not far away.

Seeing Su Liang, his eyes sparkled in admiration, ‘Miss Su, please go to the crown prince’s mansion first.”

Su Liang nodded, “Let’s go.”

Gu Ling stood by the window, hidden by the tall, lush trees below, so nobody could see him. Yet he could see that touch of purple disappearing into the distance through the leaves.

After a while, Lin Xueqing came running, calling for Su Liang downstairs. After getting no response, she left.

When Su Liang arrived at the crown prince’s mansion and saw Duanmu Chen, there were four servants helping him put on his coat.

As he turned his head to see Su Liang, Duanmu Chen waved his hand, ordering the servants to leave. He fastened his jade belt himself and invited Su Liang to take a seat.

“Everything has to be done according to the rules now that my identity has changed, which is quite annoying,” Duanmu Chen complained to Su Liang.

Su Liang scoffed, “Your Highness, these words are somewhat… ”

Before she could finish, Duanmu Chen began laughing, “You look stunning in your rare dress-up. I heard that among the envoys from Liang Country today, there’s a famous beauty named Situ Yao, who is the granddaughter of King Yue from Liang.”

Situ Xie’s granddaughter… That’s Gu Ling’s cousin, Su Liang thought.

“The Situ family of Liang Country has always been known for their beauties, especially King Yue’s family, all with extraordinary appearances,” Duanmu Chen said.

With an air of casualness, Su Liang mentioned, “I just found out that Gu Ling, the former heir of Marquis Chang Xin, was the grandson of King Yue from

Liang.”

Duanmu Chen’s face changed slightly before he smiled slowly, “Indeed. This isn’t a secret. Perhaps Gu Ling is under King Yue’s protection now.”

Feigning curiosity, Su Liang asked, “Will Qian Country demand King Yue to hand over Gu Ling?”

Duanmu Chen shook his head, “Of course, he won’t admit to such a thing. It’s only natural. In fact, I think Gu Ling had nothing to do with the rebellion in the

Gu family, but… ”

Realizing he was talking too much, Duanmu Chen dropped the subject, bringing up Duanmu Qianqian instead, “I saw the Sixth Princess in the palace yesterday, and she has become much more composed.”

Su Liang thought to herself, having lost her support, how can Duanmu Qianqian not be composed in order to survive?

Soon, Chang’an came to report that the envoys from Liang Country were not far from the capital city.

Duanmu Chen went out, followed by Su Liang. Both of them rode horses, leading people to the city gate.

Officials from the Ministry of Rites had been waiting here early, along with a band. It had nothing to do with which country was stronger; the royal family of Qian had always liked to make a good appearance on formal occasions.

Many commoners came out to watch the excitement. Su Liang heard people discussing the beauties of the Situ family and some whispering about Gu Ling, but the conversation was quickly interrupted. In Qian Country, his name was a taboo.

The imposing delegation appeared in their sight, and Su Liang was somewhat surprised to see the two young generals leading the way on their horses. Both of them were acquaintances, one was Che Yun and the other was Lian Shun.

Both of them had abilities and were appreciated by Xing Ji, so they took on the responsibility of leading the team to escort the envoy of Liang Country to the capital city.

They saw the purple silhouette beside Duanmu Chen from afar.

Gu Ling’s eyes sparkled, “Su Xiaoliang has come to meet us too!”

Che Yun chuckled, “Don’t flatter yourself. She must have been arranged by His

Majesty to greet the envoy of Liang Country.”

“Could it be that His Majesty wants her to be the crown princess?” Lian Shun muttered.

Che Yun’s gaze fell on Duanmu Chen, his expression unchanged, “It’s not impossible.”

The two of them entered the city gate, dismounted together, and knelt down to pay respects to Duanmu Chen, the newly appointed crown prince.

Duanmu Chen smiled warmly, “No need for formalities, you two generals have worked hard.”

It was his first time meeting Che Yun, but he was not unfamiliar with Lian Shun.

As the music started, the procession of Liang Country approached the city gate, including two luxurious carriages. The front one was darker, and the rear one was lighter in color.

