Once again, the prefect of the capital delivered a letter to Consort De. Initially, she didn’t want to involve herself in the situation anymore, but the emperor’s chief eunuch personally approached her.

“Your Highness,” the chief eunuch greeted with a bow, “His Majesty’s meaning is: the more, the merrier.”

Consort De froze in surprise. Could Daoist Zhou really have some talent?

With this thought in mind, she carefully reread the letter from her father. As she scrutinized it, her expression shifted, and she looked up in shock. “This man… this man once saved His Majesty?”

The chief eunuch’s expression turned serious. “Truly? Such a matter is news to me!” He immediately straightened up. “Your Highness, in that case, this person must be treated with utmost care.”

Consort De hesitated. Her feelings about the Ninth Princess were complicated—she dared not offend the national fortune of the Xia Kingdom but also wished to vent her frustration over her son’s humiliation.

When her previous recommendation of Daoist Zhou failed to produce any results, she assumed the matter had been dismissed. However, given the chief eunuch’s current attitude, she began to feel that her initial suspicions might still hold some hope.

Consort De smiled warmly. “Thank you for the reminder, Eunuch. Chunlan, escort him out.”

Chunlan promptly acknowledged and discreetly handed the eunuch a pouch of gold shards.

After freshening up, Consort De carefully reviewed the letter from Daoist Wen three more times before eagerly making her way to Yangxin Hall.

At this moment, a small court meeting was in session in the hall.

The chief eunuch entered to announce her arrival, leaving Consort De waiting outside for the emperor’s response.

Through the doors, she could faintly hear the heated voices rising and falling within.

Inside, Prime Minister Li and Prime Minister Wang were embroiled in a fierce debate over how to manage the Da Xia’s feudal lords. The atmosphere was so tense that it seemed a physical altercation was imminent.

Prime Minister Wang, a staunch conservative, argued that with the Xia Kingdom surrounded by enemies on all sides, it was imperative not to weaken the power of the feudal lords. Doing so, he claimed, would leave the nation vulnerable to external invasion and ultimate destruction.

Prime Minister Li, a proponent of aggressive reform, countered that if no measures were taken against the feudal lords, the Xia Kingdom wouldn’t need external enemies—the nation would collapse from within.

Outside, Consort De yawned, disinterested. Though she had to wait a long time, she showed no impatience. In fact, she even felt a subtle sense of delight.

“Greetings, Your Highness.” A gentle voice from a palace maid broke the silence.

[Oh, wow. Consort De’s nose is red from the cold. Is Big Brother deliberately leaving her to wait outside? Did he forget about her?]

Hearing this, Consort De’s brow furrowed. Forgot about me? Absurd! His Majesty trusts me; that’s why he hasn’t sent me away.

At that moment, the doors to Yangxin Hall opened.

The chief eunuch stepped out and greeted Yuan Ruan with a smile. “Greetings, Little National Preceptor. His Majesty is waiting for you.”

The palace maid holding Yuan Ruan bowed slightly to Consort De before walking inside with the little girl in her arms.

Alarmed, Consort De exclaimed, “What about me?”

“Your Highness, perhaps you could rest in the side hall for now?” the chief eunuch suggested politely.

Consort De frowned. “You’ve already informed His Majesty of my presence. I’ll wait here for his summons.”

The chief eunuch hesitated before sighing and lowering his voice. “Your Highness, to be honest, I’ve already informed His Majesty three times. However, the debate between Prime Ministers Li and Wang has been extremely heated. His Majesty is exhausted and only responded with ‘I know’ each time. Now that the Little National Preceptor has arrived, the discussions will likely continue for quite some time…”

Consort De’s calm expression faltered. “So… His Majesty has forgotten about me?”

“Not at all,” the chief eunuch replied with a smile, deftly navigating the conversation. “His Majesty is simply preoccupied with state affairs and is also concerned that the chaotic scene inside might upset Your Highness. Please, show understanding for His Majesty’s burdens.”

Watching the Ninth Princess be ushered inside without hindrance, Consort De struggled to maintain her composure. Still, she managed to thank the eunuch before storming off toward the side hall.

