My palace is full of female protagonists.

The most eye-catching feature was undoubtedly the towering, resplendent phoenix-embroidered sedan chair. This chair was more than just a means of transportation; it resembled a mobile palace, soaring into the clouds, adorned with lifelike carvings of phoenixes poised for flight, symbolizing the Empress's nobility and supreme power. The chair was covered in luxurious silk, the gold-embroidered patterns shimmering brilliantly in the sunlight. Four strong, carefully selected porters, dressed in uniform, moved with steady, powerful strides, carrying this symbol of the Empress's majesty steadily on their shoulders, slowly advancing along the red carpet, each step exuding solemnity and sanctity.

On either side of the sedan chair, palace servants and guards stood in close formation, forming an impenetrable defensive line. Dressed in magnificent court attire, they carried spears or bows and arrows, their expressions serious and vigilant, their eyes sharp and watchful, constantly observing the surroundings, not letting any disturbance escape their notice. Their presence was not only to ensure the Empress's safety, but also to demonstrate the majesty and nobility of the imperial family.

Following the phoenix-embroidered palanquin was a procession composed of a highly skilled acrobatic troupe and beautiful, charming flower-scattering ladies. The acrobatic troupe members possessed extraordinary skills; they tumbled and leaped, tossed colorful balls, and performed magic tricks, each movement precise and flawless, drawing rounds of applause and cheers from the crowd. The flower-scattering ladies, holding baskets filled with petals, gracefully scattered vibrant blossoms to the rhythm of music, like spring rain falling on the procession and the crowd, bringing a refreshing fragrance and adding a touch of romance and fantasy to the celebration.

Following this procession was the eight-bearer palanquin led by Empress Zhao Qi'er. While not as imposing as the Phoenix Seal palanquin, it possessed its own unique charm. The low-hanging curtains obscured the Empress's figure, but the inherent nobility and solemnity emanating from her radiant presence shone through the gaps in the curtains, permeating the air of everyone present. Even without seeing the Empress's face, her innate气质 and demeanor inspired awe, as if facing the most revered being in the world.

The entire procession moved slowly forward amidst the cheers and attention of the crowd. Every step was filled with a sense of ceremony and solemnity, deeply imprinting this royal glory and dignity in everyone's heart.

Following the Empress's grand sedan chair carried by eight men, the sedan chairs of the imperial concubines lined up in succession. They wore magnificent robes embroidered with silk and gold and silver threads, their vibrant colors like blooming flowers, each vying for attention. The concubines' faces beamed with happiness, their eyes sparkling with appreciation for this rare honor and prestige. Some bowed their heads and smiled gently, others chatted softly, enjoying the grand celebration and exchanging joy and blessings with one another.

Beside Consort Yi's sedan chair, a distinctive figure stood quietly, drawing the attention of the surrounding crowd. That was the Third Young Master, granted special permission by the Emperor to participate in the procession. Although dressed in simple, unadorned clothing, his extraordinary presence was impossible to ignore. His face was handsome, his eyes deep and penetrating, as if he could see into people's hearts, or perhaps he was contemplating some profound question. He stood silently beside Consort Yi's sedan chair, like a silent statue, a stark contrast to the lively and festive atmosphere around him.

The guards around him were extremely cautious about the Third Young Master's appearance, remaining vigilant and mindful of the Emperor's orders. On one hand, they needed to ensure the Third Young Master wouldn't take the opportunity to escape, so they constantly monitored his movements, ready to act immediately at the slightest sign of trouble. On the other hand, they also kept a close watch on anyone who might try to take the Third Young Master away, ensuring no suspicious activity escaped their notice. These guards, clad in armor and wielding spears, stood with serious expressions, forming an impenetrable defensive line protecting the Third Young Master's safety.

The master's servant, with sharp eyes, immediately spotted the third young master disguised as a palace attendant in the crowd. He quickly turned around, ran lightly to the back, and breathlessly reported to the master and the two attendants who were always by the third young master's side: "My lords, the third young master is back, and he's walking this way!"

