My palace is full of female protagonists.

Prime Minister Su rushed to the carved wooden door of the main hall, pushed it open with both hands, and slammed it shut with a dull thud, as if to shut out all outside prying eyes and disturbances. Then, he hurried back to Zhao Chengyu, panting and anxious, saying, "Your Majesty, if such a simple and efficient method falls into the hands of neighboring countries, it will be extremely detrimental to our dynasty!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu frowned slightly, his thoughts drifting back to his distant childhood. He pondered to himself, "Indeed, why didn't the honeycomb briquettes used for heating in my childhood become widespread in other regions? Perhaps it's because those places have sparse populations and relatively abundant forest resources, so they don't need to rely on such efficient fuel. But the so-called neighboring countries are all located on this vast land of the Central Plains, and their national conditions are not much different from ours. If we don't guard against this honeycomb briquette technique, it might become a weapon for other countries to strengthen themselves."

Thinking this, Zhao Chengyu's eyes hardened. He spoke slowly, his voice carrying an undeniable authority: "The method of making honeycomb briquettes may seem simple and easy to imitate, but the real key lies in the tools used for making and using them. These tools are the core that we must keep strictly confidential. Prime Minister Su, Prime Minister Gao, you two will immediately begin preparations and must establish a workshop specializing in the production of these tools as quickly as possible. Remember, I don't want empty talk, but tangible results. I want to see these finished products with my own eyes within seven days!"

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Su and Prime Minister Gao exchanged a glance, both seeing urgency and determination in each other's eyes. They quickly bowed, clasped their hands in front of their chests in a standard cupped-hands salute, and replied in unison, "Your Majesty, we obey!"

As the two prime ministers responded, the other officials in the hall followed suit. In an instant, the hall was filled with the sounds of bowing and clasping hands. Everyone looked solemn, as if they had already foreseen the profound impact this reform would have on the country.

After this incident, an unusual atmosphere enveloped the court for the entire morning. The usually composed and prudent ministers seemed to have been injected with boundless energy, their voices becoming loud and passionate. They frequently praised the Emperor, their words filled with admiration and support for Zhao Chengyu's decision. Some ministers even became teary-eyed and wept, all thinking about the enormous impact this inexpensive method of heating would have on the country.

Sitting high on the dragon throne, Zhao Chengyu's gaze swept over the ministers below, a complex mix of emotions welling up within him. He noticed that while these veteran officials might be somewhat stubborn in ordinary times, in crucial moments, most of them demonstrated unwavering loyalty and love for the country. This scene both amused and moved him. He thought, "The old leader's words were indeed true—serving the country and its people should come first." Indeed, who isn't born with a deep love for their hometown and a profound affection for their motherland?

Just as the court session was about to end, Zhao Chengyu suddenly heard a faint sound behind him. It was Consort Yi giggling as she ate her snacks. As she savored the snacks, she muttered to herself, seemingly discussing the young officials. Zhao Chengyu was secretly surprised; he hadn't expected that Yi Jingwei had actually taken his words about choosing a husband to heart.

Yi Jingwei is not only a work of "national revival literature," but also a work of "heartfelt observation literature," and is also entangled in complex emotional bonds of "uncle-nephew literature." She harbors a deep dependence and attachment to Zhao Yingqing and Zhao Qi'er, both physically and psychologically. However, when she learns of the opportunity to return to the land once home to the Yi people and govern those who once belonged to her, a sense of longing and responsibility for her homeland arises spontaneously. Perhaps this is why she values ​​this selection of a husband so highly, hoping to find a worthy son-in-law who can lead the Yi people to regain their former glory.

Consort Yi's thoughts echoed quietly in a corner of the palace, tinged with disdain and speculation: "Just who is this Lin Yi? He not only looks down on those senior officials, but he's also so arrogant towards Brother Zhao, as if the whole world should revolve around him. But thinking about it carefully, isn't he just a young official fresh out of school? Oh, I understand now, he has such a shameful past—he was once a spy for the Feng Kingdom. It's a pity that things are unpredictable; the Feng Kingdom also suffered the upheaval of the crown prince usurping the throne. His backers and mentors vanished overnight, and now he's just an unknown official among the many insignificant officials in our country. He must be harboring some ulterior motive, eager to find a foothold in this unfamiliar land, which is why he's so relentlessly seeking opportunities, trying to pave a ladder for his advancement through every display and performance, right?"

