My palace is full of female protagonists.

Upon hearing this, a hint of emotion flashed in the Empress's eyes. She held the Emperor's hand tightly and replied gently, "Your Majesty, I have never doubted you in the slightest. You are my heaven and earth, and everything I have done is to assist you and for this great country. I understand that every move Your Majesty makes has a profound meaning and is for the long-term stability of the nation."

At this point, the Empress seemed to remember something, smiled gently, and continued, "As for His Majesty's recent frequent summons of Consort Zhao to his palace, although I have heard of it occasionally, I know that His Majesty knows his limits. If you are unwell, I am willing to personally take care of your health and daily needs. Please do not overwork yourself and harm your health. As for Consort Zhao, I believe she is just one of His Majesty's many confidantes, and has no other intentions."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He gently patted the Empress's hand and said gratefully, "Empress, your understanding makes me very happy. I recruited Consort Zhao simply because she was originally a maid. Recently, I have been feeling unwell, so she became my personal maid and is responsible for taking care of my daily needs. Rest assured, I know how to handle things in the inner palace."

He rose early the next morning to prepare for court in the Golden Palace. He knew that today's court session would not be peaceful, because the conflict between the Left and Right Chancellors had been clearly revealed in yesterday's court discussion. He put on the dragon robe symbolizing imperial power and wore the heavy crown. In the mirror, he appeared dignified and calm.

As Zhao Chengyu entered the Golden Palace, his gaze quickly swept over the civil and military officials inside. He noticed that both the Left and Right Chancellors were already in the audience, their eyes meeting in the air as if sparks were about to fly. Their eyes were filled with hostility, but today they seemed to be tacitly directing their anger at the Right Chancellor.

At the court assembly, the Left Chancellor launched the first attack, sharply criticizing the Right Chancellor for his negligence in handling border affairs, calling it a "great calamity for the nation." The Right Chancellor, not to be outdone, refuted the Left Chancellor's accusations, calling them "unfounded slander." The debate between the two was intense and sharp, and the atmosphere in the court became extremely tense.

Zhao Chengyu sat on the dragon throne, his expression calm, but his mind was rapidly weighing the words of the two prime ministers. He knew that these two veteran ministers were pillars of the state, and their struggle concerned not only their personal positions but also the stability of the nation. He had to handle the situation carefully to avoid triggering greater turmoil.

Finally, the court session ended. Zhao Chengyu announced the end of the session, but his mood did not lighten. He knew that today's debate was just the beginning, and the real challenges were yet to come.

Shortly after the court session, Zhao Chengyu was processing memorials in the imperial study when the Right Chancellor arrived uninvited. He didn't knock, but pushed the door open and entered, a resolute look on his face. Zhao Chengyu looked up at him, knowing in his heart that the Right Chancellor must have important business to discuss.

The Right Chancellor walked up to Zhao Chengyu, knelt on one knee, and said in a low but firm voice: "Your Majesty, I have something important to tell you. This matter concerns the safety of the country and the stability of Your Majesty's empire."

Zhao Chengyu frowned slightly. He gestured for the Right Chancellor to rise, then listened attentively to the Chancellor's report. He knew that this power struggle in the court was likely just the tip of the iceberg; the real storm might have only just begun.

Zhao Chengyu's tone was tinged with a joke, but his eyes revealed a deeper meaning. He knew that the struggles in the court were often closely related to private life, and the Right Chancellor's family affairs were perhaps a microcosm of his political stance.

The Right Chancellor's expression changed slightly; he hadn't expected the Emperor to suddenly bring up his family matters. He cleared his throat and replied, "Your Majesty, my wife and I have indeed been married for many years, and our feelings for each other are naturally deep. However, we are usually busy with state affairs and don't communicate much."

Zhao Chengyu smiled slightly, knowing that the Right Chancellor's words contained a certain reservation. He continued, "I heard that your wife is still quite young. If you can put in more effort, you might even have a child later in life. In that case, the relationship between you and your husband will naturally become even closer."

The Empress added softly from the side, "Giving birth is like passing through the gates of hell; it would be difficult without comforting and reassuring the child." Her words carried a touch of feminine tenderness and understanding; she knew how difficult childbirth was for women.

