【Ahhhh!】
The system had transformed into a screaming chicken, and Yu Miaohua, finding it too grating, muted it before returning in high spirits. After throwing others' emotions into chaos, she slept quite soundly.
Upon waking, Yu Miaohua remembered she had silenced the system. Since her promotion, the frequency and duration of her muting the system had increased. Yet, the system was too preoccupied to even be angry with her.
A series of task-completion sound effects chimed.
【Congratulations, Host! You’ve unlocked the "First Intimate Contact (Kiss)" CG. Reward: Three uses of the Auspicious Blessing skill.】
【Congratulations, Host! You’ve completed the hidden side quest "The Heart-Playing Enchantress." Reward: Three uses of the Disaster Mitigation skill.】
【Congratulations, Host! You’ve completed the hidden quest "Making a Crown Prince Scheme for Recognition." Reward: Six months of the Bountiful Harvest buff (applicable in Great Qi and the grasslands).】
【Sniffle, sniffle... As expected of the Crown Prince I support! So outstanding, so much energy. Love him! I’ll always adore the Crown Prince.jpg】
Deeply moved, the system morphed into a sobbing mess inside Yu Miaohua’s mind.
Yu Miaohua: "..."
If she recalled correctly, the system supported every romanceable character, shipping them indiscriminately. In truth, it adored anyone who could provide it with energy.
【Host, when are we going to arrange for the birth of Emperor Qi?】
This child didn’t require her to physically bear it. According to the system’s manual, Yu Miaohua only needed to select the father, press a button, and the system would extract her and the man’s genes—painless childbirth, a dream for many.
Future videos had already spoiled Emperor Qi’s existence, meaning no one would question the child’s lineage.
Yu Miaohua had initially intended to proceed, but then it struck her—doing so now felt like a missed opportunity. Knowing the system, a related quest would eventually trigger, allowing her to reap extra rewards.
Yu Miaohua and Pei Chiyan’s relationship had undergone a subtle shift. Their interactions now carried a hint of intimacy, a step beyond their previous friendship.
Others weren’t fools—they noticed Pei Chiyan had surged ahead, leaving them far behind.
For divine consorts like Li Zongming, favor was inconsequential. To them, the Crown Prince’s ascension was cause for celebration, and they’d wholeheartedly support it—they were secret Crown Prince faction members.
Shen Sushang remained neutral; whoever Yu Miaohua chose was fine, as long as she was happy.
But Pei Yuheng and Ceren weren’t ready to give up.
Ceren was the first to approach. He sighed. "Do I really have no chance? I’d be content with any position—I don’t mind being the lesser one."
A strikingly handsome man gazed at her with melancholic eyes, declaring he sought no commitment. Who could resist that?
【Wahhh, he looks so pitiful. Host, I’ll record more videos for you to reminisce over later.】
【?? Are you serious? I thought you’d urge me to say yes.】
【Blame him for appearing too late—he’s not a romanceable target.】
Yu Miaohua understood. For all its chatter, the system was ruthlessly pragmatic. Whoever provided more energy points was its darling—and right now, that was Pei Chiyan.
"You’re wonderful," Yu Miaohua said, "but you don’t give me enough sense of security."
Ceren looked bewildered. Security? What security did a divine maiden need?
"I never planned to choose anyone initially," she continued. "Now that I know my future choice in advance, I find it reassuring."
Her past self had drifted with the tide. Yu Miaohua hadn’t known how long the system would stay or how long she could maintain her divine maiden act, so she’d let the court select divine consorts.
The celestial revelations had illuminated a clear path. Some might resent such spoilers, preferring the thrill of the unknown. But Yu Miaohua wasn’t like that—a predetermined future brought her comfort.
Ceren’s expression turned somber.
"I believe the gods still wish to bless the grasslands," Yu Miaohua added.
Ceren had come for his homeland’s sake. Given the system’s stance, the grasslands would likely merge with Great Qi, hence sharing the bountiful harvest buff.
