The Minister of Revenue voiced his concern: “Marquis, His Majesty places great importance on the Little National Preceptor. This strategy must be used carefully.”

The Marquis of Cheng squinted, lowering his voice as he replied, “Of course I know that. But my plan is called ‘appealing to her preferences’—by giving gifts!”

The officials froze, puzzled. “Gifts?”

“Yes!” The Marquis of Cheng slapped his thigh. “You all have children at home, don’t you? Kids love excitement and games; they hate sitting still with adults. Let’s send the Little Princess all the things children love. That way, she’ll never want to attend court.”

Several officials’ eyes lit up at the idea.

The Minister of Rites hesitated. “But the Little National Preceptor isn’t like ordinary children. Hasn’t she already seen the best of everything?”

The Marquis of Cheng rolled his eyes. “You’ve played cuju and gone hunting since childhood. If someone offered to let you play all day and still collect your salary without attending court, wouldn’t you take it? And besides, what reason would His Majesty have to reprimand us for this?”

The Minister of Rites fell silent, eventually nodding in agreement.

The other officials immediately began brainstorming:

“I have a panda figurine set from Jiangnan, the latest toy popular among children. I’ll send it to the Little Princess.”

“Haha! I have a twelve-piece white jade Luban lock set. My daughter loves it—I’ll send that. It’ll surely captivate the Little National Preceptor.”

“I heard the Little Princess likes jade. I have a set of twelve flying jade fairies dressed in gold-threaded robes and jewelry. I’ll send it over! That’ll definitely keep her occupied and away from court.”

The officials chuckled as they finalized their plan.

That afternoon, Yuan Ruan was lazily basking in the sun in the imperial garden when a palace maid in green hurried over and bowed. “Ninth Princess, a Hanlin Academy official has sent you a gift.”

Yuan Ruan blinked in surprise. A gift?

She stretched out her little hand and babbled curiously. The maid immediately carried her to Kunning Palace.

When they arrived, two palace guards were moving boxes stacked as tall as half a person, while the Empress’s maids were busy cataloging and recording the items.

Upon seeing Yuan Ruan, the maids greeted her respectfully. “Ninth Princess, this is a set of sugar figurines, this is a rattle drum, and these are…”

Yuan Ruan looked around, seeing an array of exquisite toys. Among them was an adorable set of panda figurines in various poses.

Her eyes widened as she stared at the pandas, covering her mouth in astonishment.

A maid astutely handed her one of the panda figurines.

Yuan Ruan touched it gently. Wow! Not only did these black-and-white pandas look realistic, but they also had soft, fuzzy surfaces. The set came with robes, skirts, bamboo props, and little hats for the pandas. It was irresistibly cute.

No one from China could resist the charm of their national treasure, especially not pandas dressed up in costumes.

Yuan Ruan couldn’t help but cradle the figurines in her arms and play with them.

At that moment, the Fifth Prince walked by, holding a small panda model.

He had initially planned to walk past but stopped when he noticed Yuan Ruan’s more elaborate panda set. Curious, he approached.

The maids bowed. “Greetings, Fifth Prince.”

The Fifth Prince nodded and then hesitated before saying, “Hey!” He paused, then added haughtily, “Ninth Sister, your Fifth Brother is here to see you. Who gave you that panda? Let me take a look.”

Yuan Ruan didn’t even glance at him.

Annoyed, the Fifth Prince frowned. The maid serving Yuan Ruan quickly bowed and explained, “Your Highness, the panda figurines were a gift to the Ninth Princess from a Hanlin scribe.”

“A Hanlin scribe? Mere Sixth Rank…” The Fifth Prince sneered. “Ninth Sister, let’s exchange pandas. If you do, I’ll forgive you for offending me last time.”

Yuan Ruan tilted her head and reached out toward the maid, babbling a few words.

If not for fear of accidentally hurting the maid, she would’ve zapped him with her electric powers again.

