From cute to empress

I knelt in gratitude for the emperor's grace, but my heart was filled with excitement. Organizing a poetry conference was not only an opportunity, but also a challenge! I suppressed my surging emotions and respectfully exited the imperial study.

Returning to my residence, I immediately began to read through materials from past poetry conferences. The tea on the table grew cold and was replaced, night fell and dawned again, and I immersed myself in a vast ocean of words, forgetting to eat or sleep. Zhen Youcai looked at me with concern and tried several times to persuade me to rest, but I waved him off.

"Mengmeng, you haven't slept for three days and three nights. If you continue like this, your body will collapse." Zhen Youcai was holding a bowl of hot chicken soup, his tone full of worry.

I rubbed my sore eyes, took a sip of the chicken soup, and said with a smile, "I'm fine. This is a rare opportunity, I must seize it."

Zhen Youcai sighed. Knowing my temper, he stopped trying to persuade me and just stayed by my side silently, helping me organize documents and pouring tea and water.

A few days later, I presented my proposal and ideas to Scholar Zhao. Scholar Zhao was over fifty years old, a scholar of great learning, and a renowned literary leader of his time. Initially, he took no notice of me, a young, novice, and merely glanced over my proposal.

However, as he looked deeper and deeper, his frown relaxed more and more, and finally he even revealed a look of admiration.

"Brilliant! Brilliant!" Scholar Zhao stroked his beard and exclaimed in admiration. "Miss Niu, your plan is so ingenious and unique—it's truly rare! Especially the concept of 'making friends through literature, expressing emotions through poetry'—it elevates the significance of the poetry conference to a new level!"

I said modestly, "Mr. Zhao, thank you for your kind words. These are just my humble opinions. I hope you can give me your guidance."

"No, no, that's not just a humble opinion, it's a brilliant one!" Scholar Zhao said excitedly. "With your plan, I'm sure this poetry conference will be a resounding success!"

In the days that followed, I began to assist Mr. Zhao in preparing for the poetry conference. From setting up the venue to inviting guests, from setting the topic to judging criteria, I personally took care of everything, striving for excellence.

During the preparations, I also proposed some innovative ideas, such as adding a "flying flower" segment to make the competition more interesting and interactive; inviting folk artists to perform songs and dances to enrich the content of the conference; and establishing a "Best Creativity Award" to encourage participants to create more outstanding works...

All of my ideas were affirmed and adopted by Mr. Zhao, making the originally rigid poetry conference more lively and full of vitality.

One day, a thorny matter arose in the palace. Instructor Sun, who was in charge of the court singing and dancing, and Lady Su, who was in charge of the embroidery, had been arguing over a trivial matter. Neither of them would give in, and the matter even alarmed the Empress. The Empress, finding the matter difficult to resolve, handed it over to me and Scholar Zhao.

"Miss Niu, how do you think we should deal with this matter?" asked Master Zhao.

I pondered for a moment and said, "In my opinion, this isn't a serious matter; it's just a spur-of-the-moment reaction on the part of the two of them. Why don't we invite them both over, talk it out face to face, and resolve this conflict?"

Scholar Zhao nodded and said, "That makes sense. Then let Miss Lao Niu do it."

I went to the residence of Master Sun and Lady Su Xiu and invited them together. As soon as they met, they began to accuse each other, neither of them willing to admit defeat.

I listened quietly without interrupting, just observing the changes in their expressions.

After both of them had vented their anger, I slowly spoke, "You two are both skilled craftsmen in the palace, serving the royal family for many years and are highly regarded by the Emperor and His Majesty. Now you are arguing over a trivial matter. Isn't it ridiculous?"

Upon hearing this, Coach Sun and Lady Su lowered their heads in shame.

I continued, "As the saying goes, if you take a step back, the sky will be clearer. If you two each take a step back, this matter will be easily resolved."

"But..." Coach Sun wanted to say something, but was interrupted by Su Xiu Niang.

"Master Sun, I was wrong. I shouldn't have lost my temper with you over such a small matter." Su Xiu Niang apologized sincerely, "Please forgive me."

Seeing that Su Xiu Niang had apologized, Coach Sun didn't know what to say, so he said, "Su Xiu Niang, I'm also wrong. I shouldn't have argued with you."

After apologizing to each other, both of them smiled with relief.

Seeing that the matter had been resolved, I said, "Now that the misunderstanding has been resolved, the two of you should get along well. The poetry competition is about to begin. You are both top talents in the palace and you should contribute your strength to the competition."

