My palace is full of female protagonists.

Leng Linshuang took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner turmoil, and then asked the Empress, "Your Majesty, I didn't fully understand what the Emperor said earlier. Did he mean that even if I leave the palace and become a lay disciple or something else, as long as I no longer appear as Consort Leng, it will be fine?"

Upon hearing this, the Empress gently shook her head and said softly, "Consort Leng, you are overthinking it. His Majesty has no intention of making you a nun. He simply wants you to know that you have the right to choose your own life, whether it's marriage or living alone, it all depends on your own wishes. The palace will prepare everything you need, including palace servants to protect you. Now, what I want to know more about is whether you have any other plans in mind, or what your expectations are for the future?"

The Empress's words were like a spring breeze, dispelling the gloom in Leng Linshuang's heart. She looked up at the Empress, her eyes sparkling with gratitude and hope, as if at this moment she saw the dawn of her regained freedom.

Seeing that Consort Leng's expression softened, Lord Leng secretly breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "Lin Shuang, your father is doing this for your own good. Since His Majesty made such a suggestion, he must have considered it carefully. After His Majesty told me about it, I thought about it. Your third grandfather's second branch had a cousin of yours who died of the plague a couple of years ago. She didn't even have a complete body, only a cenotaph. I'll arrange for someone to say that this child didn't die and came to the capital to seek refuge with me. I'll take her in as my adopted daughter and keep her in the capital. Although her fate has been full of hardships, it's her blessing if she can continue her life with you. I'll take you in as my adopted daughter, so that you can retain the protection of your family while also being free to choose your own life. If you miss home, you can go back to live there anytime. Your courtyard will always be reserved for you, and you can still call your mother 'Mother'."

Lord Leng spoke sincerely, his eyes filled with fatherly love. He paused, seemingly weighing his next words to avoid further angering Consort Leng: "As for marriage, how could I casually betroth you to someone else? Your happiness has always been my greatest concern. The Empress is right, you will have people in the palace protecting you, and the Emperor will always be watching over you. My Leng family will never let you suffer the slightest grievance."

Upon hearing this, Leng Fei's heart gradually melted. She looked at her father, her eyes filled with both gratitude and relief. She knew that although her father was strict, he always had her best interests at heart. She sighed softly and said, "Father, I understand your good intentions. It's fine to live as an adopted daughter; I'm still old enough to get married eventually. However, I hope that my marriage can be decided by myself, and that I will no longer be a pawn in the family's arranged marriages."

Seeing this, the Empress interjected at the opportune moment: "Lord Leng, you have heard what Consort Leng said. We will respect her wishes and let her choose her own path in the future. As for her marriage, she should be the one to decide and find the person who can truly make her happy."

When Zhao Chengyu stepped into the inner palace, it was already late at night. The flickering candlelight illuminated Consort Leng, whose expression was calm and resolute. Her previous tense demeanor was gone, replaced by a maturity and decisiveness beyond her years. Upon the Emperor's return, she slowly rose, her bow respectful yet revealing an undeniable independence and pride.

"Your Majesty, I have thought this through carefully and have decided to no longer use a substitute, nor do I intend to leave the palace. However, I humbly request that I be allowed to move freely outside the palace as my father's adopted daughter. I am well aware that as a royal concubine, remarriage is not only against etiquette but also not my wish. The Leng family has been engaged in commerce and politics for generations, and we have been taught since childhood that both men and women should aspire to great things, rather than being confined to the trivial matters of the inner palace. Although I am a woman, I also have lofty ambitions and do not wish to merely rely on Your Majesty's boundless grace. I would rather share the burdens of the Leng family and Your Majesty."

Consort Leng's words were firm and reasonable, prompting Zhao Chengyu to re-evaluate this seemingly weak yet resilient woman. He was secretly surprised; he had initially thought she was simply following the old script of a substitute bride, so he naturally assumed that setting her free would be the best outcome. He assumed she would either become a behind-the-scenes contributor to the new emperor or find an opportunity to escape the constraints of the palace and seek a new home. He never imagined she possessed such profound considerations and ambitions.