Zhao Chengyu stood to the side, his brows furrowed, pondering to himself, "At first, I thought this person was quite worldly-wise and shrewd, handling affairs with ease, a rare talent. But now it seems that beneath this polished exterior, perhaps a more complex scheme is hidden. If he is not righteous, he will likely become an unpredictable 'time bomb' sooner or later, causing considerable trouble for the court." Thinking of this, Zhao Chengyu couldn't help but shake his head, his expression growing increasingly solemn.

Consort Yi's inner thoughts resonated once more. This time, her words carried a hint of coquettishness and the trivial annoyances of daily life: "Alas, is it possible that the chefs at today's palace banquet are also experiencing a low point in their lives and are in a bad mood? Why is it that the chestnut cakes, which are usually sweet and delicious, have no sweetness at all and taste like chewing wax? It's extremely disappointing."

A sudden, intense unease welled up in Zhao Chengyu's heart. This feeling was like a chill that arrived unexpectedly on a hot summer day, causing him to involuntarily furrow his brow. He quickly turned around and whispered to Xiao Kuangzi, who was standing beside him, "Xiao Kuangzi, go to the back and check on Consort Yi. Have someone carefully examine the snacks she's eating and make sure there's nothing unusual."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Kuangzi was startled. How did the Emperor know that Consort Yi was enjoying snacks in the rear palace while he was holding court? This thought flashed through his mind, and he immediately realized that perhaps Consort Yi often secretly came to the rear palace at this time to rest and enjoy the snacks carefully prepared by the imperial kitchen, and the Emperor had already tacitly approved of this, or even secretly cared about it? Thinking of this, Xiao Kuangzi dared not delay, quickly responded, and hurried to the rear palace.

However, when Xiao Kuangzi arrived at the rear hall, the scene before him horrified him. Consort Yi, the woman who was always smiling and gentle, was now lying on the ground, pale-faced, her lips trembling slightly, clearly in extreme pain. Xiao Kuangzi's heart tightened; he immediately realized the gravity of the situation and shouted without hesitation, "Someone! Quickly, call a physician! Consort Yi has been poisoned!"

This shout not only startled the attendants in the rear hall, but also reached Zhao Chengyu's ears clearly in the front hall of the imperial court. Zhao Chengyu's face instantly turned ashen. He stood up abruptly, his eyes blazing, his voice low and firm: "Someone has poisoned the palace!"

In the imperial court, the ministers who had been passionately discussing state affairs were instantly silenced by this sudden shout, and all eyes turned to Zhao Chengyu. They had never seen the emperor so angry and tense; for a moment, the entire court seemed to be shrouded in an invisible atmosphere of tension.

Zhao Chengyu's gaze swept across the assembled officials, seemingly searching for something. Finally, he said in a deep voice, "The imperial court is still in session, yet someone dares to be so presumptuous! This matter must be thoroughly investigated, and no one should be allowed to escape justice!"

As Zhao Chengyu finished speaking, the court fell into a brief silence once again, but everyone knew in their hearts that an investigation into the poisoning incident in the palace had quietly begun.

Zhao Chengyu pondered to himself, then couldn't help but give a bitter laugh. He had been in this unfamiliar world for some time now, and although he had long since grown accustomed to the court intrigues and power games, the poisoning incident that occurred in the palace today still struck him as somewhat unexpected and ironic. He thought to himself, "As expected, classic tropes like poisoning are indispensable in female-centric dramas. After all this time, this is the first time I've witnessed it firsthand. Although such things are not common in the palace now, when they do happen, they are enough to cause a massive uproar."

He continued his analysis: "The poison was administered so blatantly and in such a clever location that it was clearly aimed at me, the Empress, and Consort Yi. Only someone extremely familiar with the layout of the palace could make such a precise judgment. And I, as the Emperor, am naturally the primary target. But who would be so foolish as to use such a crude and direct method to harm me during court sessions? That would be tantamount to courting death."

