My palace is full of female protagonists.

Princess Dengyi stepped lightly across the heavy threshold of the Imperial Study, her figure gradually disappearing at the end of the corridor, like a soft ray of morning light in the morning mist, carrying a hint of imperceptible determination and expectation. Only after her figure had completely blended into the palace walls did Zhao Chengyu slowly turn around, his gaze deep as he looked at Zhao Qi'er standing quietly to the side, and asked in a low voice, "Recently, has she been spending a lot of time with those young talents she met at the banquet the other day?" His tone carried a hint of worry, as if he was particularly concerned about the movements of this royal princess.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Qi'er pursed her lips slightly, a complex expression flashing in her eyes. She replied softly, "Yes, lately, they've been making a point of meeting Princess Yi at the theater. Although I wanted to stop them, I thought about it again. It's already a great improvement that Jingwei is willing to follow our arrangements and find a suitable husband. After all, royal marriages are never up to the individual, so it's rare for her to have such thoughts. Besides, the people at that theater are all carefully selected and are family, so they shouldn't cause any uncontrollable trouble."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu frowned slightly, seemingly not entirely satisfied with Zhao Qi'er's answer. He pondered for a moment, then fixed his gaze on Zhao Qi'er with even sharper intensity, continuing to press, "Did you try to subtly inquire whether she had anyone in mind?" He secretly calculated that this royal marriage not only concerned the Yi princess's happiness but also affected the balance of power within and outside the court. Finding a suitable male protagonist was the key to resolving all the problems.

Zhao Qi'er shook her head slightly, a hint of helplessness flashing across her face: "I've tried to probe a few times, but Jingwei is a very perceptive and tight-lipped girl, and hasn't revealed a single clue. She seems to be weighing her options, or rather, waiting for a reason that will move her heart." At this point, Zhao Qi'er unconsciously sighed. She knew all too well that royal marriages often carried too much weight, far beyond what personal feelings could sway.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu pondered to himself: It seems that we still need to plan ahead and observe quietly for a while before trying to find out who can win Princess Yi's heart. Judging from Gao Lingyan and Yun Feiyang, the female lead needs to arrange her male lead well in order to meet the highest expectations in the end.

Because the Yunnan Kingdom's army began to conscript a large number of villagers who originally belonged to the southern kingdom as new soldiers, this move caused considerable panic and unease among the villagers. They secretly speculated that once they were incorporated into the Yun family army, they would be used as live targets and sacrificed needlessly on the battlefield. However, this was, after all, a list of military households personally selected by Gao Lingyan. The imperial decree could not be disobeyed, and although the local officials were reluctant, they had no choice but to follow the rules and ultimately managed to conscript more than 10,000 new soldiers.

The Yun family army was currently in a period of rest and reorganization, and there was no need for a large-scale deployment. However, unexpectedly, these 10,000 new recruits were entrusted with an important mission, led by several young Yun family generals, and marched in a grand procession to the border frontier between Lanling and Yunnan. Yun Feiyang, as a promising young member of the Yun family army, had mixed feelings about this mission. When he first saw the new recruits from Feng, he couldn't help but feel a pang of pity and helplessness. Although the army of 10,000 was numerous, only a mere 2,000 soldiers stood beside them as support, and the so-called generals were nothing more than a few low-ranking officers of the centurion level.

Yun Feiyang knew that the King of Feng was probably sitting leisurely in the Empress's study, sipping crisp melon seeds while watching the impending war unfold. Although he was dissatisfied with the indifference and inaction of the Feng court, the current situation was urgent and he could not afford to complain too much.

Fortunately, Lanling Kingdom's stated purpose this time was to attack Yunnan Kingdom, thus it proactively dispatched troops, which is rare in history. Yun Feiyang understood that once the people of Lanling Kingdom left their easily defensible territory, their fighting strength would be greatly reduced, at best a below-average army. He carefully observed the weapons in the hands of the Lanling Kingdom soldiers; they were a motley collection, of varying quality, clearly indicating extremely outdated equipment.

