How could Pyun keep his family from harm and satiate his desire to yield boundless power if dead? He had no choice but to surrender his only one trump card—the Emperor's secret will. However, solely Chief Secretary Cheng had knowledge of both its location and content.
Unluckily for Pyun, dead men can't talk.
Yet, he threw all his energy into the task of bargaining for his life, taking a surprisingly bold risk. His fingers released the hem of her magnificent layered-dress, and smoothing down the fabric with long, nervous strokes, he dealt his ultimate card. "I trade you the Emperor's secret will for the cure."
Her eyes fluttered wide open, and her tone changed again. "Very well, agreed. But, you are practically dead, and lies are a survival skill."
At once he kowtowed, letting his forehead touch the floor so she wouldn't see his face twitching. "I swear, the will does exist! I don't dare lie!"
