Daiqisi felt utterly embarrassed by a few of his words, and she could hardly withstand Song Qingshuâs persistent persuasion. After several rounds of verbal sparring, she ultimately agreed to his request.
As the two of them stepped out of the large tent, the sun was already high in the sky. Seeing the smirking gazes of Ouyang Feng, Qiu Qianren, and others, Daiqisi wished she could just disappear into the ground.
Song Qingshu, on the other hand, had a face thicker than a city wall, and he maintained a calm demeanor while discussing the Quanzhen Sectâs Imperial Edict matters with the two.
Despite the reluctance of everyone in the Quanzhen Sect to accept the Jin Dynastyâs Imperial Edict, Wang Chongyang and the Five Great Masters had a secret meeting for several hours that day, after which they agreed to accept the edict.
With the death of the third-generation Sect Leader Yin Zhiping, the Jin Dynasty proposed that Zhang Zhiguang, who had previously agreed to accept the edict, take on the role of the third-generation Sect Leader. However, Zhang Zhiguangâs martial arts skills and prestige were insufficient to command respect within the sect, especially from Qiu Chujiâs faction, who were particularly opposed to the position falling into the hands of their usual rivals. Thus, their reaction was the most intense.
Unfortunately, the Jin Dynasty had several master-level experts stationed there, along with three thousand elite soldiers at the foot of Mount Zhongnan, which made it impossible for them to argue back.
They had hoped to seek help from the Five Great Masters, but the Five Great Masters, following Wang Chongyangâs instructions, could only remain silent on the matter. In the end, Zhang Zhiguang managed to become the third-generation Sect Leader without any significant issues.
At this moment, Zhang Zhiguang had been waiting in the military camp for quite some time. Although Song Qingshu had been inside the tent joking around with Daiqisi, he did not show any signs of dissatisfaction. He understood very well that his rise to the position of Sect Leader was due to the will of the person in the command tent.
After discussing some matters with Ouyang Feng and the others, Song Qingshu summoned Zhang Zhiguang into the command tent.
As soon as Zhang Zhiguang entered the tent, he noticed the woman standing next to Song Qingshu. Her graceful figure, the flirtatious charm in her eyes, and her flushed cheeks for some unknown reason made her already stunning face even more alluring. Even after decades of cultivation, just one glance left him feeling weak. He thought to himself, no wonder Yin Zhiping was willing to give up a bright future for a woman; a beauty like this was irresistible to any man.
However, he was self-aware and quickly lowered his gaze, respectfully greeting Song Qingshu, âI pay my respects to the Marshal.â
Song Qingshu looked at the Daoist in front of him with a smirk, âYou do know how to read the situation. Since we are all smart people, I wonât waste time with you. Do you know why I support someone like you, who has neither prestige nor exceptional martial skills, to be the Sect Leader?â
Zhang Zhiguang hesitated for a moment and uncertainly replied, âIs it because I previously supported the acceptance of the Imperial Edict?â
Song Qingshu shook his head, âThatâs not the main reason.â
âPlease enlighten me, Marshal,â Zhang Zhiguang bowed again.
Song Qingshu was very pleased with his respectful attitude and continued, âMany people in the Quanzhen Sect are unwilling to accept the Imperial Edict from the court. If I chose someone else, thereâs no guarantee they wouldnât act against my wishes. But you donât have that problem.â
âI chose you precisely because you lack prestige and martial prowess. Once you become the Sect Leader, the others in the Quanzhen Sect will surely not respect you. To secure your position, you will have to cling tightly to my thigh.â
Zhang Zhiguang felt cold sweat trickling down his back and hurriedly said, âI will definitely follow the Marshalâs lead in the future.â
Song Qingshu secretly looked down on his character, but sometimes such people were necessary: âItâs best that you have this awareness. However, I must say some unpleasant things upfront. My support for you to rise is not so you can be a mere figurehead. If you cannot effectively control the Quanzhen Sect, what use do I have for you?â
Zhang Zhiguang frowned, âBut the disciples of Qiu Shiboâs faction are numerous and powerful, and they have always been at odds with me. Iâm afraidâŠâ
Song Qingshu interrupted him with a wave of his hand, âThatâs something you should consider yourself.â
Zhang Zhiguang gritted his teeth and replied, âIndeed, I will find a way to handle it. However, I may need the Marshal to provide some assistance.â
Song Qingshu nodded secretly. Although this person was lacking in character, his abilities seemed quite good; he understood how to leverage power: âGo ahead, if itâs not too excessive, I can consider it.â
Zhang Zhiguang thought for a moment and said, âI would like the Marshal to leave a master to support me, and thenâŠâ
Song Qingshu smiled, âThatâs fine. I will have the Iron Palm Floating on Water, Master Qiu, stay here for a while. As for the rest, weâll see how you perform later.â
Zhang Zhiguang was instantly overjoyed, âThank you, Marshal!â
Watching Zhang Zhiguang leave, Daiqisi said with a complex expression, âI didnât expect that the leader of the worldâs number one sect would be treated like a dog by you.â
Song Qingshu wrapped his arm around her soft waist, âWhatâs wrong? Seeing your man so impressive, are you not happy?â
Daiqisi pushed him away and spat, âStop being so vain. Iâm just lamenting how the Quanzhen Sect has declined over the generations.â
Song Qingshu nodded in agreement, âIndeed, it has declined.â
After meeting with Zhang Zhiguang, Song Qingshu gathered the accompanying generals in the military camp for a meeting. He announced that he would travel light to Yangzhou, accompanied by a few skilled bodyguards, to pay a visit to Jiangsu-Zhejiang Governor Li Kexiu, while the other generals would lead the main force back to Daxing Prefecture, also responsible for âescortingâ the five Quanzhen disciples back to the capital to âlectureâ the young princes.
