Chapter 202: 202. Smoked Meat and Steamed Bun

Ning Jing insisted, and Su Liang reached out. This time Ning Jing held her four fingers and shook them rhythmically three times.

Then Ning Jing took the initiative to let go, and said indifferently, “Your hand is too small, it should be like this.”

Su Liang was stunned for a moment before realizing that Ning Jing was referring to their handshake – the first time she held his hand, and the second time it was the other way around, with Ning Jing thinking the latter was more appropriate.

Suppressing a smile, Su Liang nodded and said, “It’s true. Generally, ladies extend their hands first, and men shake hands, but it doesn’t have to be that strict. ”

“I’m sure I want to go.” Ning Jing abruptly continued the conversation from Su Liang’s previous question.

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“In that case, it’s settled,” Su Liang said seriously. “When will you leave for South City?”

“Now.” Ning Jing said, glancing out the window.

The sky was beginning to brighten, and a mist hung in the courtyard, the trees barely visible.

“Great God, please be careful,” Su Liang said solemnly.

“Mm. Let Peng Wei stay in Ping’an Temple, I’ve already talked to him about everything else.” As soon as Ning Jing finished speaking, he left.

Su Liang stood inside the door, watching Ning Jing’s slender figure quickly disappear into the hazy morning mist.

Turning around to close the door, she saw the table clean and tidy, the bowls and dishes neatly put away, and the bedding on the bed unchanged from when she left.

Su Liang picked up the medicinal materials she had brought from Xuanbei City and went to the next room.

Peng Wei was sound asleep, his face pale as paper.

With great care, Su Liang held his wrist, which hung by his side, and felt his pulse.

After all, Peng was an old man who had suffered a serious injury. Although he had been treated in time, his condition was not good at the moment.

Without waking Peng Wei, Su Liang quietly closed the door and went with the medicinal materials to find Master Pu Qing.

“Benefactor Wen, how is Peng’s physical condition?” Master Pu Qing asked as soon as he saw Su Liang.

Su Liang shook her head, “Not very good, but not too bad either.”

Master Pu Qing sighed slightly, “Amitabha.”

When Su Liang proposed decocting medicine for Peng Wei, Master Pu Qing called a monk, handed him the medicinal materials, and told him how to

decoct the medicine, asking him to serve it when it was ready.

As the monk left, Su Liang emerged from behind the bookshelf, “Thank you, Master.” Decocting medicine took time, but she needed to go back and watch over Peng Wei. Even though it was already daylight, Wei Yao might not send any more assassins, but it was better to be prepared.

“When the medicine is ready, I will send it over with breakfast,” Master Pu Qing said.

After expressing her gratitude once again, Su Liang returned.

Peng Wei was still asleep, and Su Liang decided to take a short rest to recharge her energy.

Even with good stamina, one could not withstand staying up all night.

She lifted the blanket and lay down on the small bed without taking off her clothes, her feet hanging outside, making it easier to get up at any time.

Covered by the blanket, warmth enveloped her, and Su Liang quickly fell asleep.

When she awoke again, it was when Master Pu Qing came to deliver the medicine and breakfast.

Sun had risen, dissipating the dense fog.

Today was the fifteenth of April, the busiest time at the temple for burning incense, and there were already many pilgrims on the mountain.

Standing under the corridor, Su Liang could smell the incense wafting in the air.

After handing over the items to Su Liang, Master Pu Qing went into the room, took a glance at Peng Wei, and came out.

“Benefactor Wen, are you traveling here? Are you planning to return to the capital city of Qian Country?” Master Pu Qing asked.

Su Liang nodded, “I should be going back in a few days. Master, do you have any message for Cheng Yun?”

Master Pu Qing took out a thin cloth-wrapped package from his sleeve, which appeared to be a book. “Please trouble Benefactor Wen to pass this item to my disciple.”

Su Liang took it and replied, “No problem, Master. I will make sure it reaches his hands.”

Master Pu Qing clasped his hands together, “Thank you.”

After the old monk left, Su Liang entered Peng Wei’s room again and woke him up.

Peng Wei had just woken up, still somewhat dazed and seemingly unaware of where he was.

“Old man, do you remember that your son-in-law tried to kill you by bribing someone close to you yesterday?” Su Liang got straight to the point.

Peng Wei’s expression changed abruptly, and he became sober, “Little girl, where’s your brother?”

