The next morning, the Lei residence was in its usual state: noisy, dramatic and ready to explode.
But today was special — Lei Hua was going to COURT.
Lei Hua stood at the gate in borrowed robes because her own clothes had mysteriously vanished.
(Lei Rong had ordered a maid to "accidentally" burn them. The maid only managed to burn the sleeves… but still.)
LEI HUA (mind): Why is my life like this? I haven't even adjusted and they already want me to work overtime in ancient China!
System: Host, this is not overtime. This is survival.
LEI HUA: SAME THING!
She stomped into the carriage holding a tiny stack of papers.
They weren't plans. They were snacks. She hid them so the maids wouldn't steal them again.
---
### **AT THE PALACE**
The entire court was already gathered when she arrived.
Officials whispered,
"Is that the new Lei daughter?"
"She looks confused…"
"Why is she hugging a bag of roasted chestnuts?"
LEI HUA (mind): Wow… look at all of them. So serious. Is this a funeral?
Minister Shen suddenly straightened.
"What did she say?!"
Minister Feng frowned.
"Who said something about a funeral?!"
LEI HUA (mind): OH NO DID I SAY THAT OUT LOUD??
System: Host's thoughts remain audible. Good-hearted targets: 4 detected… 26 confused.
Lei Hua smiled stiffly. "Good morning?"
Several ministers choked.
The Emperor entered.
Everyone knelt in perfect unison… except Lei Hua, who dropped her snack bag loudly before kneeling.
The Emperor's eyebrow twitched. "Lei family's daughter?"
LEI HUA (mind): Ahhh he looks strict. If he scolds me, I will cry. I can cry very well.
The Empress Dowager coughed into her sleeve to hide a laugh.
The nobles looked like they'd swallowed hot coal.
---
### **THE FIRST CASE**
The Emperor: "Minister Kang, present your report."
Minister Kang opened a scroll.
Lei Hua blinked. She saw nothing wrong…
Then the air shimmered faintly—
System: Host, gossip detected. Target: Minister Kang.
Secret related person: Minister Kang's own brother.
LEI HUA (mind): Wait… wait… Minister Kang is corrupt?! And his brother knows?!
Minister Kang gasped.
"What did she SAY?!"
The whole court turned.
Lei Hua slapped her own mouth. "I—I didn't SAY anything!"
Minister Kang panicked. "Your Majesty I swear I have done NOTHING—"
LEI HUA (mind): Oh wow he confessed so fast. What a weak villain.
"WHAT DID SHE JUST CALL ME?!" Minister Kang shouted again.
The Emperor narrowed his eyes.
"Minister Kang… is there something you wish to admit?"
Minister Kang broke in five seconds.
The whole hall exploded in noise.
Officials: "Is she a prophet?"
Others: "A demon?"
Some: "A heavenly messenger?!"
A few trembling: "Should we bow to her?"
LEI HUA (mind): BOW?! No no I don't want this job!! Returning is possible? HELP.
The Emperor raised a hand.
"Silence. Lei Hua… follow me."
Her legs shook as she followed him into the side hall.
---
### **SIDE HALL**
The Emperor: "Your ability. It exposes corruption?"
LEI HUA (mind): Nooooo don't ask me that! I don't know! I'm only a beginner with a gossip system that works like cheap WiFi!
System: Host, rude.
The Emperor leaned forward.
"If you can help me clean the court… I will protect you."
LEI HUA (mind): Protect me?? This emperor seems kinda nice—WAIT NO. I must not trust ancient politicians. They have long sleeves and longer schemes!
The Empress Dowager, who had followed secretly, burst into laughter.
Empress Dowager: "Child, you are entertaining. Refreshing. Stay in the palace for now."
LEI HUA: "Eh?? Did I just get hired?!"
System: Host, congratulations. You have become part of court chaos.
LEI HUA (mind): Oh NO. This is how stressful life begins.
---
### **BACK AT THE LEI HOUSE**
Lei Rong was waiting smugly. She had already prepared a list of insults.
"Lei Hua, did you embarrass the family toda—"
LEI HUA (mind): YOU again? Does she not get tired of bullying? Go drink water.
Lei Rong froze.
"You—YOU—!! What did she just think?!"
The good-hearted younger cousin snorted.
"She said you should go drink water."
Lei Rong: "WHAT?!"
LEI HUA: "I didn't SAY ANYTHING!"
More chaos.
More shouting.
More slammed doors.
System: Host, this is day one. Only four more days before the one who knows everything arrives.
LEI HUA (mind): One who knows everything? Who? Why? Can they help me resign??
System: Identity locked. Will reveal later.
LEI HUA (mind): Why do you sound dramatic. Are you a gossip system or a suspense movie narrator?!
System: Host, I am multi-talented.
LEI HUA (mind): GREAT. AMAZING. I am surrounded by clowns. Including myself.
She fell onto her bed.
The Lei family shouted upstairs.
The maids chased each other.
The kitchen caught fire for the third time today.
Lei Hua sighed.
Welcome to day two of ancient life.