Chapter 31 How to Use Elixirs
Life at the Prince Jin's mansion seemed to be isolated from the outside world by an invisible barrier. No matter how turbulent things were in the palace, the mansion remained peaceful and serene.
Lou Jin's health has recovered very well; he can walk briskly in the garden for an hour without showing any signs of fatigue.
His pale face gradually regained color. Although he was not as robust as an average person, the frailty that had plagued him with chronic illness had largely dissipated, replaced by a refined and reserved demeanor.
Ye Xunyang saw this and was delighted, feeling that his hard work had not been in vain and that he was full of a sense of accomplishment.
He still spends his days around Lou Jin, supervising his medication and diet, accompanying him on walks and rehabilitation, and occasionally, when he's in the mood, he'll even practice a few moves in the open space in the garden.
That day, Lou Jin stood by the window in his study, feeling the long-lost sense of power within him. The gloom that had been weighing on his heart for many years seemed to have been somewhat dispelled by the warm winter sun.
It's time.
He summoned Wang Quan and whispered, "Go to the Imperial Preceptor's residence and ask Imperial Preceptor Xuan Yunzi when is the best time to take the Crimson Sun Pill and the Snow Soul Pill, and how to administer the medicine."
Wang Quan accepted the order and left.
Ye Xunyang happened to be carrying in a plate of freshly made lotus flower pastries when he heard this, and his eyes lit up.
"Your Highness, are we going to use the medicine the Imperial Advisor gave us? That's wonderful! Once you're fully recovered, we can..."
He hesitated for a moment, originally intending to say "divorce," but the two words circled on his tongue, and for some reason, he couldn't bring himself to say them, so he mumbled something.
"We can do more things together."
Lou Jin gave him a deep look, not missing his momentary hesitation. His heart stirred slightly, but his face remained calm: "Yes, we'll know once the Grand Preceptor replies."
He took the lotus-shaped pastry from Ye Xunyang. Their fingertips accidentally touched, and Ye Xunyang quickly withdrew his hand as if he had been burned, his ears turning slightly red.
To cover up his embarrassment, he picked up a piece of pastry and stuffed it into his mouth, mumbling, "Mmm, delicious! Your Highness, you should try some too!"
A faint smile flickered in Lou Jin's eyes. He lowered his head and took a bite of the pastry in his hand. It was sweet and refreshing, just like the person in front of him.
Wang Quan returned quickly, holding a sealed brocade box in his hands, but his expression was somewhat subtle.
"Your Highness, the Imperial Advisor says the time is ripe for the elixir to be taken; it's entirely up to Your Highness to decide. The best time is when you feel it's right. As for the method of use..."
Wang Quan paused for a moment, then presented the brocade box: "The Imperial Advisor only gave me this, saying that Your Highness will understand at a glance."
Lou Jin took the brocade box; it felt quite heavy.
He waved for Wang Quan to leave, leaving only him and Ye Xunyang, who had curiously come closer, in the study.
"What did the Imperial Preceptor give us? Was it a more detailed instruction on the medication?" Ye Xunyang asked tentatively.
Lou Jin opened the brocade box, but there was no description of the pills or complicated medicinal ingredients as he had expected. There was only a letter sealed with wax and a book with an antique binding, but no writing on the cover.
He opened the letter first. Xuan Yunzi's handwriting was elegant and refined, but the content made him freeze instantly.
"Your Highness, please note: Chiyang and Xuepo are not ordinary elixirs. Their medicinal properties are domineering and require the guidance of the harmonious Yin and Yang energies to neutralize their potency and integrate their essence, so as to achieve the effects of cleansing the marrow and removing residual toxins."
"The so-called administration of medicine is not oral. It requires the princess's pure yang body to merge with the prince's breath and spirit, and to perform the ritual of 'the Duke of Zhou' to transfer the medicine's power. The illustration contains a detailed explanation. I hope the prince will proceed step by step and achieve success naturally."
His gaze fell on the blank book in the brocade box. He took a deep breath, picked it up, and opened it.
With just one glance, he abruptly closed his eyes, his ears instantly flushing a light red.
Inside the book was a book of erotic illustrations, featuring two men.
The scenes are enchanting, with characters in various poses, and accompanied by detailed annotations in small print, which are the explanations provided by the Imperial Advisor.
"Your Highness, what did the Imperial Preceptor say in his letter? What is this book? Is it a martial arts manual?"
Seeing that his expression was strange, Ye Xunyang became even more curious and reached out to take the book to read.
Lou Jin reacted swiftly, snatching the book and letter back into the brocade box and closing it with such speed that it created a gust of wind.
"It's nothing!" His voice was slightly tense and hoarse.
"It's just some taboos to be aware of and... auxiliary techniques."
Ye Xunyang looked at his flushed ears and obviously strange expression with suspicion: "Really? Your Highness, why is your face a little red? Are you feeling unwell again?"
"No!" Lou Jin denied it outright, clutching the brocade box tightly in his hand as if it were a hot potato.
"It's just... the floor heating in the room is a bit stuffy. You should go out first; I need some peace and quiet."
Although Ye Xunyang found it strange, seeing Lou Jin's resolute attitude, he had no choice but to leave, turning back every few steps, muttering to himself, "How weird."
The study door was closed, and Lou Jin stood alone, clutching the brocade box tightly in his hand, feeling a burning sensation in his palm.
He never expected that the so-called elixir would be like this!
How could he possibly bring this up with Ye Xunyang?
Should I just tell him directly, "Xunyang, I need to have sex with you to completely cure the poison?"
Given Ye Xunyang's straightforward nature, he would probably jump up on the spot, thinking that he had gone mad, or that he was a lecherous man who coveted men.
Although they were husband and wife in name and had slept in the same bed, Ye Xunyang always regarded him as a patient who needed care and a friend she could make friends with.
That budding affection and dependence may be growing, but there is still a huge chasm between it and true love, and this intimate contact.
Lou Jin walked to the window, opened it, and let the cold winter wind blow on his burning cheeks.
He had never realized so clearly that he wanted Ye Xunyang.
It's not just about physical proximity to alleviate pain, not just about keeping him by your side, but about completely possessing him, a union of body and soul.
But he also knew that he couldn't force it.
If, at this moment, Ye Xunyang were to be forced to accept this under this pretext, even if it succeeded, it would inevitably leave a lingering resentment in Ye Xunyang's heart, which is certainly not what he wants.
What he needs is for Ye Xunyang to be willing.
But how can one obtain this willingness?
The road ahead is long and arduous.
He carefully locked the brocade box in the hidden compartment at the bottom of the desk.
It seems we'll have to wait a little longer for this elixir.
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