The carriage headed straight out of the imperial city. After moving out of the palace, they changed their conspicuous eunuch
uniform and followed the carriage from a safe distance. Fred was a little bit worried, so he said, "Your Highness, we are so far
away from them. Are you sure we would be able to follow them?"
"Of course we can," Harper said, looking leisurely at the flock of birds flying above them. She seemed quite pleased, as if she
was going for a spring outing.
Fred followed Harper. She changed into men's suit and looked very handsome. Although she had worn a disguise, people on the
way glued their eyes upon her due to the imposing feeling she released.
Harper was riding her horse at a slow pace. Suddenly, another carriage passed by them from the opposite direction. The wind
blew up the curtain of the carriage, and the people inside saw Harper riding a horse past them. One of the people seated inside
the carriage held the curtain with his hand and looked at Harper curiously. Then he said, "It's him."
"Master, who is it?" asked Samuel.
"The person who saved me last time," Felton said slowly, as he watched the horse leave.
"But, I didn't see him," said Samuel.
Felton put down the curtain and kept smiling. "You can't just recognize a person by his appearance. Sometimes, the appearance
would deceive you."
Samuel didn't understand what he meant, but scratched his head in confusion, and drove the carriage into the city. At the same
time, Harper, leading Fred, left the imperial city and was heading towards her destination.
In the Imperial Palace, the birthday banquet of the emperor had already begun. The courtiers presented their gifts one by one to
the emperor. Then, the other invited dignitaries would follow suit. Finally, it would be the turn of people with the highest social
status to present their gifts.
"Matthew, what gift have you brought for me?" the emperor asked, looking at his brother.
Matthew stood up, and then said slowly, "It's a firm armor that can protect you. It's invulnerable to spears and swords, and water
and fire are simply insusceptible to it."
"Wow, that's impressive. It's your style." The emperor was in a good mood. He smiled while listening to the palace attendant
announcing the birthday gifts.
Matthew went back to his seat, but he did not look at Harper who was seated just beside him. He just kept fiddling with the wine
glass in his hand, while Harper was quietly enjoying the delicacies being served. As always, she didn't pay much attention to the
things happening around.
At that time, Francis stepped forward to present his gift to the emperor and said, "Father, I wish you sound health and happiness
in life."
"Francis, what have you brought for me?" the emperor asked softly. His attitude was quite different from the way he treated Felix.
"Just a humble gift. It's a painting." Francis ordered the servant to unfold the scroll painting. The painting depicted a scene of a
large group of people worshipping the emperor, implying that the people admired and were in complete submission to their
emperor, and that he had won their hearts.
The emperor felt so happy and clapped his hands. "Good! Very good!"
He really liked Francis' gift and that was the reason for the relentless praise. Felix's face flashed with disdain. 'All this praise, just
for a doodle? I wonder what his reaction will be when he sees the Longevity Pill. After all, no one doesn't want to live a longer
life!' he sighed.
It was Lucas' turn next. He gifted the emperor with a fur coat that was made from the fur of a beast. He had caught the beast by
himself earlier while hunting and also prepared the coat by himself. His gift wasn't that eye-catchy, but the emperor praised him
for his effort.
Felix was the last to present the gift. He stood up and walked slowly towards the center of the hall. "Father, I wish the prosperity
of our empire and hope that it will last for endless generations."
"Good. Felix, what is it that you've brought for me?"
"Well, Father..." Felix paused for a while, tantalizing everyone present around. Then he said slowly, "The gift I have brought for
you is the Longevity Pill. It can extend the life of anyone who consumes it."
"The Longevity Pill?" The emperor couldn't believe his ears. Sounds of whispering were filled in the hall, as everyone around was
so surprised hearing about the magical pill. The emperor was so elated to receive the wonderful gift that had the ability to extend
his life. It was quite fitting for him.
"Yes, Father." Felix indicated his men, and they immediately came forward to present the emperor an exquisite box. As soon as
the emperor opened it, the rich aroma of the medicine permeated in the air. It was obvious that the gift was indeed of utmost
value.
"Felix, I have no words for your filial piety. Truly, you have touched my heart." The emperor was so overjoyed that he grinned
from ear to ear. The Longevity Pill was the happiest gift for him. Being the emperor, he had the chance to enjoy all the worldly
pleasures, so it was natural for him to wish a longer life. He even wanted to be immortal. But he knew very well that being
immortal was simply impossible, and the next best thing he could have was the Longevity Pill.
Suddenly, an imperial physician rose up and asked in a trembling voice, "Your Highness, is that really the Longevity Pill?"
Felix was surprised as he looked at the imperial physician, who was just in his thirties. He was quite familiar with this man, who
had a reputation of being one of the best from the Imperial Academy of Medicine. The physician's name was Hodge Su.
"Of course it is the Longevity Pill!" Felix replied without hesitation. "Well, if you don't believe me, you may check it up by
yourself."
Hodge Su stumbled two steps and then went to the center of the hall. "Your Majesty, with your permission, can I have a look at
this Longevity Pill?"
"Yes, you may." The emperor didn't hesitate. Hodge Su was an extremely talented physician, and if he could develop the
Longevity Pill by himself, then it would be the emperor himself who would be the final beneficiary.
Andy handed the box containing the Longevity Pills to Hodge Su. Hodge Su took over the box slowly, using both his hands. He
then took one of the pills, put it under his nose, and sniffed it with closed eyes. He repeated it many times and after a while, he
turned pale. "It's really the Longevity Pill!"