Lian Shun quietly moved behind Su Liang and whispered to her, “In the front carriage is Situ Xie, and in the back is his granddaughter Situ Yao.”

Su Liang tilted her head slightly and asked, “I heard that Situ Yao is a great beauty, have you seen her before?”

Lian Shun shook his head, “Whenever she appears, she always wears a veil and it’s unclear. But she is definitely better looking than Man Ya from Yin Country!

But still not as good as you.”

Hearing the last three words, Su Liang laughed softly, “Different flowers for different eyes.”

Lian Shun sighed faintly, “Anyway, I, this flower, can never enter your eyes.” Realizing that his words were too affectionate, he immediately changed the subject, “Marquis asked me to deliver a letter to his son.”

“You can go and find Xing Yusheng yourself.” Su Liang said.

Che Yun looked over, and Lian Shun gave him a smug expression. He had already confessed his feelings and accepted Su Liang’s rejection. Now, she was just a good friend that he liked very much. Naturally, he was happy to see her.

During their conversation, the procession of Liang Country had entered the city gate and the luxurious carriages stopped.

An old man with white hair and beard was helped out of the carriage. It was King Yue of Liang Country, Situ Xie.

At his age, Situ Xie’s body was still well maintained, with a straight back, and his dark brocade robe accentuated his extraordinary temperament. Judging by his face, he must have been a handsome man in his youth, and his current appearance still completely outshined his peers.

The music stopped, and Duanmu Chen started to make small talk with Situ Xie. was feeling bored and just wanted to see what Situ Yao, who was in the carriage behind, looked like. After all, she was Gu Ling’s cousin, perhaps their appearances would be somewhat similar?

While Su Liang was thinking this, she saw Situ Xie’s gaze fall on her, revealing a gentle smile in his eyes, “This must be the Martial Arts Champion of Qian Country, Miss Su Liang?

Duanmu Chen smiled and nodded, Su Liang saluted, “I am Su Liang, greetings to your Highness, King Yue.”

“The rumors say that Miss Su Liang has outstanding martial arts skills and medical expertise. I didn’t expect her to be such a beautiful person as well.” Situ Xie smiled and praised, “My granddaughter heard about Miss Su and insisted on meeting her. Yao’er, don’t you want to come over?”

A young girl in a yellow dress wearing a veil came out of the carriage behind and ran over, holding her skirt. Two maids followed her, urging her to slow down and not to trip.

The young girl ran to Situ Xie’s side and complained, “Grandfather, you’re talking about me again.” As she spoke, her eyes glanced at Su Liang. Her eyes were truly beautiful, bright and smart.

Just looking at her eyebrows and eyes, she didn’t look like Gu Ling. Su Liang thought.

“Princess Yaoguang.” Su Liang smiled and bowed.

Situ Yao’s melodious laughter sounded pleasant, “Whoever says I’m the number one beauty again, I won’t listen. Miss Su Liang is even more beautiful than me.”

As she spoke, Situ Yao raised her hand to take off the veil on her face, boldly revealing her true appearance.

There were exclamations and praises from the crowd, and even Duanmu Chen was taken aback for a moment.

She really doesn’t look like Gu Ling… Su Liang thought. However, it might be because of the good genes of the Situ family. If there was any similarity between Situ Yao and Gu Ling, it would be their enviable skin, which was as white and flawless as jade.

Situ Yao was not a thin figure but rather plump and curvy. She had thick black hair, bright eyes, and lovely cheeks that dimpled when she smiled. Her lips were red, and her teeth were white, a well-proportioned beauty.

Just going by appearance, upon seeing Situ Xie and Situ Yao, Su Liang agreed with the saying “Situ Family produces beautiful people.”

Duanmu Chen regained his composure, smiling and suggesting that Su Liang should accompany Situ Yao to have fun in the capital city.

As a matter of courtesy, Su Liang agreed naturally.

Situ Yao held onto Situ Xie’s arm and smiled sweetly at Su Liang, but she didn’t try to get too close to her.

Overall, Situ family’s grandfather and granddaughter’s first impression on Su Liang was not bad, just judging by their appearances.

