My palace is full of female protagonists.

The Marquis finally breathed a sigh of relief, forcing a smile, but the turmoil in his heart remained unsettled. He looked at Yun Feiyang, his eyes filled with both reproach and worry, as if reminding him to be more cautious in his future actions.

Yun Feiyang also came to his senses. He bowed to Zhao Chengyu, his voice filled with gratitude and determination: "Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost to defend the border and live up to Your Majesty's expectations."

Zhao Chengyu nodded in approval, and the atmosphere finally returned to normal. However, this small incident made everyone present realize that the boundaries and rules between royalty and nobility were not to be easily crossed.

The following day, at the court assembly, sunlight pierced through the clouds, illuminating the magnificent palace. Yun Feiyang, for the first time not as the crown prince, stepped into this hall of power and glory, attracting the attention and gossip of many officials.

He was dressed in simple armor, exuding a heroic spirit. Although he held no official position, his firm steps and composed demeanor were enough to convey his extraordinary nature. According to custom, without an official title, he should have stood in the square waiting for the court assembly to begin. But today was different; his arrival foreshadowed some kind of impending change.

The atmosphere in the imperial court was heavy and solemn. The ministers, each with their own thoughts, speculated about the day's agenda and the emperor's intentions. When Zhao Chengyu slowly entered the hall, ascended the dragon throne, and his gaze swept over the crowd before finally settling on Yun Feiyang, the entire court seemed to hold its breath.

"My esteemed ministers, I have something to announce today." Zhao Chengyu's voice was steady and powerful, penetrating the entire court. "The border is in dire need of attention, and the war is intense. Our country urgently needs a valiant general to guard it. I believe that this Prince Yun Feiyang is brave and skilled in battle, and possesses both wisdom and courage. He is exactly the kind of person our Great Zhao needs."

These words immediately sparked a flurry of discussion in the court. Although everyone knew of Yun Feiyang's talent and potential, no one had expected the emperor to entrust him with such a heavy responsibility so directly. After all, he was merely a prince without any real official position, and such a decision undoubtedly broke with convention.

However, Zhao Chengyu ignored these discussions and continued, "Therefore, I have decided to appoint Yun Feiyang as the commander-in-chief of the frontier, to lead troops out immediately to defend the territory of our Great Zhao!"

The atmosphere in the imperial court became extremely tense due to the Right Chancellor's sudden outburst. The Right Chancellor, a highly respected senior official, slowly stepped out from the ranks, facing Zhao Chengyu, his voice tinged with worry and determination: "Your Majesty, although Prince Yun Feiyang is brave and skilled in battle, I have heard that he has only recently been released from prison and has not yet recovered his strength, nor has he had the opportunity to familiarize himself with military affairs. If we rashly entrust him with the heavy responsibility of commanding the frontier at this time, I fear it will be difficult to gain the support of the people, and we may even miss a crucial opportunity!"

These words sparked another round of discussion in the court, with many officials nodding in agreement, expressing their shared concern for the Right Chancellor.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu's expression darkened slightly. He knew that the Right Chancellor's concerns were not unfounded, but his trust and expectations of Yun Feiyang prevented him from easily abandoning his decision. Just as he was about to retort, Zhao Feiyu, a royal guard known for his bravery, suddenly drew his long sword from his waist. In a flash, he had planted the sword firmly at the Right Chancellor's feet, the tip trembling slightly and emitting a cold glint.

This sudden move stunned everyone, and the court fell into a deathly silence. Zhao Feiyu's eyes were cold and resolute. He looked directly at the Right Chancellor and said in a deep voice, "Right Chancellor, you are mistaken! Although Prince Yun Feiyang has experienced many hardships, his loyalty, courage, and extraordinary talent are already well known to all. His Majesty is wise and will surely recognize and utilize his talents. Furthermore, the border war is urgent, and every moment of delay could lead to the sacrifice of countless soldiers. As subjects, we should prioritize the overall situation of the nation. How can we disregard the safety of the country for personal reasons?"

Just as the atmosphere reached its peak of tension, a gentle yet powerful voice came from outside the hall: "Your Majesty, I have something to say." Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw the Empress, dressed in magnificent robes, walking gracefully towards them. Her appearance was like a breath of fresh air, instantly dispelling the gloom in the court.

