Chu Yunxia wrestled with her thoughts for a long time.
After all, this was not Great Liang—their influence here was limited. If they made too many moves, they could easily alert the Emperor of Great Qi.
Especially now that they had even dragged in the Crown Prince, the heir most favored by the Emperor… It was easy to imagine how many eyes were fixed on His Highness. The slightest disturbance could trigger a political earthquake across the court.
Wu watched as her princess’s expression shifted repeatedly, as if caught in some inner struggle.
"Princess."
Chu Yunxia snapped out of her daze and turned to her trusted maid, whose expression was cautious and uneasy.
Back in Great Liang, Wu, as her personal maid, had been treated with respect wherever she went. But after coming to Great Qi, due to Chu Yunxia’s fall from favor, Wu had grown timid and hesitant, learning to tread carefully around others. This was not the life she wanted.
Yu Miaohua’s status as the Divine Maiden was unshakable. Even if she were involved with Shen Sushang and Pei Yuheng, the Emperor might choose to suppress the scandal for the sake of the benefits she brought, continuing to enshrine her in high regard. Chu Yunxia would still spend her life overshadowed by her.
But if the future Emperor of Great Qi were implicated, the Emperor’s attitude would surely change.
Could a Divine Maiden truly be more important than the Crown Prince?
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Chu Yunxia decided to take the gamble.
The evening light spilled through the window, casting a rare determination across her usually delicate and fragile features. She would rather die boldly than live in cowardice.
---
Yu Miaohua spent an hour finally selecting the porcelain she wanted.
She had always struggled with indecision, but this time, with three advisors at her side, she made up her mind quickly.
Pei Yuheng didn’t argue much with the Crown Prince either—since he had the rare chance to spend time with Yu Miaohua, he naturally wanted to display his magnanimity.
What pleased him most was that Yu Miaohua had taken several of his suggestions, proving she no longer held any prejudice against him.
"The first batch will be ready in seven days. You can come and inspect them personally then."
Pei Yuheng deliberately gave a specific date. He wasn’t doing this out of kindness—it was a false lead meant to mislead the other two.
He planned to have the craftsmen work day and night to finish the first batch in five days, then inform Yu Miaohua immediately.
Given how much care she had put into this birthday gift, she would surely come the same day, catching Pei Chiyan and Shen Sushang completely off guard.
Those two were more than just a nuisance.
Yu Miaohua nodded, her expression tinged with anticipation. "I’ll definitely come then."
"Since I’ve taken up so much of your time today, perhaps I could treat the three of you to dinner—"
Yu Miaohua was about to suggest treating them all to a meal. With so many people present, no one could misconstrue it.
Pei Chiyan sighed. "Grandmother has been dining alone these past few days. Her appetite has suffered without company."
Yu Miaohua had been so busy preparing her mother’s birthday gift that she hadn’t visited the Empress Dowager’s palace much lately. Guilt pricked at her, and she immediately said, "I’ll go back and dine with Her Majesty tonight."
There was no helping it—the Empress Dowager adored her too much and couldn’t bear to be without her.
Pei Yuheng, guessing what she had originally intended to say, reaffirmed his belief: the Crown Prince was just as insufferable as his father.
Shen Sushang, who lived in the eastern part of the city, was the first to leave.
Pei Yuheng still resided in the imperial palace’s princely quarters, with no plans to move out yet. Despite the constraints of palace life, it allowed him easier access to news about Yu Miaohua.
Watching Yu Miaohua and Pei Chiyan walk toward the Empress Dowager’s palace together, he briefly considered shamelessly following them. He suppressed the impulse—he had already revealed too much in front of Pei Chiyan and Shen Sushang today. While those two might keep quiet for Yu Miaohua’s sake, the palace was full of prying eyes. He needed to be more cautious.
Sullenly, he turned toward his own residence. After a few steps, he paused.
His mind replayed every detail of the day.
Pei Chiyan’s attentiveness toward Yu Miaohua had been excessive. While the Crown Prince was known for his kindness and gentleness, no one had ever described him as this considerate. Especially since he usually adhered strictly to propriety, never overstepping.
Was his concern for Yu Miaohua due to the Emperor and Empress’s orders, or was it his own personal interest?
If it was the latter, it would be the greatest scandal in imperial history.
Of course, his own designs on Yu Miaohua weren’t much better.
