Chapter 6 (1/2)

Reborn As a System Long Qi 64730K 2022-07-22

Chapter 6

Qin Mo gently stroked him, “Will you die?”

“Of course not! Although we’re bound by the contract, we only need to cooperate with each other in a sort of joint relationship. Our lives aren’t connected like that,” he explained.

“Then what are you worried about?”

“But if you die, then I have to wait another five hundred years to meet my next host. Five hundred years! I’ll suffocate!” Shi Qing quickly let the truth spill out of his mouth, and then instantly regretted it…why did he admit to it so quickly? It was such a good chance to make a good impression and he wasted it. He should have shown that he had the feelings of a saint, even caring for a psychopath. He could have shown Qin Mo that he was a good person who would care about the life and death of others, and then taken the opportunity to guide him towards a more positive life and good deeds!

It is a pity that water, once spilled, cannot be cleaned up again.

However, contrary to the expectations of Shi Qing, Qin Mo seemed very satisfied with his answer—his mouth actually curved into a pleasing arc…

Shi Qing did not understand what could have made him so happy, but happy was always better than angry. The most important thing was that Qin Mo had finally stopped flipping through that damn herbal medicine text!

He held the jade pendant in one hand, closed the book, stood up, and said calmly, “Rest assured, you will not be suffocated.”

Shi Qing: …You always focus on the wrong thing!

****

BLUE JADE PALACE

Chiffon curtains fluttered lightly in the breeze, and a feminine aroma wafted through a room that contained a meticulously carved dressing table that was bestrewn with exquisite jewelry. Sitting on top was a crystal clear bronze-framed mirror that was currently reflecting a beautiful face with almond eyes, red lips, and a bright and friendly look. However, a closer look at the corners of the eyes revealed the presence of fine lines, and exposed the signs of advancing years.

Imperial Concubine Li stared, unblinkingly, at the mirror. She slowly reached up and pushed her hand against it, but no matter how much she pushes against the mirror, she cannot wipe the wrinkles on her face smooth.

She was now 37 years old. No matter how well she maintained herself, she could no longer compare to 17-18 year old girls. The luster of her skin was worsening, and the colour was also growing dull. In recent days, a few fine lines had begun to stubbornly take root in the corners of her eyes, and she was finding it difficult to endure.

Especially in the recent past, the Emperor had not come to the Blue Jade Palace. It was beginning to cause her concern, and the feeling grew like an unstoppable fire within until it exploded out, “Maid! Where the hell are you?”

Her palace maid, Yuxiang, who had been waiting outside the room, hurriedly opened the bead curtain, took one small step inside, and then bowed respectfully, “Mistress, do you require assistance with dressing and makeup?”

Concubine Li looked at her through one eye and then grumpily replied, “No kidding!”

Yuxiang approached submissively, and began adjusting her hair with deft movements. She has been taking care of Concubine Li for many years, so she naturally knows all of her preferences. She carefully coated her eyelids with powder, and then pulled back her hair elegantly—everything was good. When she was done, Concubine Li finally relaxed her knit brows, and revealed a look of satisfaction.

However, because of her nonchalant smile, the wrinkles in the corners of her eyes appeared again, and Concubine Li immediately showed a hostile face.

Yuxiang just relaxed and stood up; Concubine Li never listened to the advice others. As her attendant, she knew her mistress’s temperament, and that she could not say much. She could only wait on her here, silently, although she would likely still be angry. Yuxiang was anxious in her heart, but still quickly said, “Imperial Concubine, Madam Li Er has been waiting to see you in the side hall.”

The change of topic worked, Concubine Li stood up, threw out her chest proudly, adopted a very elegant posture, and said “Go.”

Madam Li Er is Concubine Li’s sister-in-law. The Li family helped enthrone the first ruler of the Daqing dynasty, and in turn were granted great power by the Emperor. Since then, five generations have passed, and none have contributed anything since. Although it was a challenge due to her family’s diminishing reputation, Concubine Li has become highly favored, and their Li family, for the moment, is back in the limelight.

Madam Li Er may have married into the Li family, but her origins were not noble. She comes from a merchant family, and Concubine Li does not even believe they are worth standing in her sight. However, Madam Li’s family wealth was great—no one should underestimate the value of successful money operations. So, although she does not place Madam Li Er in her sight, Concubine Li still wants to stay on her good side.

Another important point was that since Madam Li Er’s family’s business had royal endorsements because of her parents, they often travelled to the south, and brought back very strange and unique products. Concubine Li was not very concerned about material goods, but extremely obsessed with her looks. She was anxious to get her hands on anything that could improve them.

Last time, Madam Li Er brought some creams that could dissolve fat. She said it was obtained from overseas, and that it was very rare, and that the effects were also very good. Madam Li Er knew exactly how to pander to her, and recently their company had spent large amounts of money to acquire these types of products. It was all for the sake of making Concubine Li happy and gaining her favour.

Concubine Li saw Madam Li Er, received her in the customary manner, and then asked a few token questions about her home. The two women spoke frankly, their conversation a steady back and forth, as the madam coaxed Concubine Li happily.

Concubine Li raised her eyebrows questioningly, and Madam Li Er understood that it was time to move on to the highlight of today’s visit.

“Imperial Concubine, I, your servant, truly had good fortune to find such a valuable treasure,” she spoke deferentially, while carefully pulling out a palm-sized box. The box was simple and unadorned, but the design was very imposing.

Concubine Li’s eyes were riveted on the box. Madam Li immediately opened the box, which revealed a bottom half that was inlaid with red silk, and nestled in that was a brown medicinal pill. The pill was smooth, and it released a refreshing cold scent—anyone with knowledge in this area knows that this means it has high quality.

Concubine Li was very cheerful as she asked, “What is that?”

Madam Li Er quickly exploited the opportunity, and began to tell a story, “This was not easy to get ah, my brother had to use such a great amount of time to acquire it from that pill maker…”

Realizing she was going to demand great merits for this, Concubine Li waved her hand and said, “Okay, you’ve done well, talk about what it is, do you think the palace won’t remember your excellent work?”

Madam Lee smiled, cut in half what she had intended to say, and finally said the key message, “This is called a Zhu Yan Pill1. As its name indicates, after taking it not only will it restore you to your youthful appearance, but you will also maintain those looks forever!”

After listening to these effects, Concubine Li’s eyes suddenly brightened, and she quickly asked, “Can I really take these claims seriously?”

Madam Li Er hurriedly answered to reassure her, “It’s really real, absolutely true, and the Imperial Concubine is truly fortunate. There is only one Zhu Yan Pill and it has been reserved specially for the Imperial Concubine,”

Concubine Li was excited, but although she was born with her IQ in arrears2, after living in the palace for two decades she had still managed to progress. Although her heart was greatly moved, her brain was telling her that it may not be wise to eat it immediately.

So, she asked cautiously, “This source, can I rest assured it is trustworthy?”

Madam Li Er hastily assured her, “The people have long been investigated, there were no problems, it seems that it is everything it claims to be.”

Concubine Li nodded with satisfaction, and casually asked, “This person is alone?”