Based on this assessment, Yun Feiyang quickly devised a conservative and prudent battle formation, striving to maintain the morale of the new recruits while minimizing casualties. He personally commanded the cavalry who sounded the battle orders, systematically arranging changes in formation and the movement of soldiers. Every step was carefully considered, and every detail was meticulously planned. He knew that this war not only concerned the safety of the Yunnan Kingdom but also the lives and futures of more than ten thousand new recruits.

Under Yun Feiyang's meticulous planning, the allied forces composed of the Yun family army and the new recruits of Feng Kingdom gradually formed an unbreakable formation, standing ready to meet the impending challenge. Behind this war, the fates of countless individuals and the future of the nation were quietly intertwined at this moment, jointly writing a magnificent chapter in history.

Standing atop the high city wall, Zhao Chengyu seemed to gaze upon the distant land ravaged by war. He had never anticipated the swift and fierce offensive launched by Yunnan against Lanling. This was one of the advantages of being an emperor: he could command his troops personally, or he could choose to remain indifferent, leaving military matters to the prime minister and generals and then working in isolation. Yunnan's new army was like a sharp sword, unstoppable and invincible. In just half a month, more than half of Lanling's territory had fallen under Yunnan's control. This series of victories not only delighted Zhao Chengyu but also invigorated the entire Yunnan kingdom, as if a new era was beckoning to them.

On the battlefield, the two armies faced each other, war drums thundered, and battle cries shook the heavens. The soldiers of Yunnan, clad in iron armor and wielding long spears, advanced like an iron torrent. Their eyes were filled with unwavering determination and fearlessness, as if every drop of sweat and every shout spoke of their yearning for victory. The soldiers of Lanling, though also putting up a valiant resistance, seemed somewhat overwhelmed by Yunnan's powerful offensive.

The two armies clashed, arrows rained down, swords clashed, and blood and flesh flew everywhere. The generals of Yunnan commanded with composure and flexible tactics, sometimes concentrating their superior forces to launch a fierce attack on a single point, and sometimes dispersing their forces to launch attacks from multiple directions, leaving the defenses of Lanling Kingdom constantly stretched thin and exhausted. While the generals of Lanling Kingdom tried their best to command, they found themselves struggling against the overwhelming military strength and tactical superiority of Yunnan Kingdom, unable to withstand the onslaught.

In a fierce battle, an elite force from the Yunnan Kingdom suddenly launched a charge, unstoppable like tigers descending a mountain. Wielding sharp swords, they roared as they charged towards the Lanling Kingdom's defenses, cutting down Lanling soldiers and leaving them in a bloodbath. The Lanling Kingdom's lines were breached instantly, and the soldiers fled in disarray, plunging the entire battlefield into chaos.

However, at that moment, reinforcements from the Lanling Kingdom suddenly arrived. Dressed in red and wielding long spears, they burned like flames on the battlefield. They fought bravely, engaging in a fierce battle with the soldiers of the Yunnan Kingdom. The two armies were locked in a stalemate, and the fighting was exceptionally intense.

Standing atop the city wall, Zhao Chengyu watched the breathtaking battle unfold, his heart filled with emotion. He knew that this war concerned not only the territory and interests of both nations, but also the fate and future of their people. He silently prayed that the war would end soon, allowing both peoples to live peaceful and tranquil lives.

As the battle intensified, the soldiers of Yunnan gradually gained the upper hand. With their superior military strength and tactical advantages, they relentlessly pushed back the soldiers of Lanling. Finally, amidst cheers of victory, the flag of Yunnan flew high over the land of Lanling, proclaiming victory in the war.

This series of victories not only invigorated the entire nation of Yunnan, but also allowed Zhao Chengyu to see a new era beckoning them. He knew that this victory was only the beginning, and the road ahead was long, but he believed that as long as the entire nation of Yunnan united as one and worked together, they would surely be able to create a better future.

However, with the rapid expansion of territory, administrative challenges also arose. Prime Minister Gao, a wise man who had always shouldered the heavy administrative responsibilities of the Yunnan Kingdom, was now extremely busy. He not only had to continue handling his existing affairs, but also had to arrange for the stable development of agriculture, industry, commerce, and other aspects of the Yunnan Kingdom. At the same time, the newly conquered territory of Lanling Kingdom also needed his prompt planning and integration.

