My palace is full of female protagonists.

Zhao Chengyu smiled slightly. He knew the Crown Prince was still young and lacked sufficient understanding of the complexities of human nature. He said, "That's because she thinks she needs to take care of me, so I show weakness in front of her. It's a strategy to make her feel important and thus more loyal to me."

The crown prince nodded thoughtfully, beginning to understand his father's deeper meaning.

Zhao Chengyu continued, "I'll arrange a marriage for you in two years. You can't be stupid enough to act tough in front of your woman. Think about what kind of temper your mother has."

The Crown Prince's mother, the Empress, was a strong-willed and opinionated woman. Zhao Chengyu knew that the Crown Prince's future wife must also be able to assist him, not merely be his appendage.

The crown prince nodded hurriedly. He knew that his father was teaching him how to be a wise monarch and how to manage his harem and court officials.

“Father, I will remember this,” the Crown Prince said earnestly.

Zhao Chengyu nodded in satisfaction. He knew that although the Crown Prince was young, he already possessed the potential to become a great monarch. He believed that as long as the Crown Prince could learn how to use wisdom and power, he could lead the country to a more glorious future. However, at the same time, the Crown Prince's position was the most feared by the emperor. Whoever rebelled would do so to secure the Crown Prince's ascension to the throne. That was why the Crown Prince had to be held to very high standards.

Zhao Chengyu stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the palace outside, his heart filled with anticipation. He knew that Zhao Yingqing's son would inherit his will and continue to protect the country, ensuring its prosperity.

The crown prince also learned a great deal about power and human nature during this conversation. He knew that he had a long road ahead of him, but with his father's guidance, he believed he could become an excellent monarch.

As expected, as an NPC, Zhao Chengyu clearly admired the Crown Prince. Zhao Yingqing was still quite young, and having such a strong and capable father standing in his way at such a young age would likely breed resentment. Although the Crown Prince was young, he was well aware of his limitations and always showed great respect and obedience to his father.

This morning at court, the Left and Right Chancellors had a heated argument over their sons fighting. Zhao Chengyu, or rather Zhao Yingqing, was dissatisfied with this situation. He believed that the dispute not only disrupted the order of the court but also damaged his authority.

Soon after, the two prime ministers came to the imperial study to apologize. Zhao Chengyu was annoyed by their behavior. He thought their disputes in court were already troublesome enough, and now they had come to the imperial study, clearly trying to show their loyalty to the emperor.

Zhao Chengyu decided to take action; he couldn't allow the two prime ministers' behavior to undermine his authority. He sternly punished them with a bowl of medicinal soup—a common court punishment intended to remind them to restrain themselves. Then, without hesitation, he forbade them from entering the imperial study again that day, hoping they would reflect on their actions.

Although the two prime ministers were dissatisfied, they had no choice but to obey Zhao Chengyu's authority. They left the imperial study dejectedly, their hearts filled with resentment towards Zhao Chengyu's decision.

Zhao Chengyu returned to his study to continue handling state affairs. His gaze fell upon the Crown Prince, his son with the Empress and his future heir. Although young, the Crown Prince had already displayed extraordinary talent and potential. Zhao Chengyu resolved to nurture the Crown Prince well, ensuring he became a qualified monarch to inherit his legacy. Perhaps, he could even escape the palace through a death escape, avoiding the entanglements of six powerful women.

After transmigrating into the body of Zhao Yingqing, Zhao Chengyu finds himself in a complex court, surrounded by six powerful women with distinct personalities and characteristics. Each woman possesses her own power and influence, presenting both challenges and opportunities for Zhao Yingqing.

The six main female characters are: the Empress, Zhao Qi'er, Consort Fang, Consort Zhen, Consort Yi, and Consort Leng.

The Empress, as the mother of the nation, not only held a pivotal position in the court but was also a female general skilled in both literature and military arts. Her abilities and wisdom were enough to overshadow any weak monarch. Zhao Yingqing realized that if the Empress's power was properly utilized, it would be a strong support for him.

