Третий учёный династии Сун

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The people had their doubts and their beliefs, but these were ultimately just topics of discussion over tea. The truth ultimately rested on the word of those in power. Therefore, the various conspiracies and intrigues hidden beneath the calm surface continued to unfold, while another round of pursuit and conquest officially began three days ago.

With the help of Xuan Ge, Si Junxing successfully left the palace with the unconscious Lin Suyang and then rushed to Guigan Mountain. He wanted to see if there was a faster way to cure the Gu poison.

Along the way, Lin Suyang woke up several times, but she was still delirious, her eyes bloodshot as she went berserk and hurt people. Helpless, Si Junxing had no choice but to press her sleeping acupoint to calm her down.

After traveling for more than ten days, not only was Lin Suyang's body unable to take it, but Si Junxing himself was also exhausted. Therefore, he stopped in a small town when he was almost at Guigan Mountain. Before leaving Yundu, he had sent a message to Yan Muqing by carrier pigeon. Calculating the time, he estimated that he would be able to meet up with Shen Xiao and the others in two days.

Si Junxing drove the carriage to a small inn on the outskirts of the city, booked a room, carried Lin Suyang into the room and covered her with a blanket before going out to buy dry food for the journey.

When he hurriedly bought the things and returned to his room with a large bag in his arms, he was surprised to see the person who should have been lying in bed standing by the window looking at him.

With a "clatter," everything in her hands fell to the ground. Si Junxing didn't bother to pick it up, frowning as he looked at her and said, "You..." Had he forgotten to apply pressure to her acupoints? He was worried that she would hurt herself again. Si Junxing was about to grab her when Lin Suyang walked over and hugged his waist.

"It's you, Si Junxing, it really is you," Lin Suyang said, her head trembling as she pressed her face against his chest.

Si Junxing was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized what she meant, and excitedly pulled her eyes open, saying, "You, you recognize me?"

"Fool. Of course I recognize you," Lin Suyang said with a smile.

I don't know what happened, but it seemed like I had a very long dream. In the dream, there was Si Junxing and many other people I didn't recognize. In the dream, she kept running, not knowing why she was running, but she felt that there was a terrifying person chasing her. She clearly saw Si Junxing walking ahead, but no matter how much she called out to him, he never turned around. So she could only keep running forward. Until just now, she suddenly felt tired and stopped to rest. But unexpectedly, she woke up.

The first thing she did when she opened her eyes was to look around for Si Junxing. She stood by the window and tried to open it to look outside, and that's when Si Junxing returned.

Lin Suyang told Si Junxing about her strange dreams, and he simply cupped her face and kissed her several times before saying, "No matter when, no matter if you call me or not, I will never leave you, so don't think too much about it."

Hearing this, Lin Suyang smiled, her pale and thin face regaining some color. After a long while, she asked Si Junxing and the others why they were there. She clearly remembered that they were at the banquet in Weigong Palace, so how did they end up so far away from Yundu in the blink of an eye?

Si Junxing remained silent for a while, unsure whether he should tell her the truth. If he didn't, she would definitely try to find the answer from others. Rather than that, he decided to tell her himself. So Si Junxing told Lin Suyang everything that had happened that day.

Surprisingly, Lin Suyang was neither surprised nor angry after hearing this. On the contrary, she calmly said to Si Junxing, "I know who put the curse on me."

"who?"

Lin Suyang shook his head and said, "I'll tell you later. Anyway, we've already left Yundu, so she can't continue. However, I'm worried that she might harm Xiao'er." That woman really put on a great show.

“You don’t need to worry about that,” Si Junxing said. “Because the Crown Prince has already been secretly sent to Yan and Liao by my elder brother.”

"What?" Lin Suyang exclaimed in shock. "What's going on? Does the Emperor really agree to this?" Sending his own child to the enemy's palace—isn't he afraid the child will be taken hostage? Is Qin Hao crazy or just stupid?

