Chapter 105: 105. Hope he becomes more sober (Second Update)
Translator: 549690339
The atmosphere fell silent.
Before coming, Mai Fei had envisioned that given Su Liang’s temperament, she might immediately refuse or even resort to her most effective tactic of nonsensical wordplay upon hearing his request.
Unexpectedly, it turned out differently.
Su Liang slightly furrowed her brows, directing her gaze at Ning Jing’s pen holder on the table, remaining silent as though she was seriously considering it.
A faint smile appeared on the corner of Mai Fei’s lips, hoping that Su Liang would agree since he personally requested.
After a moment, Mai Fei reached for the pen holder and asked, “Where did you buy this? It’s quite unique.”
Su Liang’s hand moved faster, taking the pen holder before him and said, “Ning
Jing doesn’t like others touching his things.” Mai Fei’s face darkened slightly, “Are you not one of the others?”
“We are sworn siblings,” Su Liang replied seriously.
Mai Fei scoffed, “Who cares about a broken pen holder? Let’s talk business. Have you made a decision?”
Hands resting on the pen holder atop the table, Su Liang looked at Mai Fei and said, “I don’t quite understand His Highness the Fourth Prince’s intentions.” “I thought I made myself very clear,” Mai Fei said.
Su Liang shook her head, “I understand what His Highness the Fourth Prince wants me to do, but I don’t understand why it has to be me? Under normal circumstances, General Nian will escort His Highness the Fourth Prince back to the capital, and I’m just a weak woman who only knows a few flashy moves.”
Upon hearing the last sentence, Mai Fei glared at Su Liang vehemently, “You expect me to believe that? Isn’t the destruction of the Ning Family your doing?”
Su Liang shook her head, “I swear by the heavens and earth, it was not.” “So, Ning Jing had hidden abilities?” Mai Fei’s eyes suddenly deepened.
Su Liang sighed softly, “Has His Highness the Fourth Prince ever heard of a saying that ‘money talks’?”
“What do you mean?” Mai Fei frowned.
“If I said that Ning Jing spent a lot of money to hire an assassin, would His Highness the Fourth Prince believe me?” Su Liang asked.
Mai Fei was stunned for a moment, “I believe you. But I can’t possibly hire an assassin to escort me, what if the one I hire is employed by others to kill me?”
“There is indeed such a possibility,” Su Liang said, “I am just clarifying that the matter of Ning Family had nothing to do with me, I am not suggesting His Highness the Fourth Prince should hire an assassin, it’s inappropriate and
unnecessary.”
“Stop beating around the bush. If you ask why I chose you, I can only say I believe you have hidden capabilities,” Mai Fei said, wearing a nonchalant smile.
Su Liang put on a serious face, “I appreciate the compliments from His Highness the Fourth Prince. But if your guesses are true and I have hidden my strengths, then I have my reasons to do so. If I could easily reveal it, why would I hide it in the first place?”
Mai Fei snorted, “Are you refusing me?”
“What I actually want to say is, although I happened to assist His Highness the Fourth Prince previously and will be cooperating in the future, there is no need for His Highness to be overly courteous to me. Business is business. I won’t let a single copper coin that I’m entitled to out of my sight,” Su Liang said half-jokingly, “I have heard a saying that if a person in the royal family lets their emotions get the best of them, their future will be bleak.”
The expression on Mai Fei’s face stiffened. He abruptly stood up and looked intently at Su Liang. He soon sat back down with pursed lips, remaining silent.
Under Su Liang’s clear and penetrating eyes, Mai Fei felt a tinge of embarrassment…
Because Su Liang’s words served as a harsh reminder, bashing onto Mai Fei’s heart, waking him from his recent state of fluctuating between rationality and emotions!
Obviously, as an individual born into the royal family who has had his struggles till now, Mai Fei understands these principles far better than Su Liang, and he’s been reminding himself of the very same thing – never let emotions get in the way, and at best, don’t have any emotions at all.
However, he now belatedly realized that the reason he was here was because his feelings seemed to have been stirred by Su Liang.
In simple terms, he was developing feelings for Su Liang, albeit slight ones.
Previously, a man like Duanmu Chen who prioritized personal gains would never entrust his safety to a young girl, regardless of how clever and seemingly deep the girl may be.
As Su Liang mentioned earlier, it’s not that it’s impossible, it’s just unnecessary.
If he couldn’t even manage to safely return to the capital despite having the ability to uncover the iron smuggling case, he might as well forget about taking the highest position.
For a person of Mai Fei’s stature, it’s best to avoid undertaking unnecessary matters.
Looking back, from the time they met till now, Su Liang has treated Mai Fei completely in a transactional manner, without ever hinting at wanting to befriend him.
Because Su Liang knows that as a prince desiring power, he has no true friends, only interests.
Indeed, this is so.
Mai Fei never expected that he, who started off as a completely rational strategist, would be the first to lose in this game.
