"Do you think just any man can touch me like this?" Gong Mingyue was interrupted by Ji Jiuying before he could finish speaking.

"Of course not!"

After hearing what she said, there was nothing he didn't understand!

It seems there are some things he needs to deal with as soon as possible.

"By the way, our matter cannot be made public for the time being."

She wanted to be even stronger, so that no one would think she wasn't good enough for him.

Gong Mingyue didn't know what she was thinking, but he nodded nonetheless. He also felt that going public now would indeed be harmful to her.

"Tomorrow when you enter the palace, you must exit through the gate of the Imperial Preceptor's residence."

"I understand, I understand, Your Excellency the Great Imperial Advisor."

Ji Jiuying knew his intentions, of course. It was simply that too many people were watching the Imperial Preceptor's Mansion, or more accurately, her.

Her departure from the Imperial Preceptor's residence could dispel some people's ideas and save her a lot of trouble.

······

Ji Family Study.

Ji Chenyuan tapped the table with a worried expression.

"Can you please be quiet for a moment? You're making my head hurt from walking around like that."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Haiping was taken aback before sitting down.

"General, I never expected that Ji Jiuying was so well hidden. Now she is shining brightly, and the emperor has even bestowed upon her the title of Princess Anping."

Zhou Haiping was seething with hatred. If she had discovered earlier that Ji Jiuying could refine pills and had so many treasures, she would never have let her leave the Ji family before obtaining these treasures.

Ji Chenyuan, on the other hand, was filled with regret. He regretted not believing Jiu'er when she told him he was an alchemist, and he regretted being too hasty!

Even if he wasn't her biological father, she still grew up under his name, Ji Chenyuan, and the debt of gratitude for his upbringing was greater than heaven.

The first place in the genius competition, the Heavenly-level alchemist, the owner of that dragon—this glory should have belonged to the Ji family, but he drove it away along with Ji Jiuying.

He knew the emperor too well, so he would go to the Imperial Preceptor's residence every day to wait, hoping to beg Jiu'er for forgiveness before the emperor bestowed any honors upon her.

Unexpectedly, on the eighth day, the emperor indeed bestowed upon Jiu'er the title of princess! And he couldn't even see her shadow, let alone beg for her forgiveness.

"What's the use of saying all this now? Tomorrow the emperor will be hosting a banquet in the palace. No matter what conflicts you and Yan'er had with her before, you must invite her back in a polite manner."

Zhou Haiping paused, feeling angry at the thought of the Third Prince's proposal to Ji Jiuying during the Genius Competition, wondering what he meant by her Yan'er.

"knew!"

"I know you're upset, but I'm doing this for the good of the Ji family and our children," Ji Chenyuan said, trying to comfort Zhou Haiping, seeing that she was upset.

“General, there’s no need for further words. I know what I’m doing,” Zhou Haiping said, her eyes gleaming.

If they can now humble themselves and befriend Ji Jiuying, their Ji family will also enjoy the same glory as her.

Furthermore, she could have Ji Jiuying bring Feng'er to the rank of Heavenly Alchemist, and then find an opportunity to kill Ji Jiuying, allowing Yan'er to rightfully inherit the dragon.

······

The next day.

The area outside the Imperial Preceptor's residence was bustling with activity; today was the day the Emperor was hosting a banquet for Ji Jiuying.

Those people outside have been waiting for so many days without seeing Ji Jiuying come out. Shouldn't she finally come out today?

Early in the morning, there were several luxurious carriages parked near the entrance of the Imperial Preceptor's residence.

Ji Jiuying opened her eyes and saw Gong Mingyue sitting on the edge of the bed looking at her! She hadn't noticed at all; she must have gone to bed too late last night.

"Gong Mingyue, what are you doing in my room so early in the morning?" Ji Jiuying quickly sat up.

"Of course I'm here to pick you up~ Have you forgotten what I said last night that you were leaving from the Imperial Preceptor's residence?"

“Then there’s no need for the Imperial Preceptor to come to my boudoir so early in the morning,” Ji Jiuying said through gritted teeth.

"It's no trouble at all, I'm extremely honored~" Gong Mingyue said with a smile.

"Please go out first, I need to get up and change my clothes."

"Little Jiu'er, I can do the rough work of changing clothes for you..."

"Do it for me my foot!" Ji Jiuying couldn't help but kick him.

Gong Mingyue looked at her with affection and laughed, "Alright~ I won't tease you anymore. I'm here to bring you a dress."

As she spoke, a dress with flowing, seven-colored shimmering fabric appeared in her hand.

"Send me a dress?"

“Yes, otherwise what would Xiao Jiu’er think?” Gong Mingyue looked at her with amusement.

"But this color..." She has always preferred to wear dresses in solid colors, and she really doesn't like brightly colored ones!

"This dress is a sacred-grade Illusionary Sea Robe, which is difficult for even a Spirit King to withstand. After you wear it, it can also transform into your favorite color," Gong Mingyue explained, knowing that she didn't like brightly colored dresses.

Ji Jiuying raised an eyebrow, surprised that such a magical dress existed, and then accepted it.

Half a quarter of an hour.

Squeak—

The door was opened from the inside.

The girl was petite and delicate, with large, bright phoenix eyes as clear as a pool, a straight nose, and red lips, making her a beauty that could topple kingdoms.

Although she wore only a light touch of makeup, she was still stunningly beautiful. Her fiery red dress did not diminish her innocence; instead, it made her incredibly vibrant and captivating.

Before Ji Jiuying could react, she fell into a familiar embrace.

"Little Jiu'er, I really want to hide you away."

"Gong Mingyue, stop fooling around, we have to go to the palace!"

Gong Mingyue then released Ji Jiuying, picked her up, and leaped towards the Imperial Preceptor's residence.

The gates of the Imperial Preceptor's residence slowly opened, and everyone watched nervously as a luxurious carriage stepped out.

The people at the Imperial Preceptor's Mansion all looked disappointed, some because they couldn't see Ji Jiuying, and others because they couldn't receive her.

Ji Chenyuan was one of them. Seeing this, he had no choice but to give up. Even if he had ten times the courage, he wouldn't dare to stop the Grand Preceptor's carriage!

The other carriages had no choice but to give up and turn back towards the palace.

While Ji Jiuying was still on her way, many people had already arrived at the palace one after another.

The emperor listened to the scout's report, nodded, and showed a happy expression. "Thank goodness they came."

Another half hour passed, and everyone except the Imperial Advisor and Ji Jiuying, the main character of the day, had arrived at the banquet.

At the banquet, a group of people were talking loudly.

Some discussed cultivation, others alchemy and weapon crafting... they talked about recent strange tales in Kyoto, but most were curious about Ji Jiuying.

Of course, there were also people who gloated.

"General Ji, this time you've truly discarded a gem like a worn-out shoe," Duke Ji said casually.

"I heard that the Second Prince has returned after five years of cultivation, but why didn't I see him at the Genius Tournament? Duke Ji, don't mistake a fish eye for a pearl."

In other words, you should worry more about your own nephew. A useless prince who doesn't know anything about cultivation is not worthy of being the emperor of Cangyue Kingdom, no matter how much you cultivate him.

However.