My palace is full of female protagonists.

At the same time, Yun Feiyang did not neglect the care and encouragement of his soldiers. He personally went down to the barracks, eating and living with the soldiers, understanding their needs and difficulties, and helping them solve their problems. He knew that the strength of an army lay not only in its equipment and tactics, but also in the morale and cohesion of its soldiers. Therefore, he often led by example, using his own actions to inspire the soldiers to forge ahead bravely and without fear of hardship.

Under Yun Feiyang's leadership, a positive and uplifting atmosphere permeated the entire military camp. The soldiers were well-trained, highly motivated, and filled with confidence and anticipation for the upcoming battle. They knew that with a general like Yun Feiyang in command, they had enough courage and strength to defeat any enemy and protect the peace and tranquility of their homeland.

In the soldiers' hearts, the Empress was not only the mother of the nation, but also their war goddess. With extraordinary courage and wisdom, she personally donned her armor and led the army into battle, her figure shining like a brilliant star on the battlefield, illuminating the hearts of every soldier. On either side, two generals, one as swift as a storm, unstoppable; the other as steady as a mountain, full of wisdom, fought alongside the Empress, forming an unbreakable iron triangle, as if sent down from heaven to protect this land with invincible might.

Every victory in a small battle was seen by the soldiers as a sign of divine intervention, a triumph of their faith and hope. Morale soared, and even against the most formidable enemy, they pressed forward with unwavering conviction. This belief, like a blazing flame, not only warmed the hearts of the soldiers but also ignited the light of hope for the entire nation.

The Crown Prince of Feng, dressed in magnificent robes, stood atop the barbican, his gaze piercing through the layers of defenses, landing on the seemingly carefree people continuing their daily lives. Below, the cries of vendors and the laughter of children mingled to create a vibrant scene of bustling city life, a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere of the approaching enemy forces. A sense of unease stirred within him, and he murmured to his attendant, "How strange. The enemy is so close, how can the people of this city be so calm and composed, even laughing and chatting as they conduct their business?"

Upon hearing this, the attendant frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then tentatively replied, "My lord, perhaps this is precisely where Her Majesty the Empress and the two Generals Yun excel. They deeply understand the importance of the people's hearts. Even in the most difficult times, they ensure that the people see hope and feel the strength and peace of the nation. This is not only a tactical consideration but also a profound insight into the hearts and minds of the people. Perhaps the people's joy is their greatest support and trust, and also an invisible force that inspires the soldiers at the front to fight even more bravely."

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince of Feng gently waved his fan, a thoughtful glint in his eyes. He nodded, as if he had grasped something: "You're right. The hearts of the people can indeed determine the rise and fall of a nation. Her Majesty the Empress and General Yun are not only fighting on the battlefield, but also strategizing in the hearts of the people. Such wisdom and courage are truly admirable."

Immediately, the Crown Prince of Feng turned around, his gaze piercing through the city walls and landing on the boundless sky. His tone was full of longing and yearning for the future: "If our country could also get rid of internal strife, so that the palace would no longer be a battlefield for power struggles, and the people could truly live and work in peace and contentment, how wonderful that would be!" His voice carried a hint of weariness and helplessness, a profound reflection on the current situation and a deep yearning for an ideal country.

Seeing this, the attendant understood the Crown Prince's thoughts, but still tentatively said, "Your Highness, it's getting late. Why don't we return to the palace first? There are still many matters in the palace that require your attention." His tone revealed concern for the Crown Prince's safety, but also carried a subtle reluctance to touch upon the topic that was about to unfold.

The Crown Prince of Feng did not answer directly. After a moment of silence, his eyes suddenly hardened: "No, I want to take someone back. She might be the key to changing our current situation." The attendant, though already somewhat convinced, still clung to a sliver of hope that the Crown Prince would change his mind. He sighed softly and gently advised, "Your abilities are growing stronger every day. In the future, you can recruit any kind of talent you desire. Why force someone who doesn't belong in the palace at this time? Besides, doing so might invite unnecessary trouble."

