The Doctor’s Three-Time Marriage Chapter 283 – 283. Desired return gift

Chapter 283: 283. Desired return gift

“A Poison Master? What do you want with that?” Old man Mu furrowed his brows.

Su Liang sighed, “As you know, I’m a doctor, and my medical skills are pretty decent, but I don’t know anything about poison. I had an enemy who wanted to harm me and had poisoned food, but I accidentally gave it to a friend…” Old man Mu widened his eyes, “Your friend was poisoned and died?”

Su Liang shook her head, “Almost. I sought help for an antidote, but now I owe a huge favor that’s hard to repay. It’s better to rely on oneself. I want to learn, but I can’t find a master.”

Upon hearing this, Old man Mu scratched his withered beard and said uncertainly, “I think I know someone.”

“What do you mean you ‘think’ you know someone?” Su Liang was puzzled.

Old man Mu explained that he was once a heavy drinker, living a dreamy life for several years, waking up every day not knowing where he was. During that time, he made a friend, or more accurately, a drinking buddy. The two first met when they fought over the last jug of alcohol in a small shop, and since then, they became friends and drank together whenever they met, chatting away.

“One time, we talked about each other’s abilities. I was not that drunk, so I just said I was a carpenter. He drunkenly said he was the Poison King and that the poison he made was unrivaled in the world. At first, I thought he was boasting, but during our last encounter, he revealed a golden snakehead from his sleeve, which sobered me up immediately. Afterward, I suffered a severe illness and barely pulled through. I decided to quit drinking and never saw him again.”

Upon hearing this, Su Liang immediately thought this person must be a master. She hurriedly asked, “What’s his name, and where did you meet him?”

Old man Mu shook his head, “I don’t know his name. He just called himself Mr. Bai. I called him Old Bai, and he called me Old Jin.”

Su Liang facepalmed. Old man Mu’s surname was fake, and Old Bai might be fake too.

“It was in Qian Country.” Old man Mu said, “If you really want to learn poison techniques, I’ll go find Old Bai for you! Maybe he’s still drinking somewhere.” Su Liang smiled slightly, “Wouldn’t that be too much trouble for Master?”

Finally hearing Su Liang call him Master, and seeing her obedient face, Old man Mu’s heart softened, but he still glared at her, “I don’t want you to get poisoned and die someday. Without you, I would definitely be annoyed to death by that youngster!”

“When does Master plan to leave?” Su Liang maintained her smile.

Old man Mu said grumpily, “Today! I don’t want to stay in this lousy place either!”

Su Liang could see that old man Mu was feeling conflicted, yet it wasn’t about them, but rather about Mu Yu. Although they had decided not to interfere with the apprentice, they could predict that once Mu Yu joined Situ Xie’s side, and when he couldn’t give Situ Xie what he wanted, his fate would be sealed.

After all, old man Mu did raise him, and he was somewhat reluctant to part with his disciple. However, as Su Liang said, even if old man Mu forcibly took Mu Yu away now, Mu Yu wouldn’t understand him, nor could he watch over Mu Yu for the rest of his life. Their master-disciple bond had come to an end, and it was time to let go.

“We should meet again in Qian Country next time. I’ll cook something delicious for Master then,” Su Liang smiled and asked.

“You? Can cook?” Old man Mu looked doubtful.

“If you don’t believe me, ask him.” Su Liang pointed at Gu Ling.

Gu Ling nodded slightly, “It’s decent.”

Su Liang rolled her eyes at Gu Ling, and old man Mu chuckled, “I’ll just follow you from now on! I’ll find Old Bai and ask him to take you as his disciple. Consider that as your welcome gift!”

“Master is so kind.” Su Liang was in a joyful mood. This was indeed an unexpected gain. She hadn’t asked the specific location for someone to go and search, thinking that if he were truly a master, only old man Mu would be able to find him and have a conversation.

“What about mine?” Gu Ling asked.

Old man Mu stood up and slapped Gu Ling on the back of his head, “What about you? There’s no welcome gift for you! Take good care of your junior sister! Or else I’ll expel you from the sect!” With that, he disappeared.