Si Junxing stroked her long hair and explained, "The Great Yang Imperial Palace is not peaceful right now. Emperor Hong and my brother have reached an agreement. After he resolves the affairs of Great Yang, he will wage a real war against my brother. I truly have to admire the masculinity of my brother and Emperor Hong. If it were anyone else, regardless of whether they agreed or were willing, they might very well take advantage of the situation and attack Great Yang from the perspective of Yan and Liao. Emperor Hong is also worried about Xiao'er being harmed because of you, and his open trust in my brother is unparalleled. This also proves that Emperor Hong cares a lot about your child." At this point, Si Junxing couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. When would he be able to have a child with her?

Lin Suyang didn't notice the unusual tone in Si Junxing's voice and asked, still puzzled, "But why didn't he send Xiao'er to my father? With my father and Ziyan's strength, isn't it enough to protect a small child?"

Si Junxing smiled and sighed, "Su Yang, you always think too simply about matters of the court. To put it bluntly, do you really think Emperor Hong truly trusts your father?"

Lin Suyang was speechless. In the past, she would have dared to make such a solemn promise, but now, seeing so much falsehood, her faith had long since crumbled. Thinking about it this way, wasn't the Great Yang now riddled with holes and fraught with crisis? If Han Yufeng truly kept his promise and waited for Qin Hao to restore Great Yang, then he was indeed a king with the greatest courage and resolve. Such a person would be a blessing to Yan and Liao, but for Great Yang, it would depend on the final decision between Qin Hao and him.

Lin Suyang turned her head and looked at Si Junxing curiously, asking, "Then how do you know all this? I remember you never cared about the affairs of the court."

Si Junxing looked at her steadily and said, "For you."

"After we parted, I planned to return to Yanliao to pay respects to my biological parents. Unexpectedly, I encountered my elder brother's entourage on the way. He asked me to acknowledge my ancestors and return to my clan. I considered it for a long time, but in the end, I was still worried about leaving you alone. From then on, I decided to learn more about the affairs of the two countries' courts so that I could help you when necessary. On the way to Yundu, my elder brother told me a lot about the affairs of the court. Now I understand that governing a country depends not only on ability but also on your strategies. This is the same as when I was in charge of the Demonic Sect. It's just a pity that I am destined not to have the perseverance to persist. As for your father's matter, I guessed it myself through analysis."

It must be said that both Si Junxing and Han Yufeng are highly intelligent individuals, both suited to be rulers. However, fate decreed that only one of them could sit on the throne. Moreover, Lin Suyang felt that Han Yufeng was more suitable. If a fool like Si Junxing were to become the emperor of Yan Liao, he would probably hand over the country with a single word from Lin Suyang, just as he had given the Demonic Sect to Han Yufeng back then.

Lin Suyang sighed, thankful that he wasn't the emperor, otherwise he would have truly become a complete tyrant.

Si Junxing didn't know why Lin Suyang sighed, assuming she was still worried about Qin Xiao, so he continued to comfort her, "Don't worry, Your Majesty will definitely not hurt Xiao'er, believe me." He remembered Han Yufeng's attitude towards him after he lost his sight. Han Yufeng didn't deliberately belittle him because they were both rivals in love. Although Han Yufeng was sometimes a bit of a playboy, his feelings for Lin Suyang were extremely sincere. He had been persistent for so long, but he let go because she was his brother. It would be a lie to say he wasn't moved.

Si Junxing knew that this did not mean he could trust Han Yufeng to keep his promise. There were two other reasons why he was willing to take this gamble: Qin Xiao was Lin Suyang's child, and the emperor's credibility in winning back the hearts of the people.

"I believe you, I believe everything you say." Just like you believe what I say. Lin Suyang raised her hand to stroke Si Junxing's brow, "I don't want to see it furrow again because of me."

She turned closer to him and whispered, "I don't want to leave you again..."

Volume Four, Palace Absolute, Chapter 123: Nai Ruo Flower Gu (Part 2)

The fatigue of the past few days gradually dissipated during his casual chat with Lin Suyang. When Si Junxing woke up from his peaceful sleep, he saw her propping herself up and staring at him.

"What are you looking at?" Si Junxing reached out and brushed her long hair that had fallen in front of her back.

