Zhao Min was driven into a state of agitation by his caresses. Knowing that if this continued, she would likely be unable to escape his clutches tonight, she quickly came up with a way to divert his attention. "Qingshu, now that you have become Emperor of the Liao Country, how do you plan to deal with Xiao Feng, the Great King of the Southern Courtyard, whom Yelü Hongji imprisoned?"
Song Qingshu was taken aback. He had not expected her to bring this up so suddenly in such an intimate moment. But since it concerned serious matters, he did not dare treat it lightly and answered solemnly, "Of course I'll release him. We swore brotherhood, and before, there was little I could do. Now, though, freeing him is merely a word from me. How could I stand by and do nothing?"
"Besides, I need him to help keep the Northern Prefecture Prime Minister, Xiao Pidi, in check. Now that Yelü Yixin has fallen and the Northern King's Court has declined, no one in the entire court can rival Xiao Pidi. Power easily breeds desire. I fear that without anyone to restrain him, he may become a second Yelü Yixin." Song Qingshu spoke with some concern. Although Xiao Pidi was Su Quan's father, even fathers and sons could shed blood three feet high in struggles for power, much less fathers and daughters.
Zhao Min nodded. "Your concerns are not without reason. Even if Xiao Pidi himself has no rebellious ambitions, there is no guarantee that his subordinates will not push him further for the sake of wealth and glory, just as they did with Zhao Kuangyin, Taizu of the Southern Dynasties."
"However..." Zhao Min abruptly changed the subject. "Xiao Feng still cannot be released."
Song Qingshu frowned. "Why?"
Zhao Min shifted her