My palace is full of female protagonists.

Zhao Chengyu wandered through the magnificent palace, his figure appearing exceptionally lonely in the candlelight. Within the palace walls, everyone wore masks, and every word was laced with calculation. Although he was the ruler of a nation, he felt an unprecedented isolation. In this palace filled with intrigue and strife, he could find no one he could confide in, no corner where he could let his guard down.

Xiao Kuangzi, his personal eunuch, had recently become his informant and assistant. However, even Xiao Kuangzi was just a minor figure in the palace; his abilities and influence were limited, and he couldn't offer Zhao Chengyu much help in court. Zhao Chengyu knew that while Xiao Kuangzi's loyalty was valuable, it couldn't be relied upon in this game of court politics.

In this loneliness and helplessness, Zhao Chengyu thought of Fang Fei, the woman who always wore a mysterious smile. She once claimed to know that she was a soul from another world, and her eyes held a depth and wisdom unlike anything in this world. For Zhao Chengyu, Fang Fei's existence was like a beacon in the darkness; a single sentence from her filled him with both fear and joy.

If Consort Fang were still in the palace, she might have become Zhao Chengyu's most trusted confidante. Her unique status and extraordinary temperament made her stand out in the palace. Her wisdom and insight might have helped Zhao Chengyu understand the complex situation at court and provided him with valuable advice. If he could gain her loyalty and support, she might become a crucial force for Zhao Chengyu in this struggle.

But Consort Fang had already left. She chose to save the common people, but not to save Zhao Chengyu's soul from another world. Zhao Chengyu knew he couldn't rely on someone who had already left. He had to become strong on his own and learn to survive in this palace filled with danger and uncertainty.

Perhaps Zhao Chengyu can only gradually become more mature and powerful. He is no longer the young monarch who needs to rely on others, but an emperor who can face all challenges independently.

Zhao Chengyu sat on the dragon throne, the memorials in his hands weighing heavily on his heart like a small mountain. Today's court affairs were busier than usual; over thirty officials were summoned to the Imperial Study in succession. Most of them shared the surname Leng, which troubled Zhao Chengyu like never before. Xiao Kuangzi was busy beside him, drawing pictures to record the officials' features for future identification. But to Zhao Chengyu, these officials all seemed to look very similar, making it difficult for him to distinguish them.

"Sigh..." Zhao Chengyu couldn't help but sigh, a hint of weariness in his eyes. He knew that as the ruler of a country, he had to remember the face and name of every official; it was his responsibility and a symbol of his power. However, faced with these officials whose faces were so similar, he felt a sense of powerlessness.

The Empress noticed Zhao Chengyu's predicament. She gently approached him and offered him help in her tender voice. The Empress's wisdom and insight always provided Zhao Chengyu with support at crucial moments. Her presence was like a guiding light for him, illuminating his path forward.

"Your Majesty, this is Lord Leng. He is in charge of water conservancy projects. You praised his water management plan last time," the Empress reminded him softly.

Zhao Chengyu nodded, a glimmer of light returning to his eyes. He glanced gratefully at the Empress, then continued discussing state affairs with the officials. With the Empress's help, Zhao Chengyu felt much more at ease, began to communicate with the officials with greater confidence, and his decisions became more decisive and wise.

With the Empress's assistance, Zhao Chengyu gradually adapted to the busy life of court politics. He began to learn to observe the subtle differences between each official, looking for clues in their words and actions to better remember them. He also began to place greater emphasis on communicating with officials, understanding their character and abilities through dialogue.

As time went on, Zhao Chengyu not only memorized the faces of every official but also learned about their individual strengths and achievements. His imperial study became more efficient, and his decisions more informed. The Empress remained his most capable assistant; her support and wisdom allowed Zhao Chengyu to navigate the affairs of state with ease.

A barely perceptible worry lingered between Zhao Chengyu's brows. His gaze swept across the empty imperial study, as if searching for the right words. Only after the last "Lord Leng" figure disappeared outside the door did he turn to Empress Ling Yan and softly say, "Ling Yan, summon Shan here. I have something to say to you. Don't go back to your palace."