If he wanted, he could easily ruin the reputations of Emperor Pei Lingyue and his son, even inciting conflict between them.
But doing so would turn Yu Miaohua from a revered Divine Maiden into a femme fatale who stirred strife in the imperial family—even if she were the most innocent party in all this.
Pei Yuheng’s expression hardened as he stepped inside.
His mind drifted to the peony hairpin Yu Miaohua had worn today. He had designed it himself, and it suited her perfectly. When she was in a good mood, she would sometimes absently touch the tiny pearl chain dangling from it.
His father had been stripped of real power, reduced to a mere prince. Even if the Emperor’s position became unstable, neither of them stood to gain—other uncles would likely benefit instead.
Why pave the way for others?
He sighed inwardly. There was no need to mention this to his father, lest it stir unnecessary thoughts.
---
Yu Miaohua’s gift for her mother was settled without a hitch—a custom porcelain set and an elixir of longevity (though she would never let others know about the latter).
When the Emperor had taken a similar pill during his birthday celebrations, everyone believed it had been bestowed by the Buddha through her hands. No one knew she could produce as many as she pleased.
With her tasks completed, she spent her free time checking on Sister Sun’s pregnancy or dining with the Empress Dowager. Occasionally, she would encounter the Crown Prince in the palace as well.
The more they interacted, the more at ease she became around him.
When the Crown Prince wished, he could effortlessly make anyone who met him like him.
Five days later, Yu Miaohua received word from Pei Yuheng—her two porcelain sets were ready.
After informing the Emperor, she eagerly set out.
Pei Yuheng told her, "I’ve already inspected them. Both sets turned out perfectly. Lady Cihui’s paintings give off a very gentle feeling."
The compliment struck just the right note. Yu Miaohua’s lips curved. "My mother is indeed a gentle person."
Well, except when she was being fierce.
Once they arrived at the kiln, Yu Miaohua’s thoughts drifted to her glassmaking reward task.
She turned to Qingluo, who had accompanied her, and said, "I promised the Second Princess I’d bring her some grass-woven grasshoppers. Could you pick out a few for me?"
There were many stalls nearby, with artisans crafting little animals from grass. The ones she’d bought last time had been a hit with the children.
As for the other guards…
She added, "The rest of you can go have some tea and rest your throats. The prince is here with me."
The guards quickly withdrew without uttering a single unnecessary word.
[Host has triggered Side Mission 3.2: A secret rendezvous with Pei Yuheng. Reward: Glassmaking technique.]
The system mused that the host could be quite proactive when she wanted to complete tasks.
[Ancient glass is basically modern glass, right?]
[Correct!]
Yes! Yu Miaohua imagined replacing all the windows with glass panes, brightening up the rooms. She could even install a floor-to-ceiling window in one room to enjoy snowy winters while eating hotpot indoors.
With composure, Yu Miaohua said to Pei Yuheng, "Will I still be able to commission custom porcelain from your kiln in the future?"
Pei Yuheng struggled to suppress the upward tug of his lips. "It would be an honor for them to craft porcelain for you."
[Look at Pei Yuheng’s hopelessly smitten expression. It almost makes me nostalgic for his former arrogant, untamed self.]
Yu Miaohua noticed Pei Yuheng gesture discreetly, prompting his guards to retreat as well.
Good. She had expected this—once she took the first step, Pei Yuheng would instinctively follow through.
Her efforts weren’t wasted, especially since she’d deliberately worn his birthday gift today—the pair of mutton-fat jade lotus hairpins.
The porcelain set was already placed in the side chamber, stored in a rosewood box.
Yu Miaohua nearly scoffed. The box alone probably cost more than the porcelain inside.
She addressed Pei Yuheng, "Young Master."
Pei Yuheng lifted his gaze to meet hers, his heart pounding wildly. It suddenly struck him—this might be the first time they’d been truly alone together.
Her almond-shaped eyes, clear and bright, held an innate innocence. Under her gaze, he felt as if he’d become someone significant in her world—his cheeks burned with embarrassing warmth.
"Did you design these hairpins?"
Pei Yuheng’s ears buzzed, his mind blank except for one thought—she knew.
Yu Miaohua spoke earnestly, "Thank you. They’re beautiful. And the clay figurine—that was your handiwork too, wasn’t it?"
