Chapter 219: Chapter 218 RewardsSang Yan saw the content of the secret letter and couldn’t help saying, "It’s still you who thinks everything through. You even thought to preemptively guard against Qi Wuya acting against other princes."


    He Ying, hearing her praise, was very happy in his heart but remained humble on the surface, "It was you who reminded me, saying that Beiqi is not yet chaotic enough. Indeed, Beiqi is not chaotic enough. Considering Qi Wuya being constrained by Qi Guanglie in Puluo Country, as the saying goes, there is a counter for every move. Those princes must not be harmed."


    Sang Yan approved and nodded, "Yes. Those princes are all formidable opponents to Qi Wuya. And the enemy of my enemy is our friend."


    He Ying’s eyes were full of admiration as he smiled, "Mhm. Ah Yan, we are truly of one mind."


    He dispatched Rong Ye to secretly protect the other princes of Beiqi, which could not only restrain Qi Wuya and make his journey to power difficult but also amplify the internal strife within Beiqi, so they would deplete themselves.


    In any case, it was all profit and no harm.


    "For now, let’s leave it at that."


    He Ying made the decision and looked towards Gao Wenliang, then commanded, "You are the State Official of Quanzhou, from now on, you must also prioritize the development of medical science. Send word to the other prefectures and counties as well."


    Gao Wenliang nodded, "Yes, Your Servant understands."


    Sang Yan interjected at the right time, "We could then establish medical schools, with separate branches for surgery and internal medicine. Surgery could be headed by Imperial Doctor Liang. Oh, and there’s also the field of poisons. You could recruit some people who are skilled in the use of poisons. These people might operate in the shadows, hence finding such talent requires taking unconventional approaches. In the end, whether they are good or bad depends entirely on how the one in power makes use of them. In extraordinary times, one must take extraordinary actions."


    Gao Wenliang listened attentively, glancing at He Ying out of the corner of his eye.


    He was waiting for the Emperor to speak.


    He Ying caught Gao Wenliang’s inquiring look and nodded, "Proceed as the Empress has said. After I return to the palace, I will allocate some silver taels here, so carry on boldly. Let me know if you need anything."


    Gao Wenliang’s eyes sparkled, and he respectfully bowed, "Yes, Your Servant understands."


    This was the authorization to lead the development of medical science in Quanzhou and the other prefectures and counties!


    And since the Emperor placed such great importance on medicine, as long as he did well, his future was assuredly secure.


    "Thank you, Emperor, for your trust. Your Servant will not let you down."


    "Good. You may leave."


    He Ying waved his hand, dismissing both Gao Wenliang and Lu Zijin.


    He then took Sang Yan’s hand and walked outside, saying as they went, "It’s getting late. Let’s go rest."


    Sang Yan nodded and followed him back to their room.


    In the room,


    the palace maids had already tidied up the bedding.


    The bedding was soft and smelled fragrant.


    After a brief wash, Sang Yan lay down in bed and waited for He Ying to join her.


    He Ying preferred bathing in cold water, separately from Sang Yan.


    Lagging behind her slightly, he took a quick shower, then, draped in a black and gold robe, lay down on the bed.


    His body was cool with moisture.


    In the still sweltering night, it was comfortable to embrace.


    Accustomed to snuggling into his chest, Sang Yan held his waist and rested her head on his arm, murmuring, "Qi Wuya must be feeling very smug right now."


    He Ying lay on his side, his gaze tenderly stroking her long hair, lazily said, "Ah Yan, let’s not talk about that mood killer."


    He bent down to kiss her lips.


    The kiss deepened, and then, with a sigh, he lay back and closed his eyes to sleep.


    Sang Yan didn’t expect him to be so well-behaved tonight and couldn’t help asking, "Too tired tonight?"


    He Ying shook his head, "I don’t want to take you here. Let’s wait until we return to the palace."


    Their first time together shouldn’t be in this State Mansion.


    Sang Yan understood his sentiment and spoke softly, "Actually, I don’t mind where it is."


    She knew that now his poison wounds had healed somewhat, and if he really wished, she wouldn’t refuse.


    "I mind."


    He Ying kissed her forehead tenderly and said indulgently, "Our grand wedding hasn’t been officially completed. If you were to get pregnant again, it wouldn’t be good for your reputation. Let’s wait until we’re back at the palace and hold another grand wedding. I’ve waited so long already; a few more days won’t make a difference."


    Listening to his plans, Sang Yan felt both sweet and blissful, "Xinyuan, thank you. You love me so much; I don’t even know how to love you back."


