Yuan Ruan’s inner voice rang out:

【Huh? How is this mess related to a prince? Could it be the Second Prince?】

System: 【Haha, Ah Ruan, you’re so sharp—it’s him. Remember when I mentioned that those fake officials were recruited by the court ministers? Well, they were actually taken in by the Second Prince’s close allies. A few years ago, the Second Prince wanted to seize the throne but was short on funds. When his subordinates reported this matter, he came up with a devious scheme: using these officials to target the daughters of wealthy merchants in remote areas, taking them as concubines or mistresses to swindle their families out of their wealth—ultimately leaving them destitute.】

Everyone: !!!

The officials exchanged incredulous glances. This… this was beyond despicable.

The Crown Prince gasped sharply, his brow furrowing tightly: The Second Brother actually dared to do something like this.

The Emperor’s face turned green with rage. Unprecedented! Outrageous! Utter disgrace!

He regretted sending the Second Prince to the Imperial Clan Court earlier—it would have been more fitting to throw him straight into the Ministry of Justice’s dungeon!

Yuan Ruan’s eyes widened:

【This… this is absurd!】

System: 【Exactly! Take Yu Hongyu’s family as an example.】

Yu Hongyu, who was suddenly named, turned black-faced: …

System: 【The Second Prince had swindlers memorize Yu Hongyu’s background information in detail. Then, he sent a few others to accompany them, both to provide cover and keep tabs. The young girl’s family was deliberately spoiled until they became arrogant and overbearing. Then, the swindler found an excuse to leave, claiming they needed to return home for mourning. Immediately after, people were sent to convict the family and confiscate their property. Local officials gained a good reputation, while the Second Prince pocketed the silver.】

Everyone suddenly understood: !!!

In Da Xia, officials were evaluated annually. Solving major cases often earned them an excellent rating, paving the way for promotions and titles. If the Second Prince tempted these officials with the prospect of “catching tyrants,” even if they noticed something was amiss, they would still cooperate.

The Minister of Rites let out a heavy sigh, muttering, “It’s over. Looks like all the officials rated as ‘excellent’ in recent years will need to have their files thoroughly reviewed! Who can handle such a massive workload? This is killing me.”

But before he could finish speaking, a colleague urgently grabbed his arm.

Following the other’s panicked gaze, the Minister saw that the Emperor’s face was now so dark it seemed ink could drip from it.

System: 【That said, the Second Prince is quite clever. Not only was his scheme well-executed, but his follow-up was flawless. He prepared suitable escape plans for everyone involved.】

【For instance, he sent the Minister of Rites’ mistress and son back to the minister’s hometown, claiming that the Minister’s legitimate wife was as fierce as a tiger, making it impossible for him to bring them home. Thus, he secretly kept the mistress and her child in the countryside, with the hometown relatives willingly helping to cover it up.】

Minister of Rites: ???

Damn it! Accusing me of being afraid of my wife? Why would my relatives even believe that?!

And damn it all! This is all coming out of my pocket!

The rest of the crowd tried hard not to laugh, but the urge to watch the drama unfold was too strong.

【Take the Minister of War, for example. The Second Prince sent his concubine and son to the Minister’s family, claiming that the minister had sacrificed his life for the country and was a great hero. Ironically, the Minister of War has no idea that his family has already burned incense for him in mourning.】

The laughing Minister of War choked mid-laugh, utterly shocked that he, too, was part of this mess.

He had been mourned?

Hey! I’m still alive!

The previously mocked Minister of Rites sneered coldly: “Why aren’t you laughing anymore? Not naturally fond of laughter, are you?”

【Ah, but the most outrageous case involves His Majesty.】

Everyone: Eyes widened in shock.

The Second Prince even dared to fabricate stories about his own father?

What kind of excuse could justify that? No one would believe the Emperor was afraid of his wife and had to hide anyone in his hometown!

