The emperor ordered the names of those who voluntarily slapped themselves to be recorded and promised to reward them generously in the future.

The crown prince, initially in a gloomy mood, couldn’t help but find the situation both amusing and exasperating.

To prevent the common people from thinking that the officials of Da Xia had gone mad, the crown prince cleared his throat lightly and said, “Enough.”

The young officials cast furtive glances at Yuan Ruan.

Just then, the system’s voice echoed:

[Daily Task: Perform self-slapping in front of ten people. Reward: Potatoes. (Once successfully planted, the potato’s coverage area will be used to calculate additional national fortune points +n.) Task completed! It’s actually completed! I’m a little stunned right now!]

Yuan Ruan stared blankly at the group of people:
[Who wouldn’t be? System, isn’t this a bit strange? It went too smoothly.]

The crowd: Their hearts were in their throats.

The emperor was already brainstorming ways to smooth over the topic.

The system responded righteously:
[Not strange at all! Just like how protagonists fall off cliffs and survive, only to discover peerless martial arts manuals and defeat their enemies, you represent the nation’s fortune! Going smoothly is exactly how it should be. This is just the beginning!]

Yuan Ruan:
[That makes sense. It’s not like I’ve been given invincibility or laser beams. I’m still pretty weak.]

The crowd: …

No, no, little divine child, your “cheat” isn’t weak at all! Compared to a laser warrior, what you bring is the light that benefits millions!

The curly-haired Zhou Niang quickly composed herself and respectfully said, “Your Highness, do you have any evidence that Murong Ji colluded with my brother to harm me?”

The crown prince glanced at her and replied, “Investigate it yourself.”

“That’s true. The signs have been there all along,” Zhou said, quickly regaining her composure. Her tone turned sharp as she added, “Your Highness, this commoner boldly request to borrow 100 soldiers to return to the Western lands and deal with the traitors.”

Many officials furrowed their brows.

The Minister of Justice, furious at this woman who almost framed the crown prince, reprimanded, “Ms. Zhou, you falsely accused His Highness, colluded with rebels, and now you dare ask to return—”

“These betrothal gifts… as compensation to His Highness. I hope you’ll accept them,” Ms. Zhou interjected, bowing.

The Minister of Justice abruptly stopped mid-sentence.

W-What? Thousands of precious minerals?!

This… might not be unreasonable.

“Once I’ve dealt with the traitors in my clan,” Zhou continued with a despondent expression, “I am willing to donate the currently excavated hundred tons of minerals to Da Xia. I only hope my crimes and those of my clan can be pardoned, and that my people can receive some fertile land and citizenship to live peacefully in Da Xia.”

The crowd: !!!

H-How much?!

A hundred tons of minerals?!

No wonder she could conduct neutral business between Xiongnu, Da Xia, and Chen. Her wealth was truly astounding!

The Minister of Justice immediately retracted his harsh words and managed a gentle expression: “Rest assured, this is more than enough to atone for your and your clan’s sins. When would you like to hand over the minerals to His Highn—”

“To the Ministry of Revenue,” the Minister of Revenue interrupted, bending over as he squeezed forward with an abacus in hand. “How many people are in your Zhou clan? Regardless, you’ll need to report to me. After all, citizenship and farmland allocation fall under my jurisdiction.”

The Minister of Justice scowled, grabbing the Minister of Revenue and lowering his voice: “What’s wrong with you?! These gifts are meant for His Highness!”

“Well, His Highness can’t monopolize them,” the Minister of Revenue whispered back. “If she’s seeking Da Xia’s protection, she’ll naturally have to go through the Ministry of Revenue…”

Watching this scene, Yuan Ruan suddenly remarked to the system:
[System, is she planning for her entire clan to become farmers? Will the world-renowned Zhou Clan’s Great Swords still emerge?]

The crowd: ???

What world-renowned Zhou Clan Great Swords?

The system replied:
[They might be delayed for many years or possibly emerge in other countries first.]

Yuan Ruan sighed:
[What a pity. According to the information you provided, after the crown prince’s death, Da Xia was besieged by three nations. It was Empress Wang who used her ties with the Zhou Clan to acquire a large batch of Zhou Clan Great Swords. These swords could cleave through bronze blades, iron weapons, and finely crafted armor. Once Da Xia’s army was equipped with them, they became an unstoppable force, crushing their enemies.]

The crowd: !!!

What?

The Zhou Clan Great Swords are that powerful?

Weapons and armor that could be split in one stroke?

The breath of the Minister of War grew rapid. No military man could resist the allure of weapons!

The system agreed:
[You’re right, Ruan Ruan. If it weren’t for Da Xia’s weak internal politics that year, Da Xia could’ve easily swallowed Shu Kingdom whole.]

The crowd: !!!

What?

That strong?

Able to destroy Shu Kingdom?!

The Crown Prince clenched his fists tightly and turned to look at the Emperor, noticing that the Emperor’s pupils slightly contracted. Evidently, he too was shaken by the startling news.

At that moment, Yuan Ruan’s stomach growled audibly, prompting the Emperor to immediately instruct a palace maid to escort her back to eat.

As Yuan Ruan walked away, the Crown Prince decisively said, “Zhou Niang, I am aware that your family has been a renowned weapons lineage for generations and that you’ve been researching the broadsword lately. Is that correct?”