The music started again, and Duanmu Chen led the procession of the envoy of Liang Country to the inn.

Upon arriving at the inn, everything had been arranged in advance. Duanmu Chen handed over the invitation for the palace banquet that night and then left with Su Liang.

Che Yun and Lian Shun were still waiting outside with their soldiers.

“Where are they staying?” Su Liang asked.

Duanmu Chen smiled, “In the Forbidden Army’s military camp. General Lin can go to the residence of the fifth prince, and if General Che is willing, there’s no problem.”

Lian Shun didn’t take offense, but he didn’t want to bother with Duanmu Che right now. He just laughed and asked, “I heard the Su Mansion is quite big, can we stay at Miss Su’s place for a few days?”

Su Liang nodded, “Of course, you can’t.”

Lian Shun pretended to sigh sadly, “Fine, fine, let’s just stay in the military camD then. Wait, Your Highness. shouldn’t it be fine if I buv a small house to stay in the capital city?”

Duanmu Chen had known Lian Shun since childhood and was well aware of his playful nature. He nodded calmly, “Of course, you can.”

“It’s fine to stay in the military camp, but I must treat Che Beibei to a few days of fun since it’s a rare visit to the capital city!” As soon as he finished speaking, Lian Shun ordered his soldiers to go to the Forbidden Army’s military camp, then walked down the street with Che Yun’s arm around his shoulder.

‘Gentlemen, you still need to enter the palace to pay your respects.” Duanmu Chen reminded them.

“Forgot!” Lian Shun slapped his forehead.

Che Yun, who seemed a bit restrained as a newcomer to the capital city from the border, said helplessly, “Enough with the jokes, this is not Jiaye City or Xuanbei City.”

Lian Shun smiled mysteriously, “Don’t be so serious all the time. In the capital city, what kind of people haven’t we seen?”

“Lian Shun.”

Suddenly hearing Su Liang calling him, Lian Shun immediately pushed Che

Yun away and ran over, “What can I do for you?”

“I just remembered something and need to let you know. Our Ning Family used to have a reliable steward named Song Qi. He left the Ning Family years ago and went to the south. I heard he’s helping you grow oranges? I want to ask him to come back and help sell our tea.”

Duanmu Chen’s mouth twitched slightly. Che Yun tried to hold back his laughter.

Upon hearing this, Lian Shun immediately nodded, “Of course… not! Uncle Song is our family’s most reliable steward. Without him, what would happen to our oranges?”

“I’m just informing you, not seeking your approval. He isn’t a slave, and I’ve already sent someone to invite him. If he wants to return to the Ning Family, you can’t stop him.” Su Liang said.

Lian Shun sighed, “If my family’s orange harvest is bad this year, it’s all your fault!”

Su Liang sported lightly, “Our tea will definitely sell well.” She then prepared to

Duanmu Chen spoke again, “Su Liang, you also need to follow me into the palace to report back.”

When they left the palace, it was approaching noon. Lian Shun really did take Che Yun house hunting, while Su Liang didn’t bother with them.

She rode her horse alone past the Wan Family Restaurant, and when she heard Zhengzheng calling her, she dismounted and entered.

Half an hour later, Su Liang left the restaurant with a food box in her hand and got back on her horse to head home.

Before she could see Gu Ling, she saw Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing rowing a boat on the lake.

“You really consider yourselves as part of the family.” Su Liang joked.

Xing Yusheng replied calmly, “My house is small and has no lake. When Xueqing wants to row a boat, she comes here. What outsiders? Where are the outsiders? Would you give the key to your house to an outsider?”

Su Liang glanced at the second floor of Yuanming Pavilion but couldn’t see from her angle whether there was someone by the window. She instinctively thought Gu Ling was inside.

“Sister Su, come quickly!” Lin Xueqing waved at Su Liang.

“Wait a moment, I’ll put some things down.” Su Liang went back into the Yuanming Pavilion, went upstairs, and saw Gu Ling sitting in her room, reading a book.

She took out the lunch she had brought for him and said, “I saw your grandfather and cousin today. They both look very good.”

Gu Ling didn’t respond.

