Pei Chiyao dug his nails into his palms, using the pain to keep himself alert.
He couldn’t admit it—once he did, his image in his father’s eyes would plummet, and any chance of ascending to the throne would vanish.
He wore an expression of grievance, restraint, and simmering anger. "Father, your son has no feud with Consort Hui. On the contrary, I deeply admire her noble virtues. How could I commit such an unforgivable act?"
"Your son doesn’t know who has taken offense, but someone clearly seeks to slander me today. They must aim to sow discord between Consort Hui and my own mother. I beg Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly and clear my name."
Tears welled in his eyes, his face the picture of helpless indignation, all while subtly casting suspicion elsewhere. In Pei Chiyao’s mind, the Crown Prince was undoubtedly behind this.
The Crown Prince always pretended to care for his brothers, but in truth, he must have long viewed Pei Chiyao as a threat.
Who among his guards had the Prince bribed? Pei Chiyao racked his brain, only to realize with anguish that every one of them seemed suspicious. But for now, surviving this ordeal was his priority.
Pei Lingyue chuckled lightly. "I would never betray those loyal to me."
Pei Chiyao clenched his jaw. "What must I do for Father to believe me?"
Pei Lingyue paused briefly. "Swear an oath. In your mother’s name—or your own."
Pei Chiyao stiffened. In the past, he wouldn’t have hesitated to swear a hundred oaths. Though he believed in the gods, he had always assumed they were too lofty to meddle in mortal affairs. If oaths held power, the deities would be too busy settling disputes to cultivate their divinity.
But this involved Consort Hui—and that changed everything.
Consort Hui was no ordinary woman. Even in death, the gods had sent a qilin to resurrect her. Not even the Emperor himself had received such favor.
An oath concerning her might very well compel the gods to intervene on her behalf.
Feeling his father’s gaze grow increasingly severe, Pei Chiyao knew he couldn’t delay any longer.
His mother loved him above all else. Surely, she would understand his desperation.
Pei Chiyao declared, "I swear—if I harbored even a shred of malice toward Consort Hui, may my mother die without a whole corpse, her soul scattered and eternally barred from reincarnation!"
His voice rang with conviction, his expression unshakable.
Pei Chiyao thought to himself: After today, he would light more eternal lamps for his mother and donate gold-plated statues to temples in her name, hoping to nullify the oath’s consequences.
Pei Lingyue studied his son. Had he sworn in his own name, he might have respected him more. But the boy had chosen to use his mother instead.
Not only was he a fool, but he also lacked even the slightest filial piety.
Disappointment, frustration, and weariness weighed on Pei Lingyue’s heart—yet his face remained impassive. Instead, he feigned sympathy. "Rise. I believe you."
Pei Chiyao exhaled in relief, his eyes still red. The usually arrogant prince now looked pitifully vulnerable.
"Father, who hates me so much that they would frame me like this?"
He nearly hinted at the Crown Prince’s involvement but held back, fearing he might overplay his hand.
Pei Lingyue replied dismissively, "I don’t recall. All your guards look the same to me."
Pei Chiyao: "..."
The excuse was obvious. His father’s memory was impeccable—he simply refused to reveal the truth.
He resolved to re-examine his retinue upon returning.
No, he couldn’t act too overtly, lest he alert his father. Worse, he couldn’t even expel the traitor. He needed to keep the spy close, using him to feed false information.
"Enough. I have memorials to review. You may leave."
Pei Lingyue waved him off impatiently. The longer he looked at this son, the more displeased he grew.
Pei Chiyao bowed and withdrew. Once outside the Qianyuan Palace, his back was drenched in cold sweat.
He had intended to consult his mother immediately but hesitated, guilt gnawing at him over the oath he’d sworn in her name.
It had been a desperate act, but still…
He told himself: Visiting her now would only draw suspicion toward her. Better to wait until tomorrow’s morning greetings to discuss the matter.
