My palace is full of female protagonists.

Inside Zhao Chengyu's palace, an unprecedented "feast of policy essays" was quietly unfolding. Zhao Qi'er, Consort Zhen, and Consort Leng, three beauties of the harem, along with high-ranking officials Prime Minister Su and Prime Minister Gao, were all summoned by Zhao Chengyu's decree to gather together and face a mountain of policy essays piled on the table. This sudden task left them, accustomed to their own busy lives, bewildered, exchanging bewildered glances and inwardly groaning.

Standing on the high platform, Zhao Chengyu looked at the group of people who were usually high and mighty before him, a sly smile playing on his lips. He deliberately adopted a rogue-like demeanor and said, "My esteemed ministers and empresses, these policy proposals must be read within three days. I know that some may have been written by ghostwriters, but as long as they truly have the country and its people in mind, I can be lenient. However, if they are poorly written and full of flattery, then don't blame me for being ruthless. When the list is presented, whether it's dismissal or execution, we'll discuss that later!"

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Su frowned, as if he had something to say, but under Zhao Chengyu's unquestionable gaze, he swallowed his words.

Prime Minister Gao hurriedly clasped his hands in a respectful bow, his tone tinged with caution: "Your Majesty, I dare to offer this advice. While reading the policy essays is a significant matter, the appointment and removal of local officials should not be taken lightly. If this leads to vacancies, even if appointments are made immediately, it will take time to fill them. This could have a negative impact on Your Majesty's vigorously promoted peanut planting plan."

Upon hearing this, a hint of appreciation flashed in Zhao Chengyu's eyes, but he maintained his impatient expression and said indifferently, "If there is a civil official in the county government who can take charge and solve the problem of peanut cultivation, I will not only not be stingy with promotion, but will also reward him handsomely! The position of county magistrate should be held by the capable, how can it be left vacant?"

Prime Minister Gao was rendered speechless by Zhao Chengyu's words and could only silently agree, secretly pondering how to adjust his strategy to deal with this sudden change. He personally wrote an edict, announcing that officials who had performed outstandingly in this policy review, especially those civil officials who could solve the peanut planting problem, would be listed as key candidates for promotion, and ordered the edict to be announced immediately.

The entire court and even the local areas were shaken. Officials began to pay more attention to the writing of these policy essays, and the people gained a new understanding of the young emperor's courage and decisiveness. In this seemingly absurd "feast of policy essays," Zhao Chengyu not only cleverly solved the problem of reviewing policy essays, but also subtly promoted the optimization of the official ranks and the progress of agricultural development.

As Zhao Chengyu's edict on policy proposals spread throughout the country, hundred-meter-long imperial notices were erected in front of major markets, displaying the contents of several edicts verbatim. The people stopped to watch, discussing the matter animatedly, expressing their admiration for the young emperor's determination to promote agricultural development. Meanwhile, officials in the court busied themselves writing their own policy proposals, hoping to use this opportunity to showcase their talent and wisdom.

As a result, even the professors in all the colleges assigned policy essays to their students, and they themselves wrote their own policy essays for others to read. Suddenly, agricultural development was so advanced that even illiterate farmers could chat about it.

In the midst of this frenzy, time flew by, and two busy days passed in the blink of an eye. It wasn't until nightfall, when the lights were dim, that Zhao Chengyu suddenly realized he seemed to have overlooked something important. He put down his pen, looked up at Zhao Qi'er who was quietly organizing documents beside him, and asked, "By the way, where are the two prime ministers' policy proposals? I haven't seen them."

Upon hearing this, both Prime Minister Su and Prime Minister Gao were taken aback, then gave wry smiles. For the past two days, they had not only been reviewing officials' policy proposals but also handling daily administrative affairs. Coupled with their advanced age, their health was naturally failing them. Now, being asked about policy proposals by Zhao Chengyu, they felt helpless but could only truthfully reply, "Your Majesty, we have been busy with official duties and have not yet been able to find time to write policy proposals. Please forgive us."