Su Liang  was a bit curious, “Do you know your little cousin?”

Gu Ling looked indifferent, “I saw her once when I was young, but I don’t know her.’

“I wonder if they’re talking about you now.” Su Liang sighed softly.

Hearing Lin Xueqing calling her outside to play, Su Liang opened the window and said, “I’m tired. I’ll sleep for a while.” She then closed the window again.

Remembering something else, Su Liang opened the window again and called out to the lakeside, “Xing Yusheng, your father wrote you a letter, and it’s with Lian Ershan.”

Xing Yusheng, who was rowing the boat, paused for a moment, then heard Lin

Xueqing urging, “Let’s go back quickly, get the letter, and see grandmother!”

“Oh.” Xing Yusheng nodded, rowed the boat to the shore, got off with Lin Xueqing, and they both went home.

That night, a banquet was held in the palace to entertain Liang Nation’s King Yue, Situ Xie.

Su Liang was among the invited guests. She didn’t wear makeup and just changed into another plain-looking dress. She waited for Xing Yusheng and Lin Xueqing to call her, and they set off together.

“Is your grandmother not going?” Su Liang asked Xing Yusheng.

Xing Yusheng shook his head, “My grandmother is not feeling well, and they are not going.” By ‘they’, he meant Miao’s family and her children.

“Sister Su, I heard that Princess Yaoguang is very beautiful. You saw her today, what do you think?” Lin Xueqing asked curiously.

After thinking for a moment, Su Liang said, “She’s probably eighteen times as beautiful as Mu Ya!”

Lin Xueqing couldn’t help laughing, “Why eighteen times?”

“No reason, I just say so,” Su Liang pinched Lin Xueqing’s face.

“How many times more beautiful is Princess Yaoguang compared to me?” Lin Xueqing asked with a smile.

“You should ask your husband about that, ” Su Liang replied.

Finally, Xing Yusheng, who was following behind, found a chance to speak, “Qingqing is the most beautiful! She’s eighteen times more beautiful than Su Liang, I say!”

Lin Xueqing leaned against Su Liang and laughed, “Sister Su, if you want to hit him, just do it, but don’t hit me. I didn’t say it.”

Xing Yusheng: …This is his own dear wife.

When they entered the palace, the royal banquet naturally presented a scene of splendor and wealth.

Su Liang, now just an Imperial Physician, had originally intended to sit with Lin Xueqing. However, she unexpectedly had a special seat near the front, right next to Sixth Princess Duanmu Qianqian.

As Duanmu Chen had said, Duanmu Qianqian did indeed seem more mature and stable than a few months ago. Sitting quietly there, her eyes met Su Liang’s gaze and then calmly moved away.

Su Liang had thought that the Liang coun try’s marriage alliance would need further discussion, but not long after the banquet began, Situ Xie publicly asked for the Sixth Princess Duanmu Qianqian, who was born of legitimate lineage, on behalf of the crown prince of the Liang country, who was also his nephew, Situ Kun.

Without any hesitation, Duanmu Yi agreed and even promised to use Nancheng as a dowry for Duanmu Qianqian.

Lian Shun, sitting far back, silently rolled his eyes.

Su Liang was naturally familiar with Nancheng, the Liang country’s city that she had previously won in a martial arts competition with Wei Hao. Now Duanmu Yi was going to give it back.

Of course, there was nothing to be angry about. The competition between the two countries was not as simple as it appeared. The city was a trading tool for both Liang and Qian countries. The fact that it could be given away meant that greater benefits were forthcoming.

Thus, Duanmu Qianqian’s lifelong affair was settled in the laughter and conversation between Duanmu Yi and Situ Xie. From beginning to end, she was like a decorative vase, and no one even thought to ask if she was willing. She probably knew nothing about her fiancé except for his name.

Su Liang didn’t pity Duanmu Qianqian. Everyone has their own fate, and she was born with the glory of a princess. And throughout history, foreign marriage has always been the destiny of princesses.

However, the more she dealt with the royal family, the more she felt the desire to stay away. Life was already difficult enough, and she hoped that her own life would have less intrigue and that her feelings would be purer.