Zhou Niang looked slightly stunned. “Your Highness, how did you know about my father’s work?”

The Crown Prince addressed Zhou, “Our Great Xia has never competed with its citizens for profit. As for the ores, you need only hand over enough to atone for your crimes. There’s no need for your family to farm here. The Zhou family, as it was in the past, should continue to focus on weapon development in the future.”

The officials nodded one after another: “Exactly, there’s no need for you to farm! We don’t lack farmers!”

The Minister of War couldn’t resist adding, “I’m particularly fond of the old master’s broadsword concept! If you actually complete it, let me have one first for a look!”

“Bah, bah, bah! You opportunist! Why should you get it first? If anyone gets it, it should be presented to His Highness!”

“Get lost! You sycophant!”

Zhou Niang stared in astonishment at the officials fighting over a project that even the Zhou family had little hope for.

Because she couldn’t hear Yuan Ruan’s inner thoughts, she completely misunderstood the situation.

She thought this was the intrinsic kindness of Da Xia people, fully embodying the principle that “a gentleman takes wealth with integrity,” standing in stark contrast to those who tried to kill her and seize her wealth. How vastly different they were!

Suddenly tearing up, Zhou exclaimed, “Why—why are the people of Da Xia so good?!”

Everyone froze: “…”

“Fine, I—I will not let everyone down. I will meticulously develop the Zhou Clan’s broadsword!” With resolute determination, she looked at everyone. “But I have an unreasonable request.”

The crowd nodded repeatedly: Speak! As long as you don’t go farming! Whatever you want, we agree! Just quickly develop the Zhou Clan broadsword!

“I hope to bring my entire clan to join Da Xia.” Zhou Niang first performed her clan’s ritual and then, for the first time, knelt before the Emperor, kowtowing. “I humbly beg Your Majesty.”

The crowd: !!!

At this moment, Yuan Ruan, having just returned after drinking her milk, saw this scene and was dumbfounded.

【Wow, what kind of protagonist is Big Bro? He didn’t even do anything, and someone’s already kneeling to pledge allegiance. Did he just gain a family of weapon masters?!】

The Emperor patted Yuan Ruan’s small head, laughed heartily, and said. “Approved.”

Zhou Niang kowtowed again in gratitude.

The Emperor continued, “The migration of the Zhou Clan is a significant matter. I will arrange for…” He glanced around, seemingly considering something.

Yuan Ruan couldn’t help but continue ranting to the system:

【No wonder the plot always tries to kill Big Brother. If he doesn’t die, Da Xia will only get better and better. As for Chu Kingdom, where the male and female leads are stationed, how could it ever develop at this rate?!】

Everyone: ???

Male and female leads?

What does that mean?

System: 【Makes sense, makes sense. Ah, Host, look over there! What’s that?!】

Yuan Ruan leaned over to take a look.

Several officials also leaned forward, unable to resist their curiosity. What caught the little Divine child’s attention?

【Hmm? That sharp object—could it be an assassination attempt?】

Everyone: !!!

Their gazes immediately shot in the direction Yuan Ruan was looking, and sure enough, they saw a black object flying toward them.

In an instant, the Emperor shielded Yuan Ruan in his arms.

The Crown Prince stepped in front of the Emperor.

Nearly half of the officials rushed toward the Emperor and the Crown Prince, with some even shouting ferociously as they ran, “I’m coming! I’m coming!”

The onlookers were baffled: What’s going on? Are they all crazy?

The palace guard captain, responsible for protecting the Emperor and the Crown Prince, was startled. If the Emperor hadn’t stopped him, he would’ve nearly ordered these seemingly deranged officials to be struck down.

【Huh? A mistake. Turns out it’s just a bamboo shoot.】

The officials rushing toward the Emperor and the Crown Prince staggered to a halt, then tumbled into a heap like dominoes.

【Wow, Da Xia officials… are so lively.】

Everyone turned to look at Yuan Ruan with a complex expression.

Staring at her soft, bun-like face and big, round eyes, they swallowed the words “stop spouting nonsense,” choosing instead to silently endure their inner turmoil.

At that moment, the leading official brushed off the dirt, got up, and cupped his hands. “Your Majesty, is His Highness unharmed?”

The Emperor, recognizing the official’s loyalty, nodded. “Wen Langzhong, your loyalty and courage are commendable. What reward do you seek?”

Wen Langzhong saluted. “I dare not request a reward. This is what I should do.”

The Emperor replied, “Merit must be rewarded. Speak.”

Wen Langzhong bowed again. “Your Majesty, I don’t wish for a reward, but may I exchange this honor to allow a capable individual to return to the court?”

The Emperor narrowed his eyes slightly. “Who?”

Yuan Ruan peeked over and saw a red mole on the person’s forehead. She let out a sound of recognition:

【Isn’t this the strict official Wen? Has he already joined hands with the Second Prince this early?】

“The Second Prince, who is currently living in seclusion.”

The voice from the heart and the spoken words came almost simultaneously.

Everyone’s expressions turned subtly complex.

Wen Langzhong’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly knelt down and explained, “I deeply admire the Second Prince’s abilities and have no private dealings with him. Everything I do is for the sake of Da Xia…”

【No personal relationship? Could it be that their relationship hasn’t progressed to that stage yet?】

Everyone perked up their ears.

What stage?

Do elaborate!