Prime Minister Gao worked tirelessly day and night, almost to the point of neglecting sleep and meals. In order to handle government affairs more effectively, he simply pulled Prime Minister Su, who also bore heavy responsibilities, to move together to the palace opposite the Emperor's newly arranged study. This place was only a stone's throw from the Emperor's study, which made it convenient to report to the Emperor at any time and also improved the efficiency of handling government affairs.

Standing in the corridor of the new palace, Lord Leng's gaze swept over the busy officials, and a sense of pride welled up within him. This palace, from its initial emptiness and silence to its current bustling activity, was brimming with life and vitality in every corner. He had personally selected and arranged for these young new officials to reside here; now, they had become an indispensable part of the palace, numbering over a hundred, filling the entire palace with life.

In the east wing of the palace, a young clerk was engrossed in a mountain of documents. His pen danced rapidly across the paper, pausing occasionally to pause, ponder, and then continue writing. His face radiated focus and enthusiasm, as if every word carried his loyalty and love for his country. His name was Li Xuan, a newcomer who had just passed the imperial examination and entered officialdom this year. Although new to the palace, he had quickly adapted to the pace and become a valuable assistant in Lord Leng's eyes.

In the west wing of the palace sat several young officials in charge of foreign affairs. They were gathered together, discussing the latest developments in negotiations with the Lanling Kingdom. One of them, a young man named Zhang Hua, had just returned from the front lines in Lanling. He gave a detailed account of the situation there, as well as Lanling's attitude and demands. His voice was firm and powerful, and his eyes gleamed with wisdom, as if his words could change the course of the entire battlefield. The other officials nodded in agreement with his analysis and began to discuss their next strategy.

In the palace hall, several officials in charge of finances were checking accounts, holding thick ledgers and carefully verifying every expenditure and income. Their faces showed no signs of fatigue or boredom, but rather were filled with enthusiasm and dedication to their work. They knew that every account was related to the safety of the nation and the well-being of the people, therefore they had to maintain a high degree of vigilance and meticulousness.

Looking at these young, newly appointed officials, Lord Leng felt a surge of satisfaction and anticipation. They were young, energetic, and driven; they were the future and hope of the nation. They were busy and striving here, contributing their strength to the prosperity of the country and the happiness of the people. Lord Leng believed that, with their joint efforts, Yunnan would surely usher in a brighter future.

As night fell, the palace lights gradually went out, but the young new officials remained steadfast at their posts, silently dedicating themselves. Their figures appeared exceptionally tall and resolute in the dim light, as if they were the guardians of the palace, protecting the future and hope of the nation. Lord Leng stood by the window, watching these moving scenes, his heart filled with emotion and pride. He knew that these young new officials would become the backbone of Yunnan's future, and their efforts and struggles would bring an even more glorious tomorrow to the country.

However, as the two prime ministers stepped into the court with their dignified and solemn figures, these newly arrived officials, full of ambition, instantly felt the weight of their responsibilities. Already overwhelmed, they were now even more breathless under the pressure.

During the day, sunlight streams into the magnificent palace, where new officials move between halls, diligently handling the complex and varied affairs within their responsibilities. They write furiously or debate fiercely with their colleagues, all striving to complete each task to perfection.

But as night falls and the city lights come on, these exhausted men cannot enjoy the tranquility of the night like ordinary people. A far more arduous task awaits them—to assist the powerful Prime Minister in handling various urgent and crucial government affairs. Whether it's mountains of memorials or confidential intelligence concerning national security, they must deal with everything with complete focus and meticulous attention.

Such intense work would be unbearable for even the strongest body, let alone an ordinary person. Yet, admirably, despite their physical and mental exhaustion, each person gritted their teeth and silently persevered at their post. They deeply understood the weight of this responsibility and what their efforts meant for the country and its people. Therefore, no matter how bitter or tiring the work, they had no complaints and resolutely marched forward.