Chapter 511. Let’s set off
Chapter 511: 511. Let’s set off
After attending Qiao Jing and Min Rou’s wedding, Su Liang and Gu Ling found that a few days later, Nangong Qian also got married and formed a marriage with Qi Yan.
Feng Ming and Peng Wu’s wedding were set three months later, Cheng Yun and Wen Ran’s at the end of the year. Qiao Cong and Cen Man, on the other hand, were set to get married in half a month, mainly because they were worried that if it were later, Gu Ling and Su Liang would have left. As witnesses and promoters of the major turning points in their lives, others could skip their wedding wine, but Gu Ling and Su Liang had to be there.
Originally, Su Liang and Gu Ling planned to leave the capital city after Nangong Qian and Qi Yanformed their marriage. But now, they have to wait another half a month to watch Qiao Cong and Cen Man get married with their own eyes. After all, it was the elder’s happy event, and Su Liang was the matchmaker.
That day, when Su Liang saw Yan Shiba again, she casually asked her, “When are you and Sheng Yue planning on getting married?” The two had already slept together but never mentioned the matter of marriage.
Yan Shiba was stunned for a moment, “Ah? Marriage? That’s… not so important, right?”
Su Liang nodded, “Indeed, it’s fine as long as you both are happy. I was just asking. If you don’t plan on getting married, that’s even better, we’ll save a gift.”
The moment Yan Shiba heard that, she was not happy at all, “That won’t work! I want everything others have! Marriage! We’ll get married tomorrow!”
Su Liang was speechless, “There’s not enough time to prepare!”
“Oh, no need to make it so complicated, just a table of wine and dishes at home will do! But you and Gu have to cook it personally. After all, it’s my big day, and I won’t eat anything made by others! We don’t have any elders… No, his dead monk father seems to be alive, but let’s just treat him as dead!” Yan Shiba shook her head, “That’s it! We’ll get married tomorrow!”
“Won’t you choose an auspicious day based on your birth chart?” Su Liang asked.
Yan Shiba shook her head indifferently, “I never believed in that stuff! It doesn’t matter if he believes it or not! If he dares to disagree, we’ll break up!”
As it happened, Sheng Yue came to see Su Liang about something, and when he reached the door, he heard Yan Shiba’s words. His face unchanged, he came in directly.
“You came at just the right time.” Yan Shiba looked at Sheng Yue, “Originally, I thought getting married was not important, and I would wait until I got pregnant first. In case I couldn’t get pregnant, then it would be your fault, and I’d find a capable man… ”
Sheng Yue nodded, “That’s fine.”
Yan Shiba choked for a moment and stared at Sheng Yue, “Don’t interrupt! I haven’t finished! Liang Meimei wants to see us get married, so instead of choosing a date, let’s bump into one – tomorrow! Are you up for it? If not, get lost!”
Upon hearing this, Sheng Yue shook his head, “Tomorrow is not possible.”
Yan Shiba snorted lightly, “Break up! It’s not like anyone’s dying to marry you!”
Su Liang asked Sheng Yue, “You came to see me, is there something?”
Sheng Yue nodded, “My mother’s death anniversary is coming up, and I want to take Cheng Yun with me to pay our respects.”
Yan Shiba frowned, “Have you asked Cheng Yun? Could he agree?”
“I asked him, he said he wanted to go, but not with me. He will go with Wen Ran.” Sheng Yue said. It had just happened, so Cheng Yun and Wen Ran hadn’t come to find Su Liang yet.
Yan Shiba asked, “Where is your mother buried?”
“In Feng City.” Sheng Yue said. It was a city in the central part of Qian Country. Their family had once lived there, and after his mother died, the household scattered. But he had gone back to visit her grave every year on her death anniversary. That was also the fixed day for him to meet with Pu Cheng every year, but Pu Cheng had never taken Cheng Yun there.
“Since Cheng Yun already said he wants to go, I won’t have to persuade him.” Su Liang said, “Leave today?”
Sheng Yue nodded, “I want to leave today.” He looked at Yan Shiba, “Why don’t you come with me, and we can get married when we get back.”
Yan Shiba’s eyes flickered, “Why should I go with you?”
“There’s nothing for you at home anyway. Gu Ling and Su Liang are leaving in half a month, and they won’t take you with them.” Sheng Yue said.
Yan Shiba kicked Sheng Yue, “Just because I have nothing to do, I should go with you? Do you think you’re charming?”
Sheng Yue nodded, “I am charming.”
Yan Shiba:…
Su Liang waved his hand, “You guys go back and fight.”
