My palace is full of female protagonists.

Upon hearing this, Fang Hujie remained unmoved. He respectfully bowed to Consort Leng and then said loudly, "Your Highness, these people are suspected of colluding with foreign enemies in the case of Princess Yi's assassination. The evidence is conclusive. I am here on imperial orders to arrest them and bring them to justice."

These words caused an uproar in the banquet hall. Guests began to discuss the matter, some astonished by the officials' audacity, others marveling at the royal family's swift and decisive actions. Princess Yi sat to the side, a smug smile playing on her lips. She had finally waited for this moment; the enemies lurking in the shadows were finally about to surface.

At that very moment, at the tall and imposing city gate of the capital, in the pitch-black night, a diverse group of people had gathered. Among them were ragged, unkempt beggars, haggard-faced, shifty-eyed poor people, and even local thugs and bullies who usually idled away their time. These people were gathered together, making a ruckus and insisting on entering the city in the dead of night.

You must understand, this capital city has been under lockdown for two whole days for various reasons! The guards at the city gates are on high alert, rigorously checking everyone entering or leaving the city. This sudden lockdown has caused widespread panic among the city's inhabitants, while those outside are even more anxious.

However, this group seemed completely disregarding these rules and prohibitions, insisting on entering the city at this time. Their words were full of provocation and discontent, as if they were deliberately looking for trouble and intentionally coming to cause chaos.

"Why can't we enter the city? We are law-abiding citizens, not bad people!" a ragged beggar shouted, his voice hoarse with emotion.

“Yeah, yeah! We’re law-abiding citizens, what right do you have to stop us?” a thug chimed in, a sly smile on his face, as if hinting at something.

The city gate guards stood ready, their eyes scanning the crowd, trying to identify the leader or mastermind behind it all. However, the group seemed disorganized, with no clear organizer or leader.

"Gentlemen, please calm down. The capital is currently under special control. For everyone's safety, please remain outside the city for the time being." A guard captain stepped forward, trying to calm the agitated crowd.

However, his words had no effect. The beggars, the poor, and the thugs continued to clamor, demanding to enter the city. Their voices echoed in the night sky, as if trying to shatter the silence of the night.

Just then, the lights at the city gate suddenly flickered, and a squad of armored soldiers rushed over. They carried long spears and marched in orderly steps, clearly having received some important news or orders.

"Everyone, please disperse immediately! Otherwise we will take necessary measures!" a leading soldier shouted, his voice filled with authority and unquestionable authority.

However, these men seemed unfazed by the soldiers. They continued their shouting and even began shoving the guards. A conflict seemed imminent…

All of this seems like a carefully orchestrated farce, designed to create chaos and trouble in the capital at this crucial moment. Who are the hidden forces at play? What conspiracies and schemes lie behind all this?

In an instant, the towering, sturdy walls of the capital seemed to be awakened by a mysterious force. Fires blazed simultaneously on all the beacon towers and battlements. The flames leaped and sparks flew in the night wind, illuminating the entire city as bright as day, transforming the walls into a city that never sleeps. At the same time, a deep and resonant horn sounded from the majestic gates of the imperial city. Its powerful tone seemed to penetrate the soul, awakening slumbering warriors. Immediately afterward, an equally stirring horn sounded from the east gate of the capital, echoing the imperial horns and creating a stirring battle song.

The blaring horn pierced the night sky, booming like thunder over the capital, quickly spreading throughout the city. The people, still sound asleep, were jolted awake by the sudden alarm. They hastily threw on their clothes, got out of bed, opened their windows, and peered out to see what was happening. The once quiet alleyways began to stir; some bolder residents quietly emerged from their homes, gathering together and whispering about the unexpected turn of events.

In every corner of the city, soldiers who had been immersed in the joy of the banquet or fast asleep in their beds were jolted awake by the sudden alarm. They quickly roused themselves from their drunken stupor, hastily donned their heavy armor, grabbed their sharp weapons, and rushed towards the city walls. Their faces were etched with seriousness and tension; their steps were firm and powerful, as if they were heading towards a life-or-death battle.

