The Life-Extending Elixir had always been available in the system's backend, but Yu Miaohua had never exchanged for it before. A single pill could extend one's life by ten years. However, if the same person took a second pill, its effects would weaken significantly—only granting five additional years. A third pill would add a mere two years.
At present, Yu Miaohua had no use for it, but her loved ones might. According to the system's description, a person could only extend their lifespan by a maximum of seventeen years through these elixirs. The Transmigration Bureau likely imposed these limitations to prevent true immortality.
She wondered—how much time did her parents and grandmother have left?
Yu Miaohua felt a growing urge and poked the system.
"System, can you check the lifespans of the people around me?"
"The Life-Extending Elixir comes with a lifespan-checking function, but one pill can only check five individuals. Additionally, once the function is used, the elixir must be consumed within three days, or it will lose its potency."
"That’s way too many restrictions!"
No wonder the Life-Extending Elixir—something even modern technology couldn’t replicate—cost only two thousand points.
Yu Miaohua considered her family.
"Then check my grandmother, my father, my mother, my eldest uncle, my second uncle… Wait, change the second uncle to the Empress Dowager instead."
She adjusted the last slot because her second uncle wasn’t old and seemed in good health, so he likely didn’t need it.
But the Empress Dowager? Since returning to the palace last year, she had occasionally suffered from minor ailments common among the elderly and had summoned the imperial physicians several times. The Empress Dowager had always treated Yu Miaohua exceptionally well. With her and the Empress’s support, Yu Miaohua’s life in the palace had improved drastically—they were her greatest backers.
Whether out of affection or self-interest, Yu Miaohua wished for her to live a long, long life.
Another reason was that once she checked, the elixir had to be used within three days. Her eldest and second uncles were in Jiangzhou, while only her youngest uncle remained in the capital due to the sugar trade.
Yu Miaohua rarely spent her points and had accumulated plenty from completing missions. Even if she needed to exchange for several more elixirs, she had enough.
Once she finalized her choices, the system began checking their lifespans.
The results shocked her.
Her grandmother was sixty-nine—the one Yu Miaohua had worried about the most—yet her remaining lifespan was sixteen years. In this era, that was remarkably long-lived.
Her parents and eldest uncle all had over fifteen years left. But the Empress Dowager? Only four years remained.
At sixty-two, living to sixty-six wouldn’t be considered short-lived by the standards of this time. Yet, the thought of her passing in four years filled Yu Miaohua with uncontrollable sorrow.
If she hadn’t known, she could have ignored it. But now that she did, she couldn’t turn a blind eye.
Given how many miracles were already attributed to her, one more wouldn’t make a difference.
Yu Miaohua retrieved the elixir. No need to wait—today was as good a day as any.
The pill was stored in a jade-green vial, wreathed in an ethereal mist, clearly otherworldly.
She didn’t take it out yet—once opened, its potency would degrade faster.
She headed to the Palace of Tranquil Longevity.
There, the Empress Dowager was reviewing an inventory of her treasury. The Empress had recently proposed an auction to raise funds, aiming to help Yu Miaohua gather five hundred thousand taels to complete a mission. The Empress Dowager saw Yu Miaohua as half a daughter and was determined to contribute.
Hearing of Yu Miaohua’s arrival, she set aside the ledger and beckoned her over. "Come, see if there’s anything you like. Take whatever catches your eye."
She didn’t care if others accused her of favoritism. If they wanted the same treatment, they should be as filial as Yu Miaohua.
Yu Miaohua gave her a meaningful look.
Understanding, the Empress Dowager dismissed the attendants. "What’s wrong? Did someone speak ill of you?" Her tone suggested she’d punish the offender without hesitation.
Yu Miaohua shook her head and began spinning a tale.
"During my nap earlier, I heard a divine revelation in my dreams."
[Host, your excuses are getting lazier.]
[Shut up! As long as Her Majesty believes me, that’s all that matters!]
The Empress Dowager listened attentively.
"Buddha said that in recognition of my devotion, he would grant me a pill to strengthen the body. I thought of Your Majesty, who has been unwell lately and frequently calls for the imperial physicians. This elixir would be perfect for you."