However, neither of them had any intention of leaving. Yan Shiba snorted, “I can go, I’m just idle anyway. But I want to go with Little Ranran!”
Sheng Yue shook his head, “Cheng Yun doesn’t want to go with me, you shouldn’t bother them either.”
Yan Shiba grabbed Sheng Yue’s ear, stood up with a tug, and said, “Have I been too gentle with you recently?”
“Su Liang, mediate.” Sheng Yue said.
Su Liang looked amused, “You guys are too noisy. If you want to fight, hurry up and do it. I like to watch, so stop saying all these nonsense.”
Hearing this, Yan Shiba directly jumped onto Sheng Yue, who subconsciously held her up.
Yan Shiba leaned in and kissed Sheng Yue, “You little devil, you like to watch, huh? We’ll fight for you to see!”
“Great God, throw them out. The farther, the better.” Su Liang said in a faint tone.
Yan Shiba immediately got off Sheng Yue and looked at the door, thinking Gu Ling had arrived. If Su Liang spoke, Gu Ling would really throw them out.
Seeing no one at the door, Yan Shiba came over and knocked on Su Liang’s forehead. Then she turned around, pulled Sheng Yue, and ran, “Let’s go, go, go! Back to fight! If you win, I’ll go with you to sweep the tombs!”
Cheng Yun and Wen Ran went upstairs and saw Yan Shiba dragging Sheng Yue down. They quickly stepped aside.
“Little Ranran, I want to go to South Wind City too. Come with me!” Yan Shiba said with a grin.
Cheng Yun immediately shook his head, “No.”
Wen Ran smiled, “I don’t mind going together.”
“I do.” Cheng Yun said, and then they went upstairs. They were also going to tell Su Liang the same thing.
“Look at your character. Even your own brother doesn’t want to deal with you.” Yan Shiba teased.
Sheng Yue remained calm, “He’s just pretending.”
Yan Shiba burst into laughter, “I think so too! That kid may have returned to secular life, but he’s still a bit pretentious! I don’t like playing with him either! It’s only Little Ranran who likes him! It must be because of his good looks!”
As soon as Su Liang saw Cheng Yun and Wen Ran upstairs, she told them that they could go out without seeking her approval.
“Are you leaving in half a month?” Wen Ran asked.
Su Liang nodded, “That’s the plan.”
“I guess you don’t want to bring anyone else other than the kids, right?” Wen Ran smiled and asked.
Su Liang smiled slightly, “I didn’t say that.”
“Cheng Yun and I have to get married this year, and we should pay our respects to her mother’s grave.” Wen Ran said. Although Cheng Yun had no memory of his mother, she was the one who gave birth to him after ten months of pregnancy. With Sheng Yue still holding his mother in such high regard, it shows that she was a good mother in his heart. Even though she was a transmigrator who once wanted to return to her original world, it doesn’t mean she didn’t love her child.
Sheng Yue told them that their mother nearly died of severe bleeding when she gave birth to Cheng Yun. After Cheng Yun’s birth, she became more and more uneasy, believing that the world was too backward, and she and her child were not safe. She wanted to go back. Sheng Yue could understand her and never blamed her because he believed that his mother would take them with her once she found the way back. It was just an accident that changed their lives.
“Go ahead.” Su Liang nodded, “There’s nothing going on at home. You can go out and have fun, don’t rush back.”
“I was thinking that Grandfather could go with you to the north, but you probably don’t want to bring so many people.” Wen Ran said with a smile, “But I’m not worried about Grandfather. He and Mu Grandfather are doing well together, and he’s made quite a few friends in the capital.”
Wen Ming, Old Duke Qin, and the Senior Imperial Physician had become fishing buddies and often went fishing together. Moreover, Wen Ming planned to open a medical hall in the capital and officially practice medicine this year. He used to be a skilled doctor who hid his identity because he was afraid of causing trouble, and many things proved that his worries were justified. Now, under the Emperor’s nose, with a prominent disciple, there was no need for concern and no shortage of money. In the end, he still loved his medical skills most and hoped to help others with his expertise.
After notifying Su Liang, Wen Ran and Cheng Yun left the same day. Wen Ming was not worried about his granddaughter as he knew Cheng Yun’s strength.
Sheng Yue and Yan Shiba were still there during dinner, but they were gone the next morning. Zhu Zan said they left in the middle of the night and were still fighting when they left.
With Yan Shiba not at home, the whole mansion had become quite a bit quieter. However, everyone’s fun had also diminished without her and Sheng Yue fussing around daily.
