Chapter 50: 050. Hit you, hunting
Translator: 549690339
[Hit you, Hunt]
The next day, Chang’an, following orders, went to buy vegetables from Su Liang again, but found the door locked.
He remembered that yesterday, Su Liang had said she went into town because Ning Jing wanted Osmanthus Cake, so he went to the Mingxiang Building.
Ning Jing and Su Liang were not there. The manager told him they had been there half an hour before and had bought two boxes of Osmanthus Cakes and then hastily left in the direction of the city gate.
Upon hearing this news, Mai Fei could only give up. He was concentrating on the investigation and couldn’t afford to be distracted.
Upon returning to the village, Su Liang’s life was still busy but fulfilling.
She concentrated on martial arts training and studied during rest times. She took care of the three meals a day, and Ning Jing was responsible for cleaning and tidying.
With the weather turning colder, villagers coming to Su Liang for medical treatment never stopped. She kept an account book for those who couldn’t afford to pay, allowing them to owe her the fee.
Some people secretly took Su Liang’s medicinal materials to the town pharmacy and ask for the price, and they found that the price in town was even higher.
It wasn’t that Su Liang was conducting a loss-making business, but because she bought in large quantities, it was cheaper.
Sometimes a patient’s family would give Su Liang some eggs, vegetables, or meat to show their gratitude.
Su Liang doesn’t refuse any food gifts, but she always calculates it as part of the medical fee. These were all items that she and Ning Jing had to buy with their own money.
After the medicine cabinet was built, Ning Jing bought some more timber and transported it back home. He spent a large amount of time every day, busy in the Firewood Room, not knowing what he was up to.
One day, it was time for him to train with Su Liang again, and he called her over to the Firewood Room.
Su Liang had not been in the Firewood Room for a long time since chopping and burning firewood were usually Ning Jing’s tasks.
To her surprise, when she entered this time, the room was spotlessly clean and divided into two areas.
One half was neatly stacked with firewood, and the other half was filled with timber and tools, and there was a small stool for Ning Jing to sit on.
What Ning Jing wanted Su Liang to view was his recent accomplishment, a wooden weapon rack filled with various weapons.
There weren’t eighteen different types, but Su Liang counted, and there were ten different types, all made of wood, and meticulously crafted. She picked up a long whip and asked Ning Jing what it was made of.
“Animal skin and tendons, bought from the town,” Ning Jing responded.
“Your woodworking skills have already become very impressive.” Su Liang complimented while swinging the whip, “Are these all for me?”
Ning Jing took the whip away from her, “They’re not for you, they’re to hit you.”
Su Liang: ….
Moments later, Su Liang, holding the long sword, was forced to retreat repeatedly under Ning Jing’s whip. Eventually, she backed into a corner, and helplessly said, “It looks like you’re trying to whip me into two pieces.”
Actually, Ning Jing’s expression was quite normal, but the whip in his hands was indeed frightening.
But Su Liang was not afraid. It was the first time she had encountered such a weapon, and she had not found a good way to counterattack, so she could only defend.
Ning Jing swung the whip out and wrapped it around Su Liang’s arm, pulling her out from the corner, “In the martial arts competition arena, your opponent could possibly use any weapon.”
In a real fight, if there is an opportunity to use a weapon, no one would choose to fight with bare hands. Weapons are also a part of one’s strength.
Su Liang’s expression became serious, “Let’s go again!”
Ning Jing wanted Su Liang to familiarize herself with different types of weapons. She doesn’t have to be proficient at using the whip herself but needs to learn how to deal with an enemy who uses a whip.
In fact, the reason Su Liang had to retreat at the start was because her opponent was Ning Jing. The starting point he set for her was too high, far surpassing a normal martial artist using a whip.
Bai Xiaohu and Zhuzi peeked through the door crack, only to see Ning Jing whipping Su Liang. The two little fellows were frightened and hastily knocked on the door, shouting, “Big Brother Ning, don’t hit Sister Su Liang!”
After Su Liang let the younger boys in, Bai Xiaohu and Zhuzi made sure that she had not been iniured before thev exhaled in relief.
brought them snacks, heard Bai Xiaohu ask when they were going to hunt wild boars, and said tentatively that it would be tomorrow, weather permitting.
