Chapter 762 – I, Hu Hansi, Have Returned Again (1)
“How is the relationship between Bergao and Liu Xi?”
Lady Qiqi removed her warming cloak and handed it to the Maidservant.
“The relationship is quite good, you know? We used to often go together…” Huang Song casually mentioned, but when his gaze met his wife’s stern eyes, he immediately swallowed the rest of his words. After all, discussing his past romantic escapades was certainly inappropriate, “…In any case, we are on good terms.”
Fortunately, Lady Qiqi didn’t hold it against him for not finishing his thought.
“I sense that this Liu Xi has quite the ambition. After our conversation today, I have a feeling her decision to reclaim her identity as a woman might not be a passive move but rather a proactive one.” Lady Qiqi sat down, picked up the tea brewed by the Maidservant, took a sip to wet her lips, and then dropped a bombshell.
Huang Song frowned, “That’s impossible. Lan Ting’s disguise is quite effective. If it weren’t for today’s incident, I doubt I would have discovered it. Besides, what benefits could there be in reclaiming her identity? If Lan Ting were a man, she would now be appointed as the governor of Wanzhou, leveraging her father’s influence to secure power in the North. The court is on its last breath; it’s clear there’s no saving it. Right now, it’s just a flash in the pan… Reclaiming her identity would only complicate matters for herself. Why would she choose that if she can keep her ambitions hidden, and her future could be infinitely bright?”
As for offspring and marriage matters?
Compared to her future prospects, those are no issues at all.
When it comes to having children, she can just find a suitable man privately and have one herself—simple enough!
As for the child’s father, she could either support him or dispose of him, there are plenty of ways to handle that, leaving no trace behind.
If it weren’t for someone else revealing the truth or her own foolishness, how could her real identity be discovered?
How could it be?
Who would suspect that a buddy who drinks flower wine and keeps company with courtesans is actually a woman?
In terms of mannerisms and actions, there was not a single flaw to be noticed.
Concerning Jiang Pengji’s appearance, judging by today’s standards, there are far more masculine-looking men than her mother.
Lady Qiqi raised her eyebrows and shot her husband a glare, “This is women’s intuition. What do you know? I had a pleasant conversation with that Liu Xi today; she didn’t seem bothered at all about her identity being exposed, and she didn’t show any confusion or hesitation either. Instead, she looked as if she was well-prepared for it. If that’s the case, then this Liu Xi’s ambition is definitely beyond what I imagined!”
In response to his wife’s speculation, Huang Song merely reacted with one word.
“Oh.”
Lady Qiqi said, “Oh what? At least show some reaction!”
Huang Song chuckled, “What reaction can I provide? It’s not like I just discovered Lan Ting’s ambition today, is it? Our relationship is fine, so we can discuss the future later. I can’t just sever ties with her because her ambition is too great, can I?”
Lady Qiqi replied, “But we should be prepared! You’re focusing on Haozhou, which is right at the border between the North and South…”
Given the current development situation, it was inevitable that their interests would collide one day.
Huang Song laughed and pulled his wife into his embrace, the couple positioning themselves affectionately as if cradling a doll.
He whispered, “I understand your concerns, but it’s just not the right time yet. Lan Ting is strong and has a firm grip on the North, but that’s only on the surface. In the coming years, we can only cooperate with her; there won’t be any conflicts. Your worries are a bit premature.”
“Why?” Lady Qiqi asked in surprise.
Huang Song replied softly, “There are forces in the North beyond just the Liu family. As long as the Northern border remains, Lan Ting’s power will always be constrained there. Starting a conflict with her would be like digging my own grave. If she focuses on developing the North, then I can develop the South. We can both benefit without interfering with each other. Only when she deals with the Northern border can we truly become adversaries. Got it?”
Personal relationships are personal, and business is business.
Not only Jiang Pengji sees this clearly, but Huang Song understands it as well.
As long as it benefits them, they’ll be allies; otherwise, they can become enemies—it all depends on the stance taken.
“I once thought Lan Ting had little chance against the forces at the Northern border, but now that I’ve seen her, I believe it’s a coin toss.” Huang Song lowered his gaze slightly and said, “In terms of open-mindedness, there are very few who can surpass her, but unfortunately, she is not a man.”
Lady Qiqi pinched the soft flesh around his waist.
Showing her tiger teeth, she said, “What’s wrong with women? Can’t women do great things?”
“My lady, I didn’t mean that at all… Ouch, let go, it’s getting bruised…”
Huang Song pleaded repeatedly, and it took Lady Qiqi a moment before she let go.
“So, do you hope she can defeat the Northern border?”
“The Northern border is an outsider; they’ve slaughtered countless innocent common people. Naturally, I wish for Lan Ting to win. If she is unable to do so, I will definitely lend my full support.” Huang Song quietly inhaled a sharp breath, rubbing the bruised area, remembering how strong his wife’s grip still is.
Women, oh, they are truly not to be trifled with.
As he rubbed his sore spot, he complained, “Alas, my lady has caused extra troubles this time, and I’ll need to dig into my savings again to cover the expenses.”
Lady Qiqi perked up, “Did you just say that I caused you extra trouble?”
Huang Song nibbled on her earlobe and laughed, “If you had gifted something else, others would just think that I have a good friendship with Lan Ting, and your visit to thank me would be perfectly normal. But now that you’ve sent makeup, even if Lan Ting doesn’t mind, outsiders might speak poorly and try to sow discord between us. To be safe, I’ll need to personally visit her tomorrow with an even bigger gift to show my genuine attitude.”
Lady Qiqi pouted but said nothing in return.
Huang Song continued, “…Otherwise, what if others deliberately humiliate Lan Ting and make sure the lady of the house handles everything? Just imagine how it would turn out! Not only would she deal with those people, but she’d also make my life miserable. To prevent that, it’s better to spend some money to dodge the disaster.”
I have to say, Huang Song does have some understanding of Jiang Pengji.
Lady Qiqi said, “Fine then, I’ll go check the storeroom and pick out some good items.”
The couple reunited, far surpassing a fresh marriage, and that night they were like glue to one another.
Just when they had settled down, outside, a Maidservant’s flustered voice was heard.
At the same time, Jiang Pengji, who was preparing to rest, received similar news.
“The corpse is missing?”
Jiang Pengji, draped in a cloak for warmth, held a bamboo scroll in her hand while the servant reporting to her was pale with fear.
The servant stammered, “Y-yes, it’s said that amidst a gust of evil wind, the remains have vanished.”
Their lord is the main force behind defeating monsters; it’s uncertain whether those creatures might seek her out for trouble if they revive.
Thinking of the lurking monsters eyeing the residence, the servant’s face turned ashen.
“It’s gone, so what’s the fuss about?” Jiang Pengji waved her hand dismissively, signaling the servant to leave.
Looking at the light from the lamp, Jiang Pengji reached out to poke at the flame.
“Having killed it three times and revived it thrice, I suspect that the subsystem’s stored popularity points have been partially depleted already…”
She murmured softly, her eyes glinting with a chilling light.
“Just a few more times, and it’ll be time to net them.”