"Yes."
Pei Yuheng had imagined that if Yu Miaohua ever discovered these gestures, he’d pour out his feelings with the most heartfelt words.
Yet now, faced with the moment, he felt struck dumb—tongue-tied, reduced to a stiff, monosyllabic reply.
How pathetic.
Yu Miaohua continued, "I appreciate your feelings. But you don’t need to do these things anymore. There’s no future for us."
Pei Yuheng reeled as if struck. After a long pause, he managed, "Is that why you dismissed everyone? To tell me this?"
[No, this heartless woman just wanted to complete her mission. Rejecting you was a bonus.]
Yu Miaohua refused the "heartless" label—she hadn’t led him on or deliberately charmed him.
Truthfully, Pei Yuheng’s affection had caused her some trouble. Claiming the mission rewards as compensation wasn’t unreasonable.
[Just tell me—did we complete the mission? Weren’t the porcelain discussions during our alone time perfectly pleasant?]
[Congratulations, host! Side Mission "Secret Rendezvous with Pei Yuheng" completed. Reward issued.]
Yu Miaohua nodded. "You’re a good person."
Unaware that "good person" was modern rejection-speak, Pei Yuheng felt conflicted by her words.
"You think I’m… good?"
"Your kiln employs many locals, transforming their lives. Their respect for you shows you treat them fairly. Today, Manager Song greeted me just as before—you didn’t punish him for past mistakes. That’s why I believe you’re good."
If Pei Yuheng truly loved her, Yu Miaohua hoped these "good person" remarks might inspire him to become one.
Even if it started as pretense, maintaining it for a lifetime would make it real.
Pei Yuheng fell silent. "I understand."
She’d dismissed the others to spare his pride, hadn’t she?
She could’ve used this against him or destroyed the hairpins to erase evidence.
Instead, she honored his feelings, even risking a private meeting.
She was kinder, nobler than he’d imagined.
Though rejection stung, pride swelled in his chest.
His taste was impeccable—he’d fallen for the finest woman alive.
[What the—I must be hallucinating.]
[??? How does this make sense? Is Pei Yuheng some kind of masochist? His favorability increased after being rejected???]
[OMG! Pei Yuheng’s favorability toward the host has reached 50! Mission "Pei Yuheng’s Affection Reaches 50" completed. Reward: High-efficiency waterwheel technology. This irrigation system is ideal for mountainous regions, drastically reducing labor and solving drought issues.]
[Who’d have guessed he’d be the first to hit 50 affinity? Talk about an underdog victory.]
[...]
Yu Miaohua couldn’t decipher Pei Yuheng’s logic either.
Who’d have thought rejecting someone would skyrocket their affection?
Thanks to him, she’d bagged two missions today. The waterwheel was especially timely—it could be deployed before the August drought.
Sincerely, she repeated, "You really are a good person."
With missions accomplished, Yu Miaohua saw no need to linger. Refreshed, she waited at the entrance for Qingluo and the guards to collect the porcelain.
That evening, Pei Lingyue joined her for dinner.
Eager for potential rewards, he’d even gritted his teeth to help Pei Yuheng cover his tracks from the Crown Prince.
Never had he imagined aiding a political rival!
But after piecing together clues from Yu Miaohua and the system’s divine revelations—
Pei Lingyue was electrified.
Every sacrifice had been worth it.
Not only had she secured glassmaking techniques, but also a revolutionary waterwheel design—one that outclassed existing models.
Thank goodness she’d chosen Pei Yuheng initially. Without him, these windfalls wouldn’t exist.
Yu Miaohua also casually mentioned her private meeting with Pei Yuheng to the Emperor.
With a hint of remorse, she said, "This concubine wished to keep my mother’s birthday gifts private. In hindsight, my actions may have been improper."
Pei Lingyue reassured her, "Your filial devotion is clear. I’d never doubt you."
[Host, Pei Lingyue is practically becoming a doting, credulous fool around you.]
"Tsk, don’t think I can’t tell you’re implying I’m some kind of seductive concubine. Have you ever seen a seductive concubine who works so diligently for the good of Great Qi? Meeting me was Great Qi’s fortune. And I’ve already rejected Pei Yuheng—I’ve done what I should, and my conscience is clear."
"And yet, after your rejection, Pei Yuheng only grew fonder of you."