The Right Chancellor nodded, his expression becoming somewhat complicated: "My wife's family members mostly left a few years ago, and her children were appointed to official posts outside the home, so they are not at home. That's why she doesn't speak." His words revealed a hint of helplessness, clearly indicating that the changes in his family had a significant impact on him.

Zhao Chengyu chuckled, a hint of amusement in his eyes: "So now that your concubines and illegitimate children are gone, your wife will naturally see and talk to you more often. See how good I am to you, how much I care about your relationship as a couple."

A hint of embarrassment flashed across the Right Chancellor's face. He knew the Emperor was implying that his family problems might be affecting his political decisions. He quickly replied, "Your Majesty, my family affairs will never affect my loyalty and judgment in governing the country."

Zhao Chengyu waved his hand, indicating that the Right Chancellor did not need to be too nervous: "I am just reminding you that family harmony has a huge impact on a person. If you can handle your family affairs well, you will naturally be able to serve the country better."

The Empress smiled and said, "Yes, Right Chancellor, only with a harmonious family can one serve the country wholeheartedly. If you have any difficulties, feel free to tell us, and we may be able to offer some advice."

The Right Chancellor's face showed gratitude. He knew that the Emperor and Empress were concerned about him, and at the same time, they were reminding him that as a subject, he needed to find a balance between family and country.

Zhao Chengyu stood up, walked to the Right Chancellor's side, and patted him on the shoulder: "Alright, Right Chancellor, we are both people who serve the country. I hope you can understand my good intentions."

The Right Chancellor bowed deeply: "Your Majesty, I understand. I will certainly do my best to handle family affairs and live up to Your Majesty and the Empress's expectations."

The Right Chancellor was filled with mixed emotions, feeling an unprecedented sense of frustration. The matter of Wenshu Monastery had always been a thorn in his side. He knew that the Emperor's decision might bring considerable trouble to the country, but he also understood that directly opposing the Emperor's decision might put him in an even more unfavorable position.

He stood in a corner of the imperial study, his gaze shifting between the Emperor and Empress. He knew he had to say something, even if it might cost him the Emperor's trust. He took a deep breath, finally mustered his courage, slapped his thigh, and stood up resolutely.

"Your Majesty," the Right Chancellor's voice echoed in the Imperial Study, carrying a hint of resolve, "I urge you to rescind your order regarding the Wenshu Monastery. I don't know how you persuaded the Right Chancellor, but now only I can stop you from doing such a foolish thing!"

Zhao Chengyu frowned slightly. He hadn't expected the Right Chancellor to oppose his decision so directly. He put down the memorial in his hand and stared sharply at the Right Chancellor: "Right Chancellor, what do you mean by this? I have already thought very carefully about the matter of Wenshu Monastery."

The Empress also seemed somewhat surprised. She glanced at the Emperor and then at the Right Chancellor, as if looking for a suitable opportunity to interject.

The Right Chancellor did not back down; he knew this was his last chance: "Your Majesty, the expansion of Wenshu Monastery will consume a large amount of national treasury funds and will also affect the lives of the surrounding people. More importantly, it may arouse dissatisfaction among other forces and pose a threat to the stability of the country."

Zhao Chengyu remained silent for a moment, knowing that the Right Chancellor's words were not without reason. His gaze deepened, as if he were weighing the pros and cons.

“Right Chancellor, I understand your concerns,” Zhao Chengyu said slowly, “but the establishment of Wenshu Monastery is also for the long-term development of the country. We need more talented people who do not belong to any power and only do things ‘for the country and the people’.”

The Right Chancellor shook his head: "Your Majesty, while cultivating talent is important, we cannot neglect the suffering of the people. The establishment of Wenshu Monastery can be postponed; we can start by improving the living conditions of the people."

A hint of approval flashed in Zhao Chengyu's eyes; he appreciated the Right Chancellor's frankness. He stood up, walked to the Right Chancellor, and patted him on the shoulder: "Right Chancellor, you have served two reigns, and I have always treated you with the respect due to an elder. After ascending the throne, I have shown you every favor, never suppressing you in the slightest. Does the fact that you don't have any concubines in your harem mean you have no intention of assisting me?"

