My palace is full of female protagonists.

When Zhao Chengyu received another letter from Gao Lingyan in her familiar and vigorous handwriting, the sun was setting, and the golden afterglow bathed the entire palace, casting a warm glow on the ancient and solemn buildings. Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, Gao Lingyan had quietly transformed from a woman in the imperial harem into the first female emperor of Yunnan. She had not only consolidated her power but was also brewing an unprecedented revolution in that land that had previously been a place of war drums and little literary tradition. Although the officials in Yunnan at this time consisted only of the military generals she had brought with her, Gao Lingyan harbored a far more far-reaching plan.

In their letter, Gao Lingyan and General Yun's wisdom sparked a brilliant exchange. They deeply realized that for the Yunnan Kingdom to truly prosper, military strategy alone was far from sufficient; civil administration was essential, emphasizing both military and civil affairs to lay the foundation for long-term stability. Therefore, they unanimously conceived a bold plan—to borrow a group of civil officials from the Central Plains dynasty to enrich the Yunnan Kingdom's court and bring new vitality and wisdom to this land.

Zhao Chengyu, a high-ranking official of the Central Plains dynasty known for his composure, frowned involuntarily upon receiving the letter. He gently stroked the letter with his fingertips, as if it were telling the story of his distant friend's ambition and hardships. A moment later, he made an unexpected decision: early the next morning, he brought the letter directly to the imperial court, in front of all the civil and military officials, especially the two powerful prime ministers, Prime Minister Su and Prime Minister Gao.

He tossed the letter directly to the calm and resolute Prime Minister, saying, "Look, Empress Gao and General Yun want to borrow a group of civil officials from Yunnan. Have you two made any preparations for this? As for those officials who are willing to go to Yunnan to assist Empress Gao, I have a suggestion: let their daughters become the Crown Prince's concubines as a reward and a way to win them over."

These words immediately caused an uproar in the court. Prime Minister Su and Prime Minister Gao exchanged bewildered glances, clearly not expecting Zhao Chengyu to so directly and boldly bring up this sensitive topic. Their eyes held both surprise and contemplation. They knew this was not merely a matter of conscripting officials, but a test of national diplomacy and the balance of interests. Zhao Chengyu's proposal cleverly combined personal marriage with the future of the nation, both alleviating the officials' worries about leaving for distant lands and forging a new blood alliance for the royal family—truly a brilliant move.

However, the political maneuvering and human considerations behind this are far more complex than they appear on the surface. Beneath the court, various forces are subtly surging, and every official is calculating their own gains and losses, as well as the opportunities and challenges this unknown journey may bring. Zhao Chengyu, on the other hand, quietly observes all of this, his eyes gleaming with boundless anticipation for the future and a deep trust and support for his friends.

Zhao Chengyu's words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples. In the court, officials reacted with surprise, deep thought, or whispers, the atmosphere becoming subtle and tense. Sunlight streamed through the windows, dappling each person's face and reflecting their varied expressions.

Just then, a middle-aged official dressed in a magnificent brocade robe, Vice Minister Li Qian, slowly stepped out from the queue. His steps were steady, each one seemingly bearing the weight of a thousand pounds, demonstrating his inner firmness and determination.

"Your Majesty," Li Qian's voice was loud and clear, each word striking the court like a drumbeat, echoing in everyone's hearts, "My family has a daughter of marriageable age, sixteen years old, beautiful and talented, gentle and virtuous, well-educated and reasonable. If she could become the Crown Prince's concubine, it would not only add glory to the royal family, but also bring honor to my family. I know that this journey to Yunnan is long and fraught with danger, but I am willing to risk my life to go to Yunnan to serve the court and to fight for this rare honor for my daughter. I am willing to dedicate the rest of my life's learning to contribute to the development of the Yunnan Kingdom."

Zhao Chengyu nodded slightly, his voice gentle yet firm: "Minister Li, I have seen and will remember your courage and sense of responsibility."

