Chapter 512: 512. Not only beautiful but also thick

At dusk, Old Bai, Old Mu, and Weng Ming gathered in the Yuanming Pavilion, ready to have dinner.

Feng Ming walked in with a large food box, taking out the steaming hot food from inside.

Old Bai frowned, “Why haven’t Xiaoliang and the others returned from their outing? It’s getting dark.”

Old Mu cheerfully picked up his chopsticks, picked a piece of meat for Old Bai, “Don’t wait, they have already left.”

Old Bai frowned, “Gone? Where to? Are they… going back to Su Family village today?” Seeing Weng Ming’s not at all surprised expression, he couldn’t help but feel annoyed, “You all knew, why keep me in the dark?!”

Old Mu coughed lightly, “Don’t overthink, you’re not that special, who would keep secrets from you on purpose?”

Old Bai’s face looked a bit dark, Feng Ming spoke from the side, “The Master and the prince left a message, asking the seniors not to be upset. In a few days, you all can go to the Su Family village whenever you like.”

Old Mu kicked Old Bai under the table, “Why are you upset? You didn’t help Xiaoliang in any way, wasn’t she good enough to you?”

Old Bai shook his head promptly, “That’s not what I mean!”

“Xiaoliang and Xiaogu have had a hard time these past few years, helping everyone with this and that. They finally have some peace and quiet. If not for Nuannuan being too young, they wouldn’t even take her, let alone us old bones!” Old Mu laughed, “They barely had a few peaceful days after their marriage, so they just wanted to have some fun by themselves, not because they dislike us. Look around, which of the young couples at home don’t have their own mansion and want to live on their own?”

Weng Ming smiled and nodded, “Yeah. Xiaoliang and Xiaogu rarely have leisure time, we shouldn’t tag along. They would worry about taking care of us. They will surely be back before the end of the year.”

Old Bai snorted, “Making it seem like I’m the only clueless one! If you told me earlier, I wouldn’t have any problem accepting it. Isn’t it just that I miss the kid too much?”

“Want to take care of a kid? Isn’t it easy?” Old Mu said, “You can just go to the Lin Family, they have plenty of kids.”

“It’s not the same.” Of course, Old Bai’s favorite is Gu Xiaonuan. Although Gu Xiaonuan doesn’t look like Su Liang, nor the little apprentice sister he’s been missing all his life, she is still the most special in his heart.

“You should find something to do instead of always looking miserable, who would like that?” Old Mu said, “If you really have nothing to do, you can go help Old Weng open a medical hall. He is in need of help. You’ve been playing with poison all your life, it’s time to turn over a new leaf when you’ve grown old. Learning some medical skills would be great, wouldn’t it?”

Weng Ming laughed, “If you’re free to help, that would be great.”

Old Bai nodded, “Surely I can help…” He then turned to ask Feng Ming, “Did Xiaoliang mention when they will return?”

Feng Ming shook his head, “The Master didn’t say, it should probably depend on their mood. There’s nothing urgent in the capital city.”

Old Bai sighed, “That’s good, let them go have some fun.” He knew that Old Mu was right, and also knew that his character wasn’t as likable as Old Mu’s. Just as well, he could use this time to find something to do, and adjust himself properly.

After dinner, Old Mu said to Feng Ming and Zhu Zan, “You young people can go ahead with your things, rest if you want to rest. From tomorrow on, we will handle our own meals and clothes, and don’t need you to worry.”

Qiuyue married along with Nangong Qian, and she promised to leave this year and return to her hometown to marry the cousin she has been engaged to. The other relatives who have gotten married often came back and sometimes stayed at the mansion, but since Su Liang and Gu Ling weren’t at home and neither were the kids, they wouldn’t come as often. Besides the three old men, only Feng Ming and Zhu Zan were left in the mansion.

Zhu Zan looked at Feng Ming, and Feng Ming lightly nodded, “Sure. If the seniors have any request, please feel free to tell us. And if we can help with Senior Weng’s medical hall, please let us know for sure, the Master specially instructed us.”

Weng Ming cheerfully nodded, “Great!”

The Su Mansion in the capital suddenly became much quieter, and the lights in the Yuanming Pavilion were extinguished early in the night. Although everyone who stayed had accepted such an arrangement, it took time for them to get used to it, including the most sensible Old Mu.