Su Liang sat down by the bed and picked up the bowl of medicine, “He’s gone to South City to retrieve Wei Yao’s head. Didn’t he tell you about it?”

Peng Wei drank the medicine without saying a word.

“You better not go back on your word, old man. There’s no turning back now,” said Su Liang.

Peng Wei’s face turned cold, “What do you mean? I wish I could tear that beast apart with my own hands!”

Su Liang nodded, “That’s right! He’s bullied your daughter, harmed your son, and tried to kill you. If you still can’t bear to let him die, then just be prepared for your entire family to die at his hands!”

Her words were harsh but realistic.

Peng Wei was now completely awake and could no longer have any hope for Wei Yao.

After finishing a bowl of medicine, Peng Wei grimaced, “That was so bitter! Do you have any sugar?”

Su Liang: …She didn’t expect such a fiery old general to be afraid of bitterness…

But she did have sugar – her own secret recipe for herbal sugar pills. They were sweet and refreshing, primarily used for freshening breath when there was no opportunity to brush teeth or rinse the mouth while traveling.

Su Liang went to the next room and opened the medicine box. She saw an oil-paper package inside, and without opening it, she knew it contained chicken bones. She had forgotten about it, but Ning Jing was always a detail-oriented person.

Su Liang took a bottle with sugar pills and gave one to Peng Wei.

“Tasty! Do you have more?” Peng Wei eagerly stared at the white porcelain bottle in Su Liang’s hand.

“You can have one more before breakfast, ” Su Liang gave him another one.

She set the remaining pills aside and served breakfast.

A light vegetarian breakfast from the temple was quite enjoyable – plain porridge, small dishes, and wild vegetable steamed buns.

Su Liang thought the steamed buns were not bad. There were four in total. She ate two and left one for Peng Wei and one for Ning Jing, so they could taste them when they returned.

When Peng Wei wanted another steamed bun, Su Liang solemnly said, “You shouldn’t eat too much at this time. Drink more porridge.”

When it was time to drink porridge, Peng Wei sat up on his own and stopped letting Su Liang feed him. He was not used to it.

“Can your brother do it?” Peng Wei asked Su Liang.

Su Liang snorted, “Of course he can, very much so.”

Upon hearing this, Peng Wei’s eyes flickered, “Little girl, tell me the truth. You and your brother, you two don’t have that kind of relationship?”

“We’re siblings, old man. Don’t think too much, it’s not good for your recovery,” Su Liang chuckled.

Peng Wei shook his head, “You didn’t blush at all, so it must not be the case.

But he must be interested in you, he just doesn’t dare to show it because of Ning Jing. Otherwise, how could such a powerful master follow you around and do whatever you want?”

“No, no, no,” Su Liang shook her head, “Old man, that’s not how it works. He’s serving someone else’s interests, so he’s dedicated to Ning Jing. If you suspect he has feelings for Ning Jing, I’d say that’s more reasonable. Now that I think about it, I wonder if he’s actually into my fiancé?”

Peng Wei looked at Su Liang as she seriously pondered, his brow furrowed in frustration, “Little girl, stop teasing!”

“I’m not joking,” Su Liang said with a straight face.

Peng Wei’s mouth twitched, “Forget it, forget it. I don’t understand you young people’s affairs.”

Changing the subject, Peng Wei mentioned his son again, “You promised to treat my son yesterday. Do you still stand by your word?”

“Of course,” Su Liang nodded.

“That’s good. Once everything settles down and if all goes well, I’ll arrange for Peng Qian to come to you. Although he has some trouble moving, I shouldn’t have asked you to go to Liang Country last night.” Peng Wei sighed deeply, “I hope you don’t mind what I said last night.”

Su Liang smiled, “I understand. It’s just an anxious father’s heart, no harm done.”

“What a great girl. Too bad you’re not my granddaughter,” Peng Wei bluntly expressed his deep regret that Su Liang wasn’t born into his family.

“If there comes a day when the world is at peace, I wouldn’t mind calling you Grandpa Peng,” Su Liang smiled.

Peng Wei understood her meaning. Even though they are in a cooperative relationship now, their positions are fundamentally different, and unnecessary involvement on the surface wouldn’t be good for either party.

“I hope I can live long enough to hear it.” Peng Wei looked worried. He was worried about himself, his family, and the future and fate of Liang Country.

However, looking at Su Liang’s vibrant face, Peng Wei couldn’t help but feel that it was not only a blessing for Qian Country to have such an ambitious and discerning general, but also for Liang Country…

After breakfast, Su Liang let Peng Wei continue to rest.

