My palace is full of female protagonists.

The moment Prime Minister Gao and Prime Minister Su stepped into the council hall, their eyes were involuntarily drawn to the meticulously arranged sand table on the table. On the sand table, mountains, rivers, cities, and fortresses were all outlined with exquisite wood carvings and fine sand, like a living battle map, vividly displaying the complex terrain of the border area between the two countries.

"Oh my, this sand table is truly a masterpiece!" Prime Minister Gao exclaimed sincerely. His fingers gently traced the sky-blue sand representing the Yangtze River, and his eyes gleamed with contemplation. "Back then, we used this very waterway to launch a surprise attack behind enemy lines and achieve fame in one battle."

Prime Minister Su nodded in agreement, his gaze falling on a corner of the sand table, where several important military strongholds were marked with small flags: "Indeed, I remember we used the strategy of 'flanking maneuver' back then, which prevented the enemy from defending themselves from both ends. It was truly exhilarating!"

As they walked and looked around, they would stop from time to time to discuss the details of past battles based on the terrain on the sand table. From the allocation of supplies and the deployment of troops to how to take advantage of weather changes to carry out surprise attacks, every topic was full of wisdom and experience.

"Do you remember that heavy snow?" Prime Minister Gao's voice was deep and magnetic, as if it could transcend time and transport people back to that tense yet strategic era. His eyes deepened, as if he could see the swirling snow of many years ago through the candlelight of the council chamber. "We should have been at a disadvantage. The weather was terrible, supplies were scarce, and the soldiers' hands and feet were numb with cold. But because we promptly detected the changes in the snow conditions and laid a 'snow ambush' in advance, taking advantage of the snow's concealment and the enemy's underestimation of us, we caught the enemy off guard overnight, causing them to collapse in disarray." As he spoke, a smug smile appeared on Prime Minister Gao's face, a smile of pride in his wisdom and courage.

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Su was filled with admiration. He replied, "Yes, yes, that battle was indeed a classic. Moreover, not only on the battlefield, but we also fully considered the timing, location, and popular support when formulating our policies. Remember the 'fire attack on the chained ships'? That was a major victory that we meticulously planned. To ensure the success of the fire attack, we not only thoroughly surveyed the wind direction beforehand but also calculated the tides, and even took advantage of the enemy's arrogance to lower their guard. That night, flames soared into the sky, and the enemy's navy was almost completely annihilated, while we used this opportunity to completely turn the tide of the battle."

Prime Minister Gao nodded, clearly agreeing with Prime Minister Su's addition. "Indeed, whether it's fighting a war or governing a country, one needs foresight and wisdom, and even more importantly, the ability to make good use of all available resources. Just like the 'work relief' policy we proposed that time, it not only solved the livelihood problems of disaster victims but also promoted the country's economic development—truly killing two birds with one stone."

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Su was also deeply moved. "Yes, those days are truly unforgettable. We not only had to be brave and skillful on the battlefield, but also had to be thoughtful in policy-making to ensure the long-term stability of the country. I remember once, in order to stabilize the border, we proposed the 'marriage alliance' policy. Although it was very controversial at the time, it proved to be effective. It not only eased the tension on the border, but also opened up new avenues for our economic and cultural exchanges."

The two talked back and forth, as if opening the floodgates of memory. Past glories and wisdom flowed like a spring in spring, brimming with endless vitality. The Prime Minister's eyes gleamed with wisdom as he slowly began to speak: "I remember that time in the northern frontier, we faced an enemy force several times our size, with scarce supplies and low morale. But it was our loyalty to the country and our sense of responsibility to the people that kept us from retreating. We adopted a 'scorched earth' strategy, strengthening city defenses on one hand, and sending elite troops to harass the enemy's supply lines on the other, ultimately forcing them to retreat."

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Su's eyes flashed with admiration. He continued, "Indeed, during that rebellion in the northern frontier, we demonstrated extraordinary wisdom and courage. I remember that, in order to stabilize the people's hearts, we proposed the policy of 'pacifying the people and developing production.' This not only reduced the burden on the people but also encouraged them to actively produce, providing a solid material foundation for the war. This policy not only won the support of the people but also laid a solid foundation for our ultimate victory."

