Xiao Shuo used an interrogative sentence, but his tone was very affirmative.
At that time, they had speculated that Zhao Yuanrou came from "another world". Xiao Shuo was willing to call that world "the future". He concluded that Zhao Yuanrou came from hundreds of years or even thousands of years later.
Zhao Yuanrou's heart was pounding. She had just been wondering why they came to see her, and she never expected that Xiao Shuo would ask this.
Her eyes were evasive and her face turned pale, and she felt a panic as if her biggest secret had been exposed.
She was scared.
She has always been cautious. She knows that she has to keep this secret in her heart for the rest of her life and cannot even tell Zhou Jingxun.
She couldn't help but want to ask him how he knew that, but when the words came to her lips, she stopped herself and said, "Master Xiao, I don't know what you are doing."
She pursed her pale lips tightly.
She already knew how terrifying Xiao Shuo was. But how could he be a good person who could make things happen in the court of the Great Rong Dynasty? She was afraid that if she said something wrong, more would be uncovered.
"Tell me everything you know."
Xiao Shuo seemed not to hear her vague refusal and only asked what he wanted to ask.
Zhao Yuanrou shook his head and insisted, "I don't understand. What do you mean by coming from the future? I have been in the capital since I was born. You can go check..."
She looked at Xiao Shuo pretending to be innocent, and couldn't help but look at Chu Yuanchen who was sitting on his right. From the time he came in until now, Chu Yuanchen hadn't uttered a word, leaning leisurely on the armrest of the armchair.
She really couldn't understand why the two of them came together. Logically, they should have a purely vested interest in each other. Xiao Shuo had guessed such a big secret of hers, so would he be willing to share it with Chu Yuanchen?
She couldn't figure it out, and her heart became even more flustered, her fingers pinching her skirt helplessly.
"It seems you don't want to talk about it."
Xiao Shuo had no intention of forcing her question, nor would he deny his own judgment just because of her words. He simply stood up and said, "Let's go." He said this to Chu Yuanchen.
Zhao Yuanrou pursed her lips and couldn't help but stop him: "Wait a minute." There was some urgency in her eyes that she couldn't express.
When she heard Xiao Shuo say that he was leaving, her mind regained some clarity from the chaos.
This secret is indeed a secret, but for her who is currently unable to protect herself, it will also be the biggest life-saving talisman.
She had had enough of the days she was living now. Even though only thirteen days had passed, she felt like each day was a year. She had never known that life could be so hard and difficult.
All the servants in the palace were taken away by Dongchang, and not a single one was left behind. Every three days someone would come to bring them some necessities, enough for three days, which were some rice, flour, vegetables, firewood, and the like, but there was not even any meat.
Qin Wei relied on his position as King Zhao to protest by going on a hunger strike, insisting on keeping a few servants to serve him, but no one paid any attention to him. He compromised before he went hungry for three days. However, it was not him who compromised, but Zhao Yuanrou. Qin Wei tore a large hole on Zhou Jingxun's face, leaving half of his face bloody. Zhao Yuanrou didn't want him to be injured and hungry, so she had to wash her hands and cook soup. If someone cooked a dish, Qin Wei would shamelessly come to eat it.
The most terrifying thing is that all the Shiquan ointment she secretly hid has disappeared...
When Zhao Yuanrou thought of Qin Wei's ferocious face when he was craving for the Ten-Herb Ointment, she shuddered, and there was visible panic in her eyes.
Zhao Yuanrou thought that Xiao Shuo was just pretending to leave and would be back soon. Then, she could take the opportunity to propose some exchange conditions, which would at least allow her and Zhou Jingxun to leave this broken place. No, at least it would be fine if only she could leave.
She knows a lot of things, and she is willing to tell them as long as Xiao Shuo is willing to show enough sincerity!
She would let them know her value, and know that she was more useful than Sheng Xiyan... Zhao Yuanrou clenched her fists. If it weren't for Qin Wei's constant pestering, she could actually make a better choice. She could even help Chu Yuanchen conquer the world. She was much better than Sheng Xiyan, a woman who only knew how to fight in the inner chamber.
Her life shouldn't be trapped in this square cage.
