"What nonsense are you talking about? How could I possibly kill you?" Song Qingshu said irritably.
He recalled how Zhao Min had already vaguely guessed at his arrangements across the various countries. To prevent any news from leaking, he had no choice but to keep her by his side. Unfortunately, that also meant she would inevitably learn more of his secrets. This time, things were clear. Before, she had merely suspected and had not been entirely certain, but now that she had seen him become Yelü Hongji, Emperor of Liao Country, Zhao Min could figure out what was going on without even thinking.
"Why couldn't you kill me?" Zhao Min smiled faintly. "This matter is of enormous importance. If I leaked even the slightest rumor, you would be doomed beyond redemption. If our positions were reversed, I would most likely kill you. After all, only the dead can keep secrets in this world."
"The County Princess wouldn't kill me either." Song Qingshu shook his head.
"Why?" Zhao Min froze for a moment, unable to understand where his confidence came from.
"Because you couldn't bear to." Song Qingshu grinned.
Zhao Min was stunned, then flushed with anger. "Who couldn't bear to part with you? Aren't you being a little too narcissistic?"
Song Qingshu simply looked at her tenderly. "Because I couldn't bear to kill you."
Zhao Min's cheeks reddened slightly, and she turned her head away awkwardly. "Hmph, I'm already afflicted by a strange poison and certain to die anyway. Whether you kill me or not makes no difference, so say whatever you like."
"It is true that you're afflicted by a strange poison," Song Qingshu said after a pause, his tone meaningful. "But whether you are certain to die is another matter."
Zhao Min's heart stirred. She turned back, her