Yuan Ruan: [Hiss. How could it possibly get even more ridiculous?]

System: [It’s a long story. After Cheng Weining rescued the princess, his reputation grew immensely. The emperor asked him what kind of reward he wanted, and he said he wanted to marry the princess. That made both the emperor and empress hesitate, but the second princess refused outright.]

Yuan Ruan: [Why?]

System: [Well… some unfortunate things happened, and the second princess felt she wasn’t worthy of Cheng Weining. She became deeply conflicted and declared she wouldn’t marry anyone. Cheng Weining remained devoted, worked hard to study and improve agricultural tools, and never gave up. Then… haha, the funny part comes in. The second princess ended up becoming the most sought-after princess in the entire Da Xia kingdom.]

Yuan Ruan: [Huh? How did that happen?]

System: [Haha! People thought Cheng Weining’s unwavering devotion to the princess meant that marrying her would come with an added bonus—a powerful ally in him. Not only were there countless suitors within Da Xia seeking her hand, but even merchants and so-called elites from neighboring Chen and Chu kingdoms disguised themselves to propose.]

Yuan Ruan: [Haha! Are they treating Cheng Weining like part of her dowry or something?!]

Everyone: !!!

Hiss—

Don’t say it, but… it does kind of feel like that, doesn’t it?

The officials turned their teasing gazes toward Cheng Weining, their expressions brimming with amusement.

Cheng Weining’s face turned scarlet, and he muttered under his breath, “Ridiculous.”

At this moment, Yuan Ruan suddenly spoke up:

[Strange. Has the matchmaking banquet paused? Everyone seems to have gone quiet for a while.]

System: [Oh, you’re right. Why is that person over there still munching on sunflower seeds?]

The officials shot disapproving looks at the young man sneaking some sunflower seeds from his pocket.

The emperor turned toward the crown prince.

The crown prince took a deep breath, knowing it was his cue to think on his feet once again.

He quickly brought forward two slightly bewildered physicians from the imperial medical office and bowed. “Father, the physicians have already examined the health of the young men. The severely injured have been taken away, and the lightly wounded have been treated.”

The emperor nodded approvingly at the crown prince’s initiative and addressed the suitors below: “Indeed, you are all fine young men of Da Xia. Let us continue with the previously planned program. Proceed with your performances.”

The young men obediently lined up to present their skills.

Those aware of the drama were reluctant to leave, unwilling to miss any juicy tidbits.

But no one dared disobey the emperor’s orders. Soon, the music resumed, and the suitors began demonstrating their talents in music, chess, calligraphy, poetry, and dance.

Just then, Yuan Ruan’s inner thoughts echoed:

[Ah, no wonder things had paused earlier. My elder brother had sent the physicians to check on the injuries. As expected, he’s always so considerate and reliable.]

System: [Indeed. Your brother is so thoughtful and gentle.]

The officials nearly choked at the word “gentle.”

Noticing the emperor’s approving smile above, they felt their faces twitch. Some even considered saying, “Your Majesty, do you still remember how many executions you’ve overseen at the East Gate?”

System: [Anyway, let me continue the story…]

Yuan Ruan: [Wait, hold on… Who is that young lord performing the sword dance? His movements are a perfect balance of grace and strength, as ethereal as a celestial being. So mesmerizing! System, don’t interrupt me. I need to focus on this important matter!]

System: […Okay.]

Everyone: !!!

No, this is NOT an important matter! If you enjoy sword dances so much, we can arrange one for you every day, each one unique—just don’t stop the gossip halfway!

But Yuan Ruan was utterly captivated by the sword dance and paid no attention to their silent pleas.

No one dared to interrupt her, leaving them all to reluctantly watch the sword dance. They looked at the performer with expressions of both admiration and resentment, as if glaring at a bewitching consort distracting the ruler from court affairs.

When the dance finally ended, Yuan Ruan was still savoring the moment. The system couldn’t help but speak up: [Ah Ruan, are you no longer interested in gossip—or me?]

Everyone: !!!