Zhao Yuanrou's eyes flickered for a moment, and she bit her lower lip tightly. The transaction had to be negotiated, and she couldn't compromise easily, otherwise, it would seem that she was not so precious.
Xiao Shuo was just showing off, she couldn't be scared by him.
Whoever gives in first loses.
She was hoping that Xiao Shuo would turn back, and her heart beat faster. She kept looking and looking, but Xiao Shuo did not turn back. He really walked out with Chu Yuanchen!
After Xiao Shuo left, he told a guard who stayed in the Zhaowang Mansion to watch over them, "Lock Zhao and Qin Wei separately. Qin Wei probably hasn't had the Shiquan ointment for some time."
In the past few days, the Imperial Guards have successively arrested a group of people who had taken the Shiquan Paste and locked them up. Xiao Shuo and Chu Yuanchen had both witnessed them go crazy, with no self-respect, no self, and willing to do anything for the Shiquan Paste, either committing self-abuse and self-mutilation, or wagging their tails and begging for mercy... just like Han Shenzhi that day, or even worse than Han Shenzhi. Xiao Shuo had also asked Lin Shoufu and other important officials in the court to see it with their own eyes, so they had no objection to the strict ban on the Shiquan Paste.
Just by looking at these people, Xiao Shuo could imagine what chaos Minzhou was in today.
"This is Zhao's own fault, and she should bear the consequences herself." Xiao Shuo said calmly, "Don't let her die or become disabled."
That mouth is for speaking, and that hand is for drawing, so they both need to be kept.
Zhao Yuanrou heard everything inside. She was so scared that her legs were shaking and her face showed obvious fear.
No, she doesn't want to be with Qin Weiguan!
"Master Xiao..."
She rushed over and said in a trembling voice, "You, you..."
Before she could say a word clearly, she was stopped by the Dongchang guard guarding the door, who looked at her with contempt.
They have seen many people like her. She just relies on the secrets she knows to negotiate with the governor without considering whether she is worthy of it.
You are so self-righteous and you still think you can bargain with the governor? What a joke.
It was her blessing that the Governor was willing to ask her a question. She didn't realize how many people found it difficult to even ask the Governor a word. There were so many people in the Dongchang Prison, and the Governor didn't have time to meet them all.
"Princess Zhao." A guard sneered and said, "Please come in."
Seeing that Xiao Shuo actually walked away, Zhao Yuanrou's determination began to waver. She wanted to say that she was willing to say it, but in the end, she bit her lower lip unwillingly.
She couldn't admit defeat.
They will come back, they will definitely come back.
A thin layer of cold sweat broke out on Zhao Yuanrou's back, and she pretended to be calm as she followed the Dongchang man back.
In the entire Zhaowang Mansion, apart from the guards who took turns to guard them, there were only three of them. Naturally, they could not live in such a big palace, so Dongchang separated the main courtyard for them to live in, and all other places were sealed.
When Zhao Yuanrou was brought back, Zhou Jingxun and Qin Wei were sitting face to face in the main room, in silence.
After fighting for three days and going hungry for three days, they finally couldn't fight anymore, and from then on, they lived in forced harmony.
Zhou Jingxun had black ointment applied on his cheeks, and they were not bandaged, leaving them exposed. The imperial physician only gave him simple treatment to ensure that no one would die. As for whether he would be disfigured, Dongchang didn't care, and the imperial physician didn't care either.
Seeing Zhao Yuanrou coming back, Zhou Jingxun quickly raised his head and asked softly, "Rou'er, you're back. What happened? Have you been wronged?"
Zhao Yuanrou hesitated for a moment. She didn't want to tell Zhou Jingxun her secret, so she just said, "Nothing. It's just... because of the Shiquan ointment, they brought me in to ask."
Zhou Jingxun frowned, knowing that Zhao Yuanrou was like him, he could tell at a glance that Zhao Yuanrou was not telling the truth, which made him a little uneasy.
"Rou'er." Zhou Jingxun softened his smile and coaxed, "What can't you tell me? We've been through so much to be together. If you have any difficulties, just tell me."
