My palace is full of female protagonists.

The third prince, still young and inexperienced, should have been playing in the palace, enjoying a carefree childhood. Yet today, he was forced to sit solemnly at this elaborate banquet, dressed in fine robes, but unable to conceal the weariness and confusion in his eyes. He had been awakened at the break of dawn, and after a tedious dressing process, began this long period of kneeling. The prolonged kneeling, intertwined with his father's lengthy admonitions, was like an endless lullaby, gradually eroding his young willpower. His eyelids grew heavier, and his head involuntarily swayed from side to side, searching for a moment of peace.

Seeing this, Zhao Chengyu sighed inwardly, but quickly reacted. He subtly gave Xiao Kuangzi a meaningful look, and Xiao Kuangzi immediately went out and quietly summoned two loyal palace servants from the Third Prince's entourage. These two servants moved swiftly and silently approached the Third Prince, gently helping him to his feet and placing him against their backs, maintaining his kneeling posture, while he quietly drifted off to sleep. This subtle scene was noticed by the officials present.

The officials exchanged bewildered glances, secretly speculating about the Emperor's intentions and the course of the banquet, fearing it wouldn't end anytime soon. Just then, a remarkably courageous official stepped forward. He knew that bringing up state affairs might divert the Emperor's attention and also address the immediate practical problem.

"Your Majesty," he said in a steady and powerful voice, "the matter of incorporating the militia, while crucial for consolidating the foundation of the nation, requires a vast amount of money and grain, making it no easy task. Especially now, the Gao family has been buying up grain on a large scale in preparation for the war against the Southern Kingdom, causing grain prices to soar and making life difficult for the people. Although the Prince of Shimen County has the heart to share the burden of the country, he is probably willing but unable to do so in the face of this situation."

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere at the banquet immediately became delicate. Zhao Chengyu's sharp gaze swept over the Prince of Shimen County, his eyes filled with both doubt and warning. He spoke slowly, his voice low and powerful: "Prince, is this true?" The Prince of Shimen County felt the pressure, his expression changing slightly, but he had no choice but to answer with a stiff upper lip: "Your Majesty, this humble subject is indeed facing many difficulties, but I will certainly do my utmost to live up to Your Majesty's expectations."

Zhao Chengyu stood in the center of the banquet, his gaze deep and resolute. His words were like a gentle spring breeze, both rational and warm. "Gentlemen," he said, "the situation is urgent. The nation is preparing for war with all its might. Potatoes are an important strategic resource, and their increased production is directly related to the safety of the country. Therefore, I have a proposal that I hope you can all work together, especially the governor and people of Shimen County."

He turned to the Prince of Shimen County, his tone full of expectation: "Your Highness, I understand that most of the new militiamen come from your territory, and their families mostly make a living by farming. In order to solve the country's military needs while also taking care of the livelihoods of the militiamen's families, I suggest that these families convert some or all of their land to grow potatoes. Potatoes are drought-resistant, cold-resistant, and highly adaptable, especially suitable for the tropical environment of Shimen County. I believe that potatoes will surely thrive in your territory and bring unexpected harvests."

Zhao Chengyu paused for a moment, then continued, “I know that in the past, farmers often bartered grain for their necessities, but this time it’s different. The state will directly purchase potatoes with copper coins. Although the price may be slightly lower than the market price, it is stable and reliable, and there will be no delays. More importantly, we promise to buy as many as you have, regardless of the size of the potatoes, as long as the quality is up to standard, we will not be picky. In this way, militia families will receive a real income and will no longer have to worry about making a living.”

His words revealed his deep concern for farmers: "Furthermore, not only are the tubers of potatoes edible, but their tender leaves are also a delicacy. During the potato growing season, farmers can pick the tender leaves as a dish, which not only enriches the table but also reduces the burden of food, ensuring that their families will not go hungry because of switching to potato cultivation."

Upon hearing this, the Prince of Shimen County was filled with gratitude and excitement. He knew how much of a blessing such a policy was for the people of Shimen County. He immediately rose, knelt on the ground, and said with a passionate and sincere voice, "On behalf of all the people of Shimen County, I express my deepest gratitude to His Majesty and Lord Zhao. This grace not only solves the livelihood problems of the militia families, but also brings new hope for the agricultural development of Shimen County. I will certainly do my utmost to ensure that potato cultivation is widely promoted in Shimen County, and live up to the high expectations of His Majesty and Lord Zhao."

