My palace is full of female protagonists.

On both sides of the path stood old trees, their leaves beginning to turn yellow. Fallen leaves, like golden butterflies, gently drifted onto the bluestone slabs, creating a soft and poetic path. Stepping on the fallen leaves, my mind involuntarily drifted to the day's court affairs, and my brow furrowed slightly.

Just then, a slight noise interrupted his thoughts. He looked in the direction of the sound and saw a young lady dressed in elegant official attire anxiously looking around not far away. Her clear eyes were filled with worry and anxiety, and a delicate earring in her hand shimmered softly in the setting sun. She was clearly looking for her other lost accessory.

"Is the young lady looking for something?" The prince's gentle voice broke the surrounding silence. He slowly approached, trying to make his tone sound relaxed and friendly.

Upon hearing the voice, the young lady turned around abruptly. Seeing that it was His Highness the Crown Prince, she became flustered and quickly curtsied, saying, "This humble woman greets Your Highness the Crown Prince. I have disturbed Your Highness and deserve to die."

The Crown Prince raised his hand to indicate that she didn't need to be so polite, and his gaze fell on the earring in her hand: "Has the young lady lost something important?"

The young lady of the official family lowered her head slightly, her voice tinged with a barely perceptible sob: "It is...it is my earring. I accidentally lost one of them. This earring is of great significance to me, so..." She trailed off, her worry becoming more pronounced.

Seeing this, the Crown Prince felt a surge of inexplicable pity. He gently comforted him, "It's alright, let the palace servants help you look. You're dressed so beautifully, you shouldn't get any dust from the leaves on you." With that, he squatted down and began to search carefully among the fallen leaves.

The young lady of the official family was taken aback for a moment, then quickly realized what was happening and followed behind the Crown Prince. The two of them searched carefully along the path covered with fallen leaves, one in front of the other. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on them, adding a touch of warmth and harmony to the scene.

Time seemed to freeze at that moment, broken only by the rustling of fallen leaves and the occasional words of encouragement exchanged between the two. Finally, under a seemingly inconspicuous fallen leaf, the prince himself discovered the "runaway" earring.

"Found it!" he exclaimed excitedly, handing the earring to the young lady. The young lady took the earring, a relieved smile blooming on her face—a smile so bright and innocent it seemed to dispel all the world's sorrows and troubles.

"Thank you, Your Highness! I am truly grateful!" she said repeatedly. Her pure joy seemed to infect Crown Prince Li Yu as well, making him forget the fatigue and pressure of handling government affairs in recent days.

The Crown Prince slowly entered his bedchamber. The palace doors closed softly, shutting out all the noise of the outside world. He could finally find a moment of peace in this little world that belonged to him. The candlelight flickered inside, illuminating his slightly tired yet still handsome face. He carried a small tray in his hands. Here, on the tray were various gifts bestowed by the Emperor and Empress, gleaming with gold, demonstrating the vastness of imperial favor.

"Your Highness, this is a special gift prepared for you by the Emperor and the Empress. Please take a look." Xiao Kuangzi bowed respectfully, her voice gentle yet measured.

The Crown Prince smiled slightly, gesturing for Xiao Kuangzi to set the reward aside. He then pulled him to the table and personally poured two cups of tea. "Come, Xiao Kuangzi, have a cup of tea with me. These days, the palace is bustling with activity because of the selection of concubines, but my heart is filled with mixed feelings."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Kuangzi secretly pondered the Crown Prince's thoughts, but dared not ask any further questions. She could only sit down as instructed, take the teacup, and sip lightly. As the aroma of tea wafted through the air, the Crown Prince sighed softly: "Recently, there have been so many noble ladies in the palace, each one exceptionally talented and beautiful, yet I feel as if there is an invisible wall separating me from them."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Kuangzi had already made up his mind. He gently comforted him, saying, "Your Highness is absolutely right, but this is also the Emperor and Empress's good intention. In ordinary people, marriage is mostly decided by the parents and matchmakers. It is rare for Your Highness to have the opportunity to choose a spouse independently. Perhaps, Your Highness has just not yet found the one who can truly connect with you on a spiritual level."

The Crown Prince nodded slightly, a hint of sorrow flashing between his brows: "You're right, but the splendor of this palace only makes me feel more lonely. These noble ladies are lovely, but I always feel something is missing, and I can't feel that real attraction."

Xiao Kuangzi smiled slightly, a hint of wisdom in her eyes: "Your Highness, although I do not understand the feelings between men and women, I do know that the human heart is the most difficult thing to fathom. These noble ladies were all carefully selected by their families, and their every word and action often carries the expectations and constraints of their families. If Your Highness cannot put aside your prejudices and sincerely get to know them, how can you discover their unique charm and inner purity?"

