Lin Tian’s words stunned everyone. Even Ying Zheng was taken aback. He didn’t feel anything wrong with his body, nor did he suspect the pills refined by the alchemists. After all, he did feel more energetic after taking them. Therefore, he believed they were tonics. In such a situation, Lin Tian’s accusation that the alchemists were problematic would leave anyone utterly bewildered.
However, since Lin Tian had issued the command, Ying Zheng did not stop him, merely watching. He knew Lin Tian was never one to act rashly, and his words likely stemmed from knowledge Ying Zheng lacked. Thus, Ying Zheng watched Lin Tian, awaiting his next move.
Soon, a large number of alchemists were brought to Xianyang Palace. This included not only many ordinary alchemists but also the renowned Xu Fu. Of course, Xu Fu was famous for his claim that he could refine elixirs of immortality. However, Ying Zheng did not pursue immortality, which meant Xu Fu’s status wasn't particularly high. But while Ying Zheng didn't pursue it, others did. In secret, countless people begged Xu Fu to refine elixirs, even praying for him to create immortal pills and grant them eternal life.
Xu Fu was well aware of what he was creating. The materials he used were all highly poisonous. Therefore, aside from refining pills for Ying Zheng, he was reluctant to refine them for others. Too many refinements could easily expose him. Thus, he primarily deceived only Ying Zheng.
At this very moment, feigning ignorance, he earnestly asked Ying Zheng, “Your Majesty, for what reason have you summoned us alchemists? Is it because there has been a mishap with the pills we refined? If there’s been a mishap, I can restart the furnace for Your Majesty and guarantee your satisfaction! However, restarting the furnace will require some funds!”
The reason Xu Fu and these alchemists dared to undertake such a dangerous endeavor was twofold: power and wealth. Every time he refined pills, he demanded vast fortunes from Ying Zheng, claiming the ingredients were extremely costly. In reality, Xu Fu pocketed more than half of those funds. He brazenly set prices and acted recklessly, confident that no one knew the truth. Even now, having been apprehended, he earnestly demanded money from Ying Zheng. Such audacity made Lin Tian chuckle.
“Hah! A swindler, daring to try and deceive me!”
“A swindler? Your Highness, on what grounds do you make such an accusation?” Xu Fu’s heart sank. He knew that the two most powerful figures in Great Qin were Ying Zheng and Lin Tian. In fact, among the populace, Lin Tian’s influence rivaled Ying Zheng’s. Therefore, Xu Fu had already done his homework. He had even planned to proactively offer Lin Tian some pills upon his return. Once Lin Tian took them and felt invigorated, he believed he would be safe. He never expected Lin Tian to call him a swindler before he could even present the pills. This accusation made Xu Fu uneasy, feeling his true nature had been exposed by Lin Tian.
However, he maintained a composed facade, showing no signs of guilt. He even challenged Lin Tian’s words, hoping to prove himself right through his demeanor. He believed that if his outward behavior was flawless, no one would detect any flaws. With this mindset, Xu Fu responded assertively to Lin Tian’s accusation. Yet, upon hearing Xu Fu’s response, Lin Tian merely smiled.
“You claim the pills you refine are tonics, don’t you? Then I ask you, would you dare to consume your own refined tonics?”
At these words, Xu Fu’s heart tightened again. The pills were poisoned; he would avoid taking them if possible. He replied, “Those pills are prepared for His Majesty, and only a distinguished Emperor like Your Majesty can consume them! Of course, a precious individual like Your Highness can also take them! As for us mortals, we are simply not qualified to consume such elixirs!”
Xu Fu had long prepared this excuse. He had used it to appease Ying Zheng before, and Ying Zheng had merely chuckled and paid it no mind, seeing some distinction between himself and Xu Fu. However, Lin Tian’s perspective differed from Ying Zheng’s.
“Since you claim to be a mere mortal, how is it possible for you to refine such precious elixirs? If you can create them, it signifies that the elixir acknowledges you and that you are also capable of consuming it! If that is the case, why do you hesitate? Or is it that you know the elixir is poisonous and therefore dare not consume it?”
At this, Xu Fu was speechless. He looked at Lin Tian and then said, “Since Your Highness commands it, Xu Fu can only obey!” With that, Xu Fu produced one of the pills he had refined for Ying Zheng and consumed it in front of everyone. His act of consumption brought relief to many. If Xu Fu dared to eat it, it naturally meant the elixir was safe. Even Ying Zheng couldn’t help but smile at this point.
Only Lin Tian’s expression remained unchanged. Even after Xu Fu ingested the pill, Lin Tian showed no intention of letting him go. Lin Tian knew that consuming a single pill would not cause any immediate harm. These elixirs contained a slow-acting poison; one pill was insufficient to be fatal. Therefore, Lin Tian addressed Xu Fu, saying, “I didn’t ask you to eat one pill, but one hundred!”
“What? One hundred pills? This, this… such a potent tonic, how can one consume one hundred? It would be overpoweringly beneficial!”
“Is that so? Then I wish to see whether you are overpowered by its benefit or die from poison!”
“Guards, fetch the medicine for Xu Fu!”
At Lin Tian’s command, soldiers immediately appeared outside the hall. They restrained Xu Fu, preparing to forcibly feed him the pills. Although Ying Zheng felt this was somewhat inappropriate, he did not intervene, allowing Lin Tian to proceed.