嫩草影院地址一二三

Chapter 360: 360. Past Mistakes

Situ Jing and Situ Jing were also present. Based on blood relations, both were Gu Ling’s cousins.

When Qiao Cong, who was playing in the underground labyrinth at the Su Mansion with Zhengzheng, heard the news, Situ Jing was already sitting upstairs having tea.

Qiao Cong immediately wanted to go upstairs, but he was held back by Old Mu, “What do you want to do? Didn’t you just say yesterday that you don’t care about him? You really are contradictory! He’s here as the prince of Liang Country, and you’re worried that he’ll be bullied?”

Qiao Cong pushed Old Mu away and frowned, “If Xiaoliang and Xiaogu do bully him, that would be just fine.”

“Why is that?” Zhengzheng popped his head out from a corridor and asked with a chuckle, “Why is it good to be bullied? My aunt is the best person in the world, she never bullies anyone!”

Old Mu laughed heartily, opened his arms to lunge at Zhengzheng as if to catch him, and Zhengzheng ran off again.

Old Mu didn’t chase him, but returned to Qiao Cong, patting his shoulder, “Third, I understand what you mean, but they know what is going on among themselves, you worrying for them is useless!”

Old Mu understood. From Qiao Cong’s perspective, he actually hoped that Su Liang and Gu Ling could have a “resolution” with Situ Jing, such as beating him up, paying off old grudges, and accepting him again.

But now, Su Liang and Gu Ling’s attitude towards Situ Jing was one of indifference, even oblivious.

Ironically, it was Gu Ling who suggested Situ Jing return to the Liang Country to become a prince, but nobody kept an eye on him, nobody controlled him, and if he didn’t want to go back, he could go anywhere he pleased; nobody had any say in it.

Old Mu fully understood Qiao Cong’s feelings. After all, that was the bloodline left behind by his daughter, and as an elder, even if their children and grandchildren made mistakes, they ultimately hope for them to have a chance to reform.

Old Mu had a similar attitude towards his disciple, Mu Yu. He wanted to let go but couldn’t bear to do so, hoping against hope that he would be alright.

Hearing Zhengzheng shouting for them, Old Mu left Qiao Cong and rushed in with a laugh, “Coming!”

Situ Yao came with a gift that Situ Xie had specifically prepared for Gu Ling and Su Liang, a priceless jade and stone screen. The intricately carved pattern on it was of Wolong Snow Mountain in Yao City.

“This is an ancient object. Grandfather said that your mother-in-law liked this screen very much. The carving of Wolong Mountain on it was your mother-in-law’s idea. However, by the time grandfather found a craftsman to complete the carving, your mother-in-law had already passed away.” Situ Yao sighed lightly.

“When Crown Prince Situ returns, please relay our thanks to King Yue for his gift,” Su Liang said with a smile.

Gue Ling, who was carefully carving little flowers by her side, did not even raise his head. He seemingly ignored his guests, acting as though they were not related to him at all.

Situ Jing nodded, “Alright, I’ll pass the message to Grandfather. Once Yaoyao gets married, I and the Second Prince will start our journey back home. In the future, Yaoyao only has two relatives in Qian County, Cousin Gu and his wife, so I’d like to ask the two of you to take good care of her.”

Situ Yao looked fervently at Su Liang, only to see her nodding with a smile, “Crown Prince Situ need not worry. Also, please tell King Yue to rest assured. Our Emperor is merciful, and has a deep karmic connection with Princess Yaoguang, so she will live well in Qian Country.”

The words were polite, dignified, friendly, and devoid of any emotional attachment.

Not to mention that the person who truly has blood relations with these three “honored guests” is Gu Ling, not Su Liang. Even if Gu Ling were to speak, he wouldn’t even bother to be polite.

You could argue that their previous disagreements were due to different stances, but you can’t just talk about stances when you want to start a fight, and switch to relationships and feelings at other times. Switching faces as needed is two-faced.

From start to end, Su Liang always had the same attitude towards the people of Gu Ling’s so-called maternal family: keep pretending, if you wish.

No matter whether anybody else believes in Situ Xie’s care for Gu Ling or not, one thing was certain – Su Liang and Gu Ling never believed it, not even the slighest bit.

Hearing Su Liang’s words, Situ Yao lowered her gaze, as Situ Jing sighed but said nothing further. Even if there hadn’t been any previous incident, Su Liang and Gu Ling would still have maintained this attitude, let alone now?

