Chapter 44: The Fourth Imperial Prince

By now, the spirit-stone mines under the Imperial Court had yielded such a vast quantity of ore that the Spirit Stone Hall was filled to overflowing. With no treasure appraiser stationed there for so long, the piles of stone had continued to grow until the hall was practically buried beneath them.

Only then did the Emperor issue an edict ordering the First-Grade Treasure Appraiser Competition. The contest would both relieve the pressure on the Spirit Stone Hall and allow the Imperial Court to select a truly capable appraiser—one who could serve the court for many years to come.

Although treasure appraisers possessed no remarkable combat prowess, they were born with the extraordinary ability to identify precious objects, and they were exceedingly rare. Whenever a high-level appraiser appeared, all the great powers would scramble to claim him. As the saying went, rarity made things precious. On the Eastern Continent, treasure appraisal was considered an exceptionally lucrative profession.

Eighteen people had entered the Imperial Court’s treasure appraiser competition. In other words, despite the Great Moon Kingdom’s widespread imperial proclamation and weeks of enthusiastic publicity, only eighteen people had signed up.

It was clear just how little the appraisers thought of the position of Imperial Court treasure appraiser.

The Emperor was occupied with affairs of state from dawn to dusk, and naturally had no intention of personally handling the selection of a mere appraiser. Yet in the hope of finding someone capable of serving the Imperial Court over the long term, he had specifically appointed the Fourth Prince, Yue Moli, to oversee the selection.

Yue Moli was eighteen years old. He had been born to the Emperor’s favored consort, Consort Jing. Though he was not the legitimate heir, the Emperor had always been especially fond of him. Accomplished in both letters and arms, he had no equal among the princes and was one of the Crown Prince’s greatest rivals.

“Fourth Brother, His Majesty has entrusted you with such an important task. I hope you will do your utmost to ease Father’s burden.”

The Crown Prince, Yue Longxing, patted Yue Moli firmly on the shoulder. His expression was neither warm nor cold, and there was a hidden meaning in his words.

Yue Moli wore his trademark faint, indifferent smile and replied respectfully, “Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. Moli will certainly do everything in his power.”

Yue Longxing stared deeply at him. In the end, he said nothing and turned away.

Only after Yue Longxing had gone far did a trace of ruthlessness seem to flicker through Yue Moli’s tranquil eyes.

Outside the Spirit Stone Hall, the eighteen treasure appraisers stood in a straight line, listening attentively to the hall master’s lecture.

Zhao Erdong was becoming increasingly convinced that the position of Imperial Court treasure appraiser was truly worthless. Aside from sounding impressive, it had absolutely nothing else to recommend it—no real authority, no generous salary. What was the point? Was it merely a way to scrape by?

Of the eighteen appraisers, twelve were men and six were women, all around thirty or forty years old. Zhao Erdong alone was noticeably younger, and standing among them, she was particularly conspicuous.

“The Fourth Prince has arrived!”

The young eunuch’s shrill, ringing announcement instantly stripped the Spirit Stone Hall master of his former arrogance. His rigid back bent in haste, and his face was immediately covered in smiles.

He wore a long moon-white brocade robe, a purple-gold crown securing his hair, and a dragon-patterned jade belt around his waist. His brows were like drawn swords, his eyes like drifting clouds. He was truly a refined and handsome young gentleman, as elegant as jade and as graceful as an orchid.

Zhao Erdong suddenly thought of a pair of handsome, peach-shaped eyes. With the slightest blink, they could overturn the hearts of all beneath heaven and bring countless beauties to their knees.

She hurriedly shook her head. Why had she suddenly thought of that wretch? The very thought was enough to ruin her appetite.

Everyone bent one knee and bowed, their backs slightly inclined.

Zhao Erdong, however, remained standing. She merely inclined her body toward Yue Moli in greeting and did not kneel as the others had.

“How dare you! In the presence of the Fourth Prince, how can you be so lacking in propriety? Kneel at once!”

The Spirit Stone Hall master broke out in a cold sweat. He had just spent more than half the day lecturing them on palace etiquette—whom to greet and how to greet them. Though treasure appraisers were not as honored as those who practiced martial arts, they still stood far above commoners. Thus, they were not required to kneel on both knees in a grand obeisance; kneeling on one knee was sufficient.