When Pei Lingyue saw Yu Miaohua reject Pei Yuheng, his heart nearly leapt to his throat, filled with anguish—Yu Miaohua didn’t need to be so rigid about wifely virtues. If he didn’t mind, why should she?
Only after hearing the divine commentary did he finally relax. So, the reward for the high-efficiency waterwheel came from this?
Three days later, Pei Lingyue officially received the two items from Yu Miaohua.
He couldn’t wait to summon all the informed ministers to announce the news.
The glassmaking technique would not be shared—it was another golden goose to fill the national treasury.
Overseas glass was exorbitantly priced in Great Qi, and the nobility and wealthy merchants were utterly defenseless against its beauty and clarity.
He had seen the raw materials for glass—common, cheap stones. Even if sold at a tenth of the current price, the profits would be staggering.
The high-efficiency waterwheel could be put to immediate use, benefiting the common people. Pei Lingyue planned to make the blueprints public.
The ministers all praised His Majesty’s wisdom.
They couldn’t help but marvel—only an extraordinary man could become a sage ruler.
Had it been them, they would never have been so eager to put a cuckold’s hat on their own heads.
Thus, they cried out, "Long live the Emperor!" with genuine admiration.
...
Of course, relying solely on the ministers to promote the waterwheel’s widespread use in such a short time was impossible.
Fortunately, the next day was a court assembly, perfect for thorough discussion.
Pei Lingyue issued decree after decree, and the Ministry of Revenue allocated funds for the project.
Minister of Revenue Ge Chengrong knew full well that a severe drought was expected in August. The more waterwheels built, the better they could mitigate the disaster.
With Pei Lingyue and the high-ranking ministers united, any dissenters could do nothing to change the outcome.
Just as Pei Lingyue thought the morning court session was about to conclude, Left Deputy Censor Li Yiluo stepped forward solemnly, his back straight, his voice resolute and clear in the hall.
"Your Majesty, this subject has a report. The heir of Feng Commandery Prince harbors improper intentions toward Noble Consort Hui—this is a grave offense!"
Pei Yuheng was not present at court, but his father, Feng Commandery Prince Pei Lingyou, was.
Pei Lingyou’s face darkened. "Minister Li, do you have proof? My son and Noble Consort Hui are innocent. You cannot slander them with mere words."
Though Pei Lingyou had indeed entertained such thoughts before, acting on them was one thing—being exposed was another.
He had long abandoned his ambitions for the throne and no longer needed his son to win over Noble Consort Hui for political gain. Yet, from his son’s behavior, it seemed he had genuinely fallen for her, not merely for profit.
Human emotions were not so easily controlled.
Faced with his beloved eldest son, Pei Lingyou couldn’t bring himself to reprimand him too harshly—after all, he bore some responsibility. No matter what, he would find a way to absolve his son.
Li Yiluo stiffened his neck. "This subject would not dare accuse the heir without evidence."
"If not for coveting Noble Consort Hui, why would the Feng Prince’s heir repeatedly invite her to his porcelain kiln? The second time, he even dismissed all attendants."
The evidence Li Yiluo obtained had all been provided by the Liang Kingdom. As Left Deputy Censor, he had once enjoyed greater imperial trust than his Right Deputy counterpart. But starting a few months ago... the Emperor’s favor had waned.
His colleague, the Right Deputy Censor, had instead gained the Emperor’s attention, frequently summoned for private audiences.
Li Yiluo didn’t know why he had fallen out of favor, but he refused to sit idle. If he could crush the Feng Commandery Prince’s faction and resolve the Emperor’s concerns, he would surely regain imperial trust.
As for Noble Consort Hui... her closeness to the Feng Prince’s heir proved her impropriety. For the sake of her reputation, he dared not openly impeach her, but if his plan succeeded, her name would still be tarnished. This would also repay the Liang envoys for their jewels.
Those jewels would allow him to provide for his beloved concubine and their child.
Moreover, he would be doing Crown Prince and the Marquis of Wulie a favor.
People praised the Empress as virtuous, treating Noble Consort Hui like a sister. He didn’t believe it—how could the Empress and Crown Prince truly cherish a consort whose achievements overshadowed all others? Even his own wife grew jealous when he gifted his favorite concubine a few shops.
