My palace is full of female protagonists.

In a corner of the theater, several supporting actors dressed in gorgeous costumes gathered together. Their eyes sparkled with admiration and longing for the performance on stage, and their conversation revealed their deep feelings about this grand event.

"Oh my, look at that young lady Yunshang! She received a standing ovation the moment she appeared. Her figure and singing voice are absolutely amazing!" Li Moxuan, a supporting actor dressed as a handsome young scholar, gently waved his folding fan, his eyes full of admiration.

"That's right! Yunshang's rendition of 'The Peony Pavilion' was so moving, it seemed to be able to captivate the soul. But don't forget, there's also 'Wu Song Fights the Tiger' by 'Iron Voice' Zhang Tianba, that's truly exhilarating and exhilarating, it really gets the blood pumping!" Zhao Tiezhu, a burly supporting actor dressed as a warrior wielding a large sword, said while gesturing as if he himself wanted to leap onto the stage and show off his skills.

At this moment, a noblewoman dressed in colorful clothes and holding a round fan whispered, "What you all said is correct, but what moved me the most was the newly composed 'Prosperous Era.' The song has both the magnificence of the palace and the warmth of everyday life, singing out the beautiful vision of our Great Xia Dynasty's prosperity and the happiness of its people. It truly makes one feel proud."

“Yes, yes, I noticed that too. The arrangement of ‘The Magnificent Era’ is truly ingenious, perfectly combining tradition and innovation, which is refreshing.” Another noblewoman nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with thoughtful light. “I heard that the Emperor himself gave guidance behind this. It’s clear that our Emperor is not only good at governing the country, but also has great insight into art.”

Upon hearing this, the smiles on the faces of those nearby gradually faded, replaced by serious and earnest expressions. They echoed, "Indeed, this play is not only a feast for the eyes and ears, but also His Majesty's profound affection for all people. As members of the play, it is truly an honor to be able to participate in such a performance!" After saying this, he couldn't help but sigh.

The noblewoman gently stroked the round fan in her hand, a gentle smile playing on her lips. She softly replied, "Indeed, every scene and every character is like a magnificent painting, together forming an indispensable part of this glorious era. Now, Empress Gao is conquering the south and the north, expanding our territory. Our country's land will soon increase by at least a third. What could compare to such a prosperous age?"

However, at that moment, another noblewoman suddenly spoke up, "Isn't it inappropriate to mention the former empress now? After all, she is already..." Before she could finish speaking, she noticed the gazes of those around her, so she quickly shut her mouth and stopped talking.

As they talked, the atmosphere in the theater grew even more lively, with applause and cheers from the guests rising and falling, as if even the air was filled with joy and hope. These supporting actors, in their respective roles, added a rich and colorful touch to this grand performance in their own way.

As night fell, the atmosphere of the flower-viewing banquet reached its peak. Above the imperial city's outer wall, as if sketched by a mysterious artist, dazzling fireworks burst forth in the darkness, resembling radiant lotus blossoms that instantly illuminated the entire night sky. The multicolored lights intertwined, as vibrant as a rainbow, yet as ethereal as a dream, a beauty that was breathtaking.

In this magical and romantic moment, the guests paused their drinks and laughter, gazing up at the boundless night sky, their faces spontaneously revealing childlike innocence and joy. They exclaimed in admiration, marveled, or exchanged knowing smiles; no words were needed, the shared feeling for this beautiful moment was profound enough.

"Look at these fireworks, they're absolutely stunning!" a noblewoman in a gorgeous palace dress whispered to her friend beside her, her eyes sparkling with excitement, as if she herself had become the brightest star in the night sky.

“Indeed, such a grand scene would probably even make the gods in heaven envious,” my friend replied, gently waving her folding fan with a tender smile on her face, as if she too was moved by this beautiful sight.

Not far away, several young officials gathered together, their eyes filled with both admiration for the fireworks and anticipation for the future. "This imperial city, this country, is able to present such a prosperous scene because of the joint efforts of so many talented men and women," one of them remarked, his words brimming with love and pride for the nation.

“Yes, we are so lucky to be born in such an era,” another person echoed, his gaze piercing through the fireworks as if he could see a wider world and a more glorious future.