Hearing this, Ceren paused, then smiled faintly. "I admire you, Divine Maiden. You’re a very kind person."
Yu Miaohua remained unfazed. Anyone who ensured her homeland’s prosperity would earn her devotion—Ceren’s affection was natural.
Unlike Ceren, Pei Yuheng took a direct approach.
"Is it because he’s the Crown Prince?" he asked, voice laced with resentment. Had he lost because of status?
Yu Miaohua considered this. "Partly. But it’s also because of who he is."
"I like him more."
Pei Yuheng’s hope flickered at her first words, only to die with the second.
"If it were solely about his status, I’d have maintained the status quo."
She wouldn’t have taken that step forward.
Unlike others, Pei Chiyan never showed aggression, minimizing pressure on her—a dynamic Yu Miaohua found comforting.
Yet his considerate nature meant he’d respect her boundaries, leaving things as they were.
That was why Yu Miaohua had chosen to act first.
Besides, if their feelings faded and she wanted to part ways, Pei Chiyan wouldn’t resort to obsessive coercion—they’d separate amicably.
The thought sparked a twinge of guilt. Was it callous to plan for a breakup while still together?
"You prefer his face and personality…" Pei Yuheng murmured.
He could change his personality, but not his face.
Taking a deep breath, he pressed, "Even if his feelings might be insincere?"
What if Pei Chiyan was merely ensnaring the divine maiden for her benefits, weaving a web of feigned affection?
Yu Miaohua shrugged. "Given my status, how many approach me without ulterior motives? Even if it’s an act, maintaining it for a lifetime makes it real."
"Like you—perhaps part of your pursuit was genuine affection, but another part was to win me over." She smiled faintly. "I don’t care about such things."
Host, affection rooted in interests can only reach 99—never 100.
The system couldn’t resist interjecting.
【Is that so?】
Yu Miaohua had already prepared herself for the possibility that the other party might have ulterior motives. But now, out of the blue, she was being told that Pei Chiyan’s feelings for her were genuine—she suddenly felt a little awkward.
Fortunately, Pei Chiyan hadn’t heard any of this.
Pei Yuheng observed the calm expression on the young woman’s face—she was far more clear-headed and rational than he had imagined.
His initial attraction to her had been sparked by the sheer determination with which she had sacrificed herself, a resolve that had shaken him to his core.
Yet even he couldn’t claim with absolute certainty that his love for her was purely for her sake, untouched by other influences.
The Divine Maiden knew all this, yet she still chose to be forgiving.
He had wanted to let go, but seeing her like this only made him cling tighter.
But in the end, he had no choice but to release his grip.
She simply wouldn’t give him the chance.
Pei Yuheng sighed, his gaze fixed on Yu Miaohua. "If you ever change your mind… I’ll still be here."
He wanted Pei Chiyan to know that a momentary victory didn’t guarantee a lifetime of triumph. The future wasn’t set in stone.
Pei Chiyan had better make sure the Divine Maiden loved him for the rest of her life—otherwise, he might just step in at any moment.
[Congratulations, Host, for unlocking the hidden CG I Will Always Be Watching Over You. Reward: Three Wisdom Pills.]
[As expected of the Host, handling it with ease!]
Yu Miaohua: "…"
She really hadn’t intended for Pei Yuheng to become a backup option.
[Host, a quick reminder—Pei Chiyan is nearby, and he heard everything.]
[…You should’ve told me sooner!]
Yu Miaohua quickly reviewed her conversation with Pei Yuheng and found nothing that couldn’t be overheard. Relieved, she relaxed.
[System, which direction is Pei Chiyan in?]
Just as she started walking in the direction the system indicated, Pei Chiyan appeared before her, his face breaking into a smile as warm as spring sunlight.
He was already strikingly handsome, but with that smile, he practically glowed.
A little too radiant, really.
"You seem happy?" Yu Miaohua was puzzled. She had expected him to be a little upset, given that her reasons for choosing him weren’t entirely pure.
