Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1045 - 107: Mannaruo (Part 2)

"The tenth brother’s strategy to feast on locusts is truly brilliant." Across the northern territories, residents scrambled to harvest the pests. Merchants and commoners joined forces in this enthusiastic hunt, with many locals turning a tidy profit from their catches.

As Prince Chu recalled those days in the northern borders, witnessing the jubilant crowd capturing locusts, a warm smile escaped him.

"Just recently, Prince Han requested that I dispatch a massive shipment of locusts to the capital. Word is, the Emperor began consuming them himself, and the entire capital followed his lead. Now, local restaurants are clamoring for them, though it is quite unfortunate that the northern supply has already been exhausted." Reflecting on it, he found the whole trend surreal. "I even sent a batch to Yangzhou in Jiangnan. Initially, they recoiled in disgust, labeling northerners as barbarians. To my surprise, it wasn’t long before they grew fond of the taste, and the criticism ceased entirely. Numerous officials have even petitioned me, eager to purchase some." The people of Jiangnan had always patronized the north, yet once they sampled the locusts, they traded their mockery for genuine appreciation. As Yao Yao put it, this was a clear case of truth in flavor.

"I joined the effort to catch them as well." Thankfully, they had been diligent from the start. Despite the high volume, the supply was eventually depleted, leaving nothing but empty fields.

"We genuinely owe the tenth brother our gratitude for guiding us through this plague unscathed." His initiative not only salvaged the harvest but also provided the populace with a means of income. Most importantly, the specter of locust plagues no longer haunted the common folk.

"Oh, and Your Highness, I sent a portion to your manor previously as well."

"I know; both you and the tenth brother are exceptionally thoughtful."

"You are too generous, Your Highness. Locusts are merely a simple ingredient."

Prince Chu returned the purse to Liang Run and asked, "Are these embroidered locust keepsakes available in the capital?"

"Indeed, they are quite popular in Jiangnan as well," Liang Run replied, recommending, "These embroidery styles from the Western Regions differ greatly from those in Great Zhou. You really should purchase some as mementos for your acquaintances."

"I shall secure some later." As he spoke, his expression darkened, a sudden recollection clouding his mood. "Are you familiar with the forbidden drugs of the Da Yuezhi?"

Liang Run’s composure fractured as he exclaimed, "The Da Yuezhi’s forbidden drugs?!"

Prince Chu realized from his reaction that the man was clearly informed.

"What exactly entails these forbidden substances?"

Liang Run spoke with grim gravity, "Your Highness, the Da Yuezhi possess many illicit substances, but the most notorious is a toxin known as Mannaruo."

"Mannaruo?" Prince Chu inquired, clearly puzzled. "What manner of poison is that?"

"It is derived from the Mandala, a lethal flower species."

Prince Chu recognized the name, as he had heard of the Mandala flower native to Tianzhu.

Liang Run continued, "However, the Da Yuezhi’s Mannaruo is not merely a single flower extract; it is a complex concoction of over a dozen venomous plants, herbs, and the venom of various insects."

"Does it cause an instantaneous death?"

Liang Run shook his head. "Unlike the red-crowned crane venom of Great Zhou, which ends life the moment it is swallowed, Mannaruo is insidious. It takes seven days to manifest. The internal organs liquefy, yet the victim’s exterior remains remarkably unchanged."

Prince Chu caught the implication instantly. "What do you mean, unchanged?"

"Typically, poisoning manifests as discoloration or swelling. Mannaruo does not. On the contrary, the victim appears vibrant and healthy, almost as if they have regained their vitality. Most unnerving of all, the body refuses to decompose for a year or longer after death."

Prince Chu listened in sheer disbelief. "Is such a thing truly possible?"

"The Da Yuezhi royals consume limited amounts precisely to preserve their corpses post-mortem. Consequently, it is a strictly forbidden substance reserved only for the ruling house." After explaining, Liang Run felt confused. "Given that you reside in the capital, Your Highness, why does this matter concern you?"

"I only heard rumors that someone was hunting for these forbidden drugs, though I had no idea what they were," Prince Chu replied. "What else is considered forbidden?"

"Mostly aphrodisiacs or odd tonic compounds. Mannaruo stands alone as the only true poison. If someone is seeking these drugs, they are almost certainly searching for Mannaruo." Liang Run added, "People have long sought ways to acquire it." Prince Chu realized his intelligence network in Wusun had been active; clearly, someone in the capital was indeed planning something sinister with this poison.

"Is there an antidote?"

"None exist, though Tibetan Orchid can somewhat mitigate its potency." Noticing Prince Chu’s intense scrutiny, Liang Run asked, "Why are you so invested in this, Your Highness?"

Prince Chu looked away, his tone cool. "Merely curiosity."