The CEO's Woman Chapter 481 - Poison

"Master... these are the clothes you will wear tomorrow," Gregory announced, gesturing for a group of servants to enter Li Qiang's quarters. "The king's servants delivered these so you can wear them to the event."

"Hmm..." Li Qiang nodded, taking a sip of his tea. "When will he see me?"

"Tonight. He will be waiting for you at the palace."

"Alright. You may leave now." Noticing Gregory wasn't moving, Li Qiang raised his head and looked at him. "Why are you still here?"

"The... The Xi Clan's gifts have just arrived. Would you like me to bring them here?"

"No. Give them to the soldiers."

"But... Master, those women—"

"Are my gifts," Li Qiang finished. "I get to decide what I do with them." The Xi Clan was among the few individuals Li Qiang had previously threatened. The only reason they weren't eliminated was their promise to provide him with anything he desired. The thought that the previous Li Qiang had requested an endless supply of women every time he visited the capital made him want to vomit. His face contorted at the recollection. 'What a filthy man,' he mused inwardly.

"Tell them to give me books instead," Li Qiang commanded after a few moments of silence. "I am a changed man."

His words caused Butler Gregory to freeze. He remained motionless, studying Li Qiang to gauge the sincerity of his statement. "B—Books?" he inquired. "I believe I misheard..."

"You heard correctly. Books. I wish to read," Li Qiang affirmed. "As I said... I am a changed man. I no longer require the company of women. I desire books."

"What kind of books?"

"Anything. History, Mathematics, Geography, Magic. I want to study," Li Qiang declared, lifting his chin to meet the butler's gaze with feigned pride. Internally, however, Li Qiang was seething. How could he stoop so low? How could he play the fool to deceive everyone around him?

He was weak.

The realization left a bitter taste in his mouth. He was weak, and that was the sole reason for his current charade. He was weak, he lamented inwardly.

"Then—Then I shall inform them of this matter." Butler Gregory promptly excused himself, leaving Li Qiang alone. Closing the door, he immediately dispatched instructions to have Li Qiang's orders conveyed to the Xi Family. Afterward, he retired to his own quarters, recognizing the urgency of informing the king of this unexpected development.

"Inform him that the poison is taking effect," the butler whispered to the man behind him. "The Duke is descending into madness." His gaze remained fixed on the large painting before him.

"Are you certain?" the deep voice queried, causing the butler to flinch. "Did you witness it with your own eyes?"

He nodded in affirmation. "Throughout the entire journey, he was engrossed in reading books, diaries, and even poring over maps. He claimed to be a transformed person. Yet... his actions betray him. He behaves like an infant, constantly posing questions to the maids. He doesn't even recognize some of the food served to him. He acts like a child."

"Good," the voice responded. "Can you confirm he is no longer a threat to the king?"

"Absolutely, he is not. He possesses neither magic nor knowledge. Furthermore, the poison will progressively shrink his brain over time. He will soon lose some memories, then his senses. After that... it will not be long before he perishes," the butler replied, his unwavering gaze fixed on the painting. His neck remained rigid, unmoving. He dared not turn to face the speaker. In fact, the butler had no idea what the speaker looked like.

It was always this way. The king had commanded him not to turn around, sternly warning him against looking at his men's faces, lest he face dire consequences.

"And what about the women?"

"He has already dismissed them from the mansion. Their families are incensed. All the nobles now despise the Duke. There is no possibility of him garnering any support. I assure you... the Duke poses no threat to the King."

"Good. Excellent. Instruct your knight to contact me regarding any further developments."

A heavy thud echoed within the room, followed by the rustling sound of his curtains. He immediately spun around, his eyes landing on the pouch resting on the table. It contained his payment. Beaming, he swiftly closed the window that the man had opened upon leaving his quarters.

He then secured the pouch within his secret vault.

Unbeknownst to them... the very poison they were discussing had already been purged from Li Qiang's system.

................

Li Qiang narrowed his eyes, focusing on the glass flask he held. He brought it closer to the fire, slowly swirling the thick, purple liquid within. "So, this is a poison," he murmured to himself, recalling the moment he realized this substance was within the original Li Qiang's body.

It was after his initial meditation session. Upon realizing his ability to manipulate Qi for bodily enhancement, he immediately employed it for blood purification. The texts indicated a severely painful process, leading to unconsciousness and waking amidst a pool of impurities. However, this was not his experience. Instead, his body exuded a fragrant, purple perspiration.

Days elapsed before he could fully expel the substance from his system. Li Qiang observed the liquid with a sigh. Despite extensive reading, he remained ignorant of the poison's nature. Shaking his head, Li Qiang resolved to conceal the fluid. He then secured his windows and commenced his meditation. Tonight, he would confront his brother and, employing his acting skills, feign a loss of his senses. This was the sole method to deter the king from dispatching another assassin. It was the only way... for now.

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