Amidst the clamor of the banquet, Zhao Chengyu's thoughts drifted away, his gaze seemingly piercing the barriers of time and space, landing on a deeper and more practical realm—agriculture and health. Suddenly, an idea flashed through his mind like lightning, making him realize that it was time to put his thoughts into practice and sow the seeds of hope for the future of the nation.

“Experimental fields,” Zhao Chengyu murmured to himself, his voice soft yet firm and powerful. “It’s time to prepare some experimental fields to study hybrid rice. If we can successfully cultivate high-yield rice varieties, even in years of war, we can ensure that soldiers have rice to eat. What a boost to morale that would be, what an invincible force that would be!” His heart was filled with anticipation and hope for the future.

Thinking back to this, Zhao Chengyu couldn't help but recall the hardships of ancient military campaigns. From Zhao Yingqing's memories, he deeply understood the thorny issue of sanitation during marches. For an army of tens of thousands, waste disposal became a top priority. Digging pits and finding water sources, seemingly simple choices, actually concealed enormous sanitary risks. Polluted water sources and pervasive stench were all eroding the soldiers' health.

"Food and hygiene are the foundation of an army," Zhao Chengyu thought to himself. "While coarse grains can fill the stomach, in the long run, they pose a huge test to the soldiers' physical and mental strength. Constipation and bacterial infections, which seem trivial in modern times, were deadly threats in ancient times." With this in mind, he became even more determined to improve the army's logistical conditions.

Smallpox, that ancient and terrifying plague, made Zhao Chengyu's heart tighten. In his memory, smallpox was like the Grim Reaper's scythe, mercilessly reaping people's lives. But fortunately, modern vaccination could effectively prevent this scourge. Zhao Chengyu secretly pondered that if this method could be introduced into ancient times, it would be a major innovation in military sanitation.

Zhao Chengyu fell into deep thought. He sat in his chair, his eyes fixed on the distance, as if piercing through the mists of time to see the light of the future. The princes and officials below, seeing his sudden silence and pensive expression, also quieted down, not daring to utter a sound, for fear of interrupting the emperor's deep contemplation.

Zhao Chengyu's words echoed in the spacious imperial study, carrying an undeniable force. He turned to Xiao Kuangzi, his tone resolute and unquestionable: "Xiao Kuangzi, lead the princes and officials to visit the water purification room I meticulously designed, so they can witness firsthand the importance of clean water for life. Especially the army's drinking water conditions—it's simply unbelievable. It's incredible that they've been able to survive in such conditions until now."

Then, his gaze inadvertently fell on the Third Prince, who was fast asleep on the table. A gentle smile appeared on his lips, and he instructed, "As for the Third Prince, he is still a child and needs plenty of rest. Take him to his inner chamber and let his servants take good care of him. As for you gentlemen, you may wish to record what you have seen and heard, draw it into diagrams, and take them back to let more people understand the importance of improving sanitation."

After everyone had left, the Imperial Study returned to its usual tranquility, leaving only Zhao Chengyu and the Crown Prince sitting opposite each other. The Crown Prince seemed to be affected by the atmosphere just now, and inadvertently uttered a question that seemed to be tinged with worry: "Who can become the new Crown Prince?" These words were like a fallen leaf drifting in the breeze, gently touching the stagnant air in the room.

Zhao Chengyu's keen eyes caught the Crown Prince's subtle emotions. He slowly approached, his deep eyes seemingly able to see into people's hearts. "What are you worried about, Crown Prince?" His voice was gentle yet powerful, without the slightest hint of oppression.

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince involuntarily trembled slightly, like a mouse seeing a cat, nervously lowering his head, his fingers unconsciously tracing the memorials on the table. "I...I just..." he hesitated, clearly struggling internally.

Seeing this, Zhao Chengyu sighed softly and continued, "Do you think it would be more suitable for the prince born to Empress Gao to inherit the throne, or for Empress Zhao's child? This question has probably troubled you for a long time."

