Pei Lingyue felt his heart shattering into pieces.
For the sake of the nation, he had worked diligently, even personally assisting his consorts with their tasks just to gain a share of divine blessings. Yet, every time, he narrowly missed out on those auspicious signs, which was utterly infuriating.
After his anger subsided, he remembered the purpose of inviting these high-ranking officials to witness the ceremony today. Suppressing his frustration, he seized the moment before the divine blessing manifested to carefully observe their expressions.
Grand Tutor Yuan Xinji stared fixedly at Yu Miaohua’s head, his face briefly flashing with shock before he forcibly composed himself.
Minister of Revenue Ge Chengrong’s eyes nearly bulged out—he had definitely seen it too!
His uncle, Prince Yong, was rubbing his eyes furiously. There was no need—if he kept it up, his eyes would turn as red as a rabbit’s.
Left Vice Minister of War Lin Da remained perfectly calm, even watching the others’ strange reactions with amusement. Excellent—he clearly hadn’t seen a thing.
After surveying the crowd, Pei Lingyue had a rough idea. Later, he would need to confer with the Empress, the Empress Dowager, and his mentor, then summon these officials privately to test their reactions before negotiating.
As he pondered, he realized that the divine beings and the celestial court behind them bore no ill will toward Yu Miaohua. Each time she advanced, those who could perceive the signs were selectively chosen—not just anyone could see them.
While he was lost in thought, the divine blessing Yu Miaohua had summoned finally took effect.
Brilliant purple mist radiated outward from Yu Miaohua and Zhang Changying.
Behind Zhang Changying, the faint silhouette of a young man riding a green ox materialized. Beneath the ox’s hooves, lotus flowers bloomed and withered in an endless cycle. The figure wore a faint smile, and everyone present felt as though his gaze rested upon them. They recognized him instantly—this was Laozi, the founding patriarch of Daoism. Most depictions showed him in old age, rarely in his youth. Yet, the moment they saw him, an inexplicable understanding filled their minds: this was undeniably Laozi, no one else.
Zhang Changying, who had been seated, rose to her feet in awe. When she turned and saw the figure, her expression shifted between shock and reverence, and she instinctively moved to kneel.
She was not a follower of Buddhism but of Daoism, often spending her leisure time transcribing the Dao De Jing. To witness the deity she worshipped stepping out of a painting moved her to tears.
Yet, just as she was about to kneel, an invisible force held her back.
Laozi smiled gently at her and raised his hand slightly. In full view of everyone, a streak of azure light descended into Zhang Changying’s palm.
The light transformed into a square jade box, upon which words appeared: It will open when the time is right.
After a while, the purple mist gradually dissipated, and the figure riding the green ox faded into the air.
Pei Lingyue was nearly drowning in envy.
He wanted such a divine blessing so badly.
The Zhang family’s luck was simply too good.
And this stroke of fortune was something he had personally handed to them—back when he had arranged for Zhang Changying to take Yu Miaohua as her disciple to foster a bond between the top scholar and Yu Miaohua.
Pei Lingyue could only console himself: Yu Miaohua still had three more divine blessings left. He could wait. Sooner or later, his turn would come. Surely, out of the remaining three, he wouldn’t miss out on every single one?
Though the divine blessing had vanished, the entire assembly remained stunned, too awed to speak.
[Congratulations, Host, for completing Main Mission 3.7: Displaying divine majesty before others, proving that your bond with Mentor Zhang is ordained by heaven and blessed by the gods. The rewards for the three divine blessings have been deposited in your inventory. But Host, why did you make me create an unopenable box this time?]
[I had no choice. I realized I’m practically the embodiment of luck—things just fall into place effortlessly, and sometimes missions complete themselves before I can even claim the rewards. Since we can’t retrieve the penicillin right now anyway, I figured we might as well store it in the box and claim everything together later.]
[So the "right time" is basically whenever you feel like it?]
[Exactly! After news of my apprenticeship spread, I heard people saying my mentor was unlucky and unfit to teach. I wanted to show them that fortune isn’t for them to decide—it’s up to me.]