Immediately afterward, Zhao Minghui, a middle-aged official from the Ministry of Revenue, a slender man with a refined appearance, stepped forward from the ranks. Though his figure was thin, his eyes shone like the brightest stars in the night sky, radiating an indomitable light, as if speaking of the unwavering determination and courage deep within his heart. He bowed respectfully, his voice, though not loud, resonating with each word, clear and resolute like a mountain spring: "Your Highness, although I have no eligible women to offer, I am willing to go to Yunnan myself. I deeply understand that the rise and fall of the nation is the responsibility of every citizen. Although Yunnan is remote, it is an indispensable part of our beautiful Central Plains. Though I am unworthy, I am willing to use my knowledge of economics and financial management to contribute my humble efforts to the development of Yunnan, to fulfill my duty as a subject, and to repay the nation's kindness."

Zhao Minghui's words exuded a scholarly air, a confidence in knowledge and a deep affection for his country. His eyes held both a slight trepidation about the unknown journey ahead, a reverence for the challenges ahead, and a firm belief in national righteousness, an infinite yearning for the future of the nation. His figure stood out remarkably tall in the court, like a pine tree standing proudly against wind and rain.

Then, another official slowly rose to his feet. He was Zhou Yi, the Vice Minister of Rites. Though advanced in years, his temples were gray, but his eyes remained sharp as an eagle's, gleaming with wisdom. He stood up, his movements slow, yet each step firm, as if each step proclaiming his resolve to the world. He said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, although I have female relatives at home who need care, I would prefer to volunteer to go to Yunnan. Having served in the Ministry of Rites for many years, I have a deep understanding of the etiquette and culture of the Central Plains. Perhaps I can bring a touch of the warmth of Central Plains civilization to Yunnan, promoting cultural exchange and integration between the two regions. Furthermore, I am advanced in years; this trip to Yunnan will also be a test and a continuation of my life's learning, allowing me to dedicate the rest of my life to serving the country and the people."

Zhou Yi's words carried a sense of composure and tranquility, a magnanimity and detachment born from the vicissitudes of life, as if he had already transcended the fear of death and only wished to contribute his strength to the prosperity of the country within his limited lifespan. In his eyes, there was both anticipation for the future and nostalgia for the past, a profound reflection on the meaning of life and a steadfast pursuit of its value.

Zhao Chengyu listened quietly to Zhou Yi's heartfelt words, his gaze lingering on Zhou Yi's face for a moment, a barely perceptible hint of hesitation and disdain flashing in his eyes. Zhou Yi was indeed advanced in years; the gray hair at his temples and the wrinkles around his eyes silently spoke of the vicissitudes of life. Zhao Chengyu couldn't help but wonder to himself, could such an elderly official truly adapt to the remote and unfamiliar land of Yunnan? Could his physical strength and energy still support his determination to serve the country?

However, Zhao Chengyu was, after all, a prince well-versed in the ways of governing a country. He quickly suppressed these personal emotions and put on a more composed and warm smile. He spoke slowly, his voice gentle yet firm: "Minister Zhou, I deeply admire your loyalty and sense of responsibility. But considering your advanced age, the long journey to Yunnan, and the potentially vastly different environment from the Central Plains, I am truly worried whether your health can withstand the hardships of this journey."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yi showed no dissatisfaction or disappointment. Instead, he smiled slightly, a smile tinged with composure and determination. He slowly said, "Your Highness's concern is appreciated. However, I believe that though I am old, my heart is not. Though I am advanced in years, I still possess a passionate heart and a loyal desire to serve my country. Furthermore, having served in the Ministry of Rites for many years, I have gained a profound understanding of Central Plains culture, which may be precisely what Yunnan Kingdom urgently needs. I am willing to use my remaining years of learning to bring a touch of Central Plains civilization to Yunnan Kingdom and to contribute my modest efforts to the cultural exchange and integration between the two regions."

Looking into Zhou Yi's firm and determined eyes, Zhao Chengyu felt a surge of respect. He knew that veteran officials like Zhou Yi, though advanced in years, possessed invaluable experience and wisdom that were a treasure to the nation. He nodded slightly, his voice carrying a hint of approval: "Minister Zhou, I have witnessed your courage and resolve. Since your mind is made up, I will not try to stop you. But you must promise me that you will take good care of your health on this trip. If you feel unwell at all, you must return immediately and not force yourself."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yi smiled gratefully. He bowed again, his voice tinged with excitement: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. I will remember it forever. On this trip to Yunnan, I will do my utmost to live up to Your Highness's expectations and the nation's trust."

