When Qi Chengming first transmigrated into this novel about imperial succession struggles, he felt utterly hopeless. The situation was critical, and he had no time to overthink—he could only rack his brains to evade immediate dangers and secure advantages for himself.
Now, seeing the “Infrastructure System” pop up, a gleam lit Qi Chengming’s eyes, and his mood instantly lifted.
—Excellent! The golden finger has arrived!
The future no longer seemed so bleak and dark.
He remained silent, walking briskly while swiftly exploring every corner of the system panel.
He confirmed that only he could see the Infrastructure System, as the young eunuch following behind showed no reaction whatsoever.
The panel included several sections: [Personal Information], [Territory], [Mall], [Tasks], [Achievements], with a few grayed-out locked sections beyond. The introduction read:
“The Infrastructure System provides players with high-quality guidance and auxiliary services, enhancing the gaming experience and crafting a joyful life!”
Qi Chengming clicked through each section one by one.
Personal Information displayed:
[Name: Qi Chengming
Gender: Male
Age: Thirteen
Identity: Feudal Prince (Hucheng County Prince)
Fief: Liuzhou
Health: 7 (Healthy compared to peers with resistance 10)
Prestige: 358
Talents Under Command:
Xiao Dezi.
Xiao Chengzi.
…]
Qi Chengming felt a headache coming on as he scanned the list of eunuchs and palace maids.
Was the Second Imperial Son some kind of orphan? Aside from the palace attendants who raised him, did he truly have no other personnel to rely on? No birth mother? No adoptive mother either? Surely there was a consort in charge of his upbringing? Or did he live in the Imperial Son’s Residence from a young age?
What about his maternal family? It couldn’t be that his birth mother sprang from a crack in a stone, could it?
Moving on to Territory:
A complex 3D topographic map of Liuzhou appeared on the panel, densely annotated with numerical symbols detailing the terrain, climate disasters, suitable crops, rare resources, mineral distributions, and settlements of this gourd-shaped fief.
Even the current officials of Liuzhou—Zhifu, Zhizhou, Zhixian, Tongpan, Zhishi, and Zhubu—were clearly listed. The entire administrative structure of Liuzhou Prefecture, from top to bottom and civil to military, was laid out before his eyes.
‘This saves so much effort for future governance!’ Qi Chengming couldn’t help but marvel inwardly.
And this was even before delving into the infrastructure aspects.
Before transmigrating, Qi Chengming had never been a prominent leader—at most, he had managed a few dozen people. Now, he was suddenly in charge of an entire prefecture? Since he already had some ideas… he naturally needed to humbly start learning how to oversee the big picture. This part of the Infrastructure System’s assistance was a tremendous help.
The Mall and Achievements sections held little of interest.
The former sold everything, including products and technologies beyond this world’s technological progress—but at exorbitant point costs. Qi Chengming decided to skip it for now. As a science student well-versed in transmigration novels, he might be able to figure out the basics on his own.
The latter was completely empty, with nothing displayed.
To be precise, only the first achievement had been completed: “Obtain a Fief.”
He earned a precious ten points.
Qi Chengming focused his attention on the final section: “Tasks.”
[Infrastructure Task: First, recruit a reliable infrastructure team!
Requirements:
Team of 100 or more members.
Overall mobility must meet the passing standard.
2 design and command experts.
1 manager, 1 logistics officer.]
(Task available for acceptance, no time limit for completion)
No penalty for abandonment, rewards upon completion: “Military Supplies Regulations,” “Sun Tzu’s Art of War – Marching Chapter Annotated Edition,” “The Artificers’ Record – Newly Annotated Edition,” 100 points.]
[Daily Task: Understand Your Own Forces
Requirements:
Familiarize yourself with your foundational assets, select subordinates and luggage to bring when establishing your fiefdom.
(Task available for acceptance, no time limit for completion for now)
No penalty for abandonment, rewards upon completion: Diarrhea Remedy, Fever-Reducing Decoction, Mosquito-Repelling Herb Formula, 20 points.]
