So what if I have a few billion concubines while I'm cultivating immortality?

A ruthless glint flashed in Qin Hong's eyes. "The Taoist priest is right, but Zhao Wenli is, after all, an official appointed by the imperial court. If he were to die suddenly, it would likely arouse suspicion."

"This is simple."

Qingyang Daoist smiled slightly, "I have some knowledge of pharmacology and can prepare a kind of 'Hidden Illness Powder'. This powder is colorless and tasteless, and the symptoms will only appear three days after taking it. The symptoms are like sudden death from an acute illness, and even the coroner will not be able to find any clues."

Qin Hong's eyes lit up: "Really?"

Qingyang Daoist: "How dare I deceive Your Highness?"

"good!"

Qin Hong slammed his hand on the table. "Then I'll have to trouble you, Daoist Master. If this succeeds, I will reward you handsomely."

"Your Highness is too kind."

Qingyang Daoist stood up. "This humble Daoist will go and make preparations now."

After Qingyang Daoist left, the smile on Qin Hong's face gradually faded.

He walked to the window, gazing at the artificial hill and flowing water in the courtyard, his eyes filled with uncertain emotions.

Eliminating Zhao Wenli is only the first step.

Next, they would need to secretly plot with the "Prince of Jin" to prepare for an uprising...

"Sixth brother, don't blame your fifth brother for being ruthless."

Qin Hong muttered to himself, "If anyone's to blame, it's you for blocking too many people's way!"

……

A few more days passed.

The capital city, the Zichen Palace.

Qin Xiao raised an eyebrow as he looked at the newly arrived secret report in his hand.

The secret report was delivered by the Jiangnan secret guards.

The background of Qingyang Daoist has been preliminarily investigated.

This man was originally a down-on-his-luck Taoist priest. Half a year ago, he accidentally discovered an ancient cultivator's cave in the deep mountains and obtained four ancient books: "Qi-Inducing Techniques", "Introduction to Alchemy", "Introduction to Formations", and "Introduction to Weapon Forging".

"An Introduction to Alchemy," "An Introduction to Formations," and "An Introduction to Weapon Forging?"

Qin Xiao's eyes lit up.

I never expected such a thing to exist.

I'm currently worried because I don't know how to refine pills, array plates, or weapons.

Right now, we can only figure out how to refine it ourselves, which is not only time-consuming but also laborious.

Most importantly, a lot of materials were wasted.

The three incomplete scrolls in Qingyang Daoist's hands are something he is determined to obtain!

"Six months ago..."

Qin Xiao frowned again.

Judging from this, the old Taoist's cultivation level is not very high.

At most, that's the Qi Refining stage.

Luo Qingluan stood aside, her expression grave: "Your Majesty, it seems the Prince of Wu is about to make a move."

"It's alright."

Qin Xiao put down the secret report. "Just kill him."

"But……"

Luo Qingluan hesitated and said, "A single letter is probably not enough to convict the King of Wu. The old ministers in the court value evidence the most. Without irrefutable proof, they will not believe that the King of Wu is plotting a rebellion."

"Believe it or not, it's up to them."

Qin Xiao said calmly, "What does this have to do with these old guys?"

Luo Qingluan was stunned and speechless for a moment.

After hesitating for a moment, he asked, "Your Majesty, should we eliminate that Qingyang Daoist first? After all, he is a cultivator. Although his cultivation level may not be high, keeping him alive will eventually cause trouble."

"No rush."

Qin Xiao shook his head. "Keeping him alive is still useful. I'd like to see what kind of pills he can refine and what kind of formations he can set up."

"But……"

Luo Qingluan wanted to say something, but Qin Xiao waved his hand and said, "I know what I'm doing. Go ahead."

"Yes."

Luo Qingluan bowed and took her leave.

After she left, Qin Xiao sat back down at the table, took out paper and pen, and began to write a letter.

This letter was written to "King Qin Yuan of Jin".

He wrote back to King Qin Hong of Wu, using Qin Yuan's tone and imitating Qin Yuan's handwriting.

They agreed to meet secretly in Jinyang Prefecture on the eighth day of next month to discuss important matters.

After finishing the letter, Qin Xiao summoned a bodyguard and instructed him to deliver the letter to the Prince of Wu in Jiangnan, under the guise of Qin Yuan.

"yes!"

The guards obeyed and left.

Qin Xiao stood by the window, gazing at the southern sky. "Fifth Brother, didn't you want to see the 'Prince of Jin'?"