Zhao Yuanrou's face was moved. She subconsciously raised her eyes to look at him. What she saw was a wound on his face that looked like it had been bitten by a wild beast. The wound was covered with black ointment, and a bloody mess could be seen underneath. It would have been fine if he didn't smile, but when he smiled, the lines on his face looked hideous and terrifying. Zhao Yuanrou couldn't help but frown, and the emotion in her eyes disappeared, replaced by deep disgust.
Even if Zhao Yuanrou felt that they were true love, she didn't want to face such a face every day.
She turned her head slightly and said it was okay. The more Zhou Jingxun looked at her, the more he felt something was wrong. He wanted to ask more questions, but Fanzi didn't give them time to "talk to each other". He just grabbed Zhou Jingxun's arm and carried him out.
Then, he closed the door for them and said, "Princess Zhao, you are so lucky. From today on, I will deliver two meals a day to you two."
After saying that, he picked up Zhou Jingxun and dragged him away.
Zhou Jingxun was confused and didn't understand what Fanzi meant. He couldn't help but think of Zhao Yuanrou's secret just now. Now seeing Zhao Yuanrou and Qin Wei alone together, with someone bringing them food, and thinking of the disgust in Zhao Yuanrou's eyes, his heart turned colder.
Rouer...betrayed him?
Zhou Jingxun was taken away. When the door closed, Qin Wei slowly raised his head, looked at her, and said with a twisted smile, "Rou'er, it's finally just the two of us. We can be together forever."
Zhao Yuanrou was so frightened that she screamed, and Qin Wei stood up and walked towards her.
She shouted, "You are not allowed to come over here!"
Qin Wei just smiled and said, "Can we stay together forever?"
Zhao Yuanrou shook her head subconsciously.
Qin Wei smiled tenderly and held out his hand to her: "Rou'er, be good, give me the Shiquan ointment."
"No, no more." Zhao Yuanrou shook her head and shrank back, "I've finished the Shiquan ointment."
"No!"
Qin Wei screamed.
The gentle and dignified face became more and more distorted.
When he heard that the Perfect Cream was gone, the tenderness on his face disappeared, his face turned pale, and he shouted frantically: "Yes, there must be more! You hid it, didn't you? You and that Zhou guy teamed up to make fun of me, so you hid the Perfect Cream!"
He shouted, "Give it to me, give it to me!"
Zhao Yuanrou backed away in fear, her back pressed against the door, and said in panic, "It's gone. The Dongchang took all the Shiquan ointment away. It's really gone."
Qin Wei looked at her sinisterly, not seeming to care at all about what she was saying. He just insisted, "Yes! There must be more. Give it to me, give it to me quickly!"
"Bring it here!"
"Give it to me!"
He screamed and rushed towards Zhao Yuanrou, who was frightened and screamed. She had no way to retreat, so she could only bang on the door desperately, shouting, "Help, help!"
"Ah! Get out! Get out!"
Zhao Yuanrou never knew that a person could be so terrifying.
Even before, when Qin Wei knew that she had lied to her and wanted to strangle her to death, she had never been so scared.
It was like facing the devil from hell. In front of him, she was powerless and weak.
Qin Wei had had several attacks before, but Zhou Jingxun was there at the time and they could still run away. But now, she is alone.
She regretted it. She shouldn't have given the Shiquan Cream to Qin Wei. She really regretted it.
She shouldn't touch that stuff!
"Open the door, open the door!"
Zhao Yuanrou desperately banged on the door, trying to get them to open it, but Qin Wei had already grabbed her hair and dragged her back...
A Dongchang guard heard the voice inside and looked back. Another person said, "The governor said that she should be punished for her own sins. Just don't let her die. I will call a doctor to watch over her in a while."
"This thing called the Perfect Cream is really scary."
They saw it all and felt somewhat frightened. King Zhao was so good to Zhao that he didn't mind her cheating on him or having two men serve one woman. But now he had lost his mind because of the Ten-Perfect Cream.
No wonder the governor issued a strict order to close it down. The governor is truly wise!
Even if Xiao Shuo had not seen it with his own eyes, he could imagine what a person addicted to the Shiquan Cream would be like. He did not care how long Zhao Yuanrou could last.
He doesn't like people negotiating conditions with him, if you want to recruit someone just do it honestly.
Those people in the Dongchang Prison have never been qualified to negotiate terms.
