32: Reward pills

The carved wooden window of the West Courtyard Stewards Office was gently pushed open by the morning breeze, and a few rays of warm sunlight, like golden silk threads, quietly slipped into the room, scattering across the red sandalwood chair. Situ Jun leaned back in this chair, which shimmered with a deep luster; in the white jade teacup in his hand, the Bi Luo Chun tea was emitting curling mists, like a layer of hazy light gauze.

His fingertips slowly rubbed the warm surface of the cup, and he closed his eyes to take a light sip, the tea fragrance slowly spreading through his throat. However, this moment of tranquility did not last long; before the tea fragrance had completely dissipated, he silently thought in his heart: "Open System."

In an instant, a series of crisp notification sounds exploded deep within his consciousness, startling him so that his eyelashes trembled slightly.

[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for damaging the Bei Batian's Luck, gaining 1,000 heavenly luck value.]

[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for conquering Nangong Xue. Reward: 10 years of cultivation. The Host's Cultivation has increased to the fifth level of Foundation Establishment.]

[Ding! Congratulations to the Host. Nangong Xue's favorability has increased to 71. The "servitude pill" has been added to the System Store's sale series, costing 300 heavenly luck value per pill. Note: The effect of this Medicinal Pill is irreversible. The consumer will thereafter submit to the Host in body and mind, becoming the Host's slave. Please use with caution.]

Situ Jun's hand gripping the teacup suddenly tightened, and the tea sloshed violently in the cup, nearly spilling out. His pupils contracted slightly as he stared intently at the information about the "servitude pill" floating in his mind. The appearance of this Heaven-Defying Medicinal Pill was like a thunderclap piercing the night sky, instantly igniting the long-dormant ambition in his heart.

He was just worrying about how to cultivate his own forces; seeing this Medicinal Pill now, he couldn't help but think: Why bother so much with training subordinates? Just exchange for the pills, and those who are capable but unpleasant to the eye can all become his pawns!

A cold light flickered in his eyes; Situ Jun already had a plan in mind. The harvest from conquering Nangong Xue this time far exceeded his expectations. He thought to himself that if he conquered a few more targets, not only would his Cultivation continue to rise, but there would also be even more unexpected rewards. Thinking of this, he felt a surge of excitement, but he forced himself to suppress it and got up to head to the North Courtyard for inspection.

After finishing his patrol of the North Courtyard, Situ Jun hurried without pause to where Su Yunniang was. The carved door was half-open, and the scents of sandalwood and herbs intertwined, wafting toward him like an elegant painting.

Su Yunniang leaned against a Xiang-bamboo couch, her moon-white gauze clothing making her skin look as white as snow, like a Fairy who did not belong to the mortal world. A faint smile played at the corners of Situ Jun's lips as he seemingly casually mentioned some trivial matters regarding Nangong Xue and Xu Lian.

Su Yunniang's almond eyes widened, her sandalwood mouth pouting slightly. She gave him a reproachful look and then pulled him aside to ask about the details of the events. The two of them engaged in a deep conversation about certain affairs and experiences, sharing their thoughts and insights during the exchange.

As evening approached, Situ Jun arrived at the Rose Courtyard. At this time, the curtain of night was gradually falling, and the brilliant sunset glow, like exquisite brocade, cast a crimson veil over the Rose Courtyard, making the entire yard feel like a dream.

As soon as Situ Jun stepped into the courtyard, he saw Liu Xuaner's figure focused on arranging flowers in the hall. Liu Xuaner was dressed in a black slit lace dress, its exquisite tailoring outlining her graceful curves. Her snow-white long legs were faintly visible as she moved, like an elf in the dark night, exuding a unique charm. Her jet-black long hair was casually pinned up, with a few stray strands falling onto her shoulders, adding a touch of lazy elegance to her appearance.

Among the many women in this residence, Liu Xuaner's dress and grooming were always unique, bold, and fashionable. Every time Situ Jun saw her, his eyes would light up.

"Greetings, Madam," Situ Jun bowed in salute, his gaze full of respect, yet he couldn't help but linger on her for a moment longer.

Liu Xuaner put down the flower branch in her hand, her eyes shimmering with a faint smile as she said, "Steward Situ, how have you been getting along with Sister Su lately?" Her voice was soft and melodious, carrying a hint of playful teasing.