Among this group were several elderly men, dressed simply yet exuding an air of refinement. Some stroked their beards and smiled, while others nodded in approval, their eyes revealing a nostalgia for the past and a deep appreciation for the present prosperity. "Young people are energetic and driven; our country has a bright future," one of the elderly men remarked, his voice soft yet brimming with strength and hope.

Beneath the dazzling fireworks, the opera stage at the corner of the city wall shone like a bright pearl, embedded in the night and becoming the focus of everyone's attention. This opera stage was not only a building for people to watch operas, but also the center of Zhao Qi'er's intelligence network. The opera stages inside and outside the city were the Emperor's deployment. These actors would later become the Emperor and Empress's intelligence network. Most of them were literate and not inferior to the pedantic officials; in fact, they were more worldly and sophisticated.

Up in the opera house, brightly lit, the interplay of light and shadow seemed to unfold a series of flowing historical scrolls. The renowned actors, clad in colorful, intricately patterned costumes, their robes embroidered with auspicious dragons and phoenixes, and symbols of wealth and prosperity, fluttered gently in the breeze. Every step they took resonated with the rhythm of time, every turn exuding classical charm. Their faces, meticulously made up, conveyed a range of emotions—joy, anger, sorrow—in an instant, drawing the audience into the intricate tapestry of the story.

With a crisp gong and drumbeat, the classic traditional opera "Farewell My Concubine" began. The actress playing Yu Ji, with her graceful figure and flowing sleeves, appeared like a fairy descending to earth. Her gentle singing conveyed her deep affection and reluctance to part with the King: "My strength could uproot mountains, my spirit could cover the world, but the times are against me, and my steed will not go..." The mournful melody, like the brightest star in the night sky, illuminated the soft spot in the King's heart and touched the hearts of every audience member.

Following this was the newly choreographed play, "The Blooming of Flowers in a Prosperous Age." This play cleverly combines traditional opera elements with modern aesthetics, telling a story about cultural revival and choices in love. On stage, the actors sometimes used stylized movements from traditional opera to portray the characters' inner world, and at other times used the fluidity of modern dance to interpret the flow of emotions. In one segment, "A Duet Among the Flowers," the two protagonists slowly walked through a field of blooming peonies, singing with a clear and refined voice, expressing their yearning and pursuit of a better life: "In this prosperous age, flowers bloom in pairs, I wish to find one true love, to stay together until our hair turns white." The song, like a spring breeze, was warm and bright, refreshing the heart and soul.

The melodies of the opera floated in the night sky, sometimes as clear and stirring as a mountain stream, stirring the heart; sometimes as gentle and melodious as a babbling brook, evoking tenderness. Each note was like a meticulously crafted work of art, leaping and colliding in the air, ultimately converging into a powerful force that struck the depths of people's hearts.

Outside the theater, guests stood or sat, laughed or sighed, all deeply captivated by the wonderful performance. Among them were elderly people and young children; court officials and ordinary palace servants. At this moment, regardless of status, they all became spectators appreciating the beauty of culture together.

Consort Yi sat on the roof of a side hall, the night breeze gently ruffling her robes. Her gaze pierced through the palace walls, landing on the brightly lit opera stage in the distance. Inside, singing and dancing filled the air, the sounds of string and wind instruments never ceasing. On the city wall, the Emperor and the former Zhao Qi'er—now the Empress—stood side by side, overlooking this magnificent scene. Consort Yi held a pot of aged wine in her hand, a bag of dried apricots scattered at her feet. She occasionally tossed one into her mouth, chewing it with relish.

She muttered to herself, "He made you empress, so you became empress. Your whole life is just a pawn in his game. Are you willing to accept that?" Her voice carried a barely perceptible hint of sarcasm and contempt. Consort Yi knew that in this palace, everyone was a pawn, everyone was fighting for their own interests, and she was no exception.

Just then, a masked guard silently appeared behind her. There were only a few of these guards in the palace; they were exceptionally allowed to gather intelligence, and generally did not show their faces to facilitate disguise and gathering information. They were the palace's secret weapon, and also Consort Yi's eyes and ears.