Seeing this, Zhao Qi'er quickly stepped forward to smooth things over. Knowing her father's temperament and feeling sorry for the two prime ministers' hard work, she gently said, "Your Majesty, the two prime ministers have been working day and night these past two days; it's truly not easy. Why not let them rest in the side hall of the Imperial Study today? Tomorrow before court, they can quietly write their policy proposals in the study. Once they're finished, they can present them directly to Father for review, setting a good example for other officials. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu felt some dissatisfaction, but upon reflection, he realized Zhao Qier's words made sense, and he shouldn't be too harsh. Moreover, seeing the two prime ministers' exhausted appearance, he couldn't help but feel compassion. Therefore, he nodded slightly, agreeing to the suggestion, while also finding a way to save face: "Well, as you say. However, both prime ministers, you must remember that I will see your policy proposals tomorrow. Don't come back saying you didn't have time to write them."

Upon hearing this, the two prime ministers immediately bowed and saluted, their eyes filled with gratitude: "Your Majesty, we will obey your decree and will certainly live up to your expectations."

Thus, a minor disturbance was quelled thanks to Zhao Qi'er's skillful maneuvering. The Imperial Study returned to its usual tranquility, and the two prime ministers were able to rest briefly in a side hall, preparing for tomorrow's new challenges.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the magnificent imperial court, yet an unusual silence permeated the air. Zhao Chengyu sat upright on the dragon throne, his gaze piercing, awaiting the policy proposals of the two prime ministers. However, to everyone's surprise, the first items presented were not works from the high hall, but several volumes of policy proposals carefully selected by Zhao Qi'er—now promoted to Consort Zhao—from various private libraries in the capital.

These policy proposals were carefully presented to Zhao Chengyu by the eunuchs and unfolded one by one. The ministers looked at each other in surprise, their discussions abruptly ceasing, and the entire court fell into an eerie silence. They had never expected that this young emperor would value the voices of the people so much; for a moment, everyone's attention was drawn to these simple pieces of paper.

Zhao Chengyu picked up a scroll of policy essays and began to read it carefully. With each page he turned, his eyes showed increasing approval. Seeing this, the ministers also quieted down, awaiting the emperor's reaction. In the court, only the soft sound of turning pages and the occasional chirping of birds from outside the window remained.

Suddenly, Zhao Chengyu's gaze fell on one of the policy essays. He looked up, his eyes sweeping over the assembled officials, and asked in a deep voice, "Have any of you heard of this Ma Jing?"

An official stepped forward upon hearing the commotion and respectfully replied, “Your Majesty, Ma Jing is a poor scholar who sells vegetables in the West Market. My residence happens to be near the West Market, and we occasionally cross paths. Although he comes from a poor family, he has lofty aspirations and is always engrossed in reading. Occasionally, he will even personally deliver vegetables to his neighbors. He is quite kind-hearted.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu raised an eyebrow, clearly showing great interest in this Ma Jing: "Oh? In the capital, land prices are exorbitant. How can a poor scholar like him establish himself here?"

The official continued, “Ma Jing is not a native of the capital, but came from the distant western part of the city. When he first arrived in the capital, he was mistaken for a beggar because of his ragged clothes and wandered outside the city for more than a month. Fortunately, one day he happened to see a young lady of the household being robbed. He stepped forward, nimbly caught the thief, and handed him over to the authorities. The family was very grateful and not only took him in, but also discovered his talent and recommended him to me many times. However, my official position is too lowly to help him. So, the family arranged for him to sell vegetables in the western market so that he could continue to study poetry and books in his spare time.”

After listening, Zhao Chengyu pondered to himself. He carefully reviewed Ma Jing's policy essay again and found that the handwriting was neat, and the words revealed profound knowledge and unique insights. It was indeed a rare masterpiece. He thought to himself: This person has both talent and no background. If I can use him, he will surely become a breath of fresh air and inject new vitality into the court.

Zhao Chengyu smiled slightly and said to the official, "Bring this man, the young lady he rescued, and her parents here. I'll wait for you here. Go quickly!"

Before the official could even agree, Xiao Kuangzi hurriedly ordered someone to prepare a fast horse to send the official out, and then brought everyone over in a carriage at the city gate.

These words caused another slight commotion in the court. The ministers exchanged glances, secretly trying to figure out the emperor's intentions.

As Zhao Chengyu delved deeper into the essays written by commoners, he gradually discovered that, despite their careful selection, some were merely flowery rhetoric with empty content—mere window dressing. He sighed softly, shook his head, and then selected several essays that he considered flawed but with untapped potential. He instructed his attendant, "Arrange for these authors to stay at the official post station immediately. Tomorrow, after I announce the list of dismissed officials, have them fill the vacancies and assume their new posts." The attendant obeyed and departed, and the court returned to a brief silence.

