Flower Stealing Master

She continued her efforts to keep up appearances with her husband while also fending off Song Qingshu’s actions under the blanket.

It wasn’t until Luo Liru’s figure disappeared from the doorway that she realized her body had long since turned into a puddle of wet mud.

“Madam, your composure in the face of crisis truly impresses me,” Song Qingshu teased as he stuck his head out from under the blanket, grinning mischievously at the w0man’s face, now just inches away.

“Senior Brother holds you in such high regard, yet you come behind his back to bully me. Don’t you feel ashamed?” Jiao Wan’er tried to push away the scoundrel on t0p of her, but no matter how hard she pushed, it had no effect. She grew more frustrated and bitter.

“It is a bit dishonorable,” Song Qingshu nodded in agreement. 

Just as Jiao Wan’er thought he had come to his senses, he added with a smirk, “But that’s what makes it exciting.”

“Shameless!” Jiao Wan’er’s heart fluttered, though even she felt her scolding lacked strength, more like a lover’s playful reproach.

“Alright, enough joking. Let’s talk business.” Song Qingshu had taken enough advantage of her and suddenly adopted a serious expression.

Blushing, Jiao Wan’er adjusted her wrinkled clothes, a hint of grievance rising in her heart: He only cares about his own pleasure, without considering my feelings at all.

Song Qingshu, oblivious to Jiao Wan’er’s changing emotions, casually asked, “Hmm, where were we?”

“I told you I don’t have the ability to win over Li Kexiu,” Jiao Wan’er huffed in annoyance.

“Oh,” Song Qingshu suddenly realized, “I don’t need you to win him over. Convincing him will likely require my personal involvement.”

His thoughts drifted to Li Yuanzhi, that clever and spirited girl. If she found out I was visiting her only for her father’s territory, she’d probably throw a fit. 

And then there’s Luo Bing—I wonder if she’s been comfortable at her family’s home during this time…

Noticing Song Qingshu’s sudden smile, Jiao Wan’er felt a pang of discomfort. 

He had just taken advantage of her, and now he was thinking of other women. 

‘What am I to him?’ She interrupted his thoughts, asking, “So, what do I need to do?”

Snapping back to reality, Song Qingshu replied, “I need you to take people to Yangzhou, establish a base there, and build good relations with the lower-level soldiers of the Green Standard Army. Once I persuade Li Kexiu, I’ll need to take control of the entire army as quickly as possible.”

“Fine,” Jiao Wan’er finally shifted her mind back to business, “But I’ll need a significant amount of funds.”

At the mention of money, Song Qingshu immediately felt a headache coming on. 

Despite having taken control of large swathes of territory recently, his ambitions were vast. Naturally, he couldn’t allow his subordinates to pillage the common folk as they had in the past, lest they tarnish his reputation. 

Moreover, in an effort to win over hearts and minds, he had exempted the people of his territories from paying taxes for three years. Now, the funds seized from government treasuries were barely enough to cover his enormous expenses.

“I’ll figure out the money,” Song Qingshu said seriously. “For now, you focus on refining the plan.” Deep in thought, he reminded himself, ‘Emperor Chongzhen fell due to financial ruin. I can’t follow in his footsteps.’

“Once this task is done, will I finally be free?” Jiao Wan’er asked quietly, staring at him. With her desires now faded, her rationality returned. She realized that their chaotic relationship couldn’t continue, and leaving him would be the best outcome.

“Of course,” Song Qingshu smiled. “Your faction has been away from Jinling for a long time. Yangzhou is just across the river from Jinling. You can take the opportunity to rebuild your camp’s strength there.”

“What about my senior brother and younger brother?” Jiao Wan’er pressed.

“They will remain here as hostages,” Song Qingshu replied with a slight smile. “But don’t worry, I won’t treat them like ordinary hostages. I’ll continue to let them command troops in the field. Who knows, they might even be reluctant to return to Jinling in the future.”

“Hmph, Jinling is their home. There’s no way they wouldn’t want to go back,” Jiao Wan’er scoffed, refusing to believe such a thing could happen.

“You underestimate a man’s desire for achievements and success,” Song Qingshu shook his head. He didn’t want to argue further and pulled her into his arms. “It might be a long time before I see you again. How about we share a parting moment?”

“Ugh, stop calling it that!” Jiao Wan’er blushed and spat at him. Though she had never heard the term before, she immediately understood its meaning.

Song Qingshu laughed heartily, scooped her up by the legs, and carried her back to the bed.

“Ah!”

*****

Over the next two days, Song Qingshu finalized all the arrangements. 

After bidding farewell to Ah Jiu, Xia Qingqing, Zeng Rou, and a few other women, he quietly left the Golden Serpent Camp.

To avoid being recognized, Song Qingshu donned a silver mask that covered most of his face. As for why he chose silver, well, firstly, he thought it looked more stylish, and secondly, he believed only silver could match his handsome and dashing appearance…

After half a day’s journey, Song Qingshu arrived at a small, nameless town. Feeling hungry, he was drawn by the aroma of wine from a nearby restaurant. His appetite stirred, he strode over, but as he stepped inside and took in the scene, he was taken aback.

---

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