Flower Stealing Master

“What’s wrong? Did I scare you?” Seeing Huang Rong remain silent, Song Qingshu couldn’t help but laugh.

“I am indeed a bit surprised.” Huang Rong snapped out of her thoughts, instinctively tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. She picked up a teacup from the table and handed one to Song Qingshu. “This is the hope of all Han people. Here, I offer tea instead of wine to wish you success in your endeavor.”

Looking at the fair and delicate hand holding the teacup before him, Song Qingshu was momentarily dazed. Then he smiled and said, “Rong’er, I must drink this tea, but I think we should change the way we drink it.”

“Change how?” Huang Rong was taken aback.

“Like this.” Song Qingshu’s hand, holding the teacup, passed under her forearm before returning to the front.

Huang Rong’s fair cheeks instantly flushed red. Flustered, she quickly said, “Stop fooling around! This… this is the way a newlywed couple drinks their wedding toast!”

Song Qingshu shrugged and looked at the teacup before him. “Is this wine? It seems to be tea.”

Huang Rong was momentarily stunned and instinctively nodded.

“If it’s not wine, how can it be considered a wedding toast?” Song Qingshu chuckled, then downed the tea in one go. His gaze burned as he looked at her delicate, porcelain-like face. “Rong’er, you offered me a cup but didn’t drink one yourself. Could it be that you don’t wish for the success of reclaiming our homeland from the invaders?”

Song Qingshu’s expression turned serious. “Of course, it’s the same thing. In my opinion, if you refuse to drink this tea, then perhaps the heavens have already destined this endeavor for failure.”

“I used to think I was quite eloquent, but compared to you, I pale in comparison.” Huang Rong glared at him, exasperated. “Fine, I’ll drink it, alright?”

Though the gesture felt somewhat improper, as Song Qingshu had pointed out, it wasn’t actually wine. Therefore, she didn’t insist further. Tilting her head back, she downed the tea in one gulp.

Watching her slender, snow-white neck move as she swallowed the tea, Song Qingshu suddenly felt his heart stir.

“Are you satisfied now?” Huang Rong waved the empty teacup in front of him, rolling her eyes at him.

“I couldn’t be more satisfied.” Song Qingshu smiled faintly.

Huang Rong’s eyes flashed with mischief. “If you truly manage to drive out the invaders and unify the North one day, will you march south as well? I wouldn’t want to finish fighting the Mongols and Jurchens only to have to fight a tiger like you.”

Song Qingshu shrugged and replied firmly, “Yes.”

Huang Rong’s heart trembled. She had asked the question casually, as she didn’t believe he could truly unify the North. However, for some reason, hearing his confident answer made her feel an inexplicable sense of unease. Would they really have to become enemies one day? Ṙ₳𐌽ò𝔟Е𝘚

Seeing her pale complexion, Song Qingshu added, “When that day comes, I’ll lead a million soldiers to the gates of Xiangyang and declare that I’ll retreat the moment I have you. Rong’er, do you think the Southern Song court would sacrifice you to avoid war?”

Huang Rong’s heart skipped a beat. Given the despicable nature of the court officials, such a scenario wasn’t entirely impossible.

But she quickly regained her composure and huffed, “I’m not some commodity. If that ever happens, I’ll just leave. Besides, Brother Jing will protect me.”

Song Qingshu smirked. “With Hero Guo’s heart set on the people, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was the first to offer you as a sacrifice.”

Huang Rong’s face turned pale. “Shut up! Brother Jing would never do that to me!”

“Are you so sure?” Song Qingshu continued, “On one side, the lives of countless people, and on the other, the wife he loves. If he had to choose one, I’d bet he would choose the people.”

Seeing Huang Rong about to explode with rage, Song Qingshu added, “Of course, Hero Guo loves you deeply. If he makes that choice, he will surely be tormented and unable to face you. In the end, he might even take his own life to atone for it.”

Thinking of the tragic scene from Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils where Xiao Feng took his own life outside Yanmen Pass, Song Qingshu sighed. When a person is left with no choice, sometimes death is the only escape.

Initially, Huang Rong was furious at his attempt to sow discord between her and her husband, but after hearing his last words, her anger dissipated. Given her intelligence, she could easily picture such a scenario. Perhaps it would really happen as he said…

Seeing her lost in thought, Song Qingshu smiled at the perfect moment. “Rong’er, do you really think I’ll have the chance to lead a million soldiers to Xiangyang and demand you?”

Huang Rong gazed at him deeply. After a long pause, she finally spoke, “Though I think it’s unlikely… if that day ever comes, I hope you won’t bring an army to Xiangyang. I will come to you myself.” @@novelbin@@

“You fear that if I march to Xiangyang, Hero Guo will be forced into a desperate situation?” Song Qingshu saw through her thoughts instantly.

Huang Rong hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

Song Qingshu grinned, his expression slightly smug. “And when that day comes, what will you come to me for?”

Huang Rong’s lips curled into a smile, her previous shyness replaced by a different kind of radiance. “You can do whatever you want.”

Now it was Song Qingshu’s turn to be stunned. He had never expected such an answer from her. Just as he was about to speak, Huang Rong suddenly burst into laughter. “Look at how pleased you are. Do you really think you’ll unify the North one day?”

Song Qingshu’s smile faded. “In this world, nothing is impossible.”

The confidence on his face left Huang Rong momentarily dazed. A fleeting thought crossed her mind—perhaps that day really would come…

“Rong’er, remember what you said today.” Hearing her words, Song Qingshu was in high spirits.

Huang Rong’s face flushed, and she huffed, “What did I say? I don’t remember.”

Song Qingshu gave her a knowing look and said calmly, “You will remember when the time comes.”

Huang Rong’s smile gradually disappeared. Both of them were intelligent people and knew what such a situation would entail. If that day ever came, surrendering herself would be her only option.

Sensing the heavy atmosphere, Song Qingshu suddenly changed the subject. “Now it’s my turn to ask a question, right?”

Huang Rong quickly composed herself. Worrying about such possibilities now was pointless, so she smiled gently. “Go ahead.”

They continued their conversation, this time focusing on trivial matters of daily life. As they exchanged questions, they got to know each other better, and their bond seemed to grow closer.

“It’s getting late. Maybe we should stop here for tonight.” Given their current posture, even Huang Rong found her heart wavering. She knew that while the atmosphere was warm and pleasant, now was the best time to call it a night.

“But this game started with your question, so I still have one last question left.” Song Qingshu’s smile took on a peculiar edge.

“What a petty man.” Huang Rong huffed. “Fine, ask away.”

Leaning forward, Song Qingshu brought his lips close to her ear and whispered a few words:

“Rong’er, between me and Hero Guo, whose is bigger…?”

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