Chapter 804: Tit for Tat

“Why?” Song Qingshu frowned.

It wasn’t that he was worried Gebi would ruin his plans, but rather an instinctive reluctance to let her interact with Wanyan Liang—a notorious pervert in history who clearly harbored improper desires toward her.

Though Song Qingshu was fully confident in his ability to protect Gebi, a man’s instincts made him unwilling to expose his woman to unnecessary risks.

“During our time in Kaifeng, he did save your life. We had originally planned to visit him together once you recovered to express our gratitude, but then… conflicts arose between us, and the matter was left unresolved. Now that so much time has passed, it would be impolite not to visit him.” Gebi replied gently.

Though she disliked Wanyan Liang, she cared more about the family’s reputation. Her husband’s political career had stagnated over the years, partly because her presence had caused him to offend too many people. There was no need to antagonize the Prince of Hailing now—if anything, befriending him might even help her husband’s future prospects.

Her reasoning was sound, leaving Song Qingshu no grounds for refusal. Moreover, he didn’t want to keep making excuses to decline Wanyan Liang’s “generosity” later at the Prince of Hailing’s residence.

‘If I bring Gebi along, surely he won’t try to push more women on me, right?’

Song Qingshu was no saint. Knowing Wanyan Liang’s ulterior motives, he had no qualms about turning the tables on him. Under normal circumstances, he might have gladly accepted the offer, but after last night’s two consecutive battles, even an iron rod would be worn down to a needle if he indulged again at the Prince of Hailing’s residence.

After discussing a few precautions, the couple set off for the Prince of Hailing’s residence with gifts in hand.

The mansions of the Jin Dynasty’s nobility were concentrated in one district, and though the Tang Kuo residence was a few streets away from the Prince of Hailing’s, the actual distance wasn’t far due to the dense layout.

As they neared their destination, Song Qingshu peered out the carriage window and spotted Wanyan Liang already waiting at the main gate. Standing beside him was an elegant, understated woman—likely his wife, Consort Tudan Jing.

Song Qingshu had heard about her from Madame Tang, who claimed she had colluded with Wanyan Liang to trap her. He had expected her to be sharp-featured and cunning, but her refined demeanor took him by surprise.

‘Never judge a book by its cover. The most venomous women often wear the most innocent faces…’

Song Qingshu remained vigilant, reminding himself not to be fooled by her delicate appearance.

He had once wondered why Madame Tang, a member of the prestigious Tang Kuo family, had silently endured Wanyan Liang’s abuse. After spending time in the capital, he finally understood—though the Tang Kuo family was still nominally one of the three great noble houses, its influence had long been in decline.

A major reason was that its patriarch, Tang Kuo Bian, had married Gebi, the most beautiful woman in the Jin Dynasty, earning the collective resentment of the nobility. Tang Kuo Bian, lacking political savvy, had struggled in his career, and his family’s standing had suffered as a result. Other branches of the Tang Kuo family, hindered by his reputation, also faced difficulties in court, leading to internal discord.

With her family in such a state, it was no wonder Madame Tang had been left helpless. Before Tang Kuo Bian’s ill-fated trip to Kaifeng, it was Wanyan Ping who had pulled strings to secure him a chance to earn merit—only for him to die far from home.

As Song Qingshu sighed inwardly, a faint, elegant fragrance reached his nose. Gebi leaned against him softly and whispered, “Husband, the Prince of Hailing now holds far greater power and status than us. Yet he’s putting on such an enthusiastic front. The Han have a saying: ‘Unusual kindness hides treachery.’ Be careful.”

“I will.” Song Qingshu marveled at Tang Kuo Bian’s wife—she was truly sharp-minded. He knew exactly why Wanyan Liang was being so hospitable: his true target was Gebi. But there was no need to tell her that and add to her worries.

“What rare guests! Princess, Brother Tang Kuo, I’ve been waiting for you.” Wanyan Liang greeted them warmly as they stepped out of the carriage.

“Greetings, Prince and Princess Consort of Hailing.” Gebi smiled gracefully and curtsied.

“No need for such formalities! We’re family.” Wanyan Liang reached out to help her up, but Gebi straightened before his hands could touch her.

His expression unchanged, Wanyan Liang smoothly lowered his arms as if nothing had happened. But Song Qingshu, watching coldly, saw right through him.

“Your Highness saved my husband’s life in Kaifeng. We should have come sooner to express our gratitude, but he was severely injured and needed time to recover. We hope you’ll forgive the delay.” With a glance, Gebi signaled a servant to bring the prepared gifts. To show sincerity, she and Song Qingshu personally presented them rather than leaving it to the servants.

“You’re too kind, Gebi. We’re family—Tang Kuo Bian is like a brother to me. How could I not save him?” Wanyan Liang chuckled, reaching out to take the gift from her hands.

Gebi paused. Etiquette dictated that Consort Tudan should have accepted the gift, but Wanyan Liang’s direct approach, while slightly improper, was hard to criticize given their proximity.

Song Qingshu frowned and moved to intervene, but Gebi had already handed over the gift and withdrawn her delicate hands with practiced ease, leaving no room for Wanyan Liang to take advantage.

After a moment of surprise, Song Qingshu realized: As the most beautiful woman in the Jin Dynasty, Gebi must have dealt with countless admirers in the past. She’s long since mastered how to handle men like him.

Still, even if she had avoided being slighted, Song Qingshu wasn’t about to let this slide. Mimicking Wanyan Liang’s move, he stepped forward and extended his gift toward Consort Tudan. “A small token of appreciation. I hope you’ll accept it.”

His fingers nearly brushed her chest, forcing her to retreat half a step. She glanced at him, but his expression was so guileless that she dismissed it as unintentional. A faint smile touched her fair, delicate face. “You’re too kind, Royal Brother-in-Law.”

But her expression soon shifted when, hidden by the gift box, Song Qingshu gently grasped her hand.