From cute to empress

The eldest prince's words lingered in my mind, lingering for a long time. "A new beginning..." What kind of beginning, exactly? I glanced at Zhen Youcai beside me. His resolute profile, illuminated by the moonlight, was reassuring, as if, no matter what, he would be by my side.

The next morning, before daybreak, the palace was already bustling with activity. I was awakened by a commotion, and before I could ask what was happening, a maid hurried in to wash and dress me, saying that the Crown Prince had summoned me to the main hall.

When I arrived at the main hall, I found it already packed with civil and military officials, the atmosphere solemn and dignified. The eldest prince, clad in his dragon robes, stood atop the high steps, his usually gentle demeanor now appearing remarkably majestic. Upon catching sight of me, a complex expression flashed in his eyes, and he immediately announced his ascension to the throne.

I noticed the Fourth Prince in the crowd, his face pale, his eyes glaring menacingly at the new emperor. His clenched fists trembled slightly, as if he were suppressing something. My heart sank, and a sense of unease washed over me. It seemed the battle for the throne was far from over...

After the new emperor ascended the throne, he issued a general amnesty and began to rectify the government. He appointed me a noble concubine, and Zhen Youcai was appointed commander of the imperial guards for his contributions in suppressing the rebellion. I wanted to refuse the position, but the new emperor insisted that he owed me this and hoped that I would remain in the palace to assist him.

I understand what he means. He needs Zhen Youcai's loyalty, and even more so, he needs to borrow the power of the magic circle to consolidate his rule. After discussing with Zhen Youcai, I decided to stay and do our best to help the new emperor and seek the welfare of the people.

"Mengmeng, have you really decided to stay?" Late at night, Zhen Youcai came to my bedroom with a hint of worry between his brows.

"Yes," I nodded. "The new emperor has ascended the throne, and the government is unstable. If we leave now, he will only be left isolated and helpless. Besides, I will always be worried as long as the Fourth Prince is not eliminated."

Zhen Youcai was silent for a moment, then held me in his arms. "I know you're worried, but don't worry, I'll always be by your side to protect you."

I gently put my arms around his waist and rested my head on his chest. Listening to his steady heartbeat, my heart gradually calmed down.

"Youcai, do you think the new emperor can really become a wise ruler?" I raised my head and looked at him, my eyes full of expectation and worry.

He looked down at me with a firm gaze, "I believe he can do it. He is a good emperor who cares about the people."

I nodded, silently praying that the new emperor would live up to the expectations and usher in a peaceful and prosperous era. However, I knew the road ahead would be thorny and we still had a long way to go... The days since the new emperor ascended the throne have been busier than I had imagined. Every day, there's a never-ending stream of government affairs to attend and endless court meetings to attend. I had imagined the life of a concubine to be leisurely and comfortable, but I hadn't expected it to be so fulfilling. However, watching the new emperor diligently govern the country and ensure the people live and work in peace and contentment, I also feel a sense of accomplishment.

The new emperor implemented a series of reforms, from tax reductions to the overhaul of officialdom, each step taken with caution and determination. Drawing on my knowledge of history and the wisdom granted by the magic circle, I advised him and resolved many of his challenges. Zhen Youcai also diligently trained the imperial guards, maintaining law and order in the capital. His reputation even spread to the common people, earning him the nickname "Iron-Faced General."

I know that the new emperor's reforms have affected the interests of many, and undercurrents are brewing within the court. Minister Wang and General Zhou are the new emperor's right-hand men. They are upright and capable, and have made significant contributions to the implementation of the new policies. However, this has also made them thorns in the side of the conservative forces.

The Fourth Prince was named the Virtuous King and was placed in charge of several cities near the capital. He appeared to be subservient to the new emperor, but I knew he harbored deep ambitions. He often visited me in the palace to discuss important state affairs, his words filled with provocations and challenges.

"Your Highness, do you think these new policies implemented by my brother are really beneficial to the people?" One day, the Fourth Prince was drinking tea in the garden of my palace when he suddenly asked me a question out of the blue.

I put down the teacup in my hand and smiled faintly, "What do you think, Your Highness?"

The Fourth Prince didn't answer my question directly, but said meaningfully, "Reform is always accompanied by growing pains. I'm afraid that in the end, good intentions will lead to bad consequences."

I looked at him calmly, "Your Highness, you are worrying too much. I trust the new emperor's judgment, and I also believe that the people have sharp eyes."

The Fourth Prince chuckled softly and said nothing more. But the sinister glint in his eyes made me feel vaguely uneasy. I knew a new storm might be brewing.

On this day, the new emperor summoned Zhen Youcai and me to discuss matters.

"I plan to promote Minister Wang to the position of Prime Minister and General Zhou to the position of General of the Cavalry, to command the troops of the entire country. What do you think?" asked the new emperor.

Zhen Youcai and I looked at each other and understood that the new emperor wanted to give Minister Wang and General Zhou more power, making them firm executors of the new policy.

"I second the motion!" Zhen Youcai and I said in unison.

The new emperor nodded with satisfaction and was about to issue an edict when he heard hurried footsteps outside the palace.

"Report—" A guard rushed in in a panic, "Your Majesty, the Fourth Prince... the Fourth Prince..."

"What's wrong with him?" the new emperor asked with a frown.

"The Fourth Prince...he's rebelling!"

The guard's words resounded like thunder in the Golden Throne Hall. I felt dizzy. The Fourth Prince had truly rebelled! The new emperor abruptly stood up, his face livid, and the memorial in his hand dropped to the ground. "How many troops did he bring? Where is he now?"

