Flower Stealing Master

Chapter 784: The Fifth Princess

Seeing Wanyan Yuan’s discomposed state, a flash of triumph flickered in Wanyan Liang’s eyes, though he quickly concealed it. He hurriedly said, “Let’s set aside the matter of Taoyao for now. There’s another crisis you should be aware of.”

“What crisis?” Wanyan Yuan’s breathing grew ragged, his mind a tangled mess as he asked reflexively.

“The… Prince Wei!” Wanyan Liang deliberately drew out the words, and as expected, Wanyan Yuan’s expression drastically changed.

Noticing his reaction, Wanyan Liang continued, “The current Emperor’s crown prince died young, and he has no other sons. Thus, the Prince Wei is effectively the sole heir to the throne. Unfortunately, from what I know, your relationship with him is far from harmonious.”

“Far from harmonious? It’s outright hostile!” Wanyan Yuan laughed bitterly. “I don’t know what’s gotten into that brat, but for years now, he’s been targeting me at every turn. I only retaliated when I couldn’t take it anymore. Back and forth—our relationship is exactly as you see it now.”

“Which is precisely why I called him another crisis,” Wanyan Liang sighed, his face etched with worry. “Truth be told, the Emperor’s health isn’t the best. If you’re lucky, you might outlive him… Well, I won’t spell it out further—I’m sure you understand. But even then, once the new Emperor ascends, your fate is sealed.”

Wanyan Yuan’s expression shifted repeatedly. He wasn’t ignorant of these facts, but he had always clung to a sliver of hope. Now that Wanyan Liang had shattered his illusions, he realized just how dire his situation truly was.

Abruptly, Wanyan Yuan stood and knelt before Wanyan Liang. “Elder Brother, I beg you to save me.” Though Wanyan Liang was the eldest grandson of the founding Emperor’s main line, his father had not been the primary consort’s son, costing him the throne. Nevertheless, by seniority, he was indeed Wanyan Yuan’s elder brother.

Wanyan Liang feigned surprise and quickly moved to help him up. “King of Changsheng, what are you doing? Rise at once!”

“If Elder Brother won’t save me, I’m as good as dead anyway. I might as well kneel here until I die,” Wanyan Yuan insisted stubbornly, his gaze pleading.
“You’re putting me in a difficult position,” Wanyan Liang said with a bitter smile.

“If Elder Brother helps me survive this crisis, I will repay this great kindness tenfold,” Wanyan Yuan pressed, sensing hesitation in his tone and growing hopeful.

Wanyan Liang’s eyes narrowed. “Do I look like someone who craves repayment?”

Wanyan Yuan hurriedly explained, “My words were careless. Please don’t take offense, Elder Brother.”

“Fine,” Wanyan Liang sighed theatrically. “Since you’ve already gifted me such a generous present today, they say ‘no reward without merit.’ I’ll give you a piece of advice. Whether it helps or not will depend on your own fortune.”

“Please enlighten me, Elder Brother,” Wanyan Yuan said eagerly.

“Stand up first.” Wanyan Liang helped him to his feet, then hesitated as if carefully choosing his words. Wanyan Yuan held his breath, not daring to interrupt.

After a long silence, Wanyan Liang finally murmured, “Do you remember what happened between Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong?”

“Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong?” Wanyan Yuan was stunned, clearly not grasping his meaning.

“I can say no more. The rest is for you to ponder.” Wanyan Liang smiled faintly, ignoring Wanyan Yuan’s attempts to stop him, and strode out of the private room, leaving Wanyan Yuan alone in stunned silence.

“I understand!” After what felt like an eternity, Wanyan Yuan suddenly slammed the table, his face alight with realization. His breathing quickened. ‘After Emperor Taizu’s death, the throne didn’t pass to his son but to his younger brother, Emperor Taizong. Since there’s already a precedent, even if I take drastic measures later, no one can criticize me!’

***** 

Though Song Qingshu wasn’t in that private room, he had guessed most of what transpired. However, his focus now was on the courtesan he was about to meet.

‘Should I ask her directly about the other princesses in the Laundry Court, or should I probe subtly?’ Song Qingshu was troubled. He didn’t know what the Fifth Princess truly thought. From an outsider’s perspective, she ought to yearn for her homeland, but after years of suffering, who knew if she had resigned herself to being a slave to the Jin? If he questioned her outright and she betrayed him to the Jin, it would be a disaster.