Her mentor was not the conventional "virtuous wife and nurturing mother" society idealized. After many years of marriage, she had only borne one son. When he passed away, she refused to take concubines for her husband—an act deemed ungracious. Some even claimed her parents and only child had died young because her inauspicious birth chart brought misfortune to her kin.
Yu Miaohua despised such talk. So when the system triggered this mission, she seized the opportunity to orchestrate this divine spectacle.
Let’s see who dares call her mentor unlucky now.
Jiang Kangyou, upon overhearing Yu Miaohua’s exchange with the divine being, couldn’t help but smile faintly.
He hadn’t expected Consort Hui to be even more tender-hearted and considerate than he imagined.
Despite barely knowing his wife, she had still empathized with her struggles and gone out of her way to stage this grand display just to bolster her standing.
Now he understood why the Empress Dowager doted on her so fiercely—not just because of the divine beings around her, but also because of this pure-hearted sincerity.
Glancing around, he spotted the same barely suppressed envy on the faces of those colleagues he suspected could also hear the divine conversation—mirroring the Emperor’s expression perfectly.
Jiang Kangyou’s mood brightened further. Let them stew in their jealousy.
The most composed person present was the Empress Dowager. After all, she had already been blessed with divine radiance—she had no reason to fret.
Yu Miaohua turned to her newly acknowledged mentor, Zhang Changying. "Mentor, what’s inside?"
Zhang Changying, still dazed, replied, "I’m not sure… It says it will open when the time is right."
Yu Miaohua nodded. "Then keep it safe. Perhaps one day, it will reveal itself."
Zhang Changying hesitated. "But this box should be yours. It came because of you."
The Divine Maiden truly lived up to her name. Even a simple apprenticeship ceremony could produce such a spectacle—one that would surely be recorded in history.
Zhang Changying knew her limits. Without Yu Miaohua, such a divine blessing would never have occurred. She examined the jade box—it was seamless, with no visible opening.
The jade itself was smooth and warm to the touch, a rare variety known as "warm jade."
Yu Miaohua shook her head. "Since it was given to you, it’s meant for you to safeguard."
Pei Lingyue struggled to keep his envy in check. "Lady Zhang, since heaven bestowed this upon you, do not spurn its favor. Keep it well."
As for theft, Pei Lingyue had no concerns. Given the divine being’s power, no matter who took the box, it could be reclaimed—and the thief would face dire consequences.
Zhang Changying bowed slightly, cradling the jade box with reverence.
Yu Miaohua's apprenticeship ceremony concluded—though she couldn't shake the feeling that the other officials were stealing glances at her when they thought she wasn’t looking.
[System, is there something on my face? Why do I feel like they keep staring at me?]
[No, Host, your appearance is flawless. It’s probably because of the auspicious sign. Aside from Vice Minister of War Lin Da, Minister of Rites Yin Shi, and General Zhao Yong Qiao Shidong, the other officials glanced at you more than fifteen times within a quarter-hour. Prince Yong holds the record—twenty-seven times.] Nothing escaped the system’s sharp eyes.
Yu Miaohua quickly accepted the explanation.
[You’re right. They must not have seen much of the world. Once they witness a few more auspicious signs, they’ll get used to it.]
Unbeknownst to her, officials like Yuan Xinji, who were accused of being provincial, felt deeply wronged—they weren’t staring at her, but at the divine conversation between the Imperial Consort Hui and the gods!
Yuan Xinji couldn’t help but glance at the three individuals mentioned by the divine presence, silently concluding: Those two probably can’t see it. How could anyone who witnesses such a spectacle resist watching?
He turned slightly and locked eyes with Ge Chengrong—Ah, so he definitely saw it too.
A look of mutual understanding passed between them.
After Yu Miaohua’s ceremony, it was the turn of the Tanhua (third-ranked scholar), Shen Sushang.
Without any supernatural intervention, Shen Sushang’s apprenticeship proceeded uneventfully.
