Flower Stealing Master

Chapter 1084: An Absurd Request

Song Qingshu looked at the other party with amusement: “Uncle Li, you must have a plan this time.”

Li Kexiu’s face flushed, and he smiled awkwardly: “Nephew, you are indeed insightful. I was thinking that since this is a golden opportunity for Han Xin, if we can rescue him, do him a huge favor, and then take the opportunity to sign a non-aggression pact with him, he will naturally be too embarrassed to attack us after returning to the Southern Song Dynasty.”

“Is that so?” Song Qingshu tapped his fingers lightly on the table. His greatest enemy had always been the Mongols, and at this stage, going to war with the Southern Song Dynasty would indeed be unwise. Not only would it waste resources, but it would also easily lose the hearts of the Han people.

“Alright, we’ll sell Han Dingxiao.” With that, Song Qingshu made up his mind. In fact, even if Li Kexiu hadn’t said anything, he still wanted to save Han Dingxiao.

On the surface, it seemed highly likely that after Han Dingxiao was rescued and returned to the Southern Song Dynasty, he would launch a northern expedition against the Jin Dynasty. And now, with the Jin Dynasty under Song Qingshu’s control, it seemed like an unwise choice.

Unfortunately, the reality was not so simple. Currently, within the Southern Song Dynasty, three powerful ministers were vying for power: Han Dingxiao, followed by Jia Sidao and Shi Miyuan. The other two needed to unite to counter Han Dingxiao.

The current situation in the Southern Song court was actually at a delicate balance. Besides the Jin Dynasty, the two most unwilling to see Han Dingxiao’s northern expedition succeed were Jia Sidao and Shi Miyuan. If the Northern Expedition succeeds, Han Xin’s prestige will soar to unprecedented heights. What leverage will the two men have to fight him then?

Therefore, Han Xin’s enemies, Jia Sidao and Shi Miyuan, will undoubtedly try every means to pull him back. Historically, Han Xin’s downfall was due to the machinations of his political rivals within the pro-peace faction of the court. In this chaotic world, Han Xin’s enemies have become two of the most notorious and ruthless figures in history. The problems he will face will be ten times more difficult than during the actual Northern Expedition. Considering all the information, Song Qingshu is very certain that even if Han Xin does nothing, Jia Sidao and Shi Miyuan will take care of him.

Therefore, Han Xin’s threat is not a real concern. More importantly, Song Qingshu can use this opportunity to completely destroy the Jin army. He had complete control.

Although Tang Kuo Bian was nominally the supreme commander of the Jin Dynasty, his rapid rise inevitably led to instability in his power base. A large portion of the military’s power was held by the Taizong faction and several powerful families. If Han Xin were to seize power, he could legitimately take control of the army. During wartime, promoting his cronies, installing his subordinates, and purging political enemies would be far easier than in ordinary times.

Of course, Song Qingshu had another consideration. The infighting within the Southern Song court was the most advantageous situation for him. If Han Xin were to seize power, Jia Sidao could easily become too powerful. Historically, Jia Sidao held absolute control over the Southern Song’s military, political, and financial power. Given the opportunity in this world, he believed he would still try to retain all power.

The Southern Song Dynasty The monopoly of the Tang family was not a good thing for Song Qingshu, so after much thought, he finally decided to take action against Han Dingxin.

This is why he had agreed to help Cheng Yaojia and Lu Guanying rescue Han Dingxin earlier. It wasn’t because he was blinded by lust, but because he had already secretly decided to rescue Han Dingxin. Cheng Yaojia had come to ask him for help, so why not do her a favor?

Seeing Song Qingshu agree to help, Li Kexiu was overjoyed. The two spent the next day discussing how to rescue Han Dingxin.

When he returned to the Golden Dragon Gang’s stronghold, he found Lu Guanying pacing outside his room. He couldn’t help but chuckle, Lu Guanying was probably afraid that he  wouldn’t give him the Evil Exterminating Sword Manual.

“Young Master Lu, what brings you here so late?” Song Qingshu glanced around, surprised that Cheng Yaojia wasn’t there.

“I have something I’d like to ask you, Young Master…” Lu Guanying hesitated, his face showing hesitation.

“Come in and we’ll talk.” Song Qingshu pushed open the door, inwardly unconcerned. He figured the other party had come seeking his help primarily for the Evil Exterminating Sword Manual or to rescue Han Dingxiao.

Upon entering, Lu Guanying appeared visibly uneasy, opening his mouth several times but remaining silent.

Song Qingshu smiled, “Young Master Lu, please don’t stand on ceremony. If there’s anything difficult, just say so. If it’s within my power, I will certainly do it without hesitation.”

“Young Master can certainly do it, but I’m afraid you won’t agree,” Lu Guanying said, his eyes flickering, clearly hesitant.

“Oh, tell me,” Song Qingshu said, intrigued.

Lu Guanying took a deep breath, as if making a huge decision: “What does Young Master think of Yaojia?”

Song Qingshu frowned, puzzled by the sudden mention of his wife. He could only nod, “Madam Lu is beautiful and gentle, a rare and wonderful wife. Young Master Lu is truly blessed.” 

“Yes,” Lu Guanying gave a bitter smile, “It’s a pity that something like this has happened to me, and I’m afraid it will be a burden to her for the rest of her life.”

Song Qingshu was exasperated, thinking to himself that he was becoming a busybody, constantly comforting this couple. However, since the Lu family would be of great use in the future, he patiently said, “Young Master, why do you say that? After what happened, Madam Lu still stands by you. She’s clearly not the kind of person who’s afraid you’ll be a burden to her.”

“She is indeed very good,” Lu Guanying sighed, “That’s why I feel even more sorry for her. I, as her husband, can’t be her support for the rest of her life. So I want to give her a son, so she’ll have something to look forward to in the future.” 

“What’s so difficult about that? You can…” Song Qingshu’s eyes suddenly widened as he finally realized what Lu Guanying meant. He was clearly no longer able to have $ex, so how could he give Cheng Yaojia a son?

Lu Guanying, seeing his expression, knew what he was thinking and couldn’t help but smile bitterly: “Young master, you don’t know, but even if this hadn’t happened, I might not have been able to give her a son.”

Song Qingshu frowned: “Why?”

“Yaojia and I have been married for many years, and her belly has remained flat all these years. Therefore, people in the clan often gossip about her behind her back. However, I privately consulted a doctor, and the problem is likely with me.” 

Originally, Lu Guanying would never have told outsiders about something so shameful, but now that something more serious has happened, this matter has become insignificant.

Song Qingshu immediately felt relieved. No wonder; in the original story, Lu Guanying was a decent young man, but after getting to know him recently, he seemed rather despicable and sleazy. It turned out it was because of this matter. After all, infertility is a devastating blow to a man, and year after year under such pressure, even the most sunny personality would inevitably become somewhat distorted.

“Young Master Lu, telling me this is useless. I’m not a doctor, I can’t help you.” Song Qingshu had a vague guess in his mind, but quickly dismissed the thought; it was too absurd, how could it be!

“Of course, Young Master can help me!” Lu Guanying immediately became excited.

“Ah?” Song Qingshu was dumbfounded. How could he help with something like this?

Lu Guanying immediately bowed deeply, saying, “I hope that you, young master, will not despise my wife’s plain appearance and will bestow your blessings so that she may successfully conceive.”

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