In late September, Yu Miaohua and her party finally returned safely to the imperial palace.
Upon their return, the Empress Dowager immediately issued a decree, exempting Yu Miaohua from paying respects for the next few days so she could rest properly.
The Empress Dowager was primarily concerned that Yu Miaohua might overexert herself. Only now did she learn that Miaohua had been unconscious for several days in Xiazhou. This child simply didn’t know how to take care of herself without supervision.
Pei Lingyue, though eager for the rewards, patiently waited.
When the rewards finally arrived, Pei Lingyue felt that no amount of waiting could have been more worthwhile!
The second treasure map from the previous dynasty was now in his hands.
There were also antidote prescriptions, honeycomb coal technology, advanced distillation techniques, telescope technology… and even a three-year forecast of natural disasters.
Letting them travel together had truly been the right decision.
Pei Lingyue toyed with the telescope, utterly enchanted.
The telescope Yu Miaohua provided was of modern quality, clearly surpassing the technological capabilities of this era. Even after two hundred years of development, such a device would remain unattainable.
The telescope even came with an instruction manual. Pei Lingyue adjusted it as directed, and though he had mentally prepared himself, he was still startled.
The distant scenery seemed to instantly zoom in before his eyes—he could even see the jagged edges of rose leaves where insects had gnawed at them.
Pei Lingyue became utterly absorbed in the telescope. Whether it was someone a mile away or even five kilometers distant, with this device, he could clearly make out even the moles on their faces.
Possessing this telescope was like gaining the eyes of an eagle.
On the battlefield, it would be an invaluable weapon, allowing him to observe enemy movements with perfect clarity.
Pei Lingyue summoned Lu Lingyun and Jiang Xunxin to let them try it out.
Lu Lingyun was practically ecstatic. "Your Majesty, could you grant me one?"
He had vaguely guessed the telescope was remarkable, but he never imagined it would be this extraordinary! Even objects so far away appeared crystal clear!
His gaze drifted resentfully toward Yu Miaohua. If only the Noble Consort Hui had taken it out during their journey back—he could have enjoyed it much sooner.
Pei Lingyue only had three such telescopes in his possession. Though he now had the technology, the ones they could produce themselves would be far inferior in clarity, portability, and ease of use.
He cleared his throat lightly. "Next time there’s a need, I’ll lend it to you."
At most, he would loan it—giving it away was out of the question.
Lu Lingyun was already satisfied. Being able to borrow it for a while was good enough.
He could hardly wait to take it to the battlefield.
Seeing his young and capable general equally enthralled by the telescope, Pei Lingyue felt it wouldn’t be fair to show favoritism. He added, "If the Taran Tribe dares to invade again, you may take one with you."
As for the other generals, Pei Lingyue wasn’t as trusting. He did have faith in the elderly General Chen Qiyao, but the man’s health no longer permitted him to go to war.
Given Yu Miaohua’s immense contributions this time, promoting her to Noble Consort was out of the question—with the Empress still in place, such an appointment would be improper.
Though titles couldn’t be granted, tangible benefits were a must.
Thus, Yu Miaohua’s privileges were elevated to match those of a Noble Consort.
Her younger sister, Yu Miaoping, was enfeoffed as a commandery princess with the title "Qingyan."
As for Wen Qingying, a descendant of the previous dynasty’s royal family, she was also granted the title of commandery princess and currently resided in the palace’s quarters for imperial daughters. Since obtaining medical texts from Yu Miaohua, she had immersed herself in the world of medicine, frequently visiting the Imperial Hospital. Due to the Emperor’s prior instructions, the physicians there shared their knowledge with her unreservedly.
After being enfeoffed, Yu Miaoping paid her respects to the three highest-ranking figures in the palace before heading to Yu Miaohua’s quarters.
Yu Miaoping was now growing taller, her baby fat gradually fading. Yu Miaohua had heard from their mother that Miaoping’s appetite had increased—she could devour five bowls of rice in a single meal.
Yu Miaoping believed no girl in the capital was luckier than her. Who could understand? Her title was entirely thanks to her sister’s influence. Her friends were practically green with envy.
At her age, most of her peers were already being matched for marriage.
However, because Yu Miaohua and their mother had agreed to keep Miaoping at home for a few more years, no betrothal had been arranged for her yet. No one dared comment on the matter either.
Yu Miaoping said, "Sister, I want to become Old General Chen’s disciple."
