The emperor gestured for Wu Yi to calm down.

Moments later, the emperor spoke softly, “I understand your intentions, General. I too am willing to serve as Ah Ruan’s great support.”

“Yes, I… I am also willing…” The crown prince started, but his expression froze midway. He finally forced himself to whisper, “Willing to remove my clothes, lie face down, and take a beating.”

Wu Yi wanted to reassure him that such sacrifices were unnecessary, but the words caught in his throat.

The emperor cleared his throat, pacing back and forth twice.

He then said, “Let’s set aside the rewards for now. Look at this system. Not only can it reveal the past, present, and future of some nearby individuals, but it also incentivizes completing tasks with rewards. It even binds itself to the nation’s fate, encouraging the little divine child to ascend. It seems like a guardian nurturing her growth.”

The crown prince nodded slightly, adding, “Perhaps the heavens were concerned about the hardships she might endure during her tribulation, so they arranged for a divine artifact to accompany and assist her.”

“I’ve read some stories,” Wu Yi said. “They claim immortals descend for tribulations with no memories or abilities, enduring nothing but hardships. Yet, the little divine child retains her memories and has the artifact with her. Her status in the celestial realm must be exceptionally noble. While we will certainly treat her well, I fear the heavens may punish us if they deem our hospitality inadequate.”

The crown prince paused, finding logic in the seemingly bizarre notion.

“What nonsense,” the emperor snapped. “I treat her well because I choose to. If it were someone else I didn’t take a liking to, I’d only provide basic hospitality without further involvement.” His eyes narrowed in displeasure. “Since she has reincarnated and is tied to the fate of Great Xia, she must be a benevolent presence. Stop overthinking. Such hesitation will achieve nothing great.”

Wu Yi quickly bowed, “Your Majesty is absolutely right. I was mistaken earlier.”

“You were indeed! Great Xia has survived through the perseverance of its soldiers, not by relying on temples and deities.” The emperor clapped Wu Yi on the shoulder. “Whether she is the little divine child or the embodiment of our nation’s fortune, she is a bonus, not a lifeline. In the face of future crises, will you simply kneel before Yuan Ruan and beg for protection? Is that the extent of your ambition?”

Shame flashed across Wu Yi’s face as he bowed again. “I understand now. I will never adopt such a dependent mindset again. Moreover, the system has already stated that only a strong and prosperous Great Xia will enable the little divine child to ascend and elevate the nation alongside her. Ultimately, we must rely on ourselves.”

The crown prince appeared thoughtful. It seemed that even without her identity as a symbol of the nation’s fortune, his father truly held Yuan Ruan in high regard.

The emperor nodded in satisfaction and added, “Keep the matter of hearing her inner thoughts to yourselves. Quietly assist the little princess in strengthening Great Xia’s fortune. I fear if the so-called plot kill (mention as plot-driven destruction in earlier chapter) entities discover our ability to see through their schemes, they will increase the difficulty even further.”

Having personally experienced the 24-hour extreme plot kill, Wu Yi nodded emphatically. “I agree, Your Majesty! That plot kill was truly vile.”

The three quickly reached a consensus to keep the matter confidential, and the emperor left first.

Unable to contain himself, the crown prince approached Wu Yi. “General, I have a few questions.”

“Please ask, Your Highness,” Wu Yi replied.

“Why does Father call her his daughter, yet she calls me her nephew? Also, what exactly is plot kill, and why is it so feared?”

Wu Yi explained, “Your Highness, this relates to the little princess’s bloodline and the repeated assassination attempts on His Majesty.”

He recounted the events of hearing Yuan Ruan’s inner thoughts, uncovering spies, the princess’s bloodline, and the strange assassination attempts over twelve hours.

The crown prince’s expression shifted from seriousness to shock, then numbness, before settling into profound gratitude.

“So that’s how it is. Thank goodness Father is blessed with great fortune and has the little divine child’s assistance. General, we owe much to you as well. Your contributions are monumental—you are truly a pillar of our nation.”

Wu Yi bowed modestly. “I have received great favor from His Majesty. These were simply my duties. However, if I may be bold, Your Highness, while you are principled and virtuous, you are also too kind-hearted, making it easy for others to exploit you. In the future, I suggest spending more time with the little princess. It will keep you away from schemers and closer to wise advisors.”

The crown prince bowed back. “I will remember your advice.”

With their agreement reached, they each returned to the small tent where Yuan Ruan was sleeping.

Later, the emperor and crown prince conducted a discreet handover of responsibilities there.

Wu Yi stood guard at the tent’s entrance to prevent any information about the crown prince’s westward patrol from leaking.

When Yuan Ruan woke up, she saw the three “golden thighs” working earnestly in her tent. Their serious and handsome demeanor made her instinctively behave more quietly.

Bored, Yuan Ruan began chatting with the system:

Yuan Ruan: System, you said I’ve become the nation’s fortune, but I don’t feel any different. Why is that?

The emperor, crown prince, and Wu Yi: !!!

Though their faces remained calm, their attention shifted immediately.

System: Be patient. Once they take you out for a walk, I’ll help you find opportunities to enhance the nation’s fortune. Just keep completing tasks.

The trio’s hearts stirred.

So, they needed to encounter these opportunities as triggers.

The crown prince set his pen aside and walked toward Yuan Ruan.

Hearing the movement, Yuan Ruan looked up and couldn’t help but admire:

Yuan Ruan: Wow, so handsome! I’m blushing!

The crown prince wore a blue light armor and tunic, his long legs, broad shoulders, and narrow waist accentuated by his outfit. His elegant fingers rested lightly on his belt. With his hair tied high in a jade crown, he resembled a king stepping into reality.

System: Look at him, Host! His legs aren’t just legs—they’re rippling streams of spring water! His waist isn’t just a waist—it’s a blade that cuts through hearts! If you ascend, he’ll all be yours!

Yuan Ruan: I’m still just a baby! You need to tone it down… Oh no, the crown prince almost tripped! Don’t hurt that handsome face!

The emperor: …

Wu Yi: …

The crown prince flushed. When he raised his head, his gaze met Yuan Ruan’s clear, admiring eyes. They were pure and devoid of any impropriety, yet he still turned away, tugging at his collar to cool himself.

But as soon as he did so, the system exclaimed:

System: Host, look! He’s tugging at his collar! He’s revealing his chest!

Yuan Ruan: Keep it down—you’re going to deafen me!

The trio: …

The crown prince’s hand froze mid-motion. In all his years, he had never felt so utterly at a loss.

The emperor was displeased with the system. How could it corrupt their precious national treasure like this?

He shielded Yuan Ruan’s sparkling eyes with his large hand, deciding to find an excuse to take her out.

At that moment, another thought resonated:

System: Why is your big brother blocking your view? Can’t see anymore? Host, want me to spill a little juicy tidbit about the crown prince? It’s adorable!

Yuan Ruan: Sure!

The emperor and Wu Yi simultaneously turned to look at the crown prince.

The crown prince: …

Suddenly panicked.