"When I woke, I assumed it was just a dream—until I found this very vial beneath my pillow."
She presented the bottle, its craftsmanship unmistakably beyond this era—or even the modern world.
The Empress Dowager was stunned. Could this be a reward Yu Miaohua had exchanged with the gods?
This child was truly devoted.
She was deeply moved.
[Ahhh, Host, you fool! Why didn’t you tell her the truth? A mere health-boosting pill can’t compare to the Life-Extending Elixir! Not only does it add ten years, but it also improves constitution!]
[This was your chance to earn her favor! Do you think even the Emperor, knowing she only has four years left, would necessarily give it to her? You—you’re such an idiot! And you always say those who do good deeds without claiming credit are fools—well, you’re the fool!]
[The Life-Extending Elixir is too far beyond this era’s understanding. Besides, I’m giving it to Her Majesty because she’s been kind to me, not to curry favor. She’s always looked after me—how could I not repay her? I’m happy to do this.]
Yu Miaohua had her own principles.
Overhearing Yu Miaohua’s silent exchange with the divine system, the Empress Dowager was profoundly shaken, even dizzy. Her hands trembled slightly with emotion, her heart pounding.
So this wasn’t just a health pill—it was the legendary Life-Extending Elixir, capable of adding ten years! If other emperors knew, they’d go mad. The more powerful one was, the more they craved immortality. Wars could break out over such a treasure.
Yet Yu Miaohua had chosen to give it to her—even lying, calling it a simple tonic. If not for her ability to hear Yu Miaohua’s thoughts, she’d never have known the truth or the sacrifice behind it.
This child… was truly too kind.
She hadn’t even given it to her own family. Clearly, in Yu Miaohua’s heart, she truly saw her as family.
As the divine system had said—even her own son, the Emperor, might not have done the same.
The Empress Dowager was deeply moved. Initially, her affection for Yu Miaohua had stemmed partly from guilt and partly from her status as a divine maiden. But over time, Yu Miaohua’s genuine devotion had won her true affection.
In her position, most around her sought profit or advantage. Sincerity was rare. With Yu Miaohua around, even her palace felt livelier.
Yet her own affection paled in comparison to Yu Miaohua’s selfless generosity.
Yu Miaohua watched as the Empress Dowager gazed at her with an expression she couldn’t decipher. The longer the Empress Dowager looked, the redder her eyes became, until tears began to fall.
Yu Miaohua grew flustered. "What’s wrong? Did I say something inappropriate?"
The Empress Dowager dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief, her voice trembling slightly. "It’s nothing. This old one is just… happy."
Yu Miaohua exhaled in relief. "As long as Your Majesty doesn’t think I was lying to you."
The Empress Dowager smiled. "I trust you implicitly."
Yu Miaohua opened the small vial and tipped out a single pill. "Your Majesty should take it now. If it’s too late, the effects might diminish."
As soon as the vial was unsealed, an extraordinarily refreshing fragrance filled the room. Just inhaling it seemed to wash away days of fatigue, leaving one invigorated.
The Empress Dowager swallowed the pill in one go. It melted on her tongue before she could even taste it.
Truly, an item from the immortal realm!
Yu Miaohua couldn’t help but ask, "What did it taste like?"
The Empress Dowager tapped her forehead affectionately. "You had such a treasure and didn’t even try it yourself?"
Yu Miaohua shrugged. "There was only one pill."
She didn’t need it anyway. If she died, someone would be far more frantic than her. Yu Miaohua had the system wrapped around her finger in this regard.
Her matter-of-fact tone nearly made the Empress Dowager tear up again.
And indeed, after taking the pill, she felt entirely different.
The rainy weather these past few days had made her knees ache relentlessly—no amount of medicine or acupuncture had helped. But now, the pain was completely gone. Her entire body felt as if she had regained the vitality of twenty years ago. Though it couldn’t compare to her youth, the Empress Dowager was more than satisfied.
She then said, "The Empress will issue an edict in the next couple of days, instructing the imperial consorts to auction some of their belongings. The proceeds will go toward rebuilding houses for the people of Lizhou."