Whether it was escorting or lecturing, these were merely nominal statements; both sides understood that they were actually taking the five Quanzhen disciples as hostages. If the Quanzhen Sect truly submitted to the Jin Dynasty, the five Quanzhen disciples would naturally be treated like deities in Daxing Prefecture. If the Quanzhen Sect dared to entertain other ideas, the lives of the five Quanzhen disciples would be in jeopardy.
Of course, all of this was based on Wang Chongyangâs promise to Song Qingshu that he would ensure the safety of the five Quanzhen disciples no matter what in the future. It was merely to have them make a show in Daxing Prefecture to silence Song Qingshuâs political enemies in the Jin court.
During the meeting, many people raised concerns about Song Qingshuâs safety during his trip to Yangzhou, but Pucha Qiucao immediately stood up to assure everyone that there was absolutely no safety issue. What a joke! Who could harm someone who had defeated the Five Great Masters of the Central Plains and the legendary number one expert, Wang Chongyang? Was there anyone in this world who could hurt him?
Then, Song Qingshu dismissed all doubts by stating that the Jin and Qing were allied nations, and it would not be appropriate to make a big fuss about undermining each other, as it could affect the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Finally, the generals proposed to hold a grand banquet to send Song Qingshu off. As for the military campâs prohibition on drinking, that was just a rule; rules are dead, but people are alive. Now that Song Qingshu had disguised himself as Tang Kuo Bian, a figure of high rank in the Jin Dynasty, who would still care about whether they could drink or not?
Song Qingshu also intended to mingle with these mid-level officers, so he naturally wouldnât dampen their spirits.
At the banquet, a group of people took turns toasting Song Qingshu. Relying on his deep internal strength, he accepted every toast, and the atmosphere was extremely lively.
Pucha Qiucao, however, was feeling down due to the events that had transpired in the Ancient Tomb and had no interest in mingling with these men. After a brief exchange, she excused herself from the table. Shortly after she left the tent, she was intercepted by Daiqisi.
âWhat do you want?â Pucha Qiucao looked at her warily. Although she didnât have a good impression of this woman, she had to admit that Daiqisi was stunning, radiant, and her beauty was not inferior to that of Xiao Longnu, who had amazed all the men at the Hall of the Three Pure Ones yesterday.
Moreover, compared to Xiao Longnuâs cold and unapproachable demeanor, Daiqisi was a charming beauty with alluring features, and every smile and frown was enough to make any man blush.
âWhat do you think I want? Have you forgotten our bet so soon?â Daiqisi smiled sweetly.
Pucha Qiucaoâs expression darkened. The events surrounding Yang Guo had made her forget about the bet. She replied irritably, âOf course I remember.â
Daiqisiâs expression turned cold, âIs that the attitude a maid should have?â
Pucha Qiucao suddenly felt her breath quicken, her expression changing. Daiqisi snorted, âWhat, are you afraid to take responsibility?â
âWho said Iâm afraid?â Pucha Qiucao, having pent up frustration due to Yang Guoâs matters, retorted angrily, âIf being a maid means being a maid, whatâs the big deal?â
Daiqisi exaggeratedly stretched, revealing a stunningly beautiful curve of her chest, âThen give me a back rub. Oh, I donât know whatâs been going on these past few days, but I feel so sore all over. I could really use a maid to knead my shoulders and rub my back.â
âFine, Iâll give you a massage,â Pucha Qiucao gritted her teeth and said. Looking at Daiqisiâs exaggerated curves, she cursed inwardly: This vixen is indeed well-endowed; no wonder she kept Tang Kuo Bian busy in the command tent for a whole day and night, making it so that everyone in the military camp knew about it. Itâs no wonder your waist isnât sore!
However, Daiqisi sidestepped, making Pucha Qiucaoâs hand miss its target, âIs there a maid in public to give you a shoulder rub?â
Pucha Qiucao frowned, âThen where do you want to go for the massage?â
âOf course, itâs in my tent,â Pucha Qiucao didnât notice the sly glint in Daiqisiâs eyes as she spoke.
âAlright then.â Pucha Qiucao didnât suspect anything. After all, Daiqisi was just a woman. If she were a man inviting her to a tent in the middle of the night, she would rather bear the reputation of being reckless than go.
Now, Pucha Qiucao just wanted to deal with Daiqisi quickly and then go back to rest.
As if sensing her thoughts, a cold smile appeared on Daiqisiâs lips: Hmph, Iâll make sure you sleep well later.
Following Daiqisi into her tent, Pucha Qiucao looked at the neatly arranged bedding and thought to herself that this was really a case of hiding the truth. Who didnât know that you were summoned by Tang Kuo Bian every day for bed service? How could you possibly stay here?
âLie down by yourself; Iâll give you a massage now,â Pucha Qiucao kicked the foot of the bed, huffing. Although I agreed to be your maid, I never said I would be a submissive one.
âSure!â To her surprise, Daiqisi didnât mind her attitude at all and instead cooperatively lay down on the bed, âHere, and here, make sure to knead well.â
Watching Daiqisi treat her like a maid, Pucha Qiucao felt her anger boiling. She thought to herself that when she got the chance, she would seal Daiqisiâs acupoints and teach her a lesson to vent her frustration.
As her fingers touched Daiqisiâs shoulder, a victorious smile appeared on Pucha Qiucaoâs face, but it quickly froze.
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