My palace is full of female protagonists.

Duan Zhenghuai's gaze pierced through the flickering candlelight in the tent, landing on Gao Lingyan before him. His tone was decisive and unwavering: "That young man named Lin Yi, is that right? You still have over a hundred men here. Here's what I'll do: I'll immediately order several centurions to lead their elite troops under Lin Yi's command. Let them accompany your men on this mission. Whoever returns safely will be considered a national hero and enjoy unparalleled glory. Even if they are disfigured or crippled in this battle, they will still have the opportunity to serve as officials in the capital of Feng Kingdom. I, Duan Zhenghuai, keep my word."

Upon hearing this, Gao Lingyan nodded slightly, a hint of approval flashing in her eyes. She knew that in such chaotic times, offering soldiers such enticing rewards would undoubtedly greatly boost their morale and loyalty. "This is indeed a win-win situation. It solves the manpower shortage while silencing any dissent. After all, even disabled people are given important positions by the court; who can say you don't care about your soldiers? However, you can't end up just giving them idle posts." She spoke softly, yet every word was firm and resolute.

Upon hearing this, Duan Zhenghuai's lips curled into a bitter smile, his eyes revealing a hint of helplessness and exhaustion. "Ling Yan, you and I both know that every inch of Feng Kingdom's land is soaked in sweat and blood. Where are there any truly 'easy jobs' left? I promise you, I will never let these warriors who serve the country be buried in insignificant positions. Every contribution they make will be rewarded accordingly. Feng Kingdom needs their strength to protect the peace of this land."

Upon hearing this, Gao Lingyan felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She knew that although Duan Zhenghuai appeared stern, he harbored a deep love for the country and its people. She gently patted Duan Zhenghuai's shoulder to comfort and encourage him: "Zhenghuai, Zhao Yingqing told me he 'hopes for world peace'."

Duan Zhenghuai lowered his head, stroking the hem of his clothes, his fingertips lightly tracing the delicate fabric, as if touching some indescribable emotion and thought. His eyes were empty and deep, as if he were lost in a philosophical contemplation about "world peace." "'World peace'?" he murmured to himself, his voice low and magnetic, each word flowing slowly from the depths of his heart, "What is a 'boundary'?"

He looked up at the boundless night outside the window, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and longing for the unknown world. In his heart, peace meant more than just the tranquility of the absence of war; it was a harmony and coexistence of souls. But the word "boundary" seemed like an insurmountable chasm, dividing people into different regions, cultures, and beliefs.

"Is a boundary the mountains and rivers, the borders between countries?" he muttered to himself, his brow furrowed, as if searching for an answer. "Or is a boundary the prejudice and barriers in people's hearts, those invisible walls that distance us from each other, making it difficult for us to understand and accept one another?"

Meanwhile, after experiencing the harrowing poisoning incident at the palace, Lin Yi, though having escaped unscathed, was haunted by a persistent unease. He knew the palace was heavily guarded and rigorously inspected, and his background could be exposed at any moment. This fear, like an invisible shackle, tightly bound his mind, leaving him in a daze, as if walking on clouds, his steps unsteady.

In this state, Lin Yi walked out of the palace gates, and the cold wind that hit him made him shiver. Just then, his body seemed to give way, a violent dizziness struck him, the world before his eyes began to blur, and finally, he collapsed to the ground, losing consciousness.

Fortunately, the palace guards were still watching the officials leaving the palace. When many people scattered because of Lin Yi's fall, they rushed over to help Lin Yi, who had fainted outside the palace gate, and immediately helped him up. They found his family's carriage and carefully put him in.

Seeing this, the coachman and servants hurriedly drove to a nearby clinic. Inside, the experienced old doctor, after examining Lin Yi, diagnosed him with acute fever caused by excessive stress and fatigue. He quickly wrote a prescription and filled the medicine, instructing the servants to take Lin Yi home to rest.

Back home, Lin Yi was settled in a spacious and comfortable bedroom. Calming incense was lit beside his bed, filling the air with a faint herbal scent. His family sat around the bed, their faces etched with worry and concern. Lin Yi occasionally awoke from his deep sleep, and seeing this scene, a warm feeling welled up inside him, but it was quickly replaced by a sense of uncertainty about the future.

