Father, who is both a heir and a descendant, is still biased; the bound system has gone berserk.

The prince had no interest in paying attention to it.

The Heavenly Dragon System continued its incessant chatter: "Host, do you even realize what you just missed? Do you even know how lucky you are to have me? So many people dream of having me, yet you didn't cherish it!"

[Does Xiao Dian's accident have anything to do with you?] The prince's tone was as cold as ice.

The Tianlong system malfunctioned, causing him to become speechless with anger.

[Fine, fine, you host who's siding with outsiders, I don't believe I can't take you down!]

To possess an endless empire, embrace three thousand beauties in the harem, and have countless heroes and scholars serving you—isn't that wonderful?

The Crown Prince ignored him: "What does Xiao Dian's behavior have to do with you?"

【Yes! Yes, yes, yes!】The Tianlong system is in a state of stagnation.

It said so much, but the host just wouldn't listen to reason, which infuriated it!

[It really is because of you!] The Crown Prince's heart was filled with murderous intent.

He understood all too well what Xiao Dian meant to Ying Yufu.

If something happens to Xiao Dian, Ying Yufu will suffer a huge blow.

[Host, why are you in such a hurry? I didn't do anything to it. It's just activated its self-protection mechanism; it'll wake up in a little while.]

The crown prince breathed a sigh of relief; it was good that nothing had happened.

The Heavenly Dragon System is certain: this host is a hopeless romantic!

Seemingly to corroborate the Heavenly Dragon System's words, not long after it finished speaking, the Crown Prince heard Ying Yufu's surprised voice.

[Little Dian, you're awake!]

The white sphere of light transformed back into human form. Xiao Dian saw Ying Yufu and went to comfort her, saying, "Host, don't worry, I'm alright."

"Are you really alright? What happened to you just now? I called you so many times but you wouldn't wake up." Ying Yufu was still worried and was terrified.

Xiao Dian said: [Host, I was just acting on my instinctive self-protection mechanism. I sensed the aura of the Main God System, and the impact was too great.]

【Main God System?】This was the first time Ying Yufu had ever heard of a Main God System.

[Host, my mother goddess is the Main God System, but the aura I just sensed wasn't my mother goddess.]

Ying Yufu exclaimed in shock: "Xiao Dian, are you saying that a main god system has come to this world?"

[Or perhaps he was just passing by and accidentally let his aura slip out.] Xiao Dian wasn't quite sure either.

[Hehe, little guy, I'm right here beside you!] The Tianlong System said smugly.

But Xiao Dian can't hear.

The prince gritted his teeth in anger, ready to immediately reveal that the so-called God System was within him.

But all he felt was endless suffocation.

The prince felt a dull pain in his chest, as if he were being submerged by an endless sea. He tried to make a sound several times, but could only feel the suffocation and dull pain growing stronger.

[Host, do not attempt to reveal my presence, or you will suffocate.]

The crown prince gave up.

Just as he dismissed the idea, the air returned, and the suffocation he had just felt seemed to be just his imagination.

The prince truly felt the pressure of death; if he insisted on exposing the Heavenly Dragon System, he would really die.

The prince's eyes instantly darkened.

He rarely showed such a gloomy expression, not even when he knew he was about to die; he had never been so angry.

But being constrained by a system is a really unpleasant feeling.

[Host, you don't need to be so angry. This is a rule of the system world; the host cannot reveal the existence of the system, especially a system at the level of a supreme god. Host, I won't harm you.]

Sensing the Crown Prince's strong rejection and hostility, the Heavenly Dragon System had no choice but to explain.

The prince ignored it again; he saw that Ying Yufu had woken up.

"Fu'er." The Crown Prince stepped forward and took Ying Yufu's hand.

"I'm fine." Ying Yufu squeezed his hand back. "The artifact acted strangely just now, but it's fine now."

"Yes." He knew, but he couldn't bring himself to say it.

The Crown Prince silently grasped Ying Yufu's hand.

Seeing this, the Heavenly Dragon System couldn't help but say: [Host, you're destined to be a future overlord. It's clear you really like this girl. If she's generous enough, you could have her help you build your harem.]

