Qian Yuanbao's current course of action was to stabilize Li An and then proceed with caution.
"Lord Li, you are clearly well-prepared. If I refuse you, my grandmother and wife will fall into your hands, won't they?"
Li An did not deny it. "This is also to help Young Master Qian make his decision faster. Please believe me, I will not mistreat you if you work for me. After the task is accomplished, merits will be rewarded accordingly."
Qian Yuanbao's expression remained unchanged, but inwardly, he did not believe Li An's words.
Furthermore, in Li An's eyes, he would be seen as someone who had betrayed his former master. One betrayal would lead to another, and by the time the deed was done, he likely wouldn't fare well.
"Young Master Qian, tell me, is this for you to eat, or for your grandmother or wife and children? The matter I require you to handle cannot afford any mistakes, so I can only be the villain first and the gentleman later." Li An produced a dark pill.
Qian Yuanbao extended his hand. "I will take it. After all, you still need me to do things, and you won't forget to give me the antidote once I've taken this."
As if he had anticipated Qian Yuanbao's move, Li An smiled. "Young Master Qian is truly a man of loyalty and righteousness. In that case, I shall naturally fulfill Young Master Qian's wish."
After swallowing the pill, Qian Yuanbao felt no discomfort.
"This pill will take effect every three months. Before it acts, even the Great Celestial Immortals would not be able to detect any abnormality in your body. When it acts, without the antidote, there is only death. Young Master Qian, do not harbor any侥幸心理 (jǐngxìng xīnlǐ - wishful thinking). I know you have highly skilled physicians around you; do not attempt to neutralize the poison, as it will only accelerate its effects, and even I will be powerless. And do not think that death will be the end of it, unless, of course, you are heartless enough to disregard the lives of your grandmother and wife." Li An spoke slowly.
"Does Lord Li have any further instructions? If not, I have been out for quite some time and should return. Otherwise, my grandmother and wife will worry. Oh, and if you want me to do things for you, you must remove my worries. If I work for you, I will naturally be very busy. My wife is currently pregnant and requires much care. Therefore, I wish to send her to Taihe Temple. Do you agree?"
Li An had naturally investigated the situation at Taihe Temple, but he was confident that no trouble could arise from there.
"Of course, as Young Master Qian wishes. However, I hope Young Master Qian understands what should and should not be said. From now on, he will be by your side." Li An clapped his hands, and a person walked in from outside.
Qian Yuanbao was shocked. "Baifu?"
Baifu ignored Qian Yuanbao and stood respectfully behind Li An.
Li An smiled, his lips curling. "My subordinate is quite capable, isn't he? He even managed to deceive Young Master Qian. This is not Young Master Qian's attendant; that attendant is currently in my custody. Since Young Master Qian has agreed to work for me, I must naturally arrange for capable individuals to assist you. Baifu, lacking any strength, how can he protect Young Master Qian when something happens? From now on, he will be by Young Master Qian's side."
"What have you done to Baifu?"
"He is merely an attendant. Why is Young Master Qian so agitated?"
"Baifu grew up with me; we are like brothers."
"Rest assured, I am not one to kill indiscriminately. Your attendant is still alive. When the task is accomplished, I will naturally send him back to Young Master Qian's side."
What was called protection was in reality surveillance.
Li An felt assured that having only this one person follow him meant this person must be quite capable.
"Li An, you had better remember your promise," Qian Yuanbao gritted out.