LOT – Chapter 12 The Sharp-Faced Third Prince: Not Quite Right in the Head

To Lin Mo, the three-day break flew by in a flash. But to the Emperor and the ministers? These three days felt like years!

“I swear I’ve never hated resting this much! I used to wish for even a two-day break, but now if I don’t go to court for even a day, I feel uncomfortable!” said one official gleefully as he put on his court robes in the morning. Another day of gossip awaited!

His wife standing next to him: …Like no one knows what you’re really going for. I wonder when Lady Lin will bring her daughter out again so we can follow and gossip a bit too!

Emperor Xuande was also particularly excited that morning—mixed in with a bit of anticipation.

“I wonder whose secrets that girl will expose today. I hope she digs up a few more corrupt officials! You have no idea how good it feels to look at a full national treasury! Ever since I ascended the throne, I’ve never been this wealthy!”

He’d nearly been moved to tears watching gold and silver treasures being carried into the treasury.

The entire Prince Qi’s household had been punished. The heir to Prince Qi was executed. Those involved in crimes were executed as well. The innocent were exiled.

As for the Protector General’s household? Even worse—not a single person was clean.

They had even uncovered a slew of officials tied to these two families. If not for Lin Mo, the Emperor would’ve never realized just how deeply Prince Qi’s influence had penetrated his court.

These people were dead, and yet they’d left behind such an extensive spy network. What were they trying to do, leave it for Prince Qi’s son? This kingdom isn’t his to inherit!

But luckily, everything had finally been settled. And now, he was a rich emperor!

Eunuch Li looked at the beaming Emperor and couldn’t help feeling a bit emotional.

To think a ruler could fall to this level…

While helping the Emperor with his robes, Eunuch Li murmured, “Your Majesty, now that we have funds, perhaps it’s time to replace these undergarments? They’ve been patched countless times. Although you’ve finally changed into new underwear, your inner robes are still far too old.”

The Emperor glanced down at his clothes and waved it off. “Why bother? I actually think they’re quite fine. Clothes are most comfortable when they’re worn soft. They’re still perfectly wearable.”

Eunuch Li: …Even now, Your Majesty, you’re still this stingy, huh.

That morning, something strange happened—Lin Mo, for once, wasn’t gossiping with her system. Emperor Xuande kept sneaking glances at her, and the other ministers, while discussing state affairs, were also constantly peeking in her direction.

Poor Minister Li, who sat directly in front of her taking notes, was sweating under all the side-eyes.

As for our ever-popular Lady Lin? She was currently nodding off, swaying back and forth like a roly-poly toy, making everyone wonder if she’d collapse at any second.

Half the morning court session had passed already. If no gossip came out soon, the whole morning would be a waste.

Emperor Xuande cleared his throat and subtly gave Minister Li a look.

Minister Li: …Sigh. What a sin. Me, a court historian, actually being told to wake someone up in court. I’ve been serving for half my life and never had to do this before.

As for Minister Lin? He had long given up trying to rein in his daughter. Let the little rascal do whatever she wants. Even the Emperor doesn’t mind anymore, so why should I?

Minister Li reluctantly reached out and gave Lin Mo a gentle push. The next second—thud!—a loud crash echoed through the hall.

Everyone stared at the person now sprawled on the floor.

The Crown Prince and the two other princes quickly turned their heads, trying not to laugh. They had never seen a woman like this. Actually… could this still be called a “woman”?

The Third Prince leaned over and whispered to the Crown Prince, “Big Brother, how did she even fall asleep during court? And standing up, no less.”

In all his life, he had never seen someone sleep standing.

The Crown Prince replied with a deadpan look, “How would I know? It’s my first time seeing this too.”

After her fall, Lin Mo was completely dazed. Even the system didn’t know what to say.

[You might be the first person in history to fall asleep in court.]

Lin Mo’s eyes snapped wide open. [What?! I fell asleep?!]

She looked up and realized everyone—including the Emperor—was staring right at her.

She swallowed nervously and screamed internally at the system: [What do I do?! What if the Emperor cuts off my head?!]

On the throne, Emperor Xuande nearly choked on his own saliva when he heard this. What the—do I look that cruel to you?!

He was a wise ruler, okay? Just because someone dozed off in court, did she really think he’d execute them? Did she think he didn’t care about his reputation?

“Lin Mo, you sure are bold, to fall asleep in court,” Emperor Xuande said with a stern voice. “Do you realize your crime?”

If this girl dared to smear his name in her thoughts, he’d at least scare her a bit in return!

Lin Mo knelt on the ground and quickly kowtowed. “I admit my guilt, I admit my guilt! This is my fault! I should not have fallen asleep during morning court, and I certainly should not have fallen over after falling asleep.”

Everyone: …So are you admitting guilt for falling asleep, or for not staying upright while asleep?

The system couldn’t help but chime in: [You completely missed the point! That second part wasn’t necessary! Just admitting you shouldn’t have slept would’ve been enough!]

Lin Mo: [But I really can’t control myself! I don’t know if I’ll fall asleep again next time. All I can do is try harder not to fall over while sleeping standing up.]

“Pfft!”

The Third Prince, who was sitting relatively close to her, almost burst out laughing. The Second Prince quickly pinched his younger brother—What are you laughing for? Hold it in!

Emperor Xuande’s eyes were full of helplessness. This girl has absolutely no shame… And when someone’s truly shameless, they’re unbeatable. What can you even do with someone like that?

“Enough,” Emperor Xuande said, “Since it’s your first offense, I won’t hold it against you. But you must not let it happen again.”

Lin Mo immediately nodded and promised, “This subject will never do it again!”

[I will absolutely never fall down while sleeping again. I’ll train hard to master the skill of standing while sleeping!]

Hearing her mental footnote, everyone struggled to keep the corners of their mouths from twitching upward.

Someone next to Minister Lin nudged him playfully, like they were watching a show. Minister Lin: …Just end me already!

“Lady Lin, you’d better stand up now. The ground’s quite cold—it’s not good for a young woman’s health,” said the Third Prince with a smile.

Lin Mo stood up and glanced at this smiling tiger, narrowing her eyes slightly.

The Third Prince suddenly had a very bad feeling.

Sure enough, the next second Lin Mo said to her system: [System, why does this Third Prince feel just like a smiling tiger? Sweet on the outside, scheming on the inside. Is he trying to plot against me?]

The Third Prince’s smiling expression instantly disappeared. You’re the smiling tiger! Your whole family’s full of smiling tigers!

Here I am trying to be considerate, and this is what I get? Should’ve just kept my mouth shut!

The whole court instantly became tense. Many people were waiting for the system’s reply—including Emperor Xuande himself.

The system responded: [Oh, that Third Prince just looks smart. He’s got a sharp-looking face, but honestly, his brain doesn’t work too well.]

The Third Prince almost exploded on the spot. The Crown Prince and Second Prince quickly grabbed him to stop him from reacting.

The system wasn’t wrong at all. Despite looking clever, their dear Third Brother really wasn’t all that bright.

The Emperor facepalmed. Great, now the whole court knows my youngest son’s brain isn’t quite right…

The ministers all secretly glanced at the Third Prince’s expression. Hmm… he did indeed have a face that looked clever.