My palace is full of female protagonists.

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Gao's eyes flashed with curiosity. He slowly stepped into the bathhouse and carefully examined the distillation apparatus before him. A roaring fire burned beneath the iron pot, water rippled within, and a ceramic bowl rested above, quietly awaiting the steam. The entire apparatus, though simple, exuded a rustic yet ingenious beauty.

"Your Majesty, what is this? How can it have such a wonderful use?" Prime Minister Gao couldn't help but ask.

Zhao Chengyu smiled slightly and explained, "This is the distillation water making device that I designed myself. You see, the iron pot below is responsible for heating the water source and producing steam; the earthenware bowl above is responsible for collecting this pure water vapor. After it cools and condenses into water, it can flow into the surrounding earthenware jars through the spout on the rim of the bowl. In this way, we can obtain clear and tasteless distilled water."

As he spoke, Zhao Chengyu personally demonstrated the distillation process. As the fire intensified, the water in the iron pot began to boil, and steam slowly rose, eventually condensing into tiny droplets at the bottom of the earthenware bowl, which then slid down the sides into the clay jar. Prime Minister Gao watched intently, filled with admiration for Zhao Chengyu's wisdom and creativity.

"Your Majesty is truly a genius! Such a simple device can solve such a major problem; it is truly admirable!" Prime Minister Gao exclaimed sincerely.

Zhao Chengyu laughed heartily upon hearing this, patted Prime Minister Gao on the shoulder, and said, "Not at all, I was forced to come up with this solution. But then again, distilled water is indeed a good thing. From now on, we can use it to replace the drinking water in our palace."

Prime Minister Gao clapped his hands and said, "Your Majesty's move is truly a great undertaking that benefits the country and its people. It not only improves the quality of life in the palace but also sets a good example for the common people. If this water were sold, it would be a very valuable source of income!"

Zhao Chengyu sighed softly and said to Prime Minister Gao beside him, "Prime Minister Gao, the idea of ​​selling this distilled water as a commodity is indeed a profitable one. But after much consideration, I feel that doing so does not align with my original intention."

Upon hearing this, Gao Yuan's brows furrowed with a hint of doubt. He knew that the Emperor's decisions were always well-considered, but this one was unexpected. He respectfully asked, "Your Majesty, this distilled water is as clear as fresh snow and extremely precious. It could potentially generate more tax revenue than salt or sugar, adding a considerable amount of silver to the national treasury. Why would Your Majesty choose to forgo this benefit?"

Zhao Chengyu slowly shook his head, his eyes gleaming with determination: "Prime Minister Gao, I believe that although our country has a vast territory, water resources are extremely unevenly distributed. In some places, droughts have persisted for years, and water is as precious as gold, forcing people to travel long distances to find water sources to survive; while in other places, floods have ravaged the land, and water pollution is severe, so even if people have water to drink, they often contract diseases due to unclean water sources. Under such circumstances, wouldn't selling distilled water as a luxury only make things worse for the already impoverished people?"

At this point, Zhao Chengyu's tone became even more somber: "I believe that as the ruler of a country, the primary task is to solve the livelihood problems of the people. If distilled water technology can be promoted, it should first benefit those who need help the most, thereby improving the drinking water conditions of the whole country."

Upon hearing this, Gao Yuan felt a surge of warmth in his heart, knowing full well the significance of the Emperor's decision. He bowed again, his voice tinged with excitement: "Your Majesty's benevolence is admirable. However, while this distillation technology is excellent, in some remote areas, it may be difficult to find enough fuel to sustain the distillation process. Does Your Majesty have a good solution?"

Zhao Chengyu smiled slightly, seemingly already confident: "The Prime Minister's concerns are very valid. Therefore, I also plan to promote a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly carbon filtration method. This method can not only utilize renewable resources from nature, but also effectively remove impurities and harmful substances from the water, making the water quality purer."

At the height of his excitement, Zhao Chengyu stood up, and the Empress even offered him tea. He continued, "But actually, I've thought of what you said too. There are always wealthy people who want to buy well-prepared distilled water, so I also plan to establish a 'Water Bureau,' a state-run operation with a unified price. National laws will be established allowing private individuals to use distillation and carbon filtration methods, but they will not be allowed to sell processed distilled water. However, they can add things to the distilled water before selling it, such as tea, salt water, or sugar water. The 'Water Bureau' can only be operated by local officials, including senior officials, but they must adhere to a unified price, and cannot induce purchases or bundle sales. Violation of any of these rules will be considered tax evasion, punishable by the execution of three generations of one's family."