The crown prince finally looked up, his eyes filled with helplessness and bitterness. "Isn't the reason I was sent to Yunnan Kingdom because Empress Zhao is not my birth mother?" His voice was soft, but it revealed an undisguised sorrow.

Zhao Chengyu shook his head, his eyes filled with pity and understanding. "People are often bound by these superficial rules, forgetting that the human heart is the most complex thing. Women do indeed prefer their own flesh and blood, but for us men, regardless of whether they are legitimate or illegitimate, every child is our own bloodline and has the right to fight for their place. I have never thought of restricting anyone's future; I only wish that in this court, the capable should occupy their positions."

His words were like a clear stream, gently flowing into the Crown Prince's heart, gradually easing his furrowed brows. "In this vast court, the throne is not the only position worth fighting for. Everyone has their own stage, and every position has its unique value and mission. You, as the Crown Prince, should understand this even more."

"The General of the Cavalry is a pillar of the nation, guarding the borders and protecting the land; the female general is heroic and valiant, not inferior to men, and on the battlefield, she surpasses men in skill. The Prefect of the Capital is in charge of the security of the capital region, and the red-clad constables are the sharp sword in his hand, chasing down criminals and upholding justice. As for the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Rites, and the Ministry of Personnel, they are all important instruments of the court, wielding the power of life and death, etiquette and education, and the power to appoint and dismiss officials." Zhao Chengyu spoke to himself, his voice soft but revealing an unquestionable authority.

"The Grand Chamberlain, the head of the palace's internal affairs, oversees the Empress and palace matters, and is an indispensable force under the Emperor's authority. Why can't these crucial positions be held by family members? People say 'appointing people based on merit,' but in my view, blood ties are more reliable in critical moments." A resolute glint flashed in his eyes. "If an Emperor is afraid to appoint relatives for fear of being 'murdered,' then the throne is like a tree without roots. How can it command respect, how can it bring peace to the realm?"

Zhao Chengyu knew all too well that the path to becoming emperor was fraught with thorns. He slowly rose, walked to the window, gazed at the moonlight outside, and continued, “If one cannot even intimidate one’s closest confidants, how can one control those ambitious and fearless courtiers? Among them are many talented individuals, as well as cunning and treacherous ones. To sit in this position, one must establish rules and govern the country by law; more importantly, one must have the power to intimidate all officials and make them submit to imperial authority. Confidants are the eyes and ears, the arms and legs; while enemies must be placed in appropriate positions to check and balance the court and prevent any one faction from becoming too powerful.”

He turned around, his gaze piercing, as if he could see into the thoughts of every minister. "The way of an emperor is not simply about trust or fear, but about finding that delicate balance in a complex and ever-changing situation. One must have the world in one's heart, yet be observant and attentive to all directions. If one is held back by fear, then even the arrival of a foreign envoy will cause one to worry about whether to return to one's palace and commit suicide. How can one rule the world, how can one become a monarch revered by all people?"

Zhao Chengyu's words revealed both a clear understanding of reality and a firm belief in the future. He knew that this path was destined to be lonely and arduous, but he was even more certain that only in this way could he lead the country to a more glorious future.

Crown Prince Zhao Chengyu stood in the imperial study, the fog in his heart seemingly blown away by a gentle breeze, bringing sudden clarity. He looked up at his father, Emperor Zhao Chengyu, his eyes shining with unprecedented determination and understanding, and slowly said, "Father, I understand. You sent me to Yunnan not because I am the son of Empress Gao, but because you hoped that I could expand the territory there and demonstrate my talents and ambitions."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu smiled with satisfaction and nodded, saying, "Chengyu, I am very pleased that you have such an understanding. As the Crown Prince, you have no elder sister to rely on and are surrounded by young brothers. When it comes to shouldering heavy responsibilities, you have no choice but to take on the task. Although Yunnan is far away, it is a kingdom that your mother conquered in one fell swoop. Its future needs young blood like yours to explore and protect it."

He paused, then continued in a more serious tone, “You don’t need to worry about Yunnan becoming someone else’s territory. Even if the Yun family and your mother own a lot of land, it will eventually be yours. There, you can start from scratch, build your own team, and cultivate forces loyal to you. Prime Minister Gao and your mother will be your solid support, helping you.”