For the next few days, Lin Yi took sick leave and stayed at home. He lay in bed, gazing at the ever-changing sky outside the window, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

In these few days, the situation in the capital has been unpredictable. The Prefect has finally captured all the rebels who came to the capital with the Third Young Master, and instead of sending them to the government office, he has thrown them directly into the heavily guarded Imperial Prison. This is the second time the Third Young Master has stepped into this Imperial Prison, and Mei'er is by his side.

Zhao Chengyu, seated in his chair, stared intently at the several tightly bound rebels before him. Their eyes were filled with fear and unease, their submissive demeanor making it difficult to associate them with the word "rebel." Zhao Chengyu even worried that his imposing presence might frighten these seemingly frail men, so he simply turned his head slightly and asked the prefect beside him, "Have they confessed? Did they really hunt down the Xue family's younger brother and poison me?"

Upon hearing this, the prefect immediately bowed respectfully and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty, it was they who bribed the deputy general guarding the city in an attempt to carry out a conspiracy. Moreover, when we searched their personal belongings, we also found tens of thousands of taels of silver notes."

Zhao Chengyu frowned slightly and pressed on, "Then, who is the mastermind behind this incident?"

The prefect pointed to a person kneeling in the middle. The person looked to be no more than ten years old, but his face was covered with wrinkles that did not match his age, making him particularly conspicuous. "That's him, Your Majesty," the prefect replied.

Zhao Chengyu's gaze fell on the child, and he slowly asked, "Who are you? Why are you rebelling under the banner of the barbarian tribe?"

Upon hearing this, the child raised his head, his clear yet hate-filled eyes staring directly at Zhao Chengyu: "Because you slaughtered the Yi tribe, I was a candidate for the Yi tribe's priesthood. I only went to the mountains to gather herbs and was away for a while. When I returned, the entire Yi tribe had ceased to exist. Even the Yi tribe's princess was kidnapped by you."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu frowned even more deeply, and he subconsciously said, "Then I'm really sorry."

These words surprised not only the child but everyone present. After all, hearing the words "I'm sorry" from an emperor was not a common occurrence.

Seeing this, the prefect quickly and cautiously explained, "The events of that year were far from what you imagine. In reality, the former crown prince was ambitious and secretly plotted a large-scale rebellion, attempting to use the power of the Yi people to overthrow the court. However, the late emperor, with his foresight, had to reluctantly order the suppression of the Yi people to prevent the situation from worsening, for the sake of national stability and the peace of the people. But what is little known is that during that turbulent period, the emperor, who was still a prince, rescued the Yi princess who was being escorted by several people to the death, and properly settled her in the prince's palace, taking meticulous care of her as if she were his own daughter."

At this point, the prefect's eyes were filled with admiration and emotion. He continued, "To prevent Princess Yi from becoming a target for various factions in the court to win over, he decisively made her a concubine while she was still in the Prince's residence, granting her a noble status and protection. After ascending the throne, he doted on Consort Yi even more, not only preserving her position in the palace but also frequently bestowing rewards and care upon her. Just two days ago, he re-bestowed upon her the title of Princess Yi and began selecting a virtuous and talented consort for her. To the princess, the Emperor and Empress are like elder brothers and sisters-in-law, like second parents."

At this point, the prefect's eyes revealed a hint of regret and sympathy. He looked at the man kneeling in the middle, his face covered in wrinkles, and said firmly, "Look, the person you are about to kill is Princess Yi's savior, who is none other than the Emperor! Isn't this repaying kindness with enmity and digging your own grave?"

Upon hearing this, the captured men exchanged bewildered glances, stunned for a moment. They had probably never imagined that their "enemy" would be Princess Yi's savior, the very emperor they had sworn to rebel against. This sudden reversal caught them off guard, leaving them somewhat bewildered.