Crown Prince: [Shut up.]

The Heavenly Dragon System sighed: [Okay, you don't really like me, but that's okay, you'll see how good I am.]

After leaving the palace, Ying Yufu returned to the Mu residence, where the Crown Prince also stayed overnight.

The Celestial Dragon System popped up again: [Host, very good. As a Celestial Dragon, it's perfectly acceptable for you to spend romantic nights with your fiancée before marriage.]

The vein on the prince's forehead throbbed; this system was too noisy.

Following the same routine as last time, Ying Yufu prepared the small couch, so that the two of them could sleep on one bed and the other on the small couch.

The prince obediently went to the small couch.

Tianlong System: [Eh? Host, why are you sleeping on the small couch? Aren't you going to have a one-night stand with a young lady?]

The crown prince felt a chill run down his spine; he felt bound to this system, and that he would lose three years of his life.

That night, the prince was unusually well-behaved and did not sneak into bed to kiss and hug like he did last time.

Ying Yufu still felt a little hopeful. Thinking of the new storybook she had just read, she fantasized that if the Crown Prince climbed into her bed later, she would treat him like he was in the new storybook, doing this and that.

But she waited and waited, and the Crown Prince never came to bed.

Ying Yufu and the others were no longer sleepy.

She opened her bright, sparkling eyes, got up, walked to the small couch, and lifted the prince onto her back.

Once they were on the bed, she pounced on them.

The prince opened his eyes, wide awake.

Ying Yufu's cheeks flushed as she said, "I'm afraid you'll catch a cold."

The prince nodded, completely obedient, "Yes, it's all up to Fu'er to decide."

Ying Yufu let out a "whoosh" and buried her face in his chest.

The crown prince wore a look of both pain and pleasure.

Tianlong System: [No, no, host, that's not how it works!]

The prince's attention was entirely focused on the happiness Ying Yufu was creating for him, and he couldn't be bothered with the Tianlong System at all.

The Heavenly Dragon System continued: [Host, you're destined for greatness, with a harem of three thousand! How can you lie here being played by a mere girl? This is outrageous! Outrageous!]

"I'm happy to do it, if you're not, then get lost." The Crown Prince replied to the Tianlong System in a moment.

The Tianlong system is in complete disarray.

Morning next day.

The envoy from Dongchen entered the main hall and presented Beixuan with a series of compensation documents, as well as the cession document for Jingcheng on the border.

Pei Shiliang's face was ashen. He said, "Your Majesty of Beixuan, we shall take our leave today."

Emperor Cangxuan was surprised. "Why is the envoy from Dongchen in such a hurry? The Lantern Festival hasn't even arrived yet. Won't you all stay and celebrate?"

"His Majesty the Emperor is unwell, and we must return as soon as possible. We will not linger any longer."

Pei Shiliang said expressionlessly.

What a joke! If they stay any longer, Dongchen might lose something else entirely.

Yesterday, Princess Jinxiang was forced by the Crown Prince to apologize to those lowly people, which was tantamount to trampling on the face of Dongchen.

This Bei Xuan is too arrogant, isn't he afraid of being attacked in return?

As he turned around, a sinister glint appeared in Pei Shiliang's eyes.

The departure of the Eastern Chen envoy was so sudden that neither the Western Lin nor the Southern Barbarians could react in time.

After the morning court session, the Crown Prince went to the Hall of Diligent Governance, where several ministers were also present.

"Your Majesty, Dongchen's departure was so sudden; it's probably related to what happened last night."

After careful consideration, Chief Minister Zheng spoke, glancing at the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince stood dignifiedly and said, "That Princess Jinxiang of Dongchen insulted the people of Beixuan. I have already been very polite to her."

Chief Minister Zheng said, "Your Highness is wise. I am only worried that the people of Dongchen will not let this go after suffering so many losses this time."

Grand Tutor Hai glanced at Chief Minister Zheng and said disdainfully, "Chief Minister Zheng's words make it sound as if they would only become friends with Bei Xuan if they didn't suffer any losses."