Old General Chen was in his sixties and had retired over a decade ago. In his youth, he had rendered outstanding service to the Great Qi, even losing a leg in battle. The Emperor had not forgotten him—every year, he bestowed generous gifts upon the general and occasionally invited him to the palace for conversations. With his marquis title and the Emperor’s favor, few in the capital dared slight him, despite his low-profile lifestyle.
Yu Miaohua hadn’t expected her sister to seek him as a teacher.
"What do you want to learn from him?"
"Military strategy and formations. Others refuse to teach me, saying a girl like me has no use for such knowledge. Hmph! Their grandsons can’t even defeat me in a fight. If I’m useless, then their grandsons are even worse. Old General Chen is kind—he’s willing to instruct me."
"If Old General Chen agrees, then you may become his disciple. I’ll prepare the ceremonial gifts for you."
Yu Miaoping had always been strong, dominating the neighborhood children since childhood. Not only that, she had a natural talent for archery and horseback riding—as a child, she’d often used a slingshot to terrorize the local sparrows.
Yu Miaoping also brought up another matter. "By the way, sister, do you remember Chunlan and Xiahe?"
"The two girls trained to be substitutes?"
Even if Yu Miaoping hadn’t mentioned them, Yu Miaohua had planned to bring them up. "Weren’t they sent to the dyeing workshop?"
These two had been backed not only by the Empress’s father but also by the White Lotus Sect. With the Empress’s father sent to a Daoist temple for reflection and the White Lotus Sect’s influence largely eradicated, the girls posed no threat.
Yu Miaoping said, "They begged me to save them. They promised to reveal everything they know."
Yu Miaohua nodded. "They’re worried about the poison in their bodies."
Another girl named Lanhua had already informed Lu Lingyun that they were being controlled by the White Lotus Sect through poison. While the toxin was troublesome for ordinary people, Yu Miaohua had obtained an antidote formula from the system and had already prepared several bottles.
Though this diluted version wasn’t as effective as the system’s original, it was more than enough to neutralize the poison.
She handed two bottles to Yu Miaoping. "Take one pill daily for seven days, and the poison will be cleared."
These girls had been mere pawns, forced into servitude by others. Yu Miaohua saw no reason to hold a grudge. Lanhua, who lived on the estate, had already taken the antidote. Rumor had it she was thriving there, showing a remarkable talent for cultivation—the cotton plants under her care flourished.
"Let them live their lives in peace; they are free now." Yu Miaohua had little interest in the White Lotus Sect information that the two women possessed, as they were merely low-ranking members with no access to core secrets. Besides, there was also Wen Qingying, who loathed remnants of the previous dynasty and would divulge everything without hesitation.
Yu Miaoping took the two bottles of antidote pills and returned, instructing the coachman to take her to the dye workshop.
As the second young lady of the Yu family, she revealed her status, and the female supervisor promptly summoned Chunlan and Xiahe. The Wang family owned several dye workshops that employed only women, with female supervisors managing them. Chunlan and Xiahe worked in one such workshop.
Upon seeing Yu Miaoping, the two gracefully curtsied, "Greetings, County Lady."
"Wrong, sister. You misremembered. The second young lady is now a princess. We pay our respects to the Princess~"
Yu Miaoping had to admit, these two were indeed adept at reading people.
She pulled them aside and pressed the antidote pills into their hands. "Take one pill daily for seven days, and you'll be cured."
Chunlan froze, her expression blank with disbelief. "You... you're just giving this to us?"
She had assumed they would at least be forced to reveal some information first.
Yu Miaoping waved her hand dismissively. "My sister isn’t interested in whatever you know. You two were just pawns. She asked me to tell you that you’re free now and should live your lives well from here on."
"If you wish to leave the dye workshop, you may."
To say they held deep affection for the White Lotus Sect would be a lie.
Chunlan and her sister had obeyed out of necessity—partly due to the poison and partly out of resentment toward a mundane existence, trapped in the same struggles for food and clothing as everyone else.
Would they spend their entire lives in this dye workshop?
Working there was already a dream job for many women—meals and lodging provided, and even the lowest-paid worker earned a tael of silver per month.
Everyone said they were lucky to have entered the workshop without undergoing the usual evaluations.
As Yu Miaoping turned to leave, Chunlan couldn’t help but call out, "Second Young Lady."
"What is it?" Yu Miaoping turned back.
Chunlan hesitated before speaking. "I heard... you intend to apprentice under Old General Chen."
