"That's the emperor from the previous dynasty? What a shameless man, committing so many heinous acts and then daring to blame others for them."
"Those officials around him were no good either—birds of a feather, all of them."
"The scholar in our village said it best: all the good officials were purged, leaving only the corrupt ones behind. The fall of the previous dynasty was well-deserved."
"I bet he wet his pants in fear."
"He’s a ghost now—can’t exactly wet his pants anymore, can he?"
The scene then shifted to the Mountain of Knives Hell, the Flaming Mountain Hell, the Steaming Basket Hell… Each punishment was more horrifying than anything they had ever imagined.
Their previous speculations paled in comparison to the actual horrors of the underworld.
The common folk, no longer frightened, watched with rapt fascination, mocking those who had once stood high above them. A strange sense of satisfaction filled their hearts. Though many of the figures above were unfamiliar to them, it didn’t matter—the prefect was more than happy to enlighten them.
The prefect had initially intended only to expose the crimes of the remnants of the fallen dynasty to the public. He hadn’t expected this supernatural phenomenon to manifest.
But this spectacle served his purpose perfectly—it would utterly tarnish the reputation of the previous dynasty, ensuring its remnants could never rise again. If handled well, his performance reviews for the next few years would be outstanding.
After all, he was a proper scholar who had passed the imperial examinations. The previous dynasty had collapsed only two centuries ago, and he could recount the scandals of its officials with effortless familiarity. Some details might be exaggerated, but who cared?
Some among the crowd who had committed misdeeds in the past trembled in terror, their hearts seized with dread: the underworld was real. They had once believed that even if they did wrong, their families could burn enough paper money to bribe the underworld officials, allowing them to escape punishment and secure a favorable rebirth.
But the scenes before their eyes shattered such delusions. Did the emperors and officials lack wealth?
Of course not. Yet, despite their riches, they still faced the Mountain of Knives and the boiling oil. What made these commoners think they could be exempt?
The White Lotus Sect members, who had come to rescue their comrades, found their morale utterly crushed by the sudden vision of the underworld.
They felt they could never hold their heads high again, let than dare to boast of their ancestors’ names.
Before, they had known their forebears had flaws, but they rationalized it—wasn’t that just how officials behaved? What was the point of enduring years of hardship if not to enjoy some privileges? Their ancestors had merely been unlucky, branded as traitors when the Great Qi dynasty overthrew the old regime.
But now, the scenes in the sky made it painfully clear: their ancestors had indeed sinned, condemned to the eighteen layers of hell and eternal infamy.
What was the point of restoring the old dynasty? Who would follow them now? The moment they revealed their lineage, they’d be met with curses and rotten eggs.
Thus, these broken men were easily subdued by the guards.
Midway through the spectacle, a villager suddenly pointed at Xia Fangzhou and exclaimed, "Isn’t his ancestor that damned Xia Taiqing?"
He remembered the prefect’s words—Xia Taiqing had once dominated the court, suppressing his rivals. When one official dared to impeach him for seizing farmland, Xia had hired assassins to slaughter the man’s entire family, down to the newborn child.
If he fancied someone, he took them by force, regardless of status. Those who dared protest met ruin.
"That’s him! A rotten ancestor breeds rotten descendants, still trying to deceive us!"
Furious, some villagers wanted to pelt him with rotten vegetables, but the crowd was too tightly packed. Leaving to fetch projectiles meant losing their spot. So one man bent down, scooped up a handful of mud, and hurled it at Xia Fangzhou.
Once the first stone was cast, others followed—some even threw rocks. The guards wisely stepped back to avoid the crossfire.
Xia Fangzhou was soon battered and bleeding, howling in pain.
He regretted it now—regretted ever scheming against Yu Miaohua.
This must be divine retribution, heaven’s way of avenging her. They had committed countless atrocities before, yet the heavens had never intervened. Why now?
The other elders fared no better, each bloodied by the hail of stones.
Watching their suffering, Ma Kaiji counted himself lucky for hiding early. Otherwise, he’d be in the same state.
Better to live out his days in obscurity. As for restoring the dynasty… let it remain a dream.