Before going to sleep, Old Mu sat on his bed, sighing, “I don’t know when I’ll see Nuannuan again… When Old Bai can’t help but run to the north, I’ll go with him.” He planned to visit his disciple Mu Yu. Mu Yu was now married, and in his most recent letter, he said his wife was about to give birth. Old Mu had already prepared gifts for his disciple’s little grandchild and was waiting for their reunion.

When Feng Ming got up in the night and saw Zhu Zan sitting in the courtyard, he asked him if something was troubling him.

Zhu Zan shook his head, “No. You should go to bed. You have to go to the Peng mansion early tomorrow.” The Peng family was planning a trip outside the city and Feng Ming, the prospective son-in-law, was also invited.

However, Feng Ming sat down, “We’ve been brothers for so many years, don’t you think I know you? You definitely have something on your mind. What can’t you tell me?”

At this, Zhu Zan gave a wry smile, “Yes, you are now the closest person to me in the world. There is something, but I feel ashamed to admit it.”

Feng Ming was confused, “What’s wrong? Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for a married woman.” Zhu Zan often expressed his admiration for families and his desire to start one. Feng Ming couldn’t think of any other possibilities, but he also believed that Zhu Zan wasn’t that kind of person.

“No.” Zhu Zan shook his head, “But it’s almost the same.”

Feng Ming looked serious, “Who? Are you in love with her or not, what do you mean by almost? Speak clearly!”

After hesitating for a moment, Zhu Zan began, “You know her, Qiu…Qiuyue.”

Feng Ming was stunned, “Miss Qiuyue? She’s not married, but…”

“She is engaged, and she is going back next month to get married.” Zhu Zan sighed, “It’s my fault, I didn’t understand the situation thoroughly at the beginning.”

Although Qiuyue was just a maid serving Nangong Qian, their relationship had become more sisterly since Nangong Qian’s life changed significantly. Earlier, Nangong Qian had returned the contract of sale to Qiuyue, wanting her to go back and get married soon, as her cousin had been waiting for a long time. But Qiuyue insisted on leaving only after Nangong Qian got married.

Zhu Zan was a good martial artist, but he didn’t have grand ambitions. He just wanted to live when he was on Xingluo Island, but now his life had improved, and he wanted to settle down with a compatible woman, live a calm, peaceful life surrounded by wife and children.

He wasn’t envious of his friends marrying noblemen’s daughters because of their high status, but because they had found suitable partners. He had fallen for Qiuyue, the maid in the Su Mansion, feeling that she was perfect in every way, she was good-looking, had a nice figure, a good character, could cook, do needlework, and was sensible. He knew his own capabilities, that he was just a lackwit martial artist, and it was only through the guidance of Feng Ming, his good friend, that he was having such good days. He had never thought of marrying any noble lady by depending on Su Liang. He didn’t possess Feng Ming’s ability to handle such situations.

But just when Zhu Zan was about to confess his feelings to Qiuyue, and then tell everyone after he succeeded, he suddenly found out that Qiuyue was actually engaged. The bravery he had gathered up instantly fell apart.

The household was busy lately, so Zhu Zan didn’t show anything, but when it suddenly calmed down today, he didn’t know what he should do next and couldn’t sleep.

Feng Ming learned of the situation and couldn’t help feeling some sympathy for Zhu Zan, after all, everyone else’s romantic relationships were going quite smoothly. If Qiuyue wasn’t engaged, they probably would have been successful. Unfortunately, this could not be solved.

Feng Ming patted Zhu Zan’s shoulder, “Cheer up, it means that this is not your true destiny.”

Zhu Zan nodded, “I know, but I need some time. I have to find something to do.”

“Isn’t it simple? Didn’t you say that once you left Xingluo Island and had money, you would open your family pub? I remember you could brew wine, and it’s a family craft.” Feng Ming said, “After returning tomorrow, shall I accompany you to find a shop?”

Zhu Zan was surprised, “The pub? I haven’t been thinking about it recently.”

“Our master doesn’t need us.” Feng Ming said with a smile, “Your future days are yours! It is good to do something you like and have the conditions to do it.” Su Liang had said before that if they were interested in starting a business, she could provide the startup capital as long as they had ideas and were willing to work hard. She would support them.