“If His Highness the Fourth Prince doesn’t have any other orders, may I go build a snowman? Since you’re here, please stay for lunch, this meal is free of charge, it’s in honor of Your Highness’s visit.” After these words, Su Liang stood up and left.
Mai Fei watched her slender figure as she walked away, letting out a long sigh.
For the first time, he felt a sense of suppression from a woman, even though she didn’t intend so.
For a fleeting moment, Mai Fei wondered if he could have a smoother path in the future with such a smart and insightful woman by his side?
However, the rational side of him quickly dismissed this thought.
Because he wasn’t sure if he could control Su Liang, to be precise, he had absolutely no confidence. Su Liang showed no interest in him, it had been evident from the start till now.
A coerced melon is not only not sweet, it even result in turning a friend
into an enemy.
Even if they are not friends now and won’t be in the future, maintaining a friendly and cooperative relationship to prevent talent from being siphoned off by the enemy is already an advantage.
A clear-minded Mai Fei stepped out of the room, quickly approached by Chang’an. He discreetly studied Mai Fei’s expression and sensing that his mood was good, couldn’t help but asked with a smile, “It seems that Miss Su has agreed?”
Mai Fei snorted disdainfully, “Why would she go with me when she has that pretty boy Ning Jing?”
After saying those words, Mai Fei rolled up his sleeves, ready to join the group building a snowman.
Chang’an was utterly perplexed. If Su Liang had indeed turned down the proposal, why was his master still so cheerful? Even joining the snowman-building? What on earth was happening in the world? Why does it seem like there were question marks floating all around his head every day since they met Su Liang…
“Lord Mai?” Little Tiger looked surprised. He knew this was the county magistrate, how terrifying it was to have him join in the snowman-building! When he told his friends about it, they would definitely think he was bragging!
Mai Fei smiled amicably, “What’s your name?”
“Bai Xiaohu (Little Tiger).” Little Tiger tightened his face nervously.
“Oh, this is a tiger.” Mai Fei looked at the snowman that Nian Jincheng and Little Tiger were building, appearing quite knowledgeable.
Little Tiger was a bit torn about whether he should correct the county magistrate. What if he didn’t take it well?
Meanwhile, Little Pillar teased from the other side, “That uncle is so silly, he can’t even recognize a wild boar!”
Mai Fei:
Chang’an turned his head trying hard not to burst into laughter…
In order to break the awkvvard atmosphere, Nian Jincheng asked, “Has the Lord ever seen a wild boar?”
Mai Fei glanced at Nian Jincheng impassively, “No. Go hunt one now.”
Bai Xiaohu mustered up some courage to speak, “It’s too cold, wild boars are hiding, we can’t catch any! Sister Su Liang and I caught a big wild boar before on the mountain, we sold it and made quite some money!”
Just as Mai Fei was about to ask about the details of their boar hunt, Yan Shiba shouted out loudly, “Xiaoliang, come here!”
Mai Fei knew about Su Jiujiu, but did not know about her background.
Su Liang rose to walk over, and Yan Shiba said, “Carry me out, I need some fresh air.”
Su Liang didn’t move, “You have a chance, say it agan.”
Yan Shiba rolled her eyes while saying in a coy voice, “Little Liang, your sister feels so stuffy, I really want to go out and get some fresh air, but my legs are injured and I am unable to walk, could you carry me, please…”
Su Liang felt goosebumps all over, “Forget it, just speak normally.”
She first moved the recliner Su Dakuan had given to Yan Shiba under the eaves, then she carried Yan Shiba, quilt included, outside.
Turning back, Mai Fei caught Yan Shiba casting a flirtatious look towards him.
Mai Fei felt weird, thinking to himself that it was quite speechless that Su Liang’s sister turned out to be such an easy-going woman.
The future proved Mai Fei wrong about Yan Shiba. Once he saw her true abilities and learnt of her true identity, he felt as if he had been slapped hard across the face. But that’s another story.
Su Liang went to prepare lunch, Ning Jing stoked the fire, and the main forces on both teams ended up being Mai Fei and Chang’an against Nian Jincheng.
As soon as Su Liang finished preparing the food, their snowman was also completed.
A large wild boar.
A spirited horse.
Bai Xiaohu and Zhuzi were very satisfied and ran cheerfully around their snowmen, extremely excited.
Mai Fei chuckled, “I suppose I have seen a wild boar now.”
Chang’an was relieved. His master was in a good mood that day, so he probably wouldn’t whimsically order him to go hunt a wild boar in the mountains.
Nian Jincheng, who had started off the pig-snowman, ended up finishing off Ning Jing’s horse-snowman.
This was a pleasure he had never enjoyed before in his life, making the icy snow feel warm, filling his heart with warmth.
In the kitchen, Ning asked quietly, ‘Why invite someone for dinner?”
With a light humph, Su Liang answered, “Isn’t it for the sake of keeping your friend here?”