After sending the two kids away, Su Liang took a sip of water, and then carried on “searching for trouble”.
Throughout the day, Ning Jing controlled himself extremely well, and didn’t actually hit Su Liang. But Su Liang herself calculated that if Ning Jing were her enemy, she would have been whipped countless times, and would have died multiple times…
After dinner, Ning Jing presented Su Liang with a training schedule.
Three days were allocated for each weapon. Su Liang would control the intensity of her other daily training sessions herself.
“That sounds good.” Su Liang said, “If the weather’s bad or if we need to go out, we’ll postpone it. Once one round of training is over, it’ll be time to head to the Provincial City. Practising martial arts in other places won’t be so convenient then. ”
“Buy a mansion,” Ning Jing suggested.
Su Liang’s eyes lit up, “That’s a good idea. As for the weapons, after you’ve tried them out on me, I will need to return the favor. You’ll have to teach me how to use them.”
Ning Jing nodded in agreement.
“If the weather’s good tomorrow, will you join us to hunt wild boars in the mountains?” Su Liang asked him.
This was something she had previously promised Bai Xiaohu, although she hadn’t actually gone to the mountains yet.
“What do you think?” Ning Jing responded with a question of his own. Su Liang understood immediately, “Please, you must come.”
“Hmm,” Ning Jing nodded in agreement.
The next day, as predicted, was beautiful and clear, and Bai Xiaohu excitedly came over early to confirm that Su Liang was really going to the mountains, before going back to inform Old Lady Bai.
Old Lady Bai was pleased to see her two grandsons becoming closer with Ning Jing and Su Liang, but knew that there were wild beasts in the mountains at this time of year. How could she be at ease allowing Bai Xiaohu to go there?
Old Man Bai made the decision and ordered Bai Peng and Bai He to go and guide Su Liang and Ning Jing and assist them. Bai Xiaohu would follow, as long as he didn’t wander off.
Predicting that they wouldn’t be back by noon, Su Liang prepared some meat buns to take with them.
She put on old clothes, tied her hair up, tucked her pant legs in, carried a basket on her back, and held a sickle in her hand.
Ning Jing went to the Firewood Room and got out a set of bow and arrows that he had previously half-finished and only completed the night before. He had bought the arrowheads and bowstring from the county town.
“Some wild boars came down from the mountains and injured people in Liu Family Village a few days ago, they weren’t captured. We’ll head west,” Bai He pointed out a direction.
Bai Xiaohu blurted out impulsively, “Uncle, have you been secretly going to Liu Family Village again?”
The color drained from Bai He’s face. When Bai Peng glimpsed this look on his brother’s face, what more needed to be said? He didn’t care that Su Liang and Ning Jing had heard it, he sighed and asked Bai He, “What are you planning exactly?”
Bai He shrugged off a dried branch in the path and made a bitter smile, “Huilan’s parents are arranging a marriage proposal for her. The suitor is a butcher in town who killed his wife. She doesn’t want to marry him and has said if her brother and sister-in-law push her into it, she’ll hang herself.” Bai Peng frowned, “Have you met her privately?”
“Mother’s marriage proposal for you…” Bai Peng asked again.
Bai He’s face darkened, “She’s lazy and has a bad temper; I don’t want her!”
Bai Peng sighed, “Mom also had someone ask around. Although the dowry is not small, the girl’s character is not good, just forget about it. If you are determined about Liu Huilan, I’ll help you persuade Dad and Mom when we get back.”
“Really?” Bai He looked thrilled, “Big brother, you can’t lie to me!” “Why would I lie to you?” Bai Peng glared at Bai He.
Ning Jing and Su Liang, walking at the back, listened to the conversation between the two brothers while taking in the scenery. They didn’t express any opinion.
Su Liang felt that if Bai Peng took the initiative to speak out, their parents may loosen up a bit. Being the eldest he was the pillar of the family, and of course his words carried weight. Besides, Bai He was determined. If they forced him to marry someone he didn’t like, how would the family stay harmonious in the future?
As they headed deeper into the mountains, the Bai brothers led the way and Little Tiger bounced around behind them. Meanwhile, Ning Jing was picking up leaves and Su Liang was collecting mushrooms.