Though casualties had been few, many homes had collapsed, causing significant losses.
The Emperor had considered compensating the locals per capita to demonstrate imperial benevolence—now that the treasury had some funds to spare.
The Empress Dowager continued, "You don’t need to contribute anything from your own storeroom. I know these noble families all too well. Compared to material possessions they can easily obtain, what they truly covet is the fortune you carry. These next few days, focus on embroidering a pouch with a Buddha image."
Yu Miaohua’s lips parted slightly, her cheeks flushing. "My embroidery skills are… rather ordinary."
The Empress Dowager thought for a moment. "Then just stitch the character for ‘fortune’ or ‘Buddha’ on it."
That, Yu Miaohua could manage. Embroidering characters was simple.
So she agreed without hesitation.
After chatting a while longer, Yu Miaohua stayed to dine with the Empress Dowager. The older woman had initially considered gifting her another item but decided to wait until after the charity event.
The Empress Dowager’s appetite, which had been poor these past few days, improved significantly after taking the Longevity Pill—she even ate more than usual.
Her attendant, Lady Zhou, grew so concerned that she secretly summoned the imperial physician, much to the Empress Dowager’s exasperation.
"This old one simply ate a little more because Yu Miaohua’s presence lifted my spirits. Even the physician said my health has improved."
Lady Zhou believed it. Every time the Empress Dowager saw Noble Consort Hui, she was happier than when she saw the Emperor himself. They all wished Noble Consort Hui would visit more often.
While the physician’s visit might have been concealed from others, it certainly didn’t escape the notice of the Empress and the Emperor. That evening, the imperial couple came to pay their respects.
The Empress Dowager had intended to keep the Longevity Pill a secret, but considering how Yu Miaohua’s thoughts ran wild and how she spoke freely when conversing with divine beings, the truth might slip out sooner or later.
Better to let the Emperor know now and quash any ideas he might have.
After dismissing the attendants, the Empress Dowager said calmly, "This old one is fine. I merely took a Longevity Pill, which has greatly improved my health and extended my life by ten years. Without it, I would have had only four years left."
All those years of praying to the gods had been less effective than Yu Miaohua.
The moment this blasphemous thought crossed her mind, the Empress Dowager suppressed it, reminding herself: Perhaps it was precisely because of my devotion to Buddha that I was blessed with this bond with Yu Miaohua.
Pei Lingyue looked as if he had been struck by lightning, his face blank.
After a long pause, he managed to speak, his voice strained. "A Longevity Pill? A real Longevity Pill?"
The Empress Dowager: "…"
Of course, her son would fixate on that.
"Yes. Yu Miaohua completed some task and was rewarded with it. That child didn’t even take it herself—she gave the only one to me. She even tried to hide the truth, claiming it was just an ordinary health-boosting pill."
Pei Lingyue could hear the subtle smugness in her deliberately light tone.
A Longevity Pill! A legendary pill that extended life by ten years!
And Noble Consort Hui had given it to no one else but the Empress Dowager.
Why did she favor the Empress Dowager so much?!
Pei Lingyue had often envied the preferential treatment his mother and the Empress received, but compared to this, those past grievances were nothing.
The Empress Dowager had initially maintained her composed facade, but seeing her son’s devastated expression, the corners of her lips twitched uncontrollably.
"I even told Yu Miaohua—what use does an old woman with few years left have for such a treasure? She should have kept it for herself. But she insisted on giving it to me, refusing to listen to reason. In the end, I had no choice but to accept it."
The words "insisted" and "no choice" pierced Pei Lingyue’s ears, deepening his despair.
He clutched his chest. His mother was gloating after benefiting the most. If she hadn’t wanted it, she could have saved it for him!
Watching his reaction only brightened the Empress Dowager’s mood further. Her status stemmed from her son, and many around her curried favor for his sake—but Yu Miaohua was different.
If not for biology, she might as well have been her own daughter.
She must have been my child in a past life.
The Empress Dowager reaffirmed this belief to herself.
The Empress, meanwhile, remained unperturbed. She was fairly confident about her standing in Yu Miaohua’s heart. Her chances of receiving a Longevity Pill were higher than the Emperor’s.
