My palace is full of female protagonists.

To facilitate the entry and exit of officials returning late, a special road was arranged leading directly from the palace to a side gate of the imperial palace. This road was wide and smooth, resembling a winding dragon. There were also many small huts for guards and imperial guards to rest in, and several posts were manned. There would be no situation where an official would enter through the wrong side gate or have an unclear explanation.

As for the side gate, although it appears more understated and simple compared to the main gate, it plays a crucial role. Every night, when the stars twinkle, officials who have worked tirelessly until late, still holding their posts and handling important government affairs, would drag their weary bodies through this side gate on their way home after completing a long day's work. However, it is important to note that this passage is for exit only, strictly prohibiting entry. This effectively maintains the security and stability of the palace and its orderly environment. After all, as the core of national power, any potential threat to the dignity of the royal family and national security must be nipped in the bud.

However, given the heavy responsibilities and numerous affairs of the two prime ministers, they were granted a special privilege—the right to use two corner rooms for rest at any time. These two corner rooms, though small, were quiet corners where they could catch their breath amidst their busy official duties. However, despite this convenience, taking a bath was not easy. Due to numerous court rules, they could only bathe in the palace's water rooms during specific time periods during the day. These specific time periods were usually quite limited, requiring advance planning to avoid interfering with official business. Whenever it was time to bathe, the two prime ministers would rush there, hoping to quickly wash away their fatigue and return to their demanding work.

Especially for Prime Minister Gao, he only had time to sleep when he was soaking in the water in the bathhouse. The palace servants were afraid that something might happen to him, so they all served him in the bathhouse and kept an eye on him to make sure he didn't fall asleep and fall into the water.

Princess Yi returned slowly through the heavy city gate, her steps carrying a subtle heaviness and confusion, as if a silent storm was brewing in some corner of her heart. The palanquin had only traveled a short distance when she softly requested to stop, insisting on walking herself, as if every inch of ground beneath her feet could bear the weight of her turbulent thoughts.

She strolled along the familiar yet unfamiliar palace paths, her mind involuntarily conjuring up images—what would it be like if Lin Yi became her consort? Although the princess had already planned ahead, whoever ultimately entered this magnificent palace and became her nominal partner would likely only be a pawn in her grand scheme, a bridge allowing her to return to her homeland and rebuild her Yi tribe. Once everything settled, she would return to her Brother Zhao and Sister Zhao, even if time etched its marks on their faces, she would still spend every ordinary yet precious day with them. But whenever the male protagonist in this imagined scenario was Lin Yi, everything seemed to make more sense. Lin Yi was not only exceptionally talented but also possessed a sincere heart; as a friend, he had stood up for them countless times, willing to go to great lengths for them. However, it was precisely his identity as a "spy of Feng" that acted like an insurmountable chasm, nipping any potential feelings between them in the bud.

Just as Princess Yi was lost in her thoughts, a pair of long, slender legs suddenly appeared before her, interrupting her reverie. She looked up sharply, her gaze falling on a remarkably handsome man. He was tall and upright, with an air of refined elegance about him, though he appeared somewhat disheveled at the moment. One hand tightly gripped a food box full of food, while the other arm was wrapped around a cloth bag containing a scroll, making him look both clumsy and endearing.

Princess Yi couldn't help but smile slightly and asked, "Why don't you call a palace maid to help you with the work? You look like you're working so hard."

Upon hearing this, a hint of shyness flashed in the man's eyes, but also a touch of insistence: "I came here to help my father with some chores. If I were to call someone else, wouldn't that go against my original intention and make me a true idler?"

The princess scrutinized him closely and noticed that even his bright eyes seemed to tell a story as he spoke, leaving her momentarily lost in thought. After a while, she came to her senses and instructed the palace servants beside her, "Two of you go and follow this young man to the palace gate to deliver his things, then return."

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, the man's face showed a hint of panic and unease, and he quickly waved his hand to refuse, saying, "No, no, how could I trouble the princess's people? I can manage on my own." His tone was sincere and humble, which made Princess Yi feel even more favorably toward him.

