The military’s main camp.

Wu Yi left Yuan Ruan resting in the carriage while he went to report to the Emperor. He explained in detail about overhearing the infant’s thoughts.

When Wu Yi mentioned he could hear the baby’s inner voice, the Emperor almost spat out his tea, his expression one of disbelief, as though Wu Yi had lost his mind.

However, when Wu Yi described how he used the information to capture a spy, the Emperor’s expression turned serious.

“Is it true? A spy?” the Emperor set down his teacup.

Wu Yi knelt. “Your Majesty, based on the interrogation so far, it is almost certain.”

“Astonishing!” The Emperor rested his head on one hand, trying to process the information. After a moment, he asked, “Aside from you, has anyone else heard the child’s thoughts?”

Wu Yi paused and replied, “Your Majesty, I questioned those around me while hearing the thoughts, but they all seemed confused. It appears I am the only one who can hear them.”

“Only you?” The Emperor mused, then continued, “Wait, you said the child is a decoy planted by rebels to lure us into an ambush?”

“That is correct.”

“Does the child have blue eyes?”

Wu Yi thought for a moment and nodded. “Yes.”

The Emperor’s expression changed. “Bring the child here immediately.”

Wu Yi was taken aback. “Your Majesty, that would be unwise. While the child does seem extraordinary, she is still a decoy intended for an assassination attempt. I thought keeping her near the camp might help us uncover more spies.”

The Emperor chuckled and shook his head. “You’re too concerned to think clearly. Reflect on this: the rebels left the child as bait and orchestrated a plan so elaborate that it couldn’t be paused or reversed. What does that mean? It means their assassination plot is already in motion. There’s no need to search further; they’ll come to us. Since they wanted us to take the bait, why not turn the tables and make them think their plan is succeeding?”

Wu Yi suddenly understood. Yes, the rebels intended for them to find the child. Since he had already taken her in, their scheme was unfolding as they’d hoped. They could indeed use this against them.

“Your Majesty is wise!” Wu Yi saluted. “I will make the necessary arrangements immediately.”

Yuan Ruan woke up from a long nap and, before opening her eyes, felt someone pinching her chubby baby cheeks.

[Who is this rogue?]

The Emperor: …

Where was this voice coming from?

With a solemn expression, the Emperor gently lifted Yuan Ruan, then turned to Wu Yi. “Was that her just now?”

“…I believe so,” Wu Yi replied, bowing slightly.

The Emperor looked at the baby in his arms. Her little face was scrunched like a steamed bun, her bright blue eyes heavy with sleep, and her tiny fists clutched against her chest—a sight so adorable it was almost irresistible.

[Wow, he’s so handsome! Even more stunning than Pan An!]

The Emperor: ?

Who was Pan An?

Though he had prepared himself mentally, hearing the infant’s thoughts left the Emperor deeply shaken. Could this be a divine sign sent by the heavens to bless the Xia Kingdom?

Just then, a different voice sounded in her mind:

[Oh no, Ruan Ruan, why are you in his arms? That’s the Emperor! The Emperor of the Xia Kingdom!]

[Really? No wonder his aura is so commanding—he’s even more imposing than Wu Yi!]

[Not only that! He’s also the source of some incredible scandals! Oh my, I see so many threads of gossip connected to him, though 99% of them are locked.]

[Open the ones you can! Let’s hear them!]

The Emperor’s expression became serious. He discreetly gestured to Wu Yi, who immediately bowed and left the tent. Wu Yi then ensured that all eunuchs and maids were cleared from the area and stationed fifty elite guards in a wide circle around the tent. Only after everything was secure did he return.

As soon as Wu Yi stepped back inside, he heard the voice:

[For example, here’s a juicy one: do you know why the Emperor is being targeted for assassination? Because he’s not the Empress Dowager’s biological son!]

[What?! The Emperor isn’t her son?]

[That’s right! Isn’t it shocking?]

Wu Yi: !!!

His pupils constricted. It wasn’t just shocking—it was too shocking.

It seemed his imminent doom had arrived early.

Wu Yi froze in place at the entrance to the tent, unsure whether to proceed. His arm, which had never wavered in battle, now trembled slightly.

The Emperor’s fingers twitched. After a moment, he set his teacup down slowly. “General, you need not worry. Come, sit.”

Wu Yi took a deep breath and moved mechanically to sit.

The Emperor reassured him, “I’ve known about this for some time.”

Wu Yi looked up in astonishment.

At that moment, the soft, childish voice sounded again:

[It’s shocking, all right. So is this one of those fake-emperor stories? The true heir learns the truth and plans to reclaim their throne by any means necessary?]

[No, no, that’s not it. While the Emperor isn’t the Empress Dowager’s son, he is the late Emperor’s son with a foreign concubine. The Empress Dowager claimed him as her own, so there’s no issue with his bloodline. The Emperor himself is aware of this.]

[What? The handsome guy already knows?]

[Yes, he learned the truth from a palace maid sent away by the concubine. The maid revealed that the Empress Dowager had a habit of drowning blue-eyed babies. The Emperor had doubts at first, but when his recently born twins included a blue-eyed daughter, he investigated and found evidence to confirm the story.]

Wu Yi: !!!

He turned to look at the Emperor, disbelief written across his face. But noticing the Emperor’s darkened expression, he quickly lowered his gaze.

The Emperor also looked down at the baby in his arms. How could she know such secrets? Could she truly be a divine being?

Just then, a voice came from outside the tent. A guard entered, bowing. “General, a peasant woman is outside crying loudly, accusing you of kidnapping her grandson. She begs for his return.”

Wu Yi’s expression turned cold. “Absurd! This is a military camp, not a place for such nonsense. Remove her immediately.”

The voice in his head returned:

[Ruan Ruan, you’re witnessing gossip firsthand again!]

[Tell me, tell me!]

[The peasant woman outside is the one who gave you broth earlier! Don’t be fooled by her dramatic act—she’s clever. She’ll claim to have a map leading to the capital of Chen Kingdom in exchange for her grandson’s safety.]

At that moment, the guard hesitated. “General, the old woman claims her husband worked on tomb construction in Chen Kingdom and knows of a secret tunnel to the capital. She hopes to trade this information to see you.”

The Emperor: …

Wu Yi: …

It was exactly as the “system” had said.

Their expressions turned subtle as they exchanged glances. Wu Yi finally said, “Let her in.”

[Well, there you go. This is your last bit of gossip before reincarnation. Time to relax and move on.]

[Got it. One last look at the handsome guy, then I’ll close my eyes.]

The Emperor: ?

Wu Yi: ?

Wait—didn’t you say we’d summon her? Now we’re all going to die?

Explain yourself!

The Emperor looked at the peacefully resting infant, his lips twitching. Waving his hand, he signaled Wu Yi.

Wu Yi quickly stood. “Wait. Don’t let her in just yet.”

The guard nearly stumbled but bowed. “Yes, General.”

[Huh? Why did the Emperor change his mind? Ruan Ruan, wake up—there might be a twist!]

[Really? Why?]

Both the Emperor and Wu Yi perked up their ears.

Yes, tell us why!