At this moment, Lord Leng, who was at the very end of the court, seeing how much the Emperor valued policy proposals from the common people, had an idea. He decided to strike while the iron was hot and try to secure an opportunity for his students. He straightened his clothes, slowly stood up, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, I also have several talented students in my office who are ready to be recommended to the court. Since Your Majesty is opening up avenues for talent, would it be possible for my students to participate in this review?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu's gaze shifted slightly, as if he had seen through Lord Leng's thoughts, but he didn't take offense. He smiled slightly and asked, to save trouble, "Oh? Have your students also written policy essays?"

Lord Leng quickly bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, I have ordered them to write policy essays to express their concern and insights on national affairs."

Zhao Chengyu nodded, appearing quite satisfied: "In that case, there's no need for them to come in person. Just send them their essays over, and I'll review them myself. If they truly have exceptional qualities, I'll arrange for them to wait at the inn. The position of county magistrate, though not prestigious, is a starting point for one's career if one can benefit the people. I was worried that your students, who came here to become officials in the capital, might not want to go! But you should also ask them; if they're unwilling, don't submit their names, lest you inadvertently deceive the emperor."

Seeing the varied and entertaining expressions on everyone's faces, Zhao Chengyu was overjoyed. He couldn't help but burst into laughter, clutching his stomach. The laughter echoed through the palace, sending a chill down the spines of the ministers present. Their faces turned pale, cold sweat beaded on their foreheads, and their previously resolute hearts began to waver. Some even unconsciously took a few steps back, as if wanting to distance themselves from Zhao Chengyu to avoid being frightened by his terrifying laughter.

Upon hearing this, Lord Leng was overjoyed and quickly expressed his gratitude, saying, "On behalf of the students, I thank Your Majesty for your great favor! I will certainly urge them to study diligently and live up to Your Majesty's expectations."

In the imperial court, with Lord Leng's departure, a discussion about talent selection temporarily came to an end. However, Zhao Chengyu already had a deeper plan in mind.

After carefully reviewing the last policy essay, Zhao Chengyu's face betrayed his exhaustion. He gently rubbed his temples, his gaze sweeping over the officials still standing in the court. He thought to himself that there seemed to be many matters yet to be dealt with. However, his physical fatigue did not allow him to linger any longer. So he smiled slightly, turned his gaze to Prime Minister Su and Prime Minister Gao beside him, and said with a hint of teasing, "Prime Ministers, my eyes are aching from reading this policy essay. I'm utterly exhausted. Don't tell me even the Empress is more capable than you! You two can trouble yourselves to organize the remaining matters into a concise document and send it to the Imperial Study for review later. I'm going to lie down for a while."

Having said that, Zhao Chengyu deliberately feigned exhaustion, bending over and gently covering his eyes with one hand, as if he had exhausted even the strength to open them. He slowly walked out of the court, leaving a group of officials looking at each other in bewilderment. They then hurriedly went about their business, preparing to compile the unfinished matters into a document for the emperor's review.

Meanwhile, the groups of people summoned by Zhao Chengyu, including the talented individuals from the common people who were about to be assigned positions, were led to wait outside the imperial study. A short while later, Zhao Chengyu, dressed in casual clothes, leisurely entered the imperial study. He sat casually in a chair, legs crossed, toes gently dangling, exuding a relaxed and carefree air, a stark contrast to his imposing figure in the court just moments before.

Ma Jing, one of the selected talented individuals from among the common people, was quite surprised upon first seeing this scene. He had never imagined that the emperor would appear so childlike, a far cry from the ruthless and decisive emperor he was rumored to be. But then he thought, the emperor is also human; perhaps he also has this relaxed side in private.

The official who accompanied Ma Jing, however, seemed quite unfazed by the scene. He had personally witnessed Zhao Chengyu's decisiveness and courage in killing with his sword in court, so he wasn't too surprised by the emperor's relaxed demeanor. He chuckled inwardly, thinking that perhaps this was the emperor's unique quality—capable of strategizing and winning battles in court, yet also displaying such a genuine and endearing side in private.

Inside the imperial study, Zhao Chengyu had a brief exchange with these talented individuals from the common people, inquiring about their backgrounds, aspirations, and plans for the future.