Song Qingshu finally understood why Han Tuozhou had invited him here. Everyone had been speaking in turn, and though the discussion seemed lively, it had all been meant for his ears. All that groundwork had been laid to get him to help.
Becoming the focus of everyone's attention, Song Qingshu gave a wry smile. "I'm not part of the court. I don't really have any standing to speak on such matters."
While Song Qingshu was a guest at the Han residence, Guo Jing and Huang Rong also arrived at Jia Mansion to pay a visit. Jia Sidao even went outside personally to receive them with great courtesy.
Though they knew he was merely putting on a show to win them over, Jia Sidao was now one of the most influential figures at court. Guo Jing and Huang Rong still found it quite gratifying.
To win over the couple, Jia Sidao had arranged a family banquet for the two of them as a sign of intimacy. No outsiders had been invited; all those accompanying them were important members of Jia Mansion. Jia Zhen, Jia Lian, Jia Rong, and nearly all the real powerholders of the Jia family were present.
When they saw Huang Rong's peerlessly gorgeous face, the men of Jia Mansion were instantly stunned. Jia Lian quietly poked Jia Rong and teased, "She seems a few shades more radiant and alluring than the one in your household." Though they differed by a generation in seniority, they were close in age and shared similar interests. Rather than uncle and nephew, they were more like drinking buddies.
The one he meant was naturally Jia Rong's wife, Qin Keqing, a famed beauty among the powerful circles of Lin'an City.
"Not necessarily," Jia Rong snorted. Yet his eyes remained fixed on Huang Rong, unable