After three rounds of drinking, Su Liang focused on peeling grapes and eating them. Then, without warning, she heard Gu Ling’s name.

Su Liang was looking down, so she didn’t show any reaction. She continued to peel a grape, put the translucent flesh into her mouth, and the juice flowed between her teeth and cheeks. It was sweet.

The atmosphere at the banquet quickly quieted after Situ Xie mentioned that name. Even Duanmu Chen picked up his wine glass and closed his eyes.

The smile on Duanmu Yi’s face faded, “King Yue, Gu Ling is a Qian countryman and has committed the heinous crime of treason. He is unforgivable.”

Situ Xie sighed, stood up, faced Duanmu Yi, and bowed deeply. “He is my own grandson, and I have neglected him due to the distance. I have no objection to the verdict on Gu Yuan’s rebellion. He committed heinous acts and paid the price. However, Gu Ling has been aloof and fond of solitude since he was a child. He has had very little contact with people, and his relationship with Gu Yuan has been distant, like strangers. Gu Ling was not involved in the rebellion at all. I beg Emperor Qian to give my grandson a second chance at life. I can assure you that he will not cause any harm to Qian country in the future.”

Duanmu Yi’s eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at the old man who was still bowing, “Are you suggesting that you know where Gu Ling is?”

Without straightening up, Situ Xie sighed deeply, “I don’t know, and I’ve been looking for him. If Emperor Qian can be merciful and revoke the arrest warrant for him, I think he would be willing to come out and live a normal life.”

“And if I don’t?” Duanmu Yi snorted coldly.

Situ Xie said in a deep voice, “If Emperor Qian has any conditions, please do not hesitate to mention them. As long as I can achieve them, I will do my best.”

Duanmu Yi fell silent, and the whole palace was quiet enough to hear a pin drop.

Situ Xie maintained his ninety-degree bowing posture, standing there. He could have talked to Duanmu Yi about this one-on-one, or even kneel in front of him behind closed doors, which would have been less humiliating than pleading in public.

Su Liang thought that this was actually necessary. The arrest warrant against Gu Ling was part of Qian Country’s “internal affairs,” and Situ Xie’s actions were interference in Qian Country’s internal affairs. Even though Gu Ling was his grandson, the word “external” meant that they were separate families.

Even if Duanmu Yi really wanted to let Gu Ling go, he had to do so openly so everybody would know that he was granting mercy to Situ Xie, thus appearing benevolent, but not fearing Liang Country or Situ Xie.

The oppressive silence was suddenly broken by laughter, startling everyone.

“Why haven’t you helped King Yue up yet?” Duanmu Yi seemed to have been lost in thought, “Of course, I must give King Yue face for his request. Looking back now, Gu Ling is a child I have watched grow up. He has always been different from others and not close to his family in Gu. He has lived in Huguo Temple for many years, and Master Pu Hui once said that he has a strong affinity for Buddhism. As of today, the arrest warrant for Gu Ling will be revoked.”

Situ Xie, who was supported by Situ Yao, almost lost his balance as he bowed again to thank Duanmu Yi.

Duanmu Yi laughed heartily, “However, I can let Gu Ling go, but he is still a citizen of Qian Country. I will give him the title of Marquis Chang Xin, and he

can wait tor ms return!”

Su Liang knew that Duanmu Yi meant that Gu Ling’s identity could be restored, but he could not openly go to Liang Country to serve Situ Xie and become a Liang Country citizen. He gave the cursed title to Gu Ling so that Gu Ling would still be under the control of the Qian royal family as soon as he appeared.

From the perspective of a monarch, it was necessary to execute the nine families for the crime of rebellion, so Duanmu Yi’s decree could be considered “grace.” It was also understandable that he did not want Gu Ling to become a

citizen of Liang Country. After all, if a pardoned rebel were to help a rival country fight against him in the future, where would his face be?

Su Liang breathed a small sigh of relief. Regardless of the undercurrents beneath the surface, after tonight, the name Gu Ling would no longer be taboo. As the new Marquis Chang Xin, he could rightfully appear in the capital city of

Qian Country..

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