At this moment, the person kneeling in the middle began to sob, and the other rebels, seeing this, also couldn't help but shed tears. They began to feel remorse and self-reproach for their foolish actions, as if at this moment they truly understood how serious the mistake they had made was.

Meanwhile, Zhao Chengyu, standing to the side, had a strange thought: That's right, Yi Jingwei's script is a novel of the heart, which means it's likely a humorous and lighthearted comedy. So, perhaps these so-called "villains" are just comedic characters added to make the story more entertaining!

Thinking of this, Zhao Chengyu felt a sense of relief and ease. He looked at the weeping rebels, his eyes filled with both reproach and understanding. He understood that in this chaotic world, everyone had their own hardships and helplessness, and behind these seemingly absurd actions, there might be more complex and profound emotions and motivations.

Zhao Chengyu sighed softly, turning his gaze to the Third Young Master beside him, his tone carrying a hint of inquiry and helplessness: "Do you know him? That guy who claims to be a descendant of a Yi tribe priest."

The third young master nodded slightly, his expression complicated: "Yes, Your Majesty, he is indeed a descendant of the Yi tribe priest."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu shook his head helplessly, his voice low and firm: "Whether it's rebellion, arranging assassinations in the capital, or poisoning the palace, these actions are all heinous crimes punishable by the extermination of nine generations of one's family. According to the law, I absolutely cannot spare your lives."

Upon hearing this, the rebels truly felt fear. Their bodies began to tremble, their eyes filled with despair and regret. They had probably never imagined that their actions would bring such severe consequences.

However, Zhao Chengyu changed his tone, offering them a glimmer of hope: "But if you're willing to cooperate, write down all the people you've incited, and clearly explain the plans you're currently implementing, I can have the Third Young Master lead troops to manage these people and prevent the situation from escalating further. As for you, you'll have to bear all the blame and be beheaded at the city gates of the capital for a month as a warning to others. This way, at least those you've incited can live. Are you willing?"

Although the men were crying their eyes out, their hands bound behind their backs and unable to wipe their tears, they nodded vigorously without hesitation, indicating their willingness to accept the terms. Some even knelt on the ground, kowtowing repeatedly to show their gratitude and loyalty.

Seeing this, Zhao Chengyu felt a mix of emotions. He looked at the Third Young Master, his tone serious yet expectant: "I've done my best to protect these people. If you go down to suppress them and encounter those who won't listen and insist on resisting..."

Before the Emperor could finish speaking, the Third Young Master hurriedly interjected, "Make an example of him! Your Majesty, I understand. I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's expectations and handle this matter properly."

Zhao Chengyu nodded in satisfaction, a hint of appreciation and trust flashing in his eyes.

Zhao Chengyu returned to the imperial study and, having just settled onto the dragon throne, noticed a handwritten letter from Empress Gao on the table. He opened the envelope and began to read it carefully. In the letter, Gao Lingyan specifically requested that Lin Yi go to Yunnan Kingdom to infiltrate the Feng Kingdom's army and assist in the attack on Lanling Kingdom. She also briefly explained her and the Feng Kingdom's ruler's views and expectations regarding this matter.

After reading the letter, Zhao Chengyu pondered to himself. He knew Gao Lingyan's wisdom and foresight, and naturally agreed with her suggestion. Moreover, he had heard of Lin Yi before; he was a rare talent, and entrusting this mission to him should ensure its successful completion.

Therefore, Zhao Chengyu wrote "Approved" directly on the letter and ordered someone to send it to Empress Gao by fast horse.

At this moment, Lin Yi was sitting quietly at home. Suddenly, however, he felt a man-made earthquake; the entire house seemed to tremble slightly. Startled, he quickly got up and went to the window to look. He saw a dark mass outside, seemingly surrounded by an army.

Lin Yi immediately understood. In the capital, who else but the Emperor's Imperial Guard could have a residence surrounded by troops like this? He couldn't help but think of General Yun's mansion, which was still under lockdown, and an ominous premonition welled up in his heart.

Just then, the gate was gently pushed open, and a smiling figure walked in. Lin Yi looked closely and saw that it was General Ma. General Ma was wearing magnificent armor, but he looked somewhat tired.