Meanwhile, Noble Consort Xian waited in her palace for her son’s return—only to learn he had retreated to his own quarters.
Frowning, she wondered: Was this good or bad?
She nearly sent a servant to inquire but stopped herself at the last moment.
No.
If her son hadn’t come straight to her, he must have his reasons.
Lately, she had been too restless, acting without her usual caution.
Noble Consort Xian smiled bitterly. She wished she could remain calm, but news from Guanju Palace pricked at her heart like a thorn. Though she played the composed mother in front of her son, it was all an act.
Consort Hui now enjoyed privileges befitting an imperial noble consort.
Just yesterday, the Empress had decreed that Guanju Palace be given first pick of the tributes.
And that fool, Noble Consort, was too busy basking in the qilin’s blessing to realize she’d been slighted.
Noble Consort Xian pressed her lips together. "Starting tomorrow, I will copy ten volumes of scriptures daily to pray for Consort Hui’s well-being."
Her maid scowled indignantly. "Your Highness, you share the same rank. Why lower yourself?"
If it were for the Emperor, Empress Dowager, or Empress, she wouldn’t protest. But for Consort Hui? It was beneath her lady’s dignity.
Noble Consort Xian sighed. "I only hope His Majesty will value Chiyao more for my devotion."
Everything she did was for her son.
Just then, a servant from Qianyuan Palace arrived—the Emperor had summoned her.
Noble Consort Xian glanced at her attire: plain and elegant as always. After a moment’s thought, she removed her jade bracelet, leaving only a chrysanthemum hairpin before departing for the imperial audience.
Upon entering Qianyuan Palace, she greeted the Emperor with her customary gentle smile.
Pei Lingyue glanced at her. "Sit, Noble Consort."
"Many thanks for Your Majesty’s grace," she replied softly, then feigned concern. "I heard Chiyao came to pay his respects earlier. That child is always so impulsive—I hope he didn’t disturb Your Majesty’s peace?"
She probed subtly for the Emperor’s opinion of her son.
Pei Lingyue’s expression cooled. "His gifts are over there."
Noble Consort Xian’s heart sank. The Emperor hadn’t sent them to Guanju Palace? Had Chiyao inadvertently revealed his disdain for Consort Hui?
Carefully, she said, "I heard he scoured the common folk for rare medicines, intending to offer them to Consort Hui as a gesture of filial piety."
Pei Lingyue looked at her, his penetrating gaze making Consort Xian instinctively want to avert her eyes, though she forced herself to hold steady.
"Pei Chiyao's guard secretly reported to me that Chiyao has been shouting in his sleep, saying Consort Hui deserves to die."
The ever-poised Consort Xian was stunned, feeling as though she might faint on the spot.
How could her son be so careless?
With great difficulty, she replied, "Your Majesty, this must be someone deliberately slandering Chiyao."
Tears welled up instantly in her eyes. "This servant knows not what malicious intent lies behind such fabrications. Though Chiyao may lack cleverness and tact, his heart is pure and filial toward his elders. He would never harbor such thoughts."
She had personally vetted every attendant around her son through her maternal family, believing she had left no stone unturned. Yet now, a traitor had slipped through—one who would secretly report such things to the Emperor, cutting off Chiyao’s path entirely.
No wonder Chiyao had sent those gifts without receiving any favor in return.
Pei Lingyue said, "I initially had my doubts, but then Chiyao swore an oath, so I believed him."
An oath?
Consort Xian’s heart twisted into knots. One must never swear lightly regarding matters tied to Consort Hui—what if the curse came true?
This foolish child!
Her maternal concern stripped away her usual composure. "What oath did he swear?"
Pei Lingyue showed no intention of shielding his son. "The boy swore that if he held even the slightest ill will toward Consort Hui, you would die a gruesome death, your soul shattered beyond salvation, never to reincarnate."
