Chapter 398: Public Displays of Affection

Chapter 398: Public Displays of Affection

But that was just the start.

As his wife's business grew and expanded fully, the daily profits would far exceed his own.

The King of Huaiyin noticed Song Rui's expression and smiled along.

This couple never misses a chance to show off their love.

"Ahem—, what brings you to invite me out this time?" The King of Huaiyin got to the point.

Song Rui composed himself and then began discussing serious matters with the King of Huaiyin.

"Originally, I planned to use Shen Rong's situation to sow discord between the old fox and Empress Jia."

"But now, that plan has failed."

As he spoke, Song Rui informed the King of Huaiyin about the agreement between Minister Shen and Empress Jia.

After listening, the King of Huaiyin looked up at Song Rui.

He hadn't expected Minister Shen and Empress Jia to hold him in such high regard.

Choosing Song Rui to infiltrate the Prime Minister’s residence was indeed the right move.

"Getting three beauties for free—aren't you tempted?" After a while, the King of Huaiyin suddenly teased Song Rui.

He admitted that asking this question was a probe.

Though he hadn't interacted much with the Marquis of Xiaoyao, he knew his temperament.

If Song Rui were unfaithful, even the Marquis's deep affection wouldn't save him.

If they split over this, would he have a chance?

Song Rui was stunned.

Instantly, he shot the King of Huaiyin a displeased look.

"If Your Highness likes them, I can send them your way later," he said firmly.

The King of Huaiyin was momentarily speechless.

He was at a loss for words.

Then Song Rui added, "In this life, there's only my wife."

"My wife feels the same," Song Rui said, giving the King a warning look.

This instantly made the King of Huaiyin feel guilty.

He suspected his little scheme had been seen through.

"Ahem—just a joke. Brother Song, don't take it to heart," he said, trying to defuse the tension.

Song Rui shot the King another annoyed glance.

"Your Highness, better not joke like that again," he said firmly.

The smile on the Huaiyin King's face froze.

"Ahem—alright. I'll keep that in mind," he responded.

After saying this, he felt a peculiar sensation inside.

This young man is quite bold, daring to speak to me in such a manner. Oddly enough, I don't feel any aversion to it.

"Let's get back to the main matter at hand," the Huaiyin King straightened his expression and quickly added.

Song Rui gave a nod.

He continued updating the Huaiyin King on the situation.

"I've already promised my wife that I won't marry Shen Lian."

Seeing the Huaiyin King looking at him, Song Rui added, "Jia Qi and Sang’er are completely out of the question." At this point, Song Rui sighed.

"My wife still has no idea about Jia Qi and Sang’er," Song Rui added.

The Huaiyin King turned his gaze to Song Rui.

Then, he couldn't help but smirk with a hint of schadenfreude.

"So, what's your plan, Brother Song?" he asked.

Song Rui glanced at the Huaiyin King.

"What else can I do? Come clean," he sighed.

As he spoke, he picked up the wine cup from the table and took a sip.

Seeing this, the Huaiyin King's smile widened.

"What if Marquis Xiaoyao refuses to agree?"

Song Rui looked at the Huaiyin King with annoyance.

"There's no 'what if.' My wife would never agree."

"Besides, even if she did, I wouldn't go through with it."

The Huaiyin King's expression hardened.

Song Rui shot another glance at the Huaiyin King, not bothering to argue further.

"So, Your Highness's plan needs to be accelerated," he continued.

The Huaiyin King's eyes widened slightly.

He couldn't believe that Song Rui was asking him to speed up the plan over this.

Seeing this, Song Rui paid no attention.

He continued, "Madam Shen is certain that the old fox drove Shen Rong to her death, and now that she sees the old fox bringing his mistress's daughter into the mansion, she won't let it slide."

"Realizing she can't win me over alone, she has started targeting the Jia family and the Empress."

"Next, if she actually convinces Jia Kun to marry Jia Qi to me as a concubine, the Jia family and Empress Jia will inevitably start scheming." At this point, Song Rui flashed the Huaiyin King a somewhat mischievous smile.

The Prince of Huaiyin was momentarily stunned.

A thought struck him, stirring his heart.

"Are you suggesting that Empress Jia might want you to take Shen Hongyu's place?"

Song Rui shot a glance at the Prince of Huaiyin before taking another deliberate sip of his wine.

"Why wouldn't she?"

"Shen Hongyu owes his rise to the Jia family, yet now he entertains different ambitions."

"With the right candidate, replacing Shen Hongyu isn't out of the question, is it?" And he was, without doubt, the most suitable candidate.

After all, Shen Hongyu was actively grooming him.

The Prince of Huaiyin's eyes flickered with intrigue.

"What are your chances of success?" he asked Song Rui seriously.

Song Rui, already loyal to him, could secure Minister Shen and Empress Jia's support, ensuring his career's smooth progression with their combined backing.

Given the right opportunity, replacing Minister Shen was entirely feasible.

Song Rui met the Prince of Huaiyin's gaze.

"If Madam Shen can sway Jia Kun, I'd say nine chances out of ten," he declared confidently.

The Prince of Huaiyin's eyes sparkled with interest.

"Then it's certainly worth attempting," he decided.

Song Rui smiled.

"I'll handle the court, but Your Highness must expedite matters in the army."

The Prince of Huaiyin nodded.

"Consider it noted," he said, raising his cup in a toast to Song Rui.

Song Rui reciprocated the gesture, raising his cup.

Together, they drank the first toast.

"Regarding the Marquis of Xiaoyao—" suddenly, the Prince of Huaiyin looked at Song Rui again.

Song Rui turned a sharp, displeased gaze back at the Prince of Huaiyin.

"We had an agreement to keep my wife out of this," he stated firmly.

The Prince of Huaiyin offered a sheepish grin.

"But might the Marquis of Xiaoyao be persuaded to join us?"

"Brother Song, by keeping her in the dark, you risk her wrath when the truth emerges."

Song Rui's eyes darkened with increased displeasure.

The Prince of Huaiyin, sensing the tension, chose silence. The air between them thickened with unspoken words, the weight of their plans hanging heavily in the silence.

"At present, apart from the Prince, no one knows about my relationship with her. Even if the worst happens, it will only be Song Que who dies. There's no need to drag her into this risk with me," Song Rui said.

The Prince of Huaiyin finally gave up his probing intentions and took a sip of wine.

After a pause, he added, "She is fortunate to have a husband like you, Brother Song."

Song Rui smiled again.

"No, it is my fortune to have married her."

Seeing the smile on Song Rui's face, the Prince of Huaiyin felt like he was being subjected to their affection once more.

"On the eighteenth of next month is my father's sixtieth birthday," the Prince of Huaiyin said. "Word from the palace is that they plan to hold a lavish celebration."

"If your gift pleases the Emperor, it will benefit you greatly," the Prince of Huaiyin continued, shifting the conversation.

The Emperor often rewards officials who present satisfactory gifts.

In the past, someone was promoted three ranks outright because they presented a gift that the Emperor liked.

If Song Rui seizes this opportunity, with Minister Shen and Empress Jia backing him, his promotion will be all but assured.

Song Rui nodded in agreement.

"The cunning Minister Shen also brought this up with me," and he was advised to spend this time thoughtfully preparing a unique and thoughtful gift for the Emperor.