Chapter 681: Assassination

A woman stood by the window, her figure graceful and alluring. Her full, perky mounds and slender, supple waist showed no trace of excess flesh. Even as she stood naturally, the curve of her round, firm hips formed a perfect arc. Any man who caught a glimpse of her back would feel an uncontrollable surge of pr!mal des!re.

She appeared to be in her early thirties, her hair elegantly tied up in a bun. Though dressed in simple clothes, her stunning beauty was impossible to conceal. Anyone who saw her would instantly realize she was deliberately dressed this way as a disguise.

“Rong’er, what are you looking at?” The man who spoke wore a bamboo hat. He had thick eyebrows, large eyes, a broad chest, and a strong waist. He appeared to be in his forties, with a slight mustache on his upper lip. He was none other than the renowned hero of Xiangyang—Guo Jing.

The woman by the window was, of course, the famous Huang Rong. Hearing her husband’s question, she instinctively withdrew her gaze, closed the window, and shook her head. “Nothing, just observing the customs of Kaifeng.”

As she spoke, the corner of her eye swept toward the distant figures of Song Qingshu and Madame Tang. She secretly scoffed,

‘As expected, a lecherous man! Every time I see him, he’s with a different beauty. How infuriating!’

Huang Rong suddenly froze.

‘Why? Why am I angry? Could it be that I…’

‘Impossible!’

She quickly dismissed the thought, telling herself repeatedly that it was only because she wanted to marry Fu’er to him and was worried about her daughter’s future.

With this reasoning, she finally calmed down a little. However, a lingering doubt remained buried deep in her heart—one she dared not confront.

‘Why did I instinctively lie to Brother Jing just now?’

(G: She uses “Jing-gege” when referring to her husband.)

The ever-oblivious Guo Jing did not notice anything unusual about his wife. Instead, he continued speaking, “Rong’er, this assassination of Tang Kuo Bian will be extremely dangerous. I don’t know how many of our brothers will fall tonight.”

Huang Rong snapped back to reality. “This time, we have the element of surprise. Our chances of success should be high. Brother Jing, you don’t need to worry too much.”

“Let’s hope so.” Guo Jing nodded. “But even if it’s a near-impossible mission, I must see it through. According to our spies, the Jin Empire is planning a southern invasion, and Tang Kuo Bian played a crucial role in this. He holds an esteemed position and is one of their most fervent war advocates. If we eliminate him, the peace faction within Jin will gain the upper hand, sparing the people of Song from devastation.”

Huang Rong frowned slightly. “Brother Jing, I can’t shake the feeling that something is off. We’ve obtained information on Jin’s internal affairs too easily, and our investigation shows that Tang Kuo Bian seems completely unguarded…”

“The Jin Empire has committed countless atrocities. Many Han loyalists remain within their borders. With their assistance, it’s not surprising that we obtained this intelligence. Rong’er, don’t overthink it. Save your strength—we have a tough battle ahead tonight.” With that, Guo Jing sat down to meditate.

“Mm.” Huang Rong nodded but instinctively pushed open the window again. Unfortunately, Song Qingshu was nowhere to be seen. The beautiful woman leaned against the window frame, a trace of melancholy in her expression.

******

Unknowingly, Song Qingshu and Madame Tang had already visited many sights. Feeling a bit tired, Madame Tang chose a seat at a riverside tea stall. The accompanying guards drove away the common folk and dispersed to keep watch from a distance.

“We seem to have spoiled their fun by coming here. What a pity,” Song Qingshu sighed as he watched the crowd leave in a hurry.

Madame Tang pouted playfully. “They just don’t want anyone disturbing my private time with you, Young Master.”

Song Qingshu’s heart stirred. He reached out and gently took her delicate hand. “I’m honored by your affection, madame.”

Madame Tang instinctively glanced at the surrounding guards. Seeing that no one had noticed their little gesture, she secretly sighed in relief.

Song Qingshu raised an eyebrow. “You seem afraid of these guards?”

Madame Tang looked slightly embarrassed. “Not exactly afraid… Though these guards are mine, some of them could still be tempted by my husband’s bribes. If word of this reaches him, it wouldn’t be good.” ⱤᴀNọβË𝐒

Her concern only made Song Qingshu more intrigued. “I recall you once mentioned that a powerful man took advantage of you, and your husband didn’t even dare to protest. Since he’s already wearing one green hat, surely he can handle another?”

“That’s different.” Madame Tang’s expression dimmed. “My husband allowed it not just because that man was influential, but also because he needed his help with something.”

Song Qingshu’s eyes gleamed. He was in urgent need of information on the Jin Empire’s upper ranks. Seizing the opportunity, he asked, “Madame, last time I inquired about that man’s identity, you wouldn’t tell me. But now that we’re so close, won’t you share it with me?”

As his fingers lightly caressed her palm, Madame Tang blushed. “I only kept it from you for your own good. Knowing this could bring you great trouble.”

Song Qingshu chuckled. “Madam must have heard quite a few rumors about me. While I may not be the strongest martial artist in the world, I can defeat those I wish to. Besides, I now command tens of thousands of troops and control a vast territory. I’m truly curious—who in this world could be so untouchable that I can’t even hear his name?”

“You know that’s not what I meant,” Madame Tang said hastily.

Seeing her hesitation, Song Qingshu pressed on. “I am not the kind of man who allows his woman to be bullied. Just tell me his name, and I’ll take care of him for you. I can’t stand the thought of sharing you with another man.”

“But…” Madame Tang still looked conflicted.

Song Qingshu’s expression darkened. “What, are you reluctant to part with him?”

“No! Of course not!” Madame Tang frantically waved her hands before casting him a shy glance. “After experiencing your affection last night, I realized I’ve wasted half my life. How could I ever think of another man again? You may be modest about your martial arts, but in bed… your skills are definitely the best in the world.”

Hearing such high praise from an experienced, mature woman, Song Qingshu’s vanity was greatly satisfied. “Madam’s sweet words truly delight me.”  (G: Hope this ends that itch some of you might be having.)

Madame Tang smiled charmingly. “Since you’re so eager to know, I’ll tell you. That man is the second son of the second son of Wanyan Zonggan, now the King of Hailing—Wanyan Liang.”

“Him?”

Memories surfaced in Song Qingshu’s mind, recalling the Jin prince he had encountered at the inn where he had first met Xiao Longnu. He fell into deep thought.

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