The censor’s face turned pale with fear. He had never told anyone about his son going to the Longhu Taoist Academy.

System: [But does this official even know? His son’s claim of graduating from Longhu Taoist Academy is a lie.]

The censor: !!!

Impossible! His son, obedient since childhood, would never deceive him.

But whose mysterious voice was this?

No, he couldn’t have been duped.

The other officials secretly glanced at the censor. Their synchronized reactions made the smarter ones realize: It’s not just me who can hear this voice.

Yuan Ruan was also intrigued:

[System, elaborate! What’s going on?]

System: [He’s an only child born late, spoiled rotten since birth. A silver-tongued sweet-talker, he excels at coaxing people. Whenever he told his father he was earning a living, he was actually relying on women from the pleasure house to support him financially. He’s quite the expert at living off others!]

The censor’s face looked as if it had been struck by lightning.

What?

His son was being supported by women from the pleasure house?!

The other officials eating the melon: Wow! Normally, women in the pleasure house take money from men, but he’s flipping the script. Truly an inspiration to us all!

Even the Emperor couldn’t resist the juicy gossip—other people’s scandals were truly fascinating.

Yuan Ruan: [So the money he took from his father—did he give it all to the women?]

System: [Nope, it all went to gambling. In the underworld, he’s known as the “King of Charm in the Pleasure house” and the “Biggest Sucker in the Casino.” The gambling houses adore him. Not only did he lose everything, but he also borrowed high-interest loans. When he couldn’t pay, debt collectors chopped off his left pinky. He couldn’t even hide in the pleasure house anymore and had to return home to scam his father into getting him into the National Preceptor position to make money.]

The censor didn’t want to believe it, but his son’s missing pinky was undeniable.

Recalling his son’s evasive eyes, the dark circles under them, and his nonsensical explanations about Taoist teachings, the censor felt his heart sink.

He wasn’t entirely oblivious—he’d just held onto a sliver of hope.

Now, he felt his colleagues’ subtle ridicule, the whispering and pointing, and his face flushed bright red. His figure seemed to shrink as his determination to oppose the appointment of the National Preceptor dissolved completely.

Yuan Ruan, watching him closely, was puzzled:

[Huh? Brother hasn’t even said anything, so why did he stop opposing me? Honestly, I’m not too eager to be the National Preceptor anyway.]

Everyone: !!!

Wait. The mysterious voice… was coming from the little National Preceptor?!

The officials lifted their heads, their gazes burning as they looked at the child perched on the Emperor’s shoulder.

Sure enough, she was a baby—barely eight months old, with round, blinking eyes full of innocence. But this adorable little one… was the voice they’d been hearing?

Yuan Ruan felt their stares prickling her skin like needles.

[Why are they all staring at me?]

Officials: !!!

It was confirmed. It really was her!

The officials exchanged looks, a silent understanding passing between them.

Before arriving, their shared goal had been clear: they would rather die than let the Emperor make such an absurd decision. The position of National Preceptor, they’d argued, should remain vacant rather than be given to a mere infant.

But now that they knew the little National Preceptor had genuine abilities, the game had changed.

Now they had to heed the palace women’s letters and strategize—starting with ousting Consort Rong.

Consort Rong’s father was merely an assistant minister in the Ministry of Revenue, and he wasn’t present today.

Instead, her older brother, the junior director of the Imperial Academy, was in attendance.

The official who had the worst relationship with him stepped forward first, bowing deeply. “Your Majesty, since the young National Preceptor represents the dignity of Great Xia, her caretaker should be a virtuous and pure-hearted lady—not a consort known only for her beauty and haughty demeanor.”

Consort Rong’s brother, had a somewhat tense relationship with her, but he was protective of his sister and immediately defended her. “Your Majesty, such slander! Consort Rong has been personally praised by you as a ‘talented woman.’”

Yuan Ruan grew curious:

[Wow, so the gorgeous lady is truly both talented and beautiful.]

System: [Er… not quite.]

Consort Rong’s brother tensed.

The official smirked.

Yuan Ruan: [So was it just Brother being partial to beauty?]

System: *[Not exactly. Before entering the palace, consort Rong was nearly illiterate. To win the Emperor’s favor, she investigated his preferences and learned he admired gentle, talented women. She asked her brother to buy a poem written by a scholar in the capital.

In Great Xia, the common people use one writing system, but the royal family descent from Yao and Shun and retains an ancient script known as “Yao Script.” The scholar Consort Rong’s brother hired specialized in Yao Script, thinking it would make her stand out. Consort Rong memorized the poem and recited it flawlessly during her presentation, earning the Emperor’s praise as a ‘talented woman.’]

Consort Rong’s brother: …

How could such an embarrassing story be revealed now of all times?!

The Emperor: …

He hadn’t known this at all! The mix of irritation and amusement left him at a loss for words.

The officials stifled their laughter, some coughing to cover it up: Well, that escalated quickly.

The official sneered. “A fool for a brother, a sister no better!”

Consort Rong’s brother shot back, “A woman’s virtue lies in her character, not her talent! My sister is gentle and kind, never quarrelsome.”

Yuan Ruan perked up:

[Really? A beauty as stunning as that, and she’s free of palace intrigue?]

System: [She has never argued with anyone in the palace.]

Consort Rong’s brother exhaled in relief.

The official frowned. Could she truly be virtuous? That would complicate things.

System: [But she’s far from pure-hearted—she’s brilliant at scheming. Want the details?]

Yuan Ruan: [Tell me everything!]*

Consort Rong’s brother wore a pained expression: Sister, didn’t you say your act was flawless?

The officials pricked up their ears.

System: [For instance, Consort Rong didn’t enter the palace through proper channels!]

The Emperor: !!!

The officials: !!!

The official nearly laughed aloud, turning to the now-ashen junior director of the imprerial academy with exaggerated mockery.

Your family is finished.