However, it should be noted that the incident of Su Liang’s capture wasn’t part of Situ Xie’s plan and was caused by Situ Jing.

Situ Jing looked at Situ Jing, “Second Prince, aren’t you going to visit your grandfather and younger sister?”

Situ Xie had instructed Situ Jing to try his best to bring Qiao Cong to Liang Country.

Situ Jing put down his teacup and looked at Su Liang, “I presume grandfather wouldn’t want to see me. May I ask if I can see my sister?”

“You should ask your grandfather about this matter first.” Su Liang remained calm. Who could meet Nangong Qian would be decided by her guardian, Qiao Cong.

“Is grandfather in?” Situ Jing asked.

“Wait a moment, he’ll be here.” Su Liang said.

Before long, Qiao Cong came out from the underground secret room carrying Zhengzheng, Old Mu was beside him. Old Mu was also holding one of Zhengzheng’s little hands, swinging it as if they were a warm and harmonious family of three…

Among Su Liang’s four masters, Cen Man had the best temperament. Among the three old men, Old Mu had the best temperament and the highest emotional quotient. It seemed like he was always arguing with Qiao Cong, but in fact, they were on good terms. Ever since Mu Yu learned from his mistakes and stopped being troublesome, Old Mu had not had to worry, he had become much calmer.

The smile on Qiao Cong’s face disappeared when he saw Situ Jing.

Chaozheng, who was lying on Qiao Cong’s back, curiously looked at the three guests, one of them seemed familiar so he asked, “Uncle, have we met before?”

The one being questioned was Situ Jing.

Back when he was known as Che Yun, he had come to the capital to handle official business with Lian Shun. At that time, he had a good relationship with Su Liang and had even held Zhengzheng.

However, Zhengzheng found him somewhat familiar but wasn’t quite sure, because Situ Jing’s appearance and demeanor both changed after he shaved his beard.

Situ Jing nodded, “We’ve met. I’ve even held you before.”

Zhengzheng wondered, “Who are you, uncle? Are you in disguise?” He had seen Gu Ling’s guise-changing abilities before.

Situ Jing did not shy away from his previous identity as Che Yun, he covered the lower half of his face with both hands, “Big beard. Remember now?”

Zhengzheng exclaimed in realization, “Uncle Cai Beibei!”

Situ Jing dropped his hands, revealing a soft smile, “It’s me.” The nickname, Cai Beibei, was coined by Lian Shun.

Qiao Cong squinted his eyes, watching the interaction between Situ Jing and Zhengzheng. He brought Zhengzheng in front of him, put him down, and Zhengzheng ran towards Situ Jing, “Uncle Beibei, you look much better without a beard!”

As Situ Jing hugged Zhengzheng, he subconsciously glanced towards Su Liang and Gu Ling.

Just then, Gu Ling looked up, gave him a cold look, and lowered his head again, continuing to carve.

Su Liang didn’t think much of it, as children don’t understand the twists and turns among the adults, so it’s fine as long as Zhengzheng is happy.

Situ Jing lifted up Zhengzheng and sat him on his lap. Zhengzheng said giggling, “Grandpa Qiu said he hopes his grandson gets bullied, who is his grandson?”

Qiao Cong: …

Old Mu laughs heartily and exits the room.

A voice came from behind Zhengzheng, “It’s me.”

Zhengzheng turned around in surprise, “Uncle Beibei, it’s you! Why does grandpa Qiu hope you get bullied? How strange.”

Qiao Cong exited the room without uttering a word.

Su Liang quietly smiled. She knew what Zhengzheng was saying, and so did Situ Jing.

Situ Yao felt the atmosphere was somewhat weird, so she greeted Zhengzheng and gave him a beautiful jade bell.

Zhengzheng thanked Situ Yao, then Situ Jing picked him up and headed out, “I’m going to chat with grandpa, you all carry on.”

“Put Zhengzheng down.” Gu Ling finally spoke up.

Situ Jing pretended not to hear and with a quick stride, he disappeared from the doorway.

Zhengzheng’s laughter came from outside, “Uncle Bebei, run fast! My handsome uncle wants to beat you!”

Seeing the attitudes of Gu Ling and Su Liang, the siblings Situ Jing and Situ Yao had nothing to say, so they soon got up to leave, without waiting for Situ Jing.

Su Liang got Qi Jun to send them off, without saying anything in return.

When only two were left, Gu Ling finally put down the piece of wood he was working on. The beautifully carved wooden box on the nearby table was nearly full of exquisite wooden flowers.

