Chapter 851: Priority

Song Qingshu specifically brought this up because he had deceived Tudan Jing the previous night, making her believe that his actions were driven by indignation at Wanyan Liang’s mistreatment of Gebi. He had taken advantage of her as a form of retaliation.

Now, Tudan Jing would do everything possible to conceal what had happened between them. If Wanyan Liang stuck to their original arrangement and pretended he had been with her last night, their stories would inevitably clash. Suspicion would arise on one side or the other—and regardless of who grew doubtful, it was an outcome Song Qingshu wished to avoid.

Fortunately, Wanyan Liang had been deeply wounded by Song Qingshu’s earlier words. The mere thought of his wife submitting to another man filled him with resentment. Thus, when Song Qingshu made his request, Wanyan Liang agreed without hesitation, sparing himself the psychological torment of discussing the previous night’s events with his wife.

Seeing Wanyan Liang’s compliance, Song Qingshu exhaled inwardly in relief before continuing, “Your Highness, now that we are practically family, could you shed some light on the matter we discussed earlier?”

Though still bitter about Song Qingshu’s exploitation of Tudan Jing, Wanyan Liang’s mood improved at the thought of finally possessing Gebi. “Of course,” he replied. “From now on, we are as close as brothers. As the saying goes, ‘Brothers are like limbs, wives are like garments.’ Limbs cannot be severed, but garments can be exchanged.”

Song Qingshu cursed his shamelessness inwardly but maintained a smile. “If Your Highness ever feels inclined, we could exchange garments again someday.”

“Excellent! It’s settled then!” Wanyan Liang was delighted, though he mused that last night’s exertions had drained him. He would need some time to recover and replenish his energy.

After some casual conversation, Wanyan Liang finally turned to serious matters. “Brother Tang Kuo, now that you’re one of us, I won’t keep secrets from you. Remember when I asked you who you thought was most likely to inherit the throne?”

Song Qingshu nodded cautiously. “With Prince Wei’s unexpected death, it seems the throne may fall to the Emperor’s younger brother, Prince Changsheng.”

Wanyan Liang snorted. “Prince Changsheng may appear to be the frontrunner, but that’s far from the truth. He and the Emperor have long-standing, irreconcilable conflicts. The Emperor would never pass the throne to him.”

“Are you referring to the conflict over Lady Taohua?” Song Qingshu had heard rumors in the capital about the brothers’ feud over this woman.

“Precisely,” Wanyan Liang confirmed. “Back when Emperor Taizong ruled, both the current Emperor and Prince Changsheng were idle princes. Taoyao ultimately chose Prince Changsheng. At the time, the Emperor was heartbroken but could do nothing. However, once he ascended the throne, everything changed. As emperor, what woman in the realm could he not possess? The only thing stopping him is the scandal of stealing his brother’s wife. Prince Changsheng, well aware of the Emperor’s desires, has been scheming in the shadows. Tensions between them are at a breaking point.”

“Is Lady Taohua truly so captivating?” Song Qingshu found it hard to believe that a woman could drive brothers to enmity and destabilize a dynasty.

Wanyan Liang smirked. “Had Taoyao not lived in seclusion in Prince Changsheng’s domain all these years, rarely appearing in public, the title of the Jin Dynasty’s greatest beauty might not have gone to Gebi.” His expression turned wistful. Unfortunately, Taoyao’s status made her even more unattainable than Gebi—he had no chance of tasting her charms.

Song Qingshu was genuinely intrigued. Having experienced Gebi’s beauty firsthand, he knew any woman who could rival her must be a peerless, kingdom-toppling enchantress.

“If Prince Changsheng cannot inherit the throne, and the Emperor has no heirs left, who does Your Highness believe stands a chance?” Song Qingshu probed further.

Instead of answering, Wanyan Liang gave him a knowing look. “What do you think, Brother Tang Kuo?”

Song Qingshu paused, recalling that Wanyan Liang had historically usurped the throne. Lowering his voice, he said, “Your Highness, as the eldest grandson of Emperor Taizu, and with no other prince matching your literary and martial prowess, I believe the throne is yours by right. No one else is worthy.”

Wanyan Liang was overjoyed. “Brother Tang Kuo, you truly understand me!”

Normally, a man of his cunning would never reveal his ambitions so easily. But after exchanging “garments” with Tang Kuo Bian, their bond was far stronger than that of ordinary allies. Moreover, with both men sharing the need to deceive their wives, their interests were perfectly aligned. Wanyan Liang instinctively saw Song Qingshu as a partner in crime.

What astonished him even more was how every word Song Qingshu spoke resonated with his deepest desires. During countless sleepless nights, he had seethed at how the court elders never considered him—Emperor Taizu’s eldest grandson—as a candidate for succession. The throne had already slipped from Taizu’s line to Taizong’s once, with Emperor Xizong taking it. He would not allow a second failure.

This obsession had become an inner demon, one he had never dared voice—not even to his most trusted advisor, Xiao Yu. Hearing Song Qingshu articulate his thoughts so perfectly filled him with an overwhelming sense of kinship.

‘Hmph, I had planned to eliminate you after I ascended the throne for daring to touch my consort. But since you’re such an insightful man, perhaps I’ll spare your life. It’ll be even more thrilling to make you watch as I summon Gebi to the palace for my pleasure.’

Outwardly, however, Wanyan Liang said, “Brother Tang Kuo, our bond now surpasses that of brothers. If you aid me in claiming the throne, you shall be my foremost ally. The positions of Chancellor and Grand Marshal will be yours!”

“Thank you, Your Highness! No—thank you, Your Majesty!” Song Qingshu’s acting was equally impeccable.

Wanyan Liang burst into laughter. After more conversation, Song Qingshu suddenly asked, “Does Your Highness have a plan to eliminate Prince Changsheng?”

“Why eliminate him?” Wanyan Liang frowned. “He and Emperor Xizong are destined to clash. Intervening now would be unwise.”

Song Qingshu shook his head. “Your Highness, under normal circumstances, letting tigers fight would indeed be the best strategy. But the Emperor’s health is deteriorating daily. If he passes unexpectedly before their conflict erupts, Prince Changsheng will emerge as the ultimate victor. Forgive my bluntness, but Prince Changsheng is the Emperor’s blood brother, while you are merely his cousin. If the Emperor were to die suddenly, who do you think the court would support?”

Wanyan Liang’s expression shifted. 

Emperor Xizong’s failing health was indeed a concern. 

“What do you suggest, Brother Tang Kuo?”