Pei Lingyue, acting as senior disciple, presented Shen Sushang with a fine Duan inkstone as a gift.
Only then did the crowd remember—the Emperor was technically Jiang Kangyou’s first disciple. Shen Sushang was clearly being set up for a meteoric rise.
Shen Sushang was undoubtedly talented, but the Zhuangyuan (top scholar) and Bangyan (second-ranked scholar) of the same imperial examination were no less capable. Why was the Emperor showing him such favor? Was it simply because he was young and strikingly handsome?
Pei Lingyue glanced at Shen Sushang, then turned his gaze to Yu Miaohua, his tone teasing. "Tanhua Shen and Imperial Consort Hui are now fellow disciples. In the future, you should address her as ‘Senior Sister.’"
Jiang Kangyou sighed inwardly. The Emperor spared no effort in rewarding those he favored, even going so far as to publicly link the two of them together.
He had no choice but to play along. "Your Majesty speaks wisely."
The other officials could only watch the exchange in silent exasperation.
Pei Lingyue pretended not to notice.
After the ceremony, Yu Miaohua stayed for a meal at the Jiang residence before departing.
The Empress Dowager, rarely leaving the palace, wanted to buy some pastries. Yu Miaohua accompanied her, both having changed out of their court attire into simpler garments. Yet, given their status, even their most discreet efforts at blending in were futile.
Yu Miaohua’s beauty stood out even among the palace’s many stunning women, let alone in the streets. The moment she entered the pastry shop, the room fell silent as all eyes turned to her.
Only then did Yu Miaohua truly grasp her own allure.
[System, according to novel tropes, some brainless young master should show up now, try to take me as his eighteenth concubine, and then I’d reveal my identity and humiliate him.]
[Host, you should really read fewer novels.]
The Empress Dowager, overhearing Yu Miaohua’s musings, nearly choked on her words.
Miaohua is overthinking things. Our attire alone marks us as nobility, and with armed guards in tow, even the most reckless fool wouldn’t dare offend us.
The pastry shop the Empress Dowager favored had changed hands—the current baker was the granddaughter of the original master.
Their soft fragrant cakes and chickpea cakes were particularly renowned.
The Empress Dowager sampled a soft fragrant cake. Though different from her memories, it was delightfully sweet and sticky.
Yu Miaohua found the chickpea cake quite to her liking—adjusted in flavor, it suited her palate better than usual. She thought her mother would enjoy it too.
After a moment’s consideration, she ordered several more portions to be delivered to the Yu residence.
Between them, they spent two taels of silver—a considerable sum.
The Empress Dowager, having brought no money, left Yu Miaohua to foot the bill.
Their purchases complete, they departed in high spirits.
Unbeknownst to them, a group seated in the corner followed them out, returning to their inn.
"That must be the Great Qi’s Imperial Consort Hui. As stunning as the rumors say—no less beautiful than our princess. With her around, can our princess truly win favor in the Great Qi’s harem?"
"No matter how beautiful, one grows weary of the same face. Our princess is not only peerless in beauty but also unmatched in talent. No man could resist her."
"But Imperial Consort Hui is also Great Qi’s Divine Maiden. Stealing the Emperor’s favor won’t be easy. We must find a way to make her fall from grace."
After some discussion, they resolved to record their findings and send them back to the palace. Their opinions mattered little—the decision lay with their superiors.
…
Pei Lingyue was a man of swift action, especially where Yu Miaohua was concerned.
After leaving the Jiang residence, he summoned all the attending officials to the palace, testing them one by one.
Lin Da, Vice Minister of War, was the last to emerge from the Hall of Qian Yuan. Recalling the Emperor’s questions, his expression flickered with confusion.
Inside the hall, the Emperor had asked what he had witnessed at the Jiang residence.
Lin Da, baffled, described the auspicious signs in detail—though inwardly, he envied Jiang Kangyou for gaining such a powerful patron in Imperial Consort Hui.
The Emperor pressed further. "And besides that?"