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince felt a sudden sense of clarity. He put down his teacup, his gaze becoming firm yet gentle: "You're right. I was too one-sided. I was blinded by a single leaf. I should give them, and myself, a chance to truly understand each other."

Xiao Kuangzi tiptoed through the quiet palace corridors, moonlight illuminating his slightly weary yet still loyal face, and returned to Emperor Zhao Chengyu's bedchamber. Many noble ladies who stayed overnight in Zhao Qi'er's palace were unable to come over for several days, making the Emperor's bedchamber quieter.

As usual, Xiao Kuangzi entered the palace gate, spread out her thin quilt, and was about to go to bed when she heard the Emperor's soft call. "Xiao Kuangzi, come here." Zhao Chengyu's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible worry.

Xiao Kuangzi quickly got up, ran to the dragon bed, and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, what are your orders?"

Zhao Chengyu sat up, a complex look flashing in his eyes, as if he were pondering something important. "You just went to the Crown Prince's place. Did you notice which women he seemed to favor?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Kuangzi secretly pondered the Emperor's thoughts, but remained outwardly composed, respectfully replying, "Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince is still young and his emotions are just beginning to unfold. He seems to be unsure of his true feelings. When he is with those noble ladies, he appears somewhat reserved and unsure of what to do."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu nodded slightly, a helpless smile playing on his lips. "That's true, he's only fourteen or fifteen years old, how much could he possibly know?" he muttered to himself, his gaze drifting into the distance, as if recalling his own youth.

Immediately, Zhao Chengyu's thoughts returned to the present moment, and a bitter feeling welled up in his heart. He thought to himself: as an emperor, he had six leading ladies in the palace, each one more beautiful than the last. Even the Cold Consort, if not for her stunning beauty, wouldn't have been snatched away by a prince from another country, instead of the legitimate daughter of the Cold family who was supposed to marry into the palace. But every encounter with them felt like being separated by a thousand mountains and rivers. He was always afraid that if he didn't let these ladies have their way, he would become cannon fodder, and he never knew when a male lead would appear out of nowhere to suppress him. He gave a bitter smile and sighed inwardly, "What did I do to deserve this?"

Thinking of this, a strong desire welled up in Zhao Chengyu's heart—he longed to break free from these invisible shackles, find a true love in this other world, and spend the rest of his life with her. He secretly resolved to find satisfactory partners for these heroines as soon as possible, so that they could all have their own happiness, and that he himself could one day be able to take off this heavy imperial robe.

Zhao Chengyu sighed softly and instructed Xiao Kuangzi meticulously, "Xiao Kuangzi, listen carefully. The Empress has gathered many noble ladies. They are new to the palace and will inevitably feel unfamiliar and restrained. You must tell the Empress to ensure that all their daily needs are met, whether it is clean drinking water or indoor heating, there must be no shortage of anything. Making their lives in the palace comfortable is also our basic courtesy to them."

"Furthermore, when the Empress bestows rewards, she should not limit herself to those glittering jewelry, but also prepare some loose silver for them. Although this loose silver is small, it will make it easier for them to manage the palace servants in the palace, so that they will not be neglected because they are newcomers. The people in the palace are complicated, and if these noble ladies can have some silver to smooth things over, they will suffer less grievance."

Xiao Kuangzi listened attentively, nodding repeatedly, deeply admiring the Emperor's thoughtfulness and consideration. He knew that the families behind these noble ladies were not to be underestimated, and the Emperor's arrangement was both a gesture of care for them and an important measure to maintain harmony and stability in the palace. Therefore, he respectfully agreed and turned to go to the Empress's palace to deliver the message.

After Xiao Kuangzi left, Zhao Chengyu sat alone on the dragon bed, gazing at the moonlight outside the window, and muttered to himself, "There were originally only six, but now there's a whole group. I hope they don't bother me!"

At this point, Zhao Chengyu couldn't help but smile bitterly. He knew all too well that as an emperor, his emotions and choices were subject to many restrictions. So, he shook his head, banishing these thoughts from his mind, and slowly lay back down on his dragon bed, falling into a deep sleep.

The selection of a consort for the Crown Prince has plunged the entire palace into a flurry of activity and hustle and bustle. Palace maids move through the corridors, carrying exquisite silks and jewels in their hands; while eunuchs rush about in various palaces, conveying important instructions.

