Song Luo continued, "My elder brother serves at the Dali Temple. If you're willing to help me, once this is done, I'll find a way to have him secure you a proper position there."
"Cleaning up your identity and earning official wages is a hundred times better than becoming a bandit in the mountains!"
A rare crack appeared on his perpetually composed, cold visage—the face of a man who never showed emotion even when the heavens collapsed.
He was the Crown Prince. Did he need someone from the Dali Temple to find him a job?
Still, getting close to Song Nian's younger sister would indeed make it more convenient to investigate their General's Mansion.
After a long moment, his thin lips parted slightly.
"Fine. I agree."
The man's voice was low, carrying a hint of nonchalance.
Hearing this, Song Luo was overjoyed.
She seemed afraid that this tall, cold-looking man before her might change his mind the very next second.
After all, this man didn't look like someone with a good temper—what if he simply refused to honor his word later?
She hastily pulled a heavy pouch of silver from her waist.
Holding the money pouch with both hands, she thrust it directly in front of Li Rongshang.
"This is for you—a deposit." The girl's voice was crisp, tinged with a hint of ingratiation and urgency.
Li Rongshang lowered his gaze, glancing indifferently at the pouch of loose silver.
He, of all people… naturally had no need for such a paltry sum.
A flicker passed through his eyes, but he didn't refuse. Instead, he reached out and took it.
The silver pouch landed in his palm, still carrying a trace of warmth from the young girl's hand.
He casually weighed it in his hand, then looked up at Song Luo and asked calmly, "So, do I need to go back with you now?"
"No!" Song Luo was startled, waving her hands frantically and shaking her head like a rattle-drum. "Absolutely not now."
She had just infuriated her brother half to death. If she went back now, both her life and this bandit brother's life would be in danger.
This man before her—she had barely managed to "trick"… no, "persuade" him through sheer eloquence.
If she swaggered back to the General's Mansion with him right now, her brother would definitely find a way to drive him off.
And then, finding someone this suitable again wouldn't be easy.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Li Rongshang watched the girl's ever-changing expression, quietly calculating in his mind.
His purpose in approaching Song Luo was precisely to gain smooth entry into the General's Mansion.
Hidden within the mansion was a secret he absolutely had to uncover.
But he knew well that this matter could not be rushed.
If he pressed too hard and made this little girl back out and change her mind, refusing to let him into the mansion, then his lead would be completely severed, and uncovering the truth would become nearly impossible.
With that thought, Li Rongshang concealed the sharpness in his eyes.
He slowly tucked the pouch of silver into his sleeve and said flatly, "Fine. Since I've accepted your silver, I'll do as you say."
Hearing how cooperative he was, Song Luo let out a long sigh of relief.
She tilted her head in thought, then said seriously, "Since we're now… partners in this, we should get to know each other first."
"Otherwise, when the day comes that we actually stand before my brother, I won't even know your name or age—I'm afraid I'll slip up the moment I open my mouth."
Li Rongshang raised an eyebrow slightly at this, watching Song Luo with an inscrutable gaze.
The young woman before him had a harmless-looking face—fair skin, delicate features, looking as obedient as a gentle rabbit.
But who would have thought that this seemingly well-behaved legitimate daughter of the General's Mansion was, behind the scenes, doing things so rebellious and daring as to defy heaven itself?
Seeing that he remained silent, Song Luo took the initiative and patted her own chest, declaring boldly, "I'll go first!"