Flower Stealing Master

Chapter 1008: The Slim Horse of Yangzhou

Jiao Wan’er felt a bit hesitant, but ultimately her sense of apology took precedence. She said, “I’ve been unwell lately and can’t fulfill my duties as a wife. Since Yangzhou is famous for its countless br0thels, you might as well find a good one to enjoy yourself tomorrow.” 

Seeing that it wasn’t the response he had hoped for, Luo Liru initially felt disappointed. However, he had heard much about the reputation of Yangzhou’s br0thels. Places like Rising Spring Courtyard, Red Harmony Courtyard, and Leaning Jade Pavilion were well-known, even to people from Shandong. He had long heard the brothers in the Jin Snake Camp boast about the slim horses of Yangzhou being world-renowned. If he could truly have the chance to experience it, he would have plenty to brag about when he returned to his brothers.

Suddenly noticing his wife’s half-smiling gaze, Luo Liru quickly snapped back to reality and straightened up. “Wan’er, do you really think your senior brother is that kind of person? This matter must not be brought up again.”

Having been with Song Qingshu for so long, Jiao Wan’er understood what men were like at their core. However, feeling guilty towards her husband, she couldn’t bring herself to blame him. Instead, she spoke softly, “Senior brother, you’re overthinking it. I’m not trying to deceive you; I genuinely care that you’ve been through so much danger and hard work lately. I sincerely hope you can relax over there. Well, I’ve been in Yangzhou for a while now and have gathered quite a bit of information about the place. The best br0thel in Yangzhou right now is Rising Spring Courtyard. You can definitely go there tomorrow and find a popular girl to satisfy your desires. If you don’t have enough money, I still have some here; after all, it’s all from the big boss.”

Seeing the sincerity in his wife’s words, Luo Liru finally realized her true intention. He was momentarily taken aback and instinctively replied, “Using public funds to go to a br0thel doesn’t seem right.”

He didn’t doubt why his wife had financial dealings with Song Qingshu, as he knew Jiao Wan’er had been sent to Yangzhou by Song Qingshu to scout ahead. As her husband, he was aware that she needed funding for her activities there.

“What’s wrong with that? I… I’ve done so much for the big boss; what’s the harm in spending a little of his money? Besides, this is something he owes you. Even if he finds out, he won’t say anything,” Jiao Wan’er deliberately raised her voice, as if she knew Song Qingshu was lurking outside.

‘Of course, he wouldn’t say anything; let’s just consider it compensation for Luo Liru.’ Outside the window, Song Qingshu couldn’t help but smile bitterly. All this time, Jiao Wan’er had been so gentle and kind; he hadn’t expected her to have such a feisty side.

Although Luo Liru found the notion of Song Qingshu owing him a bit strange, he didn’t dwell on it. His attention was entirely on his wife’s offer for him to visit the best br0thel, and the whole situation felt surreal. “Wan’er, are you serious?”

“Of course I am,” Jiao Wan’er smiled slightly. “I wouldn’t mind if a man occasionally indulges in some fun, especially since you’ve been working so hard lately. I’m not in a position to compare with those girls who are more understanding, so let them take care of it for you.”

Luo Liru was moved to the point of tears. “Wan’er, you mustn’t belittle yourself like this. There’s no one in the world more understanding than you are.”

Jiao Wan’er sighed softly, “I’m not as good as you think.”

Luo Liru immediately replied, “No, in my heart, you are the best wife in the world.”

“Senior brother~” Jiao Wan’er began to choke up as well.

Outside the window, Song Qingshu knew that this storm had passed without any real danger, so he chose to leave quietly. 

Avoiding the patrolling soldiers, he returned to the office of the Daotai. Song Qingshu sighed, “They are so deeply in love, their bond as a couple is so strong, it makes me feel like a petty person.”

Originally, he had decided not to disturb the couple anymore, but the alluring image of Jiao Wan’er in bed kept surfacing in his mind, causing him to hesitate once again. Caught in this conflicting mindset, he gradually fell into a dream.

The next day, news came from Suo Etu that the governor of Yangzhou was hosting a banquet for the two of them, inviting them to grace the occasion. Seeing the gleam in Suo Etu’s eyes, it was clear he was eagerly anticipating the bribes the Yangzhou governor would offer. However, Song Qingshu was not particularly interested; after all, his current status was the highest in the Jin Dynasty court, and the tributes from Daxing Prefecture were already exceedingly generous. How could he possibly regard the governor’s meager bribe?

He was about to refuse when he learned that the Yangzhou governor had gone to great lengths to please the two esteemed envoys. He had summoned his aides for discussions, and upon hearing that the high-ranking officials of the Jin and Qing Dynasties greatly appreciated Han culture, the nobles were competing to show off their elegance. Thus, he decided to invite the two envoys to admire the flowers at the Chan Zhi Temple. The peonies at Chan Zhi Temple were a famous sight in Yangzhou, showcasing the city’s unique charm and elegance, which would surely please the two officials.

“Chan Zhi Temple?” Song Qingshu’s expression turned peculiar. He had just learned from Jiao Wan’er the night before that the Song Dynasty envoys had been quietly settled at Chan Zhi Temple, and he was planning to investigate. Who would have thought that the Yangzhou governor would come knocking at the right moment? It was truly a case of finding the answer without any effort.

After finishing his morning routine, Song Qingshu stepped out to find Suo Etu sitting in the hall, sipping tea, while the Yangzhou governor and others stood respectfully to the side. Song Qingshu frowned; the concept of equality was deeply ingrained in him from his past life. Although he had been in this world for some time, he still found it difficult to adapt to the attitude of treating others like servants.

Since the Yangzhou governor had kindly invited them to enjoy the flowers and attend the banquet, he decided to give him some face. Thus, Song Qingshu asked with a pleasant demeanor, “I drank too much yesterday and forgot your name, Governor. May I ask…”

The Yangzhou governor, seeing that he was the highest official of the Jin Dynasty, was overjoyed that Song Qingshu had taken the initiative to ask for his name. “Replying to Marshal, my humble self is the governor of Yangzhou, Wu Zhirong.”

“Wu Zhirong?” Song Qingshu’s expression changed. It turned out this was the shameless corrupt official from the original story of “The Deer and the Cauldron,” who had betrayed the Zhuang family and nearly caused Shuang’er to lose her life.

Knowing the other party’s identity, Song Qingshu had no interest in caring for his feelings anymore. He snorted lightly and sat down next to Suo Etu to drink tea and have breakfast.

Wu Zhirong, unsure of what he had done to offend him, turned pale but dared not ask, standing awkwardly in place.

Suo Etu chuckled and said, “Could it be that this man has offended you in the past? If so, I can dismiss him from his post right now and send him back to farming!”

Although the position of governor of Yangzhou was not insignificant, it was nothing in Suo Etu’s eyes. To curry favor with this newly sworn brother, the governor was merely a pawn, and there was no regret in discarding him.

Wu Zhirong was so frightened that he trembled like a sieve, suddenly kneeling down with a thud, his head knocking against the floor repeatedly. “Lord Suo, please show mercy! Marshal, please show mercy!”

Song Qingshu frowned. 

A mere governor of Yangzhou could be dealt with in many ways in the future, but today was not the day for that, lest it ruin their plans to visit Chan Zhi Temple.