But before he could slip away, Xia Fangzhou’s sharp eyes caught sight of him.
Escape? Not a chance.
If they were to die, Ma Kaiji wouldn’t be spared either.
With a hoarse scream, Xia Fangzhou shouted, "That old man in the blue robe embroidered with bamboo and bats—his ancestor was the corrupt Marquis Zhenhai of the previous dynasty!"
Most of the crowd was jostling for a better view—such a spectacle came once in two centuries, and they weren’t about to miss it. Ma Kaiji, trying to flee against the tide, stood out starkly. With Xia Fangzhou’s betrayal, the mob quickly surrounded him.
Before he could escape, Ma Kaiji found himself trapped.
His face flushed with rage. After coming to rescue them, this was how Xia Fangzhou repaid him?
He tried to deny it, but no one listened. They dragged him toward the execution ground, some taking the chance to land a few blows, leaving him bruised and battered.
"Stop! Stop hitting me!"
...
[Congratulations, Host. Hidden mission completed: Host has thoroughly dismantled the White Lotus Sect’s foundation, averting a future calamity caused by their uprising. Reward: One detoxification pill, a simplified detoxification pill recipe, and 1,000 points.]
[A simplified recipe? Why not the original?]
[Because the key ingredient cannot be cultivated in this era, nor can its bioactive compounds be perfectly extracted. Thus, we must substitute local herbs, reducing efficacy. Even so, this simplified version can counteract some poisons like arsenic, delaying death.]
A valuable reward indeed.
Better than receiving three ready-made pills.
Initially, Yu Miaohua had merely been annoyed by the remnants’ constant scheming, prompting her to have the system edit a video and project it into the sky.
She hadn’t expected such spectacular results—not only humiliating them but also preventing a future disaster and earning hidden rewards.
Coupled with the second treasure map obtained earlier, this trip had been more than worthwhile.
Yawning, she said, "I want to rest now."
Last night, excitement had kept her awake. She’d passed the time reading novels, barely sleeping at all.
Previously, she had managed to stay awake because her mind was preoccupied with the projection matter. But now that it was resolved, drowsiness swept over her in an overwhelming wave.
Jiang Kangyou suggested, "Your Highness, you and Su Shang should escort the Imperial Consort back."
Had the Crown Prince been present, Jiang Kangyou would have assigned him as well. However, the Crown Prince was occupied with handling the White Lotus Society affairs below.
Pei Yuheng was more than willing to take on this task—if it were just him, it would have been even better.
The two of them, along with the guards, escorted Yu Miaohua downstairs.
Before stepping out, Yu Miaohua deliberately put on her veil hat. Her fame had grown too great. Without concealing her identity, she could easily be swarmed by enthusiastic commoners, making it difficult to leave.
Shen Sushang’s gaze swept over Yu Miaohua’s slightly pale face as he asked, "Would you like to have the imperial physician examine you when you return?"
They had brought two imperial physicians on this trip, ensuring medical care for even minor ailments. The physicians’ skills far surpassed those of most folk healers.
Yu Miaohua knew full well that she wasn’t sick at all—her current state was purely due to sleep deprivation.
Calling for a physician would expose the truth, and that would be far too embarrassing.
She waved her hand dismissively. "I’m fine. I’ve just been a little tired these past few days. Some rest will do."
She wasn’t wrong. Ever since leaving the capital, she hadn’t had a proper night’s sleep due to the hurried journey. After arriving in Xiazhou a few days ago, she could finally rest, but her sleep had been fragmented, disturbed by thoughts of the projection. And then there was last night’s all-nighter…
She hadn’t noticed it before, but now she truly felt she couldn’t hold on much longer.
Her guilty expression, however, was interpreted differently by Shen Sushang and Pei Yuheng.
Compared to her usual spirited demeanor, Yu Miaohua today seemed unusually listless, her smile weak and fragile, like a delicate white flower battered by rain—pitiful, frail, and helpless.
Pei Yuheng’s mind involuntarily flashed back to the scene in the first lunar month when Yu Miaohua had collapsed, coughing blood. A surge of unease rose in his chest.
Would Yu Miaohua be alright?