Inside the hall, the emperor rose to greet Yuan Ruan, lifting her into his arms.

Prime Minister Li straightened his hair, which had been tousled during his argument with Prime Minister Wang, and stepped forward with a flattering smile. “The Ninth Princess looks even more radiant today—so lovely and full of life!”

[Hiss, is he calling me fat? Have I been eating too much lately?] Yuan Ruan wondered.

[Nonsense! My Ah Ruan is always elegant! He’s just blind!] the system retorted indignantly.

Prime Minister Li’s smile froze in place.

Prime Minister Wang, seizing the moment, stepped forward with a smirk. “Your Highness, the jade ornament you’re wearing today seems a bit small. Coincidentally, I brought a new one as a gift. If His Majesty doesn’t mind, I’d like to present it to the Little Princess.”

[Oh my gosh! Prime Minister Wang is amazing! That jade is big and beautiful! Perfect! Excellent! I love it!] Yuan Ruan exclaimed.

Prime Minister Wang cast a triumphant glance at Prime Minister Li, his expression smug: I know how to win favor better than you!

Prime Minister Li shot back a look that said: Let’s see how long your little victory lasts.

[Ah Ruan, remember that jade beads Prime Minister Li gifted you? You wore them so often that your scalp got bruised. It looked like you had nine Buddhist monk dots burned on your head.] the system reminded her.

Prime Minister Wang’s smile faltered slightly.

Prime Minister Li folded his arms smugly. See? I don’t need to pander. There’s always a reason for my actions.

The emperor looked at his two prime ministers in exasperation. Moments ago, they were at each other’s throats over feudal lords. Now they were competing to curry favor with his daughter.

The sudden shift in tone left the emperor speechless.

Noticing Yuan Ruan’s eager gaze fixed on the large jade ornament, the emperor sighed. “You can’t wear it on your head.”

He gestured to the chief eunuch, who brought over a plump panda cub figurine carved from mutton-fat jade. “Attach the jade beads to this. It’s warm in winter and cool in summer—Ruan can hug it while she sleeps.”

[Ahhh! Big Brother is amazing! This is perfect!] Yuan Ruan cheered.

[The emperor truly knows how to be extravagant!] the system chimed in.

Prime Ministers Li and Wang exchanged glances, grumbling internally: Your Majesty, you’re playing dirty! You’re already her father—why are you still trying to win her favor with gifts? Leave some room for us to shine!

Just then, palace servants brought out a variety of delicacies, placing them on the table.

The emperor fed Yuan Ruan a spoonful of soft rice porridge, but she quickly snatched the bowl with her tiny hands, burying her face in it.

[The finest dishes often require the simplest ingredients! So delicious!] Yuan Ruan thought, savoring the meal.

[Agreed! Sharing your taste senses was a genius idea!] the system added.

The emperor chuckled, holding the bowl steady for her.

[Wait, didn’t Big Brother say this was supposed to be a family banquet? Where are the consorts, princes, and princesses? Why are there only ministers here?] Yuan Ruan wondered.

[No idea. Maybe ministers count as part of the emperor’s harem?]

Prime Ministers Li and Wang nearly choked, their minds racing: System! Have you gone rogue?!

The emperor, having experienced the system’s antics many times, calmly ignored it.

He subtly gestured toward the side hall, summoning the crown prince.

The crown prince, suppressing a grin, entered the hall with a deliberate sense of urgency.

“Father, I apologize for my tardiness,” he announced. “You’ve been working tirelessly as of late. I thought it might help to invite Daoist Wen, who once treated your back pain, to offer you his expertise again. He’s waiting outside.”

Prime Minister Li nodded in understanding. “Daoist Wen? He once cured my migraines as well.”

Prime Minister Wang hesitated before adding, “The crown prince is thoughtful. Daoist Wen is indeed skilled.”

Seeing Yuan Ruan perk up with interest, the emperor smiled at his ministers. Good. Their timing is improving. Now let’s see if Daoist Wen is up to snuff for my little princess.