Su Liang looked at Gu Ling’s deflated expression with glee, “Great God, so you have your bad days too.”

Gu Ling smoothed his hair and said calmly, “Are you very happy?

Su Liang nodded, “It’s fine. I’ll cook ‘decent’ late-night snacks for you every day. It’s a pity to bother you like this. From today on, there won’t be any more snacks! Besides, we’re already engaged. I don’t need to please you anymore.”

Gu Ling shook his head, “That won’t do. When I said that, it was for your sake. Old man Mu is obviously a glutton, and he’ll want you to cook three meals a day personally. You’ll be tired.”

Su Liang smiled slightly, “Thank you, Great God, for your consideration. Then I won’t cook starting today.”

Gu Ling was silent for a while, then nodded gently, “Alright. Although I have been looking forward to the late-night snacks every day, I won’t die of hunger if I don’t eat.”

Su Liang looked at him speechless, “Great God, are you trying to act pitiful?” “It’s because of you that I have become picky about food.” Gu Ling said quite justifiably.

Su Liang looked helpless, “Alright, alright. It was agreed from the beginning that you’d protect me with your strength, and I’d cook for you. It seems that the only way to turn the tables is to beat you someday.”

Lately, Situ Xie had been in a bad mood, as things didn’t seem to be going well for him.

He sent people across Yao City to publicly praise the skills of “Zhao Yu,” the craftsman from the King Yue’s Mansion, but after several days, Mu Yu’s master still hadn’t shown up.

He had initially suspected that Su Liang was responsible for the hidden weapon fan, but her various actions did not match this speculation. She didn’t seem to care about hidden weapons at all and even appeared quite naive at times.

Situ Xie did not believe that Su Liang was a simple girl, but since she came to

Yao City, aside from demanding that Situ Min be punished for nearly killing Lian Shun, at other times, she really seemed like she was just here to treat Situ Han’s illness and chased after men in her spare time.

Situ Xie’s thoughts were too chaotic, so he told his most trusted grandson, Situ Jing, about the matter.

“Grandfather, perhaps the fan was not made by Mu Yu’s master, nor was it a scheme set by Su Liang. Maybe someone truly wanted to sell the fan and claimed it was made by a descendant of the Mu family to fetch a high price?” Situ Jing thought that Situ Xie was overcomplicating the matter.

“What you said may be possible, but if we think of things too simply, we may fall into other people’s traps.” Situ Xie said coldly.

Situ Jing’s expression darkened slightly, “Or maybe, someone from the royal family of Yin Country found out about the Mu family’s descendants in Yao City and they intervened?”

Situ Xie’s face changed, ‘You are right in thinking about this layer. But where did the fan come from? It’s still a mystery. As long as we figure this out, many doubts will be resolved.”

“Grandfather, I have an idea, ” Situ Jing said thoughtfully, “If we want to know if Su Liang has come for the Mu family’s Mechanism Map, why not set a trap and see if she makes a move. All the spies in Yao City might be lured out and caught in one fell swoop!”

After pondering for a long time, Situ Xie nodded slightly.

That day, Situ Yao invited Su Liang to go to the tea house with her to listen to music, and Su Liang happily accepted the invitation.

“In a few days, I will call you sister-in-law.” Situ Yao said with a sweet smile.

However, Su Liang sighed slightly, “I hope your cousin doesn’t suddenly change his mind.”

Situ Yao hurriedly comforted her, “How could he? Although my cousin does not like to socialize, he will not go back on his word once he has promised something. Besides, this is what he promised to the Emperor, and the Imperial Decree for the marriage is not a joke.”

Upon hearing this, Su Liang nodded, “I know, I should trust Gu Ling’s character. But I am still worried. When our Emperor finds out that he and I are getting married in Liang Country, he might send someone over to stop us.”

Situ Yao was stunned, “Why? Does Emperor Qian not want you two to be together?”

Su Liang shook her head, “That’s not it. It’s just that since we are both from Qian Country and on official business in Liang Country, things like the conferring of titles and granting marriages should be reported to our Emperor. However, with such haste, I am afraid that our Emperor will become suspicious of us.”

