Chapter 457 - 300: Eastern Suburb Hunt (Part 2)

"Good!" The Crown Prince waved his hand again, and the three palace maidens from before withdrew. Then came two more palace maidens of outstanding beauty, holding treasures covered with red silk.

Unveiling the first red silk, it seemed to be a painting scroll.

"Unroll it," the Crown Prince commanded, and the maiden unfurled the scroll in the hall, revealing it.

Looking down, it looked somewhat familiar, resembling the Qin Capital.

"This painting is named ’Qin’," the Crown Prince said with a smile.

"’Qin’?! " The Fifth Prince and Seventh Prince, upon seeing the painting, their eyes instantly filled with Condensing Light, "Big Brother, isn’t this painting..."

"This painting was bestowed upon me by the National Guardian Realm of our Great Qin Dynasty when I ascended to the position of Crown Prince. It contains a special aura, and by observing it long-term, one can gain enlightenment and wisdom, which greatly benefits the body."

A painting from the National Guardian Realm?

Chu Ming looked at the painting named ’Qin’, and above the Sea of Consciousness, cloud and mist surged.

This painting was not the scroll he was seeking, yet it triggered an anomaly in the heavens over the Sea of Consciousness.

"I have heard you have some talent in painting, so I shall grant this painting to you."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"Hmm," The Crown Prince pointed to the second palace maiden, unveiling the red silk, revealing a black object, resembling a certain type of black ginseng-like Treasure Medicine.

"This is Black Ginseng, and though it seems merely a black ginseng, it is already three thousand years old."

"I heard you were robbed by thieves yesterday, caught a cold, and were frightened, so I think this three-thousand-year-old Black Ginseng would be good."

"Cook it with meat; it can replenish your body’s deficiency and also has the effect of Condensing Qi and Blood. Try eating one piece first, and if it proves effective, I shall procure more for you."

Three-thousand-year-old Black Ginseng?

The Fifth Prince and Seventh Prince heard this and had a brilliant expression.

Millennium Treasure Medicine is already hard to find. A fifteen-hundred-year-old medicine is only used by Meridian Unlocking Realm experts, and for something two thousand years old, even as Princes, they couldn’t bear to use it freely.

As for three thousand years, the Fifth Prince and Seventh Prince calculated silently; it seemed they hadn’t consumed many.

But, according to their Big Brother, there would be more after consuming it?

The Fifth Prince looked at Chu Ming with a more intense gaze, wondering what exactly their Big Brother saw in this young man.

"Thank you, Your Highness." Chu Ming was also quite surprised.

He had quite a few millennium Treasure Medicines in his World in the Palm, and not a small number of those ranging from one thousand to two thousand years, but hardly any that were three thousand years old.

A three-thousand-year-old Treasure Medicine, considering the millennial tribulations it had undergone, had matured through three dynasties, showcasing its value.

"Hehe, the well-being of Attendant Reader Chu concerns the deciphering of the Sea Scripture, so it cannot be taken lightly," the Crown Prince added.

"Indeed."

"By the way, in two days, the annual Eastern hunting will commence. Fang’s Personal Guard and Attendant Reader Chu, you will go together, to relax and enjoy the scenery."

To relax? To enjoy the scenery?

Big Brother, that’s the Eastern hunting grounds, where Exotic Beasts run rampant...

The Seventh Prince wanted to say something but heard the Crown Prince speak first: "Do not worry about safety; I will arrange a separate guard for protection."

Separate guard for protection...

This treatment...

"Yes," Chu Ming and Fang Xiao bowed.

"The time is not early; we have prepared some lunch..."

"..."

Outside the hall, heavy snow was falling, while inside, the hall was filled with exotic delicacies and fine wines.

Golden Goblets interlaced, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

The banquet lasted for more than two hours before it concluded.

Chu Ming and Fang Xiao had just left Xuanren Hall when someone hurriedly caught up from behind.

"Attendant Reader Chu, Fang’s Personal Guard." It was the Seventh Prince’s guard.

"The Fifth Prince requests your presence."

"..."

Chu Ming and Fang Xiao paused for a moment, then followed the guard to the Fifth Prince’s palace.

"Come, grant them a seat."

Upon entering the hall, the Fifth Prince immediately had seats arranged, while the Seventh Prince watched beside with a smile.

After lunch, the Fifth Prince sought out the Seventh Prince, requesting that he invite Chu Ming over.

"Fifth Prince, Seventh Prince."

Chu Ming inwardly felt a bit helpless, yet outwardly remained composed.

"Sit, sit," the Fifth Prince gently clapped his hands, "Attendant Reader Chu deciphered the Sea Scripture, deserving a high reward!"

Just like in Xuanren Hall, several palace maidens came forward, carrying large red silks.

Unveiling the silk, there was Treasure Armor, weaponry, and Elixirs, bestowed upon Fang Xiao.

Additionally, there was a robe and millennium Treasure Medicine for Chu Ming.

"Attendant Reader Chu, despite Big Brother already rewarding you, I feel compelled to offer more; do you know why?"

The Fifth Prince smiled more kindly than ever.

Chu Ming cooperated by shaking his head.

"Haha, it’s because, like Seventh Brother, I have long admired you since Xirong County," the Fifth Prince laughed, his face not flushing, nor his heart racing.

"Seventh Brother, isn’t that right?"

Is that so?

The Seventh Prince slightly turned his head.

Nobody understood better than he whether his Fifth Brother admired Chu Ming or not.

Today’s gesture was solely because Big Brother suddenly altered his attitude toward Chu Ming.

"Attendant Reader Chu, though these Elixirs are not as valuable as Big Brother’s three-thousand-year-old Black Ginseng, they are still rare Treasure Medicine. Take them daily without worry about running out; I’ll have more refined if needed."

The words sounded familiar...

"Seventh Brother, didn’t you also have something to say to Attendant Reader Chu?"

After bestowing treasures, the Fifth Prince claimed urgency and departed first.

The Seventh Prince paused, leading Chu Ming and Fang Xiao to a side hall.

Inside the hall, a stove provided warmth, and the fragrance of ink filled the air.

Bookshelves lined the sides, with a desk set with paper, ink, brush, and inkstone—appearing like the Seventh Prince’s study.

Within the study, one couldn’t feel the slightest chill from the cold outside.

"Please, sit."

The Seventh Prince, unlike the Crown Prince and Fifth Prince, did not engage in the formalities between royalty and ministers but casually pointed to a chair beside him.

Chu Ming sat down in response, while Fang Xiao seemed slightly uneasy.

"Fang’s Personal Guard, please sit down too."

The Seventh Prince spoke again, and only then did Fang Xiao sit with trepidation, secretly speculating about the relationship between the Seventh Prince and his master.

"Attendant Reader Chu," the Seventh Prince looked at Chu Ming, "Should I also present some treasures?"