From cute to empress

It was late at night, but the palace was brightly lit, decorated with lanterns and colorful lights everywhere, and the atmosphere was full of joy. I heard that today's banquet was specially held to celebrate the triumphant return of Brother Zhen and me.

I put on the gorgeous palace dress given by the palace maid and turned around in front of the bronze mirror. The silver threads on the hem of the skirt sparkled with my movements, just like the twinkling stars in the night sky.

"It looks really good." Brother Zhen stood behind me at some point, looking at me in the mirror with a smile on his face.

I blushed in embarrassment: "Brother Zhen, are you ready too? Let's go. Don't keep the emperor waiting."

Brother Zhen nodded and followed me in silence all the way. I knew he was still worried about me.

"Don't worry, Brother Zhen, I'm not a child anymore, nothing will happen to me." I comforted him with a smile.

Arriving at the Hall of Supreme Harmony, it was a splendid and magnificent place, with wine and food flowing freely, and a bustling atmosphere of elegant people. After my elder brother Zhen and I paid our respects to the Emperor and Empress, we were seated at a table.

The dignitaries around me looked at me curiously and whispered to each other. I suppressed my nervousness and tried to look natural.

"Hey, this is the legendary Cow Girl, right?" A delicate voice came with a hint of sarcasm.

I turned around and saw a gorgeously dressed young woman sitting opposite me, holding a wine glass in her hand with a scornful smile on her lips.

"This is Princess Zhou." Brother Zhen whispered in my ear.

I smiled at her politely and said, "Princess Zhou, you are too kind. I am just an ordinary person."

"Ordinary people? How could ordinary people have such ability to help the emperor quell a rebellion?" Princess Zhou clearly had no intention of letting me go. "I heard that Miss Niu is proficient in the art of Qimen Dunjia. How about showing us some of her skills today and broadening our horizons?"

As soon as she said this, everyone around me started to laugh, hoping to see me make a fool of myself. I knew that today's test would be difficult.

I secretly took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. These people wanted to see me make a fool of myself, but I wasn't going to let them have their way! I put down my wine glass, stood up, looked around, and said with a smile, "Princess Zhou, you're joking. I don't know any Qimen Dunjia techniques. I just have a basic understanding of history and strategy. Today is the Emperor's big day. How dare I show off my skills and spoil everyone's fun?"

As soon as I finished speaking, a middle-aged man in official uniform sitting next to me said with a smile: "Miss Niu, you are too modest. I have heard about your deeds a long time ago. Seeing you today, I can see that you are indeed as capable as men!"

"This is the current Shangshu Liu, who is in charge of national education and culture." Brother Zhen reminded me in a low voice.

I quickly bowed to Minister Liu and said, "Your Excellency, I am deeply honored by your compliments. I do not deserve them."

"Miss Niu, there's no need to be modest. I heard that you are quite knowledgeable about history. I wonder if we could discuss a little bit about it?" Minister Liu looked at me with interest.

I was secretly delighted. Here was my chance! I pretended to ponder for a moment, then launched into a lively conversation, discussing everything from ancient political systems to culture and art, from historical allusions to folklore. Every word I said was laced with citations and extensive references, and Minister Liu nodded repeatedly in admiration.

The people around me were gradually drawn in by my words, their originally dismissive gazes now turning into a mixture of admiration. Princess Zhou, seeing me steal the show, gnashed her teeth in anger, but there was nothing she could do.

At this time, a burly, armored general approached me. He cupped his fists and said, "I've long heard that Miss Niu is both wise and brave. Seeing her today, I can see that her reputation is truly well-deserved! I'm General Li, in charge of the defense of the capital. I wonder if Miss Niu would be interested in visiting my barracks?"

I was delighted. This was a great opportunity to learn about the military! I quickly stood up and saluted General Li, saying, "Thank you, General Li, for your kindness. I am deeply honored!"

General Li laughed heartily and patted me on the shoulder: "Good! What a heroine! I'll send someone to pick you up tomorrow!"

I smiled and nodded in agreement, but I was secretly on guard. I knew I still had a long way to go before I could gain a foothold in this era.

After the banquet, Brother Zhen and I walked out of the palace side by side. I noticed that a pair of eyes in the crowd were staring at me. Their gaze was sharp and deep, which made me feel a little uneasy.

