My palace is full of female protagonists.

The border news shattered the tranquility of the palace like a thunderclap, and a letter from Yun Feiyang plunged Zhao Chengyu's spirits to the depths. In the letter, Yun Feiyang earnestly expressed his helplessness and distress. It turned out that the Yun family had once again arranged marriages for him, even disregarding his wishes and sending several noble ladies from the capital to the border, including some of high-ranking women. Faced with this sudden "gift," Yun Feiyang was at a loss and ultimately decided to personally escort them back to the capital in an attempt to resolve this troublesome matter properly.

Zhao Chengyu paced back and forth in the imperial study, his brow furrowed, appearing extremely agitated. Seeing this, the Crown Prince quickly stepped forward and inquired, "Father, is there something urgent that has caused you such worry?" Zhao Chengyu stopped, sighed, and briefly recounted the matter of the Yun family, adding indignantly at the end, "Those people in the Yun family are truly more trouble than they're worth! It seems my personal reprimand last time wasn't strong enough!"

Before he could finish speaking, a slight noise came from outside the door, followed by a knock from a palace servant. Zhao Chengyu was about to answer when he saw Xiao Kuangzi push open the door, and there stood Consort Leng, clearly startled by the conversation inside the Imperial Study. Seeing this, Zhao Chengyu quickly stepped forward and asked gently, "My dear consort, why have you come? There are no policy essays to read today."

Consort Leng snapped out of her reverie and quickly bowed, her voice tinged with nervousness and apology: "I have heard that Father will soon be bringing his students to the palace for an audience. I thought that if I could personally attend, it would not only bring honor to Father but also enhance Your Majesty's prestige. Therefore, I have dared to come and inquire about Your Majesty's opinion. I will simply wait under the eaves and will not disturb Your Majesty's discussion with the Crown Prince."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He gently took Leng Fei's hand and said tenderly, "My dear consort, you are so kind. You come whenever you want. Why be so formal? Just sit inside. There's no need to stand outside. Your father only recruited some officials to help me expand my recruitment and provide me with some useful people. I should reward him."

Upon hearing this, Consort Leng's eyes reddened slightly. She glanced gratefully at Zhao Chengyu and obediently followed him into the Imperial Study.

In the imperial study, Zhao Chengyu seemed to have found an outlet for his grievances. His tone was tinged with helplessness and sarcasm as he spoke to Consort Leng: "My beloved consort, do you think the Yun family truly has some unspeakable secret? Don't they understand that Yun Feiyang, as a valiant general of our dynasty, is truly valuable for the stability of the border and the peace of the nation? Yet, at this crucial moment, they insist on interfering with his marriage in such an absurd way as sending women to the border, forcing Yun Feiyang to neglect even his army and personally escort these noble ladies back to the capital. If this continues, won't the Empress be left isolated and helpless on the border? I truly cannot understand what kind of tofu is in the Yun family's brains. I must open them up and see for myself, how can they be so utterly incapable of prioritizing what's important!"

Upon hearing this, Consort Leng was first taken aback, then her lips unconsciously curved upwards, and she chuckled softly. This smile, like a spring breeze, instantly eased the previously tense atmosphere. The Crown Prince and Xiao Kuangzi watched in stunned silence, muttering to themselves: The Emperor would actually utter such exaggerated words, and Consort Leng, who never smiles, had actually laughed—which was more shocking to them?

Zhao Chengyu noticed Leng Fei's smile and felt a surge of pleasure. He gently patted the back of Leng Fei's hand and asked, "My dear concubine, do you think I should personally go to the Yun family again and give them a good talking-to?"

Consort Leng suppressed her smile and replied earnestly, "Your Majesty is busy with many affairs of state and will soon be meeting with my father and his students. It is really inconvenient for him to be distracted by this matter. Moreover, if I were to intervene and persuade the Yun family, it might yield unexpected results."

Zhao Chengyu raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised, and asked, "Oh? My beloved concubine thinks you can do it?"

Consort Leng smiled slightly and explained, "Before I got married, I had some connection with the second sister of the Yun family. We could talk to each other. I can use this relationship to convey His Majesty's message to her and ask her to persuade the elders in the family. Perhaps they will realize their mistakes and stop interfering in Yun Feiyang's marriage."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu's eyes flashed with admiration. He nodded and said, "Since my beloved concubine is so confident, then I'll leave it to you to handle. I believe in your wisdom and ability; I'm sure you can resolve this matter properly."