At this moment, Li Yiluo was brimming with confidence, envisioning the bright future ahead.
To his shock, the Crown Prince’s calm voice cut through the hall.
"Noble Consort Hui visited the Feng Prince’s kiln to commission porcelain for Lady Cihui. I was present—the imperial kiln’s wares had flaws, so the heir kindly offered advice. Their relationship is pure. It is your mind that is filthy."
Pei Lingyou was equally stunned. Regardless of the Crown Prince’s motives, he owed him a debt of gratitude.
Li Yiluo’s eyes widened in disbelief. Why would the Crown Prince defend them—even serving as a witness?
What was he thinking? This was for his own good!
No, the Crown Prince must be posturing as benevolent! He just needed more evidence.
Li Yiluo pressed on, "Your Highness, you’ve been deceived! The Feng Prince’s heir privately crafted a porcelain doll of Noble Consort Hui—proof of his lust!"
A cold glint flashed in Pei Chiyan’s eyes. "That doll was made at my command. The heir merely followed orders."
From his throne, Pei Lingyue finally spoke. "The Crown Prince commissioned the doll for me, but I found it too childish and refused it. Since it was modeled after Noble Consort Hui, the heir dared not destroy it and kept it instead. Minister Li, what else do you have to say?"
"Will you next claim the hairpin Noble Consort Hui wears was a gift from the heir? That they exchanged tokens in secret? She initially chose other ornaments—it was I who insisted on bestowing those two upon her. If there is fault, it is mine."
Hearing the Emperor and Crown Prince both defend Pei Yuheng and Noble Consort Hui, the other ministers grew even more convinced of their innocence.
Li Yiluo must have lost his mind to fabricate such rumors.
Li Yiluo's lips lost their color as even the Emperor spoke against him. If he didn’t present more evidence now, he would likely be demoted for slandering the Noble Consort Hui and the Prince of Feng, completely losing the Emperor’s favor.
He hadn’t expected the hairpin to have been a personal gift from the Emperor… He had originally planned to use it as one of his key pieces of evidence. Now, bringing it up would only humiliate himself further.
Taking a deep breath, he pressed on, “Then, why did the Prince of Feng meet alone with Noble Consort Hui the other day? Does he not understand the principle of avoiding suspicion? Does he not know the meaning of propriety?”
The resonant voice of the Marquis of Wulie, Lu Lingyun, cut in, “Who said they were alone?”
“I was there myself! I had gone to the porcelain kiln to select a gift for Lady Cihui’s birthday, and Noble Consort Hui and the Prince of Feng helped me choose several suitable vases.”
Li Yiluo was stunned—how could even the Marquis of Wulie step forward as their witness?
“B-but didn’t you go fishing with Minister Ge that day?” How could he have been at the kiln?
Then again, the Marquis of Wulie wouldn’t lie for Noble Consort Hui, would he? There was no benefit in it for him.
Minister of Revenue, Ge Chengrong, leisurely remarked, “That day, we went fishing together, but the Marquis didn’t catch a single fish in an entire hour. He left in such a huff—so that’s where he went.”
Lu Lingyun was furious. He had clearly caught a ten-pound fish that day, while Ge Chengrong was the one who hadn’t gotten a single bite!
Damn it, this bastard was using the chance to erase his glorious fishing record.
But since he had to maintain the false testimony for Noble Consort Hui, he could only grit his teeth and say, “Yes, I didn’t catch anything that day.”
Ge Chengrong, satisfied, stroked his beard and smiled. “My luck, however, was excellent. I reeled in a ten-pound fish.”
After enjoying the sight of Lu Lingyun glaring at him, Ge Chengrong turned to Li Yiluo. “Minister Li, do you have anything else to say?”
Li Yiluo was dumbfounded. Every piece of evidence he had presented had been refuted, turning his accusations into baseless slander.
For a fleeting moment, he considered exposing the envoy from Daliang. But before the words could leave his mouth, he came to his senses.
If he confessed, he would be admitting to colluding with foreign envoys and accepting bribes. Not only would he lose his position, but his family would also suffer the consequences.
Regret washed over him like a tidal wave. His face ashen, Li Yiluo knelt on the ground. “This humble official admits his wrongdoing.”
[Author’s note: Woke up late today, so the update’s a bit delayed.]
[Everyone’s working hard to give false testimonies…]
