At that moment, Daoist Zhou crawled forward with immense willpower, dragging himself in front of Yuan Ruan. In a loud voice, he declared, “It’s you! It really was you! There’s no one behind the scenes—Little National Preceptor, it’s truly you!”

Yuan Ruan tilted her head in confusion: [What is he even rambling about? Behind the scenes?]

The system responded: [Hiss… Could he think you’re just a puppet and that the real mastermind behind the National Preceptor is someone else?]

The officials bristled with rage: !!!

Not believing us was one thing, but how dare he question the Little National Preceptor!

What if the Little National Preceptor got upset because of this?

Infuriating!

Yuan Ruan: [Hiss, so he thinks I’m just here collecting paychecks and doing nothing? That’s absurd! If only such a cushy arrangement actually existed for me.]

The officials stumbled slightly: Ah, this…

Suddenly, Daoist Zhou shouted, “Little National Preceptor! No, truly, you can manipulate objects remotely and command the ghostly chess pieces. You must be the reincarnation of a great sage from our Shushan Sect! Little National Preceptor, as the sixth-generation disciple of Longhu Temple’s Shushan Talisman Daoism, I humbly request that you return to the Daoist orthodoxy!”

Everyone: !!!

The emperor and the crown prince were so startled by this unexpected twist that they nearly strained their backs.

What’s going on?!

Where’s the resolute arrogance and unyielding spirit you displayed earlier?!

How did you turn around and start clinging to us, scheming to steal away our Little National Preceptor?!

Everyone: Suddenly on high alert.

Yuan Ruan: [Ridiculous. What is he even thinking? I’m not some reincarnated sage!]

The system burst out laughing: [Hahaha… Ah Ruan, I still remember how arrogant he looked when he arrived, but now he’s begging for you to join his Daoist temple. Hahaha! Especially with that desperate look in his eyes—it’s hilarious!]

The officials silently nodded in agreement: !!!

This Daoist is blatantly trying to cling to someone powerful.

Reincarnated sage? Nonsense!

Clearly, this is the National Fortune of Da Xia!

Yuan Ruan: [What do we do now? Do you think my big brother and the others will misunderstand and send me away?]

Everyone: !!!

Never! Absolutely not!

System: [I’m not sure. Actually, Ah Ruan, I suddenly thought—should we recruit some Daoists to work under you? Daoists can be quite useful, especially those who specialize in alchemy and chemistry. Think about tofu delicacies and highly effective gunpowder weapons. They’d elevate national fortune significantly.]

Yuan Ruan: [That’s a good idea. But Da Xia doesn’t have many alchemists or Daoists, and I can’t teach Daoist techniques myself. Maybe when I grow up.]

Everyone: !!!

What?! Daoists can be this useful?

Tofu delicacies? Gunpowder weapons? These can all enhance national fortune?

The officials began looking at Daoist Zhou with a slight shift in attitude.

The emperor exchanged a glance with the crown prince.

The crown prince stepped forward and addressed Daoist Zhou, who was still struggling. “You believe the Little National Preceptor represents orthodoxy? Then who instructed you to question her earlier?”

The officials all turned their gazes to Daoist Zhou.

Unexpectedly, Daoist Zhou answered bluntly, almost reciting the conversations he had with his fellow Daoists verbatim.

Everyone: …

The crown prince couldn’t help but ask, “You—you just revealed everything?” That was far too quick.

Daoist Zhou replied matter-of-factly, “All for the sake of Daoism. I believe they’ll understand me. If they were in my position, they’d do the same.”

After answering the crown prince, Daoist Zhou turned his eager gaze to Yuan Ruan and said, “Great sage, I’ve told you everything. When can I accompany you back to the Daoist temple?”

Everyone: Retreat! Retreat! Retreat!

Don’t even think about it! Get lost already!

Yuan Ruan: [Hiss, this circle of Daoists perfectly illustrates the phrase “better them than me.”]

Everyone: Point taken.

At this point, Yuan Ruan yawned.

The crown prince seized the moment to address the emperor: “Father, Ninth Sister seems tired. I’ll take her to rest. As for Daoist Zhou, since he is from Longhu Temple, perhaps imprisoning him in a dungeon is inappropriate. How about detaining him instead?”

The emperor nodded. “Very well.”

After Yuan Ruan yawned again, the crown prince took her from the emperor’s arms and carried her to rest.

