For safety reasons, Yu Miaohua and her party traveled discreetly this time, adopting an incognito approach. Jiang Kangyou and the others had already been warned by Pei Lingyue—their subsequent route could be adjusted flexibly based on Yu Miaohua's mission. If she chose to make a grand display of her powers, they would help her gain fame. If she preferred to remain anonymous, they would stick to the original plan.
This time, however, Yu Miaohua clearly had no intention of taking credit for the rainfall.
[I thought the host would choose to show off her divine powers. That way, in the future, you wouldn’t just be the Divine Maiden, but also the Dragon Maiden!]
[No. This time, I was just lucky to unlock the relevant reward. I can’t expect the system to be this considerate every time.]
The Dragon King’s abilities weren’t available in the system’s store—otherwise, Yu Miaohua would have purchased them from the start.
[Rather than letting people cling to unrealistic hopes every time something like this happens, it’s better not to give them any expectations in the first place.]
Otherwise, if those hopes were dashed, Yu Miaohua wasn’t sure she could withstand the extreme emotions that would follow.
If their identities were discovered, they had a perfect excuse—they were merely inspecting disaster relief efforts. As for the timely rain? That was simply nature’s blessing, pure coincidence.
Yu Miaohua admitted she could be a little vain at times—flattery easily went to her head. But she was also acutely aware that everything she had now came from the Imperial Harem System, and it could all be taken away at any moment. So, she had to leave herself some room to maneuver.
To make conversation easier without constantly turning their heads, Jiang Kangyou and Lu Lingyun rode on horseback. The two steeds, like loyal guardians, kept a few steps behind Yu Miaohua’s carriage, steadfastly flanking it.
Despite his age, Jiang Kangyou was in excellent health, his years of traveling having kept him robust, and his horsemanship was superb.
Watching Yu Miaohua converse with the divine, Jiang Kangyou couldn’t help but marvel: No wonder she had been chosen by the gods. This temperament was something ordinary people simply didn’t possess.
His gaze fell on the horse beneath him—now, all warhorses in Great Qi were fitted with horseshoes.
These small iron plates had brought about astonishing changes: the horses ran steadier and faster, their hooves no longer easily injured. Half of the newly mined iron ore was forged into farming tools, while the other half was turned into these protective horseshoes.
Then there were the thousand Ferghana horses secretly brought back, and the gunpowder capable of leveling towering mountains…
In future battles, Great Qi would surely make its neighboring nations tremble.
Jiang Kangyou couldn’t help but feel his blood surge. Perhaps, in his lifetime, he would witness Great Qi ruling over all lands, with nations paying tribute at its feet.
…
Due to the urgency of their journey, relay stations were prepared with fresh horses, allowing them to ride nonstop day and night.
Inside the carriage, Yu Miaohua could at least rest a little. The others weren’t so fortunate.
She worried they might collapse from exhaustion.
Especially her mentor—at his age, he really needed to take it easy.
[The Crown Prince, the Young Marquis, and Scholar Shen all have excellent stamina. Look, they haven’t slept for two days straight, yet not a single dark circle under their eyes. They’re still full of energy—truly worthy of being the romantic interests we specially selected for the host.]
[System-approved, guaranteed quality!]
[But some of the ones you picked have questionable character.] Yu Miaohua hadn’t forgotten that the Second Prince had also been a candidate. Thankfully, her quick thinking led her to check their favorability ratings first—otherwise, this side quest would have been impossible.
[When you filter by looks, physique, chastity, age, and family background, most people get eliminated. If we added more criteria, there’d hardly be anyone left to choose from.]
After some thought, Yu Miaohua quietly exchanged for a Vitality Pill in the system store, instructing it to dissolve the pill into everyone’s drinking water. Diluted like this, the effects would be far weaker than taking a whole pill, but at least everyone would get some benefit.
The water in their flasks was all boiled at the relay stations before being carried on the road. The guards all drank from the same supply. In this scorching heat, with their relentless pace, going a day without water was impossible—some even emptied several flasks a day. This ensured everyone would get a share.
