Flower Stealing Master

Chapter 936: The Deed of Sale

Qiu Qianren’s current state of mind was truly beyond words. He inwardly cursed Ouyang Feng for having no principles whatsoever, though he only dared to think such things. He was no match for Song Qingshu alone, let alone with the addition of the notoriously ruthless Western Venom.

He was quick to assess the situation. Knowing that Wanyan Liang’s defeat was inevitable, he had sided with him merely for wealth and status. Why would he be foolish enough to sacrifice his life for him?

Hearing Song Qingshu’s question, he gave an awkward laugh, cleared his throat, and then said with a straight face, “Brother Ouyang and I are old friends. We have always stood together, and this time is no exception.”

Ouyang Feng shot him a strange look. ‘Since when were we such good friends?’ He thought few could match Qiu Qianren in shamelessness, but he kept these thoughts to himself. This was not the time to expose him.

Seeing the master-level experts he had spent a fortune to recruit betray him so readily, Wanyan Liang was furious. He quickly grabbed Daiqisi and Empress Pei Man, using them as shields. “Surnamed Song, I admit defeat today. But if you want them to live, you will let me leave.”

Song Qingshu feigned surprise. “Your Highness, are you mistaken? These two women have no relation to me. Why should I let you go for their sake?”

Though Empress Pei Man knew he was speaking deliberately, she couldn’t help but feel uneasy, worried that Song Qingshu might truly abandon her. However, having weathered many storms, she understood that revealing her close ties to him now would do more harm than good. She suppressed her impulse and kept silent.

In contrast, Daiqisi remained much calmer. After all, ending up in either Wanyan Liang’s or Song Qingshu’s hands was equally unfavorable for her.

“Let’s not play games. We both know what controlling Empress Pei Man after the emperor’s death would mean,” Wanyan Liang said quickly. “As for Lady Taohua here, her beauty could topple cities and captivate nations. What man wouldn’t be tempted? I’ll trade their safety for my safe passage. If you refuse, I’ll take them down with me!”

Wanyan Liang had already calculated his next move. With defeat certain, staying in the capital was pointless. Once he left, he could rally his loyal officers and assemble a reliable force. Taking advantage of the chaos following the emperor’s death, he could march back to the capital and possibly turn the tables.

Song Qingshu nodded. “I must admit, your offer is very tempting. Very well, release them, and I’ll let you go.”

Wanyan Liang laughed in anger. “Do you take me for a three-year-old? Without hostages, I’d never make it out alive. I’ll release them once I reach safety.”

Instead of responding directly, Song Qingshu turned to Ouyang Feng and Qiu Qianren. “Could I trouble the two of you to clear out the unnecessary bystanders?”

Ouyang Feng glanced at Wanyan Liang’s demoralized soldiers, a cruel smile curling his lips. “No problem.” 

In a flash, agonized screams filled the air.

Qiu Qianren, equally decisive, thought that since he had already switched sides, he might as well make a good impression on his new employer. He eagerly joined the fray.

Though these soldiers were handpicked elites, the sudden turn of events had shattered their morale. They scattered in panic, but the two master-level experts moved like tigers among sheep, slaughtering all hundred-plus soldiers in the blink of an eye.

Witnessing this, Wanyan Liang was both shocked and enraged. “Surnamed Song, what is the meaning of this?”

Song Qingshu replied indifferently, “I agreed to let ‘you’ go, not your subordinates. Is there a problem?”

“Fine! Very well!” Wanyan Liang gnashed his teeth in fury but was powerless. “Can I leave now?”

“Wait.” Song Qingshu produced a piece of paper and a brush from somewhere and tossed them before him. “Your Highness must be planning to leave the capital soon. It would be inconvenient to bring your consort along. Given her delicate nature, she likely wouldn’t be able to endure such hardships. Why not leave her in the capital? I will take good care of her on your behalf. To avoid any misunderstandings, please put it in writing so my care for her is properly justified.”

“Surnamed Song, don’t push me too far!” Wanyan Liang was both shocked and furious. Over the years, he had used his power to “care for” many men’s wives in various ways. How could he not understand what Song Qingshu meant by “care”?

Song Qingshu smiled faintly. “Your Highness should think carefully. Are you really willing to die for a woman?”

Wanyan Liang’s face darkened. The threat in Song Qingshu’s words was unmistakable. He knew the other man was looking for an excuse to kill him and didn’t dare test his limits.

Realizing he needed to flee the capital as quickly as possible, Wanyan Liang knew he couldn’t take his wife with him. Even if he refused, her fate would remain unchanged.

This thought comforted him somewhat. Gritting his teeth, he agreed, “Fine, I’ll write it.” inwardly, he swore that once he returned with his army, he would exterminate Song Qingshu’s entire clan and subject all his w0men to endless humiliation to vent his hatred.

The onlookers wore varied expressions upon witnessing this exchange.

Ouyang Feng thought, ‘Song Qingshu sometimes acts like such a righteous gentleman, yet at other times, his cunning methods surpass even someone like Wanyan Liang. It seems avenging myself on Guo Jing and Huang Rong will truly depend on this kid.’

Qiu Qianren’s face twitched, but he felt more relieved than anything. In these chaotic times, mere goodness was useless. Only those with the sharpest tactics could prevail. He never wanted to experience a day like this again. Though he was no paragon of loyalty, who would willingly switch allegiances repeatedly?

Empress Pei Man looked worried. She knew of Wanyan Liang’s misdeeds over the years and felt he deserved this retribution. But she was mainly stunned by Song Qingshu’s ruthless efficiency. Previously, she had seen him only as the perfect lover and a means to conceive. Once pregnant, his value would have been negligible. She had envisioned herself as a powerful empress dowager ruling from behind the curtains, but now it seemed that plan was doomed to fail.

Daiqisi began to doubt her earlier judgment. ‘Would falling into this man’s hands really be any better than falling into Wanyan Liang’s?’