My palace is full of female protagonists.

In the deep and solemn hall of the Yun Manor, candlelight flickered, illuminating the complex emotions on everyone's faces. The Cold Consort, renowned for her aloof elegance, sat regally in her exquisite palace attire, her eyes deep and penetrating, seemingly able to see into people's hearts, yet carrying a subtle, almost imperceptible tenderness. She gently raised her hand, her right index finger pointing precisely at the kneeling Old Madam Yun, her tone carrying an undeniable authority: "Old Madam, you are mistaken. Are you implying that I have acted without due consideration, that I have lost my composure?"

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Yun trembled, her face instantly turning ashen. Knowing her words might have been misunderstood, she immediately kowtowed repeatedly, her voice trembling with sobs: "This old woman deserves to die! This old woman meant no harm! This old woman was only worried that the many trivial matters at home might disturb Your Majesty's meditation and Your Majesty's hearing. Your Majesty, please understand, this old woman would never dare to have the slightest disrespect for Your Majesty!" Her voice trembled, every word revealing her inner fear and self-reproach.

At this moment, Miss Yun the Second, a woman renowned for her gentleness and intelligence, stepped forward lightly. In her soft yet firm voice, she sought a solution to this sudden turmoil: “Mother, please do not blame yourself too much. Although my brother’s marriage is a major event for the family, in this time of national crisis, the safety of the borders and the well-being of Her Majesty the Empress are of paramount importance. We should act immediately, dispatching the most reliable messengers to inform Father and Brother of the situation as quickly as possible, and arranging for people to go to various places to bring back our sisters who have married far away. Although the journey is long and full of unknowns, our Yun family has always upheld benevolence and righteousness, and we will spare no expense in hiring bodyguards to ensure their safety. As for the grievances and dissatisfaction in my sisters’ hearts, I will carefully select some fine silver jewelry as an apology and personally deliver it to them. I believe this will surely resolve this misunderstanding.”

Miss Yun's words were like a gentle spring breeze, not only soothing Old Madam Yun's heart but also allowing everyone present to feel her wisdom and tenderness. She considered not only the family's honor and interests but also kinship and sisterly affection.

Consort Leng nodded gently, her eyes revealing appreciation. She put down her teacup and said slowly, “Second Miss is right. As women of the inner court, although we cannot directly participate in the decision-making of national affairs, we must still pay close attention to the changing situation and contribute our share to the family and the country. I have come here on the Emperor's behalf to inquire about the Yun family's views on the border war and whether they can provide any support. I know that we should not interfere too much in the affairs of men, but I am more concerned about the Emperor's feelings and safety. If he has any worries, I will do my best to share his burdens. As for the Emperor's decree, I naturally dare not make decisions on my own, but I will truthfully report the Yun family's wishes and the actual situation, hoping to provide the Emperor with some reference.”

Every word Consort Leng uttered was so appropriate and weighty. She not only displayed the nobility and majesty befitting an imperial consort, but also revealed her deep affection for her family and country. Her words were full of wisdom and foresight, leaving one in awe.

On stage, the spotlight focused on the elderly actor, dressed in a simple, ancient costume, his face heavily painted, yet his eyes revealed endless sorrow and resilience. As his resounding voice pierced the air, the entire hall seemed to be enveloped in this poignant emotion: "I cry out to my mother, I call out to my aunt, for Dou E has suffered this unjust injustice. All the money in my household has been spent; where is there any left to offer? I beg you, my mother, please, please be kind." Every word struck like a hammer blow, deeply moving everyone present.

Just then, Old Madam Yun knelt down again. This time, her action seemed particularly abrupt, attracting the attention of not only the actors on stage and the audience below, but also the sons-in-law who had been peeking from behind the screen in the distance, their eyes filled with surprise and curiosity. Old Madam Yun's neck trembled slightly as she tried to suppress her emotions, but her voice still carried a hint of sobs: "Someone, quickly take out the pear blossom box from my room, as well as the chest behind the bed, and bring them here." Her order, though light, carried an undeniable firmness.

