My palace is full of female protagonists.

The Crown Prince slowly stepped into the backstage area, where a bustling yet orderly scene unfolded. Several palace maids and eunuchs gently adjusted his costume, lightly brushing away the dust, and carefully applying makeup that blended heroic spirit with gentle grace to his features. He sat before the bronze mirror, his gaze occasionally sweeping over his reflection, his heart filled with a serene and profound peace. This birthday banquet was not only a celebration of his father's birthday but also a golden opportunity for him, as the Crown Prince, to showcase his talent and demeanor to the world.

After a simple makeover, the Crown Prince reappeared before the crowd, now with a completely different air. He wore a magnificent theatrical costume, the gold-embroidered patterns shimmering in the sunlight, and every step he took seemed to tread on auspicious clouds, drawing the attention of everyone around him. As the music began, the Crown Prince stepped into the center of the stage, ready to present his father, the Emperor, with a carefully prepared birthday celebration opera—"A Magnificent Chapter of a Prosperous Age."

The music was melodious, and the Crown Prince began to sing. His voice was clear and magnetic, every word filled with deep emotion and respect. He sang of national peace and prosperity, of favorable weather, of his father's wisdom and the people's reverence. The melody was sometimes stirring, like a surging river, showcasing the prosperity of the great nation; at other times gentle, like a flowing stream, expressing his deep love and respect for his father. On stage, the Crown Prince moved with elegance, every movement perfectly executed, expressing the emotions of the opera to the fullest. The audience below was deeply moved, and thunderous applause filled the air.

However, knowing that as the Crown Prince he should not linger in a gathering of women, the Crown Prince, after completing his brilliant performance, greeted everyone with a polite smile and then slowly retreated from the stage under the watchful eyes of the crowd. His departing figure appeared both aloof and subtly gentle, as if foreshadowing the heavy responsibilities and expectations he would bear in the future.

Back in the Imperial Study, the Crown Prince pushed open the door, and a familiar scent of ambergris wafted out. His father was indeed still there, head bowed, reviewing memorials, his brow showing a hint of weariness yet retaining his authority. Beside him, Prime Minister Gao and Prime Minister Su stood quietly, seemingly conversing in hushed tones. Upon seeing the Crown Prince enter, they quickly bowed in greeting. The Crown Prince inwardly wondered whether these two important ministers had just returned from somewhere or had been waiting all along, but this was not the time to delve into it. He gave a slight nod in response and went directly to his father's side, preparing to report on the day's birthday banquet and continue discussing state affairs.

Zhao Chengyu's voice was calm and direct. He didn't hesitate at all when mentioning the Crown Prince's private affairs, as if it were a topic for public discussion. He turned his gaze firmly to Prime Minister Su, his tone carrying an unquestionable authority: "Prime Minister Su, we must carefully select the noble ladies who are not only beautiful and virtuous, but also ambitious and willing to accompany the Crown Prince to the Southern Kingdom. Only then can they shoulder the responsibility of a concubine. I don't want to lose face for the royal family when it comes to marriage proposals because of poor choices. You must investigate thoroughly to ensure that every candidate is prepared for the trip to the Southern Kingdom and is willing."

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Gao frowned slightly, asking with a mixture of confusion and caution, "Your Majesty's words are reasonable, but His Highness the Crown Prince is about to shoulder the heavy responsibility of the country and go to the Southern Kingdom. Is it really not necessary to establish a Crown Princess first to stabilize the foundation of the country? This move may better demonstrate the majesty of the royal family and give His Highness someone to rely on when he is away from home."

Zhao Chengyu chuckled softly, a subtle smile playing on his lips, and countered, "Oh? So, in Prime Minister Gao's opinion, should the position of Crown Princess be filled by a virtuous and talented eldest daughter from your Gao family, a family of loyal officials for generations, or should the Su family, based on its generations of merit, recommend a suitable young lady?" He shook his head slightly, a hint of helplessness and sarcasm flashing in his eyes. "If the Gao family truly intends to do so, are they suggesting that Gao Lingyan's sisters enter the palace? That would truly disrupt the order of generations and make us a laughingstock. As for the Su family, as far as I know, their eldest son is exceptionally talented, and while there are women in their collateral branches, most are not born to the principal wife, which would likely be against the rules. I have already been enlightened, leaving you room for maneuver, yet you two prime ministers are now questioning me."

These words not only revealed the helplessness of reality but also demonstrated Zhao Chengyu's profound insight into the complex interests behind royal marriages. For a moment, the atmosphere in the room became somewhat delicate.