Prime Minister Zheng frowned. "While that makes sense, Grand Tutor Hai, could you please stop speaking in such a sarcastic tone?"

Grand Tutor Hai: "Did I? Last night, the Crown Prince not only slapped the face of the Dongchen people, but also won the hearts of the people. The Crown Prince is a blessing to our Beixuan."

Prime Minister Zheng couldn't help but twitch his eye. "His Highness the Crown Prince is naturally a blessing to Bei Xuan. There's no need for you, Grand Tutor Hai, to say that."

However, I've heard that Prince Dongchen is petty and narrow-minded. Grand Tutor Hai, instead of arguing with me here, you should think about how to guard against Dongchen's retaliation.

"My two ministers, please cease your dispute. Jingcheng has now fallen to my Northern Xuan. I intend to send a general to Jingcheng. Who do you think is the most suitable?"

Several ministers immediately fell into deep thought.

The Grand Secretary, Grand Tutor Hai, and a group of ministers all mentioned several names, including Zhong Zigui, the son of Marquis Xuanwu.

The person who proposed Zhong Zigui was none other than Grand Tutor Hai.

Chief Minister Zheng immediately said, "Your Majesty, Zhong Zigui, the heir of the Marquis of Xuanwu, is indeed a young hero, but he was orphaned at a young age and was only recently found by the Marquis of Xuanwu's household. Moreover, I have heard that Zhong Zigui has only recently begun to learn to read. This old minister feels that this is probably not appropriate."

Marquis Xuanwu was also in the hall. Upon hearing this, he stepped forward and said humbly, "My son was indeed only recently found and has just begun to learn to read and practice martial arts. However, my son has considerable talent and is making rapid progress in both his studies and martial arts."

Grand Tutor Zheng said to Marquis Xuanwu, "The son of Marquis Xuanwu is naturally extraordinary, and I have no intention of looking down on him. However, the heir apparent Zhong is still young, and Jingcheng is far on the border. I'm afraid Dongchen will be unwilling to accept this and will harass us. The heir apparent Zhong is young and inexperienced, and will be exhausted in dealing with it."

Marquis Xuanwu also had this concern, so he did not speak again.

Grand Tutor Zheng looked at Emperor Cangxuan and said, "Your Majesty, this old minister believes that General Jiang Huaixiu of Pingyuan, who once guarded the southeastern border for three years and is also proficient in swimming, is the most suitable person."

Emperor Cangxuan's eyes showed a thoughtful expression, while Grand Tutor Hai's face quietly darkened. Zheng Liang, that old scoundrel, always knew how to go against him.

Everyone in the entire capital city knows that the Hai family and the Jiang family are at odds.

He stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, this old minister believes that what Chief Minister Zheng said is inappropriate."

General Pingyuan is indeed familiar with the southeast region, but Jingcheng is a border city of Dongchen, with complex terrain, and there must be remnants of Dongchen troops in Jingcheng. General Pingyuan has a fiery temperament, and there is a risk that he might cause trouble.

Zheng Liang scoffed, "It's as if nothing happened after Zhong Zigui left."

"Young people are energetic and adaptable," said Hai Taifu.

Zheng Liang angrily retorted, "Shameless!"

Hai Taifu complained: "Your Majesty, Chief Minister Zheng has insulted this old minister."

Emperor Cangxuan: "..."

Emperor Cangxuan looked at the Crown Prince: "Crown Prince, why don't you tell us?"

Everyone looked at the Crown Prince, who stepped forward and said, "Father, I believe that General Pingyuan has been stationed in the capital for many years, which is an important position that should not be replaced."

Although Zhong Zigui has just been found and has only just begun to learn to read, he is exceptionally quick-witted and skilled in martial arts. Young people need experience to hone their abilities.

However, Zhong Zigui indeed lacks experience in governing a city, so I propose that we send Marquis Xuanwu to Jingcheng together.

The father and son going to Jingcheng together would not only foster their father-son relationship but also allow them to work together to manage Jingcheng well.