“Great God, do you think Situ Yao is smart?” Su Liang asked.

They’ve interacted more than once. Situ Yao hadn’t done anything to upset Su Liang and appeared perfectly noble and elegant.

But there was another possibility that she was perfectly pretentious.

Gu Ling shook his head, “It doesn’t concern us.” If his mother were alive, perhaps she would be concerned about these maternal relatives. But his mother was long gone, Gu Ling wouldn’t treat the Situ family as relatives because of Situ Ning. That would be foolish and dangerous for him.

If Situ Xie truly loved and cared for Situ Yao, he should not have allowed her to come for this marriage. Just like when Situ Ning married, although she had chosen her own husband, the far-off marriage was agreed to by Situ Xie. He was well aware of the great risks.

Discussing blood ties with a group of people who spoke pleasantly but did not place much importance on blood relations, it was meaningless.

“I hope she knows what’s best for her.” Su Liang sighed lightly.

Meanwhile, Situ Jing found Qiao Cong and proposed to visit Nangong Qian.

Qiao Cong naturally didn’t stop him, allowing him to leave.

Zhengzheng asked Qiao Cong, “Does Grandpa Qiu have a bad relationship with Uncle Beibei?”

Qiao Cong nodded, “Very bad.”

“Why?” asked Zhengzheng.

Qiao Cong was quiet for a moment before he replied, “He’s naughty.”

Zhengzheng murmured, “Such a big man, Grandpa Qiu still treats him like a kid? I’m not a kid anymore.”

Qiao Cong squinted his eyes, “Zhengzheng is very right.”

Situ Jing visited Nangong Qian, her complexion was better than when he last left, showing no signs of illness and she seemed to have gained some weight, she didn’t look skin and bones as before.

Nangong Qian was pleasantly surprised to see Situ Jing. She grabbed his arm and showed him the flowers she planted herself.

“Very beautiful.” Situ Jing looked at the red Peonies before him, nodding subtly.

Nangong Qian said with a smile, “Grandpa said he’ll teach me kung fu in a few more days! I’m afraid I can’t learn it. Grandpa watches over me every day, making me walk three large laps in the mansion daily. It was exhausting at first but it’s much better now.”

Situ Jing nodded, “That’s a good thing. Are you allowed to go out?”

“Yes, I am!” Nangong Qian nodded, “Grandpa takes me to the Huguo Temple to pray and to the lake for a boat ride, we even go to dine at Zhengzheng’s restaurant. I often go out.”

Qiuyue Cong looked at Nangong Qian strictly but had not confined her. She was free to venture out with Qiuyue Cong always by her side for her protection.

“Grandma Cen’s eyes were cured by Master Su, have you seen her? She looks much younger than before. Master Su’s medical skills are truly remarkable!” Nangong Qian mentioned Su Liang in awe.

Situ Jing looked at Nangong Qian calmly, unable to see any traces of the woman who once desired Gu Ling on her.

Honestly, Situ Jing had no particular fondness for Nangong Qian. They were half-siblings born to the same mother, but they did not grow up together. In fact, they only met this year. At first, Situ Jing did not like her personality.

“What are you looking at, Brother?” Nangong Qian was puzzled.

“The medicine seems to be working very well.” Situ Jing averted his gaze.

Nangong Qian assumed Situ Jing was talking about the medicine Su Liang prescribed for her and agreed, “Yes, the medicine I take nowadays is less in quantity and isn’t bitter anymore. Then, Master Su made me some dietary prescriptions. Some of the medicinal dishes taste very good. Qiuyue’s culinary skills are also getting much better. Brother, will you stay for dinner? Or will you be leaving?”

Situ Jing nodded, “I will leave in a few days.”

Nangong Qian appeared visibly disappointed, “Why must you leave? Can’t you stay? I want to live with grandpa and brother.”

Situ Jing’s expression was indifferent, “I am not welcome here.”

Nangong Qian frowned, “We can move out. Buy a new mansion, it doesn’t need to be big, the three of us with Qiuyue can live together. It would be even better if Grandma Cen lived with us.”

Situ Jing was taken aback, “Did grandpa teach you to say that?”

Nangong Qian bowed her head, “No, I thought of it myself. I want to live with brother, a family should live together…”

Upon hearing the phrase “a family,” an image of his childhood with his adoptive parents at the Che family mansion in Xuanbei City flashed through Situ Jing’s mind…

Seeing Situ Jing change his expression, Nangong Qian looked slightly uneasy, “Did I make you angry, Brother? Grandpa truly didn’t teach me to say that.”