"Yes, I’m happy you chose me."
As for Yu Miaohua’s doubts about the sincerity of his feelings, Pei Chiyan didn’t mind. Perhaps he hadn’t done enough to prove himself, which was why she felt that way.
But he had plenty of time to show her otherwise.
…
Qianyuan Palace.
Pei Lingyue looked at Yu Miaohua with an expression of deep distress. "You really want to disband the harem?"
Yu Miaohua nodded. "Yes, I’m a very monogamous person."
Once she had settled on a romantic partner, of course she would be devoted.
Pei Lingyue couldn’t muster any joy at all. "Chiyan wouldn’t mind sharing."
Ah, if he couldn’t select Divine Consorts anymore, he’d lose one of his best channels for recruiting talent. Especially since the selection process involved scrutinizing three generations of a candidate’s family—it was an incredibly useful tool.
Seeing the emperor’s poorly concealed sorrow, Yu Miaohua was at a loss for words.
[System, is the Crown Prince really the Emperor’s biological son? Why doesn’t he want what’s best for him?]
[According to bloodline records, yes, they are definitely related.]
Pei Lingyue’s eyelid twitched as he read their exchange. He hurriedly corrected himself, "I was just so overjoyed that I misspoke."
For a moment, the interests of Great Qi had outweighed his paternal affection for the Crown Prince… Well, what could he say? He was just that selfless of a ruler.
Now, however, his fatherly love surged back in full force.
He looked at Yu Miaohua with gentle warmth. "I entrust my son to you."
Ah…
Yu Miaohua scratched her cheek awkwardly. The emperor’s sudden sincerity made her feel a little embarrassed.
Besides, wasn’t this supposed to be the other way around?
"I will," she said solemnly.
After securing the emperor’s approval, Yu Miaohua proceeded to dismiss the other Divine Consorts.
And so, everyone knew—the Crown Prince had officially won.
The public buzzed with speculation.
"Will the Divine Maiden ever select more Divine Consorts in the future? Not that I’m eyeing the heavenly dowry or anything, but it’s for her sake. A Divine Maiden should have multiple partners."
"Probably not. For the Crown Prince’s dignity, she can’t just bring more men into the household."
"I think it depends on how the Crown Prince behaves. Once his position is secure, shouldn’t Qi Shizong be arriving soon?"
"Yeah, yeah, when’s he coming?"
The people quickly shifted their focus to Qi Shizong. Thanks to the earlier projections, they were brimming with anticipation for this legendary figure.
[An enlightened heir can ensure a dynasty’s stability for at least a century. Host has triggered Main Quest 8.1: Bear (or let the system bear) a universally celebrated heir for the dynasty. Reward: Sweet potatoes.]
[As the child of the Divine Maiden, how could his birth not be accompanied by divine signs? Host has triggered Main Quest 8.2: Arrange a breathtakingly auspicious entrance for Qi Shizong. Reward: Rubber.]
Yes!
Sweet potatoes! Even more coveted than corn or regular potatoes.
And rubber—finally, plastic could be developed.
She had known the system would eventually assign quests related to Qi Shizong. Her patience had paid off.
As the Divine Maiden, Yu Miaohua immediately put her Dream Transmission skill to use—she hadn’t had a chance to employ it before.
After some thought, she selected the recipients: Pei Lingyue, Pei Chiyan, and Yang Zhaopei.
When they awoke, all three knew—Qi Shizong was on his way.
Then, she’d arrange for a grand celestial sign—the child would emerge from a lotus blossom. After all, as one of history’s greatest emperors, he deserved nothing less.
With the Bountiful Harvest buff still active, she could also attribute heavenly blessings to his birth.
The only regret was that the quest had triggered so late. Even after ten months of pregnancy, the imperial exams would already be over by the time the child was born. If only he could have been born right after the first women’s imperial exams, his arrival could have further safeguarded the initiative.
Oh well. The earlier projections had already laid the groundwork, and opposition to women’s participation had largely faded.