Empress Ling Yan was slightly taken aback, but she quickly regained her composure, nodded, and gestured for the maidservant beside her to deliver the message. She knew that since Zhao Chengyu had said this, it must be something important to discuss. She told the maidservant to return to Fengyi Palace and tell the children not to wait for her and that they could eat first.

The food was laid out on the table, its aroma filling the air, but Zhao Chengyu seemed to have no appetite. He waved his hand, dismissing all the servants, leaving only Xiao Kuangzi standing behind the door. Xiao Kuangzi kept his head down, trying his best to make himself inconspicuous.

Zhao Chengyu looked at the Empress apologetically and said, "Can you eat by yourself? I'm sorry, I sent them all away." His voice carried a hint of gentleness, a side of him that he rarely showed to outsiders.

Empress Ling Yan smiled slightly and replied, "There are many rules in the palace, but actually in Fengyi Palace, I eat my own food and don't need anyone to serve me." Her words revealed a sense of independence and strength, which was her rule for survival in the palace.

Zhao Chengyu nodded. He knew the Empress was a smart and independent woman who didn't need excessive protection or pampering. He said, "Those are just formalities."

Empress Lingyan couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, is there something you can't tell me beforehand?" Her eyes held a hint of curiosity and concern; she knew Zhao Chengyu must have something important to tell her.

Zhao Chengyu frowned, took out a precious letter from his sleeve, and handed it to Empress Gao Lingyan. The letter contained a message that Consort Zhen had just secretly passed on to him, concerning the illegal activities of some officials in the court, as well as some conspiracies that might threaten the imperial power.

Gao Lingyan took the letter, her gaze quickly sweeping over the words, a flash of anger crossing her eyes. She slammed her hand on the table, stood up abruptly, and said firmly, "Your Majesty, let me send troops!" Her voice carried an unwavering determination.

Zhao Chengyu shook his head, a hint of worry in his eyes: "The Leng family's people have just been summoned. If you leave, and the Left Prime Minister doesn't like me, won't I be isolated and helpless?" His words carried a trace of helplessness. He knew that the Empress's army was his strong backing, but the situation was complicated at the moment, and he needed more support and wisdom.

Empress Gao Lingyan calmed down, pondered for a moment, and then said, "You still have the Crown Prince! Prime Minister Gao will definitely stand on the Crown Prince's side. Although the Crown Prince is only a teenager now, he is already a well-versed in literature. If many years later, most of the achievements of these reforms will need his continued implementation to ensure their continued development. Even if it's just for show, it wouldn't be unreasonable for him to take the lead."

As Zhao Chengyu listened to the Empress's words, a glint of light flashed in his eyes. He knew the Empress was right; although the Crown Prince was young, he had already demonstrated extraordinary talent and magnanimity. He needed to nurture the Crown Prince, making him the successor to his reforms and giving the court officials hope for the future.

“Alright, it’s settled then.” Zhao Chengyu made up his mind. “I will arrange for the Crown Prince to take the lead and implement these reforms in his name. At the same time, I will also secretly mobilize some loyal generals in case of any unforeseen circumstances.”

Empress Gao Lingyan nodded, knowing this was the best solution at the moment. She said to Zhao Chengyu, "I will personally instruct the Crown Prince to ensure he is competent for this role."

Zhao Chengyu looked at the Empress with gratitude. He knew her wisdom and ability; with her by the Crown Prince's side, he could rest assured. He said, "Lingyan, thank you. With you here, I can always find a way to solve problems."

Empress Gao Lingyan smiled slightly. She knew her responsibility was heavy, but she was also confident that she could help Zhao Chengyu stabilize the court and promote reforms. She said, "Your Majesty, this is what I should do. Together, we will surely make this country stronger."

In this palace rife with intrigue and strife, Zhao Chengyu and Gao Lingyan face challenges together, their trust and cooperation being their greatest strength. Meanwhile, Xiao Kuangzi remains quietly standing behind the door, guarding this secret moment.

Zhao Chengyu was filled with conflicting emotions. He hoped that the Crown Prince could take on the responsibilities of state as soon as possible, but he also worried that such a change would make him feel even more uncomfortable in the Imperial Study. He knew that the Crown Prince Zhao Qi'er was intelligent and quick-witted, but he was still unsure whether he could become his capable assistant like the Empress.