Meanwhile, in the yard, Chang’an, thinking they should leave, was surprised when Mai Fei said, beaming, “Miss Su invited me for lunch today.”
Chang’an thought to himself that miracles did happen; the robber Su who specifically targeted his master had changed her nature?
“General Nian should also stay and join us,” Mai Fei added, making it sound as if Nian Jincheng had benefited from his benevolence. “I will mention this to Miss Su.”
Nian Jincheng nodded, “Thank you very much, Mr. Mai. I guess it’s easier to comply than to resist.” In actuality, he had no idea why Mai Fei invited him.
Mai Fei abandoned his initial plan and didn’t bother explaining to Nian Jincheng; he just let the matter pass, only mentioning they should be ready to set out for the capital two days later.
Madam Bai came to fetch her grandson home for dinner, but discovered Bai Xiaohu and Zhuzi already eating at Su Liang’s dinner table, with the County Magistrate sitting right next to them.
Su Liang, knowing that Madam Bai would come, had specially saved a large bowl of pork ribs for her to take home.
Madam Bai, knowing Su Liang’s character, thought to herself that she needed to tell Old Bai to bake some dried sweet potatoes for Su Liang and Ning Jing; although they were delicious, they required a lot of effort, so they rarely made them at home.
After they finished eating, Ning Jing cleaned up the dishes and brought them to the kitchen while the two kids, having gotten Su Liang’s approval, went to invite their friends in the village to come and see their snowmen.
Upon hearing that Su Liang and Ning Jing were back in town, Lei Zheng hadn’t been able to visit due to the heavy snow the previous day. After dinner, Lei Zheng saw a carriage parked outside and some guests at Su Liang’s place. Just as he planned to head to Bail s family first, he was spotted by Su Liang through the window and was invited in.
“We’ll be going then.” Mai Fei stood up.
“You can leave without me sending you off.” Su Ling said.
When they reached the door, Mai Fei suddenly stopped and looked at Chang’an and Nian Jincheng.
The two understood and left first.
Mai Fei turned to Su Liang and gave her a slight smile, “I did overlook something today. I really shouldn’t have mentioned that matter as Father hasn’t decided what to do yet. But considering our partnership, the one thing I can tell you is, the mastermind is not Bei Jingwang.”
Su Liang nodded, “Thank you.”
“However, the final outcome is still uncertain.” Mai Fei added another ambiguous suggestion.
Su Liang understood. The result of the Iron Mine smuggling case couldn’t be revealed yet because the actual result might not align with the Emperor’s desired outcome.
Mai Fei left with Chang’an, mentioning the contract he had signed with Su Linag before. As long as he safely reached the capital he would prepare for it promptly, looking forward to meeting her there next year.
Nian Jincheng followed silently. Despite having many things to say to Ning Jing and Su Liang, he unfortunately didn’t get the chance.
“Uncle Su, please sit down. Let me wash my hands.” Su Liang smiled and beckoned Su Bai to come in, pouring him a cup of hot tea.
Su Bai promptly replied, “Ah, you go ahead, don’t mind me!” Su Liang went into the kitchen where Ning Jing was washing dishes.
“Mai Fei said it wasn’t Bei Jingwang.” Su Liang had come to share this news with Ning Jing.
“Good news.” Ning Jing said. Considering Su Liang’s perspective of treating Xing Yusheng as a friend.
Su Liang nodded, “Indeed, at least there is still a chance for Bei Jingvvang Mansion to survive.” If Bei Jingwang had indeed been the mastermind behind Iron Mine smuggling, they would be doomed.
“Survival requires sacrifice.” Ning Jing remarked.
It took Su Liang aback, “Are you suggesting Bei Jingwang should request the removal of his princely status, return the allotted land, and demonstrate loyalty to the court?”
“The Emperor also doesn’t wish for others to criticize him for treating the descendants of meritorious officials harshly. The rumor before was just a probe.” Ning Jing replied.
Presently, there were three princely houses – all descended from meritorious officials of the country’s founding days and having been granted land separately in the north, west, and south.
Although being reduced from royalty may not necessarily be a bad thing, rushing this step could lead to internal rebellion.
Originally, there were supposed to be four royal houses, but the Qin family voluntarily stayed in the capital, giving up their royal status and instead accepting the title of Duke.
“Whether Bei Jingwang can figure this out or not, now that is up to him.” Su Liang sighed softly, “I need to send a letter to Xing Yusheng as he must be quite anxious now. Even if Bei Jingwang has chosen the wrong path, if the Emperor’s objective is to merely take out the Xing family, Xing Yusheng might have a chance to save his grandmother.”
“Mai Fei has taken a liking to you?” Ning Jing suddenly changed the topic without any warning, framing it as a question, but meaning it as a statement.
Su Liang shrugged, “He’s merely lost his senses for a moment. Afterall, he and the second prince are at odds, so we can temporarily cooperate. I don’t like incompetent teammates, so I hope he stays clear-headed..”