Coach Sun and Su Xiu Niang nodded in agreement and left together.

I watched them leave, feeling a sense of accomplishment. This seemingly difficult matter had been easily resolved by me.

I know this is just the beginning. I will encounter more challenges in the days to come, but I believe that as long as I work hard, I will be able to overcome difficulties and achieve success!

"Miss Niu, you're truly amazing!" Scholar Zhao's voice pulled me out of my reverie. "I never thought you, at such a young age, possessed such wisdom and courage. Even I am ashamed of myself!"

I smiled modestly and was about to say something when I heard a sarcastic voice from outside the door: "Hey, isn't this our talented girl, Miss Niu? Why are you trying to be nice to Master Zhao again?"

I looked in the direction of the sound and saw Concubine Mei, flanked by a group of palace maids, swaying her slender waist as she entered. She was wearing a peach-colored palace gown, her hair adorned with pearls and jade, and her face delicately painted, making her look exceptionally charming and alluring. However, her slender, almond-shaped eyes gleamed with undisguised jealousy.

"You're joking, Madam Mei." I smiled faintly and said calmly, "I'm just here to help Scholar Zhao prepare for the poetry conference."

"Preparing for a poetry conference?" Mei Fei sneered. "Miss Niu, don't think I don't know what you're up to! You're just trying to use this opportunity to show off in front of the Emperor, so you can rise to prominence and become a phoenix!"

"Your Highness, Concubine Mei has misunderstood." I maintained a polite smile. "I have never dreamed of becoming a phoenix. I simply want to do my best to help the Emperor."

"Hmph, sweet talk!" Mei Fei snorted coldly, "Who do you think you are to help the Emperor solve his problems?"

"Empress Mei, be careful with your words!" My face darkened and my tone became sharp. "I'm following the emperor's orders to assist Scholar Zhao in preparing for the poetry conference. You're slandering me like this. Are you trying to disobey the order?"

Mei Fei's face changed. She hadn't expected me to dare contradict her in front of so many people. Just as she was about to explode, she heard Scholar Zhao say, "Madam Mei Fei, Miss Niu is right. She was indeed assisting me in preparing for the poetry conference under the Emperor's orders. Please don't embarrass her."

When Concubine Mei saw that Mr. Zhao was also speaking for me, she became even more angry, but she did not dare to offend Mr. Zhao, so she could only glare at me fiercely and then left in anger.

"Miss Niu, don't take it to heart." Scholar Zhao comforted me, "Empress Mei was just a little impatient, she didn't mean any harm."

"I understand." I nodded, but I was secretly on guard. I knew that after being humiliated this time, Concubine Mei would not let it go and would definitely intensify her attacks against me in the future.

Sure enough, from then on, Concubine Mei joined forces with the other concubines to spread rumors about me, attempting to ruin my reputation. They said I was of humble origin and unworthy of staying in the palace; that I had evil intentions and wanted to seduce the emperor; that I was a foxy woman who seduced the emperor and would bring disaster to the emperor...

For a time, rumors about me were flying everywhere in the palace, and I became the target of public criticism.

Faced with these malicious slanders, I didn't panic, nor did I refute them. I knew that the clear will be clear, and the turbid will be turbid. As long as I have a clear conscience, I don't need to care about these rumors.

Zhen Youcai was even more worried about my safety. He stayed by my side every step of the way, fearing that I would be hurt.

"Mengmeng, don't worry, I will protect you." Zhen Youcai held my hand and said firmly, "No matter what happens, I will be by your side."

I looked at Zhen Youcai's determined eyes, and a warm feeling welled up in my heart. I knew that no matter how many difficulties and obstacles lay ahead, as long as he was by my side, I would be fearless.

"You're talented. I believe you." I held his hand in return, the corners of my mouth slightly raised, "We'll face it together."

Late at night, when everyone was asleep, I stood by the window, gazing at the bright moon in the sky, with a thousand thoughts in my mind.

"Mengmeng, what are you thinking about?" Zhen Youcai walked to my side and asked softly.

"I was thinking that this palace banquet might be an opportunity..." I turned to look at him, a confident glint in my eyes.

I took a deep breath and turned to meet Zhen Youcai's concerned eyes. "This palace banquet might be an opportunity for me to let everyone truly know and recognize me!"

The palace banquet arrived as scheduled, with elegantly dressed people, clinking glasses, and everyone wearing a false and polite smile. I suppressed my inner nervousness and, under Zhen Youcai's encouraging gaze, slowly walked to the center stage of the banquet.