Having received Princess Yi's explicit instructions, the two palace servants took the heavy food box and cloth bag from Su Mo's hands without hesitation. Their movements were practiced and light, as if this were the most ordinary task of their day. Upon seeing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Su Mo's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. He respectfully bowed and said in a clear and strong voice, "Su Mo, the eldest son of Prime Minister Su, thanks Princess Yi for this kindness!"

Princess Yi smiled gently, a smile as warm and bright as the first flower blooming in spring. She said softly, "Brother Zhao often says that you are people who work silently for this country. Whether you are in the court or deep in the palace, you are the most respectable people. Although the lives of the palace servants may seem monotonous and repetitive, they are actually very happy to be able to share the burden with others and do different things. By making things difficult for yourself, you are not only being unfair to yourself, but also ignoring their kindness."

Upon hearing this, a hint of emotion flashed in Su Mo's eyes. He cupped his hands again, his tone even more sincere: "It was Su who was narrow-minded. What the princess said is absolutely right. Su has learned a lot." His words were full of agreement and gratitude for the princess's insights, and also revealed his reflection on his previous behavior.

Princess Yi waved her hand gently, indicating that there was no need for formalities. She then nodded to the Imperial Guard general standing beside her, who immediately understood and ordered the side gate leading to the inner palace to be opened. Princess Yi did not linger any longer, only leaving behind the words "Take care," before gracefully stepping out of the side gate with her entourage and disappearing within the palace walls.

Su Mo stood there, watching Princess Yi's figure gradually disappear into the distance, a complex mix of emotions surging within him. He had never imagined that a princess, so high and mighty, could be so compassionate towards those below her, holding such profound respect for everyone striving to live. This respect and understanding filled him with an unprecedented warmth and reverence.

Only after Princess Yi's figure had completely disappeared did Su Mo slowly turn around and resume his journey to the Prime Minister's residence.

However, this heartwarming yet subtly awkward scene was inadvertently captured by a young official in the distance. This official, named Li Yu, was a newly appointed civil servant in the palace, always curious and attentive to the people and events within its walls. Seeing the interaction between Princess Yi and Su Mo, he couldn't help but feel a surge of gossip, especially noticing the princess's unusual concern for Su Mo, which made him suspect something was amiss.

Within a day, the news spread like wildfire throughout the palace, eventually reaching the ears of Xiao Kuangzi. Xiao Kuangzi was a junior eunuch in the Imperial Study who enjoyed inquiring about and spreading palace secrets. He was well-informed and eloquent, always able to describe events vividly, as if he had witnessed them firsthand.

That day, Xiao Kuangzi once again vividly recounted the "gossip" between Princess Yi and Su Mo in the Imperial Study.

"Have you heard? That high and mighty Princess Yi actually had an unexpected encounter with Su Mo, the eldest son of Prime Minister Su, at the palace gate yesterday!" Little Box lowered his voice and said mysteriously, "It's said that the princess was heartbroken to see Su Mo carrying so many things by himself, and insisted that her palace servants help him. Guess what Su Mo said? He actually refused! But the princess isn't one to give up so easily, so she directly ordered her palace servants to go up and snatch the things away from him. Haha, the scene was truly hilarious."

At this point, Xiao Kuangzi paused deliberately, glanced around at the eunuchs and maids who seemed to be listening intently, nodded in satisfaction, and continued, "You know what, the princess's attitude towards Su Mo is really extraordinary. I heard that she not only personally opened a side door for Su Mo, but also gave him a long lecture, saying something like, 'You are people who work for this country and deserve the most respect.' If someone else had said these words, I might not have believed them, but coming from the princess, it's different. I was so moved by what I heard."

Seeing the various expressions on everyone's faces, Xiao Kuangzi realized he might have gotten into trouble again. He quickly reverted to his usual playful demeanor, scratching his head and chuckling, "Master, I just heard it from those palace servants. Please don't take it to heart." Zhao Chengyu shook his head helplessly, his gaze shifting to Zhao Qi'er beside him. He saw Zhao Qi'er gently covering her mouth with a handkerchief, barely suppressing a smile. Crown Prince Zhao Yingqing, on the other hand, rubbed his forehead, seemingly unfazed by such scenes.