Prime Minister Gao nodded, a satisfied smile spreading across his face: "That's right. Governing a country is like governing an army; both require a long-term vision and unwavering determination. Just like that time when we proposed the 'military farming and border defense' strategy to strengthen border defenses, it not only solved the food problem for the border troops but also promoted the economic development of the border regions—truly killing two birds with one stone. This strategy not only enhanced our national defense capabilities but also made a significant contribution to the stability and development of the border regions."

Prime Minister Su added, “Moreover, we have not only achieved military victories, but also brilliant cultural achievements. I remember that time, in order to promote cultural exchange, we proposed the policy of ‘opening our doors and introducing talents,’ which attracted many foreign scholars and artists to our country, injecting new vitality into our culture. This policy has not only enriched our cultural content, but also enhanced our international standing.”

The two continued their conversation, discussing everything from military strategy to governance, from cultural prosperity to economic development—each topic brimming with wisdom and foresight. Their voices echoed in the council chamber, as if they had returned to the time when they fought side by side and governed the country together. Those past glories and wisdom, like brilliant stars, illuminated their path and inspired them to continue striving for the future of their nation.

Zhao Chengyu and the Crown Prince, listening attentively, were also deeply moved by the weight and wisdom of this historical discourse. Seeing the two prime ministers so engrossed, as if the entire world had been consumed by their discussion of past glories and wisdom, Zhao Chengyu smiled helplessly, a gentle yet slightly teasing smile playing on his lips. He subtly turned his head and gave Xiao Kuang a wink, a look that conveyed both respect for the prime ministers' profound conversation and a subtle attempt to adjust the atmosphere.

Xiao Kuangzi was quick-witted. Seeing Zhao Chengyu's look, he immediately understood, a sly glint in his eyes. He silently slipped out of the room, his footsteps light as he traversed the long corridor, passed through several palace gates, and finally arrived at a kitchen deep within the palace. It was the dead of night, all was quiet, even the palace lights were sparse. Outside the kitchen, several imperial chefs were huddled in a corner, wrapped in thick blankets, fast asleep, their breathing rising and falling, clearly already in a dream.

Xiao Kuangzi knocked softly on the door. Though the sound was faint, it was remarkably clear in the quiet night. The imperial chefs were startled awake by the knocking and looked up, their eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and drowsiness. But when they saw it was Xiao Kuangzi, they immediately perked up, for Xiao Kuangzi was known throughout the palace for her meticulousness and thoughtfulness, and her late-night visit must have something important to discuss.

"Little Box, what are you doing here so late?" a royal chef asked, yawning.

The little box smiled and replied, "The two prime ministers are discussing important national affairs in the council hall. As it is getting late, His Majesty thought of preparing some wine and food for them so that they can continue their discussion while enjoying the food."

Upon hearing this, the imperial chefs nodded in agreement. They knew that the two prime ministers were pillars of the state, and it was common for them to discuss state affairs late into the night. So, they immediately got up and began to busy themselves. Some chefs started fires, while others busied themselves selecting ingredients, and the entire kitchen was instantly filled with vitality.

Soon, several pots of warm wine, a plate of freshly boiled peanuts, and a dish of tempting braised beef were ready. Xiao Kuangzi carefully carried the tray, walked through the corridor, and returned to the council chamber. He gently placed the tray on the long table, then stepped back to Zhao Chengyu's side, nodding slightly to indicate that everything was ready.

Seeing this, Zhao Chengyu smiled with satisfaction, then coughed lightly, interrupting the two prime ministers' discussion: "Your Excellencies, it's late. Why don't we enjoy some food and wine first, and then continue our lively discussion?"

The two prime ministers, as if waking from a dream, looked up at the delicacies on the long table, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes. They exchanged a smile, as if understanding something, then each picked up a wine cup and gently clinked them together, producing a crisp sound. At that moment, the atmosphere in the council hall became even more harmonious and warm, as if even time itself slowed down.

