Five hundred thousand taels of silver is no small sum! Those loyal ministers and generals could not have committed as many despicable acts of embezzlement as Sima Lie's lackeys, and often lived off their military salaries.
Even if this 500,000 is divided equally among everyone, it would still be a huge fortune for each person!
Seeing that Zhu Fei's expression was off, Qin Yu smiled slightly and said.
"Yes, it's 500,000! Why should corrupt officials be rich while my loyal ministers and generals suffer poverty? General, rest assured, with me here, we can all prosper together!"
Faith can enhance combat power, but faith cannot put food on the table. Having lived two lives, Qin Yu understands this principle better than anyone!
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Zhu Fei's nose tingled with emotion, and he quickly expressed his gratitude.
Qin Yu smiled slightly and waved his hand.
"Alright, it's almost time. General Zhu, you should head back now to avoid arousing suspicion."
"Yes, this subordinate takes his leave."
Zhu Fei quickly knelt down, kowtowed, and then turned and disappeared into the secret passage.
At this moment, Qin Yu took a deep breath and turned to look at Liu Caiqing beside him.
Upon noticing Qin Yu staring at her, Liu Caiqing's eyes flickered slightly, and two blushes instantly rose to her cheeks.
Anfu frowned, turned around and said.
"Your Majesty, this old servant will go out to check in case anyone comes."
With that, Anfu hurriedly went out.
Only Qin Yu and Liu Caiqing remained in the room.
The room was silent, and the atmosphere slowly became ambiguous.
Liu Caiqing frowned and said in a low voice.
"Your Majesty... is there anything else?"
"Of course there's something I need. Since I'm already here today, I can't let this trip go to waste..."
As Qin Yu spoke, a smile played on his lips, and he slowly moved closer to Liu Caiqing.
Liu Caiqing was startled and subconsciously took two steps back, twisting her delicate hands together in front of her.
She was trembling slightly, feeling unbearably hot, and her eyes became unfocused.
Qin Yu walked up to her, and a unique masculine scent instantly enveloped her.
Liu Caiqing even felt her body go limp.
She struggled to stay upright so as not to fall.
Suddenly, Qin Yu opened her mouth and spoke softly.
"How is my antidote coming along?"
"Wh...what?"
Liu Caiqing shuddered and came to her senses.
She then remembered that she was still helping the emperor develop an antidote for the soul-capturing spell.
Thinking of this, Liu Caiqing's face flushed even more.
Qin Yu frowned and stared at Liu Caiqing with a strange expression.
He has been urged by others many times, and he urgently needs the antidote.
After all, Sima Jing had tried to seduce him many times, and if he didn't favor her, it would inevitably arouse suspicion over time.
Besides, Sima Jing is an exceptionally beautiful woman. It would be a sin to leave such a beauty alone in an empty room!
Wouldn't it be a waste not to pamper such a rare gem?
With Sima Jing constantly tempting him, Qin Yu was truly in agony.
He was just waiting for Liu Caiqing to develop the antidote so that he could obtain it and be immune to the Soul-Seizing Technique.
Then I can unleash my full power on Sima Jing and get my revenge!
Seeing the unpredictable expression on Qin Yu's face, Liu Caiqing couldn't help but frown.
She took a deep breath, calmed herself, and said.
"Your Majesty, the antidote has not yet been successfully developed, and progress is not going smoothly..."
"Hiss... Is that so?"
Qin Yu's expression froze, and he reached out to touch his chin.
My hopes were dashed instantly. It seems that if I want something good, I have to wait patiently.
How could I possibly resist? Such a stunning beauty…
Just as Qin Yu was feeling disappointed, Liu Caiqing couldn't help but raise her eyebrows.
"Your Majesty, although the antidote has not been developed, there is something that can temporarily replace it."
"What is that?"
Upon hearing Liu Caiqing's words, Qin Yu's eyes lit up, and he quickly replied.
Liu Caiqing lowered her head and spoke softly.
"Your Majesty, please wait a moment."
As she spoke, she turned and walked behind a bookshelf, taking out a purse.
Open the purse; inside are three pills.
"What's this?"
Qin Yu looked at the three pills in the purse, which didn't look very appealing, and couldn't help but feel a little puzzled.
After all, the pills he had taken before were all of excellent quality and looked perfectly round and smooth.
Liu Caiqing zipped up the purse and handed it to Qin Yu.
"Your Majesty, this is a Taoist 'spirit-awakening pill.' Taking this medicine can greatly improve mental focus and keep the mind clear, but..."
"This is good stuff."
Qin Yu's eyes lit up, and he quickly put it away.
But then he paused, and said...
"Just what?"
"But this medicine only lasts for less than fifteen minutes, and there are only three left here."
Liu Caiqing said softly.
For a moment, the surroundings became quiet.
Qin Yu took a deep breath and blinked.
A quarter of an hour? Are you kidding me?
Even if you don't perform well, it won't be just for fifteen minutes.
Judging from Qin Yu's expression, Liu Caiqing had obviously guessed what was going on.
She blushed, looked away, and said softly.
"Your Majesty, you should exercise restraint. This is only for emergencies... it cannot be used casually."
"Alright, I understand."
Qin Yu nodded. Something is better than nothing, three will do.
He smiled slightly at Liu Caiqing and said.
"I apologize for disturbing you today. I will be heading back now."
"Respectfully seeing off His Majesty."
Liu Caiqing quickly bowed and said.
After leaving the room, Qin Yu called out to An Fu and then headed towards the palace.
Bathed in the moonlight, Qin Yu couldn't help but feel a little melancholy.
The vast palace felt like a cage.
After returning home, he will once again play the role of a decadent and licentious ruler.
This must be my fate... Qin Yu glanced at the pills in his arms, couldn't help but smile bitterly, and shook his head slightly.
"Anfu, let's go back quickly."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Anfu responded softly and quickened his pace.
In the Empress's palace, Anfu helped Qin Yu down from the carriage.
As soon as he got out of the car, a faint fragrance immediately caught Qin Yu's eye.
The next second, his appetite was whetted, and a rumbling sound came from his stomach.
"It smells so good."
Anfu also spoke softly beside him.
"Is anyone still having a midnight snack this late? Is it the Empress?"
Qin Yu raised an eyebrow, lifted his leg, and walked inside.
At this moment, inside the Empress's palace.
Wisps of smoke gently enveloped the entire room.
The lingering fragrance faded into the distance with the smoke.
On the table, a copper pot was steaming.
The side was piled high with all kinds of meat and vegetables.
Empress Zhao Lan and Zi Yan sat on either side of the table, watching the bubbling heat in the pot, their eyes filled with longing.
"Your Majesty, please go first."
Zi Yan grinned slightly and said softly.
Zhao Lan took a deep breath; the aroma emanating from the hot pot broth that Qin Yu had specially prepared filled her with satisfaction.
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