Upon hearing this, the two henchmen exchanged a glance, a sly glint in their eyes. They thought this was a perfect opportunity to demonstrate their loyalty and cleverness to the Third Young Master. So, they smiled at each other and decided to go around to the back alley. Under the cover of the crowd, they jogged to the edge of the group, finding a spot that was conspicuous yet wouldn't cause too much of a commotion, and waited breathlessly for the Third Young Master's arrival.

Time seemed to stand still, each second filled with anticipation. Finally, amidst the commotion, the Third Young Master's figure gradually came into focus. He was dressed in palace servant's attire, yet his brows revealed an extraordinary air. Surrounded by several guards, he stood out conspicuously. His two attendants, seeing this, were filled with excitement, their blood seemingly boiling. They couldn't help but nod and wave excitedly, just like those around them, trying to attract the Third Young Master's attention. However, although the Third Young Master's gaze swept over them, he was wary of the guards beside him and could only signal with his eyes. He dared not nod easily, nor openly wave, lest he give himself away.

Just as the two henchmen were basking in the joy of their impending reunion with the Third Young Master, an unexpected event occurred. Several lithe men in black suddenly darted out from the crowd, swiftly surrounding them and, before they could react, grabbing the two men and disappearing into the throng. The Third Young Master witnessed this and was filled with anxiety. He knew how important these followers were to him, and his expression changed drastically, his heart burning with worry.

"Great-Grandma! My men have just been captured by someone!" The Third Young Master, disregarding everything else, hurriedly called out to Consort Yi, who was sitting in her sedan chair, enjoying the adoration of the crowd. Consort Yi frowned slightly upon hearing this, then gently lifted the curtain, revealing her well-maintained, dignified, and elegant face. This action immediately drew cheers from the surrounding crowd, and even Zhao Qi'er, who had been silently observing the procession, couldn't help but turn her head to look in their direction with curiosity.

Consort Yi, with her sharp eyes, quickly scanned the surroundings and then instructed a guard captain beside her, "Take him away immediately and find his captured companions. Make sure they are brought back safely!" Upon hearing this, the guard captain immediately obeyed the order, and several strong guards stepped forward, respectfully lifted the Third Young Master, and pushed through the crowd in the direction where the two followers had disappeared.

Fortunately, due to the royal procession today, the entire capital was under strict lockdown, and heavy guards were deployed around the imperial city, creating a tense and solemn atmosphere. The guards were well-trained and could quickly contact each other via a specific signal if they detected anything unusual. When news spread that two attendants had been kidnapped by men in black, the guards immediately sent an emergency assembly signal. Nearby guards and soldiers seemed to be drawn by an invisible bond, rushing towards the direction indicated by the signal.

On the street, the crowd panicked at the sudden turn of events, but more than anything, there was curiosity and much discussion. Amidst the chaos, a silent battle quietly unfolded. The men in black moved swiftly and cunningly, using the crowd as cover to attempt a rapid escape. However, the guards and soldiers were no ordinary men either; relying on their keen intuition and exceptional skills, they quickly tightened the encirclement.

The two henchmen were soldiers, and although they mainly served the third young master, they also had some martial arts skills. In the instant the men in black tried to subdue them, the two, with their tacit cooperation and considerable skill, seized the opportunity to counterattack, and for a time, they fought the men in black to a standstill. Their bravery and resourcefulness not only bought them precious time but also provided valuable clues for the guards and soldiers who arrived later.

When the Third Young Master arrived with the captain of the guards and a group of elite soldiers, he saw them emerge from a fierce fight, covered in sweat, but with an indomitable light in their eyes. Seeing this, the Third Young Master felt a great weight lifted from his heart and quickly went forward to check on their injuries.

However, the battle was far from over. Seeing their escape route blocked and surrounded, the men in black made a shocking decision—to commit suicide. As if receiving some mysterious command, they pulled out pre-prepared poison or sharp knives from their robes and, without hesitation, swallowed or slit their throats. This scene stunned everyone present. The soldiers couldn't even stop them; some of the men in black even deliberately ran into the soldiers' blades, seeking a quick death.