Situ Yao furrowed her brows, “Will he? When I go back, I’ll ask my grandfather whether we should send someone to Qian County to explain. After all, our Emperor’s intentions are good. Besides, once you two get married, as long as our Emperor’s health is not an issue, you can return to your country at any

time.”

Su Liang’s expression was full of gratitude, “That’s great. Hearing you say this, I feel much more at ease.”

Situ Yao laughed, then lowered her head to pour tea.

The window was open, and across from the tea house was the Treasure Pavilion. After an old man with white hair entered, all the guests left, and the Treasure Pavilion closed its doors in broad daylight.

“Go and see what happened?” Situ Yao instructed her maid.

Su Liang also told Ren Dong to go and check on the situation.

Soon, the Treasure Pavilion opened its doors again. The old man with white hair did not come out, but an astonishing piece of news spread quickly.

The head of the Mu Family’s current generation had gone to the Treasure

Pavilion and said that he would like to auction off a valuable item from the Mu Family in the Treasure Pavilion in three days. The highest bidder would get the item.

Soon, news about the Mu family having a Mechanism Map also spread throughout Yao City.

Learning about this, Situ Yao laughed, “Then the hidden weapon fan that

Divine Doctor Su obtained earlier must be a genuine item of the Mu family.”

A faint smile appeared on Su Liang’s lips, “Auction? I like it. No matter what kind of treasure, I will take it.”

Situ Yao nodded, “What Divine Doctor Su doesn’t lack is money. When you buy the treasure, you must let me have a look.”

“No problem.” Su Liang readily agreed.

At night, in Situ Xie’s study.

“Grandfather, why not let the person posing as the head of the Mu family stay openly at the inn and see who goes to him?” Situ Jing asked.

Situ Xie shook his head, “If so, I should invite him to stay at our mansion. Anyone could go to him.”

Situ Jing paused for a moment, “Grandfather is right. But in that case, what will be sold at the auction in three days? Given Su Liang’s financial resources, if she openly bids for the auctioned items, it wouldn’t prove anything.”

Situ Xie was holding half of the Mechanism Map in his hand, his eyes deep, “We’ll sell this.’

Situ Jing’s expression changed, “We cannot let Qian Country and Yin Country get this! ”

Situ Xie shook his head slightly, “By now, I’m afraid both Qian Country and Yin Country already know about the Mu family’s descendants in Yao City and are watching me. But I still haven’t got the complete Mechanism Map. Only half of it, which is useless. In that case, why not sell it openly?”

Situ Jing’s eyes lit up, “Whoever buys it will get a hot potato!” It’s useless, and it will bring great trouble.

With the secret scroll in hand, Situ Xie could easily make a copy for himself, sell the real one, and shift the focus. Situ Han’s mistrust of him deepened, and if he knew that Situ had concealed the matter of Mu Family descendants, he would doubt him even more. The upcoming auction, if successful, could help Situ Xie sever ties with the Mu Family.

It was already the 25th of December.

On this day, after giving Situ Han an acupuncture treatment, Su Liang left the palace and it began to snow halfway through her journey.

Ren Dong drove the carriage, taking them directly to the Treasure Pavilion, where the auction would take place today.

For the past three days, the Treasure Pavilion had been selling expensive entrance tickets, beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Su Liang had Ren Dong book one of the most expensive private rooms.

Even though it was snowing, there were still many common people gathered outside the Treasure Pavilion, unable to go in but still wanting to watch the excitement.

As Su Liang entered with Ren Dong, she saw that many of the Liang Country’s most distinguished nobles were present. She had previously attended banquets with most of them, including several princes.

Everyone from King Yue’s mansion was there, except for Situ Min, who was under house arrest.

On the top floor of the Treasure Pavilion, the three best private rooms held Prince Situ Chao and his younger brothers, Situ Xie with his children and grandchildren, and the one purchased by Su Liang.

Upon her arrival, Su Liang noticed Gu Ling was not there yet.

She went to greet Situ Xie and asked about Gu Ling.