Yu Miaoping looked at her in surprise. "You’re quite well-informed."
She realized these sisters had their own talents—even while confined to the workshop, they had managed to learn about her movements and seek her out. Few knew of her plans to study under Old General Chen, yet they had uncovered it.
With the White Lotus Sect’s strongholds in the capital eradicated and the sisters deemed useless by the sect, they clearly hadn’t obtained this information through them.
Xiahe blinked and said, "You and Consort Hui are kind people. We wish to repay you in some way."
Yu Miaoping frowned. "Is there something wrong with Old General Chen?"
She had investigated his character thoroughly before choosing him as a mentor.
Xiahe, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "Old General Chen is a heroic figure, but he has an unkind mother and treacherous relatives. His grandson... isn’t his own flesh and blood."
Yu Miaoping gaped. "Seriously?"
Old General Chen was said to have had a loving marriage, with only one son. His wife passed away years ago, and he never remarried, raising the boy himself. However, his son had always been sickly, and despite careful nurturing, he died eighteen years ago, leaving behind a posthumous child. So, this child wasn’t his?
Wait—Xiahe had mentioned Old General Chen’s "unkind mother." That meant his birth mother knew about this.
Yu Miaoping mentally reviewed the Chen family’s relationships and nearly cursed aloud.
"That grandson... could he be his nephew’s?"
No wonder Old Madam Chen kept silent—it was still her great-grandson. She probably even considered it a win, ensuring the family title could continue.
Though she hadn’t formally apprenticed under him yet, she and Old General Chen had already reached an understanding, with only the date left to finalize.
"How did you two find out?"
Xiahe explained, "The sister from Four Seasons Fragrance owed us a favor after we helped her pick out clothes. She told us. Second Master Chen boasted about it while drunk."
Four Seasons Fragrance was the name of a brothel, though Xiahe didn’t elaborate.
Yu Miaoping didn’t know this detail either but was thoroughly impressed by the sisters’ intelligence-gathering skills.
"Thank you both."
She started to leave but turned back after a few steps. "Would you two be willing to come with me?"
Their talents were wasted in a dye workshop.
"I think you two could specialize in gathering intelligence for me." For instance, which families were secretly badmouthing her sister.
Chunlan and Xiahe exchanged glances before answering in unison, "We’re willing."
In the end, they still couldn’t resign themselves to a dull, ordinary life.
......
Yu Miaoping and Old General Chen soon settled on an apprenticeship date—the fifth day of the tenth month.
She made sure to inform Yu Miaohua about it.
Yu Miaohua hadn’t expected such a scandalous revelation.
Old General Chen’s misfortune was, in a way, his own family devouring his legacy.
In this era, paternity tests were impossible. To expose the truth, they’d have to resort to superstition.
[As the protagonist of a palace intrigue novel, you must build your own power base. Host has triggered Main Quest 5.1: Prevent Chen Qiyao from being exploited, expose Old Madam Chen and Chen Qiping’s family for their true nature. Reward: Fire lance technology.]
Given the existence of gunpowder, fire lances would inevitably emerge sooner or later.
Even without the quest, Yu Miaohua would have found a way to reveal the truth to Old General Chen. A great general who had sacrificed everything for the country didn’t deserve such a fate.
Besides, the fact that Old General Chen was willing to take her sister as a disciple showed he wasn’t rigidly traditional and held no prejudice against women.
[System, what’s the effective range of this fire lance?]
[Since it’s the earliest version of firearm technology, the range is naturally limited. Even with our optimized design, the maximum range is about twenty meters—six zhang. But compared to current swords and blades, its lethality more than compensates for its shortcomings. Host, let’s work hard—cannons and pistols will be ours in due time!]
[...I think you’re feeding me empty promises again!]
As Yu Miaohua pondered how to tackle the quest, she suddenly heard the Emperor’s voice.
"Princess Qingyan intends to apprentice under Old General Chen?"
Pei Lingyue felt his luck was truly exceptional. The moment he arrived at Guanju Palace, a new quest had appeared—and it involved Old General Chen.
Old General Chen was one of the few who could perceive the System’s divine presence. He longed to serve the country further, but his failing health prevented it.
Now that this quest concerned him, Pei Lingyue was delighted. A simple summons would easily resolve the matter.
Though unsure what a "tuhuo gun" was, since it required gunpowder, its power must be considerable. Besides, nothing the divine beings provided was ever subpar.
