Flower Stealing Master

Chapter 918: Leaving the Capital

Wanyan Liang had always been one to plan meticulously before acting. Without absolute certainty of success, he would never make a move. Thus, his faction had been agonizing over their current predicament. Although they had previously used the Laundry Courtyard incident to extend goodwill to Pucha Shijie, too little time had passed—this minor connection was far from enough to pull Pucha Ahutie’s faction onto their side.  

At this thought, Wanyan Liang gritted his teeth in frustration at Yang Guo. He had expended tremendous effort to locate Yang Guo among the commoners, bring him back to acknowledge his lineage, and then push him into a key position in the court. His goals had been twofold: first, to win over Prince Zhao Wanyan Honglie’s faction, and second, to leverage Yang Guo’s arranged marriage with Pucha Qiucao, Pucha Ahutie’s daughter. If Yang Guo had been part of his camp, Pucha Ahutie would have at least remained neutral out of deference, even if he refused to openly support them. But who could have expected Yang Guo to desert at the critical moment, rendering all his efforts futile?  

Thus, when Tudan Jing mentioned she had a way to divert this royalist force, how could Wanyan Liang not be thrilled?  

Recalling everything Song Qingshu had told her, Tudan Jing’s lips curled slightly. “My prince, when you attended the Golden Serpent Camp’s gathering, didn’t you encounter Mongols at an inn?”  

“Indeed.” Wanyan Liang’s expression darkened. Running into Zhao Min’s group had left him deeply impressed by the legendary Princess Shaomin, but the Mongols’ formidable entourage had humiliated him, nearly costing him his life. It was not a pleasant memory.  

“I recall you mentioning that you saw a core third-generation disciple of the Chongyang Palace acting suspiciously close to the Mongols?” Tudan Jing probed.  

“Yin Zhiping and Zhao Zhijing, third-generation disciples of the Chongyang Palace. Rumor has it Yin Zhiping is the next in line to become Palace leader.” Wanyan Liang’s eyes gleamed as he began to grasp his wife’s train of thought.  

Tudan Jing smiled. “Then we have a ready-made excuse. Colluding with the Mongols is the most taboo crime in the Dynasty. Have Tang Kuo Bian lead troops to ‘pacify’ the Chongyang Palace under the pretense of redeeming himself. This gives the emperor a face-saving way out while also diverting Pucha Ahutie’s main forces. Once they’re gone, won’t the entire capital fall into your hands, my prince?”  

“Brilliant!” Xiao Yu slammed the table in admiration. “Your Highness’s plan kills two birds with one stone—not only solving our headache but also earning Princess Daiguo’s gratitude. Absolutely masterful!”  

“Excellent. We’ll proceed as the princess suggests.” Wanyan Liang was overjoyed. “Emperor Taizong of Tang had his Empress Zhangsun as a wise consort, and now I have you, my dear. With such an advisor, how can my grand ambitions fail?”  

By comparing himself to Emperor Taizong of Tang—a ruler who had seized the throne through rebellion—Wanyan Liang’s intentions were laid bare. But since everyone present was his trusted confidant, no one batted an eye.  

*****  

After Wanyan Liang’s visit to the palace, an imperial edict was soon issued: Due to suspicions of the Chongyang Palace’s collusion with the Mongols, Tang Kuo Bian,Left Vice Minister of the Department of State Affairs and imperial son-in-law, was dispatched to Zhongnan Mountain to investigate and ensure the Palace accepted the Courtyard’s authority. Given the Chongyang Palace’s large following and influence in the martial world, Wanyan Ping would lead Laundry Courtyard experts to assist, while Pucha Ahutie, Left Vice Commander of the Imperial Guard, would take 3,000 imperial troops as a precaution.  

The edict was stern and urgent, demanding immediate departure. 

Song Qingshu mused: ‘It seems Wanyan Liang can no longer restrain himself from making his move.’  

Since Song Qingshu had been in the imperial prison, his release required formalities. By the time he was ready to leave the city, the others were already waiting outside. Spotting Wanyan Ping among them, he thought: ‘The Laundry Courtyard was severely weakened after the last incident, yet Wanyan Liang is still sending away its remnants. He truly leaves nothing to chance.’  

Gebi was also there. The moment she saw him, she rushed over and threw herself into his arms. “Husband~”  

Then, in a hushed voice, she added, “Qingshu, be careful on this journey. Sending you to Chongyang Palace is Wanyan Liang’s scheme—he definitely has ulterior motives.”  

Song Qingshu thought, ‘This was my plan all along.’ But with time pressing, he couldn’t explain. Instead, he reassured her, “Don’t worry. With my skills, Wanyan Liang can’t harm me. I’m more concerned about you. I’ve arranged for people to protect you in secret, but you must also stay vigilant. Avoid going out, strengthen the guards at home, and wait for my return.”  

“Mm!” Gebi hesitated, then glanced at Wanyan Ping nearby, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Remember to take good care of Ping’er for me.”  

“Of course. I’ll ensure her safety.” Though her tone struck him as odd, Song Qingshu didn’t dwell on it.  

Wanyan Ping coughed. “Brother-in-law, everyone’s waiting. Let’s move out!” She emphasized “brother-in-law” and winked at Gebi.  

Blushing, Gebi quickly pushed Song Qingshu away, suddenly aware of the thousands of eyes on them.  

Embarrassed, Song Qingshu bid her farewell and hurried to catch up with the main force, leaving Gebi behind, waving silently as his figure faded into the distance.  

*****  

Hidden in the shadows, Wanyan Chongjie huffed. “That heartless man didn’t even think to say goodbye to us before leaving.”  

Pucha Alihu chuckled. “Little girl, you should study more. ‘Heartless’ sounds like a lover’s complaint—how can a young lady say such things? Are you jealous of your aunt?”  

Wanyan Chongjie pouted. “People in the capital always said Auntie and Uncle were so deeply in love. But now it seems her heart was easily stolen by another man.”  

“Song Qingshu is a rare genius, handsome and extraordinary. It’s only natural your aunt fell for him. Enough staring—I’m heading back. Make sure to protect your aunt.” Pucha Alihu reminded her.  

“Fine, fine.” Wanyan Chongjie waved dismissively.  

*****  

Once the main force had left the capital, Song Qingshu exchanged pleasantries with Pucha Ahutie before summoning Wanyan Ping aside. “Ping’er, come here. I need to ask you something.”  

Wanyan Ping urged her horse closer, lips pursed. “‘Ping’er’ this, ‘Ping’er’ that—since when are we so close?”  

Song Qingshu blinked. “Are you still angry with your brother-in-law?”  

“Pah!” Wanyan Ping spat. “Stop pretending to be my brother-in-law.”  

“So you already know.” Song Qingshu smiled wryly. If he hadn’t realized by now, he might as well smash his head into a block of tofu. “I truly apologize for what happened before. I’ll take responsibility.”  

“Who needs your responsibility?” Wanyan Ping’s cheeks flushed. “We’ll settle that score later. What did you want to ask me?”