"This water tastes sweeter and clearer than yesterday’s," Jiang Kangyou remarked deliberately, taking another hearty swig from his flask.
"It really is better," Lu Lingyun agreed, gulping it down.
He marveled inwardly: Consort Hui truly did good deeds without seeking recognition. If not for their ability to witness her conversations with the divine, how would they know she had secretly given them this advantage? Even the Emperor might not receive such treatment.
Only a select few knew the truth.
Traveling day and night, they reached Songzhou—the nearest drought-stricken region—in just four days.
Songzhou hadn’t seen rain for three straight months. The ground was parched and cracked, most plants withered into dry husks. The local government still organized gruel distributions daily in every village and town, with lines stretching endlessly.
Upon entering Songzhou, Yu Miaohua immediately exchanged for the Dragon King’s skill.
The Imperial Harem System never disappointed. The moment she confirmed the exchange, deafening thunder rumbled across the sky, shaking the earth beneath them.
The people in line, startled, looked up—the once-clear sky was now blanketed by thick, dark clouds, plunging everything into shadow.
Was… was it finally going to rain?
The next second, fat raindrops poured down in torrents, pelting their skin with a faint sting.
The rain came so suddenly that no one had time to seek shelter. The downpour jolted them from their daze.
They didn’t want to hide from the rain. This was the long-awaited salvation they had prayed for.
"It’s raining! It’s really raining!"
"Wah—finally! I’ve waited so long. All my rice crops… they’ve all dried up. Why couldn’t this rain have come sooner?"
"Better late than never, better late than never."
People laughed and wept in the rain, some even breaking into off-key songs.
The entire city of Songzhou erupted into joyous celebration.
Yu Miaohua lifted the carriage curtain, catching raindrops in her palm.
Listening to the tearful cries of relief around her, she felt a surge of gratitude—for the Imperial Harem System’s arrival.
Turning to Jiang Kangyou, she said, "Mentor, next we head to Jiangzhou."
Hearing her words, Pei Yuheng stared at Yu Miaohua in awe.
Before this, he hadn’t understood why the Emperor had insisted on sending her out of the palace. Their journey had been grueling, with rest squeezed in wherever possible.
Yet despite the relentless travel, Yu Miaohua had never once complained.
Now, he finally guessed the real reason.
Their identities as imperial envoys were a facade—they were here to end the drought plaguing three regions.
His true mission was to protect Yu Miaohua. She was the Divine Maiden who brought hope.
And Pei Yuheng wasn’t the only one who had figured it out.
Without contacting local officials, Jiang Kangyou and the others turned their horses and left the city once more.
Most people were too busy celebrating the rain to notice them—only a handful of observant souls marked their presence.
…
Three days later.
In a three-courtyard mansion in Xia County, a group of people sat solemnly in their seats.
"What should we do next?"
"Let’s go to Linzhou. The mountainous terrain there makes it harder for the Great Qi officials to find us."
Lately, they had been scurrying around like rats fleeing a sinking ship. The only reason they could stay in Xia County undisturbed was because the local magistrate had accepted their bribes, turning a blind eye to their presence. Xia County was also where they had the most followers.
"Shouldn’t we search for the treasure vaults? If we delay any longer, what if the other vaults also fall into Great Qi’s hands?" Xia Fangzhou gritted his teeth. He was a descendant of the former dynasty’s great general, Xia Qianze. The imperial family of the fallen dynasty now had only one surviving heir—Wen Qingying. The rest were either dead or missing.
Xia Fangzhou was Wen Qingying’s fiancé, which meant that if they succeeded in restoring the dynasty, he would ascend the throne as the princess’s consort. This was why he was the most fervent advocate for their cause.
"Finding the treasure vaults is easier said than done. We’ve searched for two hundred years and haven’t found a single one. I say we shouldn’t waste our energy." Clearly, some disagreed with Xia Fangzhou.