Qi Chengming pondered thoughtfully: “…”
The tasks roughly simulated what he currently wanted to do, and the rewards given were all things he could use next. Wasn’t the infrastructure team precisely the hundred Imperial Guards he was about to request from the Court of the Imperial Clan?
But…
Qi Chengming steeled himself and took a deep breath.
He could almost foresee that he would have to secretly cram like mad in the coming period. The origins of these books, including his unfamiliarity with this world’s dynastic history and written language, all required intensive study—
At the very least, he needed to cover the basics before departure!
Just three books, right? Drawing upon the spirit and perseverance he had during his college entrance exam sprint, he could do it!!
…
“—Your Highness, we’ve arrived at the Court of the Imperial Clan.”
Xiao Dezi spoke up at the right moment, stopping in his tracks with lowered eyes and a submissive demeanor.
Along the way, he had sensed that the Second Prince was preoccupied, having taken wrong turns several times. Xiao Dezi had held back his words, quietly guiding the way instead. It had been a struggle for him, yet he understood why his master was so absent-minded:
Alas, it’s Liuzhou—a place where one could easily lose their life if not careful. For his master to maintain such composure, with only some suppressed emotions… was already quite remarkable!
“Well, if it isn’t the Second Prince arriving? Perfect timing, I was just about to return and report my duty.” The chief eunuch Zhao Fuman, who had just delivered the imperial decree, beamed with a well-maintained, plump appearance reminiscent of a soft, white steamed bun. He stood in the courtyard, turning his head to look over.
Even though the Second Prince was visibly down on his luck now, with an uncertain future of returning to the capital after this departure, the old eunuch showed not a hint of strangeness on his face, remaining courteous as ever.
Standing before Eunuch Fuman to receive the decree was a small, stooped old man with graying beard. Though dressed quite imposingly, his gaze carried a complex expression.
“Liuzhou? It might be good to establish a fiefdom away from the capital.” The old man consoled, his tone tinged with sorrow, but mindful that Eunuch Fuman had not yet gone far, he quickly resumed a neutral tone and said no more, “Second Prince, let’s go. We need to see the Northern Imperial Guards commander to get your men. This is all I can do for you.”
Qi Chengming didn’t recognize this old man, nor did he understand the proper etiquette. His heart was pounding, unsure how to act or address him.
Hearing the elder’s complex, almost familial tone, along with these discreetly caring words, and given his presence at the Court of the Imperial Clan, the young man had a sudden inspiration. Gathering courage, he made a bow as a form of greeting:
“Thank you… Uncle-Grandfather.”
The old man immediately broke composure, hopping in agitation and exclaiming, “You still remember I’m your uncle-grandfather? Then why aren’t you calling me maternal grandfather at a time like this?!”
Qi Chengming: “…?”
Huh? What??
Wait a minute, what does that mean? Is he an uncle-grandfather or a maternal grandfather?
He needed to sort out this generational relationship and connection—?!
“Uncle, if I recall correctly, should be grandfather’s brother—that is, the imperial relatives of father’s previous generation. Only such a respected paternal bloodline should be qualified to manage the Court of the Imperial Clan. That’s why Qi Chengming had boldly speculated earlier, and it didn’t seem wrong at all.
But what in the world is ‘maternal grandfather’?
Isn’t maternal grandfather mother’s father? These two terms are completely unrelated. Why would he address someone who appears in the Court of the Imperial Clan to receive imperial decrees and oversee his upcoming establishment of a fiefdom as ‘maternal grandfather’?
…I really need to find time to investigate the Second Prince’s situation as soon as possible!
His mind was screaming internally.
Though sweat beaded faintly on his back, Qi Chengming maintained a calm expression, forcing out an embarrassed, timid reply: ‘…Things are different now.’
The Chinese language is profound and intricate.
As for what exactly had changed—he had no idea himself, leaving others to speculate.
‘Thinking of cutting ties with me now? Too late.’
The old man snorted coldly, unimpressed, clasping his hands behind his back. ‘You overthink everything. The Emperor’s temper won’t reach me. Since I promised your maternal grandfather to look after you and your mother… I had no chance before, but this time I must do my part.’