"What's wrong?" Brother Zhen noticed that something was wrong with me and asked softly.

I shook my head: "Nothing, let's go back."

I knew that the man was the prime minister, Prime Minister Zhang. He was a man of great power and influence, and his thoughts were meticulous. He could see everything I did.

I have to be more cautious in order to survive and achieve my goals in this world full of unknowns and challenges.

Brother Zhen and I walked side by side. The darkness masked his worry, but it couldn't hide my inner unease. Prime Minister Zhang's gaze followed me everywhere, scrutinizing me like a hawk gazing at its prey, a chilling feeling.

"That Prime Minister Zhang seems to be very interested in me." I lowered my voice and said to Brother Zhen, my fingertips unconsciously twisting the handkerchief.

Brother Zhen frowned slightly. "Prime Minister Zhang holds a high position of power and influence, and his thoughts are always difficult to understand. You showed off too much today, which is bound to attract his attention."

"I know. I just want to protect myself and not let others bully me." I sighed and looked up at the sparse stars in the night sky. "I came here without any relatives. I can only rely on myself."

Brother Zhen stopped and looked at me firmly: "You are not alone, you still have me."

My heart warmed. Although Brother Zhen is usually taciturn, he always gives me strength when I need it most.

Back at the inn, I couldn't sleep at all. My mind kept replaying the scene at the banquet, Prime Minister Zhang's eyes, General Li's invitation, and...

Yes, there is one more person I almost forgot.

Mrs. Wu, the wife of the Minister of War, always had a smile on her face and spoke gently at the banquet, which was out of place among those domineering noble ladies.

She seemed to notice my uneasiness and took the initiative to talk to me, expressing her kindness to me. She also quietly told me that Princess Zhou had always had a good impression of Brother Zhen and that this time she was trying to make things difficult for me to show her power.

"Miss Niu, I know you're smart. You understand even without me saying something." Madam Wu held my hand and spoke sincerely, "The harem and the court are always murky waters. You must be careful."

I just smiled and nodded at the time. Now I think that Mrs. Wu must know something but she just doesn't want to say it out loud.

I stood up and walked to the window, looking at the capital city shrouded in the night. I saw so many twists and turns hidden beneath the prosperity.

I knew that although I had initially won the favor of the powerful, the real challenges lay ahead. If I wanted to gain a firm foothold in this world and protect myself, I had to be even more cautious and careful at every step.

And Mrs. Wu might become my first friend in this strange world.

After the banquet, Brother Zhen and I walked side by side on the road back to the inn. The night breeze brushed my cheeks, bringing a hint of coolness, but it couldn't dispel the lingering uneasiness in my heart.

"Mengmeng, what are you thinking about?" Brother Zhen keenly noticed my absent-mindedness and asked with concern.

I shook my head and forced a relaxed smile. "Nothing, just a little tired. Tonight was truly thrilling, thanks to you, brother. Otherwise, I really don't know how it would have ended."

Brother Zhen smiled faintly, "You don't have to be so self-deprecating. Your clever performance tonight has impressed many people. Even Prime Minister Zhang, who always looks down on others, seems to be quite interested in you."

The mention of Prime Minister Zhang sends a chill down my spine. His gaze is as sharp as a knife, as if it can see through people's hearts, leaving me feeling uneasy. I've always felt that his "interest" is not a good thing.

"But a tall tree attracts the wind. You showed off your edge today, which is bound to make some people wary." Brother Zhen's voice became lowered. "From now on, we must be more cautious."

I understood what he meant. In this deep palace, every step was fraught with peril. A single misstep could lead to eternal damnation. And for me, a newly arrived soul from another world, it was like walking on a knife's edge; a single misstep could shatter me to pieces.

"I understand, don't worry, big brother. I will pay attention." I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down.

Back at the inn, I tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. Madam Wu's kind reminders, Princess Zhou's undisguised hostility, and Prime Minister Zhang's probing gaze all lingered like a fog in my mind.

Just as I was daydreaming, there was a slight knock on the door.

"Who?" I asked warily.

"It's me." Brother Zhen's voice came from outside the door, "Minister Liu sent someone to ask us to discuss important matters."

Minister Liu? Why would he suddenly come to see us? I was puzzled, vaguely feeling that something was about to happen...