Flower Stealing Master

“Empress?”

Hearing this word, Song Qingshu immediately understood. No wonder a mere low-rank eunuch could even make the imperial guards curry favor with him.

There was still a female assassin in the room, and just as Song Qingshu was about to say something, the two little eunuchs ignored him completely and dragged him away without explanation.

“Slow down, slow down! I still have something to take care of in my room!” Song Qingshu deliberately called out.

“Oh, come on, Eunuch Xing! When the Empress summons us servants, who wouldn’t rush over immediately? Her matters are the most important! Whatever you need to do, just put it aside for now,” the two little eunuchs chimed in one after another, leaving Song Qingshu unsure of how to respond. Without realizing it, he had already been pulled farther and farther away.

‘I hope the yellow robed woman doesn’t misunderstand and think I ran away on purpose,’ Song Qingshu thought instinctively. But he quickly corrected himself—why was he getting so into character? Why should he care what she thought?

‘It’s a pity I still don’t know her name.’ Song Qingshu sighed with slight regret. In the original Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, her name was never mentioned. The last time he saw her on Shaoshi Mountain, all he knew was that her surname was Yang, but not her full name. She had also mentioned the Yang Family Generals—could she be a descendant of the Yang family’s female warriors?

Song Qingshu pondered for a long time but found no clues. He decided to find an opportunity to subtly ask her later. Now that he was just a lowly eunuch, she probably wouldn’t be too guarded against him.

“Why is the Empress so eager to see me?” Finally refocusing on the situation, Song Qingshu decided to pry some information out of the two eunuchs to avoid making any mistakes later.

Song Qingshu immediately realized he had slipped up and quickly covered it up with a laugh. “Oh, look at my memory. That female assassin caused such a stir in the palace today that my mind is all over the place.”

The two eunuchs nodded in agreement and began discussing animatedly:

“I heard that female assassin was incredibly skilled. Even both Vice Commanders of the Imperial Guards couldn’t stop her.”

“Yeah! If the Grand Supervisor hadn’t personally stepped in and seriously injured her, she would’ve escaped unscathed. That would have been a huge embarrassment for our Jin Empire.”

“I heard the Grand Supervisor had been hiding in the shadows and only succeeded because he ambushed her.”

“Shh! Are you tired of living? How dare you gossip about the Grand Supervisor behind his back?”

“Ah! My mistake. Eunuch Xing, I actually meant to say that the Grand Supervisor’s martial arts are unrivaled. That female assassin, being just a woman, could never be his match!”

Seeing the terrified look on the young eunuch’s face, Song Qingshu found it amusing and waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t worry, I didn’t hear anything.”

The young eunuch finally let out a sigh of relief. “Eunuch Xing is truly loyal.”

Chatting casually with the two eunuchs along the way, Song Qingshu gradually got a rough idea of Xiao Xingguo’s usual behavior and speech patterns. As long as he didn’t act too out of character, he shouldn’t arouse suspicion.

Before long, the three of them arrived at the Empress’s chambers. The two eunuchs led Song Qingshu to a side entrance before hurriedly leaving. Just as he was feeling puzzled, the door suddenly opened, and a palace maid stepped out. She shot him an impatient glance.

“Why are you so late? The Empress is getting impatient. Hurry up and follow me.”

Without betraying his thoughts, Song Qingshu followed behind her. Having learned from previous mistakes, he didn’t dare to speak carelessly. Who knew if Xiao Xingguo had some kind of relationship with this palace maid? 

He was well aware of the “paired companionship” culture within the palace—where eunuchs and palace maids formed unofficial relationships to cope with loneliness. While they couldn’t share a bed, they would comfort each other emotionally in secret.

‘How much sorrow can one endure? As much as a eunuch visiting a br0thel.’ Song Qingshu chuckled to himself.

“What are you laughing at, idiot? Get inside already!” The palace maid suddenly stopped and, noticing his smirk, rolled her eyes before shoving him into the room.

‘Seems I overestimated Xiao Xingguo’s status—if even a palace maid dares to treat him like this.’

With his martial arts skills, Song Qingshu could never be pushed around by a mere maid, but he played along, staggering forward as if caught off guard. As he regained his balance, he quickly scanned the surroundings while pondering, ‘She didn’t enter and even shut the door behind me. Does that mean this eunuch Xiao Xingguo has some unspeakable secret with the Empress?’

He quickly dismissed that thought. ‘Even if the Empress wanted to engage in palace scandals, she had plenty of choices among the guards and imperial physicians. Why would she pick a eunuch?’

“Xiao Xing, you’re finally here~”

A lazy female voice drifted from behind a veil of sheer curtains. 

Song Qingshu followed the sound and saw a voluptuous woman lying on a phoenix-engraved bed. With his keen eyesight, the thin, translucent fabric couldn’t obscure his view—he could see her face clearly.

Her skin was fair and radiant, and though she looked barely over thirty, Song Qingshu had already investigated—Empress Pei Man of Jin should be close to forty. Clearly, she had taken great care of her appearance.

Though she wasn’t breathtakingly beautiful, she was still the Empress, so she couldn’t have been lacking in looks. More importantly, having held her position for years, she exuded a noble and dignified aura that made her presence commanding. Paired with her alluring figure, she was undoubtedly a first-class beauty.

“Xiao Xing, you seem quite bold today—how dare you look at me with such impudent eyes!”

The Empress let out a soft snort, her voice suddenly taking on a stern tone.

But Song Qingshu wasn’t some inexperienced eunuch. He could tell that despite her sharp words, she wasn’t actually angry. Seizing the opportunity, he chuckled. “Your Majesty is simply too beautiful today. I couldn’t help but take a few extra glances. I beg for your forgiveness.”

“Hmph.”

The Empress’s expression softened slightly, but soon she feigned displeasure again. “Are you saying I’m usually not beautiful?”

‘For heaven’s sake!’ Song Qingshu groaned inwardly. ‘This woman changes moods faster than flipping pages!’  

Fortunately, he was well-versed in handling situations like this. Thinking quickly, he responded, “Your Majesty’s beauty is usually as regal as a peony, exuding grandeur. But today, you are like a rose—delicate and radiant.”

“Hmm, you do have a way with words.”

The Empress shot him an approving glance but soon revealed a trace of melancholy in her eyes.

“But what would a eunuch like you understand? No matter how beautiful a flower is, if no one appreciates it, it will still wither…”

Hearing this, Song Qingshu’s heart skipped a beat. He had long heard rumors of the Emperor and Empress of Jin being estranged, and it seemed the rumors were true.

But this was a dangerous topic. If he said the wrong thing and she got angry, he might end up executed, exposing his true identity.

“Don’t just stand there like an idiot. Come here and massage my shoulders.”

Empress Pei Man suddenly rolled over and lay on her stomach, casually waving him over.