Lin Da, at a loss, could only offer a dry description of the Jiang residence’s gardens.
He sensed the Emperor’s disappointment but couldn’t fathom its cause.
The uncertainty gnawed at him like ants, growing unbearable.
Looking up, he saw Prince Yong chatting with Grand Tutor Yuan Xinji beneath a tree, their demeanor relaxed.
Under another tree, Ge Chengrong was boasting about his newborn granddaughter to Marquis Jing, brother of Consort De.
Lin Da scanned the courtyard. Aside from Qiao Shidong and Yin Shi, all the guests from the Jiang residence were still here. Why hadn’t they left after their audience?
And since when were these men so close?
Lin Da felt excluded, a sensation he despised.
"Aren’t you all returning?" he asked casually.
Prince Yong glanced at him and shook his head. "His Majesty will summon us again shortly."
Lin Da’s expression tightened, his fists clenching in his sleeves.
The Emperor… had not asked him to stay.
Qiao Shidong, it seemed, had also been excluded.
What was it about them that set them apart?
Lin Da lingered, watching as the Emperor’s eunuch emerged to usher Prince Yong and the others back inside.
Though standing right there, he was not invited.
…
After discussing with each one, Pei Lingyue finalized the list of ministers who could see the phenomenon this time.
Out of the ten invited officials, only Lin Da, Yin Shi, and Qiao Shidong remained unable to perceive it.
Shen Sushang, the Tanhua (third-ranked scholar), also couldn’t see it. Pei Lingyue wondered if it was due to his low-ranking position or because he was a side romance target who had been excluded.
The current sample size was too small to determine the exact criteria.
Marquis Jing offered a suggestion, "My daughter’s full-month celebration falls on the seventeenth. Due to a difficult birth, she has been frail. Would the Noble Consort Hui do me the honor of attending?"
He planned to invite many guests.
Since Marquis Jing Song Hezhi’s nephew, the Fourth Prince, was still young, his high-profile actions wouldn’t raise suspicions of forming factions to pave the way for the prince.
Of course, Marquis Jing volunteered not just to assist the Emperor but also out of personal motives. His daughter was born on the same day as an earthquake, sparking unfavorable rumors within the clan. His elder brother even suggested sending the child to a temple, infuriating him. Countless children were born that day, and the earthquake’s timing had long been predicted—how could it be his daughter’s fault?
If Noble Consort Hui attended the celebration, it might help quell such talk.
Pei Lingyue readily agreed. "Granted." Marquis Jing was truly considerate.
This would also be an opportunity to identify who could and couldn’t see the phenomenon.
Jiang Kangyou, the first minister to witness it, remarked leisurely, "With everyone covering for us, I no longer have to worry about rumors spreading about Noble Consort Hui and Tanhua Shen."
"The deities seem eager for Tanhua Shen to fall for Noble Consort Hui, constantly assigning tasks to push them together."
Marquis Jing and the others were stunned: Why was Tanhua Shen involved in this?
Noble Consort Hui and Tanhua Shen? Was this something they were even allowed to know?
They instinctively glanced at the Emperor—only to find his expression eerily calm, as if Noble Consort Hui weren’t his consort at all.
He even said amiably, "Just consider Tanhua Shen one of the divine husbands the gods have chosen for Noble Consort Hui."
Divine husbands?
The term left everyone thunderstruck.
Was the Emperor’s magnanimity this vast? Was he serious?
Yuan Xinji keenly sensed something amiss. "'One of'? So who else is there?"
Pei Lingyue remained silent, only signaling with his eyes toward his mentor.
Jiang Kangyou, observing their conflicted expressions, couldn’t help but feel a twisted satisfaction.
He revealed the second name. "Prince Feng’s heir, Pei Yuheng."
Yuan Xinji’s face darkened as if ink had been spilled, barely suppressing his urge to curse.
He forced out the question, "And the third?"
Given Jiang Kangyou’s penchant for drama, the third identity was bound to be even more shocking.
Someone more unexpected than Prince Feng’s heir…
A name surfaced in Yuan Xinji’s mind.