The mention of this topic stirred frustration among them. After the death of Emperor Min'ai, the last ruler of the fallen dynasty, they had escorted his most beloved young prince out of the palace. Yet, the prince had no knowledge of the treasure vaults’ locations, and all related clues had been reduced to ashes in a fire.
After fruitless searches, they had given up and sought another path—using religion to amass wealth and rebuild their power.
But now, the Great Qi imperial family had found the vaults, making their efforts seem laughable in comparison.
"What does the princess think?" Xia Fangzhou turned to the woman seated at the head of the room—his betrothed, Wen Qingying. As the last surviving descendant of the fallen dynasty’s imperial line, their movement still carried the banner of restoration. Even though most in the room didn’t truly regard her as a princess, they maintained a façade of respecting her opinion.
Within the White Lotus Sect, Wen Qingying also held the nominal title of Holy Maiden.
Xia Fangzhou knew his fiancée’s temperament—timid, dull, and devoid of charm, nothing like her great-great-great-great-grandmother, the renowned imperial consort who had been a legendary beauty, full of wit and grace. His fiancée, in contrast, was merely plain, not even as alluring as his concubines.
Once he ascended the throne, he would keep her around for a few years at most.
Only a true goddess favored by heaven, like Consort Hui, would be worthy of being his empress.
It was a pity that the carefully cultivated lookalikes he had prepared had failed to infiltrate Consort Hui’s inner circle. Otherwise, they might have found a way to spirit the legendary consort out of the capital.
Wen Qingying lowered her head, her cheeks faintly flushed. "This humble one believes we should prioritize finding the treasure vaults."
Xia Fangzhou’s expression turned satisfied. "Since the princess has spoken, who dares to oppose?"
He had always known the princess was devoted to him and would never undermine his authority.
Though reluctant, the others could not openly defy him now that he had invoked the princess’s name.
Just as Xia Fangzhou was about to outline their next steps, someone burst into the mansion—a White Lotus elder responsible for gathering intelligence.
"It rained in Songzhou. The drought has been alleviated."
Xia Fangzhou frowned. "What does that have to do with us?"
Originally, they had planned to exploit the drought to incite public resentment against the court. But the Great Qi court had outmaneuvered them, undoing their previous efforts.
The elder’s face was alight with excitement. "Do you know why the rain came?"
"The Great Qi emperor secretly sent his most beloved Consort Hui out of the capital to address the drought. The moment her carriage entered Songzhou, the clear skies darkened, and a torrential downpour began."
"They’ve now gone to Jiangzhou and will likely reach Xia County in two days."
Everyone in the room stood up, stunned.
"Is this true? Could it just be a coincidence?"
The elder nodded emphatically. "Before Consort Hui entered the city, there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky. Then, in an instant, the weather changed completely."
"I’ve seen Consort Hui in the capital before. With her beauty and aura, there’s no way I could mistake her for someone else."
"Not only that, but Lu Lingyun is also accompanying her. Why else would the emperor send his most trusted general if not to protect her?"
This Elder Hu was one of the few who had laid eyes on the legendary Consort Hui. He had personally selected the lookalikes and even hired retired palace maids to train them in mimicking her every mannerism.
Xia Fangzhou paced back and forth. Truly, a goddess blessed by heaven—she could even command wind and rain.
The Great Qi emperor was merely lucky. If he had such a divine woman by his side, he would achieve far greater things.
Perhaps this was an opportunity to take the goddess for himself?
No, this required careful planning. The emperor had even deployed Lu Lingyun—there were likely countless unseen guards protecting her. A single misstep could cost them everything and alert their enemies.
Instead, they should use this chance to bolster the White Lotus Sect’s reputation.
A vague idea took shape in Xia Fangzhou’s mind, and the more he considered it, the more brilliant it seemed.
"From now on, spread the word that the White Lotus Holy Mother, moved by the suffering of her followers, will bring rain to Xia County within seven days to relieve the drought."
