The next day.
"Your performance today was somewhat beyond my expectations."
Su Qing looked at this slightly nervous big sister and said with a smile.
"I... I could only do this much, Master. Are you confident?"
Qin Lan Shan said softly.
She very seriously straightened the clothes on him, smoothing every wrinkle.
"Good girl. Just wait for my news."
Su Qing's voice was calm and unconcerned.
After his clothes were arranged, he headed straight toward the Imperial Palace.
Rather than passively waiting for death, it was better to take the initiative.
Besides... he had extremely high confidence in his gift.
Qin Lan Shan stood at the door, watching the young man leave, worry in her eyes.
She unconsciously clenched her fists, like a wife seeing her husband off on a long journey.
In truth, what she was worried about now was not whether this trip would succeed.
Even if it failed, the Tang State Residence would not end up in particularly dire straits.
What she feared was that the Yan Emperor would punish him because of this matter.
The Shopkeeper herself had not even realized that she was now fretting over him, caring about him immensely.
Inside the Imperial Palace.
Su Qing made his way through without obstruction, and no one stopped him.
After all, given the relationship between the Realm Protectorate and the imperial family, this was actually quite normal.
He had often come here to play when he was young, so he was already quite familiar with the place.
However, when he entered the core area, a palace maid still went to announce his arrival.
After waiting a few minutes, he received permission to enter the Imperial Study.
The moment Su Qing walked in, he saw a figure that was both unfamiliar and familiar.
It was a rather imposing figure dressed in a Dragon Robe.
He was not an old man on the verge of death, but a vigorous middle-aged man.
His vital energy surged like a dragon, ceaseless and surging, as if terrifying power could erupt at any moment.
After sensing this, a trace of astonishment appeared in Su Qing's eyes.
In the past, he had sensed nothing at all. He had been ignorant and therefore fearless.
But after setting foot on the path of cultivation, he could truly feel that powerful pressure.
Clearly, this was a powerhouse of immense strength.
As for the man's age, he was not actually as young as he appeared.
Because he cultivated and possessed the means to preserve his appearance, he did not look old.
But... he had already reached his limit.
This was a sign of a dying flash of vitality. Once his Lifespan reached its limit, no matter how strong he was, he could not be saved.
"Su boy, you haven't come here in quite a while."
"You suddenly came to see me today. I assume you have something to ask of me, right?"
The Yan Emperor looked at the young man and spoke in a deep voice.
There was a faint smile on his face, making him look like a kindly elder.
But after saying this, the pressure in his gaze suddenly intensified.
Clearly, he was quite dissatisfied with the conduct of the Realm Protectorate's young lord.
His question now sounded more like he was waiting for Su Qing to give him an explanation and an accounting.
"I came today precisely because I have a valuable gift to present to Your Majesty."
Su Qing bowed and said.
According to the proper way of handling things, he should actually have come to plead guilty.
But he had no intention of doing that. Instead, he chose a more effective method.
"Oh?"
The Yan Emperor responded with some surprise.
He had naturally imagined the various circumstances under which this young man might come to see him, but he had not expected this.
This approach had indeed been somewhat beyond his expectations.
However, as for gifts, the Yan Emperor did not care much.
Did this boy think he could move him with a gift? What could he possibly want that he did not already have?
Seeing the indifference in the other's eyes, Su Qing directly placed the Jade Bottle on the table.
"What is this?"
The Yan Emperor shook it curiously, hearing a faint collision from inside.
"An elixir. Your Majesty might as well see what effects it has."
Su Qing said with a smile.
The Yan Emperor opened the bottle directly, and a faint fragrance spread through the room.
The moment he smelled it, his spirit shook.
The blood and energy that had been churning within him seemed to settle under the influence of the fragrance.
Could it be?!
The emperor hurriedly looked at Su Qing, unconcealed eagerness in his eyes.
"This is a Returning Spring Pill I bought from an eccentric expert."
"Just one can extend one's life by three days. There are three pills in this bottle."
Su Qing nodded, confirming the other's guess.
"Good! Good! Good!"
The Yan Emperor impatiently took out one of the pills.
He did not test it for poison, but directly swallowed it.
His body was constantly sending out signals of desire. That alone explained everything.
This was definitely an elixir that could extend his life!
Although the extension was not very long, it was already enough to drive him mad with desire.
After swallowing it, the Yan Emperor felt a warm current flow toward his four limbs and bones.
He slowly exhaled, his eyes flashing with brilliance.
A divine medicine—this was the divine medicine he had painstakingly sought for years!
"Your Majesty, besides presenting this gift, I have one more matter."
"I feel that there is something suspicious about the Duke of Tang's case. It should be investigated carefully."
Looking at the delighted Yan Emperor, Su Qing unhurriedly brought up the other matter.
"It would not matter if we made a mistake, but it would be bad if it damaged Your Majesty's reputation."
"Hmm, Su boy, what you said makes sense. I also feel that this matter should be handled more cautiously."
"Since you are so concerned, I will appoint you to thoroughly investigate the Duke of Tang's collusion with foreign enemies."
"You have seven days. What do you think, Su boy?"
In an excellent mood, the Yan Emperor went along with the situation.
"No problem, Your Majesty. That expert should be able to refine the next batch of pills in seven days."
Su Qing immediately understood and agreed.
Seven days was clearly the emperor's hint.
But it did not matter. The hidden danger had been temporarily resolved.
"Good! Good! Good! Su boy, you truly are a meritorious servant of the state, contributing greatly to the empire!"
The Yan Emperor let out a hearty laugh.
Now, the more he looked at this young man, the more pleasing he found him.
"Thank you for Your Majesty's praise, but..."
Su Qing put just the right amount of difficulty on his face.
"Hmm? Su boy, do you have some unspoken difficulty? Tell me whatever it is."
The Yan Emperor froze for a moment and pressed him.
"The supply of pills is no problem, but the Realm Protectorate is extremely impoverished."
"These three pills alone have already emptied the Realm Protectorate's entire fortune."
"If there are more, I do not know whether that expert will be willing to part with them despite the pain."
Su Qing sighed lightly as he spoke.
"If you lack money, just tell me, Su boy. Could I really be unable to provide for you?"
"Go and withdraw a thousand taels of gold first. If that is not enough, tell me again."
The Yan Emperor spoke amiably.
He was completely unreserved in rewarding Su Qing. At present, nothing was more important than buying medicine!
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Su Qing immediately responded.
This time, he had made a huge profit!
Just then, a figure burst in, filled with grief and indignation.
"Your Majesty, I wish to impeach the young lord of the Realm Protectorate!"
The current Prime Minister spoke in a voice full of grief and indignation.
Before you continue