It was as if lightning had struck Consort Xian. Her mind went blank, a cold numbness spreading from her fingertips through her entire body, chilling her to the core.
The braziers in the room burned fiercely, yet she shivered uncontrollably.
Her own son had used her to swear such a vile curse.
"Die a gruesome death… soul shattered beyond salvation…"
The words echoed relentlessly in her mind.
Pei Lingyue sighed. "At first, I didn’t believe it either, but after such an oath, how could I doubt? That boy cherishes you above all—he would never allow harm to befall you."
The Emperor’s words pierced Consort Xian like ten thousand arrows. She shuddered, forcing her lips into the gentle smile she always wore—unaware that it now looked more like a grimace. "Yes… Chiyao is the most filial of sons."
Pei Lingyue frowned. "Consort Xian, what have you been occupied with lately?"
The sudden shift in topic caught her off guard. She blinked away the last traces of moisture in her eyes. "This servant has recently taken to copying sutras, praying for Buddha’s mercy in Consort Hui’s swift recovery."
Pei Lingyue nodded. "No wonder you’re so busy—managing palace affairs while copying scriptures. It’s no surprise you’ve neglected Chiyao. I’ve noticed his robes looking worn lately, and the jade pendant he wears is hardly fit for a prince."
Consort Xian stiffened. That’s because we have no money!
Pei Lingyue continued, "He’s your only child. If his own mother doesn’t care for him, who else will?"
The unjust accusation nearly made her spit blood.
Since when have I neglected him? She had only meant to hint at their financial struggles, hoping the Emperor might send some silver their way.
Swallowing her fury, she bowed her head. "This servant has failed. I beg Your Majesty’s punishment."
Pei Lingyue suddenly turned reasonable again. "It’s not entirely your fault. I know you’re overburdened. Your attendants are also at fault—they’ve done nothing to ease your workload. What use are they?"
Her heart leapt to her throat. She couldn’t let her trusted aides be punished. "This servant is too stubborn—I insist on handling everything myself. They bear no blame."
Pei Lingyue said, "You labor tirelessly every day. It wouldn’t do for you to collapse from exhaustion. Very well—set aside your palace duties for now. Focus on copying sutras and caring for Chiyao in the coming days."
A deafening roar filled Consort Xian’s mind. She numbly thanked the Emperor for his "mercy."
By the time she returned to Qiongming Palace, she collapsed onto her divan and finally spat out the blood she had been holding back.
"My Lady, let me summon the imperial physician!"
Her maid was bewildered. Her mistress had left for Qianyuan Palace as composed as ever—how had she returned in such a state?
Consort Xian had always been the picture of grace and strategy, unshaken by any storm. Never had the maid seen her so shattered, her face pale as parchment.
"Absolutely not! Do you want the Emperor to think I resent his decree?" Consort Xian snapped. "Fetch the Great Restoration Pill. One dose will suffice."
With the maid’s assistance, she swallowed the pill and lay back, eyes closed. Silent tears slipped down her cheeks.
She couldn’t fathom where she had gone wrong. Not only had she failed to secure merit for Chiyao, but she had also lost partial control over the palace.
Without that authority, how could she plant spies in the harem or maneuver her son toward the throne?
The thought of her son brought his oath back to mind. The barely suppressed rage surged anew, her headache worsening.
And yet—she had no other hope. The complications from Chiyao’s birth had left her unable to conceive again. Her entire future rested on him alone.
She would have to pretend ignorance of the oath, though it festered like a bone lodged in her throat, stabbing her at every turn.
After resting briefly, she gritted her teeth. "Prepare ink and paper. I must write to my mother."
She needed to press her mother for a fertility potion. Consort Hui’s birthday was in February—the perfect occasion to gift it. Perhaps Consort Hui might repay the favor by whispering in the Emperor’s ear, rehabilitating her image.
Yes… Consort Xian had sensed it. Her recent maneuvers might have drawn the Emperor’s suspicion.
