Qin Yu withdrew his hand, raised an eyebrow and said, "Disaster relief is fine, but the selection of the imperial envoy shall be made by me personally, not by your Zhao family."
"Huh?" Zhao Lan was stunned. She thought he would propose some strange conditions, but she didn't expect this.
Seeing her dazed look, Qin Yu explained matter-of-factly, "If we use all the people from your Zhao family, wouldn't you just be making money hand over fist? I wouldn't get anything in return, and wouldn't it all be a waste of time?"
Zhao Lan's mind raced, and she suddenly realized what was going on.
So Qin Yu was actually planning to gain something from this?
Zhao Lan's expression grew even more disdainful. What a greedy and incompetent ruler he truly is!
However, since Qin Yu was willing to agree, she was naturally willing to comply.
"Your Majesty, rest assured, this imperial envoy was personally appointed by Your Majesty, and I will not interfere."
Qin Yu nodded in satisfaction, then leered at Zhao Lan.
"My beloved consort, I have granted you permission for all important matters. Shouldn't you grant me permission for some private matters as well?"
After saying that, he got up and walked towards Zhao Lan, which startled her so much that she quickly hid behind him.
"Your Majesty, it's still early!"
Zhao Lan said in a fluster, her cheeks flushed.
With a wicked grin, Qin Yu grabbed her slender, supple waist and pressed her against the table.
He braced himself on either side of her body, looking down at her.
"So what if it's early? Doesn't early mean we have more time to enjoy ourselves?"
Zhao Lan's cheeks were burning hot, her breathing was erratic, and she frantically tried to push Qin Yu away, but she couldn't budge him no matter what she did.
Just as Qin Yu was preparing to seize this opportunity to indulge in some sensual pleasures, a report came from outside the door.
"Your Majesty, Abbot Liu of Qingyun Temple has sent word that the elixir of immortality has been prepared and requests that Your Majesty come over."
Qin Yu raised an eyebrow before reluctantly stepping back and ordering, "Make preparations, I will be there soon."
"Yes, ma'am."
Zhao Lan took the opportunity to sit up, panting heavily.
"My beloved consort, I must go test the medicine now. I'll accompany you properly next time."
After saying this, Qin Yu followed Qingzhu and left the palace.
Qin Yu arrived at Qingyun Temple without much effort and successfully found Liu Caiqing.
Upon seeing Qin Yu, Liu Caiqing was no longer as composed as before; her pretty face turned bright red almost instantly.
She remembered what had happened before, and couldn't help but lower her head shyly, not daring to look up and meet Qin Yu's gaze.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects," Liu Caiqing said, bowing.
Qin Yu waved his hand, indicating that Liu Caiqing should dispense with the formalities.
Compared to Liu Caiqing, Qin Yu showed no unusual reaction and asked, "What has happened that Abbot Liu summoned me here?"
When it comes to serious matters, Liu Caiqing has no time for sentimental feelings.
His face showed a solemn expression, and he said, "Your Majesty, please come with me, and I will explain it to you slowly."
As she spoke, she led Qin Yu into the house. After closing the door, Liu Caiqing reported, "Your Majesty, after these few days of research, I have figured out why the antidote failed that day."
Upon hearing this, Qin Yu immediately became interested and eagerly asked, "Oh? Why did it malfunction?"
Liu Caiqing coughed lightly before speaking seriously, "Your Majesty, you may not believe it, but Sima Jing... she should still be a virgin..."
"What!"
Qin Yu couldn't help but gasp.
This news is absolutely shocking.
He never expected that Sima Jing was still a virgin.
Are you sure?
Qin Yu frowned and asked.
Liu Caiqing said affirmatively, "I am certain."
Qin Yu's expression shifted. So, the last time the governess examined him, this was the same result.
She had some doubts at the time, but now that Liu Caiqing has said this, she is even more certain!
Sima Jing is still a novice!
Qin Yu took a deep breath, suppressed his agitated emotions, and waved for Liu Caiqing to continue.
Liu Caiqing said, "I have figured out all the effects of the 'Swimming Finger Softening'. To make it work, it must be applied to a virgin's body and combined with her sweat to have a bewitching effect."
"Do you have a way to reconstitute a new, usable antidote?" Qin Yu asked urgently.
Liu Caiqing shook her head and sighed, "I am incompetent. I am missing a crucial ingredient in the antidote. I cannot find this herb; it may be extinct."
A shadow crossed Qin Yu's eyes.
Without an antidote, it means a sword is always hanging over his head.
A sword that could take his life at any moment!
The worst part is that you can only look at such a beautiful woman but not touch her; it's truly agonizing!
Moreover, while one can hide it for a short time, it will inevitably arouse suspicion over time.
After much deliberation, Qin Yu still felt that he had to obtain the antidote as soon as possible.
After pondering for a moment, he asked, "I wonder what medicinal herb is missing? I can look for it later."
"I have already prepared the blueprints for the herbs."
"Oh, quickly bring it here for me to see," Qin Yu urged hastily.
Liu Caiqing took out a drawing from her sleeve and handed it to Qin Yu. Qin Yu reached out to take it, but accidentally touched the back of her hand.
Liu Caiqing blushed and withdrew her hand as if she had been electrocuted.
Qin Yu was unaware of this impropriety.
The drawing depicts a strange plant with five leaves, each a vibrant green.
Qin Yu carefully examined the items on the drawing, frowned, and asked, "What kind of grass is this?"
"Your Majesty, this is called five-leaf clover, a rare herb. Judging from its medicinal properties, it is the key ingredient in refining the 'Softening Finger Remedy'."
After Liu Caiqing patiently finished explaining, she saw that Qin Yu was still frowning and staring at the blueprints, not saying a word for a long time.
After hesitating for a moment, she shook her head and sighed, "Five-leaf clover is extremely hard to find. I only found it by consulting ancient books. It will probably not be easy to find."
After hearing her explanation, Qin Yu felt even more frustrated.
He rubbed his temples in annoyance, silently praying that this five-leaf clover wouldn't really become extinct.
Even the slightest clue would be helpful!
"I'll have others help you look for it later."
Qin Yu said helplessly.
"Thank you, Your Majesty..."
"Hmm," Qin Yu replied perfunctorily.
Silence fell between them.
Qin Yu coughed lightly, stood up and said, "Now that everything has been said, I will return to the palace."
After the last incident, all sorts of rumors started circulating outside, saying that he was having an affair with Liu Caiqing at the Qingyun Temple's brothel, and even that the pure and innocent female disciples in the temple had become his concubines.
If I stay here any longer, who knows what kind of rumors will spread about me.
His reputation is already bad enough, so it doesn't matter if it gets worse.
But Liu Caiqing is different...
Although he doesn't believe in religion, he still needs to show it the respect it deserves.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com