Zhang Hongfan tried to struggle again, but Song Qingshuâs bodyguards had already placed a knife to his neck, and he immediately fell silent.
âWhat are you doing? Donât move!â At this moment, the Qing soldiers had already rushed up, and the leading officer drew his sword and shouted at the people on the second floor.
Whether they were from the Mount Hua Sect, Murong Fu, or Mu Gaofeng, seeing their superior numbers and knowing that this was Qing territory, they hesitated for a moment and did not act rashly.
Of course, they were more wary of Song Qingshu on the other side, worried about accidentally provoking such a troublesome enemy.
As for Song Qingshu, he was too lazy to pay attention to the group, signaling his bodyguards to negotiate with the officer, and then returned to his seat.
The adjutant, seeing Song Qingshu ignore him, was about to lash out when he suddenly noticed the item the guard had given him. His attitude instantly changed drastically, and he rushed over with a fawning smile: âThis servant was blind and didnât know you were here. If I have offended you, please forgive me, sir. Is there anything I can do for you?â
Although Song Qingshu wasnât an official of the Qing Dynasty, the Jin and Qing Dynasties had always been brotherly nations. Furthermore, Song Qingshu had become sworn brothers with Suo Etu, and recently, everyone in Yangzhouâs officialdom knew that this lord from the Jin Dynasty had arrived. Even the governors and provincial treasurers were vying to curry favor with him, let alone a mere adjutant.
Song Qingshu, too lazy to waste words, directly pointed to Yue Buqun and his group and ordered, âThese are from the Mount Hua Sect. Release them.â
The Mount Hua Sect was currently located within Jin territory, and as an official of the Jin Dynasty, he naturally had no reason to make things difficult for them.
When Song Qingshu pointed at them, the Mount Hua Sect members were terrified. They knew that even one of his men was difficult to deal with, and now with so many Manchu soldiers, the Mount Hua Sect risked annihilation if a fight broke out.
However, upon hearing him release them, even a shrewd man like Yue Buqun showed a hint of joy, clasping his hands and saying, âThank you, Your Excellency.â
Song Qingshu waved his hand, signaling them to leave quickly.
Yue Lingshan, straightforward and honest, was about to speak when her mother pulled her back, seeing her father being ignored.
Ning Zhongze, knowing her daughterâs temperament, had stopped her early, subtly shaking her head.
Yue Lingshan then remembered the terrifying martial arts he had just displayed, and stuck out her tongue in lingering fear, looking quite charming and adorable.
Song Qingshu smiled slightly, thinking that it was no wonder Linghu Chong was so infatuated with her; she was indeed a lovely and charming young woman. However, he preferred women with gentler, more feminine personalities, and Yue Lingshanâs personality was something he really disliked.
Seeing that the other party didnât blame her daughter, Ning Zhongze nodded slightly to him in gratitude.
Song Qingshu returned the smile, inwardly sighing:
âThe former Jade Maiden of Mount Hua, itâs a pity she married the wrong person, a hypocrite. Her son-in-lawâs personality is exactly like her husbandâs, destined for a miserable end.â
Ning Zhongzeâs heart skipped a beat at his strange smile. She wondered why he was smiling at her like that, and dared not look at him again, quickly pulling her daughter downstairs.
After the Mount Hua Sect left, Song Qingshu turned his gaze to Murong Fu, hesitated for a moment, and said, âThis is the renowned Young Master Murong of Gusu. Thereâs no need to make things difficult for him; let him go.â
Although Murong Fu had acted unethically several times before, he had still shown him some kindness. Even though he had already repaid that kindness, killing him would be somewhat ominous, especially since there was no fundamental conflict of interest between them.
As for his grudge against Murong Bo, as the saying goes, every wrong has its perpetrator, and there was no need to hold him accountable.
Murong Fu breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that even a casual glance from the other man had exerted immense pressure. If a real fight broke out, he had little confidence in his familyâs Great Cosmic Transformation technique.
âThank you!â Murong Fu had initially tried to befriend him, but the manâs overwhelming pressure made him hesitate, and he ultimately abandoned the idea.
Seeing even the usually aloof figures of the martial world cowering before Song Qingshuâs pronouncement of their fate, Cheng Yaojiaâs beautiful eyes sparkled with admiration; after all, admiring the strong is a w0manâs nature.
Cheng Yaojia suddenly had a strange feeling that he was a dazzling flame, and she was a foolish moth drawn to him, knowing the danger yet still unable to resist approaching him.
While she was lost in thought, Song Qingshu suddenly spoke again: âWait!â
Murong Fu, who had just reached the top of the stairs, stiffened at the words, his inner energy surging, ready to fight to the death.
Song Qingshu smiled faintly: âYoung Master Murong, thereâs no need to be so tense. I simply wish to discuss something with you.â
âPlease speak!â Murong Fu dared not relax his guard even slightly.
Song Qingshu casually pointed in the direction of Mu Wanqing and the other woman, saying, âIâll take these two. I presume you have no objections, young master?â
âOf course I have no objections,â Murong Fu replied elegantly. He knew perfectly well that the unspoken message was for him to avoid causing these two any more trouble.
He had only pursued these two at his auntâs request; even if he failed, it wouldnât be a big deal. Murong Fu wasnât foolish enough to offend this unfathomable expert for their sake.
As Murong Fu descended the stairs, he inwardly sneered.
âYou want these two? What do you want with that hunchback Mu Gaofeng? Didnât you just take a fancy to that stunning young woman? Youâve been fawning over her since earlier. Do you think weâre blind?â
As expected, Murong Fuâs thoughts echoed those of everyone else present.
Cheng Yaojia looked dejected, while Mu Wanqing was both ashamed and furious: âYou lecherous scoundrel!â
She raised her hand to shoot Song Qingshu with a poisoned sleeve dart, but Mu Gaofeng quickly stopped her: âAbsolutely not!â
The miserable fate of Zhang Hongfan and his group was still fresh in his mind; he didnât want them to suffer the same fate.
âBut heâŠâ Mu Wanqing knew the difference in martial arts between them was too great; even if the poisoned sleeve dart was shot, it wouldnât harm him in the slightest. She could only stomp her feet in frustration.
âI wonder what business you have with us here?â Mu Gaofeng tried to force a smile, but unfortunately, it looked worse than a grimace on his ugly face.
âItâs not that I want you to stay, itâs that I want her to stay.â Song Qingshu pointed at Mu Wanqing, his words straightforward. âYou can leave now.â
Upon hearing this, everyone in the room wore strange expressions. The adjutant beside him thought,
âMy goodness, did I think these big shots were any different from us? Donât they all just snatch any pretty w0man they see? I must become a higher-ranking official so Iâll have a chance to snatch such a beautiful w0man.â
Cheng Yaojiaâs face darkened, and she lowered her head, staring blankly at the tea in her cup, saying nothing.
âYou!â Mu Wanqingâs face turned deathly pale with anger. If Mu Gaofeng hadnât been blocking her way, she would have already rushed forward to fight him.
âWhat if I donât leave?â To everyoneâs surprise, the ugly Mu Gaofeng didnât take the opportunity to escape; instead, he stood protectively in front of Mu Wanqing.