"Look at you," Lin Suyang said, gazing intently at his face. She noticed fine wrinkles beginning to appear at the corners of his eyes. In his early twenties, he should have been boldly pursuing his ambitions, yet he had abandoned his prime years for her, willingly and tirelessly toiling for her without complaint. Was it something he owed her in a past life, or were they both indebted to each other, thus suffering the punishment of being together and apart at times?

"What's so interesting about me? I look the same all the time," Si Junxing said with a smile.

Lin Suyang reached out and touched his face, saying, "I suddenly realized that you are very beautiful." He was indeed very beautiful, especially his eyes. She remembered that when he was blind, every time she saw those eyes, it would make her heart ache. But when she saw the look in them again, she had never observed them so carefully as she had today. She had never seen that what flowed within them was not only infatuation, but also endless worries.

Lin Suyang saw her own reflection in his eyes—a face of exquisite beauty, yet always living in a state of struggle and hesitation. She knew how deeply she had hurt this man.

"Have you... cried?" Lin Suyang asked.

Did he cry? He wasn't quite sure. He only remembered crying when Uncle Lian left him. Later... he looked at Lin Suyang, a bitter smile on his face. He wanted to cry, but couldn't. It was a feeling that hurt him deeply, yet also brought him immense happiness.

“I didn’t cry when my mother died. I didn’t cry when my stepmother beat me. I didn’t cry when I was sick and in excruciating pain. I thought I would never shed a tear in my life.”

"But whenever I see the suffering and exhaustion you endure for me, I can't help but want to cry. You are the first person to make me cry." The second is Qin Yu, that good little sister who will forever remain in my heart.

"Si Junxing, do you know? I love you just as much... but..."

You're just too indecisive. Too kind. Too considerate of your family. But do you even realize that all of this is just that—all of it—and they might not need at all. If one day you suddenly realize that what you've been pursuing, what you've been protecting, was all so worthless, will you still continue? Will you still abandon me for them?

Si Junxing had so much to say, but he couldn't find the words. He didn't want to put pressure on her, to trap her in the pain of truth and lies. Rather than that, he preferred she discover the outcome herself, good or bad. What needs to be faced will eventually have to be faced.

Lin Suyang, now, had no time to sort out those complicated and confusing questions. She leaned down and pressed her face against Si Junxing's chest, listening to the strong sounds coming from within. Only then did she seem to feel at ease.

Si Junxing held her waist gently and said, "Once your Gu poison is gone, have a child for me." He saw her shoulders tremble slightly. Then she pushed away the hands on her waist. Si Junxing closed his eyes bitterly. Suddenly, he felt a cool sensation on his lips. Then he heard her voice in his ear: "Okay."

What is true happiness? It's the reward you receive when you've given almost everything for a goal. It's not about the value of the achievement, nor about calculating equality. As long as you've reached your objective, that's the best outcome. Some say, "If that's happiness, then it's better to forgo it." However, there are others who are willing to gladly embrace that kind of happiness. Like Si Junxing.

Therefore, Lin Suyang felt incredibly lucky and incredibly guilty. Lucky to have met someone like Si Junxing. Guilty for not giving back in return for what he received. Only a fool like him could endure such treatment and still have to persevere.

However, Si Junxing thought that he had already succeeded in capturing her heart. As for the outcome, if he didn't take the lead, it would probably be imperfect. Therefore, as long as he persevered, he was confident that he could take everything back. He had learned all of this from Han Yufeng.

Before leaving the inn the next day, Lin Suyang dressed herself up as a young married woman. Seeing Si Junxing's stunned expression, she smiled and said, "You've forgotten, we're husband and wife." She took his hand and whispered, "I know I don't have many days left to be lucid, so I want to be your wife while I still remember you. If I go crazy, you mustn't be soft-hearted, understand?"

Si Junxing held her hand and said, "Your words are enough."

Guigan Mountain boasts beautiful scenery in all four seasons. Although it is winter, the snow-covered peaks add a unique brightness to the mountain. Si Junxing chuckled to himself, realizing that both of his visits here had been in winter, and neither time he had been in good health. Guigan Mountain and they really seemed to have a special connection.

