Chapter 892: Lady Taohua

After rescuing Song Yuanqiao and the princesses from the Laundry Courtyard, Song Qingshu rarely stayed in the palace. To maintain communication, he had secretly established a private channel between them.

Having watched countless spy films in his past life, he understood the necessity of single-line contact. Despite Empress Pei Man sending people to investigate several times, she still couldn’t uncover his true identity outside the palace. However, this didn’t stop her from sending him messages.

“What’s wrong?” Seeing his troubled expression, Gebi couldn’t help but ask.

“Nothing serious. I need to go out for a bit. You should rest early.” Song Qingshu stood up and replied. The palace was in turmoil, and he had no idea what had happened to make Empress Pei Man send such an urgent summons.

Noticing that he wasn’t being entirely truthful, Gebi’s expression dimmed. Though they now lived as a real married couple, they weren’t truly husband and wife. “Alright, be careful.”

Song Qingshu nodded and hurried toward the palace.

By now, he knew the palace like the back of his hand and quickly made his way to Taihe Hall.

Empress Pei Man had already dismissed the eunuchs and maids, waiting anxiously for him. When she saw him appear, her face lit up with relief.

“What’s happened?” Song Qingshu asked urgently.

“That b!tch Taoyao has entered the palace!” Empress Pei Man spat through gritted teeth.

“Taoyao?” For a moment, Song Qingshu didn’t recognize the name.

“The wife of Prince Changsheng, known as Lady Taohua…” Fearing he might not know who she was, Empress Pei Man hurriedly explained.

“Her!” Song Qingshu’s mind shook. Though he had never met her before, he had heard of her from many—a peerless beauty whose allure rivaled Gebi’s, and who had once been Emperor Xizong’s youthful infatuation.

“Wasn’t she supposed to remain in Prince Changsheng’s fiefdom?” Song Qingshu asked, puzzled.

“Hmph! With Prince Changsheng’s recent struggles, she must have rushed to the capital upon hearing the news. Coincidentally, Prince Changsheng’s escape today enraged the Emperor, so she likely came to plead for mercy.”

Song Qingshu chuckled. “And this is the ‘great upheaval’ you mentioned?”

“That b!tch knows full well the Emperor once adored her, yet she chose to enter the palace at night—her filthy intentions couldn’t be more obvious!” Empress Pei Man fumed.

Song Qingshu studied her thoughtfully. “It seems Her Majesty still deeply loves the Emperor.”

Empress Pei Man fell silent for a long moment before sighing faintly. “After so many years of marriage, it’s impossible to say there’s no affection at all. But right now, my thoughts are more occupied with you, young master.”

Song Qingshu smiled slightly. Such words were pleasant to hear, but he wasn’t naïve enough to take them seriously. “Your Majesty didn’t summon me here just to complain, did you?”

Empress Pei Man nodded. “I want you to eliminate that woman.”

Song Qingshu frowned. “She’s currently with the Emperor. This is far too dangerous—I don’t see a compelling reason to do so.”

Shaking her head, Empress Pei Man pressed, “This isn’t just personal spite. If that vixen bewitches the Emperor into sparing Prince Changsheng, our entire plan will collapse! If the Emperor dies, the throne will fall to Prince Changsheng, and that woman will become the next Empress. How can I swallow this injustice?”

‘The jealousy of a scorned woman is truly terrifying!’

Song Qingshu shrugged. “Fine, I’ll go gather information and see if I can disrupt their… rendezvous.” He agreed mainly because Empress Pei Man was a crucial ally. Refusing her outright would strain their relationship, but he had no intention of becoming her personal assassin. He only promised to interfere, not to kill.

“Thank you, young master. Please be careful—that eunuch Da Xingguo’s martial arts are formidable.”

“I know my limits.” Before the words had fully left his mouth, Song Qingshu’s figure vanished into the night.

Under the cover of darkness, he soon infiltrated Hall of Benevolent Governance. Fortunately, Emperor Xizong had not yet returned to his chambers, so while the defenses were tight, they weren’t impenetrable. With Da Xingguo—the most skilled martial artist among them—absent, sneaking in was no challenge for someone of Song Qingshu’s Qinggong mastery.

Shortly after hiding inside the bedchamber, he heard Emperor Xizong and Da Xingguo conversing outside.

“Where is Lady Taohua now?”

“This servant has already instructed the maids to prepare her bath and a change of clothes. Since Your Majesty has chosen to receive her in the bedchamber, the implication is clear. If she still chooses to come, Your Majesty shall have your wish fulfilled.”

“Heh, you dog of a eunuch—even without ‘that thing,’ you still understand these matters well.”

“To share Your Majesty’s burdens, this servant must learn even what he does not know.”

“Hahaha! Well done. I’ll reward you handsomely tomorrow! Wait outside later. Unless I summon you, do not enter—I wouldn’t want to startle her.”

“As Your Majesty commands!”

As the Emperor entered, Song Qingshu lightly tapped his toes against the ground, silently concealing himself atop a beam.

‘I’ve really become a professional ‘beam gentleman’ at this point.’

Bored, he couldn’t help but mock himself.

Below, Emperor Xizong rummaged through drawers before finally retrieving a red pill, which he discreetly tucked away.

Recognizing it as some sort of aphr0disiac, Song Qingshu couldn’t help but feel a natural male superiority.

‘How pathetic. Even as an Emperor with a harem, he’s powerless in bed. Faced with a peerless beauty, he lacks confidence and resorts to pills. What kind of man is this?’

As his thoughts wandered, Da Xingguo’s voice suddenly sounded outside: “Lady Taohua, His Majesty has been awaiting you.”

“Mm~”

A soft, melodic hum sent a shiver down not just the Emperor’s spine but Song Qingshu’s as well.

‘This woman knows seduction techniques!’

Instantly alert, Song Qingshu focused intently.

With each graceful step, the delicate chime of jade ornaments followed.

Curious, Song Qingshu peered down—and froze.

A stunningly beautiful woman entered the hall, her skin like polished jade, with almond-shaped eyes and peach-blossom cheeks. Dressed in a violet palace gown, her mere presence seemed to illuminate the entire room.

As she drew closer, Song Qingshu could only see her alluring back—her flowing hair, the flawless jade-like nape of her neck. He couldn’t help but marvel:

‘Though she’s middle-aged, her charm rivals even Zhao Min and Zhou Zhiruo!’

But what truly shocked him was this: her face was already fair, yet the skin on her neck was even paler. Only someone skilled in disguise arts would notice such a subtle discrepancy.

A sudden realization struck him—

‘Could it be… Lady Taohua is wearing a mask?’