Moreover, this matter was too critical. Even if the Fifth Princess hadn’t turned traitor, women of her time were often poor at keeping secrets. If word of his rescue plan leaked, not only would the Northern Song princesses be doomed, but even Song Yuanqiao and the others would be beyond saving.

After much deliberation, Song Qingshu decided to observe first and interact with the Fifth Princess before making a decision.

Following the enthusiastic directions of the Autumn Fragrance Pavilion’s staff—who had been instructed by the King of Changsheng—Song Qingshu arrived at the courtesan’s door. Dismissing the attendants with a wave, he took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

As he entered, Song Qingshu focused intently on the courtesan. When she heard someone enter, her body visibly trembled.

‘It seems she hasn’t completely given up yet.’ Song Qingshu nodded inwardly but knew he needed further interaction to be sure.

After locking the door, he swaggered toward her. With no other choice, she rose and curtsied. “This humble one greets the Imperial Son-in-Law.”

“Oh? You recognize me?” Song Qingshu looked down at her, studying her closely. Her fair skin glowed like delicate rouge under the candlelight, her delicate features and faint willow-leaf brows marking her as a classic beauty of the Jiangnan region.

“The madam informed me earlier that I would be serving the Imperial Son-in-Law tonight,” the courtesan replied softly, her voice gentle and melodious.

“What’s your name?” Song Qingshu casually pulled up a chair and sat down.

After a brief hesitation, she answered, “My given name is Fujin.”

“Zhao Fujin?” Song Qingshu frowned. “What an ugly name.”

He was puzzled. As a former princess, how could her name be so vulgar? But then he reconsidered—in his past life, hadn’t parents frequently named their daughters with overly trendy characters like “Xuan” or “Zi”? What sounded pleasant now might seem laughably tacky centuries later.

Hearing the mockery in his tone, a flicker of anger crossed the courtesan’s brow, but she simply lowered her head and murmured, “The Imperial Son-in-Law is right to correct me.”

Seeing her submissive demeanor, Song Qingshu frowned inwardly. ‘Years of captivity have worn down her spirit. I wonder how much fight she has left.’

“I heard you were once a princess of the Northern Song?” he probed deliberately.

Her expression remained unreadable. “That’s all in the past. Now I’m just a courtesan.”

“A courtesan?” Song Qingshu snorted. “So you’ve had many customers?”

“Tonight is my first time receiving a guest,” she retorted instinctively before her expression dimmed. “Though, given my tainted past, it’s not much different.”

Seeing her despondency, Song Qingshu realized he wouldn’t glean much this way. Deciding to provoke her, he asked, “I heard you were once the daughter-in-law of Cai Jing. Your husband was named Cai Xiu, wasn’t he?”

“Cai Xiu?” A trace of recollection flashed across her face before she shook her head indifferently. “I don’t remember.”

Song Qingshu’s frown deepened. “How could you forget your own husband’s name?”

“Husband?” Her composure cracked, her voice rising with emotion. “What kind of husband was he? A husband is supposed to protect his wife, but when the Jin demanded me by name, he didn’t dare utter a word! What’s the point of remembering such a spineless coward?”

“Whether he spoke up or not, your fate wouldn’t have changed,” Song Qingshu said, trying to console her.

“His ability to protect me is one thing—his willingness is another! I needed to see his stance!” Her breathing grew ragged, her chest heaving.

“Have some water. The past is the past.” Song Qingshu poured a cup from the porcelain jug on the table and handed it to her.

A strange light flickered in her eyes as she accepted the cup but didn’t drink. Instead, she simply stared at him.

Song Qingshu chuckled. “Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?”

“You’re different from other Jin men,” she admitted, quickly averting her gaze and staring at the cup. Softly, she added, “Also, this is wine, not water.”

“Ah… I didn’t notice.” Song Qingshu was mortified. His focus had been entirely on extracting information, leading to this blunder.

“Other Jin men are crude and brutish. The moment they see me, they—” She shuddered and took a quick sip of wine, her cheeks flushing. Perhaps emboldened by the alcohol, she steadied herself. “Others just pounce on me the instant they see me. But you’re different. You actually talk to me… and even blush.” A faint smile touched her lips.

‘Damn, this is embarrassing!’

Song Qingshu, who prided himself on his charm, had never expected to be outplayed. His expression darkened.

To regain control, he abruptly pulled her into his lap and growled, “If you prefer it rough, don’t blame me for obliging.”

Caught off guard by his sudden shift, she gasped as she found herself seated in his arms. Her expression briefly darkened before she forced a smile. “I belong to you tonight, my lord. There’s no need to rush.”