Emperor Cangxuan's eyes lit up, and he said, "Lord Zhong, what do you think?"

Marquis Xuanwu's heart stirred, suppressing his joy, he strode forward and said, "Your subject will certainly not fail Your Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince's high expectations and kindness. I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the cause, be selfless and devoted to public service, and be willing to die a thousand deaths!"

Emperor Cangxuan said, "Very well, let's do as the Crown Prince says. Send Marquis Xuanwu and his son to Jingcheng. Marquis Xuanwu will serve as the governor of Jingcheng, and Zhong Zigui will serve as the general. They will take up their posts immediately."

Marquis Xuanwu expressed his gratitude once again.

After leaving the Hall of Diligent Governance, Grand Tutor Hai, his eyebrows raised in a smug smile, walked up to Grand Tutor Zheng and asked, "Grand Tutor Zheng, how was it?"

Grand Tutor Zheng was furious, his head practically steaming. He glared coldly at Grand Tutor Hai and said, "Hmph, a petty person who has gained power."

He flicked his sleeves and strode away, his steps so brisk that he didn't seem like a seventy-year-old man.

Grand Tutor Hai watched his furious retreating figure and felt a surge of joy.

Hai Qiongyan walked to Hai Taifu's side and said, "Father, I heard that Prince Qinjiang is coming back. Princess Qinjiang is the eldest daughter of the Jiang family and is at odds with Shuyue. With Prince Qinjiang as their backer, the Jiang family will probably become even more unscrupulous."

Grand Tutor Hai sighed, "That old scoundrel Zheng Liang owed the Prince of Qinjiang a favor years ago. What he said today must be the Prince of Qinjiang's intention."

The Prince of Qinjiang has a deep-seated plan: to have Jiang Huaixiu take over Jingcheng.

Hai Qiongyan frowned: "But this Prince Qinjiang has saved His Majesty's life, and His Majesty is extremely sentimental."

Because of Dongchen's departure, both Nanman and Xilin were eager to leave. Therefore, on the tenth day of the first lunar month, Princess Xilin officially married into the Third Prince's residence as a concubine.

The Third Prince's concubine and all the court dignitaries came to attend the wedding banquet.

The Crown Prince and Ying Yufu were naturally present, and Yuan Bujin, who was now related to the Third Prince, also brought his whole family to attend.

"This humble official congratulates the Third Prince on his marriage. May His Highness enjoy good fortune and ever-increasing blessings year after year."

The Third Prince smiled on the outside, but in his heart he just wanted to roll his eyes.

"Lord Yuan is too kind," the Third Prince said with a forced smile.

Yuan Bujin's smile froze slightly. Why did he feel that the Third Prince's gaze towards him was not very friendly?

Could it be that he doesn't like white plum blossoms?

At this moment, several officials from the Ministry of Works came over and toasted the Third Prince.

Yuan Bujin suppressed his concerns, turned back to Zhou Shi's side, and said, "Madam, why do I feel that the Third Prince is somewhat dissatisfied with me? Could it be that Bai Mei has offended His Highness the Third Prince in the manor?"

Madam Zhou comforted him, saying, "My lord, there's no need to worry too much. I heard the other day that Jingchen visited Bai Mei at the Third Prince's residence. He must know something about Bai Mei's situation. Why don't we go and ask Jingchen?"

Yuan Bujin immediately looked in Yuan Jingchen's direction.

At this moment, Yuan Jingchen and Yuan Shuohai were standing not far behind him, so he said, "Jingchen, come here, I have something to ask you."

Yuan Jingchen stepped forward, and Yuan Bujin asked, "I heard you visited your cousin at the Third Prince's residence a couple of days ago. Did she tell you whether she's favored by the emperor?"

A hint of mockery flashed in Yuan Jingchen's eyes as he said, "My cousin is naturally favored."

Yuan Bujin didn't believe it. If Bai Mei was favored, why did the Third Prince treat her that way?

Yuan Shuohai sneered, "Father, you don't actually think that Bai Mei is favored and will speak well of our family, do you? She'd love for our family to suffer."