When Pei Lingyue received the news, he was overjoyed.
His illustrious grandson was finally coming?
In his excitement, he declared a general amnesty, allowing the entire realm to share in the celebration.
The whole world rejoiced.
…
Ten months later.
Yang Zhaopei wore a delighted smile, though she tried—and failed—to appear modest. The pride in her eyes was unmistakable.
"Who would have thought the child would be born on my birthday? This is the greatest gift I’ve ever received."
Since the baby’s birth month coincided with the empress’s birthday, Yu Miaohua had arranged for them to share the same day—a surefire way to immortalize the empress in history.
To mark the occasion, the empress broke tradition by holding her birthday banquet at Yunji Temple.
Deeply moved, the empress thought: Miaohua truly cares for me. She never forgets about me.
Pei Lingyue gritted his teeth in secret: As always, Yu Miaohua favors the empress.
Given the temple setting, the banquet featured only vegetarian dishes. Under normal circumstances, the officials would have savored Yunji Temple’s renowned vegetarian cuisine.
But today, no one had the appetite. Their eyes kept drifting toward the thousand-petal lotus.
Although the people of the grasslands no longer had a candidate for the Divine Consort, they remained in good spirits—after all, the thousand-petaled lotus had been nurtured by their own hands. Emperor Qi Shizong was born from this lotus, a natural bond with the grasslands, which assured them that the future emperor would surely favor their people.
[System, are we ready yet? How much longer?]
[Host, almost there. The auspicious hour is less than a quarter away.]
The system was equally excited. After completing these two missions, it had a strong premonition that it would level up again.
The other restless ministers barely contained their anticipation.
As the auspicious moment approached, an indescribably enchanting floral fragrance suddenly filled the air.
The thousand-petaled lotus in the pond emitted a dazzling red light, and wherever the light touched, flowers bloomed in abundance.
The next moment, a faint cracking sound was heard. Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed unblinkingly on the lotus.
[Congratulations, Host, for completing Main Mission 8.1: Bear (or have the system bear) a long-awaited heir for the dynasty. Mission rewards have been distributed.]
[Host has completed Main Mission 8.2: Arrange a breathtakingly auspicious entrance for Emperor Qi Shizong. Mission rewards have been distributed.]
[Wahhh, I’ve gathered enough energy to level up—Level 7! Here I come! Host, wait for me!]
The system cheerfully vanished, leaving Yu Miaohua utterly bewildered.
Wait, the lotus hadn’t fully opened yet.
Couldn’t the system at least tell her how long this would take?
By the time the system returned half an hour later, the lotus still hadn’t fully bloomed, and the onlookers had already eaten their fill.
[Congratulations, Host! We’ve successfully ascended to Level 7. At this level, we’re terrifyingly powerful—no secrets in the imperial capital can hide from you.]
[If we keep leveling up, you’ll even have the option to unbind from me in the future.]
What the system didn’t tell Yu Miaohua was that it had secretly used energy points to exchange for a gift—a modern identity credential from the future.
This way, if life ever became unbearable, she would have a way out, a means to leave everything behind.
Yu Miaohua paused. Unbind from the system?
[I’ve grown used to your voice. Even if I don’t leave, it’s fine.]
She replied. This system was a bit silly and easy to fool. If they parted ways and it ended up with another host, it might be devoured alive.
Her attention returned to the thousand-petaled lotus—why wasn’t it fully open yet?
She didn’t notice that many eyes had already shifted from the lotus to her, staring in stunned silence.
Like Yu Miaohua’s master, her mother Wang Yaning, Consort Li, Consort Sun…
Their eyes nearly popped out of their sockets—why were there words floating above Miaohua’s head?
...
As the fragrance reached its peak, Yu Miaohua heard two distinct infant cries.
Wait… two?
The lotus finally unfurled completely, revealing two infants nestled within.
Yu Miaohua was dumbfounded: Two? So… which one was Emperor Qi Shizong?