Zhao Chengyu frowned slightly, his gaze scrutinizing Zhou Yi. He shook his head gently, seemingly expressing concern about Zhou Yi's age once again. He spoke slowly, his voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible teasing and concern: "The Zhou family won't have any women of marriageable age until their grandchildren, will they? Minister Zhou, you've brought forward my words by more than a decade." A low chuckle rippled through the court, and the atmosphere seemed to lighten slightly.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yi's lips curled into a faint smile, a smile tinged with self-deprecation and helplessness, yet also revealing a composed elegance. He slowly said, "Your Highness is right. I am indeed not young anymore, and my children are all adults, some even with their own families. As for my grandchildren, I can't quite remember them; they are still young, and marriage is far off. However, since you've brought it up, I will certainly inquire carefully when I return. If there are any suitable women, I will certainly present them to the palace, even if they are just to serve as palace maids, or even to go to Yunnan."

Looking at Zhou Yi's composed demeanor, Zhao Chengyu couldn't help but admire him inwardly. He knew that veteran officials like Zhou Yi, though advanced in years, possessed wisdom and experience that no young official could match. Moreover, from Zhou Yi's words, Zhao Chengyu could sense his deep affection for his family and his serious attitude towards national affairs.

He nodded slightly, his voice carrying a hint of approval and encouragement: "Minister Zhou, I have witnessed your loyalty and sense of responsibility. This matter concerns a marriage alliance between the royal family and a minister's family, which is of utmost importance. When you return, inquire about it carefully. If a suitable candidate is found, we will consider it. But you must remember that this matter is not urgent. You must take care of your health and not let a small matter cause you to lose a big one."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yi bowed again, his voice filled with gratitude and determination: "Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. I will remember it. After returning from this trip, I will inquire carefully and, if I find a suitable candidate, I will report to Your Highness immediately."

Following Zhou Yi, several other officials in the court actively requested to be transferred to Yunnan. They each harbored different ideals and ambitions, but all shared the same determination and courage.

The first was Zhang Wei, a senior official in the Ministry of War. He was tall and imposing, with a resolute face and unwavering determination in his eyes. Zhang Wei had always been interested in frontier affairs and longed to display his talents in the vast expanse of the frontier. He stood up, bowed respectfully, and spoke in a loud, clear voice: “Your Highness, I, Zhang Wei, wish to go to Yunnan. Having served in the Ministry of War for many years, I have a deep understanding of military strategy and tactics, and I am confident I can contribute my strength to the border defense of Yunnan.”

Next came Li Hua, an assistant minister in the Ministry of Works. He was slender and handsome, but his eyes revealed an extraordinary determination and perseverance. Li Hua had always dreamed of bringing advanced technology from the Central Plains to the frontier to promote its development and construction. He stood up, his voice gentle yet firm: “Your Highness, your humble servant Li Hua is willing to go to Yunnan. Having served in the Ministry of Works for many years, I possess rich experience in water conservancy, construction, and other fields, and I am confident I can contribute my modest efforts to the livelihood of the people of Yunnan.”

Zhao Lei, a senior official in the Ministry of Justice, was tall and had a stern face, but his eyes revealed a steadfast pursuit of justice. Zhao Lei had always been deeply concerned about the development of the legal system in border regions, and he longed to promote the rule of law and maintain harmony and stability there. He bowed respectfully, his voice steady and powerful: "Your Highness, your humble servant Zhao Lei wishes to go to Yunnan. Having served in the Ministry of Justice for many years, I have a deep understanding of the law and am confident that I can contribute my efforts to the development of the legal system in Yunnan."

The officials' statements plunged the court into a brief silence once more. Zhao Chengyu looked at them, his heart filled with emotion and admiration. He knew that these officials' petitions were not merely about pursuing their personal futures, but also about their profound love and responsibility for the country and the nation. They were willing to leave the bustling capital and go to the harsh conditions of the frontier, to contribute their talents and passion to the prosperity of the country and the rejuvenation of the nation.

Zhao Chengyu spoke slowly, his voice carrying a hint of praise and encouragement: "My dear ministers, I have witnessed your courage and sense of responsibility. Although the future of the Yunnan Kingdom is uncertain, you will be its founding ministers, and I will bestow titles upon you so that your families may prosper."

As Zhao Chengyu finished speaking, enthusiastic applause rang out again in the court.