My palace is full of female protagonists.

The Empress gently shook her head, a hint of approval and tenderness flashing in her eyes, as if she could see through the Crown Prince's carefree exterior to the deep sincerity and concern for the country in his heart. "As the Crown Prince of Feng, you care about the safety of the country. I naturally see this sense of responsibility and commitment, and I am willing to do everything in my power to help you."

"I know that during this time, you may have had to present a cynical attitude to others, but that's just a way for you to protect yourself in this foreign land. It reminds me of when my husband first ascended to the position of Crown Prince; he also proceeded cautiously and prudently. I understand how difficult that was," the Empress continued, her eyes sparkling with reminiscence and emotion for the past.

"I am not giving you these peanuts and their instructions without reason. There is a written agreement between our two countries, and my offer of this new strategy is to express my sincerity and determination. However, if Feng continues to evade and delay, I cannot guarantee that there will be a change in the political climate and a new decision in the court." The Queen's tone revealed an undeniable firmness. She was well aware of the complexity and variability of international politics and understood that more direct and forceful measures were necessary at this moment.

"When you return, you can tell your father that I only taught him some basic uses and planting methods for peanuts. But if Feng Kingdom truly wishes to master the secret method of pressing peanut oil, then sending troops immediately would be the best response. In exchange, I will also show my sincerity—not only the most efficient method of pressing peanut oil, but also a hundred beauties and a hundred dan of peanuts, to demonstrate the friendship and trust between our two countries." The Queen's words were full of sincerity and temptation; she believed that such conditions would be enough to move Feng Kingdom and facilitate cooperation between the two countries.

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince was filled with gratitude and admiration. He knew that the Empress's action was not only a help to him, but also a tremendous support for the Feng Kingdom. Therefore, without hesitation, he knelt down, clasped his hands in a gesture of respect, and said in a firm and sincere voice, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your assistance! I will forever remember Your Majesty's kindness and will certainly live up to your expectations, facilitating cooperation between our two countries as soon as possible for mutual development!"

The Empress sat upright at the table, her gaze sharp as she scrutinized the kneeling Crown Prince of Feng. The Crown Prince's expression was solemn, his eyes filled with both pleading and resolute determination. He broke the silence: "Your Majesty, though Feng is small, it is not lacking in warriors and determination. We have come not to provoke, but to seek a glimmer of hope. Our internal strife is incessant, and our national strength is waning. Without external assistance, we fear we cannot protect ourselves. I, as the Crown Prince of Feng, am willing to stake the fate of our nation on this, only asking that Your Majesty help Feng overcome this crisis."

The Queen nodded slightly, her voice clear and authoritative: "Our two countries are only temporary allies, and indeed we will not be at each other's throats for a while. Since you have a request, I am not an unreasonable person. But war is not child's play. If you want my country to help you, you need to show enough sincerity and determination."

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince of Feng did not hesitate at all. He straightened his body and said firmly, "What Your Majesty says is absolutely right. I am willing to swear on my position as Crown Prince of Feng that if Your Majesty helps to quell the internal strife, I will change my royal surname and become a king, paying tribute to your country as a way of repaying Your Majesty's great kindness. At the same time, I will also dedicate myself to friendly exchanges between our two countries."

Upon hearing this, the Empress secretly admired the Crown Prince of Feng's spirit and determination. She knew that such a request was not easily granted, but seeing the Crown Prince's unwavering resolve, she was deeply moved. Therefore, she slowly spoke: "I have sensed your sincerity, but this matter is of utmost importance and requires the decision of our monarch. However, I can assure you that as long as you can truly quell the internal strife and demonstrate sincerity, our country will not stand idly by. As for your mention of changing the royal surname and acknowledging submission, we will discuss that after the war has subsided and the two countries have reached a peace treaty."

The Crown Prince of Feng bowed again, tears streaming down his face, and said, “Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. The entire Feng Kingdom will remember this kindness and live up to Your Majesty’s expectations.”

The atmosphere in the government office study became subtle and tense the moment Yun Feiyang suddenly barged in. The Crown Prince of Feng, with his upright posture, stood shoulder to shoulder with the Empress, seemingly evenly matched, as if an invisible force was subtly vying between them. Yun Feiyang, the general known for his bravery, appeared somewhat flustered; his sudden appearance was like a gust of wind stirring up the once calm waters.