Shen Xiao and Yan Mu had been waiting at the foot of the mountain since early morning. Their hearts were finally at ease when they saw Si Junxing's carriage rushing towards them.

"Brother Si Junxing, where is Sister Suyan?" Shen Xiao ran forward and blocked the carriage.

"In the carriage." Si Junxing said, turning around and getting into the carriage to carry Lin Suyang out.

“She…” Yan Muqing looked at Lin Suyang, whose face was pale.

"She was poisoned by the Gu poison several times on the way, so I pressed her sleeping acupoint."

"Okay, let's hurry up the mountain then, the master is still waiting."

The group quickly led Lin Suyang up the mountain.

Master Guigan frowned upon seeing Lin Suyang, clearly displeased. No wonder that child was willing to sacrifice everything for this woman; she truly was a femme fatale. He initially didn't want to treat her, but couldn't bear to see the three of them heartbroken, so he reluctantly took her pulse, albeit with some resentment. "Fortunately, she had previously used the miraculous medicine Nine Lotus Ice; this witchcraft, though powerful, is currently only locked within her meridians and cannot move," Master Guigan said after examining Lin Suyang's pulse.

The group breathed a sigh of relief, but then the master continued, "However, if we don't find the person who cast the curse and get his blood as soon as possible, given time, this poison will break through the Nine Lotus Ice's restraints and go straight into her heart. At that time, even the God of Medicine wouldn't be able to save her."

Shen Xiao asked anxiously, "Then what should we do? There are so many people in the Jiang tribe, how can we know who is the one who cast the curse on my sister? Master, you have a way, right? Please think of something quickly, Sister Su Yan is a good person, she absolutely cannot be harmed."

"A good person?" Master Guigan sneered, "Her being a good person means that even after your brother Si Junxing was crippled and blinded, he still had to chase after her, half-dead?"

Si Junxing frowned and respectfully bowed to Master Guigan, saying, "Senior, I am willing to do anything for her. Please tell me how to save her."

Master Guigan sighed and glanced at him, saying, "Such a fine talent has been ruined by a woman. Let me ask you, what was it all for?"

Si Junxing shifted his gaze slightly, looked down at Lin Suyang on the bed, and said, "For the sake of loving her."

Master Guigan shook his head. Seemingly unable to understand his explanation, he got up, walked to the table, picked up a pen, wrote a letter, and handed it to him, saying, "Take this letter to the chief of the Jiang tribe and tell him it's from me. He has a way to help you find the one who cast the curse. Also, I will prepare some medicine for you to carry with you later. The area around the Jiang tribe is full of insects, snakes, and strange creatures, and is shrouded in poisonous miasma. It's better to have this medicine on hand than not."

Si Junxing immediately said excitedly, "Thank you very much." He carefully put the letter into his pocket.

"While I'm preparing the medicine, you should rest and recuperate on the mountain. You'll have a tough time when we go to Yan and Liao. Also, there's no need to worry about her poison for now. Just be careful that she doesn't lose her mind and go crazy and hurt people after she wakes up."

"Thank you, senior."

Master Guigan said to Shen Xiao and Yan Muqing, "You two come with me to the mountain to gather herbs."

"Oh." Shen Xiao reluctantly got up from Lin Suyang's bed, lowered her head, and followed her master and senior brother out, then turned around and closed the door behind her.

Si Junxing smiled. He walked to Lin Suyang's bedside, brushed aside the messy hair on her face, touched her much thinner face, and whispered, "I will definitely save you."

Lin Suyang felt she was born to be poisoned. And each time it was something strange and unusual, requiring miraculous medicine to survive. Last time it was the Fire Nether Palm, which nearly cost Si Junxing his life to obtain the Nine Lotus Ice from Yan Liao. This time it was some kind of tribal witchcraft; she wondered how much more she would have to pay to get the antidote… She couldn't help but wonder what sins she had committed in her past life to suffer so much in this one, not to mention hurting so many people.