Soon enough, it was time for Qiao Cong and Cen Man’s wedding.
Cen Man wanted a simple ceremony, just to make bows in front of their families as witnesses, but Qiao Cong insisted on making it grander.
Early in the morning, after Cen Man bathed, she put on the wedding dress designed by Su Liang and made by the best master of Yang Yu’s Embroidery Workshop.
“Master, we’re here!” Zhengzheng and Ji Xiaoshu’s voices rang outside.
Cen Man stood up to see Su Liang with three children. Zhengzheng was carrying Su Liang’s makeup box, personally made by Gu Ling, including some of the makeup brushes inside.
Su Liang didn’t wear makeup often, so she didn’t have much need for it. But whenever there was a wedding among her friends, they would ask Su Liang to help with the bride’s makeup, just like they would have a Chinese knot made by Gu Ling hanging in the couple’s room.
The three children sat in a row, watching Su Liang apply bridal makeup to Cen Man.
Finally, Su Liang drew a fiery red pattern in the shape of a flame in the center of Cen Man’s eyebrows, then stepped back and asked the children, “How is it?”
Zhengzheng exclaimed, “Master, you’re truly beautiful! Like a fairy descending to the mortal world!”
Ji Xiaoshu gave a thumbs up, “Uncle Qiao will definitely be over the moon when he sees you!”
Gu Xiaonuan waved her little hand, conjuring a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and handed it to Cen Man. “For Master, you are more beautiful than the flowers!”
Cen Man was so happy that she couldn’t close her mouth, but also felt a little embarrassed to have such young children compliment her. However, once she saw her reflection in the bronze mirror, Cen Man was stunned for a moment, “Is… Is that me?”
You don’t look old at all, Master. We have a long life ahead, so it’s important to be happy and enjoy the good fortune,” Su Liang said with a smile.
Cen Man, holding the flowers given by Gu Xiaonuan, was visibly moved. “Yes, I will.”
Qiao Cong, dressed in a bright red wedding robe, rode a tall horse. Accompanied by the younger generation, he came to Su Mansion early to pick up his bride. The lively procession became a unique sight in the capital city, as it was rare to see such an old couple getting married. However, knowing that they were Su Liang’s two masters, the common people were not too surprised. In their eyes, Su Liang, Gu Ling, and those around them were extraordinary people who shouldn’t be judged by ordinary standards.
Zhengzheng and Ji Xiaoshu took Gu Ling to block the door while Feng Ming brought Ale and Axin to play as well. The children thought of many riddles, but before they could start, Gu Ling’s long arm reached out, and he pulled open the door bolt.
“Master, you betrayer!” Ji Xiaoshu jumped on Gu Ling’s back and, the next moment, greeted the beaming Qiao Cong entering the room, immediately making a salute, “Uncle Qiao, you look so handsome today! Gu Ling wanted to block the door just now, but we stopped him!”
“Haha! Little Tree is such a good boy!” Qiao Cong laughed heartily and rubbed Ji Xiaoshu’s head. Qiao Jing, who was following behind, took out the prepared red envelopes and gave one to each of the four children.
Gu Ling also reached out, and Qiao Jing’s mouth twitched a little. He reluctantly took out another red envelope and gave it to Gu Ling.
As soon as Cen Man put on the red wedding veil, she heard footsteps outside.
Gu Xiaonuan stood at the door, her smile brilliant as she saluted, “Congratulations, Uncle Qiao!”
Qiao Cong laughed so hard his grin almost touched his ears, and he picked up Gu Xiaonuan and kissed her cheek. “Little Nuan is such a good girl!”
Su Liang took Gu Xiaonuan back, and Qiao Cong looked at the bride approaching slowly, his eyes bright, “Ah Man, I’ve come to get you!”
As soon as Cen Man approached, Qiao Cong bent down and picked her up horizontally, walking out briskly amidst everyone’s laughter.
Su Liang and Gu Ling took the children and followed the wedding procession to Qiao Mansion.
The master of ceremonies was, as expected, Old Duke Qin. He had the best relationship with everyone, and Qiao Cong specifically asked for him to come.
There were many guests, almost all of them being friends and acquaintances of Su Liang and Gu Ling.
After the lively ceremony, it was time for the feast.
Gu Ling, holding Nian Jincheng and Yang Yu’s son, looked at him for a while and said to Su Liang, “Luckily, this kid doesn’t look like his uncle, or it would be so worrisome.”
