TPITWOHEF

Chapter 56

In the Emperor's study.

Xiao Yunzhou resisted the urge to look down at the precious daughter in his arms.

Meanwhile, Xiao Chuchu's cheeks flushed red with excitement as she eagerly scanned the faces of every minister entering the study.

Her "Scent of Intelligence" skill had leveled up to LV2, allowing her to double the intelligence of people within a one-step radius, with only three uses per day.

Today, she had already used up her allotted uses, investing them in her birth mother, elder brother, and nanny, Zhang Jia.

Currently, her "Scent of Intelligence" skill was grayed out, indicating it could not be used again. However, she could still glean the initial intelligence of everyone around her.

Initially amused by the spectacle, she couldn't help but burst into laughter upon further observation.

"No wonder Jing Country is on the brink of collapse."

"These high-ranking officials are not very bright, are they? Even though effort can compensate for shortcomings, how can someone like this, the Vice Minister of Personnel, hold such a crucial position? Can't they find someone more capable than this idle nobleman who hasn't even bothered to study?"

"With such poor abilities, yet holding such high positions of power in the nation, governing the livelihoods of the people, it's truly disheartening!"

Xiao Chuchu furrowed her tiny brows in the swaddle.

But there was nothing she could do; the system had labeled her as the "Beloved Princess of a Dying Nation," and it wasn't without reason.

"No wonder Jing Country's national strength ranks outside the top twenty!"

Xiao Yunzhou felt his vision darken.

Could his fairy-like little princess really perceive the national strengths of various countries?

Was Jing Country really that feeble?

Once, during the reign of his ancestors, Jing Country was unassailable, receiving tributes and worship from surrounding nations. And now, it had come to this?

"Your Majesty summoned us. What's the urgent matter?"

"Why does Your Majesty conduct state affairs while holding the little princess?"

"Affection between parent and child is unsuitable for imperial governance. Your Majesty, please have the little princess and the princes go to the side hall for serious discussions with us."

The ministers of the Cabinet and the six ministries all voiced their discontent.

These officials, who had served for generations and even hailed from distinguished families of the nation's founding heroes, occupied high positions. They were not afraid of Emperor Xiao Yunzhou because they had numerous connections passed down from their ancestors and teachers. Some even held imperial pardons granted by the founding emperor, passed down through generations.

Therefore, they were arrogant, occasionally giving Emperor Xiao Yunzhou a hard time to remind him that they were not to be trifled with.

Even though they had lost the upper hand in the matter of appointing the Crown Prince, they were quick to reclaim their authority in discussions.

"Your Majesty, holding the little princess like this, what kind of example does it set? It's more fitting for a palace concubine!"

"Your Majesty's behavior, if seen by scholars throughout the realm, I can only imagine the ridicule!"