"It's been fine. Madam Su has been very attentive and even taught me a lot about Spirit Medicine cultivation. Your subordinate is full of gratitude," Situ Jun said sincerely, his eyes reflecting genuine thanks. In this residence filled with undercurrents and power struggles, the sincere treatment from Liu Xuaner and Su Yunniang brought a touch of warmth to his already cold heart, as if finding a precious glimmer of light in the endless darkness.

Liu Xuaner pursed her red lips and said gently, "Since Sister is so dedicated to teaching you, you must study hard and not let our efforts go to waste." As she spoke, she motioned for Situ Jun to sit down. Nearby, Chun Hua obediently served fragrant tea, the curling aroma of which lingered in the air, adding a bit of coziness to the quiet atmosphere.

Liu Xuaner suddenly moved a bit closer, and the faint magnolia fragrance from her body swirled around Situ Jun's nose, making his heart tremble slightly. "There's one more thing. Regarding the loss of the Medicinal Pills last time, there's already some progress. According to the report from the East Courtyard, a steward in the North Courtyard who was dissatisfied with you stole your token while you were busy, intending to frame you. Now that the matter has been resolved, you don't need to worry about it anymore." Her voice was soft, carrying a hint of reassurance, trying to let Situ Jun put down his concerns.

"Thank you, Madam," Situ Jun nodded slightly, remaining calm on the surface, but a flicker of doubt flashed in his eyes. Could a mere steward from the North Courtyard really dare to steal a token and then successfully steal Medicinal Pills from the West Courtyard? It all sounded far too coincidental. Moreover, he had secretly investigated the North Courtyard for many days and never felt that anyone there had such courage and means.

Liu Xuaner's fingertips tapped the tabletop rhythmically, making a regular sound like a mysterious piece of music. "One more thing. The steward you replaced, Wang Decai, wants to exchange steward positions with you. I wonder what you think about it?"

Situ Jun raised his eyebrows, his eyes full of surprise. "I wonder what Madam would like Your subordinate to choose?" In his mind, he quickly weighed the pros and cons behind this matter, not daring to let any detail slip, remaining alert to any possible traps.

Liu Xuaner covered her mouth and chuckled, her eyes overflowing with charm. "I would prefer you to stay in the West Courtyard. After all, if you go to the East Courtyard, I won't be able to protect you like I do now." Her smile was like a blooming rose, gorgeous and moving, yet also hiding danger.

Situ Jun stood up and cupped his hands, his attitude respectful. "Thank you for your guidance, Madam." His words carried genuine gratitude, but in his heart, he was calculating how to gain a firm foothold in this complex situation and how to use these opportunities to achieve his goals.

Liu Xuaner's gaze was deep as she stared at Situ Jun, as if trying to see through his heart. "You are the confidant I chose. I hope you do not forget your original intention." Her words carried both a warning and an expectation, hoping that Situ Jun would always remain loyal to her.

Situ Jun's heart stirred, and he said earnestly, "Your subordinate will always be Madam's man! By the way, Your subordinate hasn't given Madam a massage in a long time. Madam works hard day and night and must be tired. Why not let Your subordinate soothe you?"

Hearing this, Liu Xuaner thought to herself that Situ Jun was clever and quick to understand, but she still had to give him the necessary reminders. She glanced at Situ Jun and said, "After being busy all day, I am indeed quite tired. I wonder what good methods you have?" Her voice carried a hint of laziness, as if she were testing Situ Jun.

Seeing this, Situ Jun said, "Madam has been standing all day, so your legs and feet must be a bit sore. I will go prepare some hot water for Madam to soak her feet and then give you a massage. That should relieve a lot of the fatigue." His tone was steady; although he felt a bit nervous, he mostly wanted to show his loyalty and consideration.

"Then I shall trouble Steward Situ," Liu Xuaner's lips curled into a meaningful arc, as if she were quite satisfied with Situ Jun's answer.

Having received permission, Situ Jun turned and left to prepare the hot water and the items needed for the massage. Nearby, Chun Hua and Cui Zhu watched Situ Jun's departing back and whispered to themselves. They felt that Situ Jun was willing to do anything to please Madam. Although they knew it was for survival and advancement in this residence, they couldn't help but feel a bit of disdain for his behavior in their hearts.