According to what he had discussed with Ning Jing the night before, Master Pu

Qing sent two capable disciples to head to Feng City to inform the Liang Country’s army that Peng Wei had narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in the temple yesterday and was saved by Master Pu Qing. It was urgent for the guard general of Feng City to send someone to escort Peng Wei back.

Monks don’t lie.

But Master Pu Qing was not a rigid old monk; after Peng Wei explained the root of the matter to him, he agreed to his request.

The two monks who were heading to Feng City to report the news had already set off.

If everything went smoothly, Ning Jing would kill Wei Yao before Peng Wei’s return. After Peng Wei’s return, he would tell everyone in person that the ones who wanted to kill him were from Yin Country, attempting to frame Qian Country, who was originally in peace talks with Liang Country, and provoke a war between the two countries.

Such news would definitely be believed by the people of Liang Country, as it was completely in line with the cunning and shameless nature of the people of Yin Country. They had done this many times before, and Liang Country had suffered greatly.

This was precisely the reason why Wei Yao insisted on having Peng Wei die somewhere between South City and Xuanbei City.

Not only was it because Peng Wei disagreed with him and might obstruct his plan.

It was more importantly because he needed to capitalize on the tragic death of Peng Wei, the high -ranking general with the most military prestige, to give him a reason to wage war on Qian Country and an opportunity to win over the militarys heart.

Otherwise, if Wei Yao suddenly ordered an attack on Qian Country for no reason, Peng Wei would not be the only one to object.

Now, the key to the matter was whether Ning Jing could successfully eliminate Wei Yao.

Feng City.

The South City Gate was open, and the common people could still enter and exit freely.

Quite a few people wanted to go to Ping’an Temple to offer incense today, and they did not encounter any restrictions.

The city was not very peaceful, as Liang Country had given this city to Qian Country, and the army would soon move away. The common people had the option to stay or leave.

Some left, planning to settle in other parts of Liang Country.

Others stayed, believing Peng Wei’s words that Qian Country would not treat them badly and that they should not worry about the disputes, focusing instead on living their own lives.

Wei Yao’s secret schemes were naturally not known to others.

Originally, according to the plan, after Peng Wei’s death yesterday before returning to the city, he would have shouted and led his troops to attack Xuanbei City after Peng Wei’s corpse had been returned.

Unfortunately, something unexpected happened.

The confidant he had bought off from Peng Wei’s side had not sent back any messages.

Last night, he arranged for master assassins to go to Ping’an Temple to eliminate Peng Wei, but all were gone by almost noon.

Without Peng Wei’s corpse, he could not send troops, or he would be considered crazy. After all, he had just taken it upon himself to let Wei Hao compete against Su Liang, the Martial Arts Champion of Qian Country, losing a

city in the process, and had Peng Wei to negotiate. Why would he attack without reason?

Wei Yao was extremely anxious.

“Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!” Wei Yao paced back and forth in the study, his face grim. ‘What the hell is going on? Why is that old bastard’s life so tenacious? Or is there a master protecting him?”

Wei Hao sneered, “In my opinion, Grandfather might have already lost trust in Father long ago. He has a very powerful old friend whom I’ve seen once before. Perhaps he’s by Grandfather’s side now!”

Wei Yao’s face stiffened, “Could it be that he already knows it’s us…”

Wei Hao shook his head, “Father, you’re too nervous. Even if Grandfather knew, what of it? This is a family matter, and there’s no enmity involved. Who else could he rely on but you, since his son is disabled? When the time comes, let Mother come out and cry a few times, and I’ll kneel down and beg for mercy on your behalf. Won’t the old man just let bygones be bygones? Moreover, would he dare to publicize such a thing? If Father gets in trouble, the Peng Family has no good outcome either!”

Wei Yao nodded repeatedly, “You’re right! But I’m just not willing! It was a great opportunity – the people of Qian Country all believed we were short of food and wouldn’t dare to fight!”

Wei Hao sighed, “Isn’t it? It’s all thanks to that old man Grandfather. He’s so old, he should just enter the earth early and let us go our own course! He should be able to understand that I am the most important person to him!”

“You have the surname Wei, and he has the surname Peng. Loving you? It’s nothing but a pretense!” Wei Yao said coldly.