If I had known this would happen, Su Qingwan should never have given birth to me. My existence in this world has truly caused a great deal of harm.

If she had no ties, she could live out her life without any regrets. But she had ties. Qin Xiao and Si Junxing were the two people she held the tightest threads in her heart. But why weren't these two most important people real father and son? God, you really know how to play tricks on people.

Si Junxing, who was sitting on the edge of the bed studying a map, suddenly felt a noise beside him. He looked down and saw that Lin Suyang had woken up at some point and was staring at him absentmindedly. Seeing that her eyes were not red, Si Junxing knew that Lin Suyang was awake, so he asked, "Are you hungry?"

Lin Suyang shook his head and said, "No. Have we already arrived at Guigan Mountain?"

"Yes, Shen Xiao and Mu Qing are here too, but it's getting late and they're probably already resting. I'll bring them to see you tomorrow." Si Junxing put down the map in his hand, got up, poured her a glass of water, and brought it to the bed.

"Have some water."

Lin Suyang sat up with his help, took a few sips of his drink, and then asked, "Why aren't you resting? You've been working so hard these past few days, even an iron man couldn't take it." He then pulled his hand and tried to get him to bed.

Si Junxing couldn't refuse, so he put the cup in his hand on the stool to the side, dipped his finger in it, and flicked it at the burning candle on the table. The light suddenly went out, and he threw back the covers and crawled inside.

"Are you cold?" Si Junxing asked in the darkness.

"It's not cold," Lin Suyang replied, then paused before adding, "What if I die?"

Si Junxing froze for a moment, then groped for her and hugged her, saying, "What nonsense are you talking about... If you die, I won't live either..."

"...Then I will definitely not die."

Volume Four, Palace Absolute, Chapter 124: Nai Ruo Flower Gu (Part Two)

Lin Suyang and Si Junxing had been staying at Guigan Mountain for three days. During these three days, Shen Xiao and Yan Muqing had been refining medicine with Master Guigan every day. Although there wasn't much wind on the mountain, it was still colder than down below, but the scenery was much more beautiful. Fortunately, Lin Suyang had the Nine Lotus Ice protecting him, so he could sit outside and enjoy the snow scene without having to wear too many clothes.

For three days, her manic episodes did not recur, but she would occasionally have images and see people she had never seen before in her mind. Each time she woke up, she could not remember them very clearly, so she did not pay much attention to them and did not tell Si Junxing.

Lin Suyang didn't understand when she had displeased Master Guigan. From their first meeting, she knew this senior disliked her, and disliked her intensely. He always spoke to her coldly, but treated the other three differently. However, she didn't mind, since they hadn't spent much time together. On the contrary, Chen Xiao and Yan Muqing often apologized to her, asking for her understanding. Lin Suyang felt ashamed; she had asked Master Guigan for help, so how could she harbor resentment towards him?

Although Si Junxing disliked Master Guigan's attitude, it was because of him that Master Guigan misunderstood Lin Suyang. Therefore, he thought that it would be best to talk to Master Guigan and dispel his resentment towards Lin Suyang.

That night, Lin Suyang and Si Junxing went to bed early. Si Junxing felt inexplicably restless and tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. He wanted to turn over but was worried about waking Lin Suyang, so he simply held her still and closed his eyes to force himself to fall asleep.

Around midnight, he suddenly felt a warm breath on his neck, and he woke up instantly, having barely slept. With his skill, he could still see Lin Suyang's bright eyes smiling at him in the darkness.

"Why are you awake?" Si Junxing asked curiously. She was usually fast asleep at this time. Why did she wake up at this hour today?

"You woke up because you couldn't sleep," Lin Suyang said, her hands, which had been tucked under the covers, reaching out to climb onto Si Junxing's neck.

The touch of their necks and the unique scent of the night sent a shiver down Si Junxing's spine. He then asked in a hoarse voice, "Why can't you sleep?"

"If you can't sleep, you can't sleep. Why ask so many reasons?" Lin Suyang said unhappily, her beautiful brows furrowing slightly.