“Then, should I give it a try?” Zhu Zan smiled, “You really are my benefactor in life, always guiding me out of confusion.”

The next day, Qiao Cong and Cen Man learned that Gu Ling and Su Liang had drunk the wedding wine and run off with the child. They returned to the Su mansion for a visit, then quickly went back to their own home.

Three days after Gu Ling and Su Liang left.

Weng Ming along with Old Bai and Old Mu were busy preparing the medical hall. Feng Ming and Zhu Zan lent a lot of help as well. Hearing that Zhu Zan planned to open a pub, Old Mu was very supportive. He had already surveyed the nearby shops when he was picking the location for the medical hall before. So, he immediately recommended Zhu Zan a place he thought was suitable for opening a pub. Zhu Zan and Feng Ming were satisfied with the location in all aspects, so they confirmed it the same day.

When Feng Ming and Zhu Zan returned to the Su mansion that day, they found Qi Yan and Nangong Qian had returned, but Maid Qiuyue was absent.

Seeing Nangong Qian seeming upset, Feng Ming thought it could perhaps be due to Qiuyue’s imminent departure.

After the dinner was prepared, they sat down to eat and only then learned the reason: Qiuyue’s aunt’s family had arrived in the capital city, including her cousin she was enaged to.

“That family, no good,” Qi Yan shook his head, “Qiuyue said she wanted to go back home to get married, but they insisted on staying here. They said they sold their house back home and came here to rely on Qiuyue. They even said since Qiuyue has climbed up a high branch, their family can rise to great heights in the future .”

Although Qiuyue was just a maid, she was the only maid in the Su mansion, and the identities of Su Liang and Gu Ling were known to all. It wasn’t surprising that her relatives would think that way.

But Qiuyue’s parents weren’t here, even though they knew where Qiuyue was. However, her future in-laws appeared out of nowhere, speaking nonsense.

“Qiuyue’s cousin was lecherous, with a greasy face, clearly not a good man. He tried to grope Qiuyue in front of us.” Nangong Qian said indignantly, “I say, cancel the engagement and drive them away!”

“How is Qiuyue now?” Zhu Zan blurted out.

Nangong Qian shook her head, “How could she be? She only knows how to cry and doesn’t say anything. We really want to drive that family away, but we fear they would stir up trouble and tarnish the reputation of Su Liang and the prince.”

After thinking for a while, Feng Ming glanced at Zhu Zan, then said to Nangong Qian and Qi Yan, “If Miss Qiuyue is really determined to break off the engagement, why not let us handle this matter?”

Qi Yan asked Feng Ming if he had any good methods, that wouldn’t harm anyone, but could quickly resolve the problem. After seeing the true colors of that family today, Nangong Qian was determined to prevent Qiuyue from jumping into a pit of fire. But Qiuyue was worried that after canceling the engagement, her parents would have a hard time back home.

Feng Ming shook his head, “I haven’t thought of anything yet, but it shouldn’t be too difficult. Let’s discuss it.”

Qi Yan and Nangong Qian left after dinner, saying that Qiuyue’s aunt’s family was staying at an inn with Qiuyue paying for their stay. They went straight to the biggest and best inn as soon as they arrived, eating and drinking to their heart’s content, and pretending to be poor whenever they saw Qiuyue.

At night, Zhu Zan paced back and forth in the courtyard, unable to sit still even when Feng Ming asked him to.

Just a while ago, the two had secretly gone to see that family and overheard some of their conversations. For instance, “Qiuyue is really a fool, she’s letting go of her good life in the capital city and actually wants to go back to her old home with us, how stupid”, “We should have come earlier once we knew Qiuyue was leading a prosperous life, it’s all due to Qiuyue’s parents’ secrecy”, “We need to cook the raw rice quickly to prevent any leaks. If Qiuyue finds out that her cousin has been messing around with a widow back home, even fathering a child, while keeping Qiuyue’s family in the dark… Though that widow has been driven away now, but they still want to keep the child, planning to bring him over after her cousin marries Qiuyue, she wouldn’t be able to do anything by then”…

Zhu Zan’s blood pressure skyrocketed after hearing this; he almost couldn’t help storming in to beat them up, if not for Feng Ming pulling him back.

