Flower Stealing Master

Chapter 905: Midnight Visitor

Although this small-scale rebellion was quickly suppressed, everyone with insight at court knew this matter wouldn’t end so easily. What made it so unusual was the rebel soldier Sun Jin’s self-proclaimed identity—“Imperial Younger Brother, the Great King Anchá!”

And the current Emperor had only one biological younger brother—Prince Changsheng, Wanyan Yuan.

Until recently, everyone thought Prince Changsheng was finished. But the Emperor’s subsequent actions shocked everyone: not only did he not hold him accountable for his previous disrespect, but he even showered him with rewards as a gesture of goodwill.

When the soldiers in Henan rebelled this time, everyone assumed the Emperor would laugh it off, showcasing the magnanimity of a ruler. After all, the Emperor had been showing great favor toward Prince Changsheng lately.

Who would have expected that after reading the memorial, Wanyan Liang’s expression changed on the spot? 

The Emperor had ordered the guards to throw Prince Changsheng into the Heavenly Prison, and the leading rebel soldier was also escorted to the capital. The entire case was handed over to Prince Consort Tang Kuo Bian for adjudication.

Song Qingshu was also quite surprised. Tang Kuo Bian had always had a weak presence in the court. Although he held the position of Left Deputy Minister of the Department of State Affairs, he was more widely known as Gebi’s husband. Why would a case involving treason and a prince be entrusted to someone like him?

It wasn’t until Wanyan Liang came to see him that Song Qingshu understood the whole story.

Due to the gravity of the case, Song Qingshu’s office had been temporarily set up inside the Heavenly Prison. To prevent any interference or corruption, the Emperor had issued a special decree forbidding him from contacting anyone during the investigation.

But where there are policies, there are countermeasures. Wanyan Liang’s order couldn’t stop those with determination. That night, Wanyan Liang, wrapped in a cloak, snuck into the Heavenly Prison.

He likely bribed the right people, as the prison guards conveniently made themselves scarce, leaving Wanyan Liang and Song Qingshu alone with plenty of space.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Wanyan Liang got to the point. He first hinted that Song Qingshu had received this case thanks to his maneuvering behind the scenes, and then reminded him of the case’s direction: “Brother Tang Kuo, Prince Changsheng is doomed this time. All you need to do is give him a little push…”

“I understand that much, but the matter still needs to be thoroughly investigated. After all, we’ll need to silence the critics when the time comes.” Song Qingshu inwardly sneered. 

This move of Wanyan Liang’s was like putting him on a spit over a fire—following orders would turn him into Wanyan Liang’s knife, letting the latter reap all the benefits while he bore the infamy of unjustly executing Prince Changsheng.

But if he didn’t follow orders, wouldn’t that be an open act of defiance? After all the effort he’d already invested, Song Qingshu was unwilling to see everything fall apart now.

‘Since ancient times, pledging allegiance has never come easy,’ Song Qingshu thought to himself. Although they had “exchanged partners” and he had gained access to Wanyan Liang’s inner circle, it was clear Wanyan Liang still didn’t fully trust him. This case was a test.

Wanyan Liang wasn’t fazed by his response. “As it should be. The whole matter must be wrapped up neatly—flawless and beyond reproach.”

“By the way, Brother Tang Kuo, this is your chance for both wealth and beauty,” Wanyan Liang said, suddenly brimming with excitement.

“Wealth and beauty?” Song Qingshu was confused.

“I’m treating you like one of my own here,” Wanyan Liang looked around cautiously before whispering, “Now that Prince Changsheng is in trouble, his family is bound to pull out all the stops. As the chief judge, you’ll be their top target—there’s a hefty fortune waiting for you.”

“Accepting bribes and then not helping… That’s not exactly proper, is it?” Song Qingshu frowned. Wanyan Liang was clearly encouraging him to help eliminate Prince Changsheng while also accepting bribes from his family. That was beyond despicable.

“What’s wrong with it?” Wanyan Liang replied nonchalantly. “Prince Changsheng is as good as dead. His family will be exiled or enslaved—what can they do? Don’t be afraid. This kind of thing happens in the capital all the time. Have you ever seen anyone get in trouble for it?”

Song Qingshu sighed inwardly. These old political foxes were ruthless and utterly shameless. But now that he was already in the mud, it wouldn’t do to play the part of a martyr. He could only go along and smile:

“I understand the wealth part. What about the beauty?”

Wanyan Liang gave him a strange smile. “Princess Consort, Lady Taohua, is famous for her beauty—not inferior to your own wife. I’m sure you’ve heard of her?”

“I’ve heard a little,” Song Qingshu replied with a calm face.

“She’s currently in the capital, doing everything she can to save her husband. It won’t be long before she comes knocking on your door,” Wanyan Liang said with a sly expression. “For a woman desperate to save her husband… anything can happen, right?”

Song Qingshu inwardly curled his lip. Wanyan Liang didn’t know Lady Taohua’s true identity, so his assumptions were understandable. But Daiqisi? That woman would never sacrifice her chastity for Wanyan Yuan. Even the Emperor only got a puff of her bewitching incense.

“Your Highness’s methods are truly admirable.” Compliments cost nothing, and Song Qingshu didn’t mind flattering Wanyan Liang a bit more.

Wanyan Liang also sneered inwardly: ‘Lady Taohua is already the Emperor’s woman. If you’re foolish enough to touch her… well, once Gebi becomes a widow, I’ll be sure to take good care of her for you, in honor of our recent friendship.’

The two men, each harboring their own schemes, chatted for a while longer before Wanyan Liang took his leave. He didn’t want anyone to catch wind of his manipulation behind the scenes.

Shortly after Wanyan Liang left, another unexpected visitor arrived at the prison. 

Seeing the pale and weary young woman before him, Song Qingshu was momentarily stunned.

“Ping’er?”

“Don’t call me that so intimately,” Wanyan Ping replied with a cold expression. “I told you last time—our ties have been severed.”

Song Qingshu knew she was referring to the incident at the Laundry Courtyard. Because of a letter he had sent to deceive her, she suspected he was the mastermind behind the tragedy there. She believed all his former tenderness was just a ruse to exploit her. 

Believing that a clean break was better than lingering pain, Song Qingshu had let her believe it. Since then, the once-obedient girl had reverted to the ruthless chief of the Laundry Courtyard.

“Uh… very well,” Song Qingshu responded in a businesslike tone. “Why have you come so late at night?”

“Of course, it’s for my royal brother,” Wanyan Ping hesitated, then sighed. “If you still feel even a shred of guilt toward me, please… show some mercy to Prince Changsheng.”