After passionately discussing plans with the system, Yuan Ruan succumbed to the biological needs of a baby and fell asleep.

The emperor carried Yuan Ruan to the side hall, not forgetting to say, “Court is adjourned.”

The officials bowed and replied, “We respectfully send off Your Majesty.”

However, after the emperor and crown prince’s figures disappeared, the officials did not leave. They exchanged glances in silence, standing motionless.

The Marquis of Cheng suddenly spoke. “Gentlemen, I propose that we convene to discuss matters regarding the Little National Preceptor. This concerns all of us…”

The Minister of Rites was the first to cup his hands and respond, “Apologies, Marquis of Cheng, but I will no longer be sending frivolous trinkets to the Little National Preceptor. This time, I withdraw.”

The Marquis of Cheng narrowed his eyes.

Before he could say anything, the Minister of War stepped forward. “I also intend to stop. Since the Little National Preceptor is so motivated, so be it. Even if some embarrassing skeletons come out of the closet, so what? A little social death is worth it if it means the Little National Preceptor is happy. I withdraw as well.”

The Minister of Revenue also nodded. “Indeed. When it comes to Da Xia’s national fortune, personal reputation and safety can be disregarded.”

Other officials who had participated in the Marquis of Cheng’s plan also stepped forward, preparing to announce their withdrawal.

Seeing this, the Marquis of Cheng was nearly infuriated to death. He clutched his chest dramatically and exclaimed, “Why are you all so eager to announce your stance in front of me? Do you take me for someone who doesn’t understand the gravity of the situation?!”

The officials’ expressions turned slightly awkward.

Seeing their distrustful gazes, the Marquis of Cheng waved his hand and shouted, “I merely wish to gather everyone to think of a way to help the Little National Preceptor quickly find a national fortune mission worth thirty points! That’s all!”

The officials were taken aback. Was this really the same Marquis of Cheng, the man known for indulgence and a chaotic household?

An old, one-armed general who was familiar with him clapped his hands and addressed the group. “No matter what anyone is thinking, as long as we’re working toward the same goal, it’s fine. Let’s first discuss what kind of opportunity would be best for helping the Little National Preceptor find national fortune mission.”

Someone from the Bureau of Astronomy spoke up. “I recall the system mentioning that the Little National Preceptor needs to see people in order to trigger national fortune missions. In that case, since Daoist Master Longhu want to spar, why don’t we set up a stage on Chang’an Street for an open competition? That would surely draw a large crowd…”

“Pah! Absolutely not! The Little National Preceptor isn’t some performing monkey. I oppose it,” the Minister of Rites retorted with a roll of his eyes. “If we really need a large crowd, why not hold a festival?”

Yu Hongyu, who had been planning to leave, hesitated and then nodded. “I agree. With the bumper potato harvest, why not organize a ceremony to express gratitude to the Little National Preceptor? That way, she’ll definitely see a lot of people.”

The usually silent Assistant Censor-in-Chief suddenly spoke in his deep voice. “I agree.”

Yu Hongyu froze on the spot, his expression unreadable.

Several officials secretly stole glances and chuckled.

Sensing the awkward atmosphere, the Minister of Revenue couldn’t help but interject, “Gentlemen, I remember the system saying that it must involve people the Little National Preceptor pays attention to. So I believe it’s not enough for her to merely see them—they must pique her interest. For example, during the Heaven and Earth Ritual on Jiujun Mountain, so many people were present, but the Little National Preceptor didn’t trigger a national fortune mission.”

The Minister of Justice nodded. “That’s reasonable. Do you have any other suggestions?”

At this moment, a gentle voice came from outside the hall.

“The Minister of Revenue makes a good point. We should select people who not only draw Ah Ruan’s attention but are also likely to trigger a national fortune mission.”

The officials turned around in surprise and saw the crown prince walking toward them, backlit by the sunlight. Walking ahead of him was none other than the emperor.

“Your Majesty! Long live the emperor! Greetings to the crown prince!” The officials quickly bowed.

The emperor swept his gaze over them and asked, “Have you come up with any ideas?”

This time, none of the officials dared to speak carelessly. Everyone knew how much the emperor valued the Little National Preceptor and feared saying something offensive.

The emperor’s gaze swept over them again, finally landing on the Marquis of Cheng, who was trying his best to hide in the back. “Marquis of Cheng, the three sects and nine schools in Chang’an all respect you, saying you’re the craftiest of them all. Let’s hear your idea.”

The Marquis of Cheng was startled. I’ve already hidden in the back, and you still spotted me?!

He quickly knelt and forced a smile. “Your Majesty, how could this humble servant be worthy of making suggestions?”

The emperor drawled, “Oh? If that’s how you feel, I seem to recall that you have two sons who’ve already come of age. Perhaps it’s about time for them to inherit your title…”

The other officials suppressed their laughter as they glanced at the Marquis of Cheng.

The Marquis of Cheng: …

Your Majesty, you’re still holding a grudge about me encouraging the court to shower the Little National Preceptor with gifts, aren’t you?!

The title of marquis was essentially the Marquis of Cheng’s lifeline. Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself and said, “Your Majesty, this humble servant… will take the lead. I… well, here’s an idea! My… sons could participate in the selection for the princess’s consort! Yes!”

The Marquis of Cheng, who had been stammering, suddenly slapped his thigh and said, “This month, there’s a selection for the Second Princess’s consort. The young talents involved are all from Da Xia’s officials and noble families. If the Little National Preceptor could attend and observe, wouldn’t that be an opportunity to trigger a national fortune mission?”

The officials: !!!

Whoa, this is a twisted idea we never saw coming!

“You’re trying to ruin marriages, aren’t you?!” Several officials with sons participating in the selection couldn’t hold back their anger. They glared at him and said, “What do you mean by this? Don’t think your sons are exempt—they’re both participating too!”

“So what?! My two sons have their reputations, good and bad. I’m impartial!” The Marquis of Cheng looked at them defiantly. “Or are you worried about skeletons in your closet being exposed by the Little National Preceptor? If that’s the case, just withdraw from the selection.”

Those officials were so furious they wanted to die. The princess’s consort could hold official positions and participate in court politics!

Marrying the princess was equivalent to gaining a shield in front of the emperor. Who would willingly give up such a lifeline?

They continued berating the Marquis of Cheng: “The Second Princess is the empress’s legitimate daughter and the crown prince’s younger sister. Selecting her consort is a matter of national importance, not something for you to interfere with!”

The Marquis of Cheng ignored them and instead bowed to the emperor. “Your Majesty! Selecting a consort for the princess is a matter of national importance, and so is finding a national fortune mission for the Little National Preceptor. Combining two significant matters into one—it’s perfect!”

Officials without sons in the selection began to look intrigued. Some even quietly egged him on: “The Marquis of Cheng makes sense! It’s for the greater good!”

Those with sons in the selection were even more furious and spat, “Greater good, my foot! You’re just happy that the scandal didn’t fall on you!”

Both sides argued fiercely until all the officials eventually turned to the emperor and bowed. “Your Majesty, we await your decree!”

The crown prince nearly burst out laughing. What a ridiculous decree this is turning into.

The emperor: …

Now, the pressure was on him.