The crown prince frowned slightly, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He knew his attendants' concerns were not unfounded, but his own conviction made it difficult for him to give up. "Tell me," he said, "if I promise her that if she's willing to come back with me, I'll send troops to solve the problem troubling her, wouldn't she look at me differently, perhaps even be willing to lend me a hand?" The crown prince's words contained both expectation and unease; he longed for approval and hoped his decision would bring about positive change.

Seeing this, the attendant knew that further persuasion would be futile, so he turned to support the Crown Prince's decision: "Your Highness is absolutely right. If we can gain this person's assistance, it will undoubtedly be a great help to the Empress and you. She will naturally think highly of you, and may even become an important partner on your path of reform." His words were full of trust and encouragement for the Crown Prince, as if he himself was secretly delighted about the impending change.

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince finally smiled slightly. He forcefully closed the fan in his hand, as if making his final decision. "Alright! I'll go tell her now, and then we'll return to the palace!"

At dinner time, the banquet hall of the palace was brightly lit, but the atmosphere became subtle due to the Crown Prince's words. The Empress sat dignified in the main seat, her gaze softening with a hint of helplessness after hearing the Crown Prince's request. "Your father, the Emperor, has refused to send troops despite my repeated requests. And now you are in our own country; even if you return, what can you accomplish? Let alone sending your ten thousand-plus private soldiers, even these elite troops are no match for the iron-blooded warriors on the battlefield." The Empress's words were direct and realistic, like a mirror reflecting the coldness and helplessness of the current situation.

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince's expression became complex. He knew that the Empress's concerns were not unfounded, and his own situation was indeed awkward and delicate. However, the light in his eyes did not dim; instead, it became even more resolute. "Your Majesty's words are reasonable, but I have a plan in mind. I only ask for one thing: a plan that will allow me to return to Feng Kingdom with a 'merit' that can change the fate of the nation. Only then can I have more confidence to present my request to my father."

However, this scene enraged Yun Feiyang, who was watching quietly from the sidelines. He had always been at odds with the Crown Prince, and seeing the Crown Prince's words, he couldn't help but feel angry. He suddenly stood up, drew his long sword, pointed it directly at the Crown Prince, and said coldly, "What do you want to do to Her Majesty the Empress? How dare you speak so arrogantly here!" In an instant, the atmosphere in the banquet hall became tense, and everyone held their breath.

Upon seeing this, the Crown Prince's attendants quickly stepped forward, shielding the prince with their bodies, fearing any mishap. The Crown Prince, however, smiled and waved his hand, saying in a relaxed tone, "General Yun, you misunderstand! This is a misunderstanding! I merely wish to seek Her Majesty's guidance, to see if there is any good strategy that can help me, so that Your Highness can return to Feng Kingdom with a good plan, and gain the favor of our Emperor."

Yun Feiyang sneered and sheathed his longsword, but the coldness in his eyes did not diminish. "It's truly lamentable that the Crown Prince of Feng Kingdom has to go to such lengths to get a chance to see his father, the Emperor." His words were laced with sarcasm, clearly showing his pessimism about the Crown Prince's situation.

Upon hearing this, the attendant broke out in a cold sweat and hurriedly explained, "General Yun, you are mistaken! Our country has its own rules, and it is natural that the Crown Prince is in many inconveniences while in a foreign land. However, his heart is always with Feng Kingdom and with the Emperor's expectations. Please understand the Crown Prince's difficulties."

After these words, the atmosphere in the banquet hall gradually eased. The Empress watched this scene, gently shaking her head, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She knew that the Crown Prince's request for advice was not only for himself, but also for the peace and future between the two nations.

The Empress rose gracefully, her tone carrying an undeniable authority: "Come with me to the study; we shall discuss this in detail." With that, she took the lead, her steps displaying both the composure of an empress and the importance she placed on the matter concerning the Crown Prince. Twenty-odd well-trained palace attendants followed closely behind, maintaining a proper distance and making not a sound; the entire procession exuded an atmosphere of solemnity and order.

Upon seeing this, the Crown Prince quickly and respectfully bowed to show his respect and gratitude to the Empress. He knew that the Empress's willingness to speak with him alone undoubtedly indicated that she had seriously considered his request. Therefore, he followed closely behind the Empress, his steps firm yet polite.

