Just a Hairpin

[Recite the URL silently three times. Do you remember it? If you don’t remember, I’ll ask again in the next chapter. It’s best to share it on Facebook for me]

By the time Ning Jing and Su Liang arrived at the competition venue with Zheng'er, they were halfway through the afternoon competition and there were only four groups left.

Chang'an took advantage of the time between the two games to go to Duanmu Chen and whispered a few words.

Duanmu Chen raised his eyebrows and gave him a look.

As soon as Chang An left, Duanmu Chen saw Su Liang and Ning Jing appearing next to Xing Yusheng, with Ning Jing holding a smiling child in her arms.

At first glance, it looks like a warm and sweet family of three.

Duanmu Chen's eyes fell on Duanmu Che's face, and sure enough he saw that he was also looking at where Su Liang was.

"Sixth sister." Duanmu Chen suddenly turned around and called Duanmu Qianqian.

"Brother Four Emperors, what's wrong?" Duanmu Qianqian looked well-behaved.

Duanmu Chen smiled and said, "You have a good relationship with Miss Nian Si, do you know who she studied under?"

Duanmu Qianqian blurted out, "It should have been taught by General Nian, right? When I used to play with Xue'er, she always said that she wanted to learn martial arts from General Nian, but I didn't expect that she could practice swordsmanship so well, but she was so inconspicuous. Such humility is so rare.”

"Indeed." Duanmu Chen agreed. If Nian Ruxue was really capable but had been hiding it just to shine in martial arts, he would be very impressed with her.

The next competition begins.

Su Liang watched intently and occasionally shared her thoughts with Ning Jing, such as which move was great and she wanted to go back and try it out.

Tingjing rarely expresses opinions. Every time Su Liang talks to him, he only lowers his head slightly, leaning toward Su Liang. He doesn't look close to him, and even tilts his head to the side occasionally as if Ning Jing has a discomfort in his neck...

By the time the four competitions were over, the results of the first day of qualifying were out.

Although there will be another nine days of competition, everyone who watched the competition throughout this day has a list of the strong ones in this martial arts competition.

Most people think that Su Liang and Nian Ruxue have the ability to enter the finals, or even be among the top three.

The participation of these two women made this martial arts competition quite special and highly anticipated.

When Duanmu Che was pushed out of the competition arena in a wheelchair by his old man, he glanced at where Su Liang was.

The old man whispered, "Master, why don't I go find..."

"I don't want to repeat what I said." Duanmu Che looked indifferent, "If she doesn't come to me again, she will be treated as a stranger."

The old man sighed deeply and left with Duanmu Che.

By the time Su Liang and Ning Jing were walking home, the news about Duanmu Ao, disheveled and falling out of Nian Ruxue's carriage on the street, had already spread.

"Someone must be adding fuel to the flames." Su Liang said. It hasn't been long.

She guessed that Duanmu Chen might have done it because he was very concerned about the movements of the "enemy".

Although there are suspicions, it is not yet confirmed that Nian Ruxue who participated in the martial arts competition is fake.

Su Liang is just watching the fun now. The more things happen to Nian Ruxue, the more likely things are to go wrong.

Last time Duanmu Ao was injured in Huguo Temple, after all, no one saw him on the spot.

This time on the busy street, the second prince fell out of the carriage and fell into a coma. He fell out of a woman's carriage. Without a reasonable explanation, how could he lose his face?

Duanmu Chen, who sent Chang'an to stir up trouble secretly, received news from Duanmu Ao again. It was him who was summoned into the palace at nightfall.

"Master, if the emperor is looking for the second prince for daytime reasons, will the second prince still protect Nian Ruxue?" Chang'an asked.

Duanmu Chen sneered, "Protect? With Duanmu Ao's animalistic nature, he may just want to ravage Nian Ruxue. But Nian Ruxue is a person of status after all. He must first marry before he can do whatever he wants."

At this time in the palace, Duanmu Ao knelt in front of Emperor Duanmu Yi with an ugly expression.