Pei Lingyue answered with amused delight, "The Crown Prince."
Everyone except Pei Lingyue and Jiang Kangyou turned to stone.
Jiang Kangyou smiled: He’d stayed precisely to witness this reaction.
Pure satisfaction.
...
Three days after the apprenticeship banquet, Consort De reluctantly approached Yu Miaohua.
Yu Miaohua was surprised. "Marquis Jing wants me to attend the full-month celebration?"
"Are you sure he meant me, not my mother?"
She looked bewildered—since when did imperial consorts get invited to officials’ family events? Consort De’s brother certainly didn’t follow conventions.
Consort De nodded stiffly. "My niece has been frail since birth and only recently improved. Some ill-wishers claim her inauspicious birthdate means she should be raised in a temple. That’s why my brother hopes for your presence."
Though Consort De had other brothers, Marquis Jing was her only full sibling. Their bond was strong, and his support had eased her life in the palace. He’d never asked for favors before, so she couldn’t refuse.
She’d even brought lavish gifts this time.
Rumors said the baby girl resembled her aunt. At the thought, Consort De’s face softened with affection.
Yu Miaohua got along well with Consort De and didn’t want to reject a simple request.
After a pause, she said, "If the Emperor permits, I have no objections."
Consort De brightened. "I’ll seek his approval immediately."
"I prepared soup for you. Try it—if you like it, I’ll make more."
Yu Miaohua recalled Consort Zhang’s past complaint:
"Consort De means well, but her soups are... an acquired taste. Anyone who finishes a bowl is a true friend."
Under Consort De’s eager gaze, Yu Miaohua took a sip—who put orange peel in pork stomach soup?!
Help! Was this gratitude or revenge?
She forced a smile. "It’s... acceptable."
Consort De beamed with genuine joy.
With the Emperor’s consent, Yu Miaohua prepared to attend the celebration.
She’d heard Marquis Jing doted on his daughter, and the event’s scale proved it—nearly every official in the capital, familiar or not, received an invitation, including Prince Feng.
Many muttered behind his back: "It’s just a girl. Why the fuss? You’d think she was made of gold."
But Yu Miaohua admired his dedication. Risking ridicule to shield his child? A commendable father.
Since Yu Miaohua was approved, Consort De received permission too.
Having rarely left the palace in years, this was a rare homecoming—thanks to Yu Miaohua.
Her gratitude deepened.
"All thanks to Noble Consort Hui."
She could even bring her own children to meet their cousins.
Other consorts sighed enviously at her luck.
On the day, Yu Miaohua and Consort De departed by palanquin.
News of her attendance ensured a full house—the celebration buzzed with excitement.
Yu Miaohua saw Marquis Jing’s daughter: small but loud, clearly well cared for.
With the mother still recovering, Lady Gu, the maternal grandmother, held the baby.
Yu Miaohua removed her jade pendant. "A small gift, I hope you’ll accept."
Lady Gu was overjoyed. "Thank you, Your Highness!"
A pendant from Noble Consort Hui? Better than any temple charm.
A richly dressed woman beside her remarked, "With Noble Consort Hui’s blessing, my niece will surely outgrow her ‘ill-fated’ reputation."
Yu Miaohua looked at the woman and asked, "Who said her fate brings misfortune to her parents?"
The woman froze for a moment before replying, "The temple master said so. A child born on such an ill-fated day is destined to bring calamity upon their family and must receive the Buddha's purification."
Yu Miaohua scoffed, "Nonsense. I see nothing but good fortune in her fate."
She despised so-called "masters" who spread such harmful superstitions—all they wanted was to swindle people out of their money. Did they ever consider the hardships an innocent child would face if branded with such a rumor?
Consort De’s expression darkened. "Sister-in-law, if you have money to spare, why not use it for charity—distribute porridge or repair roads? That would be true virtue. Stop wasting it on fraudsters."
Anyone who dared claim her niece was cursed was undoubtedly a fraud.