The Great Qi emperor had likely concealed Consort Hui’s journey for her safety, so ordinary people wouldn’t know the rain was tied to her arrival.
This gave them the perfect opening to manipulate the narrative.
Once Consort Hui entered the city and the rain followed, the White Lotus Sect’s prestige in Xia County would soar, and he, as its leader, would be revered as a divine figure.
With any luck, people might even credit the rains in Songzhou and Jiangzhou to him.
Yu Miaohua’s reputation as a goddess was so widespread that it was practically legendary. Even without confirmation from Jiangzhou, Xia Fangzhou had no doubt the rain would come.
The others weren’t fools—they quickly grasped his plan.
When the rain arrived, they could blend into the crowds, shielded by the people, making it impossible for Lu Lingyun to track them down.
As the discussion grew heated, Wen Qingying, still seated at the head of the room, remained silent. Her quiet presence was easily overlooked.
She lowered her eyes, hiding the disgust in her gaze—these men truly sickened her.
Once the arrangements were settled, Xia Fangzhou returned to his quarters, satisfied.
The other elders, unwilling to let him monopolize the credit, engaged in a fierce debate. After conceding some benefits, Xia Fangzhou and five other elders agreed to share the spotlight.
After resting for a while, Xia Fangzhou considered summoning one of his concubines to his chambers. The thought of the overwhelming acclaim awaiting him filled him with exhilaration.
Just then, a knock sounded at his door. When he opened it, he found Wen Qingying standing there.
She held a tray in her hands and spoke softly, "Fangzhou, you've worked hard these past few days. You've even lost weight. I specially made soup for you."
Xia Fangzhou's expression softened with satisfaction. "You're of noble status. There's no need for you to do such things yourself."
Wen Qingying replied, "I'm not as capable as you, so I can't help you in other ways. The least I can do is make soup to nourish you."
Though Xia Fangzhou didn't particularly like Wen Qingying—finding her looks rather plain—he was willing to show her some courtesy due to her royal lineage. If she refused to cooperate, it would be harder for him to suppress dissenting voices within the sect. After all, many coveted his position.
Xia Fangzhou drank the soup obediently. "It's delicious. If I could have soup made by you every day, I'd be the happiest man in the world."
Yes, she should just stay like this—docile, playing the role of a virtuous wife and mother. She shouldn’t aspire to anything more. Given her meek devotion, he might even let her live a few extra years.
As he finished the last drop, Wen Qingying’s lips curled slightly before she hesitated.
"What’s wrong?" In his good mood, Xia Fangzhou was more patient than usual.
Wen Qingying blinked. "In two days, as the Holy Maiden, shouldn’t I appear before the other believers?"
Xia Fangzhou’s face darkened instantly. "You want to go up there too?"
Did she want to share in his prestige?
Absolutely not. He couldn’t allow Wen Qingying’s reputation to overshadow his—it would hinder his future ascension.
Seeing her fearful and confused expression, Xia Fangzhou forced a tender look. "If you appear before the crowd and they remember your face, your identity might be exposed. You’d face countless assassination attempts. I can’t bear to see you in such danger. Stay safely behind me, where I can protect you."
Wen Qingying looked moved. "I understand."
"Then I’ll pretend to be ill tomorrow and stay indoors."
Xia Fangzhou nodded. "Good. Once this is over, I’ll take you to buy your favorite jewelry."
He was relieved she was so gullible. Women were better off not being too clever.
Xia Fangzhou personally escorted Wen Qingying back to her quarters. That night, he no longer felt like summoning his concubine and retired early.
Deep into the night, Wen Qingying rose from her bed. She took out a set of cosmetics and began applying them, soon transforming her face into an unfamiliar visage.
Her maid, Wei Ning, skillfully painted her own face, covering it with red spots before donning a veil. Wei Ning’s eyes and facial contours resembled Wen Qingying’s closely enough that, with the lower half of her face obscured and the added disguise, she could easily be mistaken for her mistress. The red spots ensured most people would recoil in disgust, avoiding a second glance.
