My palace is full of female protagonists.

Meanwhile, Zhao Chengyu, with a mixture of composure and curiosity, slowly entered the main hall of the Imperial Study. Lord Leng and the Empress stood silently, a subtle tension and silence filling the air, as if time itself had frozen at that moment.

Zhao Chengyu thought to himself, "Judging from their appearance, they probably heard that I was about to deliver a message, so they tacitly stopped their previous conversation."

He walked lightly to the Empress's side and noticed that there was still a faint dissatisfaction with Lord Leng in her clear eyes. Lord Leng, on the other hand, respectfully bowed to the Emperor, but his eyes also showed some incomprehension and wariness towards the Empress.

Zhao Chengyu leaned closer to the Empress, lowered his voice, and asked with a mixture of concern and curiosity, "Did you... mention something to Lord Leng?"

The Empress nodded slightly, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes.

Just then, Lord Leng suddenly spoke, his voice carrying a hint of humility and caution: "I am merely a fifth-rank official in the capital. I dare not easily meddle in such matters concerning the national economy and people's livelihood, lest I fail His Majesty's expectations."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu gently patted the Empress's shoulder to comfort her, then turned to Lord Leng, his tone filled with inquiry and understanding: "I'd like to hear what position you held when you were working in the prefectural government?"

Lord Leng tilted his head slightly, recalling the past, and slowly said, "When I was in the prefectural government, I served as the Minister of Agriculture, and I also temporarily acted as the head of some provincial government affairs due to the needs of the times."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu smiled faintly and asked seemingly casually, "Oh? So you mean you also helped the provincial government cover its losses?"

These words caused a huge uproar. Lord Leng's face turned pale instantly. He looked at the Emperor in shock, then realized his lapse in composure and immediately knelt down, his forehead hitting the cold ground heavily: "Your Majesty, I am guilty! I was only fulfilling my duty as a subject. I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!"

Seeing this, Zhao Chengyu sighed inwardly. He rubbed his hand, seemingly trying to suppress some emotion, thinking, "These ancient people, why do they kneel so easily? It's really a headache." But on the surface, he maintained the dignity and tolerance of an emperor: "Minister Leng, please rise quickly. I ask you these questions not to punish you, but to understand your past experiences and abilities. Since you have been able to consider the people's needs and fill the deficit, that is your merit. What crime have you committed?"

Upon hearing this, Lord Leng felt a surge of complex emotions that were difficult to describe. He lowered his head, slightly bent his knees, and said in an almost pleading manner, "Your Majesty, I dare to plead my case. In the past, when I was in the prefectural government, I focused solely on my duties as Minister of Agriculture, dedicating myself to farming to ensure the people's basic needs were met. However, unforeseen events occurred, and my superior acted improperly, ultimately leading to disaster and being punished by the Prince according to the law. This turn of events has left many matters that should have been handled by my superior suddenly vacant and unmanaged."

Lord Leng's pleading voice trembled with helplessness: "Your Majesty, when I was in the prefectural government, I devoted myself to the duties of the Minister of Agriculture, striving for abundant harvests and the well-being of the people. However, things are unpredictable. My superior was killed by the Prince for some reason, and the position became vacant. The Prince was preoccupied with the war on the frontier and had no time to attend to other matters, so the responsibility of dealing with the prefectural's financial deficit fell on my shoulders."

"Your humble servant is well aware of the limitations of my duties, but seeing the suffering of the people, the impassable roads, and the food shortage, I cannot stand idly by. Although I know that this action violates the regulations of the court, I only ask that it can temporarily relieve the urgent crisis."

At this point, the Empress parted her lips slightly, her voice carrying an undeniable air of authority: "Lord Leng, I understand your good intentions, but rules cannot be disregarded, and the law of the land cannot be ignored. Your unauthorized filling of the financial deficit and your involvement in matters outside your duties are indeed illegal acts."

The Empress's words instantly made the atmosphere in the Imperial Study heavy. Lord Leng's face paled even more; he knelt even lower, his voice almost choked with sobs: "Your Majesty is absolutely right. This humble subject knows his crime and is willing to accept any punishment. But I beg Your Majesty and Your Majesty to remember my initial intentions—all for the sake of the people of the prefecture—and hope you can show leniency. At that time, the Prince was busy with the border war, and the nation's affairs, military supplies, and provisions all required his personal attention. He simply had no time to attend to the prefecture's financial deficit. Seeing the critical situation and the suffering of the people, this humble subject was deeply troubled and dared to presume to take matters into my own hands, attempting to temporarily fill this huge financial hole. Road repairs and grain distribution, though seemingly small matters, are crucial to the people's livelihood. This humble subject dared not slacken in the slightest, and could only sort out these matters one by one, doing my best to coordinate the efforts of the county government and the officials to alleviate the urgent crisis."