When the soldiers arrived at the city walls, they were already in full battle array, their eyes fixed intently on the darkness outside the city. Their hearts were filled with vigilance and determination, prepared to face the impending crisis. On the walls, the defenders at the beacon towers continuously hurled torches and signal flares outwards, attempting to illuminate the enemy hidden in the darkness. Meanwhile, the defenders below nervously checked their weapons and equipment, ensuring that every sword and every arrow was in optimal condition.

At this moment, the entire capital seemed shrouded in an invisible force, the air thick with tension and unease. Yet, in this perilous time, the soldiers of the capital displayed unparalleled courage and determination. They knew that at this moment, they were not only the guardians of this city, but also the backbone of the nation and its people. No matter the challenges and difficulties they faced, they would stand firm here, defending the dignity and safety of this city with their lives.

Carrying the heavy, urgent report, Xiao Kuang moved with lightning speed through the winding corridors of the Crown Prince's residence, silently reminding himself that there could be no delay. Sunlight filtered through the intricate window frames, dappling his tense face, but doing nothing to alleviate his anxiety. He knew all too well that this urgent report from the city gates likely concerned the peace of the nation and the safety of the royal family.

Meanwhile, at the banquet, amidst the clinking of glasses and the continuous sounds of music, Zhao Chengyu, the current Crown Prince, was enjoying a rare moment of merriment with his ministers. However, a sudden bugle call from the army shattered the momentary tranquility like a sharp blade. It was a mobilization signal that was only sounded in the most urgent situations, sharp and urgent, sending a chill down everyone's spine.

Zhao Qi'er, a clever and quick-witted princess, sat beside Zhao Chengyu, a hint of worry subtly visible between her brows. Though confined to the inner palace, her keen insight into the political situation was no less than that of any court official. She tilted her head slightly, trying to glean something from Zhao Chengyu's expression, but all she found was doubt and unease.

Xiao Kuangzi stumbled into the banquet hall, his usual strict etiquette completely forgotten. His legs seemed to give way, and he collapsed to the ground, his voice trembling uncontrollably: "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! A peasant uprising has broken out at the city gates of the capital! I beg Your Majesty to have mercy and save the people!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu frowned, bewildered by the sudden word "favor." He instinctively looked at Zhao Qi'er, as if seeking an explanation. Seeing this, Zhao Qi'er sighed inwardly. She knew that since her father's drastic change in temperament, his approach to many matters had become vastly different from before. She gently approached Zhao Chengyu and explained in a voice only he could hear, "Brother, given the current situation, we should issue an order to 'kill without mercy' at the city gates, as a warning to others."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu's pupils constricted sharply, seemingly startled by the decision. But upon further reflection, he realized it made perfect sense. Those who dared to challenge imperial power in the capital, regardless of their social status, were directly defying the emperor, especially during such a sensitive time as the assassination attempt on Princess Yi. There could be no leniency. With this in mind, Zhao Chengyu's expression hardened. He nodded slowly, his voice resolute: "Then, then 'kill without mercy.' We must uphold the dignity of the imperial family and the stability of the nation."

These words instantly sombered the atmosphere at the banquet. Zhao Qi'er gazed at Zhao Chengyu, her eyes flashing with complex emotions—a mixture of approval for her brother's decisiveness and helplessness and sorrow at the impending tragedy. Xiao Kuangzi, upon hearing the decision, though filled with mixed feelings, understood that this was the royal family's choice, allowing no room for hesitation or mercy.

As Zhao Chengyu issued his cold and resolute command, just one minute later, several ancient and solemn bronze bells in the capital city were struck heavily. The deep, resonant tones pierced the tranquil night sky, echoing through the streets and alleys of the capital, as if proclaiming some irresistible destiny. The bell tolls intertwined with the faint chanting of scriptures drifting from afar, creating a strange and somber atmosphere. Those chanting voices, coming from every corner of the capital, were practitioners praying for the world, or mourning the impending storm.