Situ Xie replied with a smile, “Ling’er said he would come today, he might still be on his way.”

“Ren Dong, you go pick up Marquis Gu.” Su Liang instructed.

Ren Dong left upon the order, and Su Liang looked down at the hall, “What if that person doesn’t show up today?”

Situ Xie smiled, “Let’s wait a little longer. I just don’t know what treasures we might see today?”

“I hope it’s something even more powerful than that fan from the last time.” Su Liang said, returning to her private room.

After a short wait, Ren Dong appeared with Gu Ling, entering the Treasure Pavilion together.

Su Liang looked on as everyone’s eyes immediately focused on Gu Ling. The moment he removed his cloak and hood, he seemed like a beautiful Snow Lotus born from a snow-covered mountain, stunningly beautiful.

Gu Ling’s dark eyes lifted slightly, meeting Su Liang’s gaze.

Su Liang smiled and waved at him, calling out sweetly, “Brother Ling.”

Situ Xie almost spit out the tea in his mouth, feeling something strange about it. Was Su Liang really the type to turn sweet and silly when in love?

Gu Ling’s steps slowed momentarily before looking away.

Ren Dong: …To be honest, she was not used to her master’s current appearance…

The doors and windows were open, so people outside could see Su Liang attentively helping Gu Ling remove his cloak, pouring tea for him, and offering him dessert while chatting and laughing with him. But Gu Ling spoke very little.

Overall, the impression Su Liang left on people was of someone highly skilled, open, and straightforward, with great courage in love and hate. Gu Ling, on the other hand, appeared somewhat aloof and unapproachable.

After Gu Lings arrival, no other guests came in. After waiting for another two quarters of an hour, many people grew impatient, thinking they had been deceived. Then, the door of the Treasure Pavilion opened once again, and a man wearing a bamboo hat entered, bringing in a gust of wind and snow. The manager of the Treasure Pavilion greeted him, taking a cloth wrapped package from the man, who then turned and left.

People quickly began watching the man who had left, following him as he disappeared into the snowstorm.

The manager announced that he was the disciple of the Mu Family’s master, and brought the auction item for today – half of the legendary Mu Family’s Mechanism Map!

The audience was in an uproar. Of course, everyone present knew what a treasure the Mechanism Map was.

With a determined look on his face, Crown Prince Situ Chao said, “Let’s get started now!”

Su Liang smiled, “Brother Ling, I’m afraid I can’t compete with the Crown Prince of Liang Country and King Yue. What should I do? I want to buy it for you.”

Gu Ling’s exquisite eyebrows furrowed slightly, speaking softly, “Just speak properly.” The lovely Su Liang today made Gu Ling want to hide her away, not because of the pet name, but he didn’t want others to see her smile.

Su Liang looked serious, and hearing the bidding begin outside, she instructed

Ren Dong, “Raise the bid. Double it, no matter the amount.”

Although it was an auction with many spectators, once they knew what the item was, and that the first bid came from Crown Prince Situ Chao’s room, only Su Liang’s subordinate Ren Dong joined in the bidding.

Regardless of how much Situ Chao bid, Su Liang would double it on his side, showing he had deep pockets and wasn’t worried about the consequences.

Situ Jing felt that things might deviate from their grandfather-grandson plan, so he whispered to Situ Xie, “What if the crown prince insists on buying the secret scroll no matter the consequences…”

Situ Xie shook his head slightly, indicating that Situ Jing need not worry. “At the right time, tell the crown prince that the half secret scroll is useless.”

Situ Jing nodded, listening as the price quickly reached an astonishing number. He thought that they could wait a bit longer, as Su Liang seemed so generous that he wouldn’t give up no matter how high the price was. The King Yue

Mansion could take this opportunity to make a big profit – a brilliant plan.

After Ren Dong shouted an astronomical sum, Situ Xie gave Situ Jing a signal.

Situ Jing understood and got up to find Situ Chao next door.

At the same time, Situ Chao’s subordinate had already followed his instructions and added another 10,000 taels on top of the price called out by Ren Dong.