“Actually, it’s very simple.” Feng Ming said, “As long as Qiuyue is willing to be with you, just bring her family to the capital city. Your pub could use the help anyway. From what we can tell, her parents are good people. As for that family, just scare them off. Tell them, if they dare to make trouble again, we’ll castrate Qiuyue’s cousin.”

“Agreed!” Zhu Zan nodded immediately, “We’ll do as you suggest!”

The following events went smoothly; Feng Ming and Zhu Zan weren’t pushovers. After three days, the family that was pestering Qiuyue left the capital city in humiliation, and Qiuyue decided to get married to Zhu Zan. They left the capital together, returning to her old home to bring back her family.

Zhu Zan was thrilled when he left, telling Feng Ming that when he returns, they’ll drink the wine he brewed himself.

After Zhu Zan left, Feng Ming wrote a letter to send to Su Village. He thought the letter would probably arrive before Su Liang and Gu Ling. The letter detailed the situation of their family after they left and he also shared the joyous news of Zhu Zan and Qiuyue’s union.

At this time, Gu Ling and Su Liang had just arrived in Pingbei City.

They have a mansion here, which Su Liang bought when Gu Ling came here for the imperial examination years ago. They hadn’t spent much time living in it.

“Big Brother, isn’t it amazing how Master and Mistress have their own mansions wherever they go?” Ji Xiaoshu sighed.

Zhengzheng said with a brilliant smile, “Actually, my family also has a mansion in this city.” He still remembered this City– it was where Su Liang and Gu Ling brought him when they first came here. His parents also took him home from here.

“I’m the poorest.” Ji Xiaoshu held his forehead, “Who let my dad give up being an emperor just to farm!”

Gu Ling tapped Ji Xiaoshu’s forehead, “Next time you see your father, remember to ask him for your living expenses.”

Ji Xiaoshu chuckled, “That would be great! If my dad has no money, just let him give Master and Mistress a field of sweet potatoes! This way, we will have lots of roasted sweet potatoes to eat in winter!”

Gu Ling nodded, “That’s also an idea.”

After putting down their luggage, Gu Ling and Su Liang took the kids to the Qianshan Academy in Pingbei City to have fun. Lin Shuzhi used to be the headmaster of this academy. This academy was already very famous, but now it has become the number one academy in the world. Today’s Regent King Gu Ling, Prime Minister Lin Boyan, and Great General Lin Bojun all graduated from this academy.

“Master, carry me! You used to carry Big Brother to school, it’s my turn now!” Ji Xiaoshu climbed on Gu Ling’s back like a little monkey and refused to walk by himself.

Zhengzheng laughed by the side, “Back then, I was really small.”

“I don’t care!” Ji Xiaoshu insisted. As they were out for fun, of course, he wanted to be happy. The more unwilling Gu Ling appeared to be, the more enthusiastic he became.

Gu Ling made a complaint, “You should be called Ji Xiaohou(monkey).” Yet, he didn’t let Ji Xiaoshu down from his back.

Ji Xiaoshu chuckled, “My dad said he was originally going to call me Little Monkey, but then thought it didn’t sound nice so he changed it to Xiaoshu! Hey, I’ve never seen a monkey. Are there any on the mountain we’re going to? Do monkeys bite?”

“Yes.” Su Liang softly laughed, “But, we might not be able to see them.”

Zhengzheng walked in front holding the bouncing Gu Xiaonuan, Gu Ling and Su Liang walked side by side. He carried Ji Xiaoshu on his back while Su Liang carried a basket on hers, which contained water bottles and some snacks for the kids in case they got hungry.

As they walked along, Su Liang told them about her and Gu Ling’s experiences at Qianshan Academy back in the day. There was a poisoning incident at the academy at that time, and they narrowly managed to save everyone.

“Mistress is so powerful!” Ji Xiaoshu looked up at Su Liang with a face full of admiration, “It seems like in the past Master was responsible for looking pretty, while Mistress was earning the money for the family and also protecting him! Master, am I right?”

Trying to hide her laughter, Su Liang, on the other hand, Gu Ling hooked his lips slightly, “Well, are you jealous?”

Ji Xiaoshu nodded, “Master’s skin is not only beautiful but also thick!”