The cat, hearing Zhang Lian's question, flicked its tail and spoke with an understanding tone. It knew Zhang Lian had no idea what this is, so it explained, "Nya, we're talking about special physiques here." They are just for those who are truly lucky and blessed by heaven, you know.
Zhang Lian raised an eyebrow, her voice filled with sarcasm. "Lucky?" she repeated, looking back at the information about Chen Guo. "Is this what luck looks like—no loving family, ugly appearance, hated by everyone in the village—then that's the worst kind of luck anyone could have."
The cat answered with a swing of its tail, saying, "Nya, but these difficulties build your character, nya." Consider this: if he had been born into a wealthy family like you, he would not have known what true hardship is. No character development, nya!"
Zhang Lian's gaze widened as she made a sudden attempt to reach out to capture the cat & she caught it. Her look was calm but dangerously intent as she raised it up close to her face. "Are you saying I have bad character, cat?"
Panicked, the cat shook its paws. "No, no, no, nya! You misunderstood, Host! I wasn't talking about you—just other rich people! Other people, not you! Nya!" It wiggled in her grip, its eyes wide with fear.
With a sigh Zhang Lian released her grip. The cat took the moment to flee away and flew barely out of reach. Maintaining a safe distance, it flies in air flickering its red wings.
It continues, "These hardships give people the determination and bravery they need to achieve amazing things! Host, that's why they're lucky."
"And most importantly, nya, they can survive disasters," it said.
Zhang Lian examined the cat closely. She said, "Like me," with a hint of anticipation in her voice. "The only person to survive was me in the whole city?"
The cat nodded with pride in its voice. Saying probably nya, "You're super lucky to have received this system! Nya!"
Zhang Lian rolled her eyes. "Oh really?"
The cat nodded.
With a sigh, Zhang Lian's voice became serious. "Alright, then tell me—what's in it for me if I choose this so-called 'lucky' kid?"
The cat smiled playfully, its ears getting up. "Nya, for starters, you could have the chance to become his woman."
Zhang Lian casually waved her hand. "Okay, he's off the list."
The cat's eyes grew wider. "No, no, hold on! Listen to me! There's more." Her vision of the list had been blocked as it flew straight in front of her face.
"Your child is more likely to have spiritual roots if you choose him, nya!People with special physics pass on better genes to their kids. Even at the early stages of cultivation, their children have much better chances of having spiritual roots, nya."
Zhang Lian raised an eyebrow. And asked "What does that have to do with spiritual roots?"
The cat blinked in confusion. "Nya, don't you know? The higher the level of cultivation, the better chances of you having of passing on stronger spiritual roots to your kids. Even higher than your own if you achieve the impossible."
Zhang Lian thought for a moment, resting her fingers on her chin. "So that's why my mother didn't have spiritual roots... because Grandpa never got past Qi Refining, even though he had level four spiritual roots," she said with her doubts getting cleared.
"Well, that sucks. So even if I have a child with a person who has high level spiritual roots, chances of giving birth to high level spiritual roots is low."
The cat nodded knowingly. "Exactly, nya. That's why if you want children with strong spiritual roots, you need someone with a special physique. Your own special physique already boosts things, but if you have a partner with one too, it'll give an even greater boost. Your child may then be more likely to have deep spiritual roots."
With a sigh, Zhang Lian looked over the list she was holding. Alright, let's try it. She said casually as she glanced through the remaining names, "But I'm still going to look at the other candidates."
After reading for a while, Zhang Lian's expression grew more thoughtful. "The ministers actually did a decent job," she muttered. "I should just focus on the top three." She looked at the list with some satisfaction.
The cat, now bored, had curled up on the bed. It yawned , its tail swaying lazily. "Nya, whatever you say, Host," it said uninterestingly.
Zhang Lian suddenly stood up,
"Lan!" Zhang Lian called out.
Lan, who had been sitting idly at a table with her head resting in her hands, looked up in surprise. What now? she thought, straightening up quickly.
She forced a smile as she stood up . "Yes, Your Highness?" she asked, trying not to show her annoyance. Great, more errands. What now? she thought bitterly.
Zhang Lian glanced at her. "Go ahead and call Xiao Yu and Fei Ling so they can help me in preparing for a meeting with the ministers. Tell the guards to let the ministers know that I will be having the meeting in an hour as well.
With an increase of annoyance, Lan thought, Why does she ask me to do this kind of task every time? I'm not just a messenger! she thought, though outwardly, she bowed politely. "Yes, Your Highness," she replied, in a sweet voice.
Zhang Lian turned back and sat down on the bed, deep in thought as she looked at the reports in front of her. Her white robe moved softly as she moved, her long white hair still perfectly in place. Her blue eyes scanned the names on the list, waiting for her maids to arrive.
Lan left the room with a heavy sigh. At least Fei Ling and Xiao Yu can share the load, she thought, feeling a small sense of relief as she hurried off to relay the queen's commands.
---
An hour later, Zhang Lian occupied the center of the room in her elegant royal chair. Every minister was staring at her, and the room fell silent. A few of them gave her an occasional glance, but no one looked for too long.