Three great rains had ended the droughts in three regions. But how could a mortal wield divine power without paying a price?
What was the cost this time?
Yu Miaohua had no idea Pei Yuheng had already spun a web of wild assumptions in his mind. Right now, all she wanted was to go back and sleep—sleep like the world had ended!
As she turned away, Pei Yuheng instinctively reached out, as if to grasp something.
Halfway through the motion, realizing his action might be inappropriate, he withdrew his hand as if nothing had happened.
He must be overthinking things.
…
Upon returning to the residence, Yu Miaohua freshened up and climbed into bed.
To ensure quality sleep and avoid another bout of insomnia and headaches, she decided to spend some points from her system to exchange for a deep sleep potion.
She told Qingluo, "I’m quite exhausted today. I might sleep very deeply over the next couple of days. If I don’t wake up, don’t be alarmed."
Qingluo readily agreed.
At that moment, neither Yu Miaohua nor Qingluo realized the gravity of the situation.
After giving her instructions, Yu Miaohua drifted off peacefully.
[System, unless the world is ending, don’t wake me up for anything.]
[Understood, Host!]
The system’s deep sleep potion worked with astonishing speed—in fact, this was Yu Miaohua’s first time using it. It wasn’t too expensive, costing just fifty points per use. With her newly acquired reward points, she didn’t hesitate to make the exchange.
So when Qingluo returned in the evening with dinner and softly called for Yu Miaohua to wake, she found her mistress lying in bed, a faint smile on her lips, utterly unresponsive to the outside world.
In truth, Yu Miaohua couldn’t hear a thing. The deep sleep potion blocked all external sounds.
The duration of the sleep was determined by the host’s fatigue levels. Without preset parameters, the system would let the host sleep until exhaustion was completely alleviated.
Yu Miaohua’s accumulated fatigue had exceeded 95 points, meaning she would need at least three days of uninterrupted sleep to fully recover. Normally, a fatigue level below 20 was enough to feel refreshed.
Had Yu Miaohua not been too drowsy to read the instructions properly, she wouldn’t have carelessly stumbled into this mess.
Qingluo started with gentle calls, then gradually raised her voice.
In the past, this volume would have woken Yu Miaohua instantly.
But now, her mistress remained motionless, eyes shut. If not for the faint rise and fall of her chest, one might have thought she had passed away.
Panic set in. Qingluo disregarded propriety and shook Yu Miaohua’s shoulder.
Still, no response.
Trembling, Qingluo pressed her fingers beneath Yu Miaohua’s nose—there was breath, yet she wouldn’t wake.
Could it be that her mistress had sacrificed herself again for those three rains?
Qingluo recalled Yu Miaohua’s words before bed, and tears spilled down her cheeks.
That must have been her mistress’s way of hinting at the truth, sparing her the worry by pretending it was just deep sleep.
Lies. No matter how deep the sleep, there should still be some reaction. In all her years serving Yu Miaohua, she had never seen anything like this.
"Miss! Miss, please wake up!"
In her distress, she reverted to the title she had used before Yu Miaohua entered the palace, her voice choked with sobs.
Yu Miaohua continued to slumber peacefully.
…
Pei Chiyan and the others soon received news of Yu Miaohua’s unconscious state.
Both imperial physicians were summoned, but after repeated examinations, they could find nothing wrong.
"Her Highness may simply be overly exhausted."
"No matter how exhausted, she shouldn’t be completely unresponsive to external stimuli," Pei Yuheng muttered through gritted teeth. "I should have noticed earlier—she didn’t look well this morning."
Back then, Shen Sushang had even expressed concern about her pallor, but Yu Miaohua had brushed it off casually.
She must have known the state of her own body but chose to hide it, sparing them the worry while forcing a smile.
She was always like this—bearing everything alone in silence.
"She already sacrificed ten years of her life before. What has she given up this time?"
Pei Yuheng couldn’t comprehend how someone could go so far for strangers. She had already sacrificed once—why would she do it again?
She had given enough. Even if she did nothing now, no one would blame her.
Regret was etched across Shen Sushang’s face—if only he hadn’t taken her words at face value and insisted on the physician’s examination then, perhaps things would be different now.
