Wanyan Liang’s smile froze instantly. His original plan had been to gift Tang Kuo Bian one or two concubines, making the man indebted to him.
This would create an opportunity to sow discord between Tang Kuo Bian and his wife, paving the way for future schemes. But who could have imagined that after all his careful selections, the man would set his sights on Tudan Jing?
The Prince of Hailing’s mansion was filled with countless concubines, and sacrificing one or two meant nothing to Wanyan Liang. But Tudan Jing was different. Not only did she have the backing of the powerful Tudan clan, but she was also his lawful wife. Though he dallied with many women outside, he still held deep affection for this elegant and gentle spouse—how could he possibly give her away?
‘Since this Tang Kuo Bian has no sense of propriety, don’t blame me for being ruthless.’ A flash of killing intent flickered in Wanyan Liang’s eyes.
At that moment, Song Qingshu chuckled, “Though the Prince of Hailing’s mansion is full of beauties, compared to the Princess Consort’s refined and dignified aura, they all seem rather vulgar. To have such an excellent wife, Your Highness is truly blessed.”
Noticing that Song Qingshu made no mention of bedding her, Wanyan Liang frowned slightly, unsure of his intentions. He played along, “Brother Tang Guo, you’re being too modest. You’ve married the most beautiful woman in the Great Jin Dynasty—such good fortune has made countless men in the capital green with envy.”
Song Qingshu suddenly gave him a thoughtful look. “Does that envy include Your Highness?”
Wanyan Liang’s smile stiffened. Fortunately, he was quick-witted and recovered swiftly. “I’m a man too, of course I envy you. It’s just a pity that Gebi is my sister. Otherwise, I would have competed with Brother Tang Guo for her hand back then.”
“Your Highness jests. Our Great Jin Dynasty doesn’t have as many rules as the Song people. As long as they’re not blood siblings, what’s the harm?” Wanyan Liang was stunned by this remark, but Song Qingshu swiftly changed the subject. “Your Highness didn’t invite us here today just for a banquet, did you?”
Recalling how Tang Kuo Bian had openly praised Tudan Jing earlier, a wild thought struck him—Was he suggesting a w!fe swap?
Such affairs were whispered about among the capital’s nobility, though never openly discussed. Wanyan Liang had heard of such things, but given his status, if he wanted another man’s w!fe, he had countless methods—why would he need to offer his own?
But this time was different.
Gebi was the Emperor’s sister, making her untouchable by usual means. Moreover, as the most beautiful woman in the dynasty, she might just be worth the price…
Wanyan Liang glanced toward the garden, where Gebi and Tudan Jing were chatting and laughing, their melodious voices carried by the breeze. The sound stirred a restless heat in his chest, and for a moment, he could almost imagine their intoxicating fragrance.
“Your Highness? Your Highness?” Song Qingshu observed Wanyan Liang’s expression coldly.
The bait had been cast—if this lustful fool dared propose such a shameless deal, he would ensure the man learned the meaning of losing the lady and the army both.
Snapping out of his reverie, Wanyan Liang suppressed his desires. While beauty was important, so was ambition. His lustful gaze quickly cleared into calm calculation.
Instead of answering Song Qingshu’s question, he posed one of his own. “Brother Tang Guo, what do you think of the current political situation in the court?”
The political situation?
Unsure of his angle, Song Qingshu replied cautiously, “In recent years, the Mongols rebelled in the grasslands. The court, preoccupied with war against the Southern Song, failed to take it seriously, leading to devastating losses. But now, under His Majesty’s wise rule, with the Chancellor and the two Prime Ministers guiding the nation, and with esteemed generals like Your Highness in the military, the Great Jin Dynasty has flourished. After years of recovery, our strength has nearly returned to its peak…”
Wanyan Liang raised a hand, cutting him off. “Brother Tang Guo, I consider you one of my own. Must you feed me such empty platitudes?”