Seeing this, Miss Yun was extremely anxious and instinctively tried to stand up, but Consort Leng gently pressed her wrist and pulled her back to her seat. A complex emotion flashed in Consort Leng's eyes. She spoke softly, but each word was clear: "I envy the daughters of your Yun family. Even after marriage, you can still retain the title of Miss Yun. As for me, since the day I entered the palace, I have lost my own name and am left only with the title 'Consort Leng.' Even the old women who came to the palace with me often call me Miss Yun in private to comfort my homesickness."

Upon hearing this, Miss Yun broke out in a cold sweat. While the matter of Leng Lin's substitution for marriage was not a secret within the capital, few outside the city knew of it. The outside world only knew that a young lady from the Leng family had entered the palace as a concubine, unaware of the intricacies involved. Consort Leng's words were tantamount to tearing away this veil of secrecy in front of everyone, making everyone present feel the subtle awkwardness and embarrassment.

In private, when the two met in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, they might have been able to banter and laugh at each other, all their troubles disappearing with a smile. But now, in this solemn and formal setting, everything was completely different. Miss Yun's face instantly stiffened, a barely perceptible hint of panic and unease flashing in her eyes. She tried to remain calm, attempting to conceal her inner turmoil, but she couldn't ignore the various gazes cast upon her, gazes that seemed to harbor a mixture of curiosity and speculation.

Just then, heavy footsteps broke the silence of the hall. Servants were carrying in the trunk that Old Madam Yun had carefully prepared. They bowed their heads, their steps steady, not daring to slacken in the slightest. In this strictly hierarchical setting, even the lowest servant knew their place and status. To have the opportunity to serve a noble concubine was already a great honor, let alone to witness this mysterious and unpredictable member of the royal family firsthand.

"What did they bring?" one of the sons-in-law couldn't help but ask in a low voice, his voice filled with curiosity and speculation.

“Oh, that pear wood box,” another son-in-law replied in a low voice, a mysterious smile on his face. “That’s the old lady’s most treasured possession. Inside are all the valuable jewelry she’s accumulated over the years, as well as the land deed to that fertile estate in the suburbs. It’s said that the box is a puzzle box, and no one without connections can open it.”

Upon hearing this, another son-in-law's eyes widened in surprise, mixed with doubt: "Is she going to give it all away? Is the old lady... willing to part with it?"

The first son-in-law to speak curled his lip, as if he had expected this: "Are you stupid? That's a concubine in the palace. Do you think we can afford to offend her? The old lady had no choice but to part with her for the sake of the family's peace and honor."

Miss Yun's husband sat to one side, seemingly leisurely sipping his tea, but his mind was already on the platform. He glanced sideways, observing every move on the platform without making a sound, secretly calculating the potential impact of this turn of events on the Yun family and his own status. He knew that in this complex situation, remaining calm and cautious was of paramount importance.

Consort Leng's gaze swept lightly over the table of the sons-in-law, a faint smile playing on her lips. She said to Miss Yun, "It seems men are always more enthusiastic about the hustle and bustle of this world than we are! Miss Yun, is that your husband sitting over there? I haven't had the honor of seeing his face yet." Her tone was playful, as if she also harbored a hint of curiosity about such family matters.

Madam Yun wanted to speak, but couldn't find a suitable opportunity or topic, so she remained awkwardly silent. Seeing this, Miss Yun quickly smoothed things over, saying, "If Your Highness is willing, I will have a servant bring him here so that he can meet you."

However, Consort Leng waved her hand gently and said with a smile, "Never mind, I was just asking casually, I'm not really that interested. Let's continue enjoying our tea and watching the play."

At this moment, Old Madam Yun finally found an opportunity to interject. She quickly stepped forward and respectfully said to Consort Leng, "Your Majesty, these humble gifts are just a small token of my appreciation. In the pear wood box, besides a few pieces of inexpensive jewelry, there is also a deed to a fertile field in the suburbs, which I present to Your Majesty. Today, Your Majesty has graced the Yun residence with your presence, and I should have prepared more thoroughly, but due to the short time, there have been many oversights. Please forgive my rudeness."

Upon hearing this, Consort Leng smiled gently, stood up, and personally went to Old Madam Yun's side to help her up. Her movements were gentle yet firm, as if she truly regarded Old Madam Yun as her own mother. "Old Madam, why are you doing this? Please rise. I was momentarily negligent when I entered and forgot to ask you to dispense with formalities. Now you are treating me with such great courtesy. If word gets out, wouldn't people misunderstand that I am taking advantage of the Emperor's favor to deliberately make things difficult for my elders? That is absolutely unacceptable."

