Zhu Youji's straightforwardness took the Empress by surprise. However, having anticipated his response, she quickly gave her conditions. "Three conditions. If you agree to them, you may access all the books in the Royal Library."
Zhu Youji remained silent, waiting for the Empress to state her terms.
"First, you must share any information you gather with Great Feng," the Empress said.
Zhu Youji nodded, unsurprised. "I agree."
"Second, during your time in the Royal Library, you must leave a valuable item as collateral. If any books are damaged, that item will belong to Great Feng," the Empress continued.
"What level of item are you asking for?" Zhu Youji asked without hesitation.
"I have heard that you possess two Half Saint Confucian artifacts," the Empress replied calmly.
With a slight smile, Zhu Youji responded, "Understood. Before I enter the Royal Library, I will leave the Half Saint artifact from Half Saint Cheng as collateral."