"What happened today?" Duanmu Yi asked coldly.

Duanmu Ao lowered his head and said, "I was thinking that I was engaged to Miss Nian Si, so I couldn't hold it back and offended her."

Duanmu Yi's face darkened, he grabbed the inkstone and smashed it on the ground in front of Duanmu Ao, "Damn it! You have completely disgraced the royal family!"

"Father, forgive me. I already have a physical relationship with Miss Nian Si. I made the mistake first and don't blame her. Now I just hope that the wedding date will be brought forward so that outsiders can't make irresponsible remarks." Duanmu Ao said.

Duanmu Yi looked at him intently, "How is your injury last time?"

Duanmu Ao's face stiffened and he said bravely, "It's great."

"The Yan Kingdom wants to have peace talks with the Qian Kingdom. Envoys will arrive in Beijing soon, and among them is General Muya." Duanmu Yi said coldly.

Duanmu Ao was stunned.

General Muya is a famous young female general in the Yan Kingdom and even in the world. She is also the one who once publicly mocked the women of the Qian Kingdom for only knowing how to embroider.

"The news that two women will participate in this martial arts competition will soon spread all over the world. When Namu Ya comes, he will definitely make a big fuss. Qian Guo can't lose face anymore! Do you understand?" Duanmu Yi said coldly. explain.

Duanmu Ao nodded subconsciously, "Yes, Father."

"Be more peaceful recently and don't provoke Miss Nian. The wedding date will be decided after the martial arts competition is over and negotiations with Yan Guo." Duanmu Yi said.

Not long after, Duanmu Ao walked out of the palace with a gloomy expression.

Soon Duanmu Chen received the news.

"It seems that my father wants to keep his life as long as snow." Duanmu Chen said thoughtfully, "But it's only temporary."

Chang'an frowned, "If Fourth Miss Nian really uses martial arts to get ahead, will she reject or change the marriage?"

Duanmu Chen hummed, "Nothing is impossible. That's why she and Duanmu Ao must be tied together and never be separated. If she has the ability and ambition, after following Duanmu Ao, she can persuade Duanmu Ao and Duan Mu Sheng. Wouldn’t it be fun to fight?”

As he spoke, Duanmu Chen changed the topic, "Is there any news over there at Duanmu Che?"

Chang An shook his head, "No. After the fifth prince returned to the mansion today, no one came out."

…

The Fifth Prince's Mansion.

It was very late, Duanmu Che was still reading.

"Master, go to sleep." The old man advised.

Duanmu Che turned over a page of the book and suddenly asked, "Is the letter Su Liang sent that day still there?"

The old man was stunned for a moment and shook his head, "Old slave, I burned it according to the master's instructions."

"Have you not read what she wrote?" Duanmu Che asked.

The old man sighed, "No. At that time, I was also very prejudiced against Miss Su, so I thought it would be irrelevant and there was no need to read it."

Seeing Duanmu Che's silence, the old man said tentatively, "Why don't I go find Miss Su now? She is a practitioner. She comes here at night carrying someone on her back, so it's easier to talk."

Duanmu Che's face darkened, "I told you, wait until she comes to me again!"

The old man sighed again, "Yes. Master is going to watch the competition tomorrow morning, so go to bed early."

Duanmu Che put down the book and said, "I'm not going." After saying that, he entered the inner room.

The old man looked at the figure reflected on the screen with a helpless expression.

…

The night is deep and the spring is cold.

Su Liang was still awake and was reviewing the martial arts competition they saw during the day with Ning Jing at the martial arts training ground.

It is not easy to learn other people's moves, but she has never had a fixed routine in martial arts. She is quite good at taking other people's strengths and using them for her own use. Ning Jing is an excellent master and sparring partner.

After the fight, the two left the martial arts arena together and walked around the garden lake three times. Su Liang finished talking about "Three Kingdoms" before going back to rest.

Before they each entered the door, Ning Jing asked, "What should we talk about next time?"

Su Liang said casually, "Journey to the West."

