Hogwarts: My Grandmother is the Queen

The atmosphere of the tea party became exceptionally harmonious thanks to this cross-cultural opening, and the dessert session became a live teaching session on cultural exchange—Zhang Qiu explained the symbolic meaning of lotus flowers and the traditional role of osmanthus cake in the Mid-Autumn Festival to Hannah and others; Henry added some differences in the philosophies of making some Chinese and Western desserts.

"As a Ravenclaw, I believe wisdom truly has many faces," Cho Chang said in English. "Ravenclaws appreciate logic, innovation, and deep thinking. But after coming to Hogwarts, I discovered that wisdom from other houses is equally valuable. For example, Hufflepuff."

At this point, she looked at Hannah and Susan.

"Your college possesses a unique wisdom, knowing how to do things diligently and take care of everyone without being ostentatious. This reminds me of the qualities of water in Chinese philosophy."

"Water benefits all things without striving," Henry nodded in agreement. "The highest good is like water."

"Your Highness has actually read the Tao Te Ching?" Zhang Qiu's eyes widened slightly, then a surprised smile spread across his face. "This book is one of the most profound sources of wisdom in Eastern culture. You are truly learned."

Henry smiled slightly and accepted Zhang Qiu's compliment.

Hannah blushed slightly, but was pleased: "We're not exactly chasing the limelight, but the Hufflepuffs know how to get things moving."

“And Slytherin,” Cho Chang turned to Henry, “was probably the most difficult to understand in my original imagination. But Your Highness, you have shown another side of Slytherin wisdom: a keen eye for situations, strategies for building connections, and the ability to maintain balance in complex environments. This is actually a very high level of wisdom—knowing how to dance within the rules, and even influencing the rules in turn.”

These words made Henry look at Cho Chang in a new light. This girl was not only outstanding in appearance, but also had a keen sense of observation and critical thinking.

"And what about Gryffindor?" Justin asked curiously.

Zhang Qiu thought for a moment: "Courage itself is a kind of wisdom, knowing when to act regardless of the cost. But sometimes it may lack a bit of Slytherin's roundaboutness. Like the incident that happened on Halloween a few days ago, perhaps that was a manifestation of Gryffindor wisdom—paving the way with action, even if that path seems a bit dangerous."

Everyone laughed.

Towards the end of the tea party, Zhang Qiu even taught everyone a few simple Chinese greetings. Hannah tried her best to imitate the pronunciation of "hello," while Justin struggled with the four tones. Susan practiced quietly, jotting down pronunciation symbols on paper with her pen.

"The tones in Chinese are like the tones of a spell," Henry joked. "If you pronounce it wrong, the meaning can be completely different. 'Ma' can mean 'mother,' 'mama,' 'horse,' or even 'scolding.'"

This analogy made everyone laugh even harder. Zhang Qiu looked at Henry with admiration in her eyes: "Your Highness, your understanding of Chinese is truly profound, not just the language, but also the cultural logic behind it... If it weren't for your identity, I might really think you were Chinese."

You were absolutely right.

What nickname will I have?

Hengxinghan? Oh no, you can't just call him that, especially in Germany.

My philtrum feels a little itchy.

"Language is the key to a civilized mind," Henry said with a smile. "I'm very fortunate to have a part of that key."

As the setting sun began to paint the window frames red, Zhang Qiu took out a small, thread-bound notebook.

"I'd like to summarize many of the points raised in today's discussion. Ravenclaw has a forum-like section where students often share valuable insights. I found today's discussion, especially regarding the college's unique characteristics, to be very valuable."

She looked at Henry: "Would you mind if I shared some of my views anonymously? I will make sure not to reveal specific participants or sensitive content."

"It's my honor," Henry said with a smile. "Wisdom is priceless."

Zhang Qiu smiled and thanked her softly in Chinese: "Thank you, Your Highness. This afternoon made Hogwarts feel more like home."

As the tea party ended, Zhang Qiu and Hannah agreed to go to the library together next week to look up information comparing Eastern magical plants with Western herbalism. Justin excitedly expressed his intention to start learning Chinese, while Susan quietly took notes on several introductory books on Eastern philosophy that Zhang Qiu recommended.

After seeing the four off, Henry stood alone in the darkening classroom.

The progress bar, which had been stuck at 99.75% for a long time, just now, after the students left, gently jumped over the last 0.25%.

[Ding! Detection indicates the host has completed the initial construction of a social network, establishing effective communication channels with the four houses of Hogwarts. Conditions met, the "Magic Monarch System" is officially activated.]

A semi-transparent, pale gold interface silently unfolded in his field of vision, with elegant cursive script slowly emerging and gradually stabilizing into clear printed font.

The interface is divided into two main parts, left and right, with a dignified yet mysterious style.

Left side: Influence panel

[Current Scope of Influence: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]

[Influence Level: Emerging Talent (5/1000)]

Available Influence Points: 5 (Initial Gift)

[Source of influence:]

Slytherin House: +5/week

Hufflepuff Academy: +3/week

Gryffindor Academy: +3/week

Ravenclaw College: +1/week

Professor's attention: +3/week

[Current Weekly Income: 15 points]

[Influence Shop (Unlocked, requires Influence Level 5)]

Right side: Monarch panel

[Monarch Trait: Unawakened]

Monarch Points: 0

[Monarch's Behavior Record:]

Upholding the dignity and responsibility of the royal family: +1 (Repeated mission)

Establish inter-faculty dialogue channels: +5

Demonstrating inclusivity beyond prejudice: +5

Promote knowledge exchange and transmission: +5

Behaviors consistent with monarchical conduct: None (behaviors should not be repeated).

Imperial Mindset: None available

[Currently convertible Monarch Points: 16]

[Convert or not? (Yes/No)]

Bottom Center: Magic Skill Tree

[Currently Mastered Spells: Glowing Charm, Cleansing Charm, Levitating Charm, Softening Charm, Locking Charm, Repairing Charm]

[Available Monarch Points: 0]

[Tip: Monarch Points can be used to directly increase spell mastery, unlock magical talent branches, or accelerate the learning of special skills.]

At the bottom of the interface is a line of small text: 【System Motto: A true monarch not only rules territory, but also guides the mind. Magic is your scepter, wisdom is your crown.】

Henry instinctively picked up the teacup, only to find it was empty.

He did not get up, but instead called out to the elf.

"Lucy? A cup of tea, please, with a little honey."

To Henry's surprise, it wasn't Lucy who responded first, but the system.

[Host has been detected to have behaved in a manner consistent with monarchical behavior. Monarch Points +1]

Henry: ?