Meanwhile, in the distant southern kingdom, a dramatic transformation was underway. A new nation was about to be born, and Gao Lingyan, already a woman of exceptional talent and wisdom, finally ascended the throne, becoming the empress of the southern kingdom. Dressed in a magnificent dragon robe and wearing a dazzling crown, she surveyed her subjects with unwavering confidence.

After her coronation ceremony, Gao Lingyan made a significant decision: to rename the Southern Kingdom as the Yunnan Kingdom. This name was chosen by Zhao Chengyu, and Gao Lingyan had no intention of changing it. Although she declared herself emperor, the Yunnan Kingdom was essentially a vassal state; the Yun family army was still backed by the Gao family within the country, using domestic resources to drive its development.

Yun Feiyang, a descendant of the Yun family, a powerful family in the court, had been childhood sweethearts with Gao Lingyan since they were young. His bravery in battle and his gentle demeanor were already legendary among the people. With Gao Lingyan's ascension to the throne, the outside world generally believed that Yun Feiyang would be an excellent choice for the emperor's consort. This was not only because of the deep emotional foundation between the two, but also because of the Yun family army's formidable reputation in the southern border, making the name "Yun" for the country seem like the most beautiful interpretation and expectation of this relationship.

However, just as the nation was celebrating and everything seemed to be going smoothly, a rumor from the border market, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, stirred up ripples—Zhao Yingqing had crowned Zhao Qi'er as the new Empress, naturally stripping Gao Lingyan of her title. This news, as if it had sprouted wings, swiftly traversed mountains and rivers, finally reaching every corner of the capital of Yunnan Kingdom, becoming the focus of discussion in the streets and alleys.

Although people held boundless hopes for the union of Gao Lingyan and Yun Feiyang, believing them to be a match made in heaven, this sudden news inevitably cast a shadow over their hearts. Various speculations and discussions began to circulate. Some felt sorry for Yun Feiyang and Gao Lingyan's relationship, others were curious and speculative about the new empress, and still others began to worry whether this change would affect the stability and development of the Yunnan Kingdom.

Yun Feiyang himself, amidst this vortex of public opinion, appeared outwardly calm, but inwardly he was experiencing a complex mix of emotions. Whenever he appeared in public, the inexplicable smiles on his face seemed to remind him that he had become the focus of public attention, even a symbol of it. This invisible pressure made him feel an indescribable unease wherever he went, as if the hairs on his body were standing on end, a reminder of the weight and complexity behind this glory.

However, in Yun Feiyang's heart, being able to spend his life with Gao Lingyan was undoubtedly a miracle that exceeded all his beautiful aspirations. He originally thought that as Gao Lingyan ascended the throne, he would forever remain by her side as a subject, and that the feelings hidden deep in his heart could only be transformed into silent loyalty and dedication. But the wheel of fate quietly paved another path for them, allowing this love to blossom in the sunlight.

Recalling his father's resolute relinquishment of the tiger tally, a symbol of military power, Yun Feiyang was filled with complex emotions. He understood that this was not merely a personal sacrifice, but a momentous decision made by the entire Yun family for the future of the clan and for a closer connection with Gao Lingyan. Beneath this heavy burden lay the Yun family's loyalty to the country and their hopes for their daughter's happiness. Yun Feiyang knew that the responsibility on his shoulders had become even heavier, but he was also grateful for this opportunity, which allowed him to be by Gao Lingyan's side in a more intimate capacity.

In the palace council chambers, Yun Feiyang always responded with a calm smile to the well-intentioned or playful teasing of his colleagues. He knew in his heart that these words were merely spice in court life, and that the feelings between him and Gao Lingyan had long transcended these worldly titles and boundaries. He didn't care what others called him, because in his heart, what mattered most was being able to fight alongside Gao Lingyan and jointly write a glorious chapter for the Yunnan Kingdom.

Gao Lingyan, this wise and decisive empress, privately harbored deep tenderness and affection for Yun Feiyang. She repeatedly advised him not to be overly concerned with the gossip in the palace, nor to be troubled by those meaningless titles. She deeply understood Yun Feiyang's ambition and aspirations, and was grateful for his unconditional support and understanding. At these moments, Yun Feiyang would gaze tenderly at Gao Lingyan, his eyes sparkling with unwavering determination and happiness. He knew that this love had received the best response, and all his sacrifices and efforts had transformed into the sweetness and contentment of this moment.

Thus, the bond between Yun Feiyang and Gao Lingyan deepened and became purer over the years. They were not only political partners but also indispensable companions in each other's lives. Under the skies of Yunnan, they walked hand in hand, creating one legend and glory after another. And their stories will be sung by future generations, becoming beautiful tales, forever etched in the annals of Yunnan's history.