The Great Ming Demon Pill: Your Majesty, please address me as the Crown Prince!

Everyone could hear the malice in Zhu Zhanji's words, but they all pretended not to hear them.

Given the Emperor's current health condition, if he were to suddenly pass away, it would inevitably lead to a variety of negative consequences.

This is also bad news for them.

If you choose the wrong side, you could easily be in deep trouble.

At this point, aside from the die-hard supporters of the Crown Prince, it's best not to speak recklessly.

Zhu Zhanjun pretended not to see Zhu Zhanji's slightly smug expression and casually said.

"What my elder brother says is true."

He had reason to suspect that Zhu Zhanji had been suppressed too much by him.

Damn it, they get so cocky and arrogant just because they have a slight advantage?

TM, will it turn into M?

Zhu Di seemed not to hear the provocation in Zhu Zhanji's words, nor did he seem to notice the subtle atmosphere between his two grandsons. He simply nodded slightly, signaling Meng Ji to take the brocade box from Zhu Zhanji's hand.

Meng Ji carefully opened the brocade box, and a rich aroma of medicine mixed with the scent of ginseng wafted out.

He first tested it with a silver needle, then tasted it with a small spoon. After confirming that it was not poisonous, he respectfully ladled out a bowl and handed it to Zhu Di.

Zhu Di took the bowl, and without looking at it much, tilted his head back and drank the warm ginseng and poria soup.

He smacked his lips, handed the empty bowl to Meng Ji, and said to Zhu Zhanji, who was kneeling on the ground, "Hmm, the taste is acceptable. You've put in the effort. Get up."

Zhu Zhanji was overjoyed to see his grandfather drink the soup he had personally prepared, but he became even more respectful and stood up, saying, "It is my blessing that my grandfather is willing to drink my soup. As long as my grandfather is in good health, I am willing to cook soup for him every day."

The officials from the Eastern Palace inside the hall naturally offered their praise once again, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

Just then, an announcement came from outside the palace. A eunuch carrying an exquisite jade box hurried in and knelt before the emperor: "Your Majesty, the 'Nine-Turn Rejuvenating Pill' presented by Master Lu has been refined and I have been specially ordered to deliver it to the palace."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di's previously somewhat listless spirit seemed to lift slightly. He waved his hand, signaling the eunuch to step forward.

Meng Ji took the jade box, opened the lid, and saw three pills, each the size of a longan, completely red, and emitting a strange, fishy fragrance.

Zhu Di reached out and took out one pill, examined it for a moment with his fingertip, and slowly said, "The immortal master said that taking this pill can strengthen the body, consolidate the foundation, and nourish the vital energy. I have been feeling unwell these past few days, so I should give it a try."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of several high-ranking officials in the hall changed slightly.

Yang Rong spoke first, bowing and saying, "Your Majesty, historical records show that matters concerning elixirs have often led to disaster. I urge Your Majesty to reconsider!"

Zhu Di waved his hand, his tone unwavering and unyielding: "I know what I'm doing. Meng Ji, fetch some water."

Meng Ji dared not disobey and quickly brought over a cup of warm water.

Under the watchful eyes of the assembled officials, some filled with worry, others with surprise, and still others with hidden thoughts, Zhu Di unhesitatingly put the crimson pill into his mouth, swallowed it with warm water, and tilted his head back.

He closed his eyes and felt for a moment. When he opened them again, his face seemed to have a bit more color, and he seemed to be in better spirits.

He let out a long sigh of relief and praised, "Hmm... the Immortal Master's elixir is indeed extraordinary. I feel much better now."

Zhu Zhanji stood to the side, watching his grandfather take the medicine and seeing his spirits improve. The displeasure he felt because of Zhu Zhanjun was temporarily suppressed.

He stepped forward and said with concern, "Grandfather, you are blessed with great fortune and have the support of miraculous medicines. You will surely recover soon and regain your power!"

Zhu Di nodded in satisfaction, his gaze sweeping over the crowd in the hall, and said slowly, "I am well, so you don't all need to gather here. Go back to your offices and attend to your duties, lest you neglect state affairs."

Upon hearing this, everyone had no choice but to take their leave.

..................

Ever since he took the "Nine-Turn Rejuvenating Pill" in the Qianqing Palace that day, Zhu Di seemed to have become truly obsessed with the way of alchemy for half a month.