Just then, the Crown Prince, who had been silent all along, slowly spoke, his voice calm yet revealing a maturity and thoughtfulness beyond his years: "Father did say that my trip to the Southern Kingdom is to strengthen diplomatic relations. If all the countries send princesses or noble ladies to marry here, it may be easier to gain their trust and reduce unnecessary wars."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu nodded approvingly, stood up, and glanced at the three senior officials. His tone was tinged with satisfaction: "Look, this is our Crown Prince. His new brain is much more useful than you old fogies. In that case, let's follow the Crown Prince's wishes and first prepare for the selection of concubines to ensure that each one can become a solid support for His Highness in the Southern Kingdom."

Upon hearing this, both Prime Minister Gao and Prime Minister Su looked enlightened and nodded in agreement.

Although the discussions in the Imperial Study about the Crown Prince's sudden departure added an unusual touch to the daily life of the palace, the real source of excitement and laughter was the magnificent theater atop the city tower. Countless palace lanterns shone on the meticulously decorated stage, illuminating the upcoming feast of talent.

On stage, the originally vibrant performance was temporarily suspended due to this sudden turn of events, but the anticipation and excitement in the air remained undiminished. The noble ladies, usually sheltered in their secluded chambers, rarely had this opportunity to gather within the palace, and naturally, many harbored a competitive spirit. Seeing the Crown Prince leave his seat, many of them could no longer contain themselves. After exchanging glances and whispering amongst themselves, they unanimously petitioned Empress Zhao, wishing to display their talents before the Empress, to make friends through literature, and to impress others with their art.

Empress Zhao Qi'er, renowned for her gentleness and wisdom, was not annoyed at the sight. Instead, she readily agreed and personally planned the three events of the competition, testing the girls' talents while maintaining the elegance of the court. She announced softly, "In that case, for the first competition, the palace maids will go to the back garden and pick the most suitable flower for each young lady. Using the flower as a medium, they will display it on stage. The competition will not only be about whose flower is the most beautiful, but also about whose temperament complements the flower perfectly."

Upon hearing this, the noble ladies all showed delight, each pondering how to choose the flower that best represented their elegance, and imagining how they would stroll among them, showcasing themselves. Meanwhile, the palace servants below the stage quickly sprang into action, weaving through the profusion of flowers in the back garden. Soon, all sorts of flowers were presented, drawing exclamations of admiration from both the stage and the audience.

The second competition was a contest of singing or musical talent. The noble ladies either parted their lips slightly to sing tender and poignant melodies, or gently plucked the strings to create melodious tunes. Every note seemed to express their inner emotions and dreams, immersing the entire theater in a sea of ​​music.

The third round, the "Flying Flowers" poetry contest, brought the competition to a climax. Empress Zhao personally set the topic, using the character "flower" as the theme. The noble ladies had to take turns reciting poems containing the character "flower," without repeating any. This contest not only tested their literary skills but also showcased their quick thinking and profound cultural knowledge. For a time, poems flew across the stage and among the audience, the fragrance of flowers mingling with the scent of ink, creating a series of breathtaking scenes.

At the Empress's suggestion, a unique competition for noble ladies commenced. On the stage, candlelight was focused in the center by a bronze mirror, illuminating a profusion of blooming flowers, each vying for attention, seemingly foreshadowing the upcoming feast of talent and beauty. Palace maids, carrying delicate bamboo baskets, moved among the flowers, carefully selecting the blossoms that best complemented each lady's elegance.

First to appear was Li Wanqing, the daughter of the Vice Minister of Revenue. With her graceful figure and gentle demeanor, she was presented with a pure white pear blossom by the palace servants. Li Wanqing lightly held the pear blossom and strolled across the stage. The blossom seemed to come alive in her hands, perfectly complementing her refined and ethereal beauty, making her appear like a fairy descended to earth, drawing admiration from the audience.

Next came Zhao Jiyue, the young lady of the General of the Imperial Guards' residence. She was forthright and spirited, and the palace servants specially found her a vibrant red rose. Holding the rose, Zhao Jiyue walked with firm steps, her eyes sparkling with confidence. She displayed the rose's passion and her own resilience in a unique way, the two complementing each other to create a distinctive beauty.