The Empress entered the main hall, first bowing to Zhao Chengyu, then turning to the Right Chancellor. Her tone was gentle yet authoritative: "Right Chancellor, I understand your concerns. However, His Majesty will make the final decision regarding the matter of Prince Yun Feiyang. The border war is urgent, and our Great Zhao needs a brave and skilled general like Yun Feiyang to guard it. I believe that under His Majesty's wise leadership, Yun Feiyang will surely live up to expectations and return in triumph."

The Empress's words acted as a calming agent, gradually restoring peace to the previously agitated court. Seeing this, Zhao Chengyu seized the opportunity to announce: "The Empress is absolutely right! My mind is made up. Yun Feiyang will immediately lead the troops to the frontier! Right Chancellor, you may step down and say no more."

Seeing this, the Right Chancellor had no choice but to retreat. Although he was still unwilling, he knew that the situation was already decided and he could no longer obstruct it. Yun Feiyang, under the watchful eyes of everyone, knelt down to thank the Emperor for his grace and prepared to embark on his new journey.

The day Yun Feiyang would lead his troops to the frontier was drawing ever closer. In less than ten days, he would lead his army in a procession out of the city to the border. For this important ceremony, the Emperor and Empress decided to personally pay homage to their ancestors to show their respect and importance for the event.

As the emperor's personal bodyguard, Zhao Chengyu naturally had to participate in the grand preparations. However, for him, who was used to sleeping late and waking up late, this was undoubtedly a difficult test. Before the first rays of sunlight had fully covered the earth, he had to struggle out of his warm bed to prepare to accompany the emperor to the ancestral temple.

"Ugh, my bones feel like they're going to fall apart," Zhao Chengyu muttered to himself, rubbing his sleepy eyes. He knew his responsibilities, but the continuous early mornings and busy schedules over the past few days had left him feeling utterly exhausted.

"This life is more tiring than fighting a war," Zhao Chengyu complained inwardly, but he dared not slack off in the slightest. He quickly tidied his clothes, making sure there were no mistakes, and then followed the Emperor and Empress to the ancestral temple.

Inside the ancestral temple, the Emperor and Empress devoutly worshipped their ancestors, praying for their protection and blessings. Zhao Chengyu stood silently to the side, also silently praying for Yun Feiyang's safe return and triumphant victory.

After the ceremony, Zhao Chengyu finally breathed a sigh of relief, but he knew that in the days to come, he would have to maintain this tense and busy state, faithfully fulfilling his duty to ensure the emperor's safety and the peace of the country. Although he had many complaints in his heart, he knew that the responsibility on his shoulders was heavy and that he had to do his best.

In less than ten days, the parade ceremony for Yun Feiyang to lead his troops into battle finally arrived, and the entire imperial city was in an uproar, with an unprecedented spectacle.

Outside the palace, the streets and alleys of the imperial city were already bustling with activity. On both sides of the streets, people came out of their homes, dressed in festive attire, holding flowers and colorful flags, filled with excitement and admiration, waiting for this hero who was about to go to war for the country.

As a burst of rousing drum music resounded, Yun Feiyang, clad in gleaming silver armor and riding a tall horse, slowly entered the crowd's view. His face was resolute, and his eyes shone with an unwavering determination, as if he could already see the smoke of battle on the frontier and the dawn of victory.

At the head of the procession was the imperial guard, personally led by Emperor Zhao Chengyu. Dressed in magnificent ceremonial robes and wielding golden spears and silver halberds, their steps were synchronized and powerful, displaying the majesty and glory of the imperial family. The Empress sat in her ornate phoenix palanquin, a gentle smile on her face as she gazed tenderly at Yun Feiyang, her heart filled with expectations and blessings for this young general.

The procession moved slowly through the streets, with people along the way kneeling in welcome, shouting slogans such as "Long live General Yun!" and "Great Zhao will surely win!" Their voices converged into a powerful force, echoing in every corner of the imperial city, inspiring Yun Feiyang and every soldier.

Wherever the procession went, colorful flags fluttered and flowers littered the ground. The people expressed their respect and support for Yun Feiyang in their own ways, some offering fine wine and delicacies, while others presented handmade amulets and talismans, hoping that these would protect Yun Feiyang on the battlefield and ensure his triumphant return.

The entire parade lasted for several hours, until sunset, when Yun Feiyang and his entourage slowly left the imperial city and headed towards the frontier. This grand parade not only made Yun Feiyang a hero in the hearts of the people, but also greatly boosted the morale and confidence of the entire nation, injecting powerful spiritual motivation into the upcoming war.