Initially, the True Man Lu was summoned to the palace every three days to present him with elixirs.

Later, it escalated to the point where he had to summon me every day, sometimes even twice a day.

Whenever Master Lu entered the palace, he would bring a jade box of new pills. Zhu Di would take them in public and then feel refreshed. He could review memorials until late at night without feeling tired.

There was much discussion about it, both in and out of the government.

One minister privately shook his head and sighed, "His Majesty has been wise and powerful for half his life, how could he have come to believe in the arts of sorcerers in his later years?"

Some officials, however, were unimpressed: "His Majesty is in excellent health; he's merely taking some tonics. What's the big deal? Even Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han sought immortality and elixirs!"

Some censors even secretly made notes, preparing to offer their advice when the opportunity arose.

However, what truly shook the court was that Zhu Di not only took the elixir himself, but also began to bestow "favors" upon his close ministers.

First, he rewarded Xia Yuanji, the Minister of Revenue, with a "heart-protecting pill," saying that "he has worked hard for the country and should replenish his vital energy."

Xia Yuanji accepted the imperial decree and expressed his gratitude, but upon returning home, he enshrined the elixir in the ancestral hall and dared not take it.

Then, he bestowed upon Fang Bin, the Vice Minister of War, a "Longevity Pill".

Fang Bin was a smooth talker and dared not offend the emperor. He took the medicine in public, but three days later when he went to court, his face was sallow and his steps were unsteady. He had to be helped back by his colleagues.

When the news spread, all the ministers in the court were in a state of panic, fearing that one day His Majesty would also "reward" them with one.

......................

East Palace, side hall.

The flickering candlelight illuminated the solemn expressions on the three people's faces.

Crown Prince Zhu Gaochi sat in the main seat, his obese body sunk into the chair, his brows furrowed, and fine beads of sweat seeping from his forehead.

Zhu Zhanji stood to the side.

Yang Shiqi sat at the lower end, his expression solemn, holding a cup of tea in his hand, but he did not drink it for a long time.

"Your Highness..." Yang Shiqi put down his teacup and said in a deep voice, "His Majesty has been obsessed with elixirs for more than half a month."

"I have heard that the immortal Lu enters the palace daily, presenting elixirs made from lead, mercury, and minerals. While they may cause short-term euphoria, long-term consumption will inevitably damage one's foundation!"

"When I entered the palace to pay my respects today, I noticed that although Your Majesty's complexion was ruddy, dark circles had appeared under your eyes. Although your voice was strong, you occasionally seemed short of breath. This is a sign that the poison from the elixir has invaded your internal organs!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Gaochi sighed deeply, his obese face filled with worry: "How could I not know?"

"After the news of victory in Jurong, Father Emperor has been somewhat uneasy. Perhaps it is because he has been working too hard these past few years and is too eager for quick success."

"But that Master Lu... I also sent people to investigate. He is said to be the last disciple of Zhang Tianshi of Longhu Mountain. He has profound Taoist skills and is not a fraudster."

"Your Highness!" Yang Shiqi's voice rose several decibels, "Even the Zhengyi sect of Longhu Mountain emphasizes tranquility and inaction; when have they ever refined such precious elixirs?"

"According to historical records, Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, died at the age of fifty-two because he consumed elixirs! Throughout history, many emperors who consumed elixirs did not meet a good end!"

Zhu Zhanji finally couldn't hold back any longer.

"Master Yang is right!"

"Grandpa has been bewitched by that evil Taoist! This so-called Master Lu, I think he's just taking advantage of Grandpa's illness and weakness!"

He turned to Zhu Gaochi and said urgently, "Father! We can't wait any longer! Tomorrow morning at court, we must join forces with several important officials to submit a memorial to the Emperor, urging him to expel that Master Lu from the capital and completely sever the matter of the elixir!"

Zhu Gaochi was silent for a moment, then slowly shook his head: "Zhanji, you are too young. Father Emperor currently believes in that Lu Zhenren. If we rashly submit a memorial, it will not only be of no use, but will also make Father Emperor think that we, the Crown Prince, have ulterior motives and are trying to seize power."

"What should we do then?" Zhu Zhanji paced anxiously. "Are we just going to stand by and watch our imperial grandfather be killed by that evil Taoist priest?"

"If that's the case, then the current situation..."

Before he could finish speaking, Yang Shiqi and Zhu Gaochi immediately understood.