“Your Majesty, the National Preceptor is only nine months old. What is the point of her attending court sessions?” an official who had been exposed to melons before, was the first to object.

The Emperor replied coldly, “You are aware she is the National Preceptor. National Preceptor can study astronomy, geography, and even partake in court affairs. Why should our Little National Preceptor be barred from court?”

The official’s lips twitched as he bowed. “Your Majesty, what I meant is that court matters are tedious and complex. Perhaps it would be better to wait until she is older.”

Inwardly, he grumbled: Other National Preceptor are at least in their forties, with rich experience and achievements that command respect. But this one is just a baby. Even if she has some mystical abilities, does she even know what farming is? If she gives advice, won’t it just be a joke?

Hu Hongyu, Minister of the Agriculture Ministry, who had benefited from Yuan Ruan’s help, immediately stepped forward in her defense. “You underestimate the National Preceptor’s abilities! Every major issue recently has only seen breakthroughs after her involvement. Are you denying her contributions to Daxia?”

The official faltered. He couldn’t refute this point but still muttered, “Even so, she doesn’t need to attend court. Why not let her provide input after the session?”

“How short-sighted of you! Haven’t you heard that swift action is key in critical moments?” Hu Hongyu jabbed a finger close to the official’s face. “I suspect your injury back then wasn’t just physical—it also affected your brain if you can’t distinguish priorities!”

The official, fuming, looked around for allies, only to find his colleagues wavering. Hu’s argument had clearly swayed them.

Flustered, the official finally blurted, “We can handle government affairs ourselves, but what about… the secrets? Do you all really want to risk public embarrassment here in court?”

The officials froze. Those who had witnessed or suffered embarrassing revelations in Yuan Ruan’s presence couldn’t help but shudder.

A senior official, one of the Emperor’s trusted aides, stepped forward. “Your Majesty, I propose a compromise. After court sessions, we could summarize critical matters for the National Preceptor’s review. This would avoid any delays without subjecting her to the formalities of court.”

The Minister of Rites nodded in agreement. “Yes, Your Majesty. The National Preceptor is still young. It might be too demanding for her to sit through lengthy court sessions. Consolidating matters afterward would be more appropriate.”

Even the pragmatic Minister of Works chimed in, rubbing his eyes as he spoke. “Your Majesty, I support this suggestion. The morning weather is gloomy and lacks sunlight—not ideal for the Little National Preceptor’s presence in court.”

The other officials blinked, baffled. Was this really the best excuse he could come up with?

But then, inspired by the Minister of Works, the Minister of War joined in, saying, “Your Majesty, my wife once mentioned that children under five need at least six hours of sleep daily. Otherwise, they risk growing up short or unattractive. Court sessions might disrupt her rest—”

Before he could finish, his subordinate tugged at his sleeve, whispering urgently, “Uncle, the royal princes started attending court at age three, rising early every day. And look at them—tall and dignified!”

The Minister of War coughed awkwardly, then added, “Another concern, Your Majesty, is that some confidential matters… well, I wouldn’t dare listen in!”

The Emperor and Crown Prince exchanged incredulous looks, stunned into silence.

The officials stifled their laughter.

The official who was the first to object felt vindicated. Clearly, everyone shared his concerns about the potential for embarrassing revelations. Surely, the Emperor would reconsider.

But just then, Minister Li stepped forward. “Your Majesty, I fully support your decision. The Little National Preceptor should attend court.”

The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to him in disbelief.

The Minister of Revenue whispered, “Minister, after all the humiliations you’ve endured, shouldn’t you be the first to object?”

Minister Wang sneered, “This reminds me of an old saying: Those who’ve been soaked by rain want to tear everyone else’s umbrella apart.”

The officials shot Li scornful looks. You’re the very definition of that saying!

But Li smiled serenely, unfazed. “If it benefits Daxia, what does my suffering matter?”

The officials: Unbelievable! He’s done it again, acting all self-sacrificing!

The hall fell silent once more as Li turned to the former spy, now reinstated as Water affairs bureau Minister. “Don’t you have anything to say?”

The man hesitated before stepping forward. “The Little National Preceptor’s value far surpasses ours. She can distinguish loyalty from treachery and discern true penitence from hidden malice.”

The officials stared, stunned.

He continued, “For instance, if she asked everyone to step forward, those who stayed behind would either be lower-ranking officials or traitors. I am living proof.”

The officials were speechless. Was he implying that only officials truly loyal to Daxia could hear her inner voice?

Some wanted to challenge his claim, but his firsthand testimony was too compelling to dismiss.

Li clapped him on the shoulder, scolding lightly, “Why would you reveal such details? Are you trying to scare them off? Hurry and apologize to His Majesty.”

But the Emperor waved it off, smiling. “No need. Let them know. If it forces traitors to retreat, all the better.”

Li feigned enlightenment, bowing deeply. “As expected, Your Majesty sees further than all of us.”

The Emperor chuckled, rising from his throne. “Minister Li, you are already leagues ahead of most. As you’ve suggested, the Little National Preceptor will attend court starting tomorrow. It’s settled!”

The officials: This shameless man managed to score another compliment!

As the Emperor left, the officials swarmed Li.

“Why, Prime Minister? After everything you’ve been through, why?”

Minister Li smiled calmly. “The embarrassment isn’t the problem. It’s the consequences afterward that are terrifying. I’ve survived, and I wish you all peace and joy.”

With that, he bowed politely and left, leaving the officials fuming. What a scoundrel!

As they watched him go, some followed suit, while others huddled together, whispering.

Finally, the Marquis of Cheng lowered his voice. “Are you afraid of these revelations?”

The others exchanged glances before nodding.

The Marquis’s eyes gleamed. “The Emperor may be unyielding, but what if the Little Princess herself refuses? I have an idea…”

The group quickly leaned in closer to hear his plan.