When he mentioned ‘mother,’ his voice trailed off weakly before regaining composure: ‘Let’s go. The Imperial Guards commander owes that old man a favor too—he can at least pick some soldiers for you. Don’t expect much, but they should keep you alive out there.’
The old man led him to the Imperial Guards training ground and exchanged some words. The armored commander glanced over, then without objection recited a list of names. Soon, a hundred-man unit stood assembled.
Though they weren’t the most elite or robust soldiers from the Imperial Guards, they at least weren’t frail or malnourished—just ordinary troops capable of enduring long journeys.
This was already a tremendous favor.
The commander added briskly: ‘Second Highness, these men will continue training with the Imperial Guards for now. They’ll need time to bid farewell to their families. You may collect them on departure day.’
—Meaning all provisions and concerns for this unit would remain the palace’s responsibility until departure.
Qi Chengming had prepared for a tough battle to secure troops from the Imperial Guards, yet everything had proceeded smoothly from start to finish.
He was beginning to understand.
The old man from the Court of the Imperial Clan must have shared an exceptionally deep bond with his maternal grandfather—so deep that the Second Prince had once impulsively called him ‘grandfather’ in his youth. Moreover, his actual maternal grandfather likely had military connections, enabling this ‘false grandfather’ to leverage old favors and secure him a decent troop.
But why were these relationships completely absent from the original plot? In the succession struggle narrative, the Second Prince was merely a pitiful background character.
…Could this be another case of ‘the tea cools once the guest leaves’?
After the long ordeal, Qi Chengming sat silently in the Imperial Son’s Residence for quite some time. Finally, he vaguely instructed his personal eunuch Xiao Dezi—whose name he now knew, having heard palace maids respectfully address him as ‘Eunuch De’—to investigate:
‘News of my upcoming establishment of a fiefdom must have spread by now. Go inquire about my maternal grandfather…’
The unspoken implication hung clearly in the air.”
The Chinese language is truly profound. Even with vague wording, Xiao Dezi immediately grasped what his Highness was truly worried about: “I understand.”
He quickly added words to comfort his master: “Your Highness need not worry, Weiyong Count’s injury condition has been stable recently. The Minister of Imperial Clan Affairs will surely relay this information beyond the palace walls. The elder won’t be overly anxious.”
“But once I leave, who knows when I can return? Grandfather is still alright, but…” Qi Chengming massaged his forehead and sighed with concern.
The other personal eunuch Xiao Chengzi reacted swiftly and joined in comforting: “Although Your Highness’s cousin is young, the elder intends for him to pursue a military career. The uncles who served before will surely look after him, so he won’t be bullied.”
“Indeed, indeed,” Xiao Dezi chimed in.
The entire afternoon was spent with the two young eunuchs exhausting their mental resources to continuously comfort the Second Prince.
Only when evening fell did they exchange glances and finally breathe sighs of relief.
…Today’s blow had been too heavy. His Highness had been acting strangely all day, with delayed reactions and absent-mindedness.
Fortunately, through their repeated reassurances and diverting his attention to the luggage and palace staff roster being prepared at the Imperial Son’s Residence, they managed to ease much of his distress.
His Highness truly has it difficult!
…
On the same day.
Wang Shuo, Dingguo’s youngest Weiyong General who had inherited his father and brother’s titles – though currently inhabiting a ten-year-old body – opened his eyes.
Despite the servants’ frantic attempts to stop him, he rushed out, anxiously demanding to increase today’s training intensity: “Let me do a few more exercises! My current physique is too weak!”
Wang Shuo felt urgent internally but remained silent.
— When his cousin was sent to Establish a Fiefdom to endure hardship, he had been truly too young. Even with foreknowledge, he couldn’t have been of any help.
At least they could still meet once before departure.
Everything else could be set aside, but one matter was extremely important. He resolved that when the time came, he must grasp his cousin’s hands and earnestly, tearfully implore him, seriously making his cousin recognize the matter’s crucial importance:
— Cousin Emperor, you absolutely must take good care of your health!!!
Author’s Note:
Mini Theater:
Wang Shuo’s small frame howled under his grandfather’s training:
Aaaaah, after being beaten for over a decade, I finally managed to turn the tables, and now I can’t win again!!