A barely perceptible blush crossed Zhao Chengyu's face, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He realized that the cold-hearted concubine before him was no ordinary woman. She possessed not only the spirit and wisdom that rivaled any man, but also a sincere heart devoted to the country and its people.

"Are you...are you sure?" Zhao Chengyu's voice couldn't hide a hint of surprise and admiration.

Consort Leng smiled gently, a smile that held both acceptance of the unknown and anticipation for the challenges ahead. "Your Majesty, rest assured," she said. "From a young age, I have been influenced by my family's traditions, possessing expertise in business and some knowledge of politics. The Leng family does not judge heroes by gender; we all share the same mission and responsibility. Now that my elder sister, the Empress, is deeply concerned about the border affairs, how can I stand idly by? Now that the Leng family has married into the royal family, we should naturally stand with the royal family through thick and thin, overcoming these difficult times together."

At that moment, Zhao Chengyu's heart was like a lake swept by a storm, turbulent and difficult to calm. He realized that he was facing not only the cold politics of the court and the war on the frontier, but also the seemingly calm but actually turbulent world of the inner palace.

"I thought they were just following an old script, acting out scenes of substitute marriages, palace intrigues, remarriages, or assisting the emperor," Zhao Chengyu thought bitterly. This self-comforting fantasy seemed so pale and powerless at this moment. He suddenly realized that every woman in the palace, including the seemingly most low-key and inconspicuous concubine, possessed her own extraordinary ambitions and strength. They were not merely appendages of the emperor, but individuals with independent thinking and action capabilities.

Thinking of this, Zhao Chengyu felt an unprecedented pressure and sense of urgency. He looked around, and the images of the six distinctive "leading ladies" in the harem flashed through his mind—some were gentle and virtuous, some were clever and quick-witted, and some were brave and resilient; each of them was capable of becoming the protagonist of a legend. And he, as their husband and emperor, had to face this reality: if he could not properly manage his relationship with them and win their respect and trust, then his own position would be in grave danger.

"It seems I can no longer present myself as a foolish and incompetent emperor." Zhao Chengyu secretly made up his mind. He knew that as the ruler of a country, he had to demonstrate the wisdom and courage he should have in order to navigate the court and the harem with ease. He had to learn to listen to the voices of each concubine, understand their needs and desires, and win their loyalty and support with sincerity and care.

At the same time, one must be wary of potential threats. The imperial uncles and princes are eyeing the throne covetously, constantly seeking opportunities to overthrow him and seize the throne. If he cannot become a wise and decisive ruler, these power-hungry individuals may exploit his vulnerability, using the conflicts and disputes within the harem to create chaos and achieve their ulterior motives.

"I can't let that happen." Zhao Chengyu clenched his fists, his gaze resolute. He knew he had to take action, to prove his ability and worth through concrete actions. Only in this way could he ensure his throne was secure and that he wouldn't die so easily again.

Zhao Chengyu meticulously processed his conversation with Lord Leng and Consort Leng in his mind. The words about the undercurrents of the court and the power struggles piled up in his heart like autumn leaves, only to be quickly dispersed by a sudden gust of wind. He knew all too well that, as emperor, his every move affected the fate of the entire nation, and everyone around him, including the gentle and graceful Empress Ling Yan, played an indispensable role in this intricate web of relationships.

After Lord Leng and Consort Leng disappeared through the palace gates, a moment of tranquility returned to the palace, as if even time itself had slowed down. The Emperor, the supreme ruler, appeared unusually silent, his eyes revealing a barely perceptible weariness and confusion.

Empress Lingyan, known for her intelligence and thoughtfulness, saw the Emperor so lost in thought. Though she had a thousand words in her heart, she knew this was not the time to disturb him. She sat quietly beside him, gazing at him with tender eyes, as if trying to offer him comfort and strength in her own way.

However, at that moment, Zhao Chengyu seemed to be suddenly awakened from his deep thoughts. He stood up slightly, his movements carrying a hint of imperceptible urgency. Almost instinctively, he reached out and gently patted the Empress's shoulder. This sudden action caught Ling Yan, who was immersed in her own thoughts, off guard. She trembled slightly, then turned around, about to ask what was wrong, but unexpectedly lost her balance and instantly fell into Zhao Chengyu's warm and firm embrace.