But there was no need to voice such truths and further agitate His Majesty.
The Empress Dowager produced the empty pill vial. "This is the container."
Though the pill was gone, residual effects lingered—a faint mist still swirled inside.
Pei Lingyue uncorked it. The remnants of the pill’s aura were intoxicating, the crisp, revitalizing scent sharpening his senses.
It only made his heartache worse.
Such a priceless treasure…
His only hope now was that Yu Miaohua might someday earn another such reward.
Whether it was the Crown Prince, the Imperial Scholar, or even the detestable Pei Yuheng—they all needed to work harder!
Pei Lingyue felt an inexhaustible surge of motivation.
…
The next day, during the morning greetings, the Empress promptly announced the charity event.
"Part of this effort is for the people, and part is for Consort Hui. Consort Hui has been taking medicine to recuperate lately due to revealing heavenly secrets. This palace thought that if we could help the people in some way, perhaps the resulting blessings might extend to Consort Hui as well."
The meaning was clear—the credit should go to Consort Hui, helping her complete her mission.
Though Yu Miaohua had already learned of this from the Empress Dowager beforehand, hearing it still moved her deeply. The Empress was truly a kind soul. QAQ
Next time she obtained an elixir of longevity, she would check the Empress's lifespan!
[Host!! Your mission just got easier! The Empress is so thoughtful.]
Yu Miaohua said, "This concubine happens to have some unused items lying around."
The Empress replied, "You can embroider a few more pouches with the characters for 'fortune' and 'Buddha.'"
This way, she could also complete the mission related to the enfeoffment of the prince's heir.
The other concubines observed this exchange and couldn't help but sigh inwardly: Among the imperial consorts, Consort Hui was arguably the wealthiest, yet the Empress still worried she might overextend herself, assigning her to embroider pouches instead. This method, however, wasn’t something they could replicate. On one hand, their pouches weren’t as sought-after as Consort Hui’s—with her divine maiden status, her blessed pouches could be auctioned off without raising suspicions of improper conduct. For them, it was different.
Since being promoted to Noble Consort, Concubine Xian, who had always been low-key, became even more reserved, remaining silent throughout.
Watching Yu Miaohua and the Empress interact so harmoniously, she sneered inwardly.
Yu Miaohua’s medicine was clearly for improving her chances of conceiving. Once the Empress learned the truth, her reaction would be priceless. She couldn’t wait to see it.
The Empress said gently, "It doesn’t have to be anything valuable—just items you no longer use."
The higher-ranking consorts had no shortage of such things, but the Empress knew the lower-ranking ones might not have much to spare. If forced to donate, their lives would become even harder. She planned to personally fund new jewelry sets for them, allowing them to contribute their old accessories instead.
This task was too much for the Empress alone, so she kept Yu Miaohua, the Noble Consort, and Consort De behind to assist.
Before leaving, Concubine Xian cast a glance their way.
Yu Miaohua stayed in the Phoenix Palace to discuss the arrangements with the Empress and was assigned the task of inventorying the donations.
Since this was tied to her mission, she couldn’t just delegate everything.
Though the Empress had told her to focus on the pouches, she couldn’t just contribute those.
Returning to her palace, she combed through her storeroom records, pulling out several unwanted items—screens, fine silks, and jewelry—and donated them all.
Then, she worked tirelessly to embroider the pouches.
Her maid, Cuiwei, prepared the pouches, while she stitched the characters for "fortune" and "Buddha."
Yu Miaohua worked day and night, aiming to finish as many as possible in three days.
By the end, dark circles had formed under her eyes, but she completed ten pouches.
She personally delivered them to the Phoenix Palace. The other consorts had also contributed, mostly jewelry.
The Empress even ordered the jewelry to be polished, making them look newer.
Yu Miaohua also learned that the Empress had rewarded many consorts with silks and new accessories for their recent good behavior. She couldn’t help but admire how thorough the Empress was in her duties.
Looking at the pouches, the Empress smiled. Miaohua had taken a shortcut—aside from the characters, there were no additional designs.