"What kind of story is that?" Ning Jing asked.

Su Liang looked serious, "A monkey, a pig, and a river demon escort a monk to learn the story. Are you no longer interested?"

Ning Jing shook his head, "If you're not sleepy, I want to listen now."

Su Liang gave him a roll of his eyes, "Go to sleep, there is everything in your dreams."

This was what Ning Jing once said to Su Liang. She kept remembering it and finally found the opportunity to return it to him.

…

Second day of qualifying.

Duanmu Che didn't show up, and Su Liang and Nian Ruxue were still not assigned to the same group, but they each won.

Duanmu Ao came, and in front of Duanmu Sheng and Duan Muchen, he laughed and said that he and Nian Ruxue were just playing around yesterday and nothing happened.

Duanmu Chen said that it would be good if Duanmu Ao was happy.

Anyway, when he looked at it, Duanmu Sheng’s smiling face looked pretty good...

In the evening of that day, the Nian family received news that Nian Jincheng was on his way back to Beijing.

Duanmu Chen sent Chang'an to tell Su Liang the same thing, but in more detail.

"The King of Nanping has been captured and beheaded. The Yan Kingdom wants to have a truce and peace talks with the Qian Kingdom. The envoy will go to Beijing with Nian Jincheng. It seems that he has made a great contribution this time. When he comes back, if he knows that Nian Ruxue has been given a marriage to Duanmu Ao, The concubine will probably stand up for her," Su Liang said.

Ning Jing said nothing about this, but secretly went to the Lin family to tell them that Lin Bojun was fine and expected to be back at the end of the month, so that they could feel at ease.

…

A city in the southern part of Qian Kingdom.

Nian Jincheng walked out of the Yan Kingdom envoy's residence with a dark face. Lin Bojun, who was waiting outside, approached him with a sympathetic expression, but could not hide his amusement, "That woman named Mu, is she teasing General Nian again?"

Nian Jincheng hummed, "Bo Jun, if you continue to gloat about misfortune, I will arrange for you to deal with Mu Ya in the future."

Lin Bojun quickly bowed his hands and said, "No, no, no! Don't scare me, General Nian! I have a sweetheart who is waiting to return to Beijing to propose marriage! Besides, General Muya doesn't like me either!"

"Which lady is this?" Nian Jincheng asked.

The relationship between the two was already good, and this time they went out on errands together and have become good friends.

Lin Bojun chuckled and hooked Nian Jincheng's shoulder, "I told you, don't tell anyone else. She is the eldest lady of the Duke of Qin's palace, but it's just me who has interest in her."

Nian Jincheng nodded, "You are a talented man and a beautiful woman. You have made great achievements, and the emperor will definitely reward you greatly when you return. You can ask the emperor to grant you a marriage."

Lin Bojun's expression turned serious, "That can't be done! What if Miss Qin is not happy? And the credit for killing King Nanping this time belongs to both of us, not me."

Nian Jincheng shook his head, "Although my official position is higher than yours, it doesn't have to be like this. We acted separately that day. It was you who discovered King Nanping, captured him and beheaded him. The greatest credit is yours."

"I'm just lucky." Lin Bojun said.

Nian Jincheng frowned, "Anyway, I will report this matter to the Emperor truthfully, no need to say anything more."

This was not the first time the two had argued about this matter. Lin Bojun knew that Nian Jincheng had an upright heart, so he said nothing more.

Lin Bojun held a brocade box in his hand. Nian Jincheng glanced at it without asking, so Lin Bojun took the initiative to open it and show it to him. Inside were three wooden hairpins, which were very delicate and dexterous.

"For Miss Qin?" Nian Jincheng said casually.

Lin Bojun smiled broadly, "One for my little sister. One for Miss Qin, if she agrees to be with me. The other one is for my junior brother!"

Nian Jincheng was stunned for a moment, "Your junior brother..."