Before the whispers and apologies of the palace servants had completely subsided, the Empress, with her unique composure and majesty, effortlessly defused the minor incident. She waved her sleeve, signaling the servants to leave, and specifically instructed them to stay away from the study so as not to disturb the upcoming conversation. The door closed softly, isolating the room from all outside disturbances, leaving only the three of them and the subtle, complex atmosphere in the air.

Yun Feiyang's thoughts were in turmoil. He had intended to discuss military affairs or inquire about some important matters with the Empress, but all his plans vanished the moment he saw the Crown Prince of Feng. Looking at the Empress and the Crown Prince of Feng, he felt a mix of emotions, including confusion, embarrassment, and an indescribable sense of loss.

"What does this guy want with the Empress?" Yun Feiyang finally couldn't contain his curiosity and blurted out his question with a hint of urgency and dissatisfaction.

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince of Feng Kingdom smiled knowingly and deliberately kept everyone in suspense: "Naturally, we are discussing important matters concerning the fate of both countries."

Seeing this, the Empress gently parted her lips, her voice gentle yet dignified: "General Yun, have you come here today because of something important that you need to discuss with me?" Her gaze fell tenderly on Yun Feiyang, as if she could see into all his thoughts.

Yun Feiyang's cheeks flushed involuntarily. He stammered for a while before finally finding a clumsy but still endearing excuse: "Well... I was just thinking that it was mealtime, so I came to see if Your Majesty had any food ready. After marching for days, I really miss the delicious food in the palace."

The Empress and the Crown Prince of Feng exchanged a glance, both reading a knowing smile in each other's eyes. Such a clumsy excuse was naturally impossible for those of them, seasoned in power and intrigue, to hide. The Crown Prince chuckled lightly, teasingly asking, "General Yun, have you perhaps been eating dry rations with your soldiers for days, and your mouth is so bland it's practically tasteless?"

Seeing this, the Empress couldn't help but chuckle. She then changed the subject, breaking the slightly awkward atmosphere: "In that case, let's serve the meal. Today, we'll have a simple meal in this study, which will have its own unique flavor."

At the Empress's command, the palace servants filed in and laid out a sumptuous feast.

Yun Feiyang ate with the eagerness of someone who had just received rain after a long drought, savoring each spoonful of rice with obvious satisfaction, as if it were his greatest comfort at that moment. The Crown Prince and Empress of Feng Kingdom observed him quietly, their eyes showing both admiration for Yun Feiyang's genuine nature and their own hidden thoughts.

Just then, a rapid, discreet knocking broke the tranquility of the study. It was a secret signal unique to the palace, and the Empress knew immediately that an urgent report had arrived. She gently put down her chopsticks, stood up, and a hint of seriousness flashed in her eyes: "I'll go take care of this and be back soon." With that, she left the room in silence and walked out of the study alone.

After the Empress left, the atmosphere in the study became subtle. The Crown Prince of Feng turned around, looking intently at Yun Feiyang, a meaningful smile playing on his lips: "General Yun, your concern for Her Majesty the Empress seems to exceed the bounds of what a common subject should show."

Upon hearing this, Yun Feiyang paused for a moment with his chopsticks, then quickly resumed his normal movements, though two blushes crept onto his cheeks. He tried to keep his voice steady: "It is my duty to protect Her Majesty. Crown Prince of Feng, please do not worry."

The Crown Prince of Feng smiled gently, a hint of amusement and understanding in his smile: "Perhaps I share the same thoughts as you, perhaps we get along very well."

Yun Feiyang abruptly stood up, the chair scraping against the floor with a loud thud due to the sudden movement. His face was flushed red to the roots of his neck, his eyes filled with shame, indignation, and warning: "Crown Prince of Feng, please watch your words! If you weren't a distinguished guest, I would never tolerate such rudeness!"

However, the Crown Prince of Feng was not angered. Instead, he continued in an almost self-deprecating tone, "Rest assured, I did not mean to offend you. It's just that I have no choice. Her Majesty the Empress hopes that I can persuade my father to send troops to help, but our country is currently in turmoil, and my father is surrounded by uncles who are eyeing us with covetous intent. If we really send troops, I'm afraid we will not only fail to achieve our goal, but my father will also be branded as a traitor. For a monarch to be reduced to such a state, wouldn't that be a huge joke?"

