“This matter shall be entrusted to the Eighth Prince for investigation. If verified, punish without leniency!”
Five million taels of silver was no small amount. Entrusting it to his eighth brother was the most reliable course.
“Your subject obeys the decree.” The man in the python robe stood tall, his figure slightly bowing in salute, his voice deep and magnetic, instantly capturing Xiao Yaozu’s attention.
[Such a pleasant voice.]
Xiao Yaozu’s eyes instantly brightened.
The Eighth Prince slightly turned his head, his sharply defined profile cast in alternating light and shadow…
Xiao Yaozu seemed to hear the sound of cola fizzing.
[Good heavens, this Eighth Prince’s face is truly magnificent—sword-like eyebrows, starry eyes, a perfect jawline, and an innate aura emanating from his very bones.]
Even clad in the crimson python robe, it couldn’t conceal his excellent physique—broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and long legs.
He must be at least 187 cm tall.
The System, watching the Host’s heart rate skyrocket to 184, blurted out:
[Host, you’re in trouble—you’re falling in love.]
A deep gaze swept over. Xiao Yaozu instinctively held his breath, his long, thick eyelashes trembling slightly, his lips pursing ever so gently, exceptionally alluring.
A man actually surpassed the premier beauty of Bianjing in looks.
The Eighth Prince was absolutely certain: he was seducing him!!
[Host, what are you doing? The Eighth Prince seems to be staring at you.]
[Just breathing. What happened?]
Faced with such a top-tier handsome man, her mind went blank, and even her breathing began to spiral out of control.
The Eighth Prince indifferently withdrew his gaze, his inner thoughts equally restless.
He left a silhouette for someone, carrying the aloofness of one in high authority, as if that earlier glance had been unintentional.
Xiao Yaozu stared at the other’s perfect back of the head.
[Even the back of his head is handsome when the person is good-looking.]
“……”
The Emperor was somewhat speechless at this fellow’s overly frequent mental activities.
First, he gossiped about others, then delivered an impassioned speech, and now he’s taken a fancy to his aloof younger brother?
Since childhood, his younger brother had attracted countless noble ladies because of that face, yet he remained untouched by any.
In the blink of an eye, he was already 27, without a single confidante in his residence. The Empress Dowager was worried, and every time he brought it up, the topic was diverted.
He just never expected that even men would fancy him.
This Xiao Yaozu was now somewhat special, possessing a System capable of predicting natural disasters. Should he have his younger brother use a honey trap?
No, if the Empress Dowager found out, she wouldn’t let him off.
[I really want the court session to end quickly. I want to go see that room full of gold bricks.]
The ministers silently agreed. Although their families weren’t poor, most had never seen a living 500 million taels and also wanted to go see the spectacle.
As if psychically linked, the Emperor, breaking precedent, waved his hand, indicating they could leave the court.
No, to be precise, those below the third rank could leave.
When the Prime Minister and the third-rank ministers exited, they were invited by Eunuch Rong to the Imperial Study.
The Prime Minister and the others entered the Imperial Study with some trepidation.
The Emperor dismissed the attendants and had Eunuch Rong guard outside the door.
“My esteemed ministers, you all heard it. Share your views on this matter.”
Their hearts tightened, uncertain whether the Emperor intended to blame or protect Xiao Yaozu.
The Prime Minister didn’t beat around the bush: “This youth doesn’t seem foolish. He can be used!”
“Your subject concurs.”
Emperor: “Prime Minister, you have a favorable view of that lad?”
Recalling the youth’s pure inner thoughts, the Prime Minister clasped his hands and said:
“Your Majesty, although Xiao Yaozu is young, his inexplicable sense of trust in Your Majesty is truly rare and precious. If properly nurtured, he will surely be able to share Your Majesty’s burdens and serve the court in the future.”
The Emperor fell into deep thought, then slowly spoke: “But he carries a mysterious System with him—it’s unclear whether this is a blessing or a curse.”
The Prime Minister responded: “Your Majesty, based on my observations over the past few hours, those who can hear it are limited to Your Majesty and the officials present today.”
“The System enables him to foresee natural disasters. If properly guided and this ability is utilized for early prevention, it would greatly benefit the nation and its people.”
Truly worthy of being the head of all officials—he had discerned certain rules in just a few hours, thinking three steps ahead with each move.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yaozu was eagerly looking forward to seeing the gold bricks, completely unaware that the Emperor and others were planning her future, preparing to let her shine and contribute…
……
As soon as the court session ended, Xiao Yaozu trailed behind the Eighth Prince like a mesmerized fool.
How could the Eighth Prince not notice the little tail behind him? The narrow corners of his eyes could even capture the expression on her face.
Her small mouth was rosy and vibrant, and though it remained still, her ears were far from calm.
[Host, what are you doing?]
[Following the Eighth Prince, can’t you see?]
[I see, and then?]
[I need to find a way to secretly tell the Eighth Prince the location of the gold bricks… Hey… System, did you increase my life value? I feel a bit better, not as breathless when walking.]
The Eighth Prince slowed his pace, thinking she lacked exercise.
[……] The System remained silent.
Internally, for some reason, an extremely faint surge of energy flowed in—more valuable than even the energy from gossip-watching.
It seemed to carry the aura of national fortune, which was strange. Such an aura should only belong to advanced systems…
Now, even this beginner system had upgraded its snacks to popcorn.
Hooray
[Host, I think I’ve leveled up.]
In her mind, the System’s white fluffball was hugging a bucket of popcorn, munching away…
[Really?… Wait, by leveling up, you don’t mean… switching from sunflower seeds to popcorn, do you?]
[Yes, Host. I feel like we’ve been blessed by the goddess of luck.]
Xiao Yaozu stroked her chin in thought. Someone like her, who always drew “Thank You” on scratch cards, blessed by the goddess of luck?
She wasn’t convinced.
The System seemed a bit unreliable.
Completely unaware, as she zoned out, her limbs unconsciously followed the person in front.
And so, they arrived at the palace gate.
The Eighth Prince noticed Xiao Yaozu spacing out while trailing behind him and even boarding his carriage.
He had no choice but to speak up:
“Compiler, is there something you wish to say to me?”
His deep voice, close to her ear, abruptly pulled Xiao Yaozu back to reality.
She focused her gaze and realized she was sharing the carriage with the Eighth Prince.
The interior was elegantly and classically decorated, emitting a faint fragrance.
Coupled with the pleasant scent of the man beside her, her heartbeat involuntarily quickened.
Xiao Yaozu’s face warmed, but she calmly straightened her posture and cleared her throat:
“Eighth Prince, may this humble official offer some assistance?”
[I’ve never witnessed a property confiscation before—I want to experience it up close.]
The owner of the inner voice sounded slightly excited.
The Eighth Prince looked at Xiao Yaozu with a faint, teasing smile, making her feel uneasy.
“In that case, are you willing to assist me in investigating this case?”
Xiao Yaozu nodded vigorously: “Willing! It would be an honor to serve Your Highness.”
The Eighth Prince gave a soft hum, then resumed his aloof and restrained expression, as if Xiao Yaozu wasn’t even present in the carriage.
No one spoke again inside the carriage, plunging them into silence broken only by the sound of rolling wheels and occasional hoofbeats.
The Eighth Prince closed his eyes to rest, his noble features partially veiled in the interplay of light and shadow, making him appear even more profoundly captivating.
Xiao Yaozu secretly stole glances at the Eighth Prince’s striking beauty.
[System, does the Eighth Prince have a wife? Or perhaps concubines?]