Chapter 693: A Beautiful Misunderstanding
Song Qingshu smiled bitterly. “Brother Tang Kuo, aren’t you putting me in an unjust position?”
Tang Kuo Bian shook his head and said, “We Jurchens don’t have as many cumbersome rituals as you Han people. Everything I just said is my true intention. Besides, we swore an oath before. Now that I am dying, there is no issue with you inheriting my wife and property.”
Song Qingshu hesitated. “I can agree to everything else, but as for your wife, how could I…”
Seeing that the other party had agreed to take care of the three matters for him, Tang Kuo Bian was overjoyed. “Hahaha, with Brother Song’s solemn promise, I, Tang Kuo Bian, can rest in peace even in death.”
“Brother Tangkuo, did you even hear what I just said?” Song Qingshu said helplessly.
Tang Kuo Bian sighed. “Do you think I am willing to let another man ride on Gebi? But now, I have no way to survive. Without protection, Gebi will be the most tempting delicacy. At that time, forget Wanyan Liang—even other nobles will want a bite of her. Rather than letting her become a plaything for other men, I would rather entrust her to you. You have the ability to protect her and can also fulfill my dying wish. Moreover, we are sworn brothers. As you Han people say, ‘fertile water should not flow into others’ fields.’”
Song Qingshu was speechless. Tang Kuo Bian only had a half-baked understanding of the Han language. That idiom was definitely misused—though, in a way, it did fit the situation.
“Brother Song, I don’t have much time left. Listen carefully while I tell you about the Tangkuo family…” Seeing that Song Qingshu wanted to say something, Tang Kuo Bian interrupted him and hurriedly revealed secrets known only to himself, ensuring that Song Qingshu could impersonate him flawlessly in the future.
It was unclear how much time had passed. Song Qingshu stood in the room, holding a blood-stained letter personally written by Tang Kuo Bian and his clan leader’s seal. His entire demeanor was desolate. By now, Tang Kuo Bian had already died, his eyes wide open, filled with hatred for Wanyan Liang and an unwillingness to part with life.