The Doctor's Three-Time Marriage

Chapter 509: 509. Another pair formed

Mo Yan’s body had been dumped in the random burial mound. As for his face, torn off by Sheng Yue and Yan Shiba, the two of them had taken it to study and make a human skin mask – they both expressed mutual interest in this eerie craft which would make most people’s blood run cold. And through this, they found they were very much in tune with each other, very invigorating…

Of course, there’s no longer a fertile ground for Sheng Yue and Yan Shiba to turn evil. There’s just a gray part in their humanity. Instead of doing evil, they used it against evil people. That is indeed great.

Ji Xiaoshu, a gossipy kid, conveyed an “intelligence” to Gu Ling and Su Liang: Sheng Yue and Yan Shiba planned to reorganize Yanyun Building.

“Aunt Yan suggested it, saying that life would be so boring otherwise,” Ji Xiaoshu relayed earnestly, “Uncle Sheng asked her if she still wanted to do murder business like before, and Aunt Yan said it would obviously be different now, as she’s a good person now!”

Zhengzheng laughingly said, “Uncle Sheng asked whether the new Yanyun Building would only kill evil people. Aunt Yan then said Uncle Sheng was like a roundworm in her stomach. Uncle Sheng just said that he agreed because he felt that master’s good luck was due to his previous good deeds and was also because he has eliminated many evil people. He also wanted to do something similar, perhaps heaven might grant his wish, and send him another magic treasure.”

Ji Xiaoshu laughed, “Aunt Yan said that’s utterly impossible! Even if Heaven were to send, it would be sent to their child! Then Uncle Sheng said they still have to work hard on the child! Then the eldest brother dragged me back!”

“What do you think?” Su Liang asked with a smile.

“It sounds good!” Zhengzheng nodded, “We’re also looking to join the new Yanyun Building!”

“Aunt Yan will definitely agree. Maybe we could even get a position as guardians!” Ji Xiaoshu said as he climbed onto Gu Ling’s back, got shaken off, and then climbed right back on.

Su Liang shook his head, “Wait until you grow up. Such things are not suitable for you now, and you don’t have the strength to protect yourself.”

“How old is considered grown up?” Ji Xiaoshu asked.

“Well, that’s up to your master. He believes if you mastered martial arts, you can graduate.” Su Liang said with a smile.

Ji Xiaoshu, lying on Gu Ling’s back, asked, “Master, how far away is our martial arts from graduation?”

“We’ll discuss it when you can beat me.” Gu Ling said nonchalantly.

Zhengzheng groaned, “Then I’m afraid we’ll never graduate.”

Ji Xiaoshu was very calm, “Eldest brother, don’t think like this. Wait until we grow up, master will get old, and he won’t have so much strength.”

The next moment, Ji Xiaoshu was grabbed by Gu Ling and thrown straight out of the open window.

In the air, Ji Xiaoshu’s shout echoed, “Murdering your own disciple!”

Just as Qiao Cong was walking to the front of Yuanming Pavilion, he leaped to catch Ji Xiaoshu. With a brilliant smile, Ji Xiaoshu didn’t look scared at all.

“Xiaogu, stop fooling around!” Qiao Cong shouted, pulling Ji Xiaoshu into the Yuanming Pavilion.

“Master, when will you beat up my teacher?” Ji Xiaoshu asked.

Qiao Cong coughed lightly, “He’s not my disciple, I can’t control him, and my disciple is your master’s wife.”

“Isn’t there anyone who can control my teacher?” Ji Xiaoshu sighed, “I must beat my teacher soon, let’s see how he can be arrogant then!”

Qiao Cong laughed heartily, “Xiaoshu has ambition, I absolutely support you!”

Upon reaching the second floor, Qiao Cong got straight to the point, “Jingjing is getting married tomorrow. Xiaoliang, if you have no other commitments, could you go help and see if there’s anything wrong or missing in the new mansion? I don’t have much experience with this either.”

“Did Master not get married before?” Ji Xiaoshu asked.

Qiao Cong replied cheerfully, “That was decades ago and it was very simple, just a ritual.”

Su Liang stood up, “I’ll take a look. Although, I don’t really know much.”

Ji Xiaoshu chuckled, “Master, let’s go too! Master and mistress have been married three times, right? Surely they have plenty of experience!”

So, Gu Ling and Su Liang, with Gu Xiaonuan and their two disciples, followed Qiao Cong out of the door to the Qiao Mansion.

The mansion was specially purchased for Qiao Jing and Min Rou’s wedding, which was to be held tomorrow. Both the mansion’s door and walls were adorned with brand new red ‘Double Happiness’ symbols.

Upon entering, it was a sight of joy and jubilation, with red lanterns covering the trees. This was prepared by Nangong Qian and Qi Yan. They said that during the New Year, they hung red lanterns around the mansion by the lake, and it looked particularly beautiful in the night. At that time Qiao Jing was not home and did not see it, but seeing the sister and brother-in-law’s thoughtfulness, he was naturally pleased.