Zhang Lian had a serious look on her face. Her flowing blue robe gave off a gentle shine in the sunlight and the silver embroidery around the edges gave it a beautiful look.
Her long white hair was soft and smooth. A few strands fell over her shoulder and contrasted greatly with the blue of her dress.
A black cat with bright orange eyes and red wings sat next to her, silently and patiently watching. Its neck was covered with a red necklace and its tail flicked from time to time.
The ministers sat at a long table, their majestic robes matching their position.
She lifted a hand to point at the reports in front of her, and her red lips turned into a little smile. She stated, "These top three are the best," in a calm yet strong tone. "Now, who is tasked with bringing them here?"
Minister Li Qiang who has a black hair and black eyes spoke. He gave a slight clearing of the throat, then continued.
"Your Highness," he said in a firm, respectful voice, "I am in charge of bringing them to the palace." I can manage it effectively because I'm in charge of the city guards." There was a hint of pride in his voice as he hoped the queen would recognize his work.
Zhang Lian gave a small nod. "That's great, but you won't have to anymore," she said smilingly, making minister Li nervous.
But before he could speak to Zhang Lian, her gaze shifted to Minister Hu. Minister Hu wasn't the same as Li Qiang. He was fat. His elegant robes enveloped his stomach tightly.
His thick fingers were previously tapped on the table as he was feeling bored, but they stopped immediately when Queen's blue eyes landed on him.
"Minister Hu, you will take over this task," she stated, blinking her eyes a little.
The surprise in Minister Hu's and Minister Li's eyes was obvious. Hu hesitated and said in confusion, "Your Highness, M-me?" pointing at himself.
He looked around the other ministers anxiously, not sure if she was really talking to him. Zhang Lian maintained the same expression. Her red lips hardly moved as she said, "Yes." Hu's mind was racing.
He sighed to himself thinking of more work he has to now. He hesitated, but he realized he could not argue with her. She is queen after all.
"Yes, Your Highness," he eventually answered, feeling sad in his voice. He forced a weak smile, obviously dissatisfied with the task.
Zhang Lian then turned to face Minister Li, who was confused as to why Hu had been assigned the task instead of him as minister hu don't have many people under him. "Minister Li, you are going to be in charge of tax collection from now on," she said calmly "& The city guard's management will be taken over by Minister Hu, from now on."
A moment of silence fell while all the ministers took in what she had said. Li & hu was taken aback by her sudden decision, but Li soon calmed himself and smiled. His beautiful robes moved perfectly around him as he stood up and bowed deeply to the queen.
With gratitude, "Thank you, Your Highness," he spoke. He could feel the excitement rising inside. He understood the power and influence that came with managing the city's taxes, which presented a wonderful opportunity to get wealthy.
Minister Hu, meanwhile, sat still in his chair. Sweat formed on his forehead. His position was disappearing, and his heart raced. I was the one collecting taxes, he thought in a panic. How come she is taking it from me? He continues to think.
He studied the room, but nobody seemed willing to look him in the eye. "But, Your Highness—" Hu tried to object and started out with a shaky voice. The chair made creaked sound as he shifted uneasily in his position.
Zhang Lian's voice grew serious and her eyes became cold. "No buts," she interrupted him with a strict word. "Does anyone else have objections?"
There was no question With a swift shake of their heads. They all answered, "No, Your Highness," thinking his highness has probably found out that this fatty is not a good guy and so changed his postion.
Now in control of tax collection, Minister Li couldn't help but feel satisfied. The opportunity to accumulate fortune in managing tax collection was significantly more advantageous than his previous role.
Keeping an eye on the security around the kingdom walls as who come or who goes out and the occasional village trips made supervising the city guards was tiring with not much benefit.
His eyes lit up with joy as he slightly straightened his back.
On the other hand, Minister Hu was seated in his chair, sweating with his fists tightly struck on the table. Although he was frustrated, he was aware that there was nothing he could do.
Zhang Lian's then calmly said, "Now everyone else may go. I need to speak with Minister Hu privately about how he will bring these three individuals to the palace."
Ministers glanced at one another, assuming the queen might want to discuss some private matters. Since this was related to her future concubine, they nodded in understanding.
They asked no questions. One by one, they rose from their chairs and their footsteps echoed as they left bowing slightly to the queen before going.
When the door opened and ministers came out, Lan, who had been waiting outside the room quietly, noticed that the queen did not appear. She approached one of them and asked, "Where is the queen?" in a calm and curious manner.
One of the ministers gave her a quick glance and then nodded and told. "Minister Hu and the queen are still in taking. He replied, "She'll be coming out soon," and left.
Lan crossed her arms and sighed. She thought, tapping her foot anxiously on the ground, more waiting.
Minister Hu moved in his seat anxiously inside the chamber. Why does she insist that I stay? Anxiously, he wonderd, does she not like me? Is it because of my appearance?
With her hands resting elegantly on the table, Zhang Lian leaned forward a little. Her eyes looked as she met Minister Hu's gaze. "So, Minister Hu," she continued gently, "how do you plan to bring these children to the palace?"