Chapter 22: Marrow Cleansing Pill

"Not bad. If the land for planting were better, the yield might be even higher. Moreover, this thing is very filling and simple to eat — it can be roasted, steamed, or boiled, and there are many ways to prepare it. The only thing is you can't eat too much; eating too much will cause indigestion and bloating. However, for the common people of Tian Xia, being able to eat their fill is enough, so these minor drawbacks aren't really a problem. The only issue is that sweet potatoes can't be stored for long." Liu Bian explained the ways to eat sweet potatoes and their drawbacks to Wang Yun.

"These are not problems. Since the Yellow Turban Rebellion, the people of our Han Dynasty have been living in misery. Across the Thirteen States of the Han Dynasty, there are so many refugees that cases of people exchanging children to eat have occurred. For them, these sweet potatoes can save their lives, so the harm from eating too much is as good as nonexistent for them. Now, with the sweet potatoes bestowed by Your Majesty, the common people of Tian Xia can all be saved." Wang Yun said excitedly to Liu Bian, his old face flushed red.

"Then the matter of planting the sweet potatoes will be left entirely to you, my dear minister. Arrange for these sweet potatoes to be distributed as soon as possible, starting from the territories under my control." Liu Bian said solemnly to Wang Yun.

Wang Yun cupped his hands and said: "Yes, I obey the decree! But Your Majesty, I have one more concern. If we spread the sweet potatoes among the people, it's hard to guarantee they won't fall into the hands of those with ill intentions. After all, with sweet potatoes, one can produce a great deal more military rations."

Liu Bian laughed heartily and said with great spirit: "No matter. My dear minister, since I dare to spread them, I'm not afraid of others getting them. Rest assured, my things are not so easily taken."

Hearing Liu Bian's confident reply, the worry in Wang Yun's heart instantly vanished like smoke. He respectfully answered: "Since Your Majesty already has a plan in mind, I can proceed with peace of mind."

Liu Bian nodded slightly, a glint of wisdom flashing in his eyes. He deeply understood the importance of sweet potatoes, but also knew that only by spreading them widely could their true value be realized.

Liu Bian wondered what expressions those people would have when, after going through all the trouble to obtain the sweet potatoes, they discovered they couldn't grow them. Thinking of this amusing point, he couldn't help but smile slightly.

In Wang Yun's Prefecture, they discussed some matters requiring later attention. After chatting for a while longer, Liu Bian finally rose and took his leave.

After returning to the Imperial Palace, Liu Bian once again fell into the boredom of reviewing memorials. By the time he finished, it was nearly time for the evening meal. After pondering for a while, Liu Bian decided to visit the Imperial Harem, intending to teach the Empress Dowager and Diao Chan cultivation.

In a short while, Liu Bian found Diao Chan, and Diao Chan took Liu Bian's arm, and together they went to Changqiu Palace where Empress Dowager He resided.

"Your son pays respects to the Empress Dowager!" Upon seeing Empress Dowager He, Liu Bian and Diao Chan bowed together.

"Bian'er and Diao Chan are here, quickly rise. Look at you — it's been so long and you still haven't come to visit me. Fortunately, Diao Chan is here in the palace to keep me company." Empress Dowager He complained to Liu Bian.

"Your son knows his fault. It's just that there have been many matters recently, all waiting for me to handle. In the future, I will certainly come often to keep the Empress Dowager company." Seeing his mother's complaint, Liu Bian quickly explained. He also didn't want Empress Dowager He to be too lonely, after all, she was his birth mother and loved him dearly.

"Since you're both here, stay and have the evening meal with me before going back!" Empress Dowager He stared at Liu Bian as she spoke, afraid he might say no.

"Your son came precisely for the evening meal in the Empress Dowager's palace. It's been so long since I've eaten with the Empress Dowager."

"Good, good, good. I'll have someone arrange the evening meal right away." Empress Dowager He said with a face full of joy.

