In times of chaos and famine, I traded one pound of rice for two royal flushes.

"Let's see who dares!"

A more authoritative voice rang out.

Wei Zhongxian, accompanied by Eunuch Li and a squad of Blood-Clad Guards, strolled in leisurely. He glanced at the chaotic scene, then fixed his gaze on the Empress, a signature fake smile on his face.

"Your Majesty, you have quite the temper. Doctor Qin was invited by our household to treat the Emperor. You dismiss him just like that? Shouldn't you... at least ask our opinion first?"

The appearance of Wei Zhongxian instantly reversed the situation.

The Empress looked at him, her eyes filled with resentment and bitterness. She knew she had lost this round.

Wei Zhongxian walked over to Qin Shaolang and patted him on the shoulder, as if comforting a junior who had been wronged.

"Doctor Qin, you've been frightened. Some people just can't stand to see the Emperor doing well. Don't worry, with us here, no one can touch you."

As he spoke, his eyes darted back and forth between Qin Shaolang and Zhang Yuanpan, full of inquiry.

Qin Shaolang knew that although he had escaped a calamity, he had also been completely exposed to Wei Zhongxian.

This old fox is starting to suspect that someone is backing him up.

The turmoil at the Imperial Pharmacy ended with the Empress being confined to the Phoenix Palace for "lax discipline of her servants," and the head maid being thrown into the Imperial Prison for "severe interrogation."

It was obvious to everyone that this was just a confrontation between Wei Zhongxian and the Empress, and Qin Shaolang was merely a pawn pushed to the forefront.

Back at the Wei family's villa, Qin Shaolang carefully placed the genuine Tian Shan snow lotus.

"Sir, that was a brilliant move!" the monkey exclaimed excitedly, waving his arms and legs. "The queen's face turned as green as a pig's liver!"

"Beautiful?" Wei Qing shook his head, his expression serious. "He is now standing on the opposite side of both the Empress and Wei Zhongxian. Wei Zhongxian seems to be protecting him, but in reality, he already sees him as an uncontrollable pawn that he can discard at any time."

Qin Shaolang remained silent.

Wei Qing was right. He was able to escape today thanks to Xue Yi's reminder and Wei Zhongxian's help. But this kind of trick of using someone else's strength to fight back might work once, but if it's repeated too often, it will inevitably backfire.

Especially Wei Zhongxian's last look, which clearly said: Kid, I'm starting to wonder about your trump card.

Sure enough, Wei Zhongxian made a new move the next day.

In the cold, damp dungeon.

For the first time ever, Wei Zhongxian had a chair brought in and sat down in front of Qin Shaolang's master's cell.

"Old man, we're giving you a chance," Wei Zhongxian said in a high-pitched voice, twirling the two jade walnuts in his hand. "A chance for your Qin family to see the light of day again."

The old man huddled in the haystack, seemingly oblivious.

"Your precious apprentice has grown too big for his britches and started disobeying you." Wei Zhongxian chuckled. "Now, he's hooked up with those self-proclaimed upright old fogies in court, and he even dares to challenge the Empress. Tell me, has he forgotten his place, forgotten who he is?"

The old man still did not respond.

"I need you to testify against him," Wei Zhongxian's tone turned cold. "Tell him that his medical skills were incompetent, his medication was dangerous, and he almost harmed the Emperor. Don't worry, as long as you cooperate, I will personally write a memorial to clear your Qin family's name and let your traitorous father rest in peace."

"At that time, you will be a meritorious official of the Great Wei, and the glory of the Qin family will be restored in your hands. As for your disobedient disciple..." Wei Zhongxian drawled, "I will give him a quick death."

Upon hearing the words "the Qin family has been exonerated," the old man's body finally trembled slightly.

He slowly raised his head, and a glimmer of light seemed to appear in his cloudy eyes.

"You...are you serious?" His voice was hoarse, like a broken bellows.

"Our word is as good as gold."

The old man stared at Wei Zhongxian for a long time, his cloudy eyes slowly moving as if he were weighing his options and struggling.

Finally, as if he had made up his mind, he squeezed out a single word through gritted teeth.

"it is good."

Wei Zhongxian smiled with satisfaction.

In his view, nothing could sway these so-called loyal descendants more than family honor. Qin Shaolang's master, for this hollow promise, would certainly betray his disciple without hesitation.

"Very good." Wei Zhongxian stood up. "Tomorrow, I will arrange for you and your apprentice to meet. I don't need to teach you what to say or do, do I?"

The old man lowered his head and said nothing more.

……

When Eunuch Li came to the villa to deliver a message that Eunuch Wei, out of "consideration" for their deep bond as master and disciple, had granted Qin Shaolang permission to visit his master in the dungeon again, Qin Shaolang knew that the Feast at Hongmen had arrived.

"Sir, that old eunuch has ill intentions! You absolutely mustn't go!" The monkey was frantic, pacing back and forth.

"Go, why not?" Qin Shaolang's face revealed a smile that no one could understand. "Eunuch Wei personally set up this stage. If I don't put on a good show, wouldn't I be letting him down?"

He turned to look at Wei Qing.

"Prepare something for me."

The dungeon was even darker than last time.

Qin Shaolang carried a food box and slowly walked to the front of the prison cell.

The master was changed into a clean prison uniform. Although he was still thin and bony, he looked much better than before.

"Master, I brought you some food." Qin Shaolang placed the food box on the ground and took out the food one by one through the cell door.

"Traitor!"

Just as Qin Shaolang's hand touched a plate of roast chicken, the old man suddenly sprang up, lunged at the cell door, and glared at him with bloodshot eyes.

"How dare you show your face in front of me?! I taught you the compassion of a healer, yet you stirred up trouble in the capital, forming cliques and pursuing personal gain! How can you face me, how can you face the ancestors of the Qin family?!"

He spoke in a fierce and insane tone, as if he were insane, pointing at Qin Shaolang and cursing him.

This sudden scene stunned the two blood-clad guards standing nearby.

Qin Shaolang seemed stunned by the scolding, standing there blankly.

"You think you can stand against Eunuch Wei and the Empress just because you've climbed the social ladder by befriending a few ministers? Foolish! You're pushing the entire Qin family into a fire pit!"

The old man cursed as he excitedly shook the prison door, the shackles on his body rattling loudly.

"I...I didn't..." Qin Shaolang stammered in his defense.

"No?!" the old man roared. "Are you even sure about the Emperor's illness? What if something goes wrong with those potent medicines you've used? Can you bear the consequences? I think you're just an incompetent fool trying to please everyone!"

He became more and more agitated as he spoke, and suddenly, as if overcome with anger, he slammed his head against the iron bars of the prison door.

"Bang!"

With a muffled thud, the old man collapsed to the ground, blood immediately flowing from his forehead.

"Master!" Qin Shaolang cried out in alarm, forgetting all decorum, and roared at the blood-clad guard beside him, "Open the door! My master has fainted!"

The Blood-Clad Guards were also startled by this turn of events and hurriedly opened the prison door.

Qin Shaolang rushed in, helped his master up, and hurriedly checked his wounds and pulse.