Then, Su Qingxue, the daughter of a Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion, slowly walked onto the stage. She was exceptionally talented and possessed an elegant demeanor. A palace maid presented her with a delicate and refined orchid. Su Qingxue gently stroked the orchid, her fingertips seemingly exuding the fragrance of books. She recited poems praising the orchid's purity, and with her own gentle temperament, she perfectly embodied the orchid's elegance, leaving the audience feeling refreshed and delighted.

Next, let's look at Lin Wanru, the second young lady of the Minister's mansion. Her personality is gentle yet lively, and the palace servants, recognizing her qualities, chose a delicate and graceful wisteria blossom. Holding the wisteria, Lin Wanru twirls on the stage, her dress swaying gently with her steps, like wisteria blossoms covering the branches. Her smile intertwines with the fragrance of the wisteria, creating a captivating scene.

Finally, there was Princess Yunshang, Empress Gao's niece. With her noble status and extraordinary bearing, the palace servants naturally dared not neglect her, carefully selecting a golden peony—a symbol of royal glory—for her. Princess Yunshang held the peony, her steps elegant; her nobility perfectly complemented the peony's magnificence, making her seem like the most dazzling jewel in the entire palace.

Each noble lady, in her own unique way, perfectly blended the flowers in her hands with her own temperament, presenting a feast for both the eyes and the soul. This competition was not only about the beauty of the flowers, but also a contest of the noble ladies' temperament and talent, making everyone take notice of their abilities and beauty.

With the first floral-themed showcase coming to a successful close, the second competition—a contest of songs or musical instruments—slowly began amidst the anticipation of the noble ladies of the capital. This competition was not only a clash of voices and melodies, but also a resonance of emotions and souls.

Noble ladies of high social standing may perform solo.

First to take the stage was Li Wanqing, the daughter of the Prime Minister. She chose an ancient piece, her fingertips lightly touching the strings of the guzheng, and the melody of "High Mountains and Flowing Water" began gracefully. Her playing was like a clear mountain spring, flowing gently, and like swirling mist, hazy and profound. In the music, she seemed to transform into Bo Ya, seeking a kindred spirit, blending her inner emotions with her reverence for nature, leaving the listener feeling refreshed and as if they were there.

Then, Zhao Jiyue, the young lady from the General's Mansion, took to the stage. Unlike the gentle Li Wanqing, Zhao Jiyue chose a powerful and passionate war song. Holding a flute, she stood in the center of the stage, took a deep breath, and then the flute music soared, like a bugle call on the battlefield, deeply moving the audience. Her performance was filled with a yearning for victory and a deep affection for her hometown; every note leaped with an indomitable will, stirring the blood of the audience.

Next, Su Qingxue, the daughter of a Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion, slowly walked onto the stage. She picked up a guqin (a seven-stringed zither), sat down, closed her eyes in contemplation for a moment, and then her fingertips began to dance across the strings. A piece called "Guangling San" was reborn in her hands; the music was sometimes melodious, sometimes stirring, as if transporting the audience back to an era of heroes. Su Qingxue's performance contained profound cultural depth and reflections on life, allowing the audience to feel a sense of transcendence and peace within the melody.

Lin Wanru, the second young lady of the Minister's mansion, chose to sing a cappella. Her voice was gentle and beautiful, like a spring breeze. She chose a folk tune, and with her unique liveliness and sweetness, she gave the song a special flavor. Her singing was full of love and longing for life, and every word touched people's hearts, making them feel warm and happy.

Finally, Princess Yunshang capped off the event with a self-composed song. Not only was her singing technique superb, but she also infused the song with her own emotions and ideals. The melody was beautiful, the lyrics profound, and it was filled with longing for the future and a pursuit of beautiful things. Princess Yunshang's performance moved everyone present, as if they saw hope and light in her voice.

As the second round of competition progressed, the Queen announced the start of the ensemble performance phase. On stage, the musicians had prepared various instruments, while the noble ladies stood in their respective positions, ready to perform a piece titled "Yangchun Baixue" together.

Li Wanqing sat in front of the guzheng, the lead player in this ensemble. Her fingertips lightly touched the strings, and a clear and melodious tune flowed out, like the warm sunshine in spring, setting a bright tone for the whole piece.

Zhao Jiyue, holding a flute, stood to one side. Guided by the guzheng, she took a deep breath and produced the flute's unique, clear tone, which intertwined with the guzheng's melody, both independent and harmoniously coexisting, adding more layers to the music.

Su Qingxue chose the guqin, a traditional instrument. Her playing style is calm and restrained, with every note filled with power and emotion. In the ensemble, she added a touch of antiquity and profundity to the entire piece with the unique charm of the guqin.