No, don’t lose interest! We beg you to stay interested!

Yuan Ruan burst out laughing and quickly reassured: [Of course not! I was just admiring it for a moment. Look, everyone else was just as entranced as I was—it proves I have good taste. Ahem…]

Realizing she sounded like a flirt, she immediately changed the subject: [Alright, system, you can continue now.]

System: [Alright, I trust you. So, here’s what happened next. The empress noticed the princess was still feeling down, so she invited her cousin to keep her company, hoping to pair them up. But it turned out this cousin, who worked in the ministry of agriculture, made a huge mistake. Then rumors spread that the princess was cursed to bring misfortune to her husband. Cheng Weining was furious when he heard and quickly threw himself into researching agricultural tools. He eventually developed the advanced curved plow and presented it as a gift, claiming the princess’s blessed fortune inspired his success.]

Yuan Ruan: [Wow! He came up with the most advanced plow design just from reading agricultural books? This man… his talent is off the charts!]

Everyone: !!!

Hiss! The most advanced plow design? If even the national preceptor praises it, it must be extraordinary!

The officials exchanged excited glances and turned their attention back to Cheng Weining.

System: [Exactly! The curved plow was groundbreaking. With his major contribution, the princess’s reputation was restored, and her cousin avoided prison.]

Yuan Ruan: [What a magnanimous man! To protect the princess’s reputation, he even helped out his rival? I’m shocked!]

The onlookers were equally stunned.

One suitor playing Phoenix Seeking the Phoenix on the guqin was so shocked he nearly snapped a string.

Everyone stared at Cheng Weining in disbelief.

They had seen devotion before, but this level of self-sacrificing loyalty—helping out his love rival—was unprecedented.

Even Cheng Weining’s closest friends looked at him with a mix of amusement and disbelief.

Up on the high platform, the empress leaned back lazily in her chair and softly asked her daughter, “What do you think of him?”

The second princess pursed her lips, her face slightly flushed, and said hesitantly, “Mother, my feelings are very complicated. I… I’m curious about him.”

The empress smirked knowingly. Curiosity often marked the beginning of interest.

She cast another meaningful glance at Cheng Weining.

Meanwhile, an official from the Ministry of Revenue squeezed into Cheng Weining’s circle, grabbing his hand and shaking it fervently. He spoke in hushed tones to avoid attracting Yuan Ruan’s attention.

Other officials, annoyed at being elbowed out, tried to reclaim their spots, muttering, “No cutting in line! Wait your turn.”

The official smirked and pushed his way further in, sneering, “Forget fairness. Winner takes all.”

Just then, another official whispered, “You’re all looking at this the wrong way. Let me be shameless and say this: whoever marries the second princess could effectively use her to command Cheng Weining’s loyalty. Honestly, I’d love to be the second princess’s husband—not for her, but for someone like Cheng Weining backing me up.”

Hearing this, several officials showed contemplative expressions. In court, who wouldn’t want someone steadfastly covering for them?

Cheng Weining turned pale.

Just then, Yuan Ruan’s inner voice echoed again:

[No wonder the national fortune wanted to give him a chance. It must’ve wanted to avoid unnecessary drama and settle things neatly. But what about his father and elder brother, who will eventually take power? Marriage isn’t just between two people—I need to think this through carefully.]

System: [Should I just zap his father and brother? Or maybe break their legs?]

Everyone: !!!

What kind of system is this? Why is it so aggressive and domineering?

The crown prince quietly whispered to the emperor, “Father, isn’t the system a bit too extreme? Perhaps we should subtly intervene to help.”

The emperor frowned slightly. “Extreme? It hasn’t confiscated estates yet, has it?”

Crown Prince: …

The emperor spoke coldly, “If they can’t overcome even this challenge, what right do they have to marry my daughter?”

Many officials cast subtle, amused glances at the Marquis of Chengguo, their eyes filled with schadenfreude: “Let’s see how you handle this.”

The Marquis of Chengguo, drenched in cold sweat and with his palms clammy, finally made a decision.