Yu Miaohua pouted, "Your Majesty, look at the dark circles under my eyes!"
She hadn’t shortchanged the pouch buyers, though. After consulting her system, she extracted a detoxification pill, liquefied it, and soaked the pouches in the solution to absorb its effects. The potency was drastically reduced—perhaps only 2% of the original—but it was better than nothing. Unexpectedly, she also added a warning feature: if the wearer was poisoned, the characters would turn red, deepening in hue with the toxicity.
The Empress patted her head. "Rest well these next few days."
Even without the reminder, Yu Miaohua would have done so.
But shortly after returning to her chambers, another invitation arrived from the Empress.
Her mother, Wang Yaning, sought an audience, and such requests had to be approved by the Empress first.
Suspecting it was related to the prescription, Yu Miaohua arranged for an afternoon meeting.
She also instructed the kitchen to prepare her mother’s favorite dishes, planning to keep her for dinner.
That afternoon, Wang Yaning was escorted in by palace attendants.
"Your Highness, we’ve raised 168,360 taels of silver so far," Wang Yaning reported, presenting the ledger.
The ledger recorded each donor’s contribution, ranging from 3,000 taels at the highest to 100 taels at the lowest.
"So quickly? Did they already see results from the prescription?"
Improving health and conceiving couldn’t happen that fast, could it?
Wang Yaning explained, "Not yet, but many reported relief from menstrual pain after taking the remedy. They believe it’s effective and will eventually lead to good news."
"They also know this list goes directly to you, so they’re eager to contribute."
"Some even wanted to donate 20,000 taels, but I stopped them."
Wang Yaning looked at her daughter seriously. "Too much of a good thing can backfire."
Yu Miaohua smiled. "I know you’re looking out for me."
160,000 taels was substantial. Combined with the Empress’s auction, her mission should be complete.
She flipped through the ledger. "I’ll deliver this to His Majesty first."
Wang Yaning nodded. "Have the Ministry of Revenue collect the silver soon."
Though born into a wealthy merchant family, Wang Yaning had never lacked for money. But keeping over 100,000 taels at home was unnerving.
Yu Miaohua took the ledger straight to the Emperor.
Pei Lingyue acknowledged it. "I’ll have the Minister of Revenue retrieve the silver."
Yu Miaohua said, "Just send someone discreetly. No need for a grand spectacle."
Pei Lingyue wouldn’t have minded using this to boost her reputation, but since she preferred to keep a low profile, he obliged—lest she prioritize others over him again, leaving him out when the next longevity pill came around.
When Minister Chen was summoned and learned of the donation, he bowed deeply to Yu Miaohua, so earnestly that she couldn’t stop him.
Minister Chen had been debating with his colleagues how much to allocate for disaster relief. Too much, and they’d be short for the drought in August. Too little, and the suffering of the people might lead to unrest.
Consort Hui’s fundraising had resolved their dilemma.
But still...
"Why would they donate so willingly?"
Even if they did, what real benefit would it bring them beyond earning Consort Hui’s goodwill?
Yu Miaohua blinked her eyes and said, "Concubine Xian has been very kind to me and gave me a prescription to improve my health. I thought if this prescription could benefit more people, it would be wonderful, so I asked my mother to share it, hoping those who benefit might donate some incense money in return."
She smiled somewhat sheepishly. "I believe the Buddha would prefer the money to be used for good deeds rather than burned as incense or spent on gilding His statue."
Had these words come from anyone else, devout followers might have scoffed. But coming from Yu Miaohua, the "Divine Maiden," they carried undeniable weight.
For instance, Minister Chen of the Ministry of Revenue decided he would relay this to his mother and wife later. After all, the Divine Maiden’s words were surely more trustworthy than those of temple abbots—why else would the Buddha favor her alone?
Yu Miaohua continued, "If more donations come in later, could my mother have them delivered directly to the Ministry of Revenue?"
Her mother had prepared three copies of the ledger—one for the Ministry of Revenue, one for Yu Miaohua to keep, and another for her own records.
Minister Chen nodded in agreement.
