Noble Consort Wan's Plan, the Wall Sticking Grass Gu

"But don't be afraid. Those dog-like servants from earlier were just a bunch of sycophants who are always ready to betray. They were meant to be killed anyway; I just found an interesting way to do it."

"I've said it before, as long as you follow me, I will never mistreat you."

Noble Consort Wan clapped her hands lightly, and several maidservants carrying wooden trays appeared. Each tray held different items.

Two bottles of large Huan Dan pills, a book of Tian-ranked martial arts, a book of Di-ranked sword techniques, and several precious spiritual medicines and treasures in the form of golden jewelry.

"These things are just a small token of my appreciation."

Gao Xuan's eyes sparkled as he looked at the items. This woman was quite generous.

"Thank you for your reward, Your Ladyship!"

Noble Consort Wan's laughter tinkled like silver bells as she softly said, "Chief Gao, there's no need to be so formal."

"I called you here today to ask if the Emperor has really caught a cold."

So that's what it's about!

Gao Xuan thought for a moment and replied, "From my observations these past few days, Your Ladyship, His Majesty does not appear to be ill. He continues to review memorials daily and maintains his usual routine."

Anyone could see that the Emperor's illness was a pretense.

Only by giving an honest answer could he avoid raising suspicions in Noble Consort Wan.

"I thought as much."

Noble Consort Wan's smile remained on her face, but deep within her eyes, a strong hatred welled up.

The Emperor had been avoiding her all this time, rumored to be deeply in love with the Empress.

Did that mean she couldn't compare to that despicable woman in his heart?

Noble Consort Wan unconsciously tightened her grip on her teacup. In truth, she didn't hold any special feelings for the Emperor. Love was out of the question.

This marriage alliance was nothing more than a mutually beneficial arrangement.

However, as the only daughter of the Wan family, she had been showered with love and affection since childhood. With her natural seductive charm, she was inherently proud.

Even in the inner palace, she had to become the most prestigious, especially refusing to tolerate her nominal husband's excessive attention to other women!

Since seduction didn't work on the Emperor, she had to resort to other means.

Suddenly, Noble Consort Wan asked, "If I recall correctly, the Emperor is supposed to bathe today, isn't he?"

Gao Xuan was taken aback. He thought only he remembered the details so clearly, but it turned out that Noble Consort Wan knew as well!

In the Great Qian Dynasty, there were strict rules regarding the Emperor's bathing schedule, the duration of the bath, the type of tub used, and the fragrance sprinkled, all in accordance with the specified regulations.

He could only nod respectfully and say, "Yes."

Noble Consort Wan narrowed her beautiful eyes and after some contemplation, she lowered her head and took off the jade pendant hanging from her snow-white neck.

After caressing it for a moment, a hint of reluctance appeared in Noble Consort Wan's eyes. In the end, she handed it over to Gao Xuan and said, "When the Emperor bathes today, find an opportunity to place this item inside."

Gao Xuan carefully received it with both hands. Only then did he notice that the pendant was engraved with an ancient and mysterious symbol, with a mix of green and faint traces of blood, warm to the touch.

This item had just been retrieved from that snowy cleavage; its warmth had yet to dissipate.

Gao Xuan didn't examine it further. He simply said respectfully, "Yes! Please rest assured, Your Ladyship."

"Mmm."

Noble Consort Wan nodded in satisfaction. This guy was quite clever and knew not to ask unnecessary questions.

In fact, the jade pendant was just a container, and what it held inside was the legendary Love Bug!

Noble Consort Wan had nourished it with her essence since childhood and had never been willing to use it. Anyone affected by the Love Bug, regardless of their cultivation level or inner resolve, would become hopelessly infatuated with her, unable to hold anyone else in their hearts.

Even if the Emperor practiced the invincible Imperial Path, he would be powerless against it.

"Alright, you may go and prepare. Remember, you must not be detected by the Emperor. If there's any news, report to me immediately."

"Yes, I shall take my leave."

Gao Xuan didn't say much and respectfully retreated.

Upon returning to the courtyard, Gao Xuan took out the pendant from his pocket and began to study it.

"What is this? A gift from that seductive vixen?"

Consort Shu also curiously walked over, frowning as she examined the pendant.

Gao Xuan didn't know what its purpose was, but since Consort Shu was entrusted with its safekeeping, it couldn't be an ordinary item. He asked, "Have you seen these symbols before?"

Consort Shu carefully observed it, then uncertainly said, "I think I've seen something similar... but maybe not."

Gao Xuan rolled his eyes. That was as good as not saying anything.

He fiddled with the pendant but couldn't figure out its purpose. Finally, with a thought, he conjured a faint black mist that enveloped the pendant.

In the next moment, a tiny transparent creature about the size of a mung bean emerged from the pendant!

"A Love Bug!"

Consort Shu, who was well-versed in the ways of the White Lotus Sect, immediately exclaimed in surprise.

Gao Xuan stared at it suspiciously. The translucent creature was terrifyingly grotesque, resembling an enlarged flea. It seemed to be afraid of the black mist, its body trembling incessantly and emitting faint sounds as it rubbed against Gao Xuan's hand, as if trying to please him.

"Why does it seem so afraid and eager to please you?"

Consort Shu was utterly confused. Every Love Bug she had encountered had been extremely vicious and treacherous, different from conventional spells that could catch people off guard, controlling their minds if they weren't careful.

But for a Love Bug to behave in such a manner, it was the first time she had witnessed it.

Gao Xuan wore a satisfied smile. "Perhaps it's because I'm quite handsome."

"Ugh! Stop being disgusting!"

Consort Shu made an exaggerated gagging gesture, displaying extreme contempt for Gao Xuan's narcissism.

Gao Xuan smirked playfully. This little thing was quite interesting. As soon as it sensed the demonic energy, it immediately emerged, like a grandchild greeting its grandfather.

Moreover, from its appearance, it seemed to be expressing goodwill toward him.

"Can you understand me?" Gao Xuan asked.

The tiny creature in his palm stood upright in a rather human-like manner, bowing repeatedly.

"Very well. From now on, you belong to me. You will do as I command. If you understand, then return inside."

The creature immediately bowed repeatedly again, then swiftly burrowed back into the pendant, afraid of staying outside for even a moment.

Consort Shu couldn't help but take a few steps back, looking at Gao Xuan as if he were a devil.

Even a creature like a Love Bug could change its allegiance on the spot. This man was truly terrifying!

Gao Xuan stroked the pendant, almost bursting into laughter.

He finally understood Noble Consort Wan's intentions. She wanted to use the Love Bug to control the Emperor's mind.

But unexpectedly, as soon as the Love Bug encountered the demonic energy, it immediately betrayed her. If Noble Consort Wan were to find out that after raising it for so many years, it ended up benefiting him instead, she would probably explode in anger.

Moreover, if he were to place this Love Bug on Noble Consort Wan next time...

...