The officials exchanged glances.

The Crown Prince’s Grand Tutor spoke first: “Your Majesty, since the Little National Preceptor mentioned that Daoists can be useful, should we consider training Daoists and alchemists within Da Xia for emergencies?”

The emperor nodded slightly.

Prime Minister Li suddenly interjected, “I don’t think that’s necessary.”

Prime Minister Wang shot him a look. “Oh? Does the prime minister dismiss Daoists as mere tricksters?”

Minister Li smiled faintly. “Not at all! I was simply thinking that while Da Xia lacks Daoists, Longhu Temple and other nations have many. There’s no need for us to cultivate our own.”

The emperor’s gaze sharpened as he looked at Prime Minister Li.

Minister Li bowed and explained, “I believe that since their goal is the Little National Preceptor, why not let them naturally approach us? Once they come, those deemed useful by the Little National Preceptor can stay. I recall the Little National Preceptor mentioning a phrase that fits perfectly here: making use of waste.”

The Grand Tutor frowned. “That is unwise. Daoists view Da Xia as barbaric and not a place for cultivating the Dao. If they were willing to stay, they’d have come long ago.”

This time, Prime Minister Wang didn’t argue but added, “Indeed, they’ve come to provoke us. Should we greet them politely? I support Prime Minister Li’s suggestion—let the Little National Preceptor decide who stays. As for those unwilling, detain them for interrogation.”

The Grand Tutor shook his head and sighed. “Nonsense. Didn’t I teach you better during your Four Books and Five Classics lessons?”

Minister Wang bowed slightly. “Master, the times have changed…”

The Grand Tutor retorted, “If we’re going to imprison them, why not just eliminate them altogether?”

Everyone: !!!

Prime Ministers Li and Wang nearly yanked their beards off in shock.

Grand Tutor, who knew you were like this?!

The emperor suddenly burst out laughing. He rose and announced, “Very well. Let’s allow this to unfold naturally. Discreetly spread the news of Daoist Zhou’s presence in the palace. If more people attempt to approach us through the consorts, let them come.”

The officials all bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Two days later…

The Daoists gathered once again, eagerly awaiting news.

They waited and waited, from morning until nightfall. Even the maid delivering tea was yawning, yet there was no sign of Daoist Zhou or any updates about him.

The Daoists began to grow restless.

Daoist Fang reassured them, “No need to worry. I’ve already sent someone to contact the local informants in Da Xia’s capital. We’ll hear news soon.”

Just then, someone rushed in with news, panting. “Daoists, there’s news!”

The Daoists were thrilled. “Is he okay?! Did the… uh, emperor make things difficult for him? Is he still alive?”

The messenger quickly nodded. “He’s alive, alive! It seems the emperor didn’t give him a hard time. Rumor has it that he earned the National Preceptor’s approval and might even become an honored guest of Da Xia. They’re even planning to build a royal Daoist temple for him. Truly great news!”

“Hmm?”

The messenger noticed the Daoists’ expressions, which started out jubilant but gradually turned stiff.

Then he realized—this was “worrying about your brother’s hardships but also jealous of his fortune.”

Awkwardly chuckling, the messenger took his reward and left in a hurry.

The room fell silent.

Suddenly, a mocking voice broke the tension. “We were so worried, and now he’s off colluding with others!”

Daoist Wen abruptly stood up. “This won’t do! If he’s so quick to defect, he might bring us harm. We can’t just sit back. Tomorrow, I’ll take the route through Consort De and see what’s happening myself.”

A Daoist muttered, “Aren’t you just eager to defect too?”

Daoist Wen immediately swore, “If I defect, may I be struck by five bolts of lightning!”

The other Daoists, startled by his oath, fell silent.

Daoist Fang relaxed and whispered, “Be cautious. If Daoist Zhou was subdued, their capabilities must be formidable. The emperor’s favoritism may pose challenges…”

Daoist Wen took out a jade vial. “Don’t worry! You forget—I’ve always been effective with rulers. Besides, I have a favor to cash in with Da Xia’s emperor.”

The Daoists nodded in understanding, brimming with confidence. “Indeed! Daoist Wen has always been skilled in dealing with kings. This time, let’s meet back here in three days!”

Daoist Wen confidently replied, “No need for three days. Two will suffice.”

With that, he strode off toward the capital.