Wei Hao agreed, “If Father hadn’t had Uncle crippled back in the day, Grandfather wouldn’t have cultivated Father, and all the good things would have gone to his own biological son first! If he has to choose between me and Peng Fan now, of course he will choose Peng Fan! So don’t blame us for being heartless!”

“Enough about these useless things!” Wei Yao frowned. “For now, we can only wait for that old bastard to come back and then decide what to do.” “Father, do you know what my biggest regret is?” Wei Hao asked.

Wei Yao shook his head, “What?”

Wei Hao’s eyes flashed wickedly, “Originally, if we captured Xuanbei City, what I wanted to do most is to catch the woman who defeated me that night, rape her first and then kill her. Hahaha! I can’t help but feel excited thinking about her face!”

Hearing this, Wei Yao clenched his fists, “No matter what, we have to get rid of Peng Wei, frame Qian Country, and only when our plan succeeds can you do whatever you want!”

What the Wei father and son did not know was that their “conspiracy” was overheard by someone.

Knocking sounded on the door.

“Who is it?” Wei Yao’s expression tensed.

A voice from his trusted attendant came from outside, “Master, there is news from Ping’an Temple!”

Wei Yao’s expression changed, “Come in quickly!”

The door opened, and as Wei Yao looked at the person entering, he eagerly asked, “What happened? Is Peng Wei dead?”

“Dead,” Ning Jing said softly.

“Great!” Wei Yao and Wei Hao, father and son, high-fived each other, their expressions excited.

Ning Jing moved quickly, taking advantage of their unguarded moment, and pierced both their necks with a sword!

Ning Jing’s attack came from Wei Hao’s back, facing Wei Yao. Wei Yao stared at him in disbelief, “You…”

Ning Jing continued with his previous words, “I mean, you.”

‘Who are you…” Wei Hao was already out of breath, and Wei Yao spat blood non-stop.

Ning Jing didn’t answer, pulled out his sword, and the father and son collapsed together. Wei Yao struggled for a moment, opened his mouth wide, spewed a mouthful of blood, twisted his neck, and stopped moving.

Ning Jing threw down the sword in his hand.

It was indeed the weapon of Wei Yao’s trusted subordinate. And that subordinate was arranged by his secret lover from Yin Country.

Ning Jing quietly left the General Mansion, took off his disguise, removed his mask, and walked into a small shop with ease.

“Ah, the young master is here again.” The old man selling meat still remembered Ning Jing’s previous visit a few days ago, and he cheerfully asked him what he would like today.

“Two pieces of smoked meat,” Ning Jing said.

“Alright!” The old man weighed the meat and told him the price.

Ning Jing paid the money, said no need for change, and took a clean basket. He placed the smoked meat inside, covered it with a cloth, and left the shop, walking through the main street of South City toward Ping’an Temple.

By the time Ning Jing left the city, two monks who had rushed to deliver news from Ping’an Temple had already gone to the General Mansion.

Finally, in the afternoon, Su Liang saw Ning Jing return.

“How did it go?” Su Liang asked hurriedly.

Ning Jing nodded slightly.

Su Liang’s eyes lit up and he smiled, “I knew it, nothing can go wrong with the Great God taking action. What kind of assassin is Yan Shiba? Compared to you, he is weak.”

“I will tell Yan Shiba,” Ning Jing said.

Su Liang was very composed, “I dare say that to her face. Is Wei Yao’s head in that basket?”

Ning Jing handed the basket over, and Su Liang took a look. He coughed lightly,

“Alright, alright, I understand. After sending Elder Peng away and returning to Xuanbei City, I’ll make you something delicious.”

Putting the basket down, Su Liang said, “I’m off to tell Elder Peng that his beloved son-in-law is dead.”

Ning Jing spoke up, “I also killed Wei Hao.”

Just as Su Liang was about to leave, he paused and came back, closed the door tightly, and asked Ning Jing with furrowed brows, “This wasn’t part of the plan you discussed with that old man, was it?”

Ning Jing nodded, “He said not to harm Wei Hao.”

“Did you find out that Wei Yao and Wei Hao, father and son, conspired to harm Elder Peng?” Su Liang frowned, “In that case, his death is not unjust, but that old man will probably be very sad because he was once his beloved grandson, but in the end, he turned out to be a heartless and ungrateful person.”

After speaking, Su Liang planned to go and explain to Peng Wei. As he was about to leave, he came back again, picked up a cooled steamed bun from the covered bowl on the table, and handed it to Ning Jing, “This is breakfast I saved for you. The taste is pretty good..”