Gao Yuan was deeply moved, knowing the weight of the responsibility he bore. He knelt down again, his voice firm and powerful: "Your humble servant obeys! I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's high expectations and do my utmost to promote water quality improvement technology, so that the people of Zhongyuan can share the blessing of clean water!"

The Empress sat at her desk in the Imperial Study, her gaze gentle yet focused. The Emperor had been deeply impressed by the water filtration project a few days prior, which explained her recent busyness in the study. She had been by Zhao Chengyu's side, witnessing his in-depth research into water filtration, deworming vegetables, and improving the quality of chicken and pork. Although Zhao Chengyu's daily complaints were incessant, the Empress knew they stemmed from his profound concern for the country and its people. As he put it, "There's nothing edible here."

When Prime Minister Gao entered the Imperial Study, asking about the Wenshu Monastery with a puzzled look, the Empress already anticipated his confusion. So, she smiled and reminded him, "Prime Minister, you've come today, perhaps because of the Wenshu Monastery? His Majesty has been busy these past few days arranging appointments for newly recruited officials."

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Gao suddenly realized his mistake, slapped his thigh, and stood up: "Oh! Yes, yes, that's why I came! Your Majesty, I have never understood why you would establish a special institution like the Wenshu Monastery to arrange the appointment of officials. Doesn't this just make the already cumbersome government affairs even more complicated?"

Zhao Chengyu put down his pen, looked up at Prime Minister Gao, and his eyes revealed a deep contemplation. He slowly explained, "Prime Minister, if we don't establish new institutions, what kind of people do you think the new officials recruited by those old officials will be? How many commoners will there be? How many slaves?"

"Specifically, the Manjushri Monastery will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive evaluation of newly recruited officials, understanding their expertise, experience, personality traits, and household registration status. If they are slaves, their household registration will be bought out by the palace, granting them a certain degree of freedom and arranging fixed residences. Then, based on the actual needs of the country and the actual situation of each department, the most suitable positions will be tailored for them. In this way, not only can the potential of each official be fully utilized, but also coordination and efficient operation between departments can be ensured," Zhao Chengyu continued.

The Empress nodded in agreement. She knew that Zhao Chengyu's decisions were all carefully considered, and the establishment of the Wenshu Monastery was undoubtedly a major reform of the official appointment system.

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Gao's doubts gradually dissipated, replaced by admiration and understanding for Zhao Chengyu's decision. He bowed again and said, "Your Majesty is wise, and I, your humble servant, am foolish and failed to grasp Your Majesty's profound meaning in time. Since the establishment of the Wenshu Monastery is for the purpose of optimizing the appointment of officials, I will certainly give it my full support and look forward to this measure bringing a more prosperous future to the country."

Zhao Chengyu sat on the dragon throne, his gaze deep as he looked down at the kneeling Prime Minister Gao, his tone carrying a subtle, complex emotion. "Minister Gao," he said, "you are renowned for your wisdom and have always possessed unique insights into matters of state. The establishment of the Wenshu Monastery aims to propagate Buddhism and pacify the people, while the expansion of the imperial court's civil service is intended to strengthen the court's governance. These two decisions are, in fact, the result of careful consideration by the Empress and myself. I am well aware that the path of reform is never smooth; it is inevitably accompanied by risks and challenges, especially under the current political climate, where even the slightest change could trigger turmoil."

He paused slightly, a resolute glint in his eyes: "Choosing to let the Leng family go first is not a questioning of the Gao family's capabilities. On the contrary, I know that the Gao family has been loyal and virtuous for generations, and they are my trusted advisors. However, this matter is sensitive and involves many conflicting interests. If the Gao family were to take the lead directly, it might lead to unnecessary suspicion and conflict. As another important force in the court, the Leng family's prestige and strength are sufficient to handle the initial storms and pave the way for the subsequent full-scale rollout."

The Empress gently interjected, her voice soft yet carrying an undeniable strength: "Prime Minister Gao, our Gao family is highly valued by His Majesty, and naturally we cannot get too involved in such trivial matters that offer no benefit. His Majesty's actions are actually a way of hoping that both families can work together to contribute to the prosperity and stability of the nation. Although I am but a woman, I know well that national affairs are of utmost importance, and personal honor must be placed after the interests of the country. His Majesty always has the well-being of the people in his heart, and hopes that Prime Minister Gao can understand His Majesty's intentions and join in this great undertaking." After speaking, the Empress gracefully moved her lotus-like steps and gave a slight bow to Prime Minister Gao to show respect and expectation.