Gu Ling put down her teacup, and Su Liang stopped Ren Dong from bidding again before she could. “The tea has gone cold; go get a fresh pot.”

Gu Ling had excellent hearing and heard movement in the next room. She sensed that Situ Chao was about to stop and gestured for Su Liang to stop as well.

Ren Dong was puzzled. “Aren’t we going to bid anymore?”

Su Liang smiled. “No matter how rich I am, how can I compete with the prince of a country? I can’t empty my fortune just for a broken book. Let’s stop here.”

Ren Dong found it odd since she knew Duanmu Yi’s real intention for sending Su Liang. However, seeing Su Liang give up the secret scroll, Ren Dong knew Su Liang must have another plan and left with the teapot.

The Treasure Pavilion suddenly grew quiet.

After Situ Jing whispered a few words into Situ Chao’s ear, Situ Chao frowned but nodded, “I understand.” He then called back his bidding subordinate and ordered, “Forget it.”

The subordinate’s face turned ugly. “Your Highness, after I raised the bid, there was no sound from the other side.”

Situ Chao and Situ Jing had been whispering and didn’t notice, only realizing now that something was wrong.

Situ Xie picked up his teacup, concealing his cold smile.

The manager of the Treasure Pavilion, seeing that Su Liang’s side didn’t bid again, confirmed it three times before slamming the hammer down. The half secret scroll belonged to Crown Prince Situ Chao, at a terrifying price.

When the so-called secret scroll was handed over to Situ Chao, he found that every page was incomplete. Without the other half, what he had bought was just a pile of waste paper. Furious, he ordered that the seller, a descendant of the Mu Family, be found at any cost to obtain the other half. As for the money he decided not to pay.

“What a pity.” While passing Situ Xie’s private room, Su Liang said to Gu Ling, “I wanted to buy it and see the amazing mechanism map. Unfortunately, we’re in Liang Country, and I can’t possibly compete with Crown Prince Situ.”

Situ Xie glanced over, his eyes full of coldness. It seemed as if Su Liang knew everything, stopping the bidding at just the right time to trick Situ Chao!

At this grand auction, Situ Xie’s goal had fallen short, and soon everyone would know that the mechanism’s secret scroll had been obtained by the Royal Family of Liang Country. No one would believe it was useless! They had picked up a stone to smash their own feet!

Outside the Treasure Pavilion, Gu Ling suggested they take a walk, and Su

Liang immediately ordered Ren Dong to return while she accompanied Gu Ling

on her stroll.

“Do you think Qian Liang countries alliance would accept sharing the secret scroll for the sake of our alliance?” Su Liang asked with a light laugh.

Gu Ling shook her head, “No.”

“No matter,” Su Liang said calmly, “Someone wanted to trick me, but I threw the hot potato into his grandson’s hands. I bet He’s thrilled.”

The two of them walked for a while before stopping to rest at a tea house.

Gu Ling took out a hairpin and handed it to Su Liang.

“Why are you giving me a hairpin again?” Su Liang asked, taking the simple wooden hairpin.

“For your sixteenth birthday,” Gu Ling replied.

Su Liang paused, “Last year, we celebrated my birthday on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, but this year the Great God changed the date.”

Gu Ling shook his head, “I wasn’t ready before.”

“Alright, thank you. I like it.” Su Liang nodded, “But I think you could have made this simple hairpin in half an hour, right? I guess you just forgot my birthday, though it doesn’t really matter.”

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How could I forget? I’ve been counting the days.. Gu Ling didn’t voice his thoughts, but instead told Su Liang that the hairpin was a hidden weapon.

Su Liang’s eyes lit up, and after Gu Ling explained how it worked, she couldn’t put it down. “Great God, you truly are a genius!” Not only could it launch hidden weapons, but it could also conceal poison, medicine or rolled-up notes for communication. It was more ingenious and practical than the folding fan.

“Great God, what do you want in return as a gift?” Su Liang asked.

After a moment of silence, Gu Ling spoke, “Didn’t you complain that I never laugh? Try to make me laugh.”

Su Liang blinked, “Although the task is tough, I will not give up! Great God, be prepared!”