After discussing the details of sending troops, Song Qingshu said with a smile, "It wasn't easy for Brother Lu to come all this way. I'll hold a welcoming feast for you later, and we'll have a good drink."
Lu Guanying hurriedly rose and waved his hands. "No, no. I'm in a hurry to return and report to Prime Minister Han. He has been eagerly awaiting news from this side, and I truly cannot delay any longer. I hope King Qi will forgive me."
Worried that such a refusal might offend him, he hastily added, "When King Qi comes to Jiangnan in the future, I will surely bring my wife to apologize and properly entertain King Qi, giving you a grand welcome." Fearing that his own standing was not enough, he deliberately invoked the name of his wife, Cheng Yaojia.
How could Song Qingshu fail to understand the implication? Properly entertain me? And with what... Thinking of Cheng Yaojia's shy, soft panting, his heart could not help growing hot.
"Sinful, sinful..." Song Qingshu hurriedly composed himself. "Since Brother Lu has official business to attend to, I won't force you to stay. Men, select several fine horses, and prepare travel expenses as well as northern specialties..."
Lu Guanying declined several times, but ultimately could not refuse such generous hospitality. He had no choice but to accept the gifts before taking his leave.
To show his closeness, Song Qingshu personally saw him out. At the moment of parting, he said, "Brother Lu, remember to convey my regards to Prime Minister Han."
"Certainly, certainly," Lu Guanying replied with repeated nods. "In fact, King Qi's agreement to send troops is already the greatest greeting for Prime Minister Han."
Song Qingshu smiled faintly, but it was inconvenient to explain that his so-called troop deployment was merely