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Gao felt a mixture of resentment and confusion, but even more so, gratitude and loyalty for the Emperor's boundless grace. He slowly rose, straightened his robes, and solemnly performed a deep kneeling bow, his voice steady and firm: "Your humble servant obeys! Your Majesty and Empress are farsighted. Though I am foolish, I am willing to serve you faithfully and fully support the court's decisions. Now that the Leng family has taken the lead, the Gao family will naturally follow suit, sparing no effort to work together for the nation's affairs, ensuring the smooth progress of the reforms, and living up to the high expectations of Your Majesty and Empress."

As the palace gates slowly closed and disappeared from sight, Prime Minister Gao's figure faded into the distance. Zhao Chengyu sighed softly, turned to look at the Empress, and a complex emotion flickered in his eyes. He spoke slowly, his tone tinged with probing and contemplation: "When Lord Gao left, did his respectful demeanor conceal any hidden intentions? Empress, do you think he was two-faced, outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant?"

Upon hearing this, the Empress gave a slight bow, her posture elegant and composed, her eyes gleaming with wisdom: "Your Majesty, rest assured, the Gao family will take my words as gospel. Prime Minister Gao is the head of the family and deeply understands the close connection between the family's honor and the nation's fate. Even if he occasionally harbors some dissatisfaction, he would never allow the family to go astray, much less act against Your Majesty's wishes. I will keep a close eye on things in secret to ensure that everything is under control."

Zhao Chengyu nodded slightly, seemingly quite satisfied with the Empress's answer. He slowly sat down, his gaze fixed intently ahead, as if deep in thought. After a moment, he spoke again, his tone carrying an undeniable resolve: "Since that's the case, to show my trust and affection for the Gao family, Empress, please find a suitable reason to send some rewards to them. This is both a favor and a reminder. If the Gao family fails to handle this matter properly, or shows any negligence, I will have to consider whether it's time to change the atmosphere in the court, remove Prime Minister Gao from his post, and allow the Gao family to elect a new clan leader who can better assist me."

Upon hearing this, the Empress paused for a moment, then smiled broadly. Her smile revealed both her approval of Zhao Chengyu's decision and the gentleness and wisdom befitting an Empress: "Your Majesty is absolutely right. I will make the arrangements immediately. Why not have Xiao Kuangzi lead the palace servants and carry the gifts to the Gao family? Xiao Kuangzi is exceptionally clever and will be able to subtly convey Your Majesty's intentions while relaying the message, allowing the Gao family to understand the Emperor's boundless grace while also feeling His Majesty's authority and expectations."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu couldn't help but smile faintly, inwardly sighing: Within these palace walls, indeed, intrigue and scheming abound. He never imagined he himself would be personally orchestrating a "palace intrigue." But then he thought, isn't this simply the responsibility and wisdom that an emperor must bear for the sake of the nation? So, he gently patted the Empress's hand in approval, and the two exchanged a smile. It was as if, in that moment, all suspicion and defensiveness vanished, leaving only the tacit understanding and trust of fighting side-by-side.

Zhao Chengyu pondered a delicate strategy for balancing the power dynamics of the court and the public, knowing the principle of "giving a stick and then a sweet date." He gently stepped forward and returned to the Empress's side, his tone softening and reassuring: "Empress, you and I both know that the reconstruction of Wenshu Monastery and the expansion of civil service recruitment are far more complex and difficult than they appear on the surface. If this matter proceeds smoothly, although the Leng family has contributed, in terms of overall strategic planning, they cannot claim sole credit. I will arrange a grand sacrificial ceremony to reward the Gao family, letting the world know that this achievement belongs to Prime Minister Gao's wisdom and courage. As for the Leng family, a small monetary reward will suffice to show the court's appreciation for its meritorious officials."

At this point, a hint of tenderness flashed in Zhao Chengyu's eyes as he looked at the Empress and continued, "Back then, when the Crown Prince's position was in grave danger, it was the Gao family that stepped forward and turned the tide. How could I, Zhao Chengyu, forget such kindness? Prime Minister Gao may have differing opinions from me on some matters, but I have witnessed his loyalty and contributions to the court. As the Empress, you are exceptionally wise and will naturally understand my deeper meaning."