The second young lady of the Yun family, though already married, followed the family tradition of having a son-in-law marry into the family to maintain the family's bloodline and power. The Yun family, a prominent military family for generations, had achieved great military exploits, but this glory came at a heavy price. Family members frequently went to war, their fates unknown, resulting in a dwindling household, especially a shortage of male members. Therefore, Yun family daughters often chose to marry into the family rather than outside the family. This was not only for the sake of family continuity but also to seek a balance between martial and scholarly pursuits, ensuring future generations inherited both the family's bravery and the refinement and wisdom of scholars. Furthermore, the family could not consist solely of women; although the Yun family had produced female generals, marrying into the family was always the best thing for the Yun family.

The Yun family's genes, seemingly tempered by the smoke and glory of the battlefield, are exceptionally strong. Even two- or three-year-old children, in a childlike game like drawing lots, would unconsciously reach for the small spear that symbolizes strength and courage. This scene often brought the Yun family both joy and slight worry, so they mostly married into the families of scholars with little background.

When news of Consort Leng's impending visit reached the Yun family, the entire household instantly sprang into action. The second young lady of the Yun family and the matriarch, as the heads of the family, quickly arranged for the reception. They knew that a visit from the imperial palace was far from a simple courtesy call; they had to go all out to demonstrate the Yun family's style and sincerity.

Thus, the entire Yun family mobilized, bustling about from dawn till dusk. The servants were divided into several teams; some went to the market to purchase the freshest ingredients and exquisite tableware for the banquet; others were busy decorating the mansion, from the garden to the main hall, leaving no detail overlooked. Musicians were invited to play melodious music throughout the Leng Fei's visit, adding a touch of culture to the grand feast.

Meanwhile, the stage was being prepared in full swing, and renowned opera troupes from the capital were invited to perform. The program included both traditional opera classics and newly adapted innovative plays, aiming to allow Consort Leng to enjoy a visual feast while also feeling the Yun family's respect for and pursuit of culture.

In addition, the Yun family specially prepared a fireworks display, as well as a series of other auspicious and prosperous programs, striving to shine the most dazzling light in the night sky, in order to express their warm welcome and high regard for the visit of the Cold Consort.

The sun shone brightly, and the melodious midday bells echoed throughout the capital. The Leng Fei's carriage slowly entered the streets. This carriage, specially designed for royal travel, became the focus of everyone's attention with its magnificent yet dignified appearance. The procession moved like a flowing golden river, with guards and palace maids following on both sides, their steps perfectly synchronized, revealing the unique majesty and grandeur of the royal family. At the forefront, a gong player in official robes struck his gong intermittently; the crisp sound pierced through the noise, announcing the arrival of the royal envoy, attracting crowds of onlookers who stopped to watch and discuss the event.

As the carriage slowly approached the Yun family's gate, the entire family was already on high alert. The Second Miss Yun and the matriarch, dressed in magnificent attire, led the family members in kneeling before the gate, awaiting the arrival of the Cold Consort. Their faces were filled with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation; after all, such a grand royal visit was an unprecedented honor for the Yun family.

When Consort Leng's carriage came to a smooth stop inside the Yun family's Langting, the carriage door slowly opened, and Consort Leng stepped out gracefully, surrounded by palace maids and matrons. She was dressed in an elegant yet noble palace gown, her hair styled in a high bun, adorned with pearls and jade. Every step she took was so composed and unhurried, as if she were born to belong to this center of power.

Upon seeing Consort Leng alight from the carriage, the Yun family members knelt again to express their utmost respect. Consort Leng's gentle gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on Miss Yun the Second. A faint smile appeared on her lips as she gently stepped forward and personally helped Miss Yun the Second to her feet. The intimacy and respect she showed surprised and moved everyone present.

“Miss Yun, there’s no need for such formalities.” Leng Fei’s voice was gentle yet firm. She took Miss Yun’s hand, and the two walked side by side toward the main seat, completely ignoring the Yun family members who were still kneeling on the ground, including the Yun family matriarch who was slightly displeased but dared not speak out.

Once seated, the palace maids and matrons quickly set to work, arranging the utensils they had brought, each one exquisitely crafted and clearly prepared specifically for Consort Leng. Meanwhile, the items the Yun family had meticulously prepared were removed one by one. This scene inevitably stirred some dissatisfaction in the heart of the Yun family matriarch, but she knew she couldn't show it, and could only continue in her kneeling posture, silently pondering her actions.