Yu Miaohua added, "Part of the credit for this goes to Concubine Xian. Without her generous prescription, we wouldn’t have been able to raise these funds."
She had already paved the way for Concubine Xian to receive recognition, ensuring the latter couldn’t accuse her of monopolizing the credit.
Even so, Minister Chen still held greater admiration for the Noble Consort.
With this matter resolved, Yu Miaohua felt a weight lift from her shoulders and happily returned to spend time with her mother.
Due to the Ministry of Revenue’s discreet handling, only a handful of people were aware of the situation. However, as donations increased, the prescription gradually spread far and wide.
…
In a three-courtyard residence on South Street of the capital, a family had recently moved in—the former members of the Xuanwei Count’s household, relatives of Concubine Xian.
Since their relocation, the Qin family had kept their doors shut. Stripped of their noble title, they could no longer reside in their former grand mansion and had to settle for this humbler abode.
One day, the gates finally opened—Madam Gao, the sister-in-law of the Qin family’s second branch, arrived to visit her younger sister-in-law.
Upon entering, Madam Gao couldn’t help but glance around. Compared to the opulent Count’s residence of the past, this house was not only smaller but also exuded an air of decline. The servants, too, wore gloomy expressions.
Madam Gao was led to Madam Su’s chambers. Once, she had envied her sister-in-law for marrying into the Count’s household. Who could have imagined that the family of a prince’s maternal relatives would fall so swiftly—so abruptly that it left no time for reaction?
"Sister-in-law, what brings you here?" Madam Su, who had always gotten along well with Madam Gao, forced a smile upon seeing her.
Madam Gao replied, "I’ve brought you a prescription to improve your health, so you might conceive soon."
Her sister-in-law had been married into the Qin family for years without bearing a child, leaving her no choice but to raise a concubine’s son as her own.
Madam Su gave a wry smile. "In the Qin family’s current state, what good would a child do me?"
They were no longer a noble household.
Madam Gao consoled her, "Don’t be so disheartened. The Qin family is still the prince’s maternal relatives, after all."
At this, Madam Su grew angry. "What use is that? The Emperor originally didn’t intend to punish my father-in-law severely, but the palace’s noble lady, to flaunt her integrity, not only refused to plead for mercy but insisted the Emperor deal with them impartially."
When the news arrived, her mother-in-law had fainted on the spot.
Yet Madam Su felt no sympathy for her. Married to a lesser son, she had endured years of covert suppression from her mother-in-law. The second branch had reaped few benefits, and now they too were implicated. Though her husband had avoided prison—his timid nature kept him from overreaching—his official position had been stripped.
Madam Gao said, "Once the Second Prince establishes his own household, the Emperor, for the prince’s dignity, will surely bestow favors upon your family. Your eldest brother-in-law not only lost his position but was also sentenced to exile. With that in mind, the favor certainly won’t go to the first branch."
Madam Su’s dim eyes brightened slightly at this reminder.
Madam Gao pressed on, "So you should focus on restoring your health and bearing a child first."
Madam Su touched her belly. "I’ve taken so many medicines over the years, yet nothing worked. I’ve long given up hope."
Madam Gao produced the prescription. "This one is different—it was shared by the Noble Consort in the palace. My married younger sister took it for a while and felt much better. Just two days ago, she started vomiting at the sight of food. A physician examined her and said there’s a seventy percent chance."
Madam Su’s eyes lit up. She grasped Madam Gao’s hands. "You truly care for me, sister-in-law. If I receive good news, I’ll never forget your kindness."
Madam Gao patted her hand. "I’ve already prepared the medicine for you. Make sure to brew and drink it diligently."
Madam Su nodded emphatically and began preparing the medicine that very day.
Her activities, of course, did not escape Old Madam Qin, Concubine Xian’s mother. She had someone collect the herb residues and was shocked—wasn’t this the very prescription she had obtained from her own family to help her daughter conceive? She remembered her daughter intended to gift it to the Noble Consort, hoping she would soon bear a child and compete with the Empress.
How did the second branch get hold of it?
Had Madam Su stolen the prescription?
Old Madam Qin’s gaze sharpened. "Summon Madam Su here at once!"