On top of everything, she now had sutras to copy.
A hollow laugh escaped her. How had a consort of her standing fallen so low?
...
News of Consort Xian’s demotion spread through the harem like wildfire.
The entire palace was abuzz—this was unprecedented.
For years, Consort Xian had been the epitome of gentleness and caution, untouched by the rise and fall of other consorts. Even the Imperial Noble Consort had faced confinement before, but never her.
Who could have predicted such a devastating stumble?
The Imperial Noble Consort herself couldn’t resist gossiping about it with Yu Miaohua. "What in heaven’s name did she do? I’m dying to know."
During Yu Miaohua’s convalescence, the Imperial Noble Consort had become a frequent visitor, along with Consort De, Noble Lady Li, and Noble Lady Zhang.
Yu Miaohua shrugged. "I’ve no idea."
The Imperial Noble Consort rolled her eyes at her cluelessness.
"Once you’ve recovered, you could take on some palace duties," she suggested.
Yu Miaohua recoiled in horror. "Are you trying to ruin me?"
The Imperial Noble Consort sighed. "Do you know how many women would kill for that authority?"
"It’s exhausting. I’d rather just manage my own Guanju Palace," Yu Miaohua said.
Yuan Huirou’s frustration grew. Even with the Emperor’s favor, some still dared to gossip behind Yu Miaohua’s back. Hopeless.
She changed the subject. "The Emperor divided Noble Consort Xian's palace duties into three parts and handed them over to Noble Lady Li, Noble Lady Zhang, and Noble Lady Sun."
The first two were familiar to her and shared a good rapport, but the last one...
"Noble Lady Sun?" Yu Miaohua tried hard to recall, only vaguely remembering a face with indistinct features. It seemed she had never seen her during morning greetings to the Empress, only catching glimpses at banquets a couple of times.
Goodness, Noble Lady Sun’s presence was practically nonexistent!
Yuan Huirou explained, "After miscarrying years ago, Noble Lady Sun has been in poor health, so His Majesty exempted her from all formal greetings. Recently, she’s improved somewhat. A few days ago, she even presented a hand-embroidered Buddhist scripture to the Empress Dowager."
Yu Miaohua suddenly understood.
Yuan Huirou continued, "It’s a pity for Noble Lady Sun. She became pregnant just as the late Emperor passed away. Unaware of her condition, she overexerted herself during the mourning period and miscarried. Had the child been born, it would have been the firstborn after His Majesty’s ascension."
Regardless of gender, as long as the child’s temperament was decent, it would have been cherished by the Emperor. The miscarriage severely damaged her health, which was why she had remained secluded all these years.
What an unfortunate coincidence!
Yu Miaohua couldn’t help but ask her system:
[System, was Noble Lady Sun’s miscarriage really an accident?]
[I don’t know, Host. If you level up to 7, nothing in the imperial palace will be hidden from you—not even long-buried secrets.]
Yu Miaohua pretended not to hear and continued gossiping with Yuan Huirou.
Yuan Huirou concluded decisively, "Once Noble Consort Xian relinquishes her authority, reclaiming it won’t be easy."
Though Noble Lady Li, Noble Lady Zhang, and Noble Lady Sun were all of lower rank than Noble Consort Xian, if the three united, they would form a formidable force. Taking back control wouldn’t be simple.
Moreover, it was the Emperor—not the Empress—who had ordered the redistribution. Unless the Emperor intervened again, Noble Consort Xian could forget about regaining her power.
Yu Miaohua was quite happy to watch the drama unfold in Qiongming Palace.
Mainly because she had been confined to her quarters lately, forced by her mother to take medicine daily for her recovery. Bored out of her mind, she was practically growing mold.
She looked at Yuan Huirou with pleading eyes. "Next time you hear any news, you have to share it with me."
Yuan Huirou, moved by her pitiful expression, couldn’t resist patting her head. "Of course."
"Your Highness, it’s time for your medicine."