"Wei Ning, once they leave the day after tomorrow, you must depart immediately and wait for me at the safe house."
Wei Ning nodded. "Understood. Be careful, Princess."
Wei Ning was the only person Wen Qingying trusted. She couldn’t leave her behind in this den of wolves.
Wen Qingying smirked bitterly. "What kind of princess am I?"
She’d once had two younger brothers—one drowned, the other fell from a tree. As for her uncles and cousins, they’d either died young or vanished without a trace.
Wen Qingying knew she’d only survived this long because she was a woman.
They kept her alive to use her as a figurehead for their restoration efforts. But once Great Qi was "restored," she’d outlive her usefulness and face certain death.
She had no interest in reviving a fallen dynasty or serving as a stepping stone for ambitious men. She bore no great hatred toward Great Qi—after all, Emperor Min'ai had been strangled by an angry mob, and it was the people who had overthrown the Min dynasty.
For years, she’d dreamed of escaping, but even if she fled, they’d hunt her down and make her suffer a fate worse than death. A defenseless woman like her, trying to survive with Wei Ning, faced unimaginable hardships.
Now, at last, she saw a glimmer of hope—the legendary Divine Maiden, Yu Miaohua.
Xia Fangzhou and his ilk sought to steal her achievements, a despicable act Wen Qingying refused to tolerate.
She wanted to meet Yu Miaohua in person.
Knowing Xia Fangzhou would never allow her to appear publicly, she’d deliberately raised the issue to justify her feigned illness and escape.
But before leaving, she’d gifted Xia Fangzhou a parting "present"—the soup had been laced with a sterility potion.
A man like him didn’t deserve descendants.
---
After successfully bringing rain to Jiangzhou, Yu Miaohua and her companions headed to their final destination—Xiazhou.
Exhausted from the journey, she’d even mastered the art of sleeping in a moving carriage.
Once rain fell in Xiazhou, she planned to sleep for days without end.
Suddenly, the carriage halted.
Yu Miaohua jolted awake.
[Host! A remnant of the former dynasty is here!]
[Wait—an assassin?]
Reading the exchange, Lu Lingyun signaled his men to stay alert.
Yu Miaohua lifted the carriage curtain and was surprised to see… only a slender figure blocking the road.
[System, scan the area. Is she alone?]
[Host, she’s the only one. Scans indicate a combat power of 0.1 goose.]
[And mine?]
[0.5 goose.]
Yu Miaohua relaxed—this woman couldn’t even defeat her.
[No hidden weapons or poison?]
[None.]
Lu Lingyun and the others also eased. He rode forward, his sword pointed at the woman.
Surrounded by four armed guards, she showed no fear, her calm demeanor striking.
"Who are you?" Lu Lingyun demanded.
The woman met his gaze. "I am a descendant of the former dynasty. I wish to see Yu Miaohua."
At the mention of her lineage, more guards closed in.
Yu Miaohua was stunned. She just revealed her identity outright!
Lu Lingyun narrowed his eyes—he’d expected a mere remnant, not someone of such significance.
"So, may I see Yu Miaohua?"
Lu Lingyun hesitated. Even if the divine spirits deemed her harmless, Consort Hui’s safety couldn’t be risked.
Before he could respond, Yu Miaohua’s voice sounded behind him. "You wanted to see me?"
Lu Lingyun turned, exasperated, to find Yu Miaohua standing beside the Crown Prince, who wore a similarly resigned expression.
When Wen Qingying saw Yu Miaohua in person, she froze. Under the clarity of those eyes, her cheeks flushed crimson.
She perfectly embodied all her imaginings of a divine maiden—exquisite features and an ethereal aura. The way she looked at her held no trace of disdain or wariness, only a quiet curiosity.
[...Host, she’s blushing.]
[I see it! She’s totally a sucker for pretty faces, isn’t she?]
Yu Miaohua thought for a moment before speaking. "Are you hungry?"