【The method he used was claiming that His Majesty went on an undercover tour, sleeping with women along the way and confiscating their properties. Haha! Ah Ruan, I’m dying of laughter. I think the tyrant reputation His Majesty earned owes half its infamy to the Second Prince’s plundering spree under his name. Let me count… hmm, a total of eighteen concubines.】

Filial piety—such overwhelming filial piety!

“Pfft!” Someone couldn’t hold back their laughter.

The Emperor was so furious his fingers trembled.

He glared, but all he could see was a sea of bowed heads and the officials’ shoulders shaking uncontrollably as they stifled their laughter.

Yuan Ruan couldn’t help but burst into laughter:

【Haha, the filial piety is overwhelming! I’m dying of laughter!】

Her small face lit up with excitement:

【System, since the national fortune mission involves identifying the real and fake Official, could the Second Prince know the location of the hidden gold? System, if you see the Second Prince, could you extract the location of the gold while we enjoy the drama?】

The Emperor: !!!

Oh right, with a system like this, interrogating someone of status would be much easier and more efficient.

System: 【It’s possible. But I heard the Second Prince is locked up in the Imperial Clan Court. He’s not easily accessible.】

Yuan Ruan: 【What if I secretly write a report to Brother?】

System: 【Ah Ruan, you’re only nine months old! You can’t even hold a pen!】

As Yuan Ruan and the system brainstormed ways to link the case to the Second Prince, the Emperor and the officials grasped the situation. However, the Emperor wasn’t keen on involving Yuan Ruan and the system further.

No other reason—the Emperor simply wanted to preserve the royal family’s dignity, hoping to shield it from further disgrace and nurse his wounded pride.

The Crown Prince, noticing his father’s conflicted expression, softly suggested, “Father, though we’ve uncovered the Second Brother’s involvement, it’s getting late. May I request to take Ninth Sister back first?”

The Emperor’s eyes lit up.

Yuan Ruan: !!!

【Oh heavens! Is my dear nephew really this capable? He’s already dug up clues about the Second Prince?! Wait, no, I’m not going back.】

Seeing her chance to earn national fortune points within reach, Yuan Ruan clung tightly to the Emperor’s cloak, twisting her head stubbornly to avoid the Crown Prince’s embrace.

【Brother, take me along! I need to complete the national fortune mission! I must obtain divine powers and shine on the altar of heaven!】

【Brother! I’m not leaving!】

…

The officials: !!!

Divine powers?

For the little Nation Preceptor to desire these divine powers so desperately, they must be extraordinary.

They instantly felt a surge of longing.

A few bold officials noticed Yuan Ruan’s reluctance and, despite the Emperor’s darkening expression, stepped forward with righteous determination.

“Your Majesty, this humble servant has heard that the young Nation Preceptor is versed in astronomy and geography and can foresee fortune and calamity. Since she’s just eaten, why not take her along to investigate and aid digestion?”

Others chimed in: “Your Majesty, as the saying goes, children grow healthy through outdoor activities. Why not bring her along?”

“If Your Majesty worries about her care, I grew up raising three younger siblings and have ample experience with children.”

“Your Majesty, I singlehandedly raised my entire family. I’m more suited to care for the Nation Preceptor.”

…

The conversation quickly derailed, with the officials almost arguing over who was more qualified to care for Yuan Ruan.

“Silence!” The Emperor pinched his brow, exasperated.

The officials instantly fell quiet.

The Emperor looked down at Yuan Ruan, who clung to him tightly, her round eyes brimming with hope and anticipation.

In the end, the Emperor sighed, picked her up, and mounted his horse.

Galloping quickly, they headed straight for the Imperial Clan Court.

The officials scrambled to find horses, and with too many people and too few mounts, some ended up doubling or even tripling up.

Under the astonished gazes of Da Xia citizens, the chaotic entourage raced through the streets.

Despite the Emperor’s occasional stern glances, the officials pretended not to notice.

What could they do? The royal drama was too enticing, and the allure of the little Nation Preceptor’s divine powers was irresistible.

The Imperial Clan Court awaited—they had to charge ahead!