Zhao Chengyu's embrace felt like a safe haven, giving Ling Yan an unprecedented sense of security and peace. He looked down at the woman in his arms, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes—tenderness, dependence, and an indescribable deep affection. "Ling Yan," he whispered, his voice trembling slightly, "tell me, if one day I were truly in danger, if someone wanted to take my life, would you choose to step forward and save me from peril, or would you choose to stand silently by and watch?"

This question was undoubtedly a huge test for Ling Yan. She knew that every answer she gave would affect their relationship, and might even influence the direction of the entire harem and the court. But she did not hesitate for a moment. Her gaze met Zhao Chengyu's with firm eyes, and she said softly but resolutely, "Your Majesty, although I am a woman, I know the principle of unwavering loyalty. If that day ever comes, I will spare no effort to protect you, even if it means my own destruction."

Zhao Chengyu shifted his gaze from the mountain of memorials to Ling Yan, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. Ling Yan had always quietly managed frontier affairs behind the scenes; her wisdom and foresight had ensured peace on the frontier for many years. But now, new challenges seemed to be quietly approaching.

"Ling Yan," Zhao Chengyu pondered for a moment before finally speaking, "The situation on the frontier has recently undergone some subtle changes, and I know you have been working hard on this. But now, I would like to hear your opinion. Do you have any new strategies or any dissatisfaction with the existing arrangements?"

Ling Yan was slightly taken aback upon hearing this. She had not expected Zhao Chengyu to ask for her opinion so directly. After all, border affairs were mostly confidential, and although she was the Empress, she often felt a great responsibility and dared not slack off in the slightest.

"Your Majesty, I have indeed been paying close attention to the developments on the border." Ling Yan pondered for a moment and then slowly said, "In recent years, although the border has been generally stable, small-scale conflicts and frictions have occurred from time to time. I believe that this is not only a matter of troop deployment, but also closely related to the diplomatic strategies and economic exchanges of neighboring countries."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu nodded approvingly. He knew that Ling Yan's insights were often unique and profound, and this time was no exception.

“Go on,” he encouraged.

Of course, the following is a more detailed explanation of the plan:

"I suggest that we delve into two core aspects to consolidate the stability and prosperity of the border regions." Ling Yan's voice echoed in the hall, clear and articulate, every word precious.

"First, regarding strengthening border defenses and enhancing the army's combat effectiveness, I believe a three-step approach is necessary. First, a comprehensive inspection and repair of existing border facilities is required, especially in critical areas that have fallen into disrepair and are vulnerable to attack. Walls must be reinforced and fortifications added to form an impregnable defensive line. Second, the training and equipment of the army must be strengthened. Experienced generals can be dispatched to the border regions to conduct rigorous military training for local troops, improving their combat skills and emergency response capabilities. Simultaneously, military spending should be increased to introduce more advanced weaponry and equipment, ensuring the army maintains a superior position in terms of hardware. Third, a more efficient intelligence network must be established. The terrain in border regions is complex and the situation is constantly changing; we need a highly astute intelligence team capable of penetrating deep behind enemy lines to gather valuable intelligence and provide strong support for decision-making."

"Secondly, regarding strengthening friendly exchanges with neighboring countries, I have the following suggestions. First, deepen economic cooperation. We can leverage our own resource advantages and industrial characteristics to conduct mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation with neighboring countries, deepening our mutual connections and interdependence through trade. Simultaneously, we should encourage private investment and promote exchanges and cooperation between enterprises of both sides in technology, talent, and markets. Second, promote cultural exchanges. The power of culture is profound and enduring. We can enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the people of our two countries by holding cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and academic exchanges. These activities not only help eliminate misunderstandings and prejudices but also inject new vitality into bilateral relations. Third, strengthen political mutual trust. At the political level, we should adhere to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and refrain from interfering in each other's internal affairs. Through high-level visits, diplomatic negotiations, and other means, we can enhance mutual political trust and strategic cooperation, jointly addressing regional challenges and threats."