For several days, during the early morning hours.

Yuan Ruan would be dragged out of her warm blanket by the palace maids.

At first, she managed to stay spirited, but after just a few days, she became increasingly drowsy. Forget about gossiping about court officials; even when the system spoke an extra sentence in her mind, Yuan Ruan wanted to roll around in frustration and throw a tantrum.

The court officials were quite pleased with this turn of events.

To ensure Yuan Ruan could get more sleep and avoid eating melons, the officials deliberately lowered their voices when submitting reports to the emperor.

Seeing that the recent memorials contained nothing new, the emperor allowed the officials to continue as they wished.

However, this change in behavior among the officials appeared odd to the eunuchs and palace guards, who couldn’t hear the inner thoughts.

The eunuchs whispered among themselves: Why are the officials speaking in such soft, delicate voices? Has His Majesty developed a new preference? Or have the officials collectively been… castrated? They’re even more effeminate than us!

One day, when the system happened to read the thoughts of a eunuch aloud, Yuan Ruan nearly laughed herself to tears, leaving the court officials no choice but to return to their original speaking tones with resigned expressions.

Seeing Yuan Ruan’s constant fatigue, the emperor finally decreed that she no longer had to attend morning court every day—she could come and go as she pleased.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Ruan enthusiastically gave the emperor a huge mental kiss: “Big brother, you’re amazing! No more 6 a.m. mornings—it’s a dream come true!”

The officials were equally ecstatic. For the first time, civil and military officials stood united: “Long live His Majesty’s wisdom!”

Yuan Ruan enjoyed a few days of long, leisurely sleep before enthusiastically deciding to attend court again.

The moment she stepped in, she felt the court grow silent for a second.

Slightly puzzled, Yuan Ruan looked around and saw a familiar figure who hadn’t been present for days. He was holding a memorial and speaking.

Yuan Ruan: [Huh? Is that Cheng Weining? Why does he look so… exhausted?]

System: [Oof… It’s him! Those dark circles under his eyes are so heavy! Is this what happens to a married man? It’s like he’s had the life sucked out of him.]

Everyone: !!!

Wait a minute! The three matchmakers and six rites haven’t even begun yet! He’s not married!

Could it be…

The court officials’ expressions immediately brightened with a certain meaningful intensity as they looked at Cheng Weining.

The emperor and the crown prince both coughed lightly, sweeping a warning glance over the officials: Behave yourselves. Don’t you dare entertain inappropriate thoughts about the princess’s or his sister’s future consort.

Cheng Weining nearly choked but managed to steady himself and finish his memorial. Afterward, he cast a resentful glance at the Minister of Works and the Minister of Revenue before addressing the emperor solemnly:

“Your Majesty, this humble servant would like to request leave to prepare for my wedding.”

“I object!” the Minister of Revenue suddenly declared.

Yuan Ruan perked up instantly: [Wow! Why would he object? Is this a case of stealing the bride? Could it be that the Minister of Revenue secretly loves the second princess too?!]

System: [Whoa! Good thing you came to court today—this is so exciting!]

The Minister of Revenue nearly choked at Yuan Ruan’s internal commentary.

After coughing several times, he clasped his hands and said, “Your Majesty, Lord Cheng is extremely busy with official duties. If he takes leave now, the Ministry of Revenue might come to a standstill. Time waits for no one!”

The Minister of Works immediately stepped forward, clasping his hands as well. “Your Majesty, Lord Cheng is extraordinarily talented and should focus on his duties. Besides, the Internal Affairs Office can handle the princess’s wedding arrangements, and there’s no need for Lord Cheng to take leave.”

The court officials quickly caught on.

It seemed that after the consort-selection event in the Imperial Garden, both the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Revenue had approached Cheng Weining. Judging by the dark circles under his eyes, he had probably been reading through their respective dossiers late into the night.

The emperor and crown prince exchanged a glance, their interest piqued. After all, the agricultural tools were truly impressive.

Yuan Ruan: [Talent like his can’t be hidden. With such strong work capabilities and being so heavily relied upon, no wonder he’ll become an agricultural giant in the future.]

System: [I used to worry that without the emotional turmoil of a broken engagement, Cheng Weining wouldn’t have the drive to become a giant. But now I see I was shortsighted—there are even more terrifying motivators ahead!]

Everyone: !!!

System, tell us!

They were anxious too! If his romantic life went smoothly, how could the agricultural master still emerge?

Otherwise, neither the Ministry of Public Works nor the Ministry of Revenue would have pressured Cheng Weining to cram information in advance or opposed his request for leave to get married.

Yuan Ruan: [Huh? What motivator?]

System: [Work, overtime, and KPIs! Since the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Revenue value Cheng Weining so highly, they’ll set numerous goals for him. If he can’t meet the targets, he’ll have to work overtime. And if he’s working overtime, he can’t go home to see the princess. To see her, he’ll have to meet those KPIs. With ‘spending time with the princess’ dangling in front of him, do you think he won’t give it his all?]

Yuan Ruan was in awe: [You’re more exploitative than a capitalist! It’s a good thing you only share this with me, or Cheng Weining might actually kill you!]

Everyone: !!!

Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!

The Minister of Public Works immediately put on a smile and theatrically said to the Minister of Revenue, “Your words are too harsh! A princess’s wedding is a matter of national importance. How can you be so heartless?”

The Minister of Revenue quickly nodded and added, “Your Majesty, I misspoke earlier due to being overwhelmed with work. Marriage is a significant life event, and I should offer my blessings to Lord Cheng. Given his talent and sense of duty, I’m certain he’ll fulfill his responsibilities as expected.”

Then, the Minister of Revenue turned to Cheng Weining with a sly smile, clasping his hands. “Lord Cheng, please feel free to take your leave. When we attend the wedding, we’ll bring both gifts and all the documents you missed during your time off.”

System: [Haha! Bringing gifts and documents? This is like giving kids red envelopes during the New Year and slipping in extra homework!]

Yuan Ruan: [Haha…]

Cheng Weining’s expression twitched slightly: Despicable. Too despicable! Curse you all to be perpetually single! Hmph!

…

After court, the crown prince was about to carry Yuan Ruan away when the chief eunuch approached with a message.

Bowing, the eunuch reported, “Your Majesty, a Daoist priest from the Longhu Temple requests an audience with the Little National Preceptor. It’s regarding the Spring Festival rites…”

Yuan Ruan rubbed her eyes: [Spring rites? I’m up for it!]

System: [You’re not up for it! You’ve been awake for hours and need rest, or your body won’t grow properly.]

The court officials, initially intrigued by the Spring Festival rites, immediately opposed the idea upon hearing it might harm the Little National Preceptor’s health.

At that moment, the chief eunuch added, “Your Majesty, the person outside also claims to be… the Little National Preceptor’s biological father.”

The court officials: ???

The emperor: ???

Yuan Ruan: ???

My dad’s outside? Why don’t I know about this?