However, Prime Minister Gao and Prime Minister Su seemed completely immersed in the glory of the past, their eyes gleaming with nostalgia and pride for that illustrious era. To Zhao Chengyu's words, they only gave a vague response, their voices echoing from a distant past, tinged with a hint of nonchalance and rapture. Then, their conversation, like a runaway horse, galloped off, from military strategy to the governing principles of the past, and then to how to balance the power between the court and the public to ensure the long-term stability of the nation.

Prime Minister Gao's voice was steady and powerful as he slowly began, "I remember there were several battles in the northern frontier where we adopted the strategy of 'waiting for the enemy to tire themselves out,' and ultimately successfully repelled them. This was not only because of our bravery and skill on the battlefield, but also because of our thoughtful approach to governing the country. We know that the strength of a nation depends not only on the combat effectiveness of its army, but also on the stability of its domestic affairs and the prosperity of its economy."

Prime Minister Su nodded in agreement, his voice tinged with emotion: "Indeed, governing a country is like governing an army; both require a long-term vision and unwavering determination. We must not only focus on immediate interests but also consider the future of the nation. Take the 'tax reduction and levy easing' policy we proposed that time, for example. Although it may reduce the country's fiscal revenue in the short term, in the long run, it has greatly stimulated the people's enthusiasm for production and promoted the country's economic development."

The two continued their conversation, their voices echoing in the council chamber, as if they had returned to the time when they fought side by side and governed the country together. They discussed how to balance the power between the government and the opposition to ensure the country's long-term stability; how to select talented individuals to enrich the nation's talent pool; and how to strengthen border defenses to ensure the country's territorial integrity. Every topic was filled with wisdom and foresight, as if they each had a grand blueprint in their hearts, waiting to be realized.

Zhao Chengyu and the Crown Prince, listening attentively, were also deeply moved by the weight and wisdom of this historical account. They sat quietly, their eyes shining with admiration and longing for the two prime ministers. They knew that these two prime ministers were not only pillars of the nation but also role models for them. Their wisdom and courage, their vision and determination, would become invaluable assets for their future governance of the country.

Seeing this, Zhao Chengyu and the Crown Prince could only exchange a smile and listen silently. Time passed by, and until the night was deep and quiet, even the candlelight began to flicker, but their voices continued without ceasing.

Zhao Chengyu gently patted the shoulder of the Crown Prince, who was fast asleep on the table. The Crown Prince was sleeping soundly, a slight smile on his lips, as if he was still savoring the wonderful conversation between the two prime ministers in his dream. Zhao Chengyu shook his head helplessly, ordered the servants to send the Crown Prince back to his palace, and then got into his sedan chair and headed straight for Empress Zhao Qi'er's palace.

At this moment, Zhao Qi'er had already removed her elaborate robes and changed into comfortable nightgowns, preparing to retire for the night. Her face showed some weariness, but her eyes revealed a tenderness and anticipation, as if she were waiting for something. Just as Zhao Chengyu's sedan chair stopped at the palace gate, she was about to lie down when she saw Emperor Zhao Chengyu, looking dazed, stagger into her chambers and immediately collapse into bed.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Qi'er felt a surge of inexplicable worry. She quickly ordered the palace servants to step forward and support him, then followed closely behind, asking with concern, "Your Majesty, what's wrong? Why do you look so tired?"

After the palace maids bowed and rose, they couldn't help but peek inside, wanting to see what had happened to the Emperor. Seeing this, Xiao Kuangzi quickly stepped forward and explained to Empress Zhao Qi'er, "Your Majesty, the Emperor discussed matters with the two Prime Ministers until late tonight. They talked about past glories and wisdom, as if they had returned to the time when they fought side-by-side and governed the country together. The Emperor was moved by the Prime Ministers' words and his heart was filled with anticipation and hope for the future, which is why he is so tired."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Qi'er felt a sense of relief. She understood that the Emperor's exhaustion stemmed from his deep concern and worry for the future of the nation. She gently approached Zhao Chengyu, tucked him in, and then dismissed the palace servants. She sat by the bedside, quietly watching over the Emperor.

Night deepened. Under the Empress's watchful eye, Zhao Chengyu gradually drifted off to sleep. A slight smile graced his face, as if he were continuing his conversation about the future of the nation with the two prime ministers in his dream. Zhao Qi'er sat quietly by the bedside, her eyes filled with tenderness.