For a moment, the once bustling hall fell silent, and everyone's attention was focused on me. I smiled faintly, saluted everyone with neither servility nor arrogance, and then slowly recited the poem I had been writing for the past few days.

My poetry is fresh and unworldly, full of heartfelt emotion. It depicts the prosperity of a flourishing dynasty, celebrates the peaceful and contented lives of ordinary people, and expresses my lofty ambition as a woman whose heart is connected to the world. My voice, clear and resonant, echoes through the hall like a solitary orchid in a valley, deeply touching the softest part of everyone's heart.

When the song ended, the hall fell silent, followed by thunderous applause. I bowed slightly and thanked everyone again. As the applause died down, I didn't leave the stage. Instead, I danced gracefully to the melodious music. My movements were light and graceful, like a fairy descending from heaven, yet with a touch of heroic grace, perfectly blending feminine beauty with strength.

The entire hall was captivated by my performance, completely mesmerized. When the dance ended, I took another bow, this time to even greater applause and cheers.

"Good! Good! Good!" The emperor was delighted and said three good words in a row, "Miss Niu, I really admire your talent and courage!"

I quickly knelt down to express my gratitude, "Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty. I am truly humbled and unworthy of it!"

"My dear minister, there is no need to be so modest," the emperor said with a smile. "I have decided to officially appoint you as the Secretary of the Imperial Ceremony Bureau, in charge of the palace archives and participating in court affairs. Are you willing?"

I was shocked. I had never expected the emperor to grant me such an important position. I suppressed my excitement and knelt down again to express my gratitude. "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace. I will do my utmost to serve you and Daliang with all my heart!"

After the banquet, Zhen Youcai and I walked side by side on the way back to the palace. The moonlight shone on us, making it seem particularly quiet and beautiful. I looked up at Zhen Youcai, my eyes sparkling with joy, "Youcai, I succeeded!"

Zhen Youcai held my hand tightly, his eyes full of pride and doting. "I know you will succeed! But..." He said with a hint of worry, "You are about to enter the court, which is full of intrigues and deceptions. You must be careful!"

I held his hand and said firmly, "Don't worry, I know what to do!" But I knew in my heart that this journey had just begun, and my love for Zhen Youcai would face even greater tests...

Zhen Youcai and I held hands, bathing in the soft moonlight, our hearts filled with joy and longing for the future.

"Youcai, tell me, can I do the job of the head of the Shangyi Bureau?" I looked up at his angular profile with a hint of uneasiness in my eyes.

"Mengmeng, don't worry." Zhen Youcai stopped and gently stroked my hair, his tone gentle but firm. "You are talented and hardworking. I believe you can do it."

"However, the affairs of the court are very complicated. I have never been exposed to them before, so I can't help but feel afraid." I bit my lip and frowned slightly.

"Don't be afraid, I will always be by your side, supporting you and helping you." Zhen Youcai held me in his arms and comforted me softly, "You just need to remember to be yourself and bravely pursue what you want."

His embrace was warm and safe, and my uneasy heart gradually calmed down. Yes, I have Zhen Youcai and this magical magic circle, so what else do I have to be afraid of?

"Yes!" I raised my head, a determined light flashing in my eyes. "I will study hard and live up to the emperor's expectations of me, and I will also live up to your love for me!"

"I believe you, my Mengmeng." Zhen Youcai kissed me lightly on the forehead, the love in his eyes almost overflowing.

We continued to stroll in the moonlight, enjoying this rare tranquility and sweetness. However, a trace of uneasiness lingered in my heart, like the calm before the storm, which was impossible to ignore.

"Youcai, tell me, is there anyone in the harem who is jealous of me and wants to harm me?" I suddenly asked with a hint of worry in my tone.

Zhen Youcai's body visibly stiffened. He was silent for a moment before he spoke: "Mengmeng, don't let your imagination run wild. I will protect you."

Although his tone was calm, I could hear something strange. Could it be that he had noticed something?

"Youcai, are you hiding something from me?" I raised my head and looked straight into his eyes, trying to find the answer from his eyes.

Zhen Youcai avoided my gaze and shook his head gently, "No, I'm just worried that you're too tired. Go back and rest early."

As he spoke, he took my hand and quickened his pace back to the palace, without giving me the chance to ask any more questions.

Looking at his back, I was filled with confusion and unease. What was he hiding? Was there someone who really wanted to harm me?