A wave of gentle warmth spread rapidly from her stomach, flowing through her limbs and bones. The pervasive chill was largely dispelled, and the feeling of debilitating weakness lessened significantly.

Checking her status, her Physique had increased from 8 to 12.

A marked improvement!

Next, she opened the Basic Qi Circulation Art.

The contents were profound yet seemed to speak to a fundamental truth. She followed the method described, attempting to regulate her breathing and sense the so-called 'Qi' between heaven and earth.

Perhaps it was due to her high Spirit attribute of 15, or maybe because the system's products were inherently superior, but she surprisingly quickly captured that faint, almost imperceptible 'sense of Qi,' guiding it through a specific pathway in her body for one complete cycle.

While she felt no earth-shattering change after the cycle, her body seemed a fraction lighter, and her spirit felt more refreshed.

[Ding! Successfully learned 'Basic Qi Circulation Art' (Beginner).]

Success!

Li Qinghuan opened her eyes, a flicker of joy within them.

With this system, with this starting point, perhaps she truly could contend for power within the Great Tang's imperial palace, and perhaps even the world itself!

She looked back at the System Shop. With her remaining 180 Points, she spent 100 Points to exchange for [One Thousand Taels of Silver]!

A point of light shimmered, and a thick stack of silver notes, stamped with official seals, appeared in her hand.

In the deep palace, money wasn't omnipotent, but it was absolutely necessary.

Building connections and buying loyalty all required funds.

She kept the final 80 Points in reserve for now.

Just as she finished, she heard Tian Xiang's cautious voice from outside. "Your Highness, everything has been tidied. I… I heated some water. Would you like to wash your face?"

"Enter."

Tian Xiang entered carrying a basin of steaming water. She paused noticeably upon seeing Li Qinghuan.

Her Highness's complexion seemed much better than before, her eyes clearer and more vibrant.

After washing up, Li Qinghuan felt considerably fresher.

She took one hundred-tael silver note from the stack and handed it to Tian Xiang. "Keep this safe. From now on, use it for the palace's expenses. Grease the necessary palms and procure what we need. There's no need to live in deprivation any longer."

Tian Xiang took the note, her hands trembling.

One hundred taels! She had never seen so much money in her life!

"Your Highness… this…"

"If I said I would use you, I naturally trust you," Li Qinghuan said calmly. "Handle matters well, and you will be rewarded. But if you dare betray me…"

She left the threat hanging, but the coldness in her eyes made Tian Xiang instantly alert.

"This maid pledges her life to Your Highness! My loyalty is absolute!" Tian Xiang knelt once more, pledging her allegiance with fervor.

[Ding! Maid Tian Xiang's Loyalty has increased to 65 (Trusting)!]

Good.

Li Qinghuan bid her rise. "Go and find out what happened after Xiao Luzi returned yesterday. See if there's any movement from the Changchun Palace." — Empress Su's residence.

"Yes, Your Highness!"

Tian Xiang accepted the order and retreated respectfully.

Li Qinghuan walked to the window, looking out at the still-desolate courtyard, a cold curve gracing her lips.

Empress Su, Li Mingyue, and all those who kicked us when we were down… Just you wait.

The main event is just beginning.

She gently brushed her fingers over the system interface, her gaze settling on the [Mission Log].

There, the first system mission had refreshed:

[Main Mission (I): Establish Authority!]

Objective: Within three days, raise your personal Fortune Value above -50 and successfully establish a preliminary 'Not to be Trifled With' reputation within the palace.

Reward: Villain Points *500, Random Skill Chest *1.

Failure Penalty: Fortune Value permanently reduced by -20.

A glint of determined ambition flashed in Li Qinghuan's eyes.

Establish authority? That suited her just fine.

...

The night deepened. The high-grade 'silver-thread' coal burned brightly in Chang Le Palace, holding the late winter's chill at bay.

Li Qinghuan sat cross-legged on her bed, the Basic Qi Circulation Art slowly circulating within her. That faint thread of spiritual energy, like a tenacious stream, persistently washed through the blockages in her meridians.

Her [Malice Perception] spread out like invisible tendrils around the palace, making any hostile scrutiny within a ten-zhang radius impossible to hide.

Tian Xiang quietly added more coal, looking at her mistress's serene and focused profile with a heart full of peace and admiration.

In just a few days, Chang Le Palace had transformed from a place everyone could bully into a location that servants feared and other masters glanced at sideways. All of this was due to the change in Her Highness.

The next morning, after a night of cultivation, Li Qinghuan felt not the least bit tired, but instead vibrant and full of energy. With her Physique now at 14, her stamina had improved noticeably.

She had just finished her morning meal and was contemplating how to further raise the Fifth Princess's favorability, and how to 'make an enemy' of a target with Fortune over 100, when an announcement came from outside the hall.

"Your Highness, Deputy Chief Eunuch Gao of the Internal Affairs Bureau requests an audience," Tian Xiang reported, a trace of nervousness on her face.

The Deputy Chief Eunuch of the Internal Affairs Bureau—this was a figure of much higher status than the likes of Xiao Luzi or Zhao De.

Li Qinghuan's eyebrow quirked slightly. "Let him in."

Soon, a middle-aged eunuch entered. He wore deep blue robes embroidered with lotus vines, his face pale and beardless, his eyes shrewd. His steps were measured, and his face bore a perfectly respectful smile as he bowed. "This lowly servant, Gao Wuyong, Deputy Chief of the Internal Affairs Bureau, pays his respects to Your Highness, the First Princess."

The Eyes of Fortune revealed a bright yellow halo above his head with a value of [85]!

Significantly higher than Zhao De's, clearly indicating years of entrenched influence within the palace.

Simultaneously, her [Malice Perception] provided feedback—

There was malice, but not sharp or direct hostility. It felt more like scrutiny, calculation, and a trace of well-concealed contempt.

This one is a seasoned old fox, she thought.