The parade of Yun Feiyang leading his troops into battle caused a sensation throughout the imperial city and even the entire country, and the Marquis's residence, where Yun Feiyang lived, was bustling with activity.

In recent days, the Marquis's residence has been bustling with visitors, who have come in an endless stream with various gifts and blessings. Some are colleagues from the court, some are local officials, and many are ordinary people who have come to see him. They all want to see this hero who is about to go to war for the country and express their respect and support for him.

Inside the Marquis's residence, Yun Feiyang's family and friends were also extremely busy. While receiving visiting guests, they prepared Yun Feiyang's luggage and provisions to ensure his smooth departure for the campaign. At the same time, their hearts were filled with pride and reluctance to part with Yun Feiyang; they were proud that he had become a rising star in the court, but also worried that he would soon leave his hometown and embark on the battlefield.

During this grand parade, Yun Feiyang's heroic image was deeply ingrained in people's hearts, making him the dream lover of countless young women. Several bold noble ladies even disregarded worldly views and constraints, shouting from the top of the restaurant that they were willing to marry him and go to the frontier to accompany Yun Feiyang in facing the storms of the battlefield.

Although these shouts were somewhat abrupt and untimely, they reflected the high regard and admiration society held for Yun Feiyang at the time. His bravery and talent not only won him the appreciation and trust of the imperial court, but also the love and respect of the people.

However, Yun Feiyang did not respond much to these calls and declarations. He knew he was about to face a brutal war and an unknown fate, and could not offer anyone any promises or guarantees. He could only silently accept this honor and responsibility, and devote all his thoughts and energy to the upcoming battle.

Meanwhile, Yun Feiyang's family and friends at the Marquis's residence were silently praying and offering their blessings. They believed that with Yun Feiyang's talent and courage, he would surely overcome all difficulties and challenges and return in triumph.

After the grand procession of Yun Feiyang leading his troops into battle, Emperor Zhao Chengyu returned to his bedchamber. Although he felt proud of the future of the country and Yun Feiyang's bravery, the days of busyness and tension had left him physically and mentally exhausted. Back in his palace, he seemed to have unloaded all his burdens and began to indulge himself, binge eating and drinking.

Zhao Qi'er, as the Emperor's personal maid, was extremely sensitive to his habits and emotional changes. When she gently pushed open the door to the bedchamber and saw the Emperor eating heartily without regard for his image, she was speechless with shock. She had never seen the Emperor so out of control, and felt both worried and helpless.

"Please sit down! Little Kuangzi, quickly go and get the bowl and chopsticks for the young mistress." Zhao Chengyu was completely unaware that something was wrong with Zhao Qi'er. He continued to eat heartily, casually inviting her to sit down. The person called Little Kuangzi was just a lowly eunuch in the palace. Upon hearing the emperor's decree, he dared not delay in the slightest and quickly agreed, running to fetch the bowl and chopsticks for Zhao Qi'er.

Seeing this, Zhao Qi'er could only try her best to suppress the astonishment and worry surging within her, forcing a smile that was more like a grimace. She then slowly sat down opposite the Emperor. Immediately, she picked up her chopsticks, her movements as gentle as if she were afraid of breaking some priceless treasure, carefully taking a few small bites of food and chewing them. At this moment, Zhao Qi'er only wanted to share this dinner with the Emperor, hoping to ease the awkward atmosphere somewhat. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. Zhao Chengyu's mind was clearly not on the table; he continued to eat intently, as if he needed the food to release all his fatigue and immense pressure.

Zhao Qi'er gazed silently at the emperor before her, her feelings a complex and indescribable mix. On one hand, she felt immense heartache for the emperor's tireless efforts; on the other hand, she was deeply worried that his excessive eating and drinking might harm his health.

Finally, Zhao Chengyu seemed to realize his lapse in composure. He put down his chopsticks, looked up at Zhao Qi'er, and a hint of apology flashed in his eyes. "Qi'er, I... I'm just too tired," he said softly, his voice filled with weariness and helplessness.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Qi'er immediately stood up, walked to the Emperor's side, and gently massaged his shoulders. "Your Majesty, you must take care of your health. The country needs you, and the people need you too," she gently comforted him, her eyes full of concern and worry.