Flower Stealing Master
Chapter 840: Crisis

“Brother-in-law!” Wanyan Ping’s suppressed emotions—grievance, fear, joy—all burst forth at once as she rushed into Song Qingshu’s arms.

“Brother-in-law~” She buried her face in his chest and unconsciously called out again.

Wanyan Liang, watching from the side, narrowed his eyes. The way Wanyan Ping looked at Tang Kou Bian and their intimate behavior clearly went beyond the usual relationship between a sister-in-law and her brother-in-law. ‘Could there be something between them?’

Wanyan Liang pondered, deciding to have someone investigate them later. ‘Heh, no wonder Tang Kou Bian was willing to trade his stunningly beautiful wife for my offer—he’s already hooked a younger one. Hmph, such good fortune shouldn’t be yours alone, Tang Kou Bian. Sooner or later, this prince will claim both sisters for himself.’

“Ping’er, what’s wrong?” Sensing the girl’s trembling, Song Qingshu knew the earlier events had deeply shaken her. He gently stroked her hair, comforting her in a soft voice.

“Brother-in-law, I was so scared.” Wanyan Ping clung tightly to him, unwilling to let go.

Song Qingshu chuckled awkwardly. “Ping’er, Prince Hailing is still right here.”

“Ah!” Only then did Wanyan Ping snap back to reality. She instinctively released him, sticking out her tongue slightly as she looked up—a sight that made Wanyan Liang’s throat tighten.

“Brother-in-law, I need to talk to you.” Though Wanyan Liang held high status, Wanyan Ping, as a princess, didn’t pay him much mind. She simply pulled Song Qingshu aside to speak.

Song Qingshu guessed she wanted to discuss the morning’s incident and quickly apologized to Wanyan Liang. “Your Highness, please forgive us. We’ll just step aside for a moment.”

“No need to worry. Take your time.” Wanyan Liang took a few steps before suddenly turning back. “Ah, Brother Wanyan, my residence has prepared breakfast. Join me later—we can also discuss our previous agreement.” He even gave Song Qingshu a meaningful look.

“Uh, sure.” 

‘This Wanyan Liang truly refuses to give up. I was planning to spare your wife, but since you’re so eager to offer her up, don’t blame me.’

Once Wanyan Liang had entered, Wanyan Ping shot him a suspicious glance. “Brother-in-law, why have you gotten so close to him lately?”

“Adult matters—kids wouldn’t understand.” Song Qingshu affectionately ruffled her hair, making her pout. “Brother-in-law~ Why do you always treat me like a child! That night, you… you’ve already touched me. How am I small?” Her voice grew softer, her cheeks flushing crimson.

Seeing the usually feisty girl display such shy tenderness, Song Qingshu’s heart softened, and he pulled her into an embrace.

Though Wanyan Ping loved being held by her brother-in-law, they were still outside Prince Hailing’s residence. Their relationship wasn’t something to flaunt, and being seen could invite trouble.

“Brother-in-law, people are watching!” She quickly pushed him away. After their night in the mountain valley, she had avoided him, unable to face her sister. Now, her pent-up longing had reached its peak—only to be shattered by what she had witnessed earlier.

‘How could Sister be so careless with herself?’ Wanyan Ping frowned, feeling indignant on her brother-in-law’s behalf.

“Didn’t you have something to tell me?” Noticing her fluctuating emotions, Song Qingshu knew he had to steady her thoughts before she did something reckless.

“Brother-in-law…” Staring into his bright eyes, Wanyan Ping suddenly felt a lump in her throat. ‘What can I even say? He loves Sister so much—how devastated would he be if he knew she betrayed him? And that demon warned me… If I say the wrong thing, he’ll kill Brother-in-law.’

“Ping’er?” Song Qingshu gently shook her shoulder.

“It’s nothing. I just… missed you.” They had now reached a secluded spot, and Wanyan Ping threw all caution to the wind, pressing herself against him. Before he could react, she stood on her tiptoes and pressed her sweet lips to his.

‘From now on, I’ll treat Brother-in-law even better—to make up for what Sister owes him.’ She silently vowed.

Caught off guard, Song Qingshu didn’t push her away. Being loved so wholeheartedly by a girl felt wonderful—even if he knew her affection wasn’t truly for ‘him’.

When they finally parted, Wanyan Ping’s face was as red as an apple, glowing with an alluring flush—whether from breathlessness or shyness was unclear.

“Brother-in-law, you must take better care of Sister from now on.” Unable to reveal the truth, she could only urge him like this.

Song Qingshu feigned ignorance. “Why?”

“Do I even need to explain? Shouldn’t you be more attentive to her?” Wanyan Ping smiled, but her heart ached for him. ‘Brother-in-law, if you hadn’t neglected her, Sister would never have fallen for that scoundrel Song Qingshu’s schemes.’

Though she resented her sister’s infidelity, Wanyan Ping refused to believe she was a loose woman. The only explanation was that Song Qingshu had exploited the rift between them.

Song Qingshu sighed inwardly. ‘This fiery, willful girl is unexpectedly thoughtful in times of crisis, considering everyone’s feelings. What a kind-hearted soul.’

“Brother-in-law, I’ve been out too long—I must return to the Laundry Court.” After ensuring no one was nearby, she whispered urgently, “Be careful these days. Last night, something major happened in the palace. In his fury, His Majesty executed Prince Wei.”

“Oh? Why?” Song Qingshu pretended to be shocked.

“I don’t know the details. Rumor says Prince Wei drunkenly barged into the Empress’s chambers with ill intent… But never mind that. Our Laundry Courtyard is secretly investigating the truth. You must watch your words and actions—if you anger His Majesty now, even Sister and I might not be able to protect you.” Her expression was full of worry.

“Understood.” Song Qingshu tensed, his focus shifting to her mention of the Laundry Court’s secret investigation. ‘Did we leave any clues last night?’

He reviewed the plan—it had been flawless in execution. But the Laundry Court was the Jin Dynasty’s intelligence agency. If they dug deep enough, they ‘would’ uncover something.

‘Empress Peiman and Zhao Hu’er and Zhao Yuanyuan are in danger!’ A wave of unease washed over him.

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