"Greetings, Your Majesty." Yu Miaoping promptly curtsied.
"Rise. Tell me about this apprenticeship matter."
Seeing the Emperor's gentle and approachable demeanor, Yu Miaoping steadied her nerves and mentioned that her apprenticeship ceremony with her master was scheduled for the fifth day of the tenth month.
Pei Lingyue pondered briefly before saying, "I shall accompany Consort Hui that day."
Yu Miaohua had originally planned to request permission to leave the palace that day. Hearing the Emperor's words, her eyes brightened. He was becoming more considerate by the day.
Ah, right—this task could also be delegated to the Emperor! Why insist on handling it herself?
She organized her thoughts and said, "Aside from the apprenticeship, Miaoping also mentioned some family matters concerning Old General Chen during her visit. I’ve been at a loss over how to inform the old gentleman."
Yu Miaohua sympathized deeply with Old General Chen and had planned to select suitable gifts from the backstage store as offerings for the apprenticeship ceremony.
For instance, due to injuries from his youth, his bones ached terribly on rainy days. She could exchange for a Body-Strengthening Pill to improve his constitution.
Pei Lingyue had arrived late and missed the earlier conversation between the sisters, only catching the newly triggered task displayed in glaringly large font visible even from a hundred feet away.
Yu Miaohua relayed the news to Pei Lingyue: Old General Chen’s son had been cuckolded, and their branch of the family was being swindled out of their inheritance.
Pei Lingyue froze, fury rising in his chest. "How dare they deceive the old general like this? Utterly shameless!"
"I always thought his grandson looked shifty and lacked the dignity the old general had in his youth. So it turns out he isn’t even blood-related."
The grandson was mediocre in both scholarly and martial pursuits, but out of respect for Old General Chen’s unwavering loyalty to the court, Pei Lingyue had assigned him a guard position.
Moreover, it seemed Old Lady Chen was complicit, turning a blind eye for the sake of her second son’s family’s interests.
Old General Chen’s worth had been exploited to the fullest. If not for his whim to take Yu Miaoping as a disciple, he would have remained forever in the dark, manipulated like a puppet.
Yu Miaohua seethed with indignation. "Exactly! It’s absolutely outrageous. They don’t deserve to be called the old general’s family."
Should good people always be treated so unfairly?
Pei Lingyue declared, "Leave this matter to me. There’s no need for the Consort to worry."
Yu Miaohua had been waiting for these very words. Smiling radiantly, she replied, "As His Majesty commands."
She truly wasn’t adept at scheming, nor could she bypass the Emperor to summon Old General Chen to the palace. Having the Emperor intervene was the perfect solution.
Pei Lingyue wasn’t in a hurry to leave and stayed to share lunch with Yu Miaoping.
He had thought Consort Hui had a hearty appetite, but compared to her younger sister… she paled in comparison.
Watching Yu Miaoping devour bowl after bowl, Pei Lingyue unconsciously ate half again his usual portion—with the inevitable consequence of overindulging.
After a stroll through the imperial garden to aid digestion, he returned to Qianyuan Palace and summoned Chen Qiyao.
……
Chen Residence.
Chen Shuoye returned from outside and, as usual, paid his respects to his great-grandmother first.
Holding a food box, he said sweetly, "Grandmother, I bought this osmanthus cake specially for you. It’s soft and fragrant—won’t you try some?"
Old Lady Chen’s stern expression softened at her great-grandson’s coaxing. She gently stroked his cheek. "I heard you went gambling again? Be careful, or your grandfather will thrash you."
Though this grandson lacked talent, he was as filial as his true grandfather. Well, so be it. With his hereditary title, even if he was useless, the Chen family could afford to indulge him. Qiyao had only this one grandson—both the family fortune and the title would eventually pass to him.
Chen Shuoye quickly said, "I only watched! I didn’t place any bets."
He couldn’t very well admit he’d lost another five hundred taels of silver—money given to him by his paternal uncle’s wife, Lady Cao.
Chen Shuoye had known since he was seven that Lady Cao was his real grandmother, and his birth father was his "uncle." His mother and biological father had been involved long before his birth.
His nominal father ought to be grateful to his mother—at least she ensured the main family line didn’t die out.
After exchanging a few more words, Old Lady Chen said, "Your aunt sewed a new set of clothes for you. Go pay your respects to her."