As they moved deeper into the mansion, they bumped into Cen Man who, upon seeing Qiao Cong, approached him, “A corner of a dish is broken. The whole set is unusable now as it’s considered to bring bad luck. I’ll go home and get a new set.”

“Oh.” Qiao Cong nodded, “Then you go.”

The busiest person preparing for Qiao Jing and Nangong Qian’s wedding was not Qiao Cong, but Cen Man. She took care of everything and even personally managed many things. Compared to Qiao Cong, Cen Man was more like Qiao Jing and Nangong Qian’s grandmother.

Seeing Qiao Cong act so casually, Su Liang couldn’t stand by and do nothing. She stopped Cen Man, who had just greeted them and was about to leave hurriedly, “Fourth Master, don’t go, let Third Master go instead.”

Cen Man shook her head, “He doesn’t understand this stuff and doesn’t know what to look for. What if he accidentally breaks something else? I’d better go!”

“Yes, I don’t understand either.” Qiao Cong said, and continued making playful gestures to entertain Gu Xiaonuan.

As soon as Su Liang let her go, Cen Man rushed off.

The group did a round of the Qiao Mansion, and also checked out the bridal chamber. Everything was neatly arranged and nothing was missing. Qiao Jing was too absorbed in his relationship with Min Rou to understand these matters. Most of it was managed by Cen Man. After Qiao Cong’s visit today, he returned home to find Su Liang.

Su Liang and Gu Ling stood at the door of the bridal chamber and watched as Qiao Cong got the three children to roll around on the marriage bed. It was a heartwarming scene.

“Hey, Great God, don’t you think the third master is a bit too much for the fourth master?” Su Liang said quietly.

Gu Ling nodded, “He’s always been excessive.”

They knew Qiao Cong before they knew Cen Man, and it was through him they met Cen Man. Qiao Cong and Cen Man had been good friends for most of their lives.

In Su Liang’s impression, since Cen Man first appeared, her treatment towards Qiao Cong has been out of the ordinary. At first, Cen Man was blind, but after her eyes were healed by Su Liang, although she became Su Liang’s master, despite all the things that happened, she was always extra caring and attentive towards Qiao Cong.

It wasn’t very noticeable before, probably because there were always things going on at home. If Qiao Cong wasn’t busy with work, then Cen Man was busy running errands. Everyone’s attention was always focused on solving problems.

It’s only been half a month since Mo Yan died three days ago, settled the Xingluo Island issue, and everyone returned home safely.

Lately Su Liang noticed Cen Man busily handling the wedding arrangements for Qiao Jing and Nangong Qian. Qiao Cong took it all in stride, busying himself with fishing or playing with the children. She was somewhat unsettled by it.

One thing was for certain, Cen Man liked Qiao Cong. They were both not young anymore, perhaps this affection has existed for many years, but it seemed Qiao Cong never saw it that way.

When Su Liang said that Qiao Cong was unfair, it was purely a complaint. He definitely wouldn’t take Cen Man’s efforts for granted because he knew she liked him. The root of the issue was that they were too close. To Qiao Cong, their relationship was like siblings. They could risk their lives for each other, everything else would seem trivial. And as far as Su Liang knew, Qiao Cong had saved Cen Man more than once. When Cen Man was blind, Qiao Cong was always there protecting her. He even taught her martial arts and hidden weapons techniques, all so she could have skills to protect herself.

Now, Su Liang thought, since they have feelings for each other, they could take a step further. Who says only young people have the right to fall in love and marry? Qiao Cong had been married and had children and now his two grandchildren were about to start their own families. Cen Man was alone, still unwilling to talk about her younger years, and her affection towards Qiao Cong and his grandchildren is from the heart. If she could have a legitimate identity, she would surely be very happy.

Gu Ling saw through Su Liang’s thoughts, took her hand, and said softly, “It’s rare that you want to play matchmaker.”

Although many friends around her had come together in the past, Su Liang rarely took the initiative to matchmake. She believed that these things should happen naturally. The last two couples were matchmade by Zhengzheng and Ji Xiaoshu, which turned out to be pretty good. Even Yan Shiba and Sheng Yue, who had a troubled past, are now living a passionate and joyful life.

“Yes.” Su Liang nodded affirmatively, “This time, I want to play matchmaker.” Qiao Cong and Cen Man were different, they would remain the same without someone’s push. Su Liang felt that as their mutual disciple, she needed to do something.

“Is it okay? Is there anything wrong?” Qiao Cong came over with Gu Xiaonuan in his arms and asked.

Su Liang shook her head, “Everything is fine.”

Qiao Cong said happily, “That’s great. when they all start their families, I won’t have to worry anymore.”

Su Liang thought to herself, Qiao Cong hasn’t been worrying much lately…

When they were about to leave the Qiao Mansion, Cen Man returned, bringing with her a set of new plates she had carefully selected.

Qiao Jing also appeared, carrying a pot in his hand. Inside the pot was a rare orchid in full bloom; it was beautiful. He had just obtained it from Duanmu Chen in the imperial palace because Min Rou loved orchids and he wanted to place it in their new room.

