He just did not know whether this was Maleji's idea or Li Kexiu's. If it was Maleji's idea, it was easy enough to understand. As the Governor-General of the Qing Dynasty, Maleji received the ruler's salary and served the ruler loyally, so he had deliberately led him to Suo'etu, invisibly securing the surrender of one faction.
But if this was Li Kexiu's idea, then things were somewhat troublesome. It meant he had deliberately made the envoys of the Jin Dynasty and Qing Dynasty watch and guard against one another while secretly contacting other forces himself.
Song Qingshu was considering whom Li Kexiu truly leaned toward when he suddenly heard Suo'etu laugh. "Years ago, when I visited the Jin Dynasty as an envoy, I had the honor of meeting Marshal Tang Kuo. Even then, I saw that the Marshal possessed an imposing bearing and extraordinary appearance, clearly no ordinary man. I never expected that after merely a few short years, my judgment would be proven right. Brother Tang Kuo has already risen to become the foremost figure in the Jin court, holding both military and political power in his hands. Admirable, truly admirable!"
Song Qingshu could not help admiring Suo'etu's shamelessness. A few years ago, Tang Kuobian had been an insignificant figure in the Jin Dynasty. If Song Qingshu had not reaped the benefits of Wanyan Liang's rebellion, how could Tang Kuobian possibly have attained his current position?
Tang Kuobian himself had a face full of beard and looked exactly like some barbarian brute. How could anyone call him imposing or extraordinary in appearance?
Song Qingshu casually humored him with a few words, only to hear Suo'etu say excitedly, "Brother Tang Kuo and I have hit it off at first sight today. Why don't we become sworn brothers?"
At those words,