Chapter Twenty-Three: System Upgrade

Ever since Zhu Xiongying exposed the Blank Paper Case, the entire Ministry of Revenue had been turned upside down. The other ministries were also affected, working so hard they were practically running off their feet. For several days, Zhu Xiongying hadn’t even seen Zhu Biao or Zhu Yuanzhang, leaving him with no way to farm for rewards! It seemed the lobsters from last time had truly frightened Zhu Yunwen, as he hadn't even caught a glimpse of his shadow in days.

Bored to tears, he climbed the jujube tree in the courtyard, leaning against the thick trunk to eat jujubes and soak up the sun. Out of sheer boredom, he opened the system interface to check his remaining lifespan. As he focused his mind, a prompt suddenly popped up.

【Host’s lifespan has reached ten years. System upgrade requirements met. Do you wish to upgrade?】
【Yes!】
【No!】

Seeing this, Zhu Xiongying sat up with a start. "The system can upgrade?" This was something he hadn't expected. Even more surprising was that his lifespan had reached ten years in just a few days. With the two life-extending pills, he would live for twelve years—meaning until he was nineteen. And it didn't stop there; as the system continued to grant rewards, his lifespan would keep growing. He had no idea how long it could eventually become, but at least he would be able to marry and take concubines! He was determined to experience everything he hadn't in his past life. He would definitely take three hundred and sixty-four concubines, one for every day of the year, never repeating!

"Hehehe..." The little guy chuckled to himself on the tree branch. Two palace maids passing by with pastries whispered curiously, "What is His Highness the Grandson laughing about?"

"Who knows! Maybe he thought of something happy." By now, they were used to the young prince’s strange behavior. Without lingering, they continued on their way to finish their chores.

【Please make a choice as soon as possible, Host!】 The system’s urging voice echoed in his mind.

"Yes! Yes!" Without hesitation, he used his consciousness to select the upgrade button. Based on the novels he’d read in his past life, a system upgrade was always a good thing—either the rewards would increase or new functions would be added. In any case, it would be more powerful than before!

【Congratulations, Host. Upgrade successful!】

In the blink of an eye, the upgrade was complete. The interface looked much the same, except for a new task panel that hadn't been there before. Zhu Xiongying tapped it open, but it was empty.

Previously, the system would occasionally issue small tasks for small rewards. Now that there was a dedicated panel, did it mean the difficulty of the tasks would increase? "Big Brother System, does this upgrade mean the task difficulty has gone up?" he asked, attempting to communicate. He had tried before, but the system only responded depending on its mood. Sometimes it would reply; other times, it wouldn't even make a sound.

【Every time the system upgrades, the tasks upgrade accordingly!】
【The system will issue tasks, and the Host can check the details and remaining time via the system panel!】

"What? There's a time limit? You're going to put me on a clock?" Zhu Xiongying’s fur stood on end. Did a time limit mean there would be penalties for failure?

【Tasks issued by the system must be completed within the specified time!】
"And if I can't?"
【A portion of your lifespan equal to the value of the reward will be deducted!】
"What? Deduct my lifespan?"

Damn it! He had just been thrilled about living long enough to reach adulthood and take concubines, and the system had immediately poured a bucket of cold water on him! If it gave him a task too difficult to complete, wouldn't he just lose his life? "Can I refuse to take the tasks?"

【The system has upgraded. Tasks will be issued at any time and cannot be refused!】

Damn! He shouldn't have upgraded! All his excitement vanished in an instant. Resigned, he leaned back against the tree trunk and opened his basic stats:

Name: Zhu Xiongying
Age: 7
Strength: 70 (Average person: 100)
Agility: 90 (Average person: 100)
Speed: 70 (Average person: 100)
Charisma: 110 (Average person: 100)
Lifespan: 10 years and 1 month remaining
Skills: None
Martial Arts: None
Weapons: None
Mounts: None

Seeing his stats nearly nearing the maximum provided some small comfort.

【Ding! System task...】

Hearing the opening, Zhu Xiongying jolted upright again. A task so soon after the upgrade? That was too fast. He felt a sudden, inexplicable tension. He prayed it wouldn't be something ridiculous like flying to the moon, or he’d be dead on the spot!

【Please meet Empress Ma within three days! Reward: Elementary Medical Skills!】

"..." That was it? Zhu Xiongying sat on the tree for a long time, waiting, but nothing else happened. "Just... finding Empress Ma is that simple? And I have three days?" He scoffed, "If I take more than half a day to find her, I’ll consider myself lazy."

The East Palace and the Kunning Palace, where Empress Ma resided, were indeed some distance apart, but they were both within the palace grounds. How far could it be? Fifteen minutes at most!

"Hahaha..." Zhu Xiongying dangled his little legs from the branch and laughed out loud. This task was basically a free gift. It had no difficulty at all, and the reward was excellent! Medical skills! Even if it were only elementary, combined with his knowledge from the future, he could treat many illnesses. At the very least, he could ensure Zhu Biao wouldn't die from a carbuncle!

When he finally snapped out of it and prepared to climb down to head to the Kunning Palace, he looked down and saw seven or eight palace maids and eunuchs standing there. They were all looking up with worried expressions. "Your Highness, are... are you alright?"

"I'm fine! What could possibly be wrong with me?" He leaped down from the tree in a few fluid motions and grinned at them. "Go on, get back to your work!"

"Yes!" Relieved to see that the young prince was unharmed, they hurried off.

"Shunzi! Come with me to see the Empress Grandmother!"
"Yes, Your Highness!" his personal eunuch replied, following closely behind. Since arriving in this world, Zhu Xiongying hadn't visited the Kunning Palace yet and didn't know the route, but he relied entirely on muscle memory to lead the way.