"Anmin, what are your thoughts?" Emperor Ling squinted, appearing somewhat drowsy.
Men always feel tired after sex.
When young, they can have sex multiple times a day, but as they age, their libido declines, and their energy wanes. Women, on the other hand, experience the opposite.
"Your Majesty, I'll give you acupuncture first. After some time, I might try to recreate the ancient formula. It's more effective than current aphrodisiacs and can prolong ejaculation, extending it from a quarter of an hour to three quarters of an hour." Lu Ming catered to Emperor Ling's desires. Since Emperor Ling enjoyed women but lacked the stamina, he could easily address this issue.
"Oh? Do you have such an ancient formula?" Emperor Ling was slightly excited. Besides amassing wealth, he also indulged in women.
Although frequent encounters with women weren't ideal, how could he resist a thousand beautiful women?
No man could resist; it required immense self-control.
"I'd seen it before, but never studied it in depth. I only recently had the urge to research and recreate it, but unfortunately, the prescription is too incomplete. Restoring even half of its effects would be the best I could hope for. Otherwise, according to the ancient prescription, it could at least make a man's penis as hard as iron, lasting an hour without a problem," Lu Ming continued to boast. This was something no man could resist.
Ancient aphrodisiacs were packaged in a small box containing neatly arranged small round balls, each wrapped in oiled paper. He took out two, unwrapped the paper, and inside were black, round pills.
While studying traditional Chinese medicine in this era, Lu Ming naturally discovered many shortcomings in its theories. Modern medical theory was far more advanced than that of traditional Chinese medicine. Lu Ming also came across some theories of aphrodisiac concoctions from traditional sexual practices. These theories were utterly naive and laughable. Ancient Chinese medicine emphasized the combination of Yin and Yang, the unity of the Five Elements, and the interaction of Qi, form, and spirit. Many aphrodisiacs made based on these principles went astray.
Lu Ming scoffed at these homemade aphrodisiacs. They contained few active ingredients and were highly harmful to the body. In ancient times, many powerful figures died from "excessive indulgence," but these deaths weren't actually due to exhaustion; most were caused by overuse of aphrodisiacs.
"Good, good, good, Anmin! Once you've finished, come directly to the palace to see me." Emperor Ling was overjoyed. An aphrodisiac that could prolong ejaculation was a great thing.
He loved this; he enjoyed playing with women, but his body wouldn't allow it.
The pleasure of sex was great for men, but not necessarily for women.
"Go ahead and do it. I'll take care of everything. Rangfu, you're in charge of this."
The old eunuch Zhang Rang, who had been standing nearby, beamed. "Yes, Your Majesty! This old servant will handle it perfectly."
Seeing Lu Ming's imperial favor, a flicker of hesitation crossed Zhao Hou's mind.
"Let's wait and see. The Yuan family has only just made their move; they definitely won't let Lu Ming get away so easily."
As for his eldest son Liu Zan's nonsense, he agreed with it in his heart, but couldn't say it aloud.
"Some things can't be said, only done; some things can only be said, not done. Clearly, his rebellious son doesn't understand this principle at all!"
"There's no need for excessive complexity; just a little bit of catering to his preferences will suffice. Emperor Ling may not be a good emperor, but he's definitely a very useful tool."
"After the treatment, the palace gates were already closed; leaving the palace was impossible. He had to stay overnight, which was an immense blessing for an ordinary person."
"Zhao Hou has obviously done this more than once or twice; he was taken to rest by palace maids. Only Lu Ming continued treating Emperor Ling, and even prepared some food for a late-night snack."
"Only those who have experienced it understand its preciousness."
Emperor Ling was growing increasingly fond of Lu Ming. He was a master of both military conquest and domestic medicine, a true all-rounder.
Furthermore, after a simple acupuncture treatment, Emperor Ling felt a long-lost surge of virility. He immediately summoned a maid and had her perform acupuncture in front of Lu Ming.
Zhang Rang watched from the side. As a eunuch, watching wouldn't hurt, and Emperor Ling was clearly used to it. Lu Ming, however, felt somewhat embarrassed and uncomfortable, and could only lower his head to drink and eat his late-night snack.
"Lord Lu, His Majesty treats you like one of his own. Even Marquis Zhao doesn't receive this treatment," Zhang Rang whispered, his tone seemingly ingratiating and flattering.
His power stemmed from Emperor Ling. Once Emperor Ling died, he would be no different from a stray dog.
Having wielded immense power for over thirty years, he was unwilling to relinquish it and would do everything in his power to prolong its life.
"As a subject, one should naturally learn both literary and martial arts, and serve the Emperor," Lu Ming smiled, glancing at Zhang Rang. "Zhang Gong, you look quite well, your breathing is steady, and your eyes are bright and alert. You'll live to be at least ninety years old."
Ninety years old is practically impossible in ancient times. A long-lived elder held a very high status; at least at seventy, Han law stipulated that one could refuse to bow to officials.
If someone else said this, it might be considered a compliment, but coming from Lu Ming, it was an absolute affirmation.
Zhang Rang was overjoyed, laughing, "Lord Lu, you're joking!"
"Zhang Gong, please just call me Anmin. 'Lord' is too formal," Lu Ming laughed heartily. Was dealing with eunuchs shameful? It was as if he gained something by not dealing with them.
"Since that's the case, I'll gladly accept your offer." Zhang Rang gave a forced smile; the eunuch's gloom always made one uncomfortable. "I will personally arrange accommodations for Anmin later."
"Then I'll trouble you, Master Zhang." Lu Ming didn't stand on ceremony; at least he could sense that the guards here were all quite capable.
"No problem. If Anmin has time, perhaps you could examine my adopted son, Zhang Feng. He's my only adopted son, and he's recently contracted tuberculosis. If possible, please do your best to treat him." Zhang Rang's expression was sincere; it was clear that eunuchs valued their adopted sons highly.
Even adopted sons were treated like biological sons, simply because eunuchs couldn't have children.
One was a source of longing, the other a source of hope; at least there was an heir. Even if he retired to his hometown in the future, at least someone would be there to see him off.