Altering the fate of a collapsing dynasty was her mandatory main quest—success would earn her a million points, enough to reconstruct an entire leg!
[Then what do you suggest? Our current points aren’t even enough to teleport to the next mission world.] So switching tasks wasn’t an option.
If Yue Fuguang could wait, they might scrape together enough points eventually. But the problem was, her current circumstances made saving up nearly impossible.
"So, I’ve decided to outsource the task to the most powerful figures in this dynasty.
The Great Yan Dynasty belongs to them. Shouldn’t they be the ones to rebuild and salvage it? Relying on a powerless kid like me—does that make sense?"
[Will they even listen to you? Or will they burn you at the stake as a witch?]
The system was tempted but skeptical about execution.
"That’s where you come in, my dear system. The items in your shop are revolutionary in this backward era. With the right approach, we’ll pull it off."
The more Yue Fuguang elaborated on her initially half-baked idea, the more feasible it seemed.
[How do you plan to hand those things over? Are you really willing to spend your hard-earned points on them?]
After three years of scrimping, the duo had saved only 326 points. Aside from a single Body-Enhancing Pill and occasional treats, Yue Fuguang hadn’t spent a single point—her current balance stood at 284.
Sometimes, the system wondered how this penny-pinching girl was the same person who’d once been a wealthy heiress in her past life.
"Things freely given are never treasured. If they want my items without lifting a finger, do they think I’m some kind of gullible fool?"
Even if her system was a "virtue" system, she wasn’t about to become a saint with no boundaries. Since when did doing good mean mindless self-sacrifice?
[You’re the adopted daughter of a fourth-rank official. Those above your father’s rank will take what they want from you—if they don’t outright rob you, it’ll only be out of respect for the Yu family. And you expect them to beg?]
Had its host lost her mind?
"That’s why we need an extraordinary identity!"
As the saying goes, when you’re out in the world, you forge your own status.
[Are you looking for a powerful patron, or planning to adopt yourself a high-ranking father?]
A sly glint flashed in Yue Fuguang’s eyes. "System, you’re my greatest asset. Who in this world could possibly outshine you?"
The little white orb in the system space blushed faintly pink at her words.
[I-I’m not that amazing…] it stammered, flustered.
Still a newborn system, its database was vast, but its innocence made it easy to manipulate—or as humans called it, "easy to fool."
Yue Fuguang revealed her true intent, coaxing gently, "So, the identity I’ve crafted for us is celestial beings undergoing mortal trials. I’ll be a young immortal, and you’ll be my sacred artifact."
[Will they believe you?]
The system had no objections to the new roles, but humans—especially those at the pinnacle of power—were inherently suspicious.
With eight hundred schemes per person, how could the two of them possibly outmaneuver them?
"Truth is most convincing when discovered, not declared. Why tell them outright when we can let them uncover it themselves?"
And they’d think Yue Fuguang was oblivious to her "exposed" identity, prompting them to help her hide it…
The thought of everyone earnestly playing along with her act made her burst into laughter!
[You plan to perform miracles in front of them? Our points might not cover the special effects…]
The system’s shop offered dazzling displays, but none were cheap.
The little system sighed—earning points was hard, but spending them was far too easy.
"No, no. We’ll use something free and effective."
Yue Fuguang prepared to unveil her masterstroke. "System, you can let others hear our conversations, right?"
[Yes, but no more than a hundred people at once. Beyond that drains too much energy.]
"My plan is to ‘accidentally’ leak our thoughts to select individuals. If they overhear unspoken truths, don’t you think they’d believe?"
[They might, but not entirely.]
"Which is why we need perfect coordination to fully deceive them. Here’s the plan…"
After listening to Yue Fuguang’s refined scheme and rehearsed script, the system grew confident.
[Don’t worry, Host—I mean, Master. I won’t mess this up.]
"From now on, you’ll call me ‘Master.’ You’re my artifact—I’ll refer to you as ‘Spirit Pearl’ or ‘Little Pearl.’
Your backstory is that your true form is a Seven-Colored Boundary-Breaking Pearl. Practice transforming into a radiant, ethereal orb."
[Understood, Master.] The system adapted swiftly.
While the duo schemed, unbeknownst to them, the Third Household’s couple was arguing over her.
Sun Shuya’s shrill voice pierced the air. "Husband, what did you say? Your parents want to make that girl a legitimate daughter? What about my Sister Rou?"
Yu Qinchun replied, "I’ve already spoken to Father and Mother about Rou. Given that we’ve raised her for eight years, they understand your attachment. They’ve agreed to present them as twins."
"But everyone knows she’s our adopted daughter. Wouldn’t this sudden change seem strange?"
Sun Shuya twisted her handkerchief, recalling Sister Rou’s tearful pleas. She couldn’t bear the thought of elevating the adopted girl.
Tentatively, she suggested, "Perhaps you could reason with them again? Even as an adopted daughter, we’d treat her well. Why complicate things?"
"Foolish woman! Do you think I don’t know where those rumors outside came from? Control your children better!" Yu Qinchun snapped.
He was growing increasingly exasperated with his wife’s idiocy. His mother had been right—Sun Shuya’s beauty had cost her all her wit.
Regret gnawed at him. In his youth, he’d been blinded by her looks, overlooking her… ‘simple’ nature.
Her incompetence had allowed their child to be swapped, birthing this mess.
And that family—instead of punishing them, this foolish woman had let them live in comfort because Sister Rou shed a few tears!
A cold glint flashed in Yu Qinchun’s eyes. For the first time, he viewed his once-beloved daughter differently.
"That girl may not have grown up with us, but she’s still flesh of your flesh. Even if she can’t compare to Rou, you should at least show some care."
He glanced at the maids and servants crowding the courtyard. "Dispose of those insolent servants. Don’t let Rou’s crying weaken your resolve."
His gaze hardened. "You play the villain while she reaps the praise. Have you ever wondered what kind of ‘filial’ child would scheme like this?"
