Chapter 483: Extra 2: S-Class National Fortune, Everything for Beili

Ten years after Princess Baocheng was born.

A flood suddenly struck the southwestern region of Beili, affecting four prefectures. Fortunately, no one was harmed, but people lost their property and homes.

Emperor Wu Su found himself busy again, and a new headache arose during the morning court session—one that had nothing to do with the flood.

It was that Yuan Heng and Chenzhao had reached the age to participate in governance, but their political views were at odds.

Regarding the flood management, Yuan Heng advocated for distributing Silver Taels to aid the victims, prioritizing helping the people of the four prefectures rebuild their homes. Chenzhao, however, believed prevention was better than a cure and argued the money should be spent on dredging the river channels.

The two stuck to their own opinions and began to argue in court.

There were many female officials in the court, all of whom sided with Chenzhao, while most of the great aristocratic families supported Yuan Heng.

Lu Juan and the others remained silent.

Emperor Wu Su had one son and two daughters but had yet to name a Crown Prince. Logically, he should have appointed his only son as the Crown Prince long ago to reassure the people.

But the Emperor had delayed his decision, offering a glimpse into his imperial mindset.

The struggle for the throne had, since ancient times, never spared familial bonds. It was impossible to know what end these two twins would meet.

Meanwhile, in Chenning Hall, Ji Qingwu couldn’t sit still either.

‘It’s because I haven’t worked hard enough,’ she thought self-reproachfully. ‘If I had known a natural disaster like this was coming, I would have shamelessly dragged the Emperor into bed a few more times last month.’

Ever since giving birth to Princess Baocheng, she hadn’t gotten pregnant again, so the national fortune she’d earned had all been B-level.

Ji Qingwu summoned the system and asked with a frown, “Peanuts, do I really have to get pregnant to reach A-level?”

“Yes, Host.”

Ji Qingwu said, “Are there any hidden missions?”

“No, Host.”

Ji Qingwu said disappointedly, “Alright, I understand.”

“There are no hidden missions, but there is one main mission that the Host has yet to complete.”

Ji Qingwu said in surprise, “What mission? I’ve completed everything from F to A-level.”

“The highest level is S-Class.”

Ji Qingwu froze for a moment, then asked, “Is that really a thing? You never mentioned it before.”

“The Host never asked.”

Ji Qingwu flared up. “Who the hell developed you? You never give the full story! I suspect you’re changing the rules on the fly. I want to file a complaint!”

“Please do not be angry, Host. S-Class national fortune can guarantee Beili ten years of favorable weather and a peaceful, prosperous nation.”

Ji Qingwu took a deep breath and said, “This mission couldn’t possibly be…”

“Host, please retract the absurd speculation in your mind about giving birth to ten children at once. This system is not yet so heaven-defyingly inhumane.”

Ji Qingwu relaxed slightly. “You think you haven’t done enough heaven-defying things already?” She then asked, “So what exactly is the S-Class mission?”

“It is exactly as the Host sees it. A literal S.”

Uncontrollable images flashed through Ji Qingwu’s mind. Her eyes widened as she said, “Tell me right now it’s not what I think it is.”

“The Host is a quick study. I wish you an early completion of the mission.”

Ji Qingwu sat for a full hour, then ordered Lan Zhi to find some things for her.

But because these items were so unusual, when Lan Zhi went to the Imperial Household to retrieve them, she happened to be seen by Little Dongzi. Little Dongzi had a big mouth and immediately reported it to Li Yuzong.

Emperor Wu Su had just returned to the Diligent Governance Hall after court adjourned when Li Yuzong scurried over, scratching his ear and cheek anxiously.

“Holy Emperor, in the Empress’s palace…”

Zhao Mingyan was deep in thought. Interrupted, he frowned and said, “What about the Empress’s palace?”

Li Yuzong said, “Her Majesty has retrieved some strange items.”

Zhao Mingyan said, “Speak.”

Li Yuzong said carefully, “She took some iron chains, a horse whip, a necklace, shackles, and other such things. She also summoned Prince Yuan Heng and Princess Chen Zhao. I don’t know if it’s because Their Highnesses have been arguing recently and upset the Empress, so she intends to… to…”

Zhao Mingyan’s frown deepened.

As Emperor Wu Su reached the entrance of Chenning Palace, the voices of the mother and her two children reached his ears.

Ji Qingwu had learned that the two had argued about the flood during the morning court session. She had specifically summoned them to resolve the misunderstanding and quarrel promptly, lest it drive a wedge between the siblings and turn them into enemies.

She said, “Heng’er, your mother knows you are kind-hearted. Aiding the disaster victims is a major priority, and you are not wrong.”

After turning ten, Princess Chen Zhao no longer liked being called Jiu Jiu. Seeing Ji Qingwu speak so gently to Yuan Heng, she huffed and turned her head away.

Ji Qingwu pushed a plate of sweet cakes toward her and said, “Zhaozhao, developing water conservancy projects will bring endless benefits to future generations with no drawbacks. Your idea is also correct.”

Princess Chen Zhao said, “Mother, you’re just trying to smooth things over. If I’m right and he’s not wrong, whose side are you on, really?”

“I am, of course—”