Having nearly exhausted his funds, Chen Shuoye was eager to ask his birth grandmother for more silver and promptly agreed.
Honestly, his grandfather was stingy. His nominal grandmother’s dowry was substantial, yet as the heir to the Chen main line, he still hadn’t been entrusted with it. He’d also heard his grandfather frequently donated money to low-ranking soldiers. The more he gave away, the less would remain for Chen Shuoye later.
Though resentful, he had to maintain a dutiful facade in front of his grandfather—after all, the title hadn’t been secured yet.
Soon, he went to see Lady Cao.
"Aunt, I brought you some hundred-flavored cake from outside."
Chen Shuoye excelled at currying favor with elders. A small investment in treats yielded generous returns in silver.
Lady Cao was delighted to see him, fussing over his well-being and presenting him with a new set of clothes she’d sewn. This was her true grandson!
The servants watching couldn’t help but admire Lady Cao’s kindness, treating even a distant relative with such affection.
Lady Cao dismissed the attendants and said to Chen Shuoye, "You must rein in your ways these next two years. Even if it’s an act, you must appear respectable—otherwise, no respectable family will marry their daughter to you."
Chen Shuoye scoffed, "I’m the future marquis. Who wouldn’t want to marry into our family?"
Lady Cao shook her head. "Your inheritance depends on the Emperor’s approval. If he deems you unworthy and demotes your title by three ranks, you’ll have no one to blame but yourself."
"Let me guide you. Your grandfather plans to take Qingyan County Princess as his disciple. Her elder sister is Consort Hui, the Emperor’s favorite. If you can win her favor, you might not just retain your marquis title—you could even become a duke someday."
Chen Shuoye disliked the Qingyan County Princess type—women who flaunted convention, mingled freely, and practiced martial arts. If he married, it certainly wouldn’t be to someone like her.
But if she could secure him a dukedom, he might grudgingly consider it.
"Your grandfather has been summoned to the palace. When he returns, tell him you’ve had a change of heart and wish to train under him. That way, you’ll spend time with the county princess. Apply even a fraction of the effort you use to please elders, and she’ll be yours."
This was her own grandson. If he prospered, he would surely support their second branch of the family.
Lady Cao thought to herself: No matter how capable my elder brother-in-law is, in the end, he’s just paving the way for our second branch. If he hadn’t been unwilling to help us, they wouldn’t have ended up like this.
Chen Shuoye took her words to heart. "Alright, once Grandfather returns, I’ll speak to him."
Lady Cao smiled in satisfaction.
...
The last time Chen Qiyao entered the palace was a month ago. Because of his severed leg, the Emperor had granted him special privileges over a decade ago—exempting him from dismounting his sedan chair and sparing him the need to kneel in court.
Though grand ceremonies were waived, basic courtesies still had to be observed.
After paying his respects, Chen Qiyao glanced around and realized he was the only one summoned—the Emperor hadn’t called for anyone else.
Pei Lingyue spoke gently, "General Chen, I’ve summoned you today regarding a task for Consort Hui."
Chen Qiyao immediately perked up. "Whatever Your Majesty requires, I am at your service." Over the years, the Emperor had never forgotten him and had shown him great kindness. Chen Qiyao was deeply grateful.
At his age, being able to serve the court again was a testament to his character and abilities. When he took Yu Miaoping as his disciple, it was partly because he saw potential in her—her natural talent and a spark of brilliance he couldn’t bear to see wasted. The other reason was her keen judgment in choosing him outright.
Pei Lingyue said, "This task truly can only be entrusted to you."
"If successful, the court will gain the technology for fire lances."
Though he didn’t yet know what a fire lance was, Pei Lingyue made it sound like a revolutionary marvel.
Chen Qiyao’s blood burned with fervor—he would see this mission through for the Emperor!
"Your Majesty, what exactly is this task?"
Pei Lingyue sighed. "It concerns you personally and may distress you. You… should brace yourself."
Chen Qiyao thumped his chest. "Rest assured, Your Majesty. I can handle anything. There’s no need to worry."
Pei Lingyue continued, "Very well. The truth is… your grandson is not your biological descendant."
"Your mother knew about this. For the sake of the second branch, she helped cover it up."
These were the findings Pei Lingyue’s spies had uncovered in recent days.
"The task requires exposing your mother and your younger brother’s family, ensuring they can no longer exploit you, draining you dry like vultures."
The fire in Chen Qiyao’s veins turned to ice.
