343: Your Highness

This cooling pill was a Peerless Grade Medicinal Pill. Not only was the Pill Formula rare, but the refining technique was also extremely unique. For one, others couldn't possibly imitate it without the formula. Secondly, even if someone watched him, they wouldn't understand the pill's purpose. Naturally, he had no qualms and only wanted to finish refining it as soon as possible to settle this matter.

While Feng Ming was focusing on Alchemy in the pill room, the news that he had refined a ten-patterned star pill at the entrance of the Alchemist Guild—and produced two pills from a single furnace—had already spread through the streets and alleys of the Imperial Capital like it had grown wings, alarming various factions.

In the Xun Luoyuan's manor, within an elegant courtyard, Xun Luoyuan was sitting by a stone table sipping tea. Dressed in a simple yet elegant long dress, she possessed a cold and noble temperament.

After listening to her subordinate's report, her hand holding the teacup paused slightly. Her beautiful brows quirked up, her face full of surprise. "You're saying this Feng Ming is also a Ninth-Rank Alchemist? Moreover, he refined a ten-patterned star pill that even Xing Fangsong couldn't produce?"

"In response to Xun Luoyuan, your subordinate saw it with my own eyes; it is absolutely true! That ten-patterned star pill had regular patterns and dense Spiritual Qi. It is a rare top-grade Medicinal Pill!" the subordinate replied respectfully.

A glimmer of interest flashed in Xun Luoyuan's eyes, and the corners of her mouth curled up slightly. "This Feng Ming is becoming more and more interesting."

"Since that's the case, make a trip to the Inn for me. Say that this Xun Luoyuan is hosting a banquet at the manor tonight specifically to thank him for his help a few days ago."

The subordinate hesitated for a moment and asked, "Xun Luoyuan, should I invite their entire group, or just Feng Ming alone?"

Upon hearing this, Xun Luoyuan fell silent for a moment, a flash of complexity in her eyes before she slowly spoke, "Only invite Feng Ming. Forget about the others."

"Xun Luoyuan, this..." The subordinate wanted to persuade her further, but was interrupted by Xun Luoyuan raising her hand.

"I am well aware of my situation," Xun Luoyuan's tone was calm but carried a hint of helplessness. "The struggle for the succession between the Crown Prince and the Third Prince is intensifying. The Crown Prince frequently shows favor to me, but he only wants to use the influence of the Prince Zhenwei behind me to balance his opponent."

"At a time like this, whoever gets close to me will be seen as a thorn in the side by the Third Prince, inviting unnecessary trouble. This might not be a good thing for them, so it's better not to invite them."

"Take some Spirit Stones to the Inn and distribute them to Feng Ming's companions as my thanks. As for Feng Ming, tell him there will be other rewards for attending the banquet. As for whether he dares to come, that will depend on his own courage."

"Your subordinate understands and will see to it immediately!" The subordinate did not dare say more and respectfully took the order to leave... Inside the Imperial City, within a refined and elegant courtyard, the handsome and refined Third Prince, Moon Enthalpy, was holding fish food, slowly feeding the koi in the pond. His expression was indifferent, showing no sign of joy or anger.

Standing beside him was a tall guard in armor. Seeing an appropriate moment, he stepped forward and reported respectfully, "Master, I have just received news that Feng Ming has joined the Alchemist Guild. Xing Fangsong has even personally sent someone to submit an application for the position of Honorary President."

"The Alchemist Guild is currently under the Crown Prince's control. The Crown Prince's side will likely receive the news soon. Do you think this Feng Ming has already defected to the Crown Prince?"

Indeed, this handsome man who seemed to be leisurely feeding fish was none other than the Bright Moon Dynasty's most calculating Third Prince, Moon Enthalpy.

Moon Enthalpy raised his hand and scattered a handful of fish food, his tone flat and without ripples. "As you said, he joined the Alchemist Guild just for a ninth-rank herb. Xing Fangsong has always been one to treat people according to their worth. Feng Ming is a top-tier Ninth-Rank Alchemist; it's only normal for him to provide full benefits according to the rules. How can we conclude that Feng Ming has defected to my second brother based on that?"

The guard looked puzzled and bowed, asking, "Then what do you mean?"

Moon Enthalpy turned around, his gaze sharpening slightly. "Father has already decided on that key position, and the candidate is precisely Feng Ming."

"If this person can be used by me, it would naturally be best. If he cannot be won over, I absolutely cannot let him defect to my second brother and become a stumbling block for me!"

"Regardless, I must try to win him over first." Moon Enthalpy paused, then added, "I just received news that Xun Luoyuan is hosting a banquet at her manor tonight, and the guest is Feng Ming. Have the carriage prepared; we will also make a trip to the Xun Luoyuan's manor tonight."

"Your subordinate obeys!" The guard immediately responded and turned to make the arrangements.

Inside the Eastern Palace of the Imperial City, Crown Prince Yue shaggy dog was playing with a precious spiritual bird in a cage, his expression lazy and full of impatience. On the ground at his feet knelt a maidservant holding a document, carefully not daring to look up.

Yue shaggy dog glanced at the document and said impatiently, "Isn't it just a Ninth-Rank Alchemist? It's not like Xing Fangsong hasn't seen one before. Is there a need for such a fuss, even specially applying for some Honorary President? There are already eight Honorary Chairmen in the guild; isn't that enough?"

The maidservant replied tremblingly, "In response to Your Highness, Master Xing said that this Feng Ming's Alchemy level is far above his own and that he is a once-in-a-century Alchemy prodigy. That is why he specially applied for the Honorary President position for him, hoping to keep him in the guild to serve the Dynasty."

"Oh, what a nuisance!" Yue shaggy dog waved his hand impatiently. Just as he was about to say more, a gentle voice came from afar: "Your Highness!"

Yue shaggy dog looked up and immediately switched to a smile. Dropping the bird food in his hand, he hurried to greet the visitor. "Grand Tutor, you've come! You have no idea, that old fellow Xing Fangsong insists on applying for an Honorary President position for some Ninth-Rank Alchemist for no good reason. I'm being annoyed to death by him!"

The newcomer was the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor, Lord Liu. Dressed in a brocade robe, he had a refined temperament, and his brows revealed shrewdness. He looked at Yue shaggy dog and shook his head helplessly. "Your Highness, this old official has come precisely for this matter."

Yue shaggy dog was stunned and said in surprise, "Oh? Even you know about this, Grand Tutor?"

Lord Liu sighed, his tone carrying a bit of admonishment. "Your Highness, you are now the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace and bear heavy responsibilities. How is it that your news is less timely than this old official's? You should pay more attention to state affairs on a daily basis!"

Yue shaggy dog waved his hand dismissively. "What's the point of all that scheming? Besides, don't I have you, Teacher, to help me keep an eye on things? With this time, I might as well tease the birds or admire the flowers; it's much more relaxing."

Lord Liu was extremely helpless but could only patiently persuade him, "Your Highness, this matter is of great importance and must not be taken lightly! Did you not look closely at the document regarding the position assignments for the top ten of the various provincial Trials that I sent to you this morning?"

Yue shaggy dog scratched his head and said casually, "I saw it. Isn't it just the job assignments for the top students of the provincial Trials? Father has already decided everything, so I didn't look into it carefully."

Lord Liu was speechless and could only speak plainly, "Then did you not notice that Feng Ming's name was also on the document? Furthermore, his position is an extremely critical and important one!"

Upon hearing this, Yue shaggy dog's expression turned serious, and he quickly looked at the maidservant nearby. "Quick, present the document!"