Upon hearing this, Yun Feiyang felt a complex mix of emotions. He knew that every country had its own unspeakable hardships and predicaments, and while the Crown Prince of Feng's words were a helpless sigh about his country's current situation, they also revealed a deep sense of powerlessness.

Yun Feiyang looked at the Crown Prince of Feng, his eyes revealing not only helplessness, but also deep worry and determination. He did not avoid the Crown Prince's gaze, but instead asked frankly, "You told me these secrets in the hope that I can lend you a hand?"

The Crown Prince of Feng nodded slightly, a barely perceptible glint of expectation in his eyes: "I do indeed have a request. I have 50,000 elite troops at my disposal, my last trump card. They are stationed on our borders and represent the last force I can control. It's not that I'm completely incapable of deploying troops; even without my father's decree, I can mobilize these 50,000 men. However, once mobilized, even the slightest casualty would jeopardize my position as Crown Prince. Moreover, the country is now sparsely populated with generals, and my uncles, for their own interests, have already divided up both civil and military officials. Their struggle has evolved into a battle for talent. Once they discover that the other side has gathered important figures, they will stop at nothing to eliminate these officials and weaken their own power."

He paused, a hint of bitterness in his voice: "My father survived because he controlled a large army; and I am only able to linger on because I am abroad. Although they have the will to kill me, they know they cannot let me die in a foreign land, because then they will lose their last trump card in controlling the country. However, is this situation not also a tragedy?"

After listening to the Crown Prince of Feng's account, Yun Feiyang felt a mix of emotions. He slowly sat down, picked up his teacup, and took a small sip, seemingly trying to calm his inner turmoil. After a moment, he put down the teacup and looked directly into the Crown Prince's eyes: "So, how do you want me to help you?"

A glint flashed in the eyes of the Crown Prince of Feng: "I certainly dare not hope that you will personally take action, but if you can lend me a few capable deputy generals and let them lead my 50,000 elite troops all the way back to the palace and restore stability, that would be my greatest fortune."

Upon hearing this, Yun Feiyang frowned slightly: "But what about your father? If he gets hurt in this civil war, wouldn't that be..."

The Crown Prince of Feng gave a bitter smile: "My father may no longer be the monarch who could lead the country to glory. In recent years, although he has not directly participated in the struggles of his uncles, his indulgence and incompetence have plunged the country into an unprecedented crisis. I only hope that through this action, we can eliminate the corruption and chaos within the country and find a new way out for Feng. As for my father's safety, I will do my best to protect him, but only if he is willing to face and accept all these changes."

Yun Feiyang remained silent for a moment, seemingly pondering the Crown Prince of Feng's proposal. He knew that once drawn into this internal strife, there would be no turning back. But he also understood that sometimes, for the sake of greater justice and peace, the sacrifice of an individual or family was unavoidable. Ultimately, he made his decision: "I demand verification of what you have said, and I also require a legitimate imperial edict from our Emperor."

The Crown Prince of Feng was not annoyed, and said, "General Xiao Yun, I completely understand your concerns."

Upon hearing this, Yun Feiyang nodded slightly to show that he understood.

“But, General Xiaoyun, do you know that this matter is already extremely urgent?” the Crown Prince continued, his voice filled with urgency. “Her Majesty the Empress hopes that reinforcements can arrive as soon as possible to break the deadlock between the two countries. For her, even a day earlier or half a day earlier means that the light of hope can shine on this land more quickly.”

At this point, the Crown Prince paused, gazing intently at the boundless night sky outside the window, as if searching for a glimmer of inspiration to break the deadlock. "Moreover, the distance from here to your capital is actually more than three times the distance from our border to the capital. Even traveling day and night at the usual marching speed, it would still take considerable time. If you insist on your own way, I'm afraid..." The Crown Prince's voice gradually lowered, seemingly unwilling to fully reveal the harsh reality.

Yun Feiyang listened to the Crown Prince's words, his heart filled with mixed emotions. The teacup in his hand was empty, but he was completely unaware of it, simply holding it tightly, as if it were the only thing he could grasp at that moment.

“The Crown Prince of Feng is absolutely right.” Finally, Yun Feiyang spoke. His voice was a little hoarse, but it was unusually firm. “I will discuss it with Her Majesty the Empress and give you an answer as soon as possible.”

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince smiled with relief. He stepped forward and patted Yun Feiyang on the shoulder to show his encouragement and trust: "With General Yun's words, I am at ease."