"What's wrong with the emperor? Is he willing to confess?" Chu Yuanchen nudged him with his elbow and asked with interest, as if he was asking Zhao Yuanrou whether he had confessed or not.
"No hurry." Xiao Shuo smiled and said, "There are only two doses of medicine. We have to wait until the right time to use them. Next month will be the death memorial for the late emperor. The late emperor's coffin was destroyed, his bones were crushed and his ashes were scattered. And he died at the hands of his own son. Will the emperor panic?"
"Not bad." Chu Yuanchen was happy. He patted him on the shoulder and said, "Hahaha, that's how it should be!"
"What a pity, I probably won't be able to see it."
He was a little annoyed, but he couldn't hide his excitement, and said, "Come on, come on, I'll buy you a drink, go pick up your stepsister first."
Xiao Shuo's eyebrows and eyes became softer.
Before getting on the horse, Chu Yuanchen did not forget to mutter: "The emperor is really a strange person. He always mentions the late emperor in every sentence and always puts the late emperor first. I thought he was very filial, but it turns out that he is just like this. For this chair, a filial son can become a fierce ghost. They are really worthy of being father and son..."
Xiao Shuo said calmly: "So, he is more afraid..."
He was afraid of being discovered, so he could only follow the example of the late emperor and pretend to be benevolent and filial. He pretended for ten years until he even believed it...
Xiao Shuo added: "Moreover, the emperor does worship the late emperor. The father and son's styles of behavior are very similar."
As they were talking, the two of them mounted their horses one after another, and after leaving Prince Zhao's Mansion, they went straight to Sheng Mansion, picked up Sheng Xiyan, and went to the wine shop that Xiao Shuo had booked.
Lean on the railing, look out, have a sip, and feel relaxed and natural.
Knowing that they had just returned from Prince Zhao's Mansion, Sheng Xiyan asked a few more questions out of curiosity. As soon as she asked, Chu Yuanchen immediately told her everything in detail without hiding anything.
Sheng Xiyan couldn't help but secretly praise Xiao Shuo's trick, which was really brilliant.
If Zhao Yuanrou wanted to use the Perfect Cream to control Prince Zhao and the Queen Mother, she should have known the consequences, lest she think that she is superior and incapable, and that others are ants whose fate can be manipulated at will.
Chu Yuanchen said: "When she recruits, I'll take you with me."
She was satisfied, smiling with her eyebrows curved, and then changed the subject and said: "Brother, Doctor Gu and I have made a medicine together, which can be used for these people. However, this medicine is only made for the medicinal properties of Shiquan Paste, so it is hard to say whether it is effective or not."
These days, she often goes to Baicaotang.
The ancient doctor was indeed well-traveled, and he thought of a herb from the medicinal properties of the Shiquan ointment.
They discussed again and again, made and discarded the medicine, discarded and made it again, and finally decided on the combination.
This medicine does not directly relieve the effects of the Shiquan Paste, but it can relieve pain and paralyze the nerves in a short period of time, making people forget the pain of the Shiquan Paste.
"The old doctor said that we can use the prescription at will." The main medicine was proposed by the old doctor, and the prescription is decided by him.
Xiao Shuo nodded and said, "I'll have someone go get it later."
If it is taken, it will not be taken in vain.
If this medicine is useful, it can help alleviate the difficulties in Minzhou to some extent.
Anyway, there will be plenty of people who can be used for drug testing.
Xiao Shuo poured wine for them personally and said with a casual smile, "We dug out a dozen more this time. The Jinyiwei are still waiting, and we will eventually catch a few more."
Indeed, after the Jinyiwei had been on the lookout for a few more days, they pulled out more than 20 people, root and mud all over. Because these people had violated the ban after it was issued, Xiao Shuo didn't care who was the main culprit and who was the accomplice, and executed them all.
When this order was passed down, the entire court was shocked.
Most of those implicated this time were children of noble families. At first, when their families heard that people were taken away, they were not too panicked. Unexpectedly, they waited for Xiao Shuo's order to execute them. Now they were confused and went to find Lin Shoufu one after another, hoping that he would come forward to plead for them.
Those who bought the Shiquan Cream at Linlang Pavilion before were just locked up, and they were told that their past was forgiven. They can't treat them differently.