"I will let you see him!"

……

Jiangnan, the Wu King's Palace.

Qin Hong was overjoyed to receive the reply from the "Prince of Jin".

"Your Highness, has the Prince of Jin agreed?"

Qingyang Daoist asked.

"I agree!"

Qin Hong handed the letter to Daoist Qingyang, "There's a secret meeting in Jinyang Prefecture on the eighth day of next month. Daoist, what do you think..."

Qingyang Daoist quickly glanced at the letter, nodded, and said, "Since Prince Jin has this intention, Your Highness should make preparations as soon as possible. This secret meeting is of great importance and cannot be allowed to fail."

"The Taoist priest is right."

Qin Hong pondered for a moment, "I need to go to Jinyang Prefecture myself. I'll leave the Jiangnan region to you, Daoist."

"Your Highness, rest assured."

The Taoist Qingyang stroked his beard and said, "With me here, Jiangnan will be as stable as Mount Tai."

As he spoke, he took out three jade pendants from his sleeve and handed them to Qin Hong.

The jade pendant is pale blue and the carving is rough.

But there was a faint, ethereal light flowing through it.

"This is a talisman I crafted. Wearing it will ensure your safety. Your Highness, please take it with you, for it is better than nothing."

As he spoke, Qingyang Daoist handed over the jade pendant.

Qin Hong accepted the jade pendant, overjoyed. "Thank you, Daoist Master!"

He tied one jade pendant to his waist and carefully put away the other two.

The two talked privately for a while before Qingyang Daoist took his leave.

After he left, Qin Hong sat alone in the study, looking at the jade pendant in his hand, his eyes gradually hardening.

"The eighth day of next month..."

"Success or failure hinges on this one move."

……

Time flies, and it's already the eighth day of the lunar month.

Thirty li outside the city of Jinyang Prefecture lies a secluded mountain village.

This villa was originally the villa of a wealthy merchant, but it was later secretly requisitioned by the government of Jinyang Prefecture.

It has now become the location for the secret meetings between the "King of Jin" and the King of Wu.

The villa was heavily guarded, both inside and out.

There are countless guards, both openly and secretly.

Qin Hong arrived secretly with only a dozen or so trusted confidants, traveling light and keeping to a minimum.

"Your Highness, Prince Jin is already waiting in the hall."

A guard led Qin Hong toward the main hall of the manor.

Qin Hong straightened his clothes, took a deep breath, and stepped into the hall.

The room was simply furnished, with a person sitting in the center, his back to the door, enjoying tea.

Judging from his physique, he does indeed bear some resemblance to Qin Yuan.

"They're here."

The man slowly turned around, revealing a handsome face.

It was Qin Xiao!

The moment Qin Hong saw Qin Xiao, his pupils shrank and his expression changed drastically!

"You...you..."

He quickly took a few steps back, his voice trembling.

"What, don't you recognize me?"

Qin Xiao smiled slightly, put down his teacup, and said, "I have been waiting for you here for a long time."

Qin Hong's mind went blank.

What about the Prince of Jin?

How could it be Qin Xiao?

Is it...

He suddenly realized what was happening, his face turning deathly pale. "You...you knew all along?!"

"Know what?"

Qin Xiao stood up and slowly walked towards Qin Hong. "Do you know that you've been secretly amassing weapons and plotting something sinister? Or do you know that you've colluded with evil Taoists and intend to rebel?"

With each sentence he spoke, Qin Hong's face paled a little more.

"I gave you a chance."

Qin Xiao walked up to Qin Hong, his gaze calm. "It's a pity you didn't cherish it."

Qin Hong trembled all over, then suddenly knelt down. "Your Majesty! I...I know I was wrong! I was just confused for a moment and was bewitched by that evil Taoist! I beg Your Majesty to spare my life!"

"Spare me?"

Qin Xiao chuckled lightly, "That's not what you said in your letter to the 'Prince of Jin'."

Upon hearing this, Qin Hong felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave.

He knew he was finished.

All the plans, all the ambitions, became a joke at this moment.

"Someone come here."

Qin Xiao said calmly.

Several guards entered in response.

"Take the King of Wu away and keep him under close guard."

"yes!"

The guards stepped forward, lifted the limp Qin Hong up, and dragged him away.

Qin Xiao sat back down, picked up his teacup, and took a small sip. "Qingyang Daoist, it's your turn!"