“How can the two of you be so shameless!” Gebi pointed at Song Qingshu, her fingers trembling with rage.

Looking at her delicate, jade-like fingers, Song Qingshu sighed. “Don’t lump me together with him. This was his idea.”

“But you agreed to it—that makes you just as despicable!” Gebi felt as if her world had collapsed. Was it grief, disappointment, or heartache? She couldn’t even tell.

Unaware of her misunderstanding, Song Qingshu continued, “Of course I’d seize such a golden opportunity! Under normal circumstances, gaining his trust wouldn’t be this easy. With a shortcut like this, why wouldn’t we use it?”

“A shortcut?” Gebi murmured before letting out a bitter laugh. “Fine. If it helps me avenge Wogula, what does it matter if I sacrifice myself?” Her fingers brushed lightly against the chastity dagger hidden near her thigh. After learning the truth, she had retrieved this long-stored blade, keeping it close for emergencies.

“Sacrifice what?” Song Qingshu froze, then suddenly understood. “You thought I was asking you to sleep with Wanyan Liang?”

“Wasn’t that the plan?!” Gebi bit her lip so hard her nails dug into her palms. She had once felt an indescribable connection to this man, but now, consumed by despair, she no longer cared.

“Of course not! Even if you were willing, I wouldn’t allow it!” Seeing her despondent expression, Song Qingshu’s heart ached. He quickly pulled her into his arms and explained.

“I plan to use a substitution trick. Since this scheme is so scandalous, Wanyan Liang and I agreed to keep it secret from our wives. Here’s the plan: First, we’ll get you both drunk so you return to your rooms to rest. Once you’re half-asleep, we’ll knock on your door. For example, I’ll speak to you from outside, but the one who actually enters will be him. Because of the earlier conversation and the darkness, you’ll assume it’s me. Then, whatever he does… you’ll let him.”

Gebi shuddered in horror, her face burning with fury. “Which one of you vile scoundrels came up with such a disgusting plan?!”

“It was Wanyan Liang, of course!” Song Qingshu declared righteously.

“Really? Not your idea?” Gebi eyed him suspiciously.

“Absolutely not! I’d never stoop so low.” ‘Better to let him take the blame than me,’ Song Qingshu thought, dumping all the blame on Wanyan Liang. Even seasoned schemers could slip up.

“How vile! How shameless!” Gebi was livid, pacing like an enraged tigress.

Afraid she’d dwell on her anger, Song Qingshu quickly redirected her focus. “Wanyan Liang’s plan is clever, but it has a fatal flaw—while the woman inside can’t see who enters, the man entering also can’t see who’s inside. That’s where the substitution comes in.”

“You mean… replacing me with another woman?” Gebi, ever sharp-witted, grasped the key point immediately.

“Exactly. I’ll arrange it with him beforehand—to keep the secret and reuse this method, he must never light a lamp inside, lest the woman sees his face. He’ll think I’m protecting ‘his’ identity, but really, I’m hiding ‘hers’.”

“Who will you use as my substitute?” Gebi’s expression darkened. She refused to let an innocent woman suffer Wanyan Liang’s violation because of her.

“Don’t worry. I’ve found a courtesan in the city—no innocents harmed.” Song Qingshu had initially considered someone… less appealing, but Gebi’s exquisite figure demanded a convincing replacement. A woman too different in build would raise suspicion, even in the dark.

After careful selection, he’d settled on a top-tier courtesan with a figure and charm to match Gebi’s. ‘Since you’re offering your ‘wife,’ I’ll give you a stunning beauty. You’re not losing out,’

he mused. To ensure flawless acting, he planned to hypnotize the woman with the ”Soul Capture Technique”, making her believe she ‘was’ Gebi. Wanyan Liang would never know the difference.

Relieved he hadn’t targeted a virtuous woman, Gebi sighed—but then her eyes narrowed. “You found a substitute for me, but what about Consort Tudan?”

Song Qingshu straightened, adopting a righteous tone. “Rest assured, Madam. This scheme is solely to gain Wanyan Liang’s trust. I would never take advantage of Consort Tudan.”

Gebi’s expression flickered. She opened her mouth several times before finally blurting, “Who said you ‘shouldn’t’ take advantage?!”

“Huh?” Song Qingshu was taken aback.

Gebi’s voice dripped with venom. “That dog Wanyan Liang murdered my husband and indirectly robbed me of my purity. He deserves to suffer the same agony.”

“Hey, hey—that sounds like you’re insulting me! What do you mean ‘robbed of purity’? Brother Tang Kuo clearly wrote in black and white—no, ‘red on white silk’—that he entrusted you to me. I’m your rightful man now. Whatever we do is perfectly proper. Where’s the ‘impurity’ in that?” Song Qingshu protested.

“Shut up!” Gebi rolled her eyes. “Fine, have it your way—we’re ‘pure.’ Happy?”

“Much better.” Grinning, he pulled her close and planted a kiss on her cheek.

Gebi had grown accustomed to his affections—not that she had a choice, given how intimate they’d been these past few days. She responded with a light punch.

“I want that dog to taste his own medicine. Just imagining his face when he learns the truth… it thrills me.” Her breath quickened with excitement.

“But Consort Tudan is innocent,” Song Qingshu hesitated.

“Oh? Is the mighty Song Qingshu growing a conscience?” Gebi shot him a glare. “That night, ‘I’ was half-conscious when you took me. Did you care about ‘my’ innocence then?”

“Alright, alright! I’ll help you get revenge!” Seeing her temper flare, he hastily conceded.

Blushing, Gebi whispered, “When the time comes… don’t hold back. Wanyan Liang has ruined countless women. It’s only fair he learns how it feels… to have his own wife def!led by another man.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay