“Grand National Preceptor,” the fourth prince of Chu, wearing a half-mask, also stepped out of the Guest House.

With a solemn expression, he said, “The Longhu Temple is truly despicable. They created this mess themselves, yet they insist that the Grand National Preceptor clean it up. Why don’t you return with me, Grand National Preceptor? After all, no one in Xia has ever seen your face.”

“It’s fine,” the Grand National Preceptor of Chu waved his hand dismissively. “This young National Preceptor is highly anticipated by the people and even managed to persuade Fellow Daoist Li to join his side. I find myself growing more and more intrigued by her.”

The fourth prince persisted, “But the Emperor of Da Xia is ruthless. When he ascended the throne, he slaughtered so many nobles that nearly half of the capital’s aristocratic families were wiped out. Grand National Preceptor, why don’t you still return with me…”

“Your Highness,” the Grand National Preceptor of Chu said in a deep, authoritative tone, “A ruler must possess the wrath of thunder. Moreover, in the struggle for the throne, striking first to intimidate a hundred is an act of mercy.”

The fourth prince was momentarily stunned by the word “mercy” and pursed his lips, unsure how to respond.

Seeing this, the Grand National Preceptor of Chu softened his tone and said gently, “A ruler should also trust loyal ministers. Your Highness’s plans have repeatedly encountered obstacles in Xia. It is my duty to go and see for myself.”

The fourth prince was taken aback. He bowed deeply and said, “Master, I humbly accept your teachings.”

The Grand National Preceptor of Chu nodded slightly and said, “Your Highness, you may go now.”

The fourth prince did not leave. Instead, he sat down on a large stone beside the Guest House, waiting for the envoy from Da Xia to arrive.

Members of the Da Xia Hui Pavilion (Guest House) and the Imperial Guards soon arrived on horseback.

As they dismounted and inspected the travel documents, the fourth prince of Chu asked the Grand National Preceptor once more if he wished to leave first. Upon receiving another refusal, the fourth prince fell silent for a moment.

Then he said, “Grand National Preceptor, it has been rumored that the National Preceptor of Da Xia is skilled in nocturnal astrology and the Eight Trigrams. Master, why not take this opportunity to inquire about the whereabouts of your granddaughter?”

The Grand National Preceptor of Chu paused for a moment and replied softly, “We’ll see.”

Seeing his master’s reaction, the fourth prince knew he would not act. He waited until the Imperial Guards were alone and personally approached them to ask if they could arrange an opportunity for his master to ask the young National Preceptor a few questions.

The Imperial Guards hesitated repeatedly, only saying that they could relay the fourth prince’s request to the Emperor. As for whether it would be granted, they would have to wait for the Emperor to consult the young National Preceptor before deciding.

The fourth prince was inwardly amazed. The tyrant who had nearly wiped out the Daoist community in Xia upon his ascension was now showing such respect to a young Daoist. Was this young Daoist truly remarkable, or was it all a facade?

However, he showed no outward expression and only offered a generous amount of silver as a token of gratitude.

…

In a side hall outside the Kunning Palace in Da Xia.

Yuan Ruan was lying in the arms of the Seventh Princess, Qi Yue, eating fruit.

She had just turned over, preparing to sleep a little longer, when she suddenly heard the Second Princess outside seemingly losing her temper with Cheng Weining.

Yuan Ruan immediately perked up, her eyes gleaming as she stared out the window.

The Seventh Princess, Qi Yue, understanding her thoughts, carried Yuan Ruan to the window and sat down, feeding her another piece of fruit.

Yuan Ruan: [Haha, gossiping is truly human nature. Why is the Second Princess arguing with Cheng Weining?]

System: [Let me see. It says here that the Second Princess really wanted the Empress Dowager to attend her wedding banquet, but the Empress Dowager refused. She wanted Cheng Weining to send more letters to the Empress Dowager as soon as possible, hoping to get her to come before the Spring Sacrifice. Cheng Weining failed to do so and tried to reason with her, which made the Second Princess explode…]

The Seventh Princess, Qi Yue, was stunned: Didn’t the Second Princess want to invite the Empress Dowager to stimulate the national fortune mission and earn points? But that task has already been completed. Huh, does the Second Princess not know yet?

Yuan Ruan nodded solemnly: [I see. Cheng Weining’s mistake was trying to reason with her at this moment.]

System: [Yeah, I heard that the National Preceptors from the other three kingdoms have arrived in the capital one after another. Now that the Second Princess is pushing Cheng Weining to invite the Empress Dowager, it’s indeed too rushed.]

At this moment, the Second Princess’s voice rose again.

The System added: [But what’s wrong with Cheng Weining? Where’s his love-struck brain? Did he stop cherishing her after getting her too easily? Yuan Ruan, aren’t you going to use a new divine ability in a few days? If Cheng Weining gets too arrogant, give him a few lessons to remind him that even destined lovers need to be cherished.]

Yuan Ruan: [Haha, alright, alright.]

Outside, the argument ceased again. It was unclear what Cheng Weining said, but the Second Princess burst into laughter.

After that, there was no more noise.

The Seventh Princess, Qi Yue, appreciated anyone who sincerely considered Yuan Ruan’s well-being, so she forcefully defended the Second Princess.

She muttered to herself, “It seems the consort has agreed to take the Second Sister out for a few days. Older people are so complicated. If you want something, just say it. Why use other reasons to argue?”

At this, the Seventh Princess, Qi Yue, lifted Yuan Ruan and nuzzled her: “We’re better. Ninth Sister, always tell me directly what you want in the future. We’re the best.”

System: [So that’s how it is. Seems my advice isn’t needed. It’s just the couple’s way of flirting.]

Yuan Ruan: [So that’s how it is. Mhm, the best.]

The Seventh Princess, Qi Yue, smiled sweetly.

At this moment, the Empress, who had been listening outside for a while, finally stepped in. She gave Qi Yue an appreciative glance and said to Yuan Ruan, “Ninth Child, you’ll have to work hard later.”

Yuan Ruan pouted: [Heavens, don’t tell me I have to study in the afternoon too!]

The Empress nearly laughed out loud. She picked up Yuan Ruan and said to the maid behind her, “Help the little National Preceptor change her clothes. The National Preceptors from the three kingdoms have arrived in Da Xia, and we need to meet them first.” At this, a trace of worry flashed in the Empress’s eyes: “Then, at the auspicious time, we’ll sit and discuss the Dao.”

Yuan Ruan’s eyes lit up, and she rubbed her hands together: [Finally, it’s here.]

The System was also excited: [We’ve been waiting for so long!]

The Empress was momentarily stunned, then smiled: Such a good mindset. Even I feel calmer now.

…

The Empress carried Yuan Ruan into a soft sedan chair.

Listening to the internal dialogue, the System and Yuan Ruan speculated about the personalities of the Daoist masters, whether they would be difficult to deal with, and what measures to take.

The Empress smiled faintly and said to the chief eunuch accompanying her, “Do you know anything about the National Preceptors of Chen, Shu, and Chu? What are their personalities and preferences?”

The chief eunuch was startled and quickly clasped his hands, “Replying to Her Majesty the Empress, this old servant only saw the three National Preceptors once during the Spring Sacrifice a few years ago. I’m not familiar with their preferences.”

Seeing Yuan Ruan’s ears perk up, the Empress said, “Then tell us about their characteristics from what you remember.”

The chief eunuch quickly recalled whether he had made any mistakes recently, concluding that the Empress’s sudden inquiry was not meant to reprimand him.

He then clasped his hands and said, “This servant remembers that the National Preceptors of Chen and Chu seem to have studied under the same master, with the National Preceptor of Chen being the eldest. The National Preceptor of Chu, this servant remembers most clearly his bald head and lack of eyebrows—it left a deep impression. As for the National Preceptor of Shu, he is the youngest, dresses simply, and is not fond of speaking…”

Seeing Yuan Ruan’s interest, the Empress urged the chief eunuch to continue.

By the time they arrived at a side hall near the Jinluan palace, the chief eunuch’s mouth was dry, and he finally stopped speaking.

Before entering the side hall, Yuan Ruan happened to glance through the open window. What she saw made her expression gradually turn strange.

Did we enter the wrong set?