Sharing food was a good way to ease the tension.
She pulled out some dried plums and offered them.
Before leaving the palace, she had packed several jars of these. They’d been her lifeline during the long carriage rides.
Wen Qingying took the plum, as if entranced, and popped it into her mouth. The sourness nearly brought tears to her eyes.
Yu Miaohua watched as her composed expression cracked and deliberately said, "Well, I’ve poisoned that plum. If you don’t take the antidote within an hour, you’ll bleed from all seven orifices. So I’d advise against any rash moves."
"Put your swords away. There’s no need to point them at her."
Lu Lingyun commanded, "Stand down."
Wen Qingying asked, "Did you really poison it?"
Yu Miaohua hummed in affirmation. "Yes, I did. Are you scared?"
Wen Qingying frowned. "You didn’t. I can tell if something’s been added."
She was just making an excuse to get the guards to lower their weapons.
Wen Qingying continued, "After you arrived in Jiangzhou, it must have rained there too, right?"
A faint chill emanated from Pei Chiyan.
As if oblivious, Wen Qingying pressed on, "And once you enter Xiazhou, it’ll rain there as well."
"The White Lotus Sect... they’re nothing but remnants of the fallen dynasty, desperate to restore their rule. Two days ago, they began spreading rumors in the city, claiming they’ve sacrificed their own lifespans to earn the White Lotus Mother’s pity. The goddess will send rain within seven days to end this drought."
"If you enter Xiazhou and the rain falls, it’ll only serve as proof for these frauds. So, Yu Miaohua, will you still go in?"
Her gaze fixed intently on Yu Miaohua, searching for any flicker of emotion. She must be furious—indignant, resentful... seething.
Everyone who heard this stiffened, especially the simpler-minded guards, whose faces twisted with outrage.
They knew full well that the rains in Jiangzhou and Songzhou had come because of Consort Hui. Though she’d never spoken of the price she paid, it couldn’t have been small.
And now, these shameless rogues were trying to steal her credit—how could they not be enraged?
[Ahhh, these despicable worms! Host, go slap their filthy faces off! I’ll @#$%&...]
The system erupted into a string of auto-censored curses.
[Host has triggered Main Quest 4.7: Expose the White Lotus Sect’s deceit before the people and turn public opinion against them. Reward: Another fragment of the fallen dynasty’s treasure map.]
[You better complete this mission, Host!]
Lu Lingyun, Jiang Kangyou, and the others sharpened their gazes—another reward that would thrill the emperor to no end.
Yu Miaohua, who had been fuming, found her anger cooling at the system’s outburst.
She met Wen Qingying’s eyes with a gentle smile. "Thank you. You’re standing up for me, aren’t you?"
Wen Qingying instinctively looked away. "It’s nothing. I just can’t stand them and don’t want to stay on their sinking ship anymore. Call it defecting to the winning side."
[No, she’s definitely standing up for me.]
Yu Miaohua declared confidently to the system.
"If I were you, I’d delay entering the city for ten days. They only have five days left. If it doesn’t rain by then, the people’s fury will tear them apart," Wen Qingying suggested.
Yu Miaohua sighed. "They won’t just sit and wait for doom. They’ll make excuses—blame the people for not offering enough tribute, even push them to sacrifice children."
Wen Qingying’s lips parted—knowing them, they absolutely would.
Yu Miaohua looked at her earnestly. "Xiazhou has suffered this drought for too long. The people can’t wait any longer."
"If Songzhou and Jiangzhou got rain but Xiazhou doesn’t, they’ll start wondering what they did wrong."
And that could lead to tragedies.
"So I won’t delay entering the city because of them."
Wen Qingying was baffled. "Then you’ll just let them take the credit?"
Amid her anger, an indescribable emotion unfurled in her chest.
Yu Miaohua grinned. "Don’t worry. They can’t steal it."
So they wanted to claim this merit, did they?
Perfect. She still had one "Divine Retribution" skill unused—time to gift it to them!