“My view is the exact opposite!” Wanyan Liang clasped his hands behind his back, gazing solemnly northward. “Though the Great Jin has strived to rebuild, the Mongols have conquered kingdom after kingdom. Their might now surpasses all under heaven. Fortunately, their focus remains on the west, allowing the Central Plains to hold the upper hand—for now. But once they turn their full force eastward, true disaster will begin.”
Song Qingshu watched his back, sneering inwardly. Anyone else might mistake this act for genuine patriotism.
But he quickly realized—though Wanyan Liang was lustful and treacherous, that didn’t mean he lacked ambition for his dynasty’s dominance.
“The Great Jin must grow stronger before the Mongols finish their western campaigns!” Wanyan Liang’s expression darkened. “Yet the court’s apparent prosperity hides a crumbling foundation.”
“How so?” Song Qingshu feigned shock, playing along.
“You mentioned His Majesty’s brilliance,” Wanyan Liang said, pausing briefly with a trace of disdain. “That much is true. But he is also a drunkard, his health worsening by the day. His temper flares at the slightest provocation, and ministers die at his whim. These are ill omens.”
Song Qingshu raised an eyebrow. “Your Highness implies the Emperor is dying?” Coming from a modern perspective, he held no reverence for monarchs.
Wanyan Liang was taken aback by his bluntness but sidestepped the question. “Among the capital’s three great clans, the Tang Kuo family is the weakest. What are your thoughts on that?”
‘Trying to alternate intimidation and favor?‘ Song Qingshu smirked inwardly but adopted a troubled expression. “Weakest? Many in the clan already resent me as their leader. Who knows how long I’ll remain in this position?”
Wanyan Liang rejoiced inwardly. ‘Good. He knows his place. This will be easier than I thought.’
“Then what do you plan to do about it?” he asked casually.
Song Qingshu stood abruptly and bowed. “I beg Your Highness to enlighten me.”
“No need for such formalities!” Wanyan Liang helped him up, eyes gleaming with triumph. “We are brothers in life and death. Let me speak frankly—if my words offend, forgive me.”
“Of course, of course.” Now we’ll see what he’s really after.
“Since we’re close, I’ll be blunt—but these words stay between us. Not even Gebi can know.”
“Not even Gebi?” Song Qingshu pretended shock.
Wanyan Liang nodded. “A man like you must already know who’s responsible for your struggles.” He studied Song Qingshu’s darkened expression before continuing, “The ancients spoke of beauties bringing calamity—a profound truth. As the most beautiful woman in the dynasty, Gebi has made you countless enemies.”
Song Qingshu forced a bitter smile. “To have won Gebi’s heart, such troubles are nothing.”
“Your devotion is admirable,” Wanyan Liang said smoothly. “But a real man cannot live without power. You’ve suffered enough—do you truly wish to waste your life in a woman’s embrace?”
Song Qingshu hesitated. “This…”
Seizing the moment, Wanyan Liang pressed, “Even if you’re content, do you think you can keep Gebi forever?”
“What do you mean?” Let’s see what nonsense he spins now.
“Remember the courtesan from Autumn Fragrance Pavilion?” At Song Qingshu’s nod, Wanyan Liang continued, “She was once nobility, married to a high minister’s son—no less prestigious than Gebi. Yet her weak husband couldn’t protect her. She became another man’s plaything. A cautionary tale—doesn’t it worry you?”
‘Hypocrite. You’re the one coveting Gebi the most!’
“Then what should I do?” Song Qingshu played along.
“Cast aside sentiment. Seek power—it’s the only true shield in this world.”
“But how?”
Wanyan Liang smiled faintly and sipped his tea, feigning indifference.
Song Qingshu knew this was a ploy but pretended urgency. “Your Highness, I beg your guidance!”
“Why should I help you?”
Song Qingshu feigned speechlessness.
Wanyan Liang chuckled. “Brother Tang Guo, though we call each other brothers, we both know we’re not truly allies. And some words… are treasonous. How could I speak them lightly?”