Chapter 610: Heading South to Secure Surrender

“Really?” Princess Roujia couldn’t help but feel tempted. It seemed unavoidable now, but if she could preserve her reputation, it would be a small blessing amid misfortune.

“Of course, it’s true. What I say is as good as gold,” Song Qingshu said, his eyes sweeping over her b0dy. “However, the Princess must promise me that every year, on the birthdays of the Empress Dowager and the Empress, as well as on New Year’s Day, you will come to the capital to pay your respects.”

Princess Roujia immediately understood Kangxi’s intention. If things truly went as he said, wouldn’t she become his long-term lover? The thought of enduring humiliation every year made her body tremble with cold. However, as the saying goes, “the fish is on the chopping board,” and she had no choice but to agree verbally. Yet, deep down, she vowed never to return to the capital. With her husband commanding an army of 100,000 soldiers, Kangxi might be furious, but he wouldn’t be able to do anything about it.

“Then allow me to help you disr0be, Princess.” Song Qingshu’s hand caressed her cheek and moved downward, slipping into her r0bes step by step.

Princess Roujia shuddered and instinctively turned her head, tears welling in her eyes.

Consort Tong, observing the scene, felt a sense of déjà vu. However, she knew she had to drag the Princess into the situation to protect herself. Moreover, the thought of the Princess suffering the same fate brought her a twisted sense of satisfaction. She leaned in closer and whispered, “Sister Roujia, let me help you un*dress as well.”

“No…” Princess Roujia had been gritting her teeth, enduring the Emperor’s advances. But Consort Tong’s actions were like the final straw that broke the camel’s back, overwhelming her with an unprecedented sense of shame. Her body trembled violently as a result.

Unfortunately, she was no match for them. With Consort Tong assisting, Song Qingshu quickly overcame her defenses. Not giving her any chances, he deeply sheathed himself within her canal, as her inner fleshy walls quickly parted, and wrapped around his shaft.

“Ah!” Princess Roujia tensed up, instinctively wrapping her arms around the man’s head. She thought bitterly that Kangxi was indeed rough. If she had still been a maiden, such treatment might have left her unconscious from the pain.

Suddenly, her expression changed. Running her fingers through Song Qingshu’s hair, she stammered, “You… you’re not the Emperor!”

Song Qingshu gave a devilish smile, “The Princess is quick to catch on.”

“Who are you…Ahhng!” Princess Roujia began to struggle desperately, but her vital spots were controlled. The slightest movement sent shivers through her body, leaving her utterly powerless.

“Why does the Princess need to know? It would only bring more trouble,” Consort Tong said with a cheerful smile from the side.

“You two scoundrels!” Princess Roujia finally understood. She had stumbled upon Consort Tong’s scandal, and to cover it up, Consort Tong had devised a scheme to drag her into the mire.

Regret washed over her. Why hadn’t she noticed the obvious flaws earlier?

Upon reflection, Princess Roujia had to admit that the man’s natural demeanor had fooled her. His quick thinking and composure were proof that he was no ordinary person.

“Tell me who you are!” she demanded, abandoning her struggle. Staring into his eyes, she said with a complex expression, “At least let me know whose hands I’ve fallen into.”

“If fate allows, you will know the next time we meet.” Song Qingshu saw no need to complicate matters by revealing his identity. “For now, the only thing you need to do is relax and accept me fully.” �

“Ahhnn!” Princess Roujia blushed furiously. Her mind raced as she thought,

‘Is this man a tiger?!’

*****

In the Palace of Heavenly Tranquility, Song Qingshu and Dongfang Muxue locked eyes. A faint smile appeared on Dongfang Muxue’s lips. “How was the taste of the Princess of Jingnan?”

Song Qingshu glared at her. “Leaving her in the palace would have been enough to provoke Geng Jingzhong, but you insisted on this farce.”

“Are you complaining about receiving a beauty?” Dongfang Muxue shrugged nonchalantly. “This palace life is so dull. I need some entertainment.”

“There are already plenty of concubines in the palace for you to entertain yourself with,” Song Qingshu retorted, glaring at her. He thought he should find a way to curb her peculiar sense of humor; it always left him feeling uneasy.

“Those concubines are too submissive and boring. The Princess of Jingnan presents a more interesting challenge,” Dongfang Muxue said, her eyes sparkling. “Especially after today. Once I disguise myself as Kangxi to ‘favor’ her, just imagining the scene makes me laugh.”

Song Qingshu remained impassive and waved his hand. “Do as you please.”

To ordinary people, the Princess of Jingnan might appear to be a beautiful, noble, and unattainable goddess. However, to Song Qingshu, she was merely a tool to achieve his goals. Once used, she held no special place in his heart.

“What are your plans now? Will you stay to help pacify the Three Feudatories?” Dongfang Muxue asked. Though her smile remained, her tone grew serious.

“You alone are enough to handle the Three Feudatories,” Song Qingshu replied. “I plan to visit Yangzhou to meet Jianghuai Governor Li Kexiu.”

After defeating the Qing army of 100,000, Song Qingshu had seized most of Shandong Province, effectively severing the Qing Empire’s territory in two. The Jianghuai region had become an isolated enclave, drawing the attention of various forces.

If Song Qingshu could persuade Li Kexiu to surrender, his territory would nearly double, and he would gain tens of thousands of soldiers, giving him a real shot at vying for supremacy.

Under normal circumstances, the Qing court’s priority would have been to counterattack the Golden Serpent Camp and reconnect with Jianghuai.

However, the rebellion of the Three Feudatories, coupled with the manipulations of Song Qingshu and Dongfang Muxue, had forced the Qing court to confront a dilemma: should they deal with the Three Feudatories first or the Golden Serpent Camp?

Although the Shandong-Jianghuai region was wealthier, the Manchu nobles prioritized their homeland in the Northeast, the foundation of their power. As a result, plans to counterattack the Golden Serpent Camp were shelved, leaving Jianghuai under the guarded command of Li Kexiu.

The Qing court felt secure knowing that Li Kexiu’s family remained hostages in the capital, reducing the risk of betrayal.

Unbeknownst to them, their Emperor had already become the biggest “traitor.” With Song Qingshu and Dongfang Muxue’s capabilities in the capital, smuggling out Li Kexiu’s family was a trivial task—Song Qingshu’s key leverage in persuading Li Kexiu to surrender.

“I don’t think persuading Li Kexiu will be easy,” Dongfang Muxue said with a slight frown, doubting the success of Song Qingshu’s plan.

“I have to try,” Song Qingshu replied solemnly. “Even if I fail to secure his surrender, I need to ensure he doesn’t fall into the hands of other factions. As long as he remains nominally loyal to the Qing, we retain the upper hand.”

Sixth

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