Flower Stealing Master

Chapter 834: Valuation and Reward

The pitiful cry from Gebi left Song Qingshu’s legs half weak with tenderness. He hurried forward to help her up. “Madam, you need not worry. I promised Brother Tang Kuo I would avenge him—even if you said nothing, I would still do it.”  

Without much thought, he reached out and grasped her arms to steady her. 

Gebi felt the warmth of his palms, and a faint blush crept onto her jade-like cheeks as she instinctively pulled away.  

Song Qingshu froze for a moment before smiling bitterly. ‘Even after the intimacy we shared, she still tenses up at the slightest touch. It seems she truly dislikes me.’  

“Brother-in-law, could you give me a definite timeframe?” Gebi’s sorrowful expression deepened as she saw his hesitation. “Knowing who my enemy is yet being unable to act—I don’t know how much longer I can endure. If you could give me a clear deadline, at least I would have something to hope for. Otherwise, this thirst for vengeance might drive me mad.”  

Song Qingshu hesitated before shaking his head. “Giving you a random promise now would be irresponsible. Wanyan Liang may not seem like the most powerful man on the surface, but from what I’ve seen, his hidden influence is terrifying. Until I’m absolutely certain, any words would be empty.”  

Gebi sighed softly. “Wanyan Liang’s strength is formidable. Asking you to take such a risk is unreasonable of me. Please rest well, my lord. I shall take my leave.” Her face was expressionless as she turned to leave.  

Song Qingshu quickly stepped forward and caught her delicate wrist. “Madam, you misunderstand. My words just now weren’t an excuse—I truly wish to help you.”  

Gebi glanced at his hand on her wrist. “Men and women should maintain propriety. Please restrain yourself, my lord.”  

“Propriety? What nonsense!” Song Qingshu’s temper flared at her tone. “We’ve already rolled between the sheets multiple times—how much more ‘proprietary’ do we need to be?”  

A rosy flush spread across Gebi’s snow-white face as she shot him a glare. “Watch your words, my lord. I am newly widowed, and you are Wogula’s sworn brother. I have no wish to invite gossip.”  

Song Qingshu smirked. “If you’re bringing up my oath with Tang Kuo Bian, then let’s discuss that. Why were you calling me ‘Brother-in-law’ earlier, but now it’s all cold and formal with ‘my lord’?”  

“How would you like me to address you, then?” Gebi pressed her lips together, giving him a deep look.  

At such close range, Song Qingshu couldn’t help but marvel at her beauty—as if carved by divine hands. Her eyes sparkled like gemstones, and her flawless face bore no imperfections.  

His heart stirred, and the words slipped out before he could stop them: “I want you to call me the way you used to.”  

“How did I used to call you?” Gebi blinked in confusion—‘I’ve never even met you before!’ Then she realized he was referring to when he had impersonated Tang Kuo Bian. A furious blush spread across her cheeks. “Don’t even think about it!”  

Song Qingshu’s expression turned teasing. “Actually, according to my agreement with Brother Tang Kuo, you should be calling me ‘husband’ now.”  

“That was ‘your’ agreement—what does it have to do with me?” Gebi inwardly cursed her late husband. ‘What kind of man just hands his wife over to another?’ But then she remembered—Tang Kuo Bian had done it to ensure her protection, binding Song Qingshu to her so she wouldn’t be mistreated.  

Song Qingshu chuckled, not pressing further. “I agree that Brother Tang Kuo’s arrangement was absurd. You needn’t take it seriously, madam.”  

Gebi looked at him in surprise. Over the years, countless men had pursued her for her beauty. Any other man would have exploited such an advantageous agreement to the fullest—yet here he was, dismissing it without a second thought.  

“You said it yourself—don’t regret it later.” She couldn’t help but press, still doubtful.  

Song Qingshu nodded with a smile. “In my view, unless you’re willing, no one has the right to give you away—not even your husband. In this matter, I think Brother Tang Kuo acted shamefully.”  

“Don’t you dare insult Wogula!” Gebi shot him a reproachful look before sighing softly. “After so many years of marriage, if I don’t understand why he did this, who would? If the murderer weren’t Wanyan Liang, he would never have resorted to such measures. In his heart, my happiness mattered most—even if I remarried his killer, he would only wish me well. But Wanyan Liang is my blood relative. He could never marry me openly. I’d end up as his plaything, just like Chongjie’s mother…”  

“Besides, Wogula knew my heart. He knew I would seek revenge. But Wanyan Liang’s power is immense, and for some reason, my imperial brother trusts him blindly now. Without that protection, challenging him would be like an egg striking a stone.”  

“Even if I didn’t go after Wanyan Liang, he would come for me. The Tang Kuo clan lacks the strength to shield me, and my brother is unreliable. I wouldn’t be able to resist him—my future would be bleak. So Wogula used this strange method. Avenging him was secondary; his true goal was to secure your protection for me.”  

Tears welled up again as she spoke. “But after all the love and devotion Wogula showed me, how could I ‘not’ avenge him?”  

Song Qingshu reached out, gently wiping away her tears. “Few couples in this world share a bond as deep as yours.”  

Gebi trembled at his touch but didn’t pull away this time. After a long silence, she suddenly looked up. “If you can help me take revenge quickly, I’ll pay you accordingly.”  

Song Qingshu laughed dryly. “Hiring me doesn’t come cheap.”  

“Then how much do you think I’m worth?” Gebi’s eyes shimmered with an unreadable light as she gazed at him.  

Song Qingshu’s throat moved as he swallowed hard. “Don’t joke about this.”  

“I’m not joking.” Her initial hesitation gave way to resolve. “In your heart, what value do I hold?”  

“Enough to topple cities and kingdoms,” Song Qingshu rasped.  

“Good.” A sweet smile curved her lips before she closed the distance between them in a swift motion—her soft lips pressing against his.  

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