Yun Shang and Ah Du had long been waiting at a teahouse nearby, confident that the emperor’s men would eventually come looking. They trusted that they would find them.
“I knew Your Majesty was truly blessed—how could such a minor matter possibly harm you?”
Once they were brought forward, Yun Shang spoke directly, no longer pretending ignorance.
Judging from the man’s bearing, it was clear he was a high-ranking noble—and likely the highest of nobles.
“So it seems the young lady already knew my identity, and your earlier display was merely a performance. But what exactly is in this sachet you gave me? I cannot believe it’s just an ordinary leaf. Why did it emit a green glow? How did it cut through that assassin’s throat? What kind of magic is this?”
The emperor’s face was serious, his eyes fixed on Yun Shang, determined to understand everything.
Had he not seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed that a mere leaf could be so powerful. Could there really be celestial beings or supernatural powers in this world? It seemed almost impossible.
Yet everything had happened right before him—there was no way to deny it.
Feeling the emperor’s piercing gaze, Ah Du stepped forward, slightly uncomfortable, placing himself in front of Yun Shang.
He didn’t care who this man was or how high his status. All he knew was that he must protect Yun Shang and would never allow anyone to harm her.
“There are always greater powers and wonders beyond what one sees, Your Majesty. The world is full of miraculous things—do you wish to understand them all? You need only know that my brother and I have come to the capital to serve you, to help ease your burdens. That alone is enough!”
Yun Shang lifted her chin slightly, her expression full of confidence.
Even in front of the emperor, she radiated certainty—after all, she had the system to back her up.
The earlier display of the leaf had been deliberately designed to impress the emperor. No amount of words could have convinced him otherwise; he had to witness the miracle himself to take them seriously.
As Yun Shang had anticipated, the trick had struck the emperor’s heart. At his age, he had seen many things, but mystical arts and supernatural powers were like clouds on the horizon: visible yet untouchable. Now, having experienced it firsthand, he naturally viewed her differently.
“My brother and I have come here. That we can meet Your Majesty and aid you proves that we are fated. If it pleases Your Majesty, we are willing to serve at your side.”
Yun Shang nudged Ah Du’s arm. The two of them bowed deeply to the emperor, making sure their gesture was proper.
“And what is it that you desire?”
The emperor quickly realized that these siblings were no ordinary people. Their appearance alone was extraordinary, and their “magic” was real.
If they had willingly come to him, it was surely because they desired something in return. Now he needed to determine what that was—and whether he was willing to give it.
Yun Shang blinked and smiled mischievously.
Recently, a shocking event had occurred in the capital. The emperor, traveling incognito, had claimed to encounter celestial beings wielding miraculous powers.
But in reality, these celestial beings were nothing more than a young girl and boy. They were pleasing to the eye, yes, but their supposed magical abilities were a hard sell. Many had dismissed it as trickery, and awarding them titles like “National Mentor” or “Heavenly Maiden” seemed ridiculous.
Now, Yun Shang and Ah Du stood boldly at the emperor’s side.
Ah Du didn’t care about the opinions of others. Whether in the palace or their former mountain village, all that mattered was standing by his sister.
The emperor glanced at Yun Shang with slight unease. He knew that merely declaring her powers wouldn’t be enough to convince the court. Only a true display could settle the matter. After all, he himself had struggled to believe the leaf’s power until he had seen it.
“A young lady claims to be a Heavenly Maiden, knowledgeable of astronomy and geography, with unique powers. Tell me, do you truly believe this?”
An elder minister at the forefront scrutinized Yun Shang. She was young, and no one could believe she possessed such extraordinary abilities. Perhaps the emperor had once again allowed himself to be bewitched by a beautiful young woman.
Typically, if a pretty girl was brought from the common folk into the palace, it caused little issue. But this girl’s abilities were strange and inexplicable.
Yun Shang saw the minister’s questioning as an opportunity. Perfect.
“If I did not possess these extraordinary skills, if I did not understand the heavens and earth, why would Your Majesty have chosen to recognize me? Why would you have brought me into the palace and bestowed upon me the title of Heavenly Maiden? Do you think Your Majesty is a fool, someone I could deceive with a few words? Are you questioning me—or are you questioning His Majesty?”
Yun Shang wasn’t afraid to stir the pot further; after all, the emperor was not the highest authority in this world.
The emperor’s face darkened slightly. While he could tolerate the ministers’ questioning, they should not insult his judgment.
Had he not witnessed Yun Shang’s abilities firsthand, he wouldn’t have had the patience to endure their incessant chatter. Ah Du, standing cold and detached, glanced at the minister who had spoken.
How irritating these people were—if not for Yun Shang’s intervention, why would the emperor have even brought them back? And yet here they were, questioning and speaking so rudely.
“I dare not! The young lady speaks too boldly,” the minister quickly bowed, acknowledging his error.
“Master Zhang, rather than questioning my abilities and Your Majesty’s discernment, why not return and carefully check your household accounts? Perhaps there is something hidden or withheld from Your Majesty?”
Yun Shang spoke without mercy. She intended to make an example of him. It wasn’t enough for the emperor alone to believe in her skills—they all had to recognize her as the true Heavenly Maiden.