Bai Xiaohu ran back and asked, “Sister Su Liang, can we eat these mushrooms? My grandpa says a lot of mushrooms are poisonous!”
“I recognize this one, it is edible. But don’t just randomly pick mushrooms, okay?” Su Liang cautioned Bai Xiaohu.
Bai Xiaohu ran over to Ning Jing to see the leaves he was collecting and asked what he was going to do with them.
“Play.” Ning Jing answered with a single word.
Bai Xiaohu scratched his head, genuinely not understanding what was so fun about this, before running forward again.
The Bai brothers suddenly stopped, turning back to gesture for silence.
Following the direction of Bai Peng’s finger, Su Liang spotted a gray wild rabbit.
Quietly, Ning Jing handed her the bow and arrow. Su Liang found her position, aimed, and fired, hitting the rabbit the moment it darted away.
The Bai family, two adults and a child, were stunned speechless.
“Sister Su Liang is so amazing!” Little Tiger clapped his hands in admiration.
Su Liang explained, archery was her hobby in her past life, she might be a bit rusty, but the basic skills were still there.
The rabbit was fat, hefty in her grip, and Su Liang had already thought of how she was going to cook it.
Bai Peng carried the rabbit on his back, and they continued to walk west.
During a water break, Bai He spotted some wild pig tracks nearby.
After Bai Xiaohu finished chewing a meat bun, he was sent up a tall tree and instructed not to come down.
The Bai brothers followed the pig tracks with their spears. Upon hearing a noise, they quickly signaled to Su Liang and Ning Jing to be careful.
Su Liang spotted the pig. It was large and looked tough to handle.
She chose a tree to climb. When she looked for Ning Jing, she found that he had disappeared.
The Bai brothers approached quietly, one in front and one behind.
Unfortunately, Bai He’s spear missed its mark, and so did Bai Peng’s.
The provoked boar charged at Bai He.
Bai He sprinted towards the tree where Su Liang was, the wild boar close behind him.
Just as the boar was about to get him, a large stone fell from the sky, hitting the boar square on the head!
Bai He didn’t dare to look back, he kept running!
The boar, however, wasn’t knocked out. It charged again. As it neared the tree,
Su Liang focused her gaze, drew her arrow, and shot it through the boar’s head! Propelled by inertia, the boar crashed into the tree and fell to the ground with a thud!
Bai He, still in shock, saw Ning Jing step out from behind another tree, his clothes unruffled and his demeanor calm.
The stone that slowed the boar down had evidently fallen from that tree. But no one saw when Ning Jing climbed up, or how he descended.
“You two are pretty good! Have you hunted before?” Bai Peng asked.
Su Liang shook her head, “I’m not sure, I’ve forgotten. And I don’t know about him.”
Bai Xiaohu ran over, jubilantly running circles around the boar, “I saw it, Xiao
Shu was being chased, and Sister Su Liang shot it!”
Bai He laughed awkwardly, “This big guy is too scary.”
The group promptly finished off the food they’d brought with them.
The Bai brothers cut some branches, tied the boar to them with ropes and dragged it down the hill.
Along the way, Su Liang shot two wild chickens, found a few chicken eggs, and picked quite a few mushrooms.
Ning Jing was essentially there for a leisurely outing, trailing behind collecting leaves.
After descending the mountain, the Bai brothers took the boar to town to sell, agreeing to split the profits.
Initially, Su Liang had promised Bai Xiaohu a meat feast after they caught the wild boar, but they had just slaughtered a pig a few days ago. Bai Xiaohu was sensible enough to suggest selling it to save money for his uncle’s future bride.
Su Liang kept a rabbit and a chicken, Bai Xiaohu took a chicken home, excitedly telling his family about Su Liang’s incredible archery skills.
As twilight fell, the small courtyard filled with the aroma of stewed chicken with mushrooms.
A carriage crossed the bridge, the sound of horse hooves echoed from behind.
The carriage driver, Chang’an, turned to see a man on horseback approaching.
By the time the carriage stopped outside Su Liang’s house, the man riding a horse had already arrived nearby.
It was Qi Yan, whom Xing Yusheng had previously sent to the capital to gather information, and now he had returned to deliver a letter to Su Liang. He also had two boxes on the horse with him.