Jiang Kangyou and Lu Lingyun stared intently at the space above Yu Miaohua’s head.
When she was awake, she often bantered with the system deity, and their exchanges were visible to others.
But now… there was nothing. Only emptiness.
In the past, they had complained about the deity’s blindingly bright text, but now they longed to see even a glimpse of it.
Only in loss did one learn the value of what they once had.
Yu Miaohua was truly unconscious—not pretending—and the deity remained silent.
They couldn't figure out what had gone wrong. Everything had been perfectly fine during the day—Yu Miaohua had even received new mission rewards.
"Physician Shen, will Consort Hui ever wake up?" Pei Chiyan asked, his hands clenching involuntarily beneath his sleeves.
Sweat beaded on Physician Shen's forehead. "This humble physician's skills are inadequate. I truly cannot diagnose anything more."
From her pulse, there seemed to be no other issues with the consort. Yet that was precisely the biggest problem.
They had inserted several needles into Yu Miaohua, but there was still no response.
Jiang Kangyou sighed. "Summon the other physicians in the city."
Soon, every renowned physician in the city had been brought in—yet none could identify the true cause, nor could they make Yu Miaohua open her eyes.
Jiang Kangyou’s expression darkened as he discussed the matter with Lu Lingyun.
"Could this be an additional price Consort Hui must pay?"
The Dragon King, heavenly thunder, projections of the underworld—these abilities were all divine rewards.
They had initially thought that perhaps Yu Miaohua’s extraordinary identity in past lives had earned her divine favor, granting her the ability to wield these rewards freely. But now it seemed that even as a divine maiden, using these powers came at a cost.
As the one involved, she couldn’t have been completely unaware. Yet she had never mentioned these sacrifices to the gods, as if silently accepting them.
Despite constantly claiming she wasn’t the type to do good deeds without recognition, she had hidden this most crucial price away, never using it to seek credit.
Lu Lingyun sighed. "Great Qi owes her too much."
If anything truly happened to Yu Miaohua, she wouldn’t know how to face her niece upon returning to the capital.
Zhao Pei was extremely close to Yu Miaohua. Hearing this news would surely devastate her.
Jiang Kangyou, too, didn’t know how he would face his wife.
In these times, a disciple was like a half-child.
Both he and his wife regarded Yu Miaohua as their own daughter.
"I’m already old. I’ve enjoyed everything there is to enjoy and seen countless sights. If a price must be paid, it should be an old man like me who pays it." His face twisted with anguish.
"Indeed. If anyone’s lifespan must be shortened, it should be ours."
If possible, Jiang Kangyou would gladly offer the lifespans of all corrupt officials in exchange for Yu Miaohua’s safety and peace.
Despite their efforts, the gods remained silent, and Yu Miaohua did not wake.
The Palace Intrigue System watched as people came and went—some gazing at Yu Miaohua with sorrow, others silently weeping over her.
System: "..."
These people seemed to be overthinking things. Did they think the host was dying?
In truth, the host was merely in a deep sleep.
So, should it wake her up?
After a moment’s hesitation, it decided against it. The host’s temper upon waking was formidable!
Besides, it couldn’t bear to part with the energy from the affection targets.
Their favorability toward the host… was still rising.
The host had done so much for the people of this era. It was only fair they worried a little.
Thus, the Palace Intrigue System convinced itself to let things be.
......
As the physicians spread the news, word of Yu Miaohua’s unending slumber quickly circulated throughout Xiazhou.
"Today marks the third day, right? Has Consort Hui still not awakened?"
"My uncle is a physician. He was summoned, and he said Her Majesty hasn’t woken since yesterday."
"She must have fallen unconscious for our sake. To bring rain to Xiazhou, Songzhou, and Jiangzhou, she must have sacrificed so much in silence."
"It’s infuriating. Why do good people never live long? If anyone should die, it should be those remnants of the previous dynasty."
"Don’t say such unlucky things! Consort Hui is blessed by the heavens. She’ll surely pull through. I’ll pray for her every day."
"Right. Let’s all pray together and convey our wishes to the heavens."
