"Five hundred taels of gold... you're telling me that the Elder Steward of the Dan department would... teach me alchemy for that much gold?" Zhang Xiaohua couldn't help but be dumbfounded, as he found it hard to believe.
Zou Shuming smiled and said, "That's right. As long as you bring out those five hundred taels of Golden Leaves, your wish shall be granted."
"But..." Zhang Xiaohua hesitated before adding, "Isn't it against the rules of our Expanding Elixir Hall for Grass department disciples to have access to the Pill Room? How could it be possible for them to teach alchemy techniques?"
Upon hearing this, Zou Shuming scoffed and replied, "Rules are made by people. Since ancient times, there have been cases like 'penalties don't apply to officials'. These rules might bind you and me, but they can't bind others."
"Others?" Zhang Xiaohua asked curiously, "Who are the others? Wu Dalang?"
