Chapter 157 Black Eating Black Eating Black!

Lu Cheng’an felt a surge of wild joy in his heart, but on the surface he immediately put on a look of panic and fear, hurrying to bow deeply with his head lowered. His tone was full of terror and obedience, his voice slightly trembling:

“This subordinate understands! This subordinate understands! I have never stepped foot into your study today, nor have I seen any prescription. I was momentarily confused just now and spoke nonsense. I beg your forgiveness, my lord!”

Seeing how tactful he was, the prefect nodded in satisfaction, his tone softening somewhat:

“However, since you’ve come today, I can’t let you return empty-handed. Tell me—what would you like?”

Lu Cheng’an understood clearly. In officialdom, excessive pride was taboo. At this moment, if he refused, it would instead arouse the prefect’s suspicion, making him think that Lu Cheng’an harbored dissatisfaction or hidden intentions.

After a brief moment of thought, he smoothly followed the opening, speaking respectfully yet with just the right hint of desire:

“This subordinate has recently had some free time and has gradually developed an interest in tea. I’ve heard that my lord is fond of tea, and that your collection consists of the finest teas rarely seen in the world. I have long admired them. I wonder if I might have the honor of tasting your treasured collection?”

He did not ask for gold, silver, or official promotion—only tea leaves. This made him appear to have no great ambition while also pleasing the prefect’s preferences, striking the balance perfectly.

The prefect burst into hearty laughter and immediately ordered someone to bring twenty jin of premium top-grade tea:

“These are for you. If there’s nothing else, you may withdraw. Properly guard your county. When I prosper, I won’t forget you!”

Then his tone shifted. The smile in his eyes vanished instantly, replaced by a cold warning. His voice sank:

“But remember this—don’t ask what you shouldn’t ask, and don’t utter even a single word of what shouldn’t be said. If even the slightest rumor leaks out, you will bear the consequences. It’s not something you can handle!”

“Yes! This subordinate obeys!”

Only after leaving the prefectural residence did Lu Cheng’an slowly straighten his back. The fearful expression in his eyes faded completely, replaced by calm composure and clarity. He walked away steadily without a single glance back.

The prescription was apparently sent to the capital at full speed the very next day.

Then, on that very day, the prefect who had been eager to seize credit suddenly and inexplicably died.

The authorities hastily concluded the case as an acute illness, with no intention of investigating further, as though the man had never existed in officialdom at all.

No one knew that such a prescription had ever appeared. They only knew that the newly appointed head of the Imperial Medical Academy once again turned the tide, developing a new treatment method that cured the emperor’s illness.

As for the matter of sacrificing one hundred children?

What sacrifice? There had never been such a thing.

His Majesty the Emperor was benevolent and loved his people as his own children—how could he possibly do something like that…

Back on the dormitory rooftop, Miao Yunyou rested her chin in her hand, looking at the twenty jin of premium tea that had just been delivered on the table. She analyzed slowly:

“So what you’re saying is—the prefect stole Lord Lu’s credit, and then the Imperial Medical Academy guy stole it from the prefect? And even killed the prefect in the process?”

What a grand case of black eating black!

Miao Yunyou turned to Chu Ningshuang beside her, her eyes sparkling with curiosity:

“Come on, tell me—who exactly is that senior brother of yours? That’s some seriously dark methods! Do you know who it is?”

Chu Ningshuang was currently looking at the cat tree that Miao Yunyou had just bought.

Several chubby leopard cats were curled up on the plush cushions of the tree, sleeping in all sorts of sprawled positions. Their little bellies rose and fell gently, their appearance lazy and adorable. She reached out and lightly patted one of the leopard cats on the head, her tone calm and slightly distant:

“I have a rough idea.”

“Who is it?” Miao Yunyou immediately sat up straight, full of gossip as she pressed further.

Chu Ningshuang replied:

“Do you remember? When we first met, after you and Xinglan heard that we had been driven out, you immediately brought me and Fuling up the mountain to confront them?”

Miao Yunyou nodded:

“Of course I remember.”

Strictly speaking, that was the first time in her life she had ever seen a group fight.

Mainly—it was watching Luo Xinglan take on an entire group by himself.

The scene was very satisfying.

Chu Ningshuang said, “Do you still remember that when Xinglan went up the mountain, he used the Xing Silk Ring to sever the little finger of the man who was shouting the loudest?

If nothing unexpected happened, it should be this person.”

Miao Yunyou instantly recalled that scene in her mind and let out an exclamation, her face full of sudden realization:

“Oh wow, so it was that unlucky guy from back then!”

Chu Ningshuang sneered:

“This person has always been like this since childhood—wanting everything, trying to snatch everything. This time he thought he had made another great contribution, not realizing that he had completely offended the Eighth Prince…”

The developments that followed were easy to imagine.

Miao Yunyou’s eyes lit up:

“Oh, so it’s black eating black eating black! What kind of satisfying drama plot development is this?!”

Chu Ningshuang didn’t understand what she was talking about at all. She turned to look at the freshly brewed tea on the table, pushed it toward Miao Yunyou, and said with a hint of concern:

“Here, try this tea. You’ve been consuming a bit too much sugar lately—you should adjust your diet structure.”

The tea had just been brewed by Hua Yuezhan. The liquor was clear and green, translucent and bright, with wisps of aroma lingering at the nose. The water temperature and tea quantity were perfectly controlled.

Miao Yunyou took a sip.

Hua Yuezhan asked softly, “Leader, how is it?”

Miao Yunyou set down the cup and replied honestly:

“It feels… not as good as Assam.”

Chu Ningshuang looked puzzled:

“What is Assam? Is it a very expensive type of tea?”

Hua Yuezhan fell silent for a moment, then calmly uttered a few words:

“…Bottled milk tea.”

Chu Ningshuang: “Is it expensive?”

Hua Yuezhan expressionlessly replied:

“3.5 yuan per bottle.”

“……”

Chu Ningshuang was instantly at a loss for words. She turned to look at Miao Yunyou with a look of disappointment and helplessness.

Miao Yunyou shrugged nonchalantly:

“Ah, I’m just a country pig who can’t appreciate fine grain, alright? I’m not used to this kind of expensive tea. Don’t keep it for me—just take it to our tea shop and sell it. It’ll definitely fetch a good price.”

Previously, for some unknown reason, rumors spread online saying that Miao Yunyou owned a mysterious tea estate with many superior-quality teas, which she was unwilling to share with the public and only supplied to the most elite upper-class families.

As a result, many tea lovers left comments on her account, asking her to share some so they could try it—no matter how expensive the price.

Miao Yunyou herself found it absurd.

What was even more absurd was that she actually did have such tea.

For example, the batch in front of her…

Hua Yuezhan nodded lightly upon hearing this, her tone gentle:

“In fact, I already took part of it to the tea shop. I just thought this tea is rare and of excellent quality, so more should be left for the leader to enjoy. That’s why I only took a small portion over.”

Miao Yunyou’s eyes lit up immediately:

“Did it sell?”

“Of course it sold,” Hua Yuezhan said with a faint smile, her tone certain. “I casually set the price at 688 yuan per gram, and it was sold out in no time.”

Upon hearing this, Miao Yunyou quickly did a rough mental calculation—688 yuan per gram, twenty jin… that would be 6.88 million yuan…

Tsk tsk tsk.

Thanks to the prefect’s generous sponsorship! Wishing you a smooth journey and a pleasant departure!