Zhao Qi'er's performance today revealed to Zhao Yingqing the powerful network of connections she possesses. Both her personal connections and the influence she commands are resources Zhao Yingqing can leverage. Zhao Qi'er seems to have also recognized Zhao Yingqing's value and is willing to serve him.

Consort Fang's existence made an undeniable contribution to the country and its people. She seemed to have some understanding of Zhao Yingqing's soul and showed no hostility. Zhao Yingqing believed that Consort Fang might be a trustworthy ally.

Consort Zhen's passion for medicine made her an outstanding physician. For her, healing and saving lives was paramount; everything else seemed irrelevant. Zhao Yingqing believed that as long as her bottom line wasn't crossed, Consort Zhen wouldn't become an obstacle.

Consort Yi's personality is more like that of a young girl yearning for love. Zhao Yingqing believes that as long as her longing for love can be fulfilled, and she can find her beloved and marry as soon as possible, she will not pose a threat to his rule.

Finally, there's Consort Leng. She gives off an aura of unapproachability, but in reality, Zhao Yingqing's plan also utilizes her status. Consort Leng's willingness to stay in the palace is undoubtedly an unexpected asset to Zhao Yingqing.

Zhao Chengyu knew full well that if things followed the established plot, he would become a brainless follower. If there was only one main female character, he could simply give up. But with six main female characters, wouldn't he need to have a negative IQ just to survive? Considering he probably didn't have a physical body to return to, he had to skillfully balance their relationships and use their power to consolidate his throne. At the same time, he also had to be careful to prevent any of them from becoming a threat.

Zhao Chengyu, or rather Zhao Yingqing, sat in the imperial study, his gaze drifting through the window, his thoughts wandering. He knew that although these six leading ladies were currently growing in different areas and there was no direct conflict for the time being, their emotional entanglements and power struggles might gradually surface as time went on. He recalled the novels he had read in his previous life, those complex palace intrigues, and a sense of unease arose in his heart.

He muttered to himself, "But if I turn this place into a male-centric story, then the six women are merely embellishments in my script, and they'll naturally get along harmoniously." His voice was soft, yet it revealed a hint of determination. Zhao Chengyu decided that he would control the situation and prevent these potential conflicts from affecting his rule.

The Crown Prince, who was on the other side of the Imperial Study, heard his father talking to himself and respectfully asked, "Does Father have any further instructions?"

Zhao Yingqing snapped out of his reverie, looked at the Crown Prince, and a hint of tenderness flashed in his eyes. He smiled and shook his head: "It's nothing, Your Highness, please continue your studies."

The Crown Prince nodded and continued burying himself in his books. Zhao Chengyu, on the other hand, continued to ponder his plan. He knew that achieving this goal required meticulous planning and strategy. He decided that from now on, he would cultivate relationships with the six female protagonists, making them his allies, not his adversaries.

Zhao Chengyu sat on the dragon throne, pondering the future of the various women in the palace. He knew that each of their destinies was in his hands, and every decision he made could change their lives.

The Empress, a woman skilled in both literature and martial arts, harbored a secret love, a cherished memory from her youth. Zhao Yingqing considered arranging a false identity for her, giving her a chance to leave the palace and pursue her own happiness. However, he also knew that the Empress's deep affection for the Crown Prince and her daughters made it uncertain whether she would be willing to leave.

Zhao Qi'er's situation is more complicated. She seems to have nowhere else to go, but her personality prevents her from targeting Zhao Yingqing. She might choose to give up on herself, but Zhao Yingqing believes her primary concern right now should be the Second Prince and her daughters. Zhao Qi'er has always regarded Consort Yi and the other children in the palace as half-mistresses, and her future is fraught with uncertainty.

Consort Fang has embarked on the path of cultivation, pursuing a life transcending worldly concerns. Zhao Yingqing cannot, and need not, make arrangements for her. Her lifestyle has already determined her fate.

The marriage of Consort Yi was part of Zhao Yingqing's plan, and he had entrusted this task to Zhao Qi'er. He believed that Zhao Qi'er would find a suitable match for Consort Yi.