“No,” Situ Jing shook his head, “I just remembered something that I need to do. Can I come for dinner tomorrow instead?”

Nangong Qian nodded hurriedly, “Sure! I’ll have Qiuyue prepare more delicious food. You must come tomorrow, Brother.”

“Okay.” Situ Jing raised his hand, hesitated for a moment, then gently ruffled Nangong Qian’s hair. He had seen Gu Ling do this to Su Liang before and thought it was a pretty good gesture.

Watching Situ Jing leave, Nangong Qian turned around to find Qiuyue Cong holding Zhengzheng, seemingly dropping in from nowhere.

“Did you tell him what we discussed?” Qiuyue Cong asked.

Nangong Qian nodded with a small sigh, “Brother seemed a little upset and didn’t agree to stay. He said he had something to do and left, but promised to come for dinner tomorrow.”

Qiuyue Cong snorted, “We’ll see about that tomorrow, he may not come.”

However, afterward, Qiuyue Cong made plans with Zhengzheng to go fishing tomorrow, saying he felt like eating fish. Qiuyue’s fish-cooking skills, learned from Su Liang, were quite good indeed.

When Zhengzheng asked why they weren’t going fishing today so they could eat the fish today, Qiuyue Cong simply stated that he wanted to eat fish tomorrow.

Duanmu Chen received a report of Situ Jing seeking an audience with some surprise, unclear as to his purpose.

Upon meeting, Situ Jing got straight to the point, “I heard that my adoptive parents are still in the Heavenly Prison, I want to see them.”

Duanmu Chen gave a dry laugh, “I thought you might have forgotten about those two. If you hadn’t brought it up, they would have been executed in a few days.”

The reason the couple was still alive was intentionally to deal with Situ Jing – if he cared for them that is.

Duanmu Chen readily agreed and had Chang’an accompany Situ Jing to the Heavenly Prison. However, it was only for a prison visit. Situ Jing made no other requests.

The weather was fine the next day after a rainfall. The sun was delightful and bright.

However, the Heavenly Prison seemed to be cut off from the outside world by towering walls, remaining an eerily gloomy and dark place.

Situ Jing saw his adoptive parents, Che Father and Che Mother, who were now emaciated and huddled in a corner with dull eyes. The foul smell of excrement lingered in the air.

“Does Prince Situ wish to enter?” Chang’an asked.

Situ Jing nodded and Chang’an had the guards unlock the large rusty iron lock on the prison door.

Chang’an didn’t leave and merely stood outside. Situ Jing didn’t care and walked straight in, stopping in front of Che Mother, crouching down, and putting his hand on her sunken shoulder.

Che Mother’s body shivered slightly. She looked straight at Situ Jing, and her dull eyes suddenly lit up, “Yun, is that you? Yun, have you come back?” She threw herself into Situ Jing’s arms, clutching tightly onto his shirt collar and crying loudly, “You don’t know how much your mother has missed you… I’ve missed you so much!”

Chang’an quietly watched this scene, his gaze shifting towards Che Father. He slowly lifted his head, his eyes cold as ice, like a knife aimed at Situ Jing’s back.

Chang’an withdrew his gaze, looking towards the straw mat in the cell opposite. There were dried blood stains on it, he remembered the spy sent by Mu Ya to harm Su Liang was once locked there.

Hearing the incessant noises of Che’s mother laughing and crying and speaking incoherently behind him, Chang’an suspected she had gone mad, unable to distinguish reality from fantasy. She mistook Situ Jing for her eldest son taken away by Situ Xie and didn’t grow up under their care, she thought he was the real Che Yun and even mentioned her little son, Che Xiao, claiming he was still at home waiting for them.

However, the real Che Yun and Che Xiao had already died.

Situ Jing let Che’s mother hold onto him, and didn’t correct her “mistake”.

He heard the sound of chains gradually approaching. He knew Che’s father was behind him.

But Situ Jing did not react, only knelt on the ground, holding the crying Che’s mother, gently patting her back.

When Chang’an heard the distinct sound of the chains clashing and turned around again, his expression changed. He saw Che’s father using the chain that bound his hands to strangle Situ Jing’s neck!

Che’s father’s messy hair didn’t cover the protruding veins; thus, it could be seen that he was using all his strength.