“You’re leaving? Wait a moment! Su Liang, I have something to discuss with you!” After greeting them, Qiao Jing first took the orchid to the new room, and then ran back to find them.

“I’ll go to Min Rou’s marriage tomorrow? Weng Ran has already told me, we will be there by then.” Su Liang said.

Qiao Jing shook his head, “That’s not it.”

Qiao Cong had already taken the three children back to the Su Mansion, and Cen Man was busy again.

“I don’t know if you have noticed…” Qiao Jing said solemnly.

Su Liang raised an eyebrow, “Does my fourth master like your grandfather?”

Qiao Jing was stunned, “You know?”

“You just noticed?” Su Liang counter-questioned.

Qiao Jing cleared his throat, “I just noticed, there had always been a lot of things going on, I just got back not long ago, and I only heard about it from my sister. However, I have known for a long time that they had a good relationship.”

“So, what do you think?” Su Liang asked.

“My sister and I both want to matchmake them together. My grandfather is thick-skinned, and he doesn’t like to listen to me, but if you speak to him, it will surely work.” Qiao Jing said.

Su Liang nodded, “I have the same intention.”

Qiao Jing’s face lit up with joy, “That’s fantastic! Senior Cen has always treated my sister and me so well. If she could become our grandmother, there would be nothing better. If my grandfather doesn’t agree, you should tell him that from now on, my sister and I only recognize Senior Cen as our grandmother, and don’t recognize him anymore!”

After leaving the Qiao Mansion, Su Liang and Gu Ling rode out of the city for a tour.

Upon returning home, Qiao Cong was showing off the new clothes he was going to wear tomorrow to the kids.

“Master, come upstairs in a while.” Su Liang said as she passed by.

Unaware of what was going on, Qiao Cong quickly followed her upstairs, “Xiaoliang, how is my master’s new outfit?”

“Very refined, not bad.” Su Liang nodded, “Master bought it himself?”

“Do I understand such things? Cen Man prepared it for me.” Qiao Cong sat down, “What did you want to see me about?”

Su Liang went straight to the point, “Master, you should get married too.”

Qiao Cong froze, “What?”

Su Liang looked serious, “Master, have you really not figured out that the fourth master likes you?”

Qiao Cong was dumbfounded, “Who?”

“You both have known each other for so many years, are you completely oblivious to her feelings for you?” Su Liang asked.

Qiao Cong shook his head, “I know… it’s not… You’re saying she likes me? That’s something else altogether! We are lifelong friends, I saved her life back then, and she has been taking care of me in gratitude ever since. It’s not what you think, we’re too old for those feelings!”

Su Liang facepalmed: …Old straight man…

“The truth…did Cen Man tell you?” Qiao Cong started scratching his head, “Did she say she likes me? It can’t be, we’ve been… this years… haven’t you misunderstood something?”

“I didn’t misunderstand anything. Your grandchildren all know about it, even if the fourth master didn’t say anything.” Su Liang said, “From the very first day I was captured on that island and met the fourth master, I knew she felt more than just friendship for you. But then there were always things happening, and I had no chance to raise this subject.”

“More than friendship, that’s because we’ve been old friends for many years.” Qiao Cong’s expression was a bit strange, “Did you just infer this on your own? That doesn’t count! She’s good to everyone, don’t go messing around. If you get it wrong, where am I going to put my face?”

Su Liang raised an eyebrow, “So master, you mean… If I didn’t get it wrong, you’re willing?”

Qiao Cong cleared his throat, “At this age, who would still think about such things?”

Su Liang lightly laughed, “What exactly is Master referring to?”

Qiao Cong glared at Su Liang, “Getting married! What were you thinking of? Aren’t things already good as they are now?”

“It’s great, for you. You’ve someone to care for you and look after you. She even prepares your meals and clothes, and manages your grandchildren’s marriages. In the future, she might have to help you look after your great-grandchildren. You’re living leisurely, all you need to do is enjoy yourself.” Su Liang huffed.

Qiao Cong’s face stiffened at her words, “What you’re saying… we’re all family after all, she’s willing…” His voice grew weaker as he spoke, and his eyes began to flicker.

“I’m not in the mood to talk superfluous rubbish.” Su Liang’s expression became serious, “Some things, you know them in your heart, you didn’t think of it in this way before, but now you should think clearly. The fourth master is good to everyone, but she treats you the best, unlike how she treats others. She is such a wonderful woman, and so beautiful even now. If you don’t want her, I will matchmake her with another mas…”

Qiao Cong quickly interrupted Su Liang, “Stop talking nonsense! This matter can’t be handled lightly! When did I say I don’t want her? You suddenly raised this, I need some time to process and think it through, this isn’t child’s play.”

“Have you thought it through?” Su Liang smiles subtly.

Qiao Cong slapped the table and stood up, “We have so many years of feelings. At this age, what else is there to think about? You should have reminded me earlier!”

As soon as he finished speaking, Qiao Cong vanished. Su Liang laughed brightly at Gu Ling entering the room, “Great God, quickly make another beautiful Chinese knot, we have another couple!”