Chang’an stepped off the carriage and asked about Qi Yan’s identity.
Qi Yan replied with a stern face by asking about the identities of Chang’an and Mai Fei.
Su Liang came to the door upon hearing the noise, first saw Chang’an without any surprise, then turned her head and saw Qi Yan, she smiled and said, “Come in quickly. ”
Qi Yan led his horse into the courtyard, Mai Fei, who had already descended from the carriage, felt inexplicably annoyed and asked Su Liang who that was. Su Liang didn’t respond, but asked, “What can I do for you, Master Mai?”
Mai Fei felt unwelcome, but as he had already come, there was no reason not to enter. He told her frankly that he had come here to eat.
Su Liang declined politely, “I thought Master Mai was busy with official duties.”
“No matter how busy I am, I can’t starve myself. Moreover, I have something important to discuss with you,” Mai Fei said.
“Well then, please come in.” Only then did Su Liang relent.
Luckily there was a set of table and chairs that Xing Yusheng had sent previously, otherwise there wouldn’t be enough places for everyone to sit.
When the dishes were served, a smile just emerged on Mai Fei’s face when Ning Jing said, “This meal costs 5,000 taels.”
Mai Fei’s face stiffened, “What about him?” He was referring to Qi Yan.
Qi Yan, unaware that Mai Fei was the fourth prince, snorted, “My master is a good friend of Miss Su.”
Mai Fei’s eyes flashed slightly, “Are you the subordinate of Crown Prince Bei Jingwang?”
“What if I am?” Qi Yan retorted.
Mai Fei listened to Qi Yan only mentioning that Su Liang was a good friend of Xing Yusheng, not mentioning Ning Jing, which further confirmed that Su Liang’s words were true.
“Miss Su, I thought we were friends too,” Mai Fei ignored Ning Jing’s steep charge and looked at Su Liang.
Su Liang put down the last plate of food, “Ning Jing makes the decision.”
“Is this wild chicken and rabbit caught by Miss Su today? That’s impressive! What a treat! Once I return to the capital, my master and Ajun will surely envy me!” Qi Yan laughed heartily.
Mai Fei’s tone was gloomy, “Su Liang, why don’t you just tell me how much it costs to be a friend who can come for meals at any time? I’ll pay it all at once.” To avoid being fleeced daily.
Su Liang chuckled, “Friends don’t charge for meals. Master Mai, if you come again, the price won’t increase, it’s still 5,000 taels each time.”
Chang’an felt that his master had a somewhat masochistic tendency. If this were in the capital, anyone who showed him disrespect like this would have been cut down. But here in this small town, he was at the mercy of Su Liang.
After everyone had taken their seats, Su Liang called in Chang’an.
Seeing a pair of chopsticks and a bowl still on the table, Chang’an quickly said he wasn’t hungry.
“Guests are always welcome. We won’t charge you.” Su Liang said.
Chang’an felt his master’s face grew even darker…
Mai Fei, who had spent 5,000 taels, didn’t get to eat the chicken leg he wanted.
Because one chicken leg belonged to Ning Jing and the other belonged to Su Liang, and Su Liang sent hers to Qi Yan who had traveled far. As for the rabbit leg, Su Liang cut it off and planned to cook it the next day.
After dinner, seeing Mai Fei not leaving, making it inconvenient for Qi Yan to speak, he decided to ride back to Qiuming Manor to stay, promising to come back the next morning.
The two boxes were medical books that Lady Xing had sent to Su Liang, all of which were left behind.
What puzzled Qi Yan was, when he left last time, Su Liang and Ning Jing were still married. Now when he came back, they had become sworn siblings. He needed to hurry and inform his master of this news.
“Is this tea also a gift from Xing Yusheng?” Mai Fei asked, holding a top-quality porcelain teacup in his hand.
“It’s getting late, Master Mai. If you have anything to say, just say it.” Su Liang said, indicating that it was time for him to leave. She was very busy and didn’t want to have to deal with him.
Mai Fei put down his teacup and snorted, “You are really not afraid of offending me.”
“If Master Mai is so easily offended, then there’s no need for us to associate in the future.” Su Liang said.
Hearing the implication in Su Liang’s words, Mai Fei got serious, “Very well, let’s get down to business. I have a favor to ask..”
