Flower Stealing Master

Kaifeng was not far from Mount Song. Utilizing Qinggong, Song Qingshu rushed along the way and arrived at his destination by dusk.

“Move along, move along! Do you think you can just barge into the residence of the Military Commissioner?” The guard at the entrance impatiently waved his hand. He greeted visitors daily and was familiar with almost everyone associated with his master. Song Qingshu was a complete stranger to him. Moreover, dressed in Han attire, he was even less inclined to take him seriously.

Song Qingshu smiled wryly. ‘Meeting the King of Hell is easy, but dealing with his little devils is tough.’ A mere courtyard wall could not have stopped him, but since he was here to ask for a favor, sneaking in would not be appropriate. Thus, he decided to approach things openly.

“I really know your lady. Handsome, just look at my pure and innocent smile—do I look like someone who would lie?” Song Qingshu forced a smile, speaking with an awkward tone.

The guard snorted. “If you looked like a liar, how would you deceive anyone? You Han people are the most cunning. I won’t fall for your tricks.”

Song Qingshu nearly lost his temper and slapped the guard right then and there. However, as the saying went, even when beating a dog, one must consider its master. He shared some history with Madame Tang, and killing her subordinate upon their second meeting would not reflect well on him.

He had already tried numerous ways to get through, yet this guard remained utterly impervious to persuasion. Frustrated, he even considered using his Lion’s Roar to call Madame Tang out directly.

In the end, he resisted that tempting idea and kept reminding himself of Lei Lao Hu’s words—‘we must win people over with virtue, with virtue!’

“Give this to your lady. She will know who I am,” Song Qingshu finally thought of a solution. He retrieved a dagger from his robes and handed it over.

This was the very same Chastity Guardian Madame Tang had gifted him. Finding it incredibly sharp, he had kept it on him for emergencies—who would have thought it would come in handy now?

The guard’s eyes widened in shock. The dagger was inlaid with several precious gems, clearly an extremely valuable item. Moreover, he recognized it as something only Jurchen nobles would possess. Taking a sharp breath, he hesitated. ‘Could this delicate-looking man really know the lady?’

“Young Master, I was only doing my duty. I hope you won’t take offense,” the guard immediately changed his demeanor. “I will inform the lady right away. Please wait here for a moment.”

Song Qingshu nodded slightly, unbothered by the guard’s sudden shift in attitude.

As the guard walked away, he smirked coldly to himself. ‘I’m only treating you politely just in case. If the lady doesn’t recognize that dagger, you’ll be in for a world of trouble!’

Song Qingshu paid no attention to the guard’s expression. They were not even on the same level—would an elephant ever concern itself with an ant’s thoughts?

Not long after, the grand gates of the Military Commissioner’s residence swung open. A group of people hurriedly stepped out, led by none other than the enchantingly seductive Madame Tang, her slender waist swaying and her face glowing like a peach blossom.

“Young Master, it really is you!”

Upon recognizing Song Qingshu, Madame Tang’s expression turned ecstatic. She immediately rushed forward, cradling his hand in hers. “Am I dreaming?”

Feeling the softness of her bosom against the back of his hand, Song Qingshu couldn’t help but look a little embarrassed. His eyes were drawn to the tall, muscular man standing beside her. The man had bronzed skin, a thick beard, and wore a felt hat, exuding an aura of sheer dominance.

Song Qingshu’s heart tightened. Judging by the man’s attire and presence, he was no mere servant of the residence. ‘Could this be Madame Tang’s husband—the Military Commissioner of Chongyi Army?’  

Instinctively, Song Qingshu withdrew his hand. Though he had always been reckless, he wasn’t so audacious as to openly flirt with another man’s wife right in front of him.

Madame Tang noticed his reaction, and a fleeting look of disappointment crossed her eyes. She cast him a wistful glance. “Young Master, why do you seem so distant?”

‘You’re quite bold, aren’t you? Flirting in front of your husband like this!’

Song Qingshu silently ridiculed her but maintained a composed smile. “Madam, might this gentleman be the Military Commissioner?”

Madame Tang blinked, then quickly realized what he was worried about. Covering her mouth with a laugh, she explained, “Young Master, you’re overthinking things. He is not my husband. He is my elder brother—Tang Kuo Bian, the Vice Commander of the Imperial Guards.”

“The Vice Commander of the Imperial Guards?”

Song Qingshu was taken aback. Jin and the Qing were sister states, and having spent considerable time in the Qing court, he knew the Jin court structure well. This position was responsible for overseeing the palace guards—an immensely important role.

Yet, he couldn’t help but find it odd. ‘How are these two even siblings?’ The sister was charming and seductive, while the brother was a burly brute. They looked nothing alike. ‘The world is full of strange things indeed.’  

“This must be the benefactor my sister often mentions! I’ve finally had the honor of meeting you in person. You are indeed a fine young man!” Tang Kuo Bian laughed heartily, though Song Qingshu could detect a hint of disdain in his gaze.

‘Sigh, being too handsome is really a burden.’

Song Qingshu inwardly sighed. It was obvious Tang Kuo Bian viewed him as a pretty boy—a mere plaything for his sister. He likely thought Madame Tang had exaggerated her “benefactor’s” virtues.

Song Qingshu merely smiled and said nothing. He couldn’t very well tell the man, ‘I could probably slap you to the ground with a single palm strike.’

“Come, come, let’s continue our conversation inside.” Madame Tang eagerly grabbed Song Qingshu’s hand and led him into the residence.

She had no idea that her previous encounter with him was due to his Bewitching Technique—they hadn’t actually ‘done anything’. However, since Zhao Min had stepped in to ‘sacrifice herself’ that night, Madame Tang’s memories of the event remained sweet, albeit mistaken about the person involved.

The next morning, Song Qingshu had left without saying goodbye, leaving her longing for more. Now that they had finally reunited, she refused to let him slip away again, clinging to him tightly.

With her brother present, Song Qingshu wasn’t as shameless as she was. Taking the opportunity, he discreetly whispered in her ear, “Your husband…”

Madame Tang flashed him a bewitching smile, her sultry gaze flickering with mischief. “Don’t worry. He won’t be home for the next few days.”

Her flirtatious glance sent a jolt through his heart. He couldn’t help but inwardly curse, ‘What a little temptress!’  

When Song Qingshu arrived, the siblings had just been about to start their evening banquet. Now, there was no need to set up an extra feast. They simply pulled him in to join them.

With Tang Kuo Bian present, Song Qingshu was contemplating how to find a private moment to ask Madame Tang about Song Yuanqiao and the others’ whereabouts. Before he could act, the siblings began to toast him one after another.

Madame Tang, all charm and grace, gazed at him with watery eyes as she raised her cup, her meaning unmistakable. Given their relationship, he understood. But Tang Kuo Bian?

‘We don’t even know each other, mate. Why are you so eager to drink with me? You’re a big, burly guy, and yet you keep clinking glasses with me. What’s the deal?!’

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