Wang Yaning brought over the freshly brewed concoction. In the presence of others, she always addressed Yu Miaohua formally.
Yu Miaohua made a tearful face. Yuan Huirou gave her a helpless look before quickly making her escape.
Once the medicine cooled slightly, Yu Miaohua downed it in one go, then stuffed several pieces of her mother’s candied fruit into her mouth to mask the bitter taste.
After finishing, she sighed. "Can I stop drinking this? I feel much better already."
Her health had visibly improved over the past month. Even the imperial physicians were astonished, attributing the miracle to the Kirin’s blessing. They claimed that what should have taken half a year to recover from had been achieved in just a month.
During this time, Yu Miaohua had binge-watched all the palace intrigue dramas—"XX Chronicles," "XX Strategies," "XXX Scandal"—and felt she had leveled up. Her scheming skills were now maxed out. She was unstoppable!
Wang Yaning said, "The physicians insist you must continue the medicine for at least another half-month."
Yu Miaohua grimaced. She was going to resent her mother for three whole seconds!
Wang Yaning added, "In two days, I’ll have to leave the palace."
She had already stayed for over ten days. Now that her daughter was recovering, it wouldn’t be proper to linger much longer.
Yu Miaohua thought for a moment. "You must visit me on my birthday."
Wang Yaning smiled tenderly. "I will. Your grandmother might come too."
Her mother was already on her way to the capital. Barring any delays, she would arrive in a few days—just in time to receive the birthday gifts Yu Miaohua had prepared.
Though reluctant to part, Yu Miaohua couldn’t keep her mother forever. A few days later, she watched as Wang Yaning departed.
Of course, under the pretense of rewarding her mother’s hard work, she gifted her many treasures from her own storeroom—including the medicinal herbs sent by the Second Prince.
Hong Xing had inspected the herbs and confirmed they were potent and pure, free of any additives.
Yu Miaohua figured that even if the Second Prince disliked her, he wouldn’t dare tamper with the medicine. Still, for safety, she had the system scan them before passing them to her mother. The rare ingredients made for an impressive gift. Clearly, Qiongming Palace had paid a hefty price.
Twenty days later, after the imperial physicians declared her fully recovered, Yu Miaohua was finally free!
She hosted a small banquet, inviting a few friendly concubines.
The rest of the harem also sent congratulatory gifts, adding to her growing wealth.
Noble Lady Sun personally delivered her present.
To Yu Miaohua’s surprise, it was a book on incense.
She flipped open the first page and read: "A blend of sparrow-gold incense and peony fragrance, if inhaled long-term, may induce hallucinations."
Yu Miaohua was stunned. "Is this really meant for me?"
Noble Lady Sun lowered her long lashes. Though not the most striking beauty in the harem, her grace was undeniable.
"I only hope Your Highness avoids repeating my misfortune. These are the incense recipes my mother collected for me over the years."
Yu Miaohua understood—Noble Lady Sun’s miscarriage had indeed been no accident.
Though her system would protect her from such schemes, Noble Lady Sun had no such advantage. Her gift was a genuine gesture of goodwill.
Yu Miaohua asked earnestly, "What do you seek from me in return?"
She believed in no free favors. Having no prior connection with Noble Lady Sun, she felt uneasy accepting such a generous gift.
Noble Lady Sun paused, then smiled faintly. "Consort Hui is as straightforward as they say."
After a moment, she continued, "I only ask that, should anything happen to me, Your Highness might extend some kindness to my mother."
Thanks to Yuan Huirou, Yu Miaohua knew Noble Lady Sun’s background. She was the daughter of a second wife, her mother’s only child. After her father’s death, her half-brothers had driven them out. Only her entry into the palace had improved her mother’s circumstances.
For Yu Miaohua, it was a small favor. She nodded but couldn’t resist adding, "Don’t do anything reckless."
Noble Lady Sun chuckled. "I won’t. Your Highness needn’t worry."