    "You’ll find out in the future," He Ying fiercely kissed her lips, the sound of his breath especially enchanting. "Ah Yan, you’ll have to thank me properly later, hmm? I’ll remember all of this."


    Sang Yan: "..."


    This scoundrel!


    *


    At the same time


    Beiqi Imperial Palace


    In the Taian Palace


    Qi Wuya, dressed in a moon-colored brocade robe, sat casually on the master chair, his well-defined right hand holding an emerald teacup.


    He gazed at the round moon outside the window, seemingly lost in thought, and a soft smile brimming with affection spilled from his thin lips: Sang Yan, are you and He Ying admiring the moon right now? Just wait. It won’t be long before you return to my side.


    Thinking of Sang Yan, Qi Wuya’s grip on the emerald teacup gradually strengthened, and his body couldn’t help but tremble with excitement.


    The excitement made the muscles in his right leg tremble unconsciously.


    "Mr. Jiu—"


    A shrill voice sounded from outside.


    A eunuch dressed in a brown Grand Eunuch’s outfit hunched over and walked in, holding a mahogany tray in his hand.


    On the tray was a brand-new Dragon Robe, with gold thread work and exquisitely embroidered dragon patterns.


    "Eunuch Fuzi, what brings you here at this time?"


    Qi Wuya raised his head at the sound, his demeanor languid as he glanced at the eunuch.


    Eunuch Fuzi was an old man who usually followed Crown Prince Qi Guanglie.


    Now that the Crown Prince was unconscious and unresponsive, it seemed this old man was ready to serve a new master.


    He completely changed his previous disdain toward Qi Wuya, crawling obsequiously to the ground, moving his knees forward until he reached Qi Wuya’s feet.


    "Mr. Jiu, this servant was just remembering your ascension to the throne, so I instructed the palace embroidery ladies to work through the night to finish the Dragon Robe. Please try it on quickly—"


    Eunuch Fuzi held the tray up high with both hands, presenting the Dragon Robe as if it were a treasure. sea??h thё N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This servant has long seen that Mr. Jiu has the demeanor of the gods, and the destiny of an Emperor, the previous Crown Prince—ptui, ptui, ptui—"


    Eunuch Fuzi forcefully smacked his own mouth, as if the words "Crown Prince" left a bad taste.


    "Mr. Jiu, don’t be angry, this servant misspoke. What Crown Prince? That Qi Guanglie bullied you, and this servant has thought day and night about killing him, to vent your anger. Fortunately, Mr. Jiu’s hard times have finally turned to sweet. This servant... this servant is sincerely happy for Mr. Jiu."


    He was speaking tearfully when tears actually began to fall from the corner of his eyes.


    "Good! Very good!"


    Qi Wuya seemed to have watched an excellent drama, clapping his hands and laughing out loud: "Eunuch Fuzi, your ’loyalty’ to me is truly admirable!"


    Eunuch Fuzi failed to detect the sarcasm in Qi Wuya’s words, thinking he had won the other’s favor.


    He smiled obsequiously and again offered the Dragon Robe to Qi Wuya: "Mr. Jiu, you are no longer what you once were; why still refer to yourself as ’me’? That is how princes address themselves, which doesn’t suit your status. In this servant’s eyes, you are Beiqi’s—"


    "Is that so?"


    Qi Wuya interrupted him, glanced at the glittering Dragon Robe with a smile that was not really a smile, his gaze carrying a chilling meaning.


    The next moment, he reached out, patted Eunuch Fuzi’s shoulder with a careless tone: "Eunuch Fuzi, for someone as loyal as you, how do you think I should reward you?"


    His handsome face was full of smiles, as if he was quite satisfied with the Dragon Robe.


    Eunuch Fuzi saw it, his wrinkled old face smiling so hard the wrinkles quivered: How could he be anything but pleased! This robe was made by over a hundred embroidery ladies, working tirelessly for three days and nights. All to curry the first favor before Qi Wuya’s coronation! Now that Qi Wuya had seized control of the Beiqi court, as long as he was pleased, how could he not reap the rewards later?


    Eunuch Fuzi grew more and more excited, boldly suggesting: "Why not—"


    Reward this servant by keeping me at Your Majesty’s side!


    He hadn’t yet finished speaking—


    Qi Wuya, who had been patting his shoulder, suddenly grasped Eunuch Fuzi’s neck. Then, with a forceful pull, he lifted the eunuch’s portly body into the air.


    Eunuch Fuzi’s face turned pale, his eyes filled with terror: "Mr. J... Mr. Jiu spare—"


    Qi Wuya’s smile turned cold: "Why not reward Eunuch Fuzi by letting you go first?"