Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1080 - 123: Zhao Yao’s Speculation

The Divine Pill didn't make its debut in Swamp Prefecture; rather, it surfaced first in Nanyan Prefecture. Bordering the Pyu Kingdom, Nanyan Prefecture brims with exotic beasts and flora. Lingnan overflows with bizarre wonders, including highly potent remedies derived from its unique plants and creatures.

The Western Regions boast numerous banned drug components, rumored to hail from this very place. A bulk of the ingredients for prohibited substances in the Pyu Kingdom and Annan trace back here as well.

This region teems with venomous bugs, serpents, ants, and more. Lingnan's toxins enjoy worldwide fame due to unheard-of varieties here. Their potency strikes terror; infection spells near-certain doom without any cure.

Discovering the Divine Pill's debut in poison-rich Nanyan Prefecture, Zhao Yao instantly suspected foul play with this vaunted elixir. Just days prior, he knew nothing of it; awareness dawned only lately.

A merchant from Annan clued him in on the Divine Pill, shelling out a fortune for a bottle to flatter him, hyping its wonders extravagantly.

At first, Zhao Yao figured the Divine Pill hailed from Annan, yet Zheng Qian soon delivered another bottle. That one came from an inland trader visiting Swamp Prefecture, aiming to woo Zheng Qian for smoother commerce.

Zheng Qian shared his skepticism toward the Divine Pill, but merchants raved about it endlessly, noting inland officials devoured it. They claimed miraculous benefits at sky-high prices, with demand outstripping supply.

Learning even capital dwellers popped this dubious Divine Pill, Zhao Yao's doubts deepened. He promptly ordered the Imperial Physician to dissect its composition, checking if it truly healed or hid deadly venom.

Later, he dispatched agents to Annan tracing the Divine Pill's roots. Probes revealed it plagued not just Annan, but Johor, Pyu Kingdom, and Siam too. Their elites and royals guzzled it obsessively.

Deeper probes confirmed the Divine Pill wasn't Annan's creation. It stemmed from Lingnan, crafted by Great Zhou folk who smuggled it to Annan and Pyu Kingdom.

"The Divine Pill hails from Nanyan Prefecture in Lingnan?" Nanyan Prefecture's name made Zhao Yao scowl. "You're certain that's the true origin?"

"Master, absolutely verified," the Dark Guard Camp spy pressed on, "Most Divine Pill components come from the Poison Mist Forest." This Nanyan Prefecture woodland earned its name from deadly toxins within, where even the enveloping fog proves lethal, dubbing it "Poison Mist Forest" among locals.

Hearing that, enlightenment struck Zhao Yao: small wonder Doctor Tong and crew puzzled over the Divine Pill for days without pinpointing ingredients. They'd never set foot in Poison Mist Forest or handled its herbs.

"Who crafted the Divine Pill?"

The spy bowed and replied, "The Southern Wei people."

That response elicited zero shock from Zhao Yao. Face darkening, he declared, "Just as I suspected—they're the culprits." From the moment he heard of the Divine Pill, he'd pegged Southern Wei as masterminds.

"Master, Western Regions reports show the Divine Pill circulating widely there too," the spy added. "Southern Wei even offered it to Prince Han, though he refused to take it."

"The Western Regions too?" Southern Wei creations always reek of malice. With the Divine Pill spreading everywhere, what sinister scheme brewed for the Southern Wei?

"What effects hit those who've swallowed the Divine Pill?" He figured this elixir masked poison for puppeteering victims.

"Elders who've ingested it gained vigor, their looks youthfully restored..." matching the hype from outsiders.

Zhao Yao probed, "After prolonged use, any odd symptoms emerge?"

"All seems fine now; no issues surfaced yet."

"All fine?" Zhao Yao's eyes narrowed as he remarked, "Southern Wei's sly treachery precludes honest remedies. Nor do they crave coin from wonder pills."

"Master, so you think Southern Wei aims to dominate via the Divine Pill?"

Zhao Yao gave a faint nod, stating, "Likely a slow-acting toxin. Early doses bring no harm, but long-term use spells disaster. Come crisis, withholding antidote from Southern Wei dooms them all."