An indescribable sense of oppression and tragedy filled the air, making even breathing heavy. The Third Young Master, gazing at the scene before him, felt a complex mix of emotions: shock at the black-clad man's suicide and apprehension about a larger conspiracy behind it all. He knew these black-clad men hadn't appeared by chance; they must be hiding deeper, more complex secrets and plots. And those who spread rumors about his rebellion were likely the masterminds behind it all, attempting to stir up trouble in the capital through this series of events to achieve their ulterior motives.

The third young master's gaze was deep and resolute. He realized that he needed to be more vigilant and perceptive to find the truth in this game of power and protect himself and those around him from harm. He believed that he was not fighting alone; there must be others who shared his pursuit of justice and thirst for the truth, fighting alongside him in the shadows.

Afterwards, the third young master and his two henchmen were taken to a side hall in the palace and imprisoned. Although they lost their freedom, their lives were temporarily safe. The side hall was simple but clean and tidy, showing that the palace still provided some protection for prisoners. The third young master secretly rejoiced, at least the three of them could be together and face their predicament together.

The procession was solemn and elaborate. The Emperor himself stood atop the imperial city wall, awaiting the arrival of the Empress and the concubines. Dragon flags fluttered atop the wall, creating an atmosphere of solemnity and grandeur. The Emperor, dressed in his dragon robe, appeared dignified, seemingly one with the ancient imperial city, witnessing this grand ceremony. The Empress waited outside the city walls. Once everything was ready, she slowly entered the imperial city. At this moment, the Emperor personally pressed the button for the salute cannons. Amidst the booming sound, colorful fireworks bloomed in the sky, adding a touch of joy and peace to the procession.

However, beneath this celebratory atmosphere, an undercurrent was quietly brewing. The news of the Third Young Master and his henchmen being brought back to the palace, and the man in black's suicide, shattered the palace's tranquility like a thunderbolt. But all of this was only learned by the Emperor from his attendants after the parade had ended. Upon hearing this, Emperor Zhao Chengyu frowned, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"No doubt about it, the real rebels have finally arrived in the capital," Zhao Chengyu said firmly to Xiao Kuangzi beside him. He knew that this parade was not just a celebration, but also a test of the capital's security. The appearance of the men in black, and their entanglement with the Third Young Master, undoubtedly made this test even more complex and severe.

Zhao Chengyu pondered for a moment, then gave the order to Xiao Kuangzi: "Go and summon the prefect, and tell him to take advantage of the fact that the city gates are closed for the next two days to thoroughly investigate all the inns in the capital and find out the group of people who suddenly disappeared."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Kuangzi immediately accepted the order and left. He knew this was a race against time; the slightest delay could allow the true mastermind to escape. Therefore, he acted swiftly, conveying the Emperor's decree to the Prefect and personally overseeing the investigation.

In a corner of the capital, there was a dimly lit brothel, a place of revelry and decadence where many men sought solace and pleasure. This particular night, the brothel was bustling with activity, but in one corner, a less harmonious scene was unfolding.

Several richly dressed men, reeking of alcohol, sat around a round table. Their eyes gleamed with greed and unbridled lust as they pointed and whispered to the madam standing nearby, their words revealing their covetousness for a certain young woman. Their target was a petite and exquisite girl named Mei'er, with beautiful features, the one who had previously accompanied the Third Young Master.

"Madam, we're taking this young lady with us today!" one of the men said gruffly, pointing directly at Mei'er, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Upon hearing this, the madam's expression changed slightly, and she inwardly groaned. Although Mei'er was beautiful, she was still young and inexperienced; how could she withstand the ravages of these rough men? Furthermore, according to the rules of the brothel, there was no reason for a girl to serve multiple customers at the same time. If all the customers were like this, how many women would they have to abuse? If this were to openly cause a death, it would be a crime.

"Oh dear, gentlemen, look at this child, she's still so young. In our brothel, there's no shortage of things to do in the bedroom. Why do you gentlemen only need one girl to serve you?" The madam forced a smile, trying to defuse the awkward situation with her words.