Only then did Yu Miaohua realize this woman was Consort De’s sister-in-law.
She asked, "May I know the date of your birth?"
She had initially wanted to ask for the woman’s full birth chart, but considering how private such details were in this era, she settled for the birth date alone—a less taboo subject.
The woman provided a date.
[System, check if any natural disasters occurred in the Great Qi on this day. If not, look into other countries.]
The system quickly supplied an answer.
Yu Miaohua skimmed the information before calmly stating, "On the day you were born, floods submerged Yang County in Songzhou, and a mudslide buried Bao Village... By your master’s logic, your fate must also be ill-omened, destined to bring ruin to your family."
Consort De added, "Yet my sister-in-law’s parents are alive and well. Clearly, that so-called master is nothing but a fraud."
The noblewoman’s face burned with humiliation.
Consort De was in high spirits on the way back, repeatedly thanking Yu Miaohua.
After today, no one would dare spread rumors about her niece’s supposed cursed fate.
Grateful, Consort De now regarded Yu Miaohua as a dear friend. "How did you know about those disasters on her birth date?"
Yu Miaohua blinked. "The knowledge simply came to me in that moment."
Consort De’s expression turned reverent. "It must have been divine revelation!"
Yu Miaohua guessed the others present likely thought the same.
At this point, she was already seen as a divine maiden—nothing about her would surprise them anymore.
Though Consort De didn’t voice her gratitude excessively, she made a mental note to repay the favor.
Meanwhile, Pei Lingyue seized the opportunity to meet with his trusted ministers.
Through the full-moon banquet of Marquis Jing’s youngest daughter, they had identified more individuals.
Prince Feng’s heir—invisible.
Censor Li—invisible.
The Deputy Minister of Justice—visible.
...
After cross-referencing, they confirmed one thing:
Currently, only those holding positions of the third rank or higher, or possessing a title of Baron or above, could be seen.
But not all high-ranking officials or nobles were visible—less than thirty percent, totaling only fifteen so far. This didn’t include officials stationed outside the capital.
Pei Lingyue speculated that as the divine system leveled up, more people might gain visibility.
But why were some eligible individuals excluded?
Prince Yong ventured a guess, "Could it be because they harbor ill will toward Consort Hui?"
Pei Lingyue shook his head. "Prince Feng has been actively trying to win Consort Hui’s favor. He wouldn’t hold malice."
Lately, Prince Feng had been enthusiastically sponsoring the publication of Consort Hui’s writings.
The emperor said coolly, "It may be tied to their competence and integrity."
"After the apprenticeship banquet, I investigated Qiao Shidong and found correspondence between him and Liang Country."
"His biological father is from Liang Country."
Over the years, Great Qi and Liang Country had occasional conflicts. Qiao Shidong was promoted to General of Valiant Brilliance after winning several battles—but now it was clear those victories were staged with Liang’s cooperation. No wonder other generals kept losing—he had been leaking secrets.
"What about Lin Da?"
Pei Lingyue replied, "Lin Da’s true allegiance lies with Prince Zhuang."
Compared to Prince Feng, Prince Zhuang had seemed resigned, even taking monastic vows. But his secret dealings with high-ranking officials proved otherwise.
The emperor now knew his troublesome younger brother’s meek facade was just an act.
He continued, "Eight years ago, Minister of Rites Yin Shi leaked imperial examination questions to his illegitimate son. Evidence was found in his home."
The other ministers silently rejoiced: At least they could be seen!
Along with relief, a faint pride swelled within them—this was divine recognition of their worth.
Pei Lingyue decided that when officials of the third rank or higher from other regions came to the capital, Consort Hui must accompany him. He understood that absolute purity in governance was impossible—as long as officials were competent, he could overlook minor flaws. But key positions could never fall into treacherous hands.
He hoped the divine system would level up further, allowing lower-ranking virtuous officials—even scholars—to become visible. Then, during the palace examinations, he could bring Consort Hui to distinguish loyalty from deceit!
(Note: The previous chapter was revised to specify officials of the third rank or higher.)