At that moment, the system chimed in:
[A proper favored consort must have loyal subordinates to fight her battles and secure her position. Host has triggered Main Mission 3.3: Accept a concubine’s allegiance to strengthen your influence in the palace. Reward: Complete incubation techniques for chicken, duck, and goose eggs.]
Yu Miaohua: "..."
So it's about accepting Noble Lady Sun's allegiance? The system might as well have just named her outright.
But since the system suggested it, Noble Lady Sun must be trustworthy.
Yu Miaohua nodded. "Very well, I accept your offer." She paused briefly before adding, "If you ever need assistance in the future, you may seek my help."
The moment she agreed, the palace intrigue system chimed cheerfully, announcing the completion of the task and the successful acquisition of the reward.
[Host, by accepting Noble Lady Sun's allegiance, she has become your trusted confidante among the imperial consorts. You can now see her loyalty level.]
[Then why can't I see Cuiwei and Qingluo's loyalty?]
[Because they are not imperial consorts.]
Alright. Yu Miaohua finally understood—this system was encouraging her to build influence within the palace.
She decided to claim this reward later at the ancestral temple.
Noble Lady Sun wore a complicated expression. "Aren’t you afraid, Your Highness, that I might be approaching you to frame you?"
Yu Miaohua replied sincerely, "You don’t seem like that kind of person. I trust you."
Under her earnest gaze, Noble Lady Sun felt both touched and helpless.
Her primary reason for approaching Consort Hui was to avenge her unborn child, followed by securing a future for her mother.
She had expected this to be difficult, requiring great sacrifices, yet all it took was gifting a book and a few words to succeed.
This was far too easy!
Consort Hui was far too trusting. Her personality was much simpler than imagined. That she remained favored was nothing short of divine blessing.
Fine. If that was the case, Noble Lady Sun would just have to keep a closer eye on her in the future.
The task had appeared abruptly and was completed even faster, leaving Yu Miaohua with an odd sense of unreality.
After Noble Lady Sun left, Yu Miaohua checked her loyalty level—40 points.
[Wow, that’s so high! Does Noble Lady Sun trust me this easily? Isn’t she afraid I’ll discard her as a pawn later?]
Yu Miaohua was stunned. Beside the loyalty number was a note—Unless someone threatens her mother, she will not betray you.
[Her being so trusting makes me a little uneasy. Well, I’m already a top-tier player in palace intrigue now. If anything happens, I’ll just protect her.]
Yu Miaohua sighed inwardly.
Pei Lingyue arrived just in time to see this line of thought.
Who was she referring to? Noble Lady Sun? He had crossed paths with her on his way here.
A top-tier player in palace intrigue?
Pei Lingyue’s eyelid twitched. What gave Yu Miaohua the confidence to call herself that? With how transparent her expressions were?
Upon seeing Pei Lingyue, Yu Miaohua hurriedly greeted him.
Pei Lingyue waved it off. "No need for formalities within Guanju Palace."
Yu Miaohua acknowledged cheerfully.
Pei Lingyue then asked, "I saw Noble Lady Sun on my way here."
Yu Miaohua replied, "She personally delivered congratulatory gifts. We had a pleasant conversation."
[Noble Lady Sun is a good person.]
The system remarked.
[Yes, the kind who helps us complete tasks at first meeting. Now we’ve got another reward—techniques for hatching chicken, duck, and goose eggs. The ancestral temple is going to benefit immensely. Soon, tales of its divine blessings will spread across the land.]
What? Another reward, and it was related to Noble Lady Sun?
Pei Lingyue was glad he had forced himself away from his paperwork to visit.
Instinctively, he softened his tone. "Since you two get along well, you should interact more often."
Yu Miaohua’s eyes brightened—this was the Emperor’s own suggestion!
[Host, why not recruit more consorts as allies? More confidantes mean more tasks.]