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Yun quickly nodded in agreement, her tone carrying an undeniable air of authority: "The Yun family, a military family, has always been known for its strict family governance, and its rules are naturally exceptionally rigorous. While military regulations may not apply, our Yun family rules are not to be taken lightly. If there is anything improper in today's matter, I will personally investigate and clarify it thoroughly, showing no leniency. No one who deserves punishment will escape." Her words contained both protection for the family and apology for Consort Leng's unexpected visit.

Upon hearing this, Consort Leng smiled gently, a smile that held a profound meaning, as if she could see into people's hearts. "Madam, you flatter me. I came here today simply to have some fun. How could I blame the Yun family for such a trivial matter? Besides, the palace has been quiet lately, and I haven't heard the sound of string and wind instruments for a long time. I am deeply grateful to Second Sister Yun for her hospitality and for allowing me to enjoy such a wonderful performance!" Her words carried a touch of playfulness, which cleverly diffused the previous awkwardness.

However, upon hearing this, Miss Yun felt a mix of emotions. She knew that although Consort Leng was joking, she was also subtly implying that she was being compared to someone "using the Emperor's influence," which caused her expression to change slightly. But she quickly regained her composure and forced a smile, saying, "If Your Majesty truly enjoys opera, you only need to send someone to tell me in the future, and I will personally bring the performers to the palace to present Your Majesty with the most wonderful performance. I truly feel bad for causing you so much trouble today."

For the rest of the time, Consort Leng focused intently on the play, occasionally whispering a few words to Miss Yun. The atmosphere between them appeared harmonious, but undercurrents were swirling beneath. Meanwhile, Old Madam Yun maintained a humble demeanor, constantly smiling obsequiously, afraid of showing the slightest disrespect. She understood that Consort Leng's visit today was not only a test for the Yun family, but also a crucial step in shaping their future. Therefore, she could only proceed with extreme caution, daring not to be careless in the slightest.

A fleeting hint of tenderness and worry flashed in Consort Leng's eyes. She knew that every moment in the palace was fraught with uncertainty, and although she was a concubine, she could not escape the constraints of the court. The play on the stage was in full swing, but the rules of the palace could not be disobeyed. She had to end this rare moment of relaxation early and prepare to return to that magnificent cage.

As the carriage slowly came to a stop, the palace gates opened gently before them, as if marking the boundary between two worlds. The gifts presented by Old Madam Yun were carefully handed over to the accompanying guards, each one carrying the Yun family's sentiments and expectations. Meanwhile, in Consort Leng's heart, besides gratitude towards the Yun family, a sense of unease about the unknown arose.

As soon as she stepped across the palace threshold, she saw a group of palace servants waiting to the side. The one in the lead was, of course, Xiao Kuangzi, who was always by the Emperor's side. He spotted Consort Leng and quickly stepped forward, saying respectfully, "Consort Leng, you've finally returned. The Emperor has been thinking of you and was worried that you hadn't eaten well while you were away. He specially instructed the kitchen to prepare your favorite dishes, just waiting for you to enjoy them when you get back. Would you like to return to the palace for your meal first, or go and pay your respects to the Emperor?"

Consort Leng sighed softly. Though she was extremely unwilling, she understood that she could not betray the Emperor's wishes. She turned to look at the small box and asked softly, "Where is my father? Has he already left?"

Xiao Kuangzi shook his head vigorously, replying, "No, Lord Leng is still in the Imperial Study. His Majesty is busy helping the newly brought-back scholar with his homework, and he's even forgotten to eat his own meal. It seems he's really taking it to heart."

Hearing this, Consort Leng felt a mix of emotions. She was gratified that her father had gained the Emperor's favor, but also heartbroken by his hard work.

So she made a decision: "I'll go pay my respects to the Emperor first, after all, he cares about me so much. As for the meal, I can eat whenever I want, how can I keep the Emperor waiting? Let them prepare the food and bring it to the Imperial Study." After saying that, she followed the small basket and walked heavily toward the familiar yet unfamiliar Imperial Study.