"Reporting to the emperor, the Fourth Prince... The Fourth Prince has brought 50,000 elite soldiers and has now broken through the north gate of the imperial city and is heading towards the palace!" The guard's voice was trembling, and he was obviously frightened by this sudden change.

"What?!" The new emperor was furious. "How dare he be so bold! Someone, quickly convey my order. Order the imperial guards to fight to the death and protect you!"

The entire palace was plunged into chaos, with shouts of killing and the clash of weapons echoing one after another. Zhen Youcai and I exchanged glances, each seeing worry and determination in the other's eyes.

"Mengmeng, stay here and don't go anywhere." Zhen Youcai held my hand, his tone calm, but the worry in his eyes couldn't be concealed. I knew he couldn't let go of me, and even more so, his responsibilities.

I took his hand in my backhand and said firmly, "No, I want to go with you. My magic circle can protect you and also help you."

Zhen Youcai wanted to say something more, but I had already summoned a magic circle, and golden light enveloped us. He looked at me, his eyes filled with mixed emotions, and finally nodded.

The battle within the palace was fierce. The Fourth Prince had brought with him his meticulously trained elite troops, whose combat effectiveness should not be underestimated. Zhen Youcai led the imperial guards bravely, his swordsmanship sharp, each strike striking directly at the enemy's vital points. He quickly carved a bloody path through the rebels.

I used magic circles to provide support to the Imperial Guards. I summoned huge fireballs to repel the rebels who rushed onto the city walls; I cast healing spells to heal the wounded soldiers; and I also used magic circles to transmit intelligence and direct the actions of the Imperial Guards.

The battle raged for a full day and night, ultimately resulting in the Fourth Prince's defeat. Minister Wang and General Zhou arrived with reinforcements, annihilating the rebels in one fell swoop. The Fourth Prince was captured, demoted to a commoner by the new emperor, and imprisoned in the Imperial Mausoleum.

After the coup was quelled, the new emperor rewarded those who had distinguished themselves during the incident. Minister Wang and General Zhou, for their loyalty and exceptional talent, were entrusted with important positions: one became prime minister, the other a general commanding a large army. They became the new emperor's most trusted right-hand men, assisting him in maintaining order in the administration of the country.

Zhen Youcai and I were rewarded for our contributions in suppressing the rebellion. The new emperor trusted and relied on me even more, and my suggestions were increasingly valued by him. Zhen Youcai was appointed General Protector of the Nation, becoming a pillar of national security.

After this turmoil, Zhen Youcai and I have grown closer. We both understand that each other is the most important person in our lives, and we cherish this hard-earned happiness even more.

"Mengmeng, do you think we will encounter something like this again in the future?" One night, Zhen Youcai hugged me, looked at the starry sky outside the window, and suddenly asked.

I smiled slightly and leaned my head on his shoulder. "Maybe. After all, there are always some people in this world who will do anything for power and desire."

I paused, looked up into his eyes, and said firmly, "But no matter what happens, I will face it with you."

After the new emperor ascended the throne, he changed the era name to "Jianping," signifying peace and prosperity for the country and a happy life for the people. I was given the title of "Protecting the Nation's Virtuous Consort," and Zhen Youcai was given the title of "General Stabilizing the Nation." Over time, our story spread widely among the people, becoming a legendary legend among storytellers.

I often hear the people singing our stories, saying that I was a fairy from heaven who had descended to earth and used magical spells to help the new emperor quell the rebellion; that Zhen Youcai was an unparalleled hero, a master of martial arts, loyal to the emperor and patriotic. Every time I hear this, I feel a little embarrassed, but I can't help but smile.

"Why, our 'Protector of the Nation's Virtuous Consort' would also be shy?"

Zhen Youcai looked at me and jokingly said, "He was wearing a dark-colored robe today, with a sword at his waist, which made him look even more heroic and extraordinary."

"Go away! Don't make fun of me!" I glared at him pretending to be angry, but I felt sweet in my heart.

In the first year of Jianping, the new emperor diligently governed the country, and the nation flourished. Zhen Youcai and I dedicated ourselves to assisting the new emperor and working for the well-being of the people. I used magic circles to help the people predict the weather and increase crop yields; I also established schools to provide more impoverished children with the opportunity to learn to read and write. Zhen Youcai led the army, safeguarding the peace of the borderlands and protecting the people from the suffering of war.

"Mengmeng, look, this prosperous era is due to both you and me." One day, Zhen Youcai and I were walking side by side in the garden of the imperial palace. He looked at the clusters of flowers in the garden and said with emotion.

"Yes, all this is hard-earned." I also sighed, my heart filled with happiness and satisfaction.

However, just when we thought we could live peacefully and happily like this, a sudden piece of news broke the tranquility.

"Your Majesty, urgent information!" One night, I was reading in my bedroom when my personal maid Xiaotao ran in hurriedly, her face pale and her expression panicked.

"What happened?" I put down the book in my hand, and a bad feeling arose in my heart.

"The third prince..." Xiao Tao spoke in a trembling voice, speaking haltingly.

"What's wrong with the Third Prince? Tell me slowly." I tried to stay calm, but my fingers holding the pages of the book couldn't help but tremble slightly.

"The Third Prince, he escaped from prison successfully!" Xiao Tao finally spoke out, her tone filled with fear.

My heart sank suddenly, and a chill ran from the soles of my feet straight into my heart. I knew that a new storm was coming...