Consort Leng's attention seemed to be completely absorbed in her reunion with Miss Yun, and she appeared to be talking only to Miss Yun, with a constant stream of topics. It wasn't until Miss Yun found a moment to speak softly that Consort Leng snapped back to reality, saying, "Your Majesty, may we ask the family members to get up? They still need to prepare the next program for Your Majesty." Consort Leng then looked at Old Madam Yun with a hint of apology and gentleness, saying, "Oh dear, it's been so long since I've seen you. We've lost track of time once we started chatting. Please, everyone, get up."

The friendship between Miss Yun and Leng Linshuang is deep. Although they cannot openly interact due to various reasons, their tacit understanding and empathy have never diminished. Last time, Consort Leng risked leaving the palace precisely to have a brief reunion with Miss Yun in a restaurant. That sisterly affection is even more precious under the shackles of imperial power and family.

As the family members rose, the banquet gradually moved into its main topic. While enjoying the exquisite dishes, Consort Leng abruptly changed the subject, steering the conversation towards the current state of the Yun family: "Madam Yun, I heard that both General Yun and Young General Yun have gone to the border to protect the peace of the country. Doesn't that mean there are only women left at home?" Madam Yun's tone revealed a hint of helplessness and pride: "Yes, there are indeed more women in the family, but there are also my second daughter's husband and several of my illegitimate daughters' husbands. Although they are not military officers, they are all diligent people. However, they are afraid that my uncouth manner might offend Your Highness, so they are arranged to wait in the outer courtyard."

Upon hearing this, Consort Leng gently shook her head, a warm glint in her eyes: "Madam, you are mistaken. Since they are members of the Yun family, they are also subjects of our dynasty. How can there be any talk of offense? On the contrary, if I were to neglect them because of this, it would make me, a concubine of the harem, seem too arrogant. How about this, when the play begins, let them set up a table in the side room and watch it together. Consider it a small compensation for them."

Upon hearing Consort Leng's words, Old Madam Yun felt a slight chill run down her spine. She was well aware of the complexity and sensitivity behind this issue. Indeed, while the second young lady's husband was quite refined, some of the husbands of the concubine's daughters were indeed restless and prone to gossip. The reason she had previously sent them to the outer courtyard was precisely because she feared they might speak recklessly in such a setting, causing unnecessary trouble for the Yun family. At this moment, Consort Leng's suggestion surprised and troubled her. However, out of consideration for the royal family's reputation, she could only secretly instruct the servants to find more screens to surround half of the table, hoping to conceal those restless figures as much as possible.

With the sons-in-law properly settled, the performance on the stage had quietly progressed through two pieces. The melodious singing and gorgeous costumes intertwined to create vivid scenes, yet they seemed unable to fully capture the attention of everyone present. Finally, Consort Leng steered the conversation to the true purpose of her visit. In a humble yet dignified tone, she asked Old Madam Yun, "Old Madam, His Majesty recently mentioned something to me, but I am unable to give a proper answer as I do not know the details. Your esteemed position and high moral character will surely enlighten me."

Upon hearing this, Madam Yun immediately stood up, placed her hand on her chest, and replied respectfully and fearfully, "Your Majesty is too kind. What virtue or ability do I have to deserve such praise from Your Majesty? But if Your Majesty has any questions, I will answer them to the best of my knowledge."

Consort Leng nodded slightly and continued, "To safeguard the peace of the border, Her Majesty the Empress personally led a large army on an expedition and has not returned for over a month. Although the fighting at the front has not completely subsided, Her Majesty the Empress's wisdom and courage will surely stabilize the situation. Once everything is arranged, she will return to the capital first. However, what puzzles us is that General Yun, who accompanied Her Majesty the Empress, has recently sent word that he intends to return to the capital. This matter concerns the overall situation at the front and the face of the royal family, so I have to ask the Old Madam what General Yun's intentions are in doing this?"

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Yun's expression changed slightly. It must have been her own idea to send several noble ladies to Yun Feiyang so he could settle down on the frontier, but she hadn't expected her son to want to send them back, and even personally escort them to avoid giving anyone a handle against him. Therefore, she pondered for a moment and slowly said, "Your Majesty, the entire Yun family prioritizes the nation. If General Yun truly wishes to return, he must have his reasons. However, the situation at the front is constantly changing, and any decision must be made with caution. Although I do not know the details, I am willing to write a letter immediately to persuade Yun Feiyang to stay on the frontier."