Su Liang had almost completely forgotten about Yang Yu’s mischievous older brother, Yang Feng. It is said that nephews often resemble their uncles, but it is not always true. The child of Nian Jincheng looked very much like his father. Of course, this child was also one of Gu Ling’s disciples. He was very open to accepting apprentices.
Su Liang asked Gu Ling what he would do if he ended up having too many disciples to teach.
Gu Ling calmly replied that the disciples were all about the same age, so he could just hold classes or have Zhengzheng and Ji Xiaoshu, his two closest disciples, serve as teaching assistants. As for why he accepted all the children of his friends and family as disciples, he had a reason: these children would grow up to be Gu Xiaonuan’s friends. He wanted them to grow strong and upright to avoid Gu Xiaonuan getting constantly involved in solving her friends’ problems like Su Liang, which would be too exhausting.
Su Liang agreed with this reasoning. However, she knew that Gu Ling also liked children very much and wouldn’t refuse to accept his friends’ children as his disciples since they had agreed not to have more children of their own.
After the feast, Gu Ling and Su Liang decided to go home, while Axin and Ale asked Ji Xiaoshu and Zhengzheng to come to their house for a little fun.
Gu Ling leaned down and whispered something to Zhengzheng. After hesitating for a moment, Zhengzheng told Axin and Ale that he wanted to go back to his own house to see his younger brother and would visit Peng Mansion another day.
Gu Ling, Su Liang, and Gu Xiaonuan returned to their home, while Zhengzheng took Ji Xiaoshu to visit the Wan Family.
“Big Brother, what did Master whisper to you?” Ji Xiaoshu asked.
Upon seeing Zhu Zan, the escort who was smiling, Zhengzheng replied, “I know.”
Zhengzheng then said, “Little Shu, Master told us to set off today!”
It was previously decided that they would leave in three days. Everyone who was staying at Su Mansion would return to Su Family Village together.
Ji Xiaoshu grinned mischievously, “I originally thought Master and Mistress would sneak off with their daughter and leave us behind! If that happened, I would have cried! But do you think Master will be mad when he finds out?”
Actually, grandmaster himself knew… at least old Muru knew about it. But he didn’t mind. Weng Ming had plans to open a Medical Hall, and old Bai would definitely miss his children the most, but by then old Muru would find something for him to do.
Zhengzheng went home to say goodbye to his parents. Although he had been living at Su Mansion, he often returned home. Now that he was going on a long journey, it would be at least several months before he could come back.
Wan Hui and Lu Yu were reluctant to part with their son but supported him in going out to see the world with Su Liang and Gu Ling. They would also return to their old hometown to handle some business, so they wouldn’t be too far apart.
As for Ji Xiaoshu, his father Ji Yuebai was even more fond of traveling than he was. Ji Yuebai was not in the capital city, but it was possible that they would run into each other in the north. Ji Xiaoshu planned to visit his father’s farmland when he got there.
When the two children returned to Su Mansion, the carriage had already been prepared. This carriage had been designed by Gu Ling and Su Liang, with Gu Ling and old Muru making it by hand. It was very spacious, with everything needed for travel inside.
Gu Ling, Su Liang, and Gu Xiaonuan’s luggage had already been prepared, and Zhengzheng and Ji Xiaoshu quickly emerged with their bags.
With just Gu Ling, Su Liang, and the three children, Gu Ling drove the carriage, while Su Liang and the children sat inside.
Master, here I come! Ji Xiaoshu exclaimed excitedly, sitting next to Gu Ling and taking the horse whip, “Let’s go!”
Gu Ling carefully taught Ji Xiaoshu how to drive the carriage. Ji Xiaoshu asked, “Master, you are not going to let a kid like me drive the carriage, right?”
Gu Ling nodded, “I believe you can do it.”
Ji Xiaoshu grinned, “As long as you don’t worry about me driving the carriage into a ditch.”
As the carriage left the capital city, the scenery instantly became more wide-open.
The sun was shining brightly, the breeze was gentle, Zhengzheng and Gu Xiaonuan were singing a children’s rhyme taught by Su Liang, and Ji Xiaoshu was gently swaying the horse whip in time with the rhythm outside. He looked at the fluffy white clouds in the distance against the blue sky, then suddenly slumped on Gu Ling, saying, “Master, I’m tired!”
With an indifferent expression, Gu Ling responded, “If you’re so weak, go home and rest.”
Ji Xiaoshu immediately sat up straight, I’ll go back to the car and rest. Mistress, how long will it take for us to arrive at Su Family Village?”
A laughing voice came from inside the carriage, “About half a month, I guess. No hurry, let’s take our time, enjoy the scenery.”