On the city wall, the soldiers were already fully armed and ready for battle. They gripped their bows and arrows, their eyes blazing, standing at attention. In the moonlight, the arrowheads gleamed coldly, like silver blades awaiting the harvest of lives. A tense and oppressive atmosphere filled the air, foreshadowing the impending storm.

Even within the Crown Prince's residence, Zhao Chengyu could almost smell the heavy stench of blood in the air—a harbinger of impending slaughter and sacrifice. He slowly emerged from behind the screen, his expression cold and resolute, his eyes flashing with unwavering determination. Upon seeing this, Consort Leng and the officials present rose and respectfully kowtowed to Zhao Chengyu, signifying their obedience.

Zhao Chengyu frowned, his voice low and forceful: "There is a rebellion outside the city, a challenge to our imperial authority. Among you are criminal officials responsible for investigation and trial; military officers responsible for quelling the rebellion; and those in charge of grain and taxation responsible for logistics and supplies. You must all perform your duties diligently and do your utmost to handle this matter. Before the morning court session ends tomorrow, submit your reports directly to the capital. Those who act decisively and outstandingly, or those with ingenious ideas, can become the consorts of the Yi princess. Others will also be rewarded according to their merits. Let's end the banquet here today."

After speaking, Zhao Chengyu turned his gaze to Princess Yi, his eyes filled with profound meaning, as if they could see through people's hearts. He said, "Princess Yi, don't be stingy, give Mei'er some silver as a reward for her performance today."

Upon hearing this, Princess Yi smiled faintly, seemingly unconcerned about everything, and simply nodded casually: "Of course."

However, although Princess Yi appeared indifferent on the surface, a complex emotion was revealed in her eyes. She knew that this rebellion was not only a challenge to the imperial power, but also a threat to every innocent life on this land.

Fang Hujie, followed by a squad of elite soldiers, escorted the several officials who had appeared terrified earlier. The officials' hands were tightly bound behind their backs, their faces etched with fear and resentment, clearly aware of their impending fate.

Fang Hujie walked steadily to Zhao Chengyu, bowed again, and said in a low but firm voice: "Your Majesty, the investigation into this case has expanded far beyond what was initially expected. These four individuals have been confirmed to have been involved in the case after thorough interrogation. In fact, many others have also played a role in fueling this incident, and their crimes are equally serious."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu sighed, his brows furrowed, and his eyes flashed with complex emotions. He recalled how, when he studied history, he had been puzzled by emperors who so easily pardoned large numbers of treacherous and sycophantic officials. At the time, he naively thought that since these people were like the lowly commoners under the city gates, all threats to imperial power, why not simply execute them all to prevent future troubles? However, when he actually sat on this throne and faced the realities of making choices, he deeply understood the weight and helplessness of that decision.

Zhao Chengyu knew all too well that every life was precious, even those labeled as "lowly people" had the right to live and dignity. While the officials before him had committed unforgivable crimes, their lives were equally worthy of respect. Moreover, according to Fang Hujie, the case was far from over; officials might also be involved in the Wenshu Monastery, a place symbolizing imperial power and faith. This gave Zhao Chengyu a headache.

He pondered for a moment before finally speaking: "Interrogate them first. For those who are willing to tell the truth, do not torture them anymore. Lock them up in the dungeon. Although they have lost their freedom, we must ensure that they receive basic living necessities, and serve them good food and drink. I will make a decision after that. Don't hurt them too badly."

Upon hearing this, Fang Hujie's eyes flashed with surprise, but he quickly regained his composure. He knew that Zhao Chengyu's words not only reflected the Emperor's benevolence and tolerance but also revealed an unfathomable wisdom. After receiving the order, he led the soldiers and criminals out of the hall.