As night fell, the Empress and Zhao Chengyu discussed strategies for dealing with the border rebellion in the Imperial Study. The Empress's wisdom and decisiveness reassured Zhao Chengyu; she not only presented a detailed plan but also personally drafted the imperial edict. The edicts were sent one after another to the general's residence, the marquis's residence, and the minister's residence, each residence brightly lit, foreshadowing an urgent operation about to unfold.

The atmosphere in the palace was unusually tense during the morning court session the following day. At the Empress's suggestion, the Phoenix Army was quickly assembled within the palace. During the sacrificial ceremony, a pig and a cow were offered as sacrifices to pray for victory in the war and the safety of the soldiers. The Empress personally led a group of generals, who would continuously recruit troops along the way to the frontier, eventually forming an army of 80,000 to quell the rebellion on the border.

The Empress's actions were decisive and swift, fully demonstrating her leadership and military prowess. She was not only the mistress of the palace but also a pillar of strength in the nation's time of crisis. Standing atop the city wall, Zhao Chengyu watched the Empress and her army depart, his heart filled with respect and gratitude.

After the Empress's departure, Zhao Chengyu began to rely more on the Crown Prince. He involved the Crown Prince in court affairs, hoping he could quickly become familiar with national matters. Although young, the Crown Prince demonstrated remarkable political wisdom and a strong sense of responsibility. He not only helped Zhao Chengyu process memorials but also offered some insightful suggestions.

The imperial palace at night was quiet and somber. Zhao Chengyu sat on the dragon throne in the imperial study, his vermilion brush landing heavily on the memorials, each stroke representing a decision on matters of national importance. His brow was furrowed, and his eyes revealed deep weariness. Since ascending the throne, his life had never been as easy as before. His sleep time each day had been compressed to a mere two hours. He even began to miss his days as a corporate slave; although busy then, at least he didn't have to bear endless pressure and responsibility like he did now.

Zhao Qi'er, his beloved concubine, quietly entered the imperial study. She carried a basin of hot water in her hands, filled with specially prepared herbs that emitted a faint fragrance. Knowing Zhao Chengyu's hard work, she had specially prepared these herbs, hoping to alleviate his fatigue.

"Your Majesty, let me give you a massage." Zhao Qi'er's voice was gentle and considerate. She placed a basin of hot water beside Zhao Chengyu's feet, then gently removed his dragon boots and soaked his feet in the hot water.

Zhao Chengyu closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of the hot water and Zhao Qier's gentle massage, his body and mind finding some relaxation. He couldn't help but sigh, realizing that although he was the most distinguished person in the country, he also bore a burden that ordinary people could hardly imagine.

Just then, Consort Zhen requested an audience. She entered the Imperial Study with hurried steps, bowed, and immediately said, "Your Majesty, the medicinal herbs I prepared are all ready. You can arrange for the Imperial Guards to transport them to the border. Moreover, the servants looking after the herbs are all shop assistants from major pharmacies, and they can purchase even more herbs along the way. This will surely be of great help to Her Majesty the Empress."

Zhao Chengyu opened his eyes and looked at Consort Zhen, a hint of gratitude flashing in them. He knew that Consort Zhen had always been silently supporting him, and her thoughtfulness and consideration brought him a sense of comfort. He nodded and said, "Okay, we'll do as you say. You've worked hard."

Consort Zhen smiled and shook her head. She knew her duty and was willing to share the Emperor's worries. She said, "It is my honor to share the Emperor's worries."

Zhao Chengyu told Zhao Qi'er to stop the massage, then stood up, walked to Consort Zhen, and took her hand. He said, "Consort Zhen, I appreciate your kindness. I will arrange for the Imperial Guards to safely deliver these medicinal herbs to the frontier."

A tear glistened in Consort Zhen's eyes. She knew the Emperor carried too many burdens in his heart, but she also knew there was little she could do for him. She nodded and said, "This concubine takes her leave."

Watching Consort Zhen's departing figure, Zhao Chengyu was filled with emotion. These women in the harem weren't as petty and calculating as those in palace dramas, nor did they constantly plot to poison the Emperor and Crown Prince. He comforted himself, thinking that his hard work wasn't entirely self-inflicted.