Seeing this, Empress Zhao Qi'er suppressed her smile and looked at Zhao Chengyu seriously, saying, "Your Majesty, we may not have really considered the children of some officials in the capital. Although some of them have not yet entered officialdom, they will inevitably take this path sooner or later. Moreover, many of them are prominent figures in the capital's academies, some even holding teaching positions in the three major universities. They are about the same age as the princess, so they can be considered a good match."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Chengyu couldn't help but recall the times when Zhao Yingqing was still the Crown Prince, and Zhao Qi'er, as the Crown Princess, frequently hosted family banquets. Back then, she would always use these banquets as a pretext to secretly inquire about the activities of officials in the capital's inner quarters, thus predicting the changing political landscape. Thinking of this, Zhao Chengyu said to Zhao Qi'er, "Why don't you host another palace banquet? Like the one at the Crown Prince's residence before, but this time it can be smaller, inviting only the families of officials who meet the criteria."

Zhao Qi'er looked troubled and said, "Too many young men entering the palace is not good for the reputation of the women. Moreover, there are rumors going around in the palace now, and holding another palace banquet will only exacerbate this trend."

The Crown Prince then interjected, "Then send them invitations to the theaters in the capital, insisting they come to see the play. After all, Princess Yi and those officials used to associate with each other at the theater. One should be persistent in pursuing a noble woman." His tone was somewhat teasing, yet it also revealed his concern for Princess Yi's future happiness.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Qi'er smiled without saying a word, then turned to look at the Crown Prince and teased, "You seem quite experienced. Have you found someone you like? It's time to settle the matter of arranging a concubine for you."

Zhao Chengyu pondered for a moment, his gaze shifting between Empress Zhao Qi'er and Crown Prince Zhao Yingqing, seemingly weighing something. Finally, he slowly spoke: "The selection of the Crown Prince's concubine must include at least one person from each of the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Works. These departments are where important officials reside, and their daughters are naturally well-educated and exceptionally talented. Furthermore, select two more charming and lovely women, but remember, do not choose those who are too dignified. If they are all as serious as if they were attending a family meeting, what fun would that be?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Qi'er's eyes flickered slightly, and her gaze towards the Emperor held a complex emotion. However, she quickly lowered her head, avoiding the Emperor's gaze, and turned to the Crown Prince, saying, "How about we get you some portraits? After all, you've seen most of the officials' daughters, but I'm afraid you can't match their names to their faces, let alone understand their personalities and talents."

Upon hearing this, Crown Prince Zhao Yingqing's fair, jade-like face involuntarily flushed with a vibrant blush, as beautiful as the sunset, and even his ears felt slightly hot as if they had been roasted. Clearly, even the usually composed and reserved prince couldn't help but feel shy and embarrassed about choosing a concubine. He pursed his lips, nodded slightly, and replied in a deep, magnetic voice, "Yes, Mother. Everything is at your discretion."

"Since that's the case, then it's settled!" Zhao Chengyu's voice wasn't loud, but it seemed to contain immense power, revealing an unquestionable authority and decisiveness. "Keep an eye on the painter when he's looking for one, don't give him the opportunity to accept bribes from those noble ladies." Recalling the legendary story of Wang Zhaojun that he had heard when he was studying, Wang Zhaojun, despite her unparalleled beauty and gentle virtue, was not selected for the palace because someone bribed the painter.

This inevitably brings to mind the fact that every imperial concubine selection process was inextricably linked to the immense burden on the people and the waste of resources. From the initial registration to the layers of screening and the final selection, every step seemed fraught with hidden machinations. Those with power and influence would use their influence and money to pull strings and send their chosen women into the palace; while women from poor families, without power or influence, could only watch helplessly, at the mercy of their fate. Thus, what should have been a fair and just selection process became a farce of intrigue, corruption, and power struggles among the elite. In the long run, this not only alienated the people but also exacerbated social conflicts, seriously impacting the stability and prosperity of the nation.