Zu An was both amused and exasperated, never expecting that the two women, arriving one after the other, would both give him their secret stash of money.

It seems that my long-held theory of male and female lions has come true?

However, when the day actually arrived, he felt somewhat uncomfortable and subconsciously declined.

“What’s so hard about accepting this? There’s no need for us to be so formal. It’s just a pity that I was injured and disheartened a few years ago, and I couldn’t muster any interest in anything. Otherwise, I would have had even more savings.” Liu Ning stuffed the banknotes into his arms without saying a word, and a gentle smile appeared on her face. It was because she met Zu An that she felt her life had become more radiant, and she seemed to have been given a second spring.

Seeing that the other party seemed to be about to refuse, Liu Ning's face hardened: "Based on my understanding of the Crown Princess, her shrewd mind must have noticed that you're short of money lately, and she must have given you money just now. If you refuse to accept mine, does she think I'm too old?"

"How could that be!" Since she had already put it that way, how could Zu'an possibly refuse?

At that moment, it seemed as if a little person was constantly saying in my ear, "Auntie, I don't want to work hard anymore," or "I've had a bad stomach since I was little, and the doctor said I'm suited to be a kept man."

"That's more like it." Seeing that he accepted it, Liu Ning's slightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed. "By the way, Grandfather, you didn't actually need to give those people money before."

“I always felt that it was wrong to take things from others for free, and that he would exploit people at every level,” Zuan replied.

“Who said you took their things for free? You clearly provided them with their current position and power, you just didn’t realize it,” Liu Ning said to her earnestly. “Maybe your previous life environment was different, and you don’t understand the way we people think about problems.”

"If you don't take their things for free, do you think they'll be grateful and happy? Not only will they not be, but they'll be apprehensive, wondering if they've done something wrong to upset you. They'll worry that you'll find a reason to replace them, and under this fear, they might do something to harm you."

"Only if you accept their gifts will they consider you one of their own and be willing to work for you wholeheartedly from now on."

Zuan: "..."

He couldn't help but sigh, "It's really complicated. It seems I should just focus on my cultivation."

Liu Ning smiled and said, "I'll take care of these mundane things for you in the future. By the way, there's something else I wanted to discuss with you. The people from Zishan have returned, and Princess Xiaodie and the others are still imprisoned. Everyone is still racking their brains about how to deal with them."

Zu An thought to himself, "Isn't this a coincidence? Just now, Bi Linglong also came over to ask about this: 'What do you think?'"

Liu Ning didn't hide anything: "If it were the Prince of Qi who was captured this time, it would be a way to eliminate future troubles. However, capturing only Zhao Xiaodie won't have much impact on the overall situation. Zhao Zhi is still preparing his troops in his fiefdom. He'll raise the banner of rebellion at the slightest sign of trouble. Now that the court is stable, it's best not to provoke him."

"Moreover, Guan Chouhai of the Daoist sect and several other sect leaders are also involved. If we really investigate, it will cause a strong backlash from the Daoist sect."

"So you're not going to pursue it? I have no objection." Zu An thought to herself that although she and Bi Linglong were mortal enemies, their ways of thinking were really similar.

“They may escape the death penalty, but they can’t escape punishment. If there is no punishment at all, they will only think that the court is weak and easy to bully. I will think about how to deal with them later,” Liu Ning snorted coldly. “By the way, aren’t you short of money recently because you are refining pills? This is a good opportunity to squeeze them dry. Haha, this is a really good idea. I think they are willing to spend money to save their lives. I am a genius. I am afraid only I can come up with this idea.”

Seeing her excited expression, Zu'an didn't say anything, but in fact, Bi Linglong thought the same thing.

"Oh, right, I also need you to talk to the Crown Princess." Liu Ning added, "She has been fighting with the Qi Prince's faction for so many years and has long since formed a deep grudge. I'm afraid she won't let them off so easily. You also know my relationship with her. If I go and talk to her, it will only backfire."

Zuan: "..."

"Ahem, I'll give it a try. She should be willing to give me face." Just now, Bi Linglong also asked me to persuade the Empress. What if they find out the truth and try to kill me?

"Yes, yes, she treats you so well, it makes me a little jealous," Liu Ning said quietly. "Linglong is young and beautiful, unlike me, who is old and faded."

Zuan chuckled: "If you call someone old and faded, then there will be no beauties left in the world."

Liu Ning suddenly leaned closer and licked her lips: "I brought you such a big gift this time, how are you going to thank me?"

She could see that the other person's eyes were about to well up with tears, filled with a woman's longing.

Zuan sighed inwardly, this was the difference between a mature woman and a naive girl. Bi Linglong was much more shy and always took the initiative.

At most, she would use casual clothes to give a subtle hint, which I might not have understood if I hadn't been observant.

Liu Ning, however, was able to express her desires enthusiastically and proactively, rubbing against him like a little wildcat.

He couldn't very well refuse, otherwise it would be troublesome if Liu Ning suspected what he and Bi Linglong had just done.

He had just been interrupted halfway through and his anger hadn't fully subsided, so he couldn't resist her teasing.

Liu Ning smiled charmingly, and slowly slid down, her red lips slightly parted.

Zu An was startled and quickly helped her up. If she were to sense Linglong's presence, they would be doomed.

Liu Ning chuckled: "So you're already in such a hurry."

As she spoke, she naturally leaned on the table, her waist slumping, her captivating eyes radiating a silent invitation.

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