Consort Zhen's heart was always set on medicine. Zhao Yingqing decided that as long as she was provided with sufficient resources to continue treating and saving lives, she would be content. He believed that a doctor's heart was benevolent and that she would not have any intention of harming others. Zhao Yingqing believed that Consort Zhen could realize her value through practicing medicine, which was also a way for her to achieve self-actualization.

The situation with Consort Leng requires further consideration. Zhao Yingqing has already arranged a new identity for her, and he plans to find a suitable opportunity to persuade her to leave the palace after this reform. Perhaps Consort Leng's aloof and unapproachable image will allow her to find a more suitable life outside the palace.

Zhao Chengyu paced back and forth in the imperial study, his brow furrowed, seemingly lost in deep thought. He realized that as a time traveler, he didn't seem to have brought any special skills or advantages. In this court filled with intrigue and struggle, he needed to find his footing.

He decided to ask Xiao Kuangzi for help, a young eunuch who had served him in the palace since childhood. Although young, Xiao Kuangzi was perceptive and knew everything about palace affairs. Zhao Chengyu walked up to Xiao Kuangzi and asked, "Xiao Kuangzi, you've served me since you were little, do you think I have any special skills?"

The little box immediately replied respectfully, "You are especially great in the hearts of the people!"

Zhao Chengyu felt a little embarrassed upon hearing this. He knew Xiao Kuangzi was flattering him, but this wasn't the answer he wanted. He pressed on, "That's not what I meant. I was asking what special skills I have?"

Xiao Kuangzi frowned and began to think seriously. He stammered out a few "you"s and "you actually...", but he couldn't seem to make sense of it.

Seeing this, Zhao Chengyu waved his hand helplessly and said self-deprecatingly, "Looks like I don't have one! Why don't I have a system or something? Or at least a cheat system, or if all else fails, some kind of fortuitous encounter? Why did I transmigrate here just to die again?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Kuangzi quickly comforted him, saying, "Your Majesty, you are the Son of Heaven, and naturally you are destined by Heaven. You must have extraordinary abilities."

Zhao Chengyu sighed. He knew Xiao Kuangzi was trying to comfort him, but he also understood that in this palace, fate alone wasn't enough. He needed to find his own strengths, his own "system" or "golden finger."

Zhao Chengyu felt a sense of powerlessness during his life in the palace. He began searching for forgotten corners, hoping to find something different—perhaps an abandoned place, or a place with terrifying legends. He believed that such places often hid unknown secrets and might offer him some inspiration.

He found Xiao Kuangzi, a young eunuch who had served him in the palace since childhood. Zhao Chengyu knew that Xiao Kuangzi was very knowledgeable about the affairs of the palace, and he might know some of the palace's secrets.

“Little Box,” Zhao Chengyu asked in a low voice, “are there any abandoned places in the palace, or places with terrifying legends?”

Xiao Kuangzi's expression changed slightly upon hearing this. He knew that these topics touched on taboos within the palace, but seeing Zhao Chengyu's serious expression, he knew that this was not the time to joke.

“These are curses, and Xiao Kuangzi has no right to speak about them.” Xiao Kuangzi’s voice trembled slightly.

Zhao Chengyu's tone turned stern: "I'm telling you to speak, so speak, or you'll be beheaded."

Xiao Kuangzi nodded immediately. He knew Zhao Chengyu's words weren't a threat, but the truth. He thought for a moment, then said, "Yes, there are a few places. But I've checked them, and there's nothing special about them."

A glint flashed in Zhao Chengyu's eyes; he knew he might have found some clues. "Take me there now," he commanded.

Zhao Chengyu and Xiao Kuangzi's footsteps echoed in the empty corridor, the lanterns in their hands casting a faint, flickering light, adding a touch of mystery to their nighttime adventure. They first arrived at the northwest corner of the palace, where there was an abandoned music room. It was said that mysterious music would emanate from there when the night was deep and quiet.

The door to the music room was tightly shut, covered with a thin layer of dust, indicating that no one had been there for a long time. Zhao Chengyu gently pushed the door open; it creaked as if telling a forgotten story. They entered the room, only to find it empty except for a guqin (ancient Chinese zither) standing quietly in the center, its body carved with exquisite patterns, exuding a simple yet elegant charm.