The maid, perceptive as ever, picked up Yuan Ruan and bowed. “Your Highness, the Ninth Princess is feeling tired. I’ll take her back now…”

“Move aside! How dare you block me!” The Fifth Prince glared at the maid, then turned to Yuan Ruan. “Don’t get cocky. Father only treats you kindly because you’re new and interesting. But once the novelty wears off, you, a princess without a consort mother, will find life in the palace very hard. Give me that panda set—and the thing you used to shock me last time—and I’ll share my mother with you.”

Yuan Ruan’s lips twitched slightly. You’re just giving away Consort De like that? Does she even know?

The maid was caught between amusement and exasperation. “Your Highness, the Ninth Princess is still a child. Perhaps she doesn’t fully understand. And as the National Preceptor, she’s bound to be different.”

“She doesn’t understand, but you do, don’t you? If your mistress falls out of favor, what good will it do you? You should plan ahead.” The Fifth Prince crossed his arms smugly.

He cast a sharp look at the maid, who fell silent.

Satisfied, he added, “And what’s so special about being a National Preceptor? Past Preceptor were revered by ministers, but look at the Ninth Princess—receiving mere trinkets from lowly Sixth Rank officials. What’s the big deal? In the end, she’ll still need my mother’s support.”

Yuan Ruan’s lips twitched again. Impressive. Only a royal child could be this young and already so manipulative.

Just then, another green-robed maid rushed in, wide-eyed. “There are more carriages outside—bringing gifts for the Ninth Princess.”

“From whom?” the maid holding Yuan Ruan asked.

“The Minister of Justice sent a chest of congratulatory gifts.”

“The Minister of Works sent two chests containing jade puzzles like Nine Linked Rings and Hua Rong Dao.”

“The Minister of Rites sent boxes of jade bracelets and white jade animal figurines…”

The Fifth Prince: !!!

The green-robed maid added, “The Marquis of Cheng also sent a letter, saying these are just a small token of congratulations for the Ninth Princess’s new role as National Preceptor. He hopes to continue sending gifts in the future.”

The Fifth Prince: !!!

Yuan Ruan nearly laughed out loud. She could almost hear the sound of the Fifth Prince getting metaphorically slapped in the face.

When she turned back, the Fifth Prince had already stormed off, his face dark as coal.

The maid holding Yuan Ruan chuckled softly but didn’t comment. Instead, she murmured, “Strange. Why so many gifts? Did anyone mention the reason?”

The green-robed maid replied, “They said it was to celebrate the Ninth Princess becoming the National Preceptor. Oh, and someone mentioned that the Little National Preceptor would attend court tomorrow. Perhaps they’re excited to work with her.”

Yuan Ruan froze.

What? I’m only nine months old, and I already have to attend court?!

The system chimed in thoughtfully: Wow, I’m surprised too. But it seems they’re eager to collaborate with you. That’s the power of being the National Preceptor!

Yuan Ruan: Hehe! If they’re sending me this much stuff, I have to make an appearance.

The next morning, during the Hour of the Rabbit (5–7 a.m.), the maids pulled Yuan Ruan out of bed.

The Empress watched her yawn and stretch, clearly still groggy. “Look at her—barely awake. His Majesty is really pushing her too hard. Should I go and say something?”

No way! They’re treating me so well; I have to show up! Yuan Ruan replied mentally.

The Empress hesitated but then noticed Yuan Ruan’s determined little face. Amused, she thought, Well, let them handle the consequences if they upset her.

After eating a light breakfast, Yuan Ruan happily made her way to the court.

By then, the court session was already halfway over, and some officials were surprised she hadn’t shown up yet.

The officials who had participated in the gifting scheme wore smug expressions, quietly hinting to their peers that their plan had worked.

But just as they were celebrating, Yuan Ruan finally arrived, delayed by an upset stomach from overeating.

As she entered, the officials heard her familiar inner monologue:

[Ta-da! I’m here! Hehe, the protagonist always arrives last! Feeling a little nervous.]

The system chimed in: [There are so many people here, Ah Ruan. Want to eat a melon to calm down?]

The officials: !!!