Lord Leng's face appeared particularly somber in the dim candlelight. He slowly recounted the predicament before him: "Your Majesty, my worries extend far beyond the provincial capital. The granaries of several major counties are also empty, like barren wastelands battered by the cold wind, devoid of life. And those bridges abandoned halfway across, like giants with broken arms, lie helplessly across the rivers. The people can only rely on makeshift ferries to cross the turbulent waters, each journey fraught with uncertainty and danger. When the flood season arrives, the people are filled with anxiety, and news of people falling to their deaths while crossing the river comes from time to time, tearing my heart apart."

At this point, Lord Leng's eyes reddened slightly. He paused, seemingly suppressing his emotions: "If I were an ordinary official, with a family in dire straits, perhaps I wouldn't have these myriad troubles. As the eldest son of the Leng family's main branch, I've never truly experienced poverty since childhood. If someone like me, born into such circumstances, were to choose to turn a blind eye to the suffering of the common people, perhaps I could muddle through life in this officialdom, but how could my conscience be at peace? What would become of my family's reputation? Yet the officials of the Leng family, knowing my situation so well, haven't uttered a single word of reproach. Instead, they've all offered suggestions, urging me to first fill the deficit, and then use this achievement as a stepping stone to be transferred to the capital for a better future."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu's eyes flashed with approval. He thought to himself, "He's been a fifth-rank official for many years now, which means his actions have been valued." He stepped forward, helped Lord Leng up, and said gently, "Lord Leng, your actions are truly a blessing for our dynasty and a boon for the people. Not only have you not disappointed your family and the court, but you have also demonstrated what a good official is through your actions. Speaking of which, the empty treasury and the unfinished bridges should have been my responsibility, but you have taken the blame for me. How could I not know of this favor? If there is any debt owed, it is I who owe you."

Upon hearing this, Lord Leng immediately knelt down again and kowtowed repeatedly: "Your Majesty, I am terrified! Everything I have done is my duty, how dare I claim credit? As for making up for the deficit, although I meant well, it did violate the laws of the court. I am willing to accept this punishment and would never dare to let Your Majesty bear it."

Seeing this, the Empress gently shook her head, her voice soft yet firm: "Both the Emperor and Lord Leng have their reasons. Lord Leng's achievements are undeniable, but his act of filling the deficit did indeed violate the law. The law is the foundation for maintaining national order and cannot be easily transgressed. However, I also believe that the Emperor will make a fair judgment, both recognizing Lord Leng's achievements and upholding the dignity of the law."

Zhao Chengyu frowned slightly, a hint of worry in his eyes. He turned to the Empress and asked in a low voice, "Empress, regarding Lord Leng's matter, I am worried that someone might take this opportunity to cause trouble again and report him to the authorities?"

The Empress gently shook her head, a hint of recollection flashing in her eyes. She slowly said, "Your Majesty, have you forgotten? That report did happen, but because it was handled properly and the national treasury was not damaged, Lord Leng was only given a minor punishment, a six-month salary deduction. It did not have a significant impact on him."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu's eyes flashed with a hint of realization. He nodded, then looked at Lord Leng and asked, "Lord Leng, I know you have the country at heart, but hasn't the Leng family always hoped that more of our sons could serve the country in the capital? If there are any suitable candidates, just recommend them to me, and I will consider them."

Upon hearing this, Lord Leng immediately bowed, his voice filled with determination and gratitude: "Your Majesty is wise, and I am deeply grateful. However, I believe that if the Leng family members truly wish to contribute to the country, they should rely on their own abilities to enter officialdom through the imperial examinations or other legitimate means, rather than depending on the family's influence. Although I am a member of the family, I hope to see the Leng family members earn a place in the court through their genuine talents and learning."

Zhao Chengyu's face beamed with undisguised joy. He smiled and said, "Lord Leng, it seems you understand and accept our proposal. That's wonderful. But speaking of which, regarding Leng Linshuang, I think she might be able to live a more comfortable life if she could change her environment. Think about it, wouldn't it be more pleasant for a woman to enjoy the happiness of family life as a grandmother at home than to be a mere accessory in this deep palace? Why should she waste her youth day after day in this magnificent palace?"

