"I've never seen her before. Go and check her identity."
After witnessing Yao Niang's strength, many people still stepped forward to challenge her, but she thwarted them all. Song Tangxue once again doubted her identity; how could a courtesan know such martial arts?
After taking care of the last person, Yao Niang sheathed her soft sword back at her waist: "Let's go."
Song Tangxue hadn't seen the people from the Dark Gate yet, so naturally she wouldn't leave. Their people would definitely be keeping a close eye on her throughout the poetry gathering. The problem was how to find the people from the Dark Gate among so many people. Just when she was at her wit's end, a man in blue called out to her: "Miss, my master invites you."
Song Tangxue smiled and the fish took the bait.
Elegant room.
Wisps of smoke rose, obscuring most of the person's face behind them. One could vaguely see that the person was holding a booklet, casually flipping through it, with a tuft of dark hair falling beside their cheek. They sat at the table dressed in black.
After Song Tangxue was brought here, the man withdrew, leaving only the two of them.
"You wanted to see me?" The man paused slightly upon hearing the noise. "Miss, I greatly admired the poem you composed at today's poetry gathering, and I specially sent someone to summon you. I apologize for any inconvenience."
The man had a jade pendant hanging from his waist, which belonged to the secret gate.
Song Tangxue calmly observed him: "Now that you've seen it, is there anything else?"
The person slowly raised their head and then noticed that the man's face was exceptionally handsome. He was clearly a man, yet he exuded a feminine aura, and his whole being emanated a sense of danger.
"Young lady, why don't we sit down and talk? I have a business deal I'd like to discuss with you."
Song Tangxue sat down, and the man took out a jade pendant and placed it on the table: "Does the young lady know what this is?"
A lifelike white tiger is carved on the jade, with emeralds adorning its eyes. This is the token of the Dark Gate, and every member receives one. It cannot be counterfeited.
"Are you from the Dark Gate?" Song Tangxue asked knowingly.
“That’s right, you can call me Zhan Ming.”
Song Tangxue's eyes lit up slightly. She was very familiar with this name. In her previous life, she had heard that the leader of the Dark Gate was named Zhan Ming. He was a ruthless character who killed without shedding blood. He was the most mysterious person. He only wore a black mask when he appeared. No one had ever seen his face under the mask. It was said that those who had seen it were all dead.
Song Tangxue couldn't help but shiver. Did this mean that she...?
Zhan Ming chuckled and handed her the jade pendant: "You are clearly the legitimate daughter of the Right Chancellor, yet you became the Crown Prince's concubine. I thought you were rather dim-witted, but seeing you today, I find that you are different from the rumors. Our Dark Gate is in dire need of spies from the court. What do you think?"
Since Zhan Ming dared to reveal his identity directly this time, he didn't give Song Tangxue a choice. If she refused, she probably wouldn't be able to leave this room.
"Secret doors are scattered throughout the capital, why are you looking for me?"
“Miss Song is our top choice in terms of both status and talent. You are closest to the Crown Prince and can find out more about him.” Zhan Ming’s beautiful face was clearly smiling innocently, but it sent chills down one’s spine.
"I can help you, but you have to help me too."
A hint of amusement flashed in Zhan Ming's eyes. This woman actually dared to negotiate with the Dark Gate. If it were before, he would have dealt with her long ago. Even if they did want to bring Song Tangxue into the game, it wasn't necessary for them. This woman was really bold.
Zhan Ming was in a good mood today, so he listened to her say a few more words: "Speak, who do you want to kill?" This person started talking about blood every time she opened her mouth.
"I want to make the secret gate my own power."
Zhan Ming's killing intent surged, and at that moment he emerged from behind a curtain. With a flash of cold light, a dagger was held against Song Tangxue's neck.
“We each get what we need. I can guarantee to keep providing you with information about the imperial court, and I also need you to protect my safety. Otherwise, even if you kill me, I will not agree.”
The fact that Song Tangxue could remain calm at this moment shows her shrewdness and makes her an excellent partner for the Dark Gate.
Zhan Ming clapped his hands, then removed the dagger: "Interesting. In that case, I'll agree."
"Boss!" Fang Jing frowned. He was now by Song Tangli's side, and Zhan Ming's actions were destined to make them enemies.
Song Tangxue got what she wanted and left satisfied. Fang Jing finally couldn't help but ask, "Boss, why did you agree to her condition? The Crown Princess saved my life and I have to repay her, but she and Song Tangxue clearly have a grudge. What should I do...?"
Zhan Ming interrupted, "Fang Jing, do you know why you've been unable to advance in the Dark Gate for so many years?"
This was Fang Jing's pain. He had been a member of the Dark Gate for six years and had completed many missions for the organization, but he had never been valued by Zhan Ming. Even those who joined after him had become his right-hand men, even though he was stronger than them.
But he never mentioned it, because inside the secret door, all one had to do was obey orders.
"I do not know."
"You're just too stubborn. Song Tangli saved you, but are you sure she won't kill you?"
...
Song Tangxue stopped as she crossed the street, not far away, at a pancake shop where Xie Qianzhong was busy working.
He was dressed in plain clothes, making him completely unrecognizable as the dignified Left Prime Minister. If his rivals in the court saw him like this, they would be incredulous.
A soft feeling welled up in Song Tangxue's heart. She walked over, and the waiter, unaware of her identity, asked, "Sir, what would you like to order?"
Xie Qianzhong saw her, wiped away his sweat, and his face lit up with surprise: "Why are you here?"
The waiter sensed that the two had an unusual relationship and wisely left. He already knew that Xie Qianzhong had a girl he liked, and this was probably her.
"I was just passing by, so I thought I'd come and take a look." Song Tangxue pointed to his attire. "What's this?"
Xie Qianzhong smiled sheepishly. At this moment, he was completely different from the powerful and influential Left Prime Minister. He was as flustered as someone who had met a woman he liked.
"I just came to help out. Business has been good lately, so I come over every night to keep an eye on things." Song Tangxue felt a little guilty that Xie Qianzhong, who had many responsibilities every day, still had to come to this pancake shop in the evening.
Xie Qianzhong carries the burden of hatred for his family and country and has always been a loner. If Song Tangxue doesn't understand why he's willing to go to such lengths for her, she'd be a fool.
"It's getting late, you should go back soon too."
......
The two of them clung to each other for a long time, inseparable, before finally separating. Just as they entered the mansion, they ran into Song Tangli, who was angrily leading a group of people: "Sister, it's getting late. You wouldn't have gone to see another man, would you?"
"What's it to you?" Song Tangxue's face was icy. This Song Tangli was becoming more and more out of line. No matter what, she was still her older sister.
He also took in the entire scene he had just witnessed: "Who is she?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