The guard whispered to Consort Yi, "Prince Xue's third son has gathered some former Yi tribesmen and intends to rebel in the area." This news caused Consort Yi to raise an eyebrow slightly. She sneered and said, "They all say I'm just a child, but I think they're the truly foolish ones. No money, no power, no mines, no swords or boots, and they think they can declare themselves king? Do they think Gao Lingyan's ascension to the throne with the Emperor's tacit approval is a sign of their own incompetence?"

The Yi Consort's words were filled with disdain. She knew that these so-called former Yi tribesmen were nothing but a group of arrogant fools blinded by power. They thought that with a bit of past glory, they could stir up trouble in this complex political vortex, but they didn't realize that they were just pawns in someone else's game.

She stood up, gently tossing the wine jug in her hand. The jug traced a graceful arc in the air before landing steadily in the guard's hand. A resolute glint flashed in Consort Yi's eyes; she knew it was time to take action.

"Pass on my orders," Consort Yi's voice was firm and powerful, "closely monitor the every move of Prince Xue's third son. Report to me immediately if there is any disturbance. At the same time, send people to contact those who are truly loyal to me and tell them that the time has come and it is time to prepare for action."

The guards obeyed and left, while Consort Yi sat back down on the rooftop, her gaze once again fixed on the distant opera stage and the Emperor and Empress on the city walls. A faint smile played on her lips; she knew that this game had only just begun.

Consort Yi stood on the roof of the side hall, holding a wine jug high in her hand, gazing at the bright stars in the night sky, as if her parents were there, listening to her heart's voice. Her voice was tinged with a sob, but more so with determination and resolve.

"Mom and Dad, I wish you a long and happy marriage! May you be forever united in heart!" Her voice echoed in the night sky, as if traveling through time and space to reach her parents' ears. "Your daughter has grown up and it's time for her to carve out her own territory!" Her words revealed an undeniable determination, and her eyes were firm, as if she could already see her future path.

"Bless me, Mom and Dad!" She downed the wine in the flask in one gulp, then smashed the flask on the ground, the shards scattering everywhere, symbolizing a break with the past and the beginning of a new life.

The next day, while Zhao Chengyu was handling state affairs in the court, Consort Yi quietly went to the rest room behind the court to get some snacks. Unbeknownst to her, Zhao Chengyu had already noticed her actions. When Consort Yi was talking to herself in the rest room, expressing her desire to leave the palace, Zhao Chengyu overheard her thoughts.

He was startled. This young woman actually wanted to leave the palace, but he didn't know why she wanted to do so. Zhao Chengyu wasn't unwilling for Consort Yi to leave, but her status as a descendant of the Yi tribe was rather awkward in several ways, and the remnants of the Yi tribe wanted her dead. Leaving the palace rashly would likely result in waves of assassins, and no amount of guards could withstand their attrition. He had to take action to stop it from happening.

Zhao Chengyu immediately sent Xiao Kuangzi to inform the new Empress Zhao Qi'er, hoping she could intervene and block Consort Yi's path. At the same time, he summoned his guards and questioned them about Consort Yi's eagerness to leave the palace. He needed more information to make the right decision.

The guards quickly reported what they knew to Zhao Chengyu. It turned out that the remnants of the Yi tribe in the south, led by the third son of Prince Xue, had begun to secretly gather. Their purpose was still unclear, but they clearly posed a potential threat to the imperial court.

Zhao Chengyu frowned deeply. He knew this matter had to be handled with utmost care. He couldn't allow the departure of the Yi Consort to become the fuse for greater turmoil, nor could he allow the remnants of the Yi tribe to become a threat to national stability.

He pondered for a moment. The original plan to have Zhao Qi'er open theaters both inside and outside the palace was actually a continuation of something Zhao Yinqing had been asking her to do: cultivate more intelligence and secret agents to gather information on daily life, officials, and farmers and merchants in various regions, ensuring the authenticity of officials' memorials. Zhao Chengyu had initially thought that with this intelligence network in Zhao Qi'er's hands, and given Zhao Qi'er's polite attitude towards him, he probably wouldn't need it. Unexpectedly, it had come in handy.

After all, Consort Yi was Zhao Yinqing and Zhao Qi'er's goddaughter. Even if the parents didn't get along, they would still think of their daughter and work together towards the same goal.