Feng Zexuan’s eyes lit up as she listened.
“Wow, that powerful? Then wouldn’t the Great Xia never have to worry about famine again!”
The system replied:
“Yes. However, the host must complete three tasks.”
Task 1: During the autumn hunt, get at least 50 officials to experience the benefits of fitness and voluntarily sign up for the ‘Muscle-Building Bureau’.
Task 2: During the autumn hunt, collect at least 100 gossip stories and compile them into a book.
Task 3: During the autumn hunt, get at least 10 officials to change their appearance or lifestyle based on your suggestions.
Feng Zexuan stroked her chin.
“These three tasks… don’t seem too hard.”
“For Task 1, I can use this autumn hunt to give them an ‘outdoor survival training.’ I’ll tire them out first, then tell them the benefits of fitness.”
“For Task 2, isn’t Liu Si already recording everything? I’ll just have her organize it later.”
“For Task 3, isn’t General Cheng the perfect example? If he shaves his beard, it’ll definitely influence a lot of people.”
The system praised her:
“As expected of the host—very clever!”
“Now, shall we activate the space upgrade? It will take one hour, during which you can act freely.”
Feng Zexuan didn’t hesitate.
“Activate it! Absolutely activate it!”
The moment she spoke, she felt a slight dizziness in her mind, which quickly faded.
System notification:
“Upgrade initiated. Estimated completion: one hour.”
Feng Zexuan returned to the wooden cabin and scanned the officials inside.
These normally well-fed and pampered nobles were now in a sorry state—some dozing against the walls, some drying clothes by the fire, others whispering in corners.
She began to plan.
If she was going to complete the tasks, she might as well start now.
“Everyone,” she cleared her throat.
All eyes turned to her.
“The rain outside is quite heavy; it may last until tomorrow morning.”
“This wooden cabin can shelter us, but space is limited. It’s uncomfortable for everyone to stay crowded like this.”
“How about we play a game to stretch our limbs and pass the time?”
The officials looked at each other in confusion upon hearing the word “game.”
Lin Zhengyan asked:
“What kind of game does Your Highness have in mind?”
Feng Zexuan smiled.
“Very simple—Truth or Dare.”
“Everyone sits in a circle and spins this empty wine pot. Whoever the mouth points to must choose ‘Truth’ or ‘Dare.’”
“If you choose Truth, you must answer a question honestly. If you choose Dare, you must complete a challenge.”
“If you refuse or fail, you must perform a talent show.”
Chu Heng frowned.
“This… doesn’t seem appropriate.”
Feng Zexuan waved her hand.
“Official Chu is overthinking. We’re just passing time, not interrogating prisoners.”
“Besides, the questions and challenges will be gentle and won’t involve state secrets or private matters.”
“Everyone, it’s rare to have such a chance—why not relax a bit?”
After a brief hesitation, the officials finally agreed.
After all, it was better than sitting idle.
Feng Zexuan smiled in satisfaction.
In her mind, she said:
“System, remember to record this. These are all materials.”
“Received!”
The Game Begins
First round: the wine pot pointed to a young official.
“Truth or Dare?” Feng Zexuan asked.
“Truth,” he said after thinking.
She smiled.
“Have you ever secretly liked someone recently?”
The young man blushed.
“This…”
The crowd began to tease him:
“Come on, spill it!”
He gritted his teeth.
“Yes… it’s the daughter of the Vice Minister of Rites.”
The cabin burst into laughter.
Second Round
The pot pointed to Chu Heng.
He chose “Dare.”
Feng Zexuan thought for a moment.
“Then please imitate a chicken.”
Chu Heng froze.
“A chicken?”
“Like ‘cock-a-doodle-doo,’ yes.”
He took a deep breath.
“Coo—coo—coo—”
His voice was sharp and awkward, like a rooster being strangled.
Everyone laughed uncontrollably.
Third Round
The pot pointed to Lin Zhengyan.
He chose “Truth.”
Feng Zexuan asked:
“What is your greatest regret?”
Lin Zhengyan fell silent for a moment.
“My greatest regret is failing to stop some of the late emperor’s decisions.”
“If I had been more persistent, perhaps many tragedies could have been avoided.”
The atmosphere in the cabin suddenly turned heavy.
Feng Zexuan quickly changed the topic.
“Lord Lin’s dedication to the world is admirable.”
“Alright, next round!”
The game continued, and the mood gradually warmed up.
Feng Zexuan observed everyone carefully, calculating how to complete her tasks.
At that moment, the system suddenly spoke:
“Host, the space upgrade is complete!”
“You can now bring everyone into the space!”
Her eyes lit up.
“Good! Let’s begin!”
“Ready?” the system asked excitedly.
“I’m ready!”
“Countdown: 3… 2… 1!”
A strange wind suddenly swept through the cabin.
It carried a faint fragrance—like flowers and fruit—instantly relaxing everyone.
The officials grew drowsy.
“What… suddenly so sleepy…”
Lin Zhengyan rubbed his eyes and collapsed against the wall.
Chu Heng also fell onto the animal hide.
One by one, the officials lost consciousness.
Cheng Ying was the last to fall. Before losing consciousness, a thought flashed through his mind:
Something’s not right…
But he, too, fell asleep.
Soon, only Feng Zexuan and her brother remained awake.
Feng Zexuan’s brother looked shocked.
“Sister… what is this?”
Feng Zexuan smiled.
“Don’t worry. They’re just asleep.”
With a thought, everyone in the cabin—including Zhao Wu and Qin Huan—vanished.
The next second, they appeared in a vast farm.
Blue skies, bright sunshine, fresh earthy air.
Distant mountains, endless fields stretching as far as the eye could see.
Feng Zexuan nodded in satisfaction.
“So this is the upgraded space?”
The system replied:
“Yes. The space is now 1,000 acres, and time flows 10 times faster than the outside world.”
“In other words, one hour outside equals ten hours here.”
“You can use this time to make them help you reclaim and farm the land.”
Feng Zexuan rubbed her hands together.
“Perfect! When do they wake up?”
“In five minutes.”
Discussion
Comments
0 comments so far.
Sign in to join the conversation and keep your activity tied to this account.
No comments yet. Start the conversation.