“Dare I ask, Your Highness, how can one truly become an ally?” Song Qingshu’s lips curled, his fox tail finally showing.
“This king requires Brother Tang Kuo to offer a pledge of allegiance,” Wanyan Liang’s voice carried a subtle undertone.
“What pledge does Your Highness desire?” Song Qingshu sneered inwardly.
Wanyan Liang smiled without answering, standing to gaze into the garden.
Song Qingshu followed his gaze, spotting Gebi chatting merrily with the Consort Tudan Jing, his face darkening.
Seeing no outburst, Wanyan Liang’s heart leaped—Tang Kuo Bian’s reaction suggested potential.
“Brother Tang Kuo, don’t think this king covets beauty. Gebi is the emperor’s sister, and our words must never reach him. To ensure secrecy, this is the only way. Only then can we trust you won’t betray us, proving we’re on the same boat,” Wanyan Liang explained earnestly.
“I’d rather not board such a boat.” Song Qingshu stood abruptly, as if to leave.
Wanyan Liang remained composed, leisurely saying, “Brother Tang Kuo, you seem quite fond of my consort.”
Wanyan Liang rose, approaching him. “I know sacrificing Gebi is no small ask. To show my sincerity…” He paused, whispering, “I’ll exchange my consort for her.”
‘He’s really courting death with this request!’ Song Qingshu sighed inwardly.
Wanyan Liang was bold—such acts were taboo in his past life, unspeakable sins.
‘If you seek death, I’ll ensure you lose both wife and soldiers.’
Seeing him halt, Wanyan Liang grew confident Tang Kuo Bian was tempted but needed more persuasion. “Though Tudan Jing isn’t as stunning as Gebi, she’s a renowned beauty in the capital. As my consort, her status ensures you lose nothing.”
Song Qingshu glanced at Tudan Jing—elegant, graceful, with the regal air of a consort. Truly exquisite.
“But Gebi may not agree,” Song Qingshu said, swallowing hard, voice hoarse as if torn, though inwardly he sneered. He’d never sacrifice Gebi, but Wanyan Liang offering his w!fe? That piqued his interest.
‘Success!’ Wanyan Liang rejoiced, quickly adding, “Brother Tang Kuo, you don’t need to tell her. Afterward, only we two will know. No need for guilt or explanations. You can live as before, undisturbed.”
“How could that work?” Song Qingshu was genuinely curious.
Wanyan Liang grinned slyly, whispering, “There are many ways, drrgs is the simplest way; but if you want to pursue excitement and don’t want to use drrgs, there are also ways, such as letting her stay in a dark room first, and we both stand outside the door at the same time, and then after you talk to her, I will go in, and then she can’t see my face in the dark, and because she just talked to you, she subconsciously thinks I am you, and the rest of the things will be a matter of course…”
Song Qingshu was stunned.
In his past life, Wanyan Liang would’ve been a legendary rogue, outshining any scandalous figure.
“The latter sounds more thrilling,” Song Qingshu said with a sly smile. ‘If you want to play, let’s play big—I’ll make you regret it.’
“Exactly my thought,” Wanyan Liang chuckled, then, mindful of his dignity, wiped his mouth and said seriously, “This isn’t honorable. Only we must know. If the women find out, it’ll be trouble.”
“Naturally,” Song Qingshu agreed.
Gebi, the emperor’s sister, and Tudan Jing, daughter of the Tudan clan’s patriarch and now a consort—either causing a scene would be a headache.
Wanyan Liang slung an arm around him, warmly saying, “Since we’re agreed, we’re allies. I can’t share everything yet, but I’ll hint at some plans.”
Curious about Wanyan Liang’s schemes, Song Qingshu just played along, and couldn’t help but prick up his ears.
“Brother Tang Kuo, the emperor’s health worsens daily. Pardon my disrespect, but no one knows what tomorrow holds,” Wanyan Liang chuckled. “Your trip to Kaifeng was likely to earn merit, yes?”
Song Qingshu nodded, smiling wryly. “Sadly, I failed. Guo Jing escaped, I was captured—no merit, just disgrace.”
Wanyan Liang patted his shoulder. “Don’t dwell on it. Small merits are trivial. Know the greatest merit in the world?”
Song Qingshu looked puzzled. “What?”
Wanyan Liang leaned in, whispering four words: “The Merit of Supporting the Dragon!”
Song Qingshu’s face shifted. Wanyan Liang’s ambitions were vast!
“But such merit isn’t easily earned,” Wanyan Liang continued. “Adding flourish is less valued than aid in crisis. Rulers despise fence-sitters. Choose early, choose right, to claim this immense merit.”
“But the emperor has only Prince Wei as his son,” Song Qingshu said, confused.
“Yet he’s never formally named Prince Wei as heir,” Wanyan Liang said with a cryptic smile. “And Brother Tang Kuo, have you forgotten our dynasty’s founder passing the throne to his brother?”
“You mean the King of Changsheng?” Song Qingshu exclaimed, feigning realization, staring intently. “Which side does Your Highness stand on?”
Wanyan Liang laughed. “I’ve shared enough today. Once ‘that’ matter’s done, we’ll talk more.”
Song Qingshu’s expression shifted.
Wanyan Liang wouldn’t reveal more without getting Gebi—a true hawk waiting for prey.
“Very well…” Song Qingshu’s eyes moved to the elegant and beautiful Consort Tudan Jing in the distance, and a playful smile appeared at the corner of his lips.