Chang’an knew that Situ Jing was very strong and that he wouldn’t let anything happen, so he didn’t intend to go in.

However, Situ Jing didn’t resist at all, allowing the chain to strangle his neck and leaned back onto the ground.

Che’s mother just stared dazedly, murmuring “Yun’er” and watching Che’s father strangle Situ Jing to death, she did nothing. Suddenly, she began to laugh and clapped her hands, “Quick! Quick! Our Yun’er is waiting!”

Her previously confused speech suddenly became clear.

Chang’an burst into the slightly ajar prison door and targeted Che’s father with a knife-hand strike to the back of his neck with substantial force, but he wasn’t able to knock him out in one go. It took three hits to knock Che’s father down.

Chang’an pulled the chain from Che’s father’s hands off Situ Jing’s neck, seeing a deep red mark with blood seeping out.

“Second Prince Situ! Second Prince Situ!” Chang’an felt a sinking feeling and checked Situ Jing’s breath.

Situ Jing coughed and opened his eyes, slowly sat up, and looked at Che’s mother.

Che’s mother was also looking at him. She wasn’t laughing anymore. There was only hatred in her eyes, the kind of hatred that would make her want to strangle Situ Jing herself if she could.

At this moment, Situ Jing realized that the couple must know that their two sons were dead. Perhaps they dreamt it, or guessed it, or perhaps they knew there were no other possibilities.

Therefore, they were waiting for Situ Jing here. He might not come, but if he comes, his foster parents had planned a performance to take revenge on him by killing him.

The funny thing is, Che’s mother had truly deceived him. At the time, he even wished: If he were their biological son, how nice it would be…

“Second Prince Situ, are you alright?” Chang’an’s voice interrupted Situ Jing’s thoughts.

“I’m fine.” Situ Jing stood up, looked back at Che’s mother, opened his mouth but didn’t say anything, and walked out with a downcast gaze.

Behind him, the cry of Che’s mother echoed, but Situ Jing never looked back.

Duanmu Chen saw Situ Jing enter the palace again and thought he was coming to plead for mercy, trying to save his foster parents.

However, when Situ Jing started speaking, he said, “Can Emperor Qian grant them a swift end and let them depart sooner?”

Duanmu Chen was surprised, “Wait for the execution.”

Situ Jing shook his head, “Living in such pain, they can reunite with their sons when they die.”

Duanmu Chen said indifferently, “They don’t want to die, or they would have committed suicide long ago.”

Situ Jing suddenly laughed, a laugh that didn’t reach his eyes, “They have lived till today just to kill me, no other thoughts. If Emperor Qian feels troubled, just forget it.”

Duanmu Chen sighed lightly, “It’s not a trouble. If Second Prince Situ insists, I will arrange it.”

“Thank you.” Situ Jing stood up and bid farewell, walked to the door, suddenly turned around and asked Duanmu Chen, “Do you really like Situ Yao that much?”

Duanmu Chen smiled warmly, “Yes.”

Situ Jing didn’t say anything else and left.

After asking about Situ Jing’s visit to the Heavenly Prison, Duanmu Chen asked Chang’an to find Su Liang and tell her everything about this matter.

That night before going to bed, Su Liang brought up Situ Jing again, “Great God, there’s something we seem to have been overlooking.”

While Gu Ling was listening to the movement of the little god on Su Liang’s body, he lifted his head upon hearing this, “What is it?”

“Do you remember when we were in Nanshan City? You saw black fog on Situ Jing’s brow. At that time, we both thought he was poisoned to death. I saved him, thinking it completed the mission.” Su Liang frowned, “But later on, it was proven that it was actually him trying to kill someone he wasn’t supposed to.”

Gu Ling’s face turned slightly serious as Su Liang continued, “The problem is, if we can see it, it means we were supposed to stop it. Failure to prevent it, doesn’t it negate heaven’s will? If we had stopped him from killing that person at that time, we could have found out about his secret earlier. Many things that happened after that would have been different.”

Gu Ling frowned, “Is it my fault for his present situation?”

“Ours.” Su Liang corrected him, “In theory, what he did were his own choices, so he should bear the consequences. But considering your special ability, that time was indeed our mistake. I worry this mistake will bring worse consequences. I’m just thinking, maybe, our attitude towards Situ Jing should be clearer and more proactive. If he can’t be killed, he should be prevented from straying further and further on the wrong path, becoming a madman who poses a threat to us in the future.”