Upon hearing this, Lord Leng felt a sense of unease. He immediately knelt down, his voice tinged with fear: "Your Majesty, could it be that my daughter has not served you well in the palace and has displeased you? If that is the case, I will certainly discipline her strictly to ensure that she will do her best in the future and will not disappoint Your Majesty again."

Seeing this, the Empress sighed softly. She stood up, walked to the side, and sat down, gently pressing her temples as if to relieve the fatigue of the past few days. She gently interjected, "Lord Leng, His Majesty did not mean it that way. His Majesty has his own plans, and his consideration for Leng Linshuang is also out of good intentions. Please listen to His Majesty explain in detail."

Zhao Chengyu quickly stepped forward, helped Lord Leng up, and gently comforted him, "Lord Leng, you've misunderstood. Leng Linshuang's behavior in the palace has been perfectly proper. It's just that her sister was the one who initially wanted to enter the palace, but fate is unpredictable, and such a change occurred on the eve of her wedding, which is why she had to take her place. I know this wasn't her wish. The Empress and I have a deep and abiding love, and I wouldn't take any concubines unless absolutely necessary. Although there are several ladies in the palace now, my heart remains unchanged, and I have no intention of neglecting anyone. However, I cannot bear to see Leng Linshuang waste her youth in this deep palace, so I wish to find her a good home, give her a generous dowry, and choose a suitable family for her so that she can live the life she desires."

His gaze turned serious and firm: "As for matters of national importance, selecting talented individuals to serve as officials in the capital is indeed of paramount importance at present. Among all officials, in terms of seniority and ability, Lord Leng is the foremost. I hope that you will continue to serve the country and lead more virtuous and capable people to join in this great undertaking. This is not only a trust in you personally, but also an affirmation of the Leng family's generations of loyalty and virtue."

Upon hearing this, Lord Leng's doubts vanished, replaced by deep gratitude and respect. He knelt again, his voice resolute: "Your Majesty is wise. Your humble servant will certainly live up to your expectations, do my utmost to serve the country, and select and cultivate more talents to repay Your Majesty's boundless grace."

At this point, a sly glint flashed in Zhao Chengyu's eyes. He chuckled softly and continued, "Lord Leng, I understand Consort Leng's thoughts. Although she is in the palace, her heart yearns for freedom and she does not wish to be confined by palace walls. Therefore, I have devised a solution that satisfies both sides. We can have Consort Leng openly lead the selection of talent, thereby showcasing her virtue and status. However, in reality, we can find a substitute for her to perform some necessary duties in the palace. Consort Leng, on the other hand, can find a suitable marriage as the adopted daughter of your Leng family, allowing her to escape the constraints of the palace and live the life she desires. In this way, it will not violate my original intention, nor will it make the Leng family feel manipulated, and there is no need to worry that my attitude towards the Leng family will change due to my personal likes or dislikes towards Consort Leng."

Upon hearing this, Lord Leng lowered his head and pondered for a moment, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He looked up at Zhao Chengyu, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes: "But Your Majesty, I do have this concern, fearing that my decision might go against Your Majesty's will. Yet you have now taken the initiative to suggest that my daughter remarry, which is truly beyond my expectations. In my view, to become Your Majesty's concubine is the glory that countless women dream of, and it is also the supreme honor of the Leng family. If we were to discuss remarriage, I would find it difficult to find a family comparable to Your Majesty's."

The Empress, standing to the side, heard this and a cold smile curled at the corner of her lips. She spoke slowly, her voice tinged with icy coldness: "Lord Leng, are you joking? Your eldest son-in-law is the newly enthroned emperor, and you, as his father-in-law, hold an incomparably noble position. Do you intend for the Leng family's daughter to marry into several more prominent families, thereby gaining all the advantages of the world? In my opinion, a subject should adhere to his duty, prioritizing the nation and its people, rather than coveting personal wealth and glory for himself or his family."

The Empress's words were like a wake-up call, jolting Lord Leng awake. He immediately knelt down, saying in a state of fear and unease, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. I had no such intention. I was only worried about my daughter's future, fearing she wouldn't be able to find a better home."

Seeing this, Zhao Chengyu nodded in satisfaction. He helped Lord Leng up and said earnestly, "Lord Leng, she is your daughter. She now lives a secluded life in the palace and is unwilling to interact with you. Don't you understand her thoughts? If one day she were to commit suicide, wouldn't we both be in a bad situation?"