The Doctor's Three-Time Marriage

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."

...

14:50

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. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

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 Ling's 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