Zhao Chengyu frowned, pondering possible motives and suspects: "If this poison was intended for Consort Yi, then the underlying intentions become complex and subtle. Consort Yi is, after all, a princess of the Yi tribe, the only descendant of the Yi people, but her position in the palace is special, and those forces plotting rebellion often use the banner of 'reviving the Yi tribe' to win people's hearts. How could they directly target Consort Yi? Wouldn't that be self-destructive? Unless..."

A glint of light flashed in his eyes: "Unless this is not the work of those who intend to rebel, but someone else, someone who does not want the Yi people to be revived, or more precisely, someone who does not want the Yi concubine to have a higher position in the palace. Such a move may seem foolish, but it may actually have a deeper meaning, both creating chaos and cleverly framing someone else."

Zhao Chengyu's thoughts were like fallen leaves swept up by a storm, chaotic and rapid. He suddenly realized that this sudden poisoning incident might be a meticulously planned "two birds with one stone" scheme. If he failed to handle it properly, or even chose to let it go lightly, then in the eyes of outsiders, it would undoubtedly appear as a well-orchestrated drama, an attempt to prevent the revival of the Yi tribe. This conjecture sent a chill down his spine, making him realize that the cruelty and complexity of court intrigue far exceeded his imagination.

"Perhaps this is the real purpose," Zhao Chengyu thought to himself. "Maybe, using another method to break this seemingly unsolvable protagonist halo might not be a bad idea." His eyes gleamed with determination and wisdom as he decided to personally uncover the truth behind this conspiracy.

Just as he had expected, when Zhao Qi'er learned of Consort Yi's poisoning, she was extremely anxious. She almost ran to get into a simple sedan chair and headed straight for the back of the main hall. Her heart was filled with worry for Consort Yi, as well as doubt and unease about this sudden event.

When Zhao Qi'er arrived at the scene, Consort Yi was still lying on the ground, but had already undergone a preliminary diagnosis by the physician. Zhao Qi'er hurriedly asked the physician, "Can you tell what kind of poison it is? What effect has it had on Consort Yi?" Her voice trembled slightly, clearly showing her extreme concern for Consort Yi's safety.

The physician looked troubled, clearly indicating that this poison was no ordinary matter: "Your Majesty, this so-called poison is not a deadly poison in the traditional sense, but rather a highly concentrated form of a substance's mild toxins, refined through extensive tempering. The characteristic of this poison is that it is not immediately fatal, but it can cause great damage to the stomach and intestines. What's even more troublesome is that, due to its special nature, common methods for testing deadly poisons simply cannot detect it."

"No matter who is behind this, I will never let them get away with it." Zhao Qi'er made a silent vow in her heart, her eyes flashing with unprecedented determination and courage.

Zhao Chengyu suddenly waved his hand, interrupting the whispers and panic of those around him. His voice was calm and powerful, exuding an unquestionable majesty: "The Imperial Palace, the most solemn and sacred place in the world, has witnessed such a despicable act. This is not only a provocation against me, but also an insult to the entire royal family! None of you are allowed to leave today. You must stay here and witness every moment to come."

His gaze sharpened as he surveyed the assembled crowd, then continued, "Immediately summon the Crown Prince. Today, we will hold a ceremony to formally confer upon Yi Jingwei the title of Princess of our nation, with the title 'Yi'! Whether Yi Jingwei lives or dies today, she will be a member of our royal family. From this moment on, anyone who dares to harm a member of the royal family will be subjected to the most severe punishment—the extermination of their entire clan—as a warning to others!"

These words sent a jolt through the entire hall, everyone feeling the resolve and power in Zhao Chengyu's voice. It was not only an affirmation of Consort Yi's status, but also a defense of the royal family's dignity and a stern warning to potential enemies.

"At the same time, notify the Prefect of the Capital to come to the Palace immediately to preside over the investigation of the 'Princess Yi' poisoning case." Zhao Chengyu's voice was deep and powerful, each word carrying the weight of a thousand pounds. "I want to see for myself who dares to stir up trouble under my nose. I vow to bring such treacherous villains to justice without any leniency!"

After saying this, Zhao Chengyu turned around and strode away from the hall, leaving behind a group of astonished and awe-inspiring officials.