Chapter 40: My Mother Comes to Donate

"The day after tomorrow, then," the emperor said after some thought. "For these few days, I'll need to borrow Xiao Xi'er and bring her to the morning court sessions every day!"

Xiao Yao: "...What did you say, Your Majesty?"

Ruo Xi (Baby): "..." Uncle, please spare me.

Who would want to leave their warm bed early in the morning to go to the imperial court and listen to a bunch of old men argue?

However, it seemed that her uncle was determined.

"Sigh, forget it. Coming to this world isn't easy. If I can change the course of events and prevent Great Wei from falling so soon, it would be a great deed!"

With this thought, Ruo Xi (Baby) decided to accumulate more energy. When she sensed any problematic ministers in the court, she would use her spiritual power on them. If necessary, she wouldn't hesitate to eliminate those who posed a significant threat!

Xiao Yin listened to his niece's thoughts and suddenly felt his eyes well up with tears.

He knew firsthand how difficult it was to survive in the cutthroat imperial harem.

Before he was old enough to understand, he relied on his mother, who wasn't particularly favored at the time, for protection. Later, when he grew up, he protected his mother and sister. As he matured, he struggled to secure the throne, and apart from his mother and sister, no one else cared for him.

But Xiao Xi'er, now willing to use her abilities to save the nation for her uncle, was truly touching!

The next morning, Ruo Xi (Baby) went to the court willingly.

As dawn broke, she had just finished feeding and her mother was about to put her back to sleep when her uncle arrived.

"My little lucky star, let's go to the court together!" The emperor picked up Xiao Xi'er and smiled. "Oh, Xiao Xi'er is awake today! Seeing your uncle must make you so happy!"

"Yes, yes, every time I open my eyes, I see either my beautiful mother or my incredibly handsome uncle. Of course, I'm happy!" Ruo Xi (Baby) thought, blowing a bubble and grinning.

"See? Xiao Xi'er is a lucky baby. Let's go deal with those scheming ministers!" The emperor said, wrapping the little princess in a blanket with Eunuch Gao's help and carrying her straight to the Diligent Government Hall.

The chancellor was ill, very ill.

But the Empress was under house arrest, apparently because she had quarreled with the emperor over her father.

"Today, let's discuss how to raise military funds. The treasury's accounts are in a dire state!" the emperor declared loudly.

"Your Majesty, in recent years, the border has been consuming vast resources, and the country has suffered from natural disasters—floods and droughts. The people are suffering, and we need to formulate policies quickly!" the Grand Tutor stepped forward and said.

"That's right, Your Majesty, the military expenses are enormous!" the Minister of Personnel hurriedly added.

"Hmph, Minister of Personnel, do you think our military expenses are excessive and blame us? We're defending the nation, unlike you, who indulge in luxury and line your own pockets!" General He shouted, stepping out from among the officials.

"General He, don't spout nonsense! How dare you accuse us like that?" the Minister of Personnel pointed at General He and roared.

The court erupted into heated arguments.

Xiao Yin sat quietly, gently patting his little darling.

Look at his little darling, her eyes sparkling and ears perked up—she was adorable.

"Oh, my lords, please stop arguing. The little princess is here; you might scare her!" Eunuch Gao interjected, worried about the adorable little princess crying.

A Jin liked the little princess and always called her a lucky star. Eunuch Gao agreed; since the little princess's birth, many things in the royal family seemed to be turning around for the better.

Everyone turned to look but saw no movement in the swaddling. The emperor, however, looked at them coldly, his eyes icy.

"Your Majesty, I suggest increasing taxes by one percent to get through this year!" the Minister of Personnel's assistant suggested.

"Nonsense!" the Grand Tutor turned and rebuked sternly. "Assistant Xu, you keep talking about taxes. The people are already struggling to feed themselves. Do you want to strip them bare?"

"But we have no other options!" Assistant Xu retreated, embarrassed.

"Your Majesty!" A woman's voice echoed from outside the hall.

"My mother must be here to donate," Ruo Xi (Baby) hummed, thinking.

Last night, she heard her mother discussing accounts with Hongmei. Her dowry of three hundred and eighty chests had all gone into the general's treasury. Even with six years of expenses, there should still be quite a bit left.

Xu Ruzhen handed over the account book but hadn't had time to check it herself. With the recent events at the general's residence and her entry into the palace, she hadn't thought about it.

"Greetings, Princess Royal!" General He led the way in bowing to Xiao Yao.

"Tsk, this is still my mother's admirer!" Ruo Xi (Baby) heard General He's different tone and raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I thought Wen Xu had a chance, but it seems there's competition!"

Xiao Yao had just reached the center of the hall when she heard her daughter's thoughts. She almost stumbled, amazed at what her daughter was thinking. She wondered what kind of world her daughter came from before.

"Your Majesty, I am willing to donate ninety percent of my dowry. I will return home these few days to review the accounts and send the funds to the palace once they are clear," Xiao Yao said.

"Yue'er, you'll need money for your child later!" the emperor said, concerned for his sister.

"No worries. As long as the border is stable and the soldiers are well-fed, Your Majesty can compensate me later!" Xiao Yao replied.

"Mmm, my mother is indeed great, just like me!" Ruo Xi (Baby) thought, remembering how she had helped many people in her past life only to be labeled a demon. She sighed again. "Sigh, those scoundrels actually called me a demon. How unfair!"

Xiao Yao bowed her head, listening to her daughter's thoughts. She resolved to give Xiao Xi'er (Baby) the best in the world and shower her with love no matter what.

The emperor, Xiao Yin, scanned the ministers. "A princess, a mere woman, is willing to make such a sacrifice. Are the rest of you ministers content to let Great Wei fall into chaos, or allow the borders to be breached by enemies, leaving you as slaves?"

"Your Majesty, I am willing to donate!" the Grand Tutor said first.

"I am also willing!" General He added.

Many ministers expressed their willingness, but only Xu Shilang from the Ministry of Personnel looked somewhat worried.

"Huh, it seems that Xu Shilang will have to go and replenish the general's treasury for his daughter!" Ruo Xi chuckled.