"Minister Pei... sit down, please, sit."
This was the first time Cao Mao had summoned Pei Xiu to the Western Hall. Few ministers had ever been received there before; aside from members of the imperial clan, only a handful of trusted aides had enjoyed that privilege.
Everyone else was generally received formally in the East Hall.
This was Pei Xiu's first private audience in the Western Hall.
It showed that Cao Mao had truly accepted Pei Xiu and made him one of his genuine confidants.
When Cao Mao had taken his hand back then, Pei Xiu had felt little, but this time, he was a little excited.
To think I would get to plot in private with His Majesty in the Western Hall!
It used to be Zhong Hui sitting here, plotting with the emperor about how to make me suffer!
At the thought that he could now plot with the emperor to make other people suffer, Pei Xiu felt a little secret delight.
Cao Mao got straight to the point. "I called you here today about something you are very good at."
"Oh? Does Your Majesty wish to make maps?"
Pei Xiu hastened to ask.
"No, it concerns refining powders."
Cao Mao looked utterly sincere, while Pei Xiu was taken aback.
Your Majesty, stop testing me.
I really don't take powders anymore!!
Looking helpless, Pei Xiu began explaining. "Ever since Your Majesty told me of the dangers of taking powders, I have never touched Cold-Food Powder again. It has been many years now. As for refining powders and elixirs, I have completely forgotten all of that too..."
Cao Mao shook his head. "Do not be afraid. I am not going to reprimand you. There are merely a few things I wish to ask."
"Do you know green vitriol?"
At