Pledge of Allegiance

"May I ask, Prince, how can I become a true insider?" Song Qingshu's lips curled upward. The fox's tail had finally shown itself.

"This prince needs Brother Tang Kuo to submit a pledge of allegiance." Wanyan Liang's voice carried an indescribable undertone.

"And what kind of pledge of allegiance does Prince want?" Song Qingshu sneered inwardly.

Wanyan Liang merely smiled without answering. Instead, he rose and looked out toward the garden. Following his gaze, Song Qingshu saw Ge Bi chatting and laughing warmly with Princess of Hailing, and his expression immediately darkened.

Seeing that he had not flown into a rage on the spot, Wanyan Liang was delighted. Tang Kuobian's reaction showed that this might actually work.

"Brother Tang Kuo, do not think this prince is merely lusting after beauty. Ge Bi is the Emperor's own younger sister, and what I have told you must absolutely not reach the Emperor's ears. To ensure that the secret does not leak, I have no choice but to resort to this. Only then can we be certain that you will not betray us and that you are truly in the same boat as us." Wanyan Liang explained with utter sincerity.

"Forgive me, but I have no desire to board such a boat." Song Qingshu abruptly rose, making as if to leave.

Wanyan Liang remained calm and unhurried. "Brother Tang Kuo, you seem to have quite a favorable impression of this prince's Princess Consort."

Song Qingshu indeed halted. "What does Prince mean?"

Wanyan Liang stood and walked to his side. "This prince knows it would be difficult for you to sacrifice Ge Bi for nothing. How about this, to show my sincerity..." He paused, then leaned close to Song Qingshu's ear and whispered, "This prince can exchange my Princess Consort for her."

*So he