Thinking of Zhou Zhiruo's delicate, lovely face, a trace of warmth gradually rose in Song Qingshu's heart. He then said to Li Kexiu, "Matters of the heart can't be calculated like this. Of course, if Uncle Li insists on the position of Empress, I can agree to it. But Uncle Li, have you forgotten the lesson of Liu Xiu and Guo Shengtong?"
Li Kexiu's expression immediately changed. How could he not know that story? Back when Eastern Han's founding emperor, Liu Xiu, deeply loved his wife Yin Lihua, he had nonetheless been forced to marry Guo Shengtong, the granddaughter of the King of Zhending, and make her Empress in exchange for the support of the King of Zhending's hundred-thousand-strong army. Yet Liu Xiu had always loved Yin Lihua. Coupled with his guilt toward her over this matter, he had constantly sought to make it up to her. In the end, Guo Shengtong was deposed, while the King of Zhending's family nearly faced extermination for implication in a rebellion.
Song Qingshu's meaning was equally plain: Don't push me. If you do, I can agree first, just like Liu Xiu did, then cast you aside once I no longer need you.
"In that case, Nephew, consider it carefully. Contact me once you've made up your mind." Li Kexiu rose to his feet, displeasure written across his face. After leaving those words behind coolly, he strode away.
Song Qingshu smiled bitterly. He actually had more tactful ways of handling this, but for the sake of the future, he did not want to go against his heart and deceive anyone with empty promises. Besides, for some reason, his literary sentimentalism had suddenly flared up. Was it because this involved Zhou Zhiruo? Song Qingshu sank into thought.
When Cheng Yaojia saw Li Kexiu and his