Legend of the Embroiderer

The rumors gradually died down, and Su Mengyao and Li Zhao sat quietly side by side in their bedroom. The lights in the palace flickered gently, and the dim light illuminated their solemn and serious faces.

They sat in silence, time seemingly frozen, only the sound of their breathing mingling in the air. Yet, beneath this surface of calm, their hearts were turbulent, their thoughts racing. The farce that had just occurred seemed like a dream, but upon waking, they saw a devastating mess.

Finally, Su Mengyao couldn't help but sigh softly, her voice mixed with a hint of helplessness and deep fatigue: "Brother Zhao, this time things have really become a mess. The entire palace has been turned upside down and there is chaos." After saying that, she shook her head gently, her eyes revealing worry about this chaotic situation.

Li Zhao nodded slightly, agreeing with Su Mengyao's statement. His brow furrowed, lost in thought. After a moment, he slowly spoke, "Yao'er, this matter has indeed caused quite a stir. After all this, I increasingly feel that some of the rules in our palace need to be seriously revised." With that, he abruptly stood up, clasped his hands behind his back, and straightened his back. His gaze was now as bright and resolute as a burning torch, as if he had resolved to resolve this matter once and for all.

Hearing Li Zhao's words, Su Mengyao's eyes instantly flashed with light, and she hurriedly asked: "Then according to your opinion, what should we do?"

Li Zhao frowned slightly, lost in thought. Time ticked by, and finally, he coughed softly, breaking the silence. He slowly spoke, "In my opinion, we should establish a dedicated agency, selecting some quick-witted and efficient individuals from the court, and have them dedicate their full attention to monitoring the internal affairs of the palace. The words, actions, and every move of both the palace maids and the eunuchs must be strictly regulated and managed. They must absolutely not be allowed to speak recklessly or fabricate anything anymore."

Upon hearing this, Su Mengyao's previously dull eyes suddenly lit up, gleaming like a meteor streaking across the night sky. She excitedly stood up, quickly walked over to Li Zhao, and gently grasped his broad, warm hand. She spoke earnestly and firmly, "Brother Zhao is absolutely right! Once this measure is implemented, those who normally spread rumors will surely be deterred and restrained." She paused briefly before adding, "And this isn't just about silencing the gossipy mouths of the palace maids. More importantly, this move can completely reverse the long-standing bad habits in the palace. Everyone must clearly understand that spreading rumors is absolutely unacceptable, and any violation will be severely punished!"

Li Zhao felt the warmth of Su Mengyao's palm, and the unconditional trust and support she showed him, and a wave of warmth welled up in his heart. He firmly grasped her hand, his eyes gleaming with determination as he replied solemnly, "Yao'er, I have nothing to worry about with your encouragement. As long as we work together with one mind and one purpose, we will surely handle this palace affair properly. No matter how great the difficulties and obstacles, we will never allow these rumors to destroy the hard-earned peace and tranquility within the palace!"

The two of them slowly raised their heads, their eyes met, and a bright smile bloomed on their faces at the same time. At that moment, it was as if a warm torrent surged through their hearts.

They know that the road ahead is long and full of thorns, and difficulties and obstacles will follow one after another, but as long as they can stick together, walk side by side, and keep their hearts closely connected, no difficulties will be insurmountable.

With such unwavering conviction, they immediately plunged into detailed planning. From meticulously selecting the right personnel to rigorously developing comprehensive systems, no detail was overlooked. They were determined to construct an impenetrable defense within the palace, a fortress of steel, resolutely warding off the raging rumors and gossip.

The world outside the palace walls was silent and desolate. The bright moonlight cast a shadow over the earth, covering it like a layer of silver frost. A gentle night breeze rustled the branches, as if silently observing and witnessing the new changes about to take place in the palace.

Just as Li Zhao and Su Mengyao were ready to make a big move, resistance to reform quietly surged in like a turbulent undercurrent. The old ministers and palace maids in the palace were all embarrassed and complained about the new supervision system.

"Your Highness, our palace has always been free and easy, but this new system has really tied us down." A white-haired old palace maid trembled as she approached Li Zhao, complaining with a grievance. Her cloudy eyes were filled with nostalgia for the past and fear of the unknown changes.

Li Zhao smiled faintly and said soothingly, "Old man, this supervision system is not meant to restrict us, but to maintain peace in our palace. Think about it, if those rumors make people panic and the peace in the palace is disrupted, how can we live at ease?"

But the old maid was still relentless. "But once this system becomes strict, we'll have to be extremely careful with even our words, and the palace's lively atmosphere will be gone." Li Zhao knew full well that the road to reform would not be smooth sailing. He sighed softly, "Old lady, the liveliness in our palace must be a proper liveliness. We can't talk about those groundless things. Once this system is established, those messy rumors will disappear, and everyone will feel at ease. Isn't that what true liveliness is?"

After hearing this, the old maid remained skeptical, shook her head, and turned to leave. Li Zhao watched her back, feeling a mixture of emotions. He knew that every palace maid had their own little agenda. This new system, which affected their interests, naturally led them to oppose it.

But Li Zhao also knew that this reform was imperative. He couldn't give up his protection of the palace's peace just because of these objections. So, he decided to personally visit every corner of the palace and communicate with these opponents one by one.

He went to the maids' quarters, sat with them, and patiently explained the benefits of this monitoring system. "Girls, once this system is established, those who love to spread rumors will be restrained. You can serve in peace in the palace, without having to worry about those unfounded rumors causing panic."

After hearing this, the palace maids, though still skeptical, had to admit that the rumor was indeed causing unrest. Seeing that they were beginning to waver, Li Zhao struck while the iron was hot. "Once this system is established, the atmosphere in the palace will improve, and your lives in the palace will be more comfortable. I, the Crown Prince, am thinking of you."

He then sought out the veteran ministers and had a long conversation with them. "My Lords, the peace of our palace is of paramount importance. This supervisory system is designed to protect that peace. I know you may feel uneasy about this system. But think about it: those rumors have caused such unrest in the palace. If this matter gets out of hand, it won't just be a matter of discomfort."

After hearing this, the veteran officials, though still somewhat concerned, understood Li Zhao's earnest intentions. They knew that peace in the palace was truly more important than anything else. Seeing that they had grasped this, Li Zhao heaved a sigh of relief.

But resistance to reform wouldn't be eliminated overnight. The palace servants still secretly resisted. They chattered and discussed, criticizing the new system. Li Zhao knew the road to reform was still long. But he also knew that as long as he persevered, he could maintain peace in the palace.

So, he continued to travel to every corner of the palace, communicating and explaining his views to these opponents. He believed that as long as he put his heart into it, everyone in the palace would understand his painstaking efforts. Outside the palace, the bright moon seemed to silently bear witness to the difficulties and hopes of the palace's reforms.