A citizen’s suggestion was met with unanimous approval.
That night, countless people gathered by the Xia River, each holding a lantern inscribed with blessings for Yu Miaohua.
[May Consort Hui awaken soon.]
[May Consort Hui live a long life.]
One by one, the lanterns were released onto the river.
After setting theirs afloat, each person stepped aside, making way for the next.
The vast river soon glittered with countless lanterns, most handmade by the citizens. Their glow formed a river of light, brighter than the stars, carrying the people’s most sincere prayers.
All of Xiazhou was praying for Yu Miaohua.
Among the crowd, Pei Lingyue also held a lantern.
With so many releasing theirs, he had to wait until nearly dawn for his turn.
Placing his lantern by the riverbank, he watched as the current carried it away.
During Yu Miaohua’s slumber, he had reflected deeply.
Perhaps she would have been happier if she had never entered the palace.
Was she exhausted now?
None of this should have been her burden.
Silently, he watched the lantern drift away, praying for the first time that the gods might hear him.
If possible, let him bear all the costs in her stead.
Faintly, he thought he heard a voice.
[Are you willing to take on the full price of a shortened lifespan for her?]
Pei Chiyan smiled. Why wouldn’t he be?
[It would be my honor.]
......
Yu Miaohua remained oblivious to the uproar her prolonged sleep had caused.
Only when her exhaustion was nearly depleted did she finally stir.
What a wonderfully restful sleep.
Ah, she felt completely revitalized—ready to stay awake for another three days and nights if needed.
[Ahhh! Host, you’re awake! Don’t open your eyes yet!]
The system’s voice was frantic.
[Because you’ve been asleep for days, everyone thinks you’re dying. The entire city is praying for you now.]
[Congratulations, host! Hidden mission completed: "A Million Prayers"—You are the eternal white moonlight in their hearts. Reward: One Life-Extending Pill, one Weather Skill, and 1,000 points.]
[Crown Prince’s favorability toward you has reached 60. Mission "Crown Prince’s Favorability ≥ 50" completed. Reward: Honeycomb Briquette Technology—providing citizens with better fuel for warmth and cooking.]
[Shen Sushang’s favorability toward you has reached 50. Mission "Shen Sushang’s Favorability ≥ 50" completed. Reward: Advanced Distillation Technology—capable of producing sterilization-grade alcohol.]
[Congratulations! Side Mission 2.3 completed: "The Crown Prince’s Willingness to Sacrifice"—He is willing to endure harm in your place. Reward: Three Telescopes and Telescope Technology.]
A cascade of mission rewards nearly overwhelmed her.
[Wait, when was Side Mission 2.3 triggered? I had no idea!]
Had she really slept for three days and not three months?
[This was triggered while the host was asleep. I never expected the Crown Prince would actually agree! To test him, I even lied and said it would cost him twenty years of his lifespan.]
[He agreed???]
Yu Miaohua was utterly stunned.
[Yes, he agreed!]
[...]
Yu Miaohua’s conscience ached faintly. The Crown Prince was honestly too sincere! She felt guilty for having teased him so many times before. That scumbag from her past life wasn’t even fit to tie the Crown Prince’s shoes.
[Tell me, who’s in my room right now?]
[They’ve been taking turns watching over you. Right now, it’s the Crown Prince, Qingluo, and Imperial Physician Shen.]
[Your master and the others went out to release lanterns to pray for your recovery.]
[Host, if you don’t wake up soon, there won’t be any space left in Xiajiang for more lanterns.]
[...]
Yu Miaohua took a deep breath and decided it was time to wake up.
Ugh, she really shouldn’t casually exchange for deep sleep next time.
As her fingers twitched slightly, Pei Chiyan noticed immediately.
He held his breath instinctively, not daring to blink, afraid it might be an illusion.
He watched as Yu Miaohua’s long lashes fluttered once before her eyes opened.
Her gaze was as clear and bright as ever, though still tinged with a hint of confusion.
At this moment, Pei Chiyan felt nothing but gratitude—the gods had finally taken pity on him and heard his prayers.
Yu Miaohua: …Good heavens, I was just taking a nap!