Lin Shoufu first earnestly told them about the harm of the Shiquan ointment. He was really at a loss, so after thinking it over, he had to ask for a meeting with Xiao Shuo. He was trembling when he went there, but Xiao Shuo was not annoyed. He listened patiently and just said, "Anyone who breaks the law again after the ban will be punished with death."
Lin Shoufu remembered that Xiao Shuo had indeed said so at that time. However, because the previous batch happened before the ban and had not been severely punished, he was a little careless for a while.
Lin Shoufu regretted it and thought he shouldn't have made this trip.
Xiao Shuo clasped his hands together and placed them on the desk, saying with a half-smile, "After all, the ban has just been issued. If I must kill him, it would seem a bit inhumane."
Lin Shoufu quickly said no.
Xiao Shuo said, "That's it. If you want to redeem your life, you can spend money."
Lin Shoufu was stunned for a moment, and then he heard Xiao Shuo continue to say: "If anyone wants to redeem his life, he can exchange it with 100,000 taels of silver, and the execution will be changed to exile."
Lin was shocked. One hundred thousand taels? Do you really need that much?
"One hundred thousand taels for a life is not a lot." Xiao Shuo said slowly, "I heard that the Shiquan ointment bought by those people behind is not cheap, one box costs thousands of taels. Those who can afford it must have a rich family."
Xiao Shuo's lips curled up, and the lines on his face became softer: "Since we have silver, let's give some to the national treasury."
Xiao Shuo's words were like a thunderclap in Lin Shoufu's ears.
It turns out it was for the national treasury!
Lin Shoufu's expression changed in an instant, from embarrassment to surprise. Without thinking, he said, "The governor is right. Since there is money to buy the ten-perfect ointment, there must be money for the national treasury."
Thinking that the huge sum of money would soon flow into the national treasury, Lin Shoufu could not help but lift his sleeves to wipe the saliva from the corner of his mouth, and immediately became righteous and solemn again.
Xiao Shuo said: "In this case, this matter will be handed over to the Prime Minister." His temperament is elegant and makes people feel like spring breeze.
Lin Shoufu immediately patted his chest and agreed. He swallowed and couldn't help asking, "Isn't 100,000 taels too little? Should we increase it to 200,000?" After saying that, he probably felt that he was a bit too much, so he asked cautiously, "What about 180,000?"
Xiao Shuo smiled and said in a good-natured manner: "The Prime Minister is right, about 180,000."
Chief Assistant Lin went out with high aspirations, brisk steps and high spirits, as if he were in his prime.
He came cautiously and left triumphantly. Many people waited and watched, thinking there was hope. They waited for him to announce the good news, but what they got was his demand for payment:
"One hundred and eighty thousand taels of silver in exchange for a life, it's worth it."
"Don't be reluctant. The Lord Governor has shown mercy this time. You should cherish it."
"If you take 180,000 taels of silver, you can bring your son back... No, you can send your son into exile. Think about it, isn't this a great bargain?"
Everyone: “…”
How can this be considered an advantage? One hundred and eighty thousand taels, not eighteen taels! And the reward was still exile.
They wanted Lin Shoufu to plead for mercy and at least reduce the amount of money, but Lin Shoufu insisted on 180,000, not a tael less, and threatened to execute them immediately if they did not come forward.
So, they had no choice but to swallow their anger and go home to collect some money.
These nobles had some wealth, but it was still very difficult to come up with 180,000 taels of silver at once, so they had to grit their teeth and sell off part of their belongings. Lin Shoufu had a very good sense of proportion. This amount of money would make people feel heartbroken and hurt their bones, but it would not be completely impossible to come up with.
Lin Shoufu asked the Ministry of Revenue to keep an eye on the money. Every time he received a sum of money, he would laugh three times with joy. For a few days, his face was rosy and he seemed to be ten years younger.
By the time everyone had gathered enough money, they redeemed the people... and sent them all for drug trials, it was already early March.
Sheng Xiyan's wedding date is on the ninth day of March.
Her trousseau had already been packed and temporarily placed in the storeroom, and her usual belongings were also packed into boxes and would be sent to the Zhenbei Palace along with her trousseau.
She has lived in this yard for more than ten years, and now it seems a bit empty.
I'm about to leave here.