The palace intrigue system tried to push her into working harder.
Yu Miaohua outright refused.
[No! My faction is already large enough. Forming alliances with too many people might make it seem like I’m plotting against the Empress. What if His Majesty or Her Majesty misunderstands? No more bad ideas—Noble Lady Sun is enough.]
Pei Lingyue nearly choked seeing her dismiss the opportunity for more rewards.
He wouldn’t misunderstand! Neither would the Empress!
If each new alliance meant another reward, he’d gladly have the entire harem rally behind her.
He smiled suggestively. "If Consort Hui ever feels bored, you may invite more sisters to visit."
The more she invited, the likelier new alliances would form naturally.
Yu Miaohua, the self-proclaimed master of palace intrigue, completely missed his hint and nodded. "Understood. Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."
Hehe, now she could invite her younger sister to the palace!
Her cousins would surely accompany her grandmother to the capital too. They could all come visit with Miaoping.
They could play mahjong together!
Satisfied that she had taken his words to heart, Pei Lingyue moved on to the purpose of his visit.
"I plan to take you to the ancestral temple for worship on your birthday."
Yu Miaohua was surprised. "Shouldn’t the Imperial Astronomers select an auspicious date?"
Pei Lingyue didn’t hesitate. "As the Divine Maiden, your birthday is the most auspicious day. No date chosen by the Imperial Astronomers could surpass it."
Mostly, he didn’t want to wait—the dates they proposed were all after the third month.
During her recovery, Yu Miaohua had secretly informed the Emperor about the impending droughts and locust plagues in Jiangzhou, Xiazhu, and Songzhou in August. Due to the divine signs, Pei Lingyue believed her and ordered her to keep it confidential.
Yu Miaohua also wanted to claim the rewards soon so the Emperor could prepare countermeasures.
Still, hearing "Divine Maiden" from him made her slightly guilty. Everyone now assumed she truly was one.
Pei Lingyue continued, "I recently promoted Tanhua Shen Sushang to Hanlin Academy’s expositor-in-waiting. His paintings are exceptional. Moved by your selfless devotion to the people, he has depicted the scene in a masterpiece."
He conveniently omitted that he had ordered Shen Sushang to paint it.
He presented the three poems.
The palace intrigue system immediately triggered a related task.
[Host has triggered Side Quest 1.1: Meet Tanhua Shen Sushang alone to thank him personally. Reward: Soap-making technique.]
Yu Miaohua thought this was ridiculous. How could an imperial consort meet a court official in private?
This task could be ignored. She had already gained free favorability rewards and was now at peace.
Pei Lingyue was overjoyed—as expected, the tasks kept coming! Though he didn’t know what soap was, nothing bestowed by the divine system was ever lacking.
He immediately arranged for Shen Sushang to join the ancestral temple procession, ensuring they would have a chance to meet alone.
What was supposed to be a romance novel has turned into an RPG.
Author: Shark Child
Shoutout to my friend’s work! Based on Baldur’s Gate 3 + JOJO, perfect for fans of gaming novels. Her stories are amazing—I follow every single one!
Synopsis:
Strength 13, Agility 14, Constitution 10, Perception 8, Intelligence 9.
Proficient skills: [Pickpocketing], [Stealth], [Disguise]...
Tell me, which of these stats is necessary for an otome romance game?
You’ve lost your memories and been bound to a dating sim system. To regain your sense of self, you must successfully romance specific targets to clear the game. After grinding your stats through sheer effort, you finally encounter your first romanceable character:
A seemingly abandoned two-and-a-half-year-old toddler in a stroller.
Ding! The system prompts you to choose:
A: Terrify the child by saying, "Your mommy doesn’t want you anymore."
B: Report the neglectful parent to the police and buy candy to comfort the child. (Money -150G)
C: Ignore the situation and walk away.
D: Attempt pickpocketing.
You: "…?"
Hold on—what kind of messed-up game is this supposed to be?!