The attendant remained where he was, glancing back at Yun Feiyang repeatedly, his eyes filled with worry and pleading. He hoped that General Yun would remain calm and refrain from any further rash actions. Yun Feiyang seemed to sense the gaze, but he merely gave a cold snort, then abruptly sat down, picked up the wine glass on the table, and downed it in one gulp. The action conveyed both his dissatisfaction with the current situation and his helplessness in the face of his inability to change reality.

General Yun observed all this silently, his heart filled with mixed emotions. How could he, as a father, not know of his son Yun Feiyang's infatuation with the Empress since returning from the frontier? It was a deep affection that transcended the boundaries of ruler and subject, even gender. General Yun felt it was inappropriate, yet he was powerless to change it. After all, who can truly define or explain the meaning of love?

Moreover, General Yun knew all too well that his son's unmarried status over the years was not due to a lack of suitable women, but rather because his heart had already been occupied by the Empress. This affection was both his son's weakness and an unspeakable secret of his family.

General Yun had considered the idea of ​​a marriage alliance with the Gao family. However, fate intervened. After Zhao Yingqing was adopted by the late emperor, he immediately entered into a marriage alliance with the Gao family. This not only declared his status as the future crown prince but also indirectly excluded the Yun family from this political marriage. Gao Lingyan, that woman of both talent and beauty, was ultimately destined to be apart from the Yun family.

Thinking of this, General Yun couldn't help but sigh softly. He understood that this was an unchangeable past, both for his son and for the entire Yun family. Now, all they could do was try their best to adapt to the rules of this era and strive for their share of glory and dignity.

Upon arriving at the study in the government office, the Crown Prince waited respectfully outside the door. The study wasn't spacious, but it was large enough for their conversation to be clearly heard. After the Empress entered the study, she didn't rush to speak with the Crown Prince. Instead, she sat down at the desk, picked up a brush, dipped it in ink, and seemed to be writing down some important information. Although the Crown Prince was eager, he knew to wait patiently, after all, this was a matter of great importance concerning the future of both countries and his own destiny.

Soon, the Empress called softly, summoning a maidservant beside her, and instructed, "Go to the storeroom and fetch a carrying pole full of peanuts. Remember to cover both sides with winnowing baskets so the Crown Prince can walk a long distance without them sticking out." The maidservant immediately obeyed, her steps light and orderly. Watching the maidservant's departing figure, the Crown Prince felt a surge of anticipation. He vaguely sensed that the Empress's actions held a deeper meaning and were not merely a perfunctory remark.

Soon, a maid and several palace servants carried a heavy load of peanuts to the study door, gently set it down, and then stepped aside. Seeing this, an attendant quickly stepped forward and carefully lifted the winnowing basket, revealing it filled with plump, round peanuts, emitting a faint fragrance. The Crown Prince, though puzzled, knew this was no ordinary item, and asked, "Your Majesty, is this grain? Why was it arranged this way?"

The Empress smiled slightly and nodded in confirmation, "Indeed. These peanuts are not only a food source, but also have many other uses. I had them brought back so that you could take them back to Feng Kingdom and have your father order them to be planted. Peanut roots are extremely resilient; they only need to be scattered in loose soil and supplemented with simple fertilizer and water to quickly take root, sprout, and grow strong."

Next, the Queen instructed a palace maid to fetch an exquisite porcelain bottle from the kitchen. She personally picked up a teacup from the table and handed it to the maid, gesturing for her to pour the liquid from the bottle into the cup. After the maid complied, the Queen presented the teacup to the Crown Prince, allowing him to examine its contents closely. The liquid was clear and transparent, emitting a faint aroma of oil. "This is oil extracted from those two loads of peanuts," the Queen explained. "It not only replaces lard, enhancing the flavor of vegetarian dishes, but also boasts rich nutritional value. I believe this excellent strategy will surely help you implement reforms in Feng Kingdom and improve the lives of the people."

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince suddenly understood. He deeply understood the Empress's profound meaning and value, and quickly bowed to express his gratitude. "Your Majesty's generosity in helping me is deeply appreciated. However, given such a generous gift, is there anything I can do for you?" The Crown Prince spoke sincerely, his tone revealing his respect and awe for the Empress.