The Empress also stood up, her voice gentle yet firm: "Right Chancellor, we understand your concerns. But the Emperor's decision is for the future of the country. We can't just confiscate the property of the Gao family or the Su family whenever an official is punished, can we?"

The Right Chancellor took a deep breath; he knew he had done his best. He bowed again and said, “Your Majesty, this old minister has come to stop you only because I am wholeheartedly devoted to assisting you! Such reforms are neither based on military changes nor on a wealthy treasury, and there are no powerful families leading them. In the end, all the blame will fall on Your Majesty. What will become of you then?” His words revealed deep concern and unwavering loyalty to the Emperor.

Zhao Chengyu raised an eyebrow slightly, knowing that the Right Chancellor's concerns were not unfounded. He pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke: "Right Chancellor, I have seen your loyalty and worries. But I also hope you can understand that reform cannot be accomplished overnight; it requires time and our joint efforts. I have my own judgment regarding the Wenshu Monastery."

The Empress also said softly from the side, "Prime Minister, the Emperor's decisions naturally have their reasons. As his subjects, we should do our best to assist him, rather than simply opposing him."

A resolute glint flashed across the Right Chancellor's face. He knew his stance had to be clear: "Your Majesty, Empress, I understand your good intentions. But I also ask that you understand that my opposition is not out of personal motives, but out of concern for the future of the nation. Without sufficient preparation and support, the establishment of Wenshu Monastery may place a considerable burden on the country."

Zhao Chengyu nodded, stood up, and walked to the Right Chancellor's side, his gaze firm: "Right Chancellor, I will think deeply about your words. I will summon the ministers to discuss this matter again. I hope that, whatever the outcome, we can work together for the future of the country."

Consort Zhen waited quietly in the side hall outside the Emperor's bedchamber, her heart filled with anxiety, but mostly with anticipation. As a consort, she knew her status did not allow her to enter the Imperial Study without permission; it was a sacred place reserved for the Emperor, Empress, and Crown Prince.

Sunlight streamed through the exquisite wooden lattice windows, casting dappled shadows on her precious dress. Her fingers unconsciously caressed the letter in her hand, a document she had painstakingly obtained; its secrets might alter the balance of power in the court.

An hour's wait felt like an eternity, and Consort Zhen's initial anxiety gradually turned into determination. She knew that the Emperor's lunch break was fixed, which was why she had chosen this time to request an audience. She was confident that the Emperor would give her a chance.

Finally, familiar footsteps sounded outside the door; the Emperor had returned. Consort Zhen's heart skipped a beat. She quickly straightened her clothes, stood up, and prepared to greet the Emperor's arrival.

Zhao Chengyu stepped into the bedchamber and immediately saw Consort Zhen standing to one side. He was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting her to be there. But soon, a gentle smile appeared on his face: "Consort Zhen, what are you doing here?"

Consort Zhen bowed, her tone pleading: "Your Majesty, I have something important to tell you, and I humbly request an audience."

Zhao Chengyu's gaze lingered on Consort Zhen's face for a moment, as if considering how much truth was in her words. Finally, he nodded: "Alright, what is it? Speak freely."

Consort Zhen took a deep breath; she knew this was her only chance. She took out the letter from her sleeve and handed it to the Emperor with both hands: "Your Majesty, I obtained this by chance, and the information inside may be very important to you."

Zhao Chengyu took the letter, his gaze quickly sweeping over its contents. His brows furrowed, clearly surprised by its contents. He looked up, his sharp eyes fixed on Consort Zhen: "Where did this letter come from?"

Consort Zhen lowered her head, her voice trembling slightly: "Your Majesty, I dare not hide it. This was sent from outside the palace by my elder brother."

Zhao Chengyu was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Consort Zhen, you have done very well. I will carefully consider the information in this letter. You may leave now; I will send someone to inform you later."

Consort Zhen was overjoyed, knowing that the Emperor had accepted her message. She bowed again, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I take my leave." With that, she slowly withdrew from the bedchamber.

Zhao Chengyu sat on the dragon throne, his gaze once again falling on the letter in his hand, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He knew this letter might bring him considerable trouble, but it could also be the key to changing the course of the court. He took a deep breath and decided to summon his trusted confidants to discuss the contents of the letter.