"His name is Ning Jing, and he is my father's disciple." Lin Bojun said with a smile. Now that the Ning family has no troubles, and the Xing family has also made a smooth transition, they don't need to hide their relationship with Ning Jing anymore.

Nian Jincheng was slightly startled, "This hairpin, is it for him to wear?"

Lin Bojun laughed, "Of course not! Misunderstanding! Today I heard that there is a very famous woodcarver in the city, so I took the time to buy three. In fact, I want to give this to a little sister, but I have to let my junior brother give it! They are a couple!"

Nian Jincheng understood instantly, it turned out to be for Su Liang. But Lin Bojun didn't know that Nian Jincheng had known Ning Jing and Su Liang for a long time.

"Where does the craftsman live?" Nian Jincheng asked.

"Are you going to buy it for your sister? It's too late today, and I have to leave early tomorrow morning. I'm afraid it's too late. Blame me for not asking you if you want it earlier." Lin Bojun said.

Nian Jincheng shook his head, "I'll go check it out, I can pay more."

...

The next day, the team was ready to go, and Nian Jincheng rode back from somewhere else, holding a wooden box with three wooden hairpins in it.

One of them was bought by him for Nian Ruxue.

The other two were a pair, given to Ning Jing and Su Liang.

As soon as Nian Jincheng got off the horse, the wooden box in his hand was taken away.

A silver bell-like laughter sounded beside him, "General Nian must have bought the hairpin for me, so I will accept it with pleasure!"

Nian Jincheng frowned, "General Mu, please return the box to me."

The woman wearing a half mask opened the wooden box, took out the hairpin, and threw the box to Nian Jincheng, "The hairpin is for me, and the box is for you."

Nian Jincheng's forehead jumped, "General Mu, I bought that hairpin for my sister and friends, please return it to me."

"What friends?" Mu Ya asked, "I heard that you only have one friend, and his surname seems to be Gu, is it him?"

Lin Bojun looked at the hairpin in Mu Ya's hand, his eyes condensed, and he hurried forward, "General Mu, I told General Nian last night that I might get married soon after returning to Beijing, and he bought it for me as a gift!"

"I see." Mu Ya walked over with a smile, "I'll give it back to you!"

Nian Jincheng reached out and just caught it, his eyes flashed, and Mu Ya pulled off the hairpin on his head and took it away.

"It's your sword!" Mu Ya looked at the hairpin, then at the sword on Nian Jincheng's waist, and was surprised, "I like this!"

This was a birthday gift given to Nian Jincheng by someone, and his face sank, "General Mu, give it back to me!"

"General Nian is not so stingy, is it? Is this how you men in the country treat guests? It's just a wooden hairpin. Could it be that it was given by your friend surnamed Gu, so you don't want to give it up?" Mu Ya asked with a smile.

Lin Bojun originally thought that Mu Ya really liked Nian Jincheng, but now he realized that this woman clearly had bad intentions! Who doesn't know who the "friend surnamed Gu" she mentioned is?

"General Mu, please give me back my hairpin." Nian Jincheng was wearing black hair and looked stern.

Mu Ya pretended to put the hairpin on her head, "No!"

Nian Jincheng waved his palm towards Mu Ya, and Mu Ya was caught off guard by Nian Jincheng's wrist and snatched back the hairpin.

"General Mu, the way of hospitality in Gan country is that we can give some things, but you can't take them!" After Nian Jincheng threw down a tough word, he turned around and ordered the team to set off.

Mu Ya stood there, staring at Nian Jincheng's back, snorted coldly after a moment, turned around and walked towards her horse.

Lin Bojun secretly gave Nian Jincheng a thumbs up, what he said just now was so good!

The two walked side by side, Lin Bojun's eyes fell on Nian Jincheng's hairpin, and asked with a smile, "If that woman just broke your hairpin, I think you might beat her to death."

Nian Jincheng shook his head expressionlessly, "Not that bad, it's just a hairpin, at most I broke one of her legs."

[Do you remember that I asked you to recite it three times at the beginning of the chapter? Share Facebook, there may be surprises]