Chapter 827: A Favor Owed

Upon hearing the two young girls’ words, Empress Pei Man turned back and looked at Song Qingshu with a faint, enigmatic smile. 

Zhao Yingluo’s expression was even more subtle—her furious glare was practically enough to set Song Qingshu ablaze.  

“Why are you looking at me? I wasn’t the one who said that,” Song Qingshu grumbled. ‘I’m the one who got teased by two little girls—shouldn’t I be the victim here?’  

“What nonsense are you two spouting? How could I possibly help with something like that?” Song Qingshu rolled his eyes and ruffled Zhao Hu’er and Zhao Yuan’s hair. ‘Hmm, not bad—finally got to try that Japanese head-pat move.’  

“We just don’t want that man’s filthy stuff on us,” Zhao Hu’er pouted, clearly dissatisfied that her request wasn’t being taken seriously.  

“Enough fooling around,” Song Qingshu said before turning to Pei Man. “There’s no need to make things so complicated. With all the chaos at the scene, who’d pay attention to such details? I refuse to believe we’d be unlucky enough to run into someone like Sherl0ck Holmes or C0nan.”  

“Who’s Sher…lock Holmes? Conan? Those names sound strange—are they from the Western Regions?” Empress Pei Man frowned slightly before shaking her head. “No, we can’t afford to take chances. If we’re caught, you and this young lady might escape with your martial prowess, but the rest of us will suffer a terrible fate.”  

Seeing Song Qingshu’s silent frown, Empress Pei Man suddenly spoke up, “Young Master Song, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you privately.”  

“We’re all in this together now—why can’t you say it in front of everyone?” Zhao Yingluo retorted unhappily.  

Empress Pei Man smiled coyly. “This matter is extremely dangerous. I might not even live to see tomorrow. Would you really want to eavesdrop on my final, intimate words with my lover?”  

“Adulterous scum!” Zhao Yingluo spat in disgust before turning away and walking to the bedside to talk with the two younger girls, motioning for them to move farther away.  

“So, what did you want to say, Your Majesty?” Song Qingshu allowed Empress Pei Man to pull him aside but remained skeptical of any so-called “heartfelt confessions.”  

“Young Master…” Empress Pei Man gave him a resentful look, but when he remained unmoved, she lowered her voice and continued, “Do you know why I’ve been insisting on smearing ‘that’ on them? It’s actually for ‘your’ sake.”  

Song Qingshu frowned. “What do you mean?”  

“As far as I know, you currently rule Shandong independently, with no allegiance to the Southern Song Dynasty. So, why take such a huge risk to rescue their princesses? Isn’t the cost greater than the reward?” she whispered.  

“That’s my own business. No need for Your Majesty to concern yourself,” Song Qingshu replied coolly.  

Empress Pei Man sighed softly. “You still don’t trust me… Even if you won’t say it, I can guess. Given your current status, you wouldn’t abandon the Golden Serpent Camp—still in its rebuilding phase—and travel all the way to the Jin Dynasty just for a beautiful woman. You must be planning to establish ties with the Southern Song court by rescuing these princesses.”  

Song Qingshu’s expression shifted slightly. While this mission had arisen from a mix of coincidences, he wasn’t foolish enough to take such risks without benefits. Empress Pei Man had indeed guessed one of his key motives.  

Noticing his reaction, Empress Pei Man smiled knowingly. “Even the wisest can overlook things. Have you considered that you might be overestimating the Southern Song’s gratitude?”  

“Explain,” Song Qingshu said darkly.  

Pei Man glanced at Zhao Yingluo, ensuring she wasn’t listening, before continuing, “The Southern Song’s officials are infamous for their cowardice and treachery. These princesses are a permanent stain on their honor. By rescuing them, you’re forcing the emperor to confront his humiliation every time he sees them. He may not thank you for it.”  

Song Qingshu’s heart skipped a beat. Her analysis was sound—and it reminded him of a historical case where a princess who escaped the Jin Dynasty’s ‘Huan Yi Yuan’ was executed by her own family, accused of being an imposter.  

‘More tragic than Dou E!’ No wonder the memory had stuck with him.  (G: The Injustice to Dou E, and also known as Snow in Midsummer, is a Chinese zaju play.)

“Do you have a better suggestion?” Song Qingshu’s expression darkened at the thought of his efforts backfiring.  

“The key lies with those two girls,” Empress Pei Man said, glancing at Zhao Hu’er and Zhao Yuan. “With the rise of Neo-Confucianism in the Southern Song, female chastity is paramount. The other princesses may not fare well upon their return, but these two were mere infants when captured—and they remain pure. They’ll undoubtedly regain their royal status. ‘They’ are your best hope for securing the Southern Song’s gratitude.”  

Seeing Song Qingshu’s thoughtful silence, she pressed on, “You’re a man of the world—you know how fickle human hearts can be. Right now, these women may be grateful, but once they’re safe and restored to privilege, that gratitude will fade. If you want their loyalty to last… now is the perfect opportunity.”  

“You mean ‘that’ plan of yours?” Song Qingshu looked exasperated.  

“Of course! Southern Song women prize virtue above all. If you establish an intimate bond now, they’ll never look at another man. Ideally, you’d take their purity—but since you’re too noble to seize the chance earlier, this is the next best thing.” She leaned in, whispering by his ear.  

“Why are you helping me?” Song Qingshu studied her carefully.  

Empress Pei Man smirked. “You’re a man of great capability. A favor now may yield rewards later.”  

“Hey! Are you two done whispering yet?” Zhao Yingluo’s voice cut in, her tone inexplicably irritated at their closeness.  

“We’re done,” Empress Pei Man giggled. “But have you girls decided? Will it be Prince Wei’s… or Young Master Song’s?”