"Someone go and tell the Imperial Canteen that tonight the Emperor will dine at Emperor's Consort's palace."

After the evening meal, Liu Bian said to Empress Dowager He and Diao Chan: "Empress Dowager, Chan'er, in those years I obtained a fortuitous encounter that allows me to cultivate the Martial Dao. I have already taught the Hundred officials and the army methods of cultivation. Now, I plan to begin teaching you both cultivation."

"Martial Dao — is that what those military generals practice?" Empress Dowager He asked in confusion. She couldn't understand why Liu Bian would have them cultivate that thing; they weren't going to the battlefield.

Then, Liu Bian explained the matter of the Martial Dao to the two of them. After hearing it, both were deeply shocked.

"Bian'er, didn't you say that people over thirty aren't suited to practicing martial arts? Do I still have a chance?" Empress Dowager He asked Liu Bian carefully.

Even she, honored as the Empress Dowager of the Han Empire, could not resist the temptation of eternal youth and immortality.

"For others, that is indeed the case. But your son has a way to let the Empress Dowager cultivate." Seeing the hopeful look in Empress Dowager He's eyes, Liu Bian comforted her.

"System, help me exchange for two Marrow Cleansing Pills."

Liu Bian said to the System.

"Ding. Successfully exchanged for the Host. The items have been stored in the System Space."

Then, Liu Bian reached out and pretended to take a jade bottle from his embrace. As Liu Bian opened the jade bottle, a faint fragrance wafted out, and two round, lustrous pills appeared in Liu Bian's hand.

"This is the Marrow Cleansing Pill. It has the effect of cleansing the tendons and marrow, clearing the Hundred meridians, and undergoing a complete transformation. After taking this pill, the Empress Dowager will be able to cultivate." Liu Bian gave the pills to the two and explained.

"One really does live and learn. I never expected such a miraculous thing to exist in this world." Empress Dowager He looked at the pill in her hand and sighed with emotion.

"Alright, Empress Dowager, you and Chan'er should take the pills now. I will stand by and act as your Protector." Liu Bian said to the two who were still full of emotion.

Hearing Liu Bian's words, the two did not hesitate in the slightest and immediately swallowed the pills in their hands.

The pills melted the instant they entered their mouths. The two only felt a warm current wandering through their bodies, an indescribable comfort throughout. They closed their eyes and carefully sensed the changes in their bodies. After about a quarter of an hour, the warm current finally began to dissipate, and the two opened their eyes.

"Ah, why is it so smelly?" The moment the two opened their eyes, they smelled a pungent odor and wanted to raise their hands to cover their noses.

"What — why is there such a layer of sticky stuff on my hands!" Liu Bian looked at the two standing there at a loss and couldn't help but speak: "This is the impurities expelled from your bodies, so it smells rather bad. Hurry and go wash up."

The two immediately arranged for Gong Nu to attend them in bathing. Liu Bian waited for a full hour before he saw the two come out together.

The moment he saw the two, Liu Bian's eyes widened in shock. The two were already rare beauties under heaven — Diao Chan need not be mentioned, the foremost beauty of the Three Kingdoms. After taking the Marrow Cleansing Pill, her skin became even more tender and smooth, like a fairy descending to the mortal world. And Empress Dowager He looked even younger by several years. Originally in her thirties, she now looked like a woman of twenty-five or twenty-six, and combined with her noble bearing, she was even more stunningly beautiful.

"Bian'er, this is truly miraculous. I feel now that my whole body is much more relaxed, and my skin has become smoother and more delicate. I never expected this pill to have such an effect." Empress Dowager He said excitedly to Liu Bian, while Diao Chan beside her also voiced her agreement.

"Hehe, these are all normal phenomena. However, it is true that the Empress Dowager and Chan'er have become younger and more beautiful." Liu Bian looked at the two who had become even more beautiful and enchanting, and smiled.