My palace is full of female protagonists.

Prime Minister Gao coldly swept his gaze around, his eyes like sharp blades, seemingly able to pierce through the hearts of everyone present. He knew that while these people were despicable, there were also innocent victims among them who had been coerced and exploited. Therefore, he did not pursue the matter further, but instead chose another method to intimidate these merchants and make them understand their crimes.

He waved his hand, signaling the Imperial Guards to take away the merchants who were paralyzed with fear. At the same time, he left an order: "Make these people's crimes known to the world, so that everyone knows what they have done. Also, send men to the disaster area to thoroughly investigate price gouging and hoarding; once discovered, punish them severely!"

With Prime Minister Gao's order issued, the entire capital was plunged into panic. The merchants, knowing their crimes had been exposed, scrambled to find a way out. However, they discovered that no matter where they fled, they could not escape Prime Minister Gao's pursuit and the punishment of the law.

It must be said that Prime Minister Gao's meticulously planned family banquet this time indeed cleverly achieved his intended purpose. At this seemingly ordinary yet subtly turbulent banquet, several carefully selected merchants were publicly punished for violating the law, and their families were subsequently subjected to a thorough confiscation of their property, leaving them penniless and impoverished. While this series of actions appeared extremely harsh to outsiders, in reality, Prime Minister Gao acted strictly in accordance with national laws, proceeding legally and compliantly at every step, without the slightest trace of abuse of power for personal gain. This approach not only demonstrated his impartial and incorruptible image but also subtly warned those who harbored侥幸心理 (a gambler's mentality).

For those imperial merchants who were usually living a life of luxury, this family banquet was undoubtedly a powerful display of power by Prime Minister Gao. The events that unfolded at the banquet were like icy blades in the cold wind, casting a heavy shadow over everyone's hearts. They began to suffer from insomnia, and even when lying in bed, they felt as if a sharp blade was hanging over their heads, ready to fall at any moment, filling them with dread.

Under such psychological pressure, the imperial merchants began to reorganize their family businesses, fearing that disaster might befall them at any moment. Those who had secretly stockpiled medicines for the plague were terrified and hastily sold off their inventory at low prices, afraid of being discovered by the Prime Minister's spies. Many other merchants, regardless of what goods they held, were eager to sell them off to avoid becoming the next target of retribution.

At the family meeting, the heads of the family repeatedly emphasized: "Judging from Prime Minister Gao's actions this time, he may use the pretext of Coptis chinensis to attack merchants today, and tomorrow he may use timber as an excuse. The day after tomorrow, he may even directly target grain and oil. As long as we have a large amount of goods stockpiled, there will always be times when things are unclear and ambiguous. Once we are found out, the entire family will be doomed."

In response to this sudden and chilling crisis, Prime Minister Gao's residence remained brightly lit for three consecutive nights, hosting three family banquets. However, these three banquets, like the increasingly cool autumn nights, grew more somber and oppressive with each one.

On the first evening, the banquet hall of Prime Minister Gao's residence was brightly lit by flickering candlelight, its golden splendor reflecting a scene of great prosperity. However, behind this splendor lay an unspoken tension. Guests stood or sat, their voices rising and falling, but a closer listen revealed a hint of awkwardness and unease woven into the laughter, as if each person harbored a secret they couldn't share.

The women were dressed in all sorts of gorgeous gowns, adorned with jewels and sparkling with brilliance, but the smiles on their faces were like the thin sunlight in winter—bright, yet unable to warm the heart. Their eyes occasionally betrayed worry and unease, as if they feared something unknown was about to happen.

Among the group of women was a lady in a long turquoise dress. She was graceful and gentle, but at this moment she seemed somewhat restless. She bit her lower lip, her eyes filled with hesitation, as if weighing an important decision in her mind. Finally, she mustered her courage and softly said to her husband beside her, "Husband, this banquet… could I not attend? There have been many affairs at home lately, and I truly cannot be distracted."

Her husband, a middle-aged man in a brocade robe, handsome and composed, now wore a solemn expression, his eyes revealing an undeniable resolve. He gently took his wife's hand and said softly, "My lady, this matter concerns the rise and fall of our family; we must both do our utmost. Please come with me and handle this carefully. I know you've been busy lately, but today's banquet is no small matter; we must work together to overcome this challenge."

Hearing this, the lady still had reservations, but seeing the determination in her husband's eyes, she had no choice but to nod in agreement. She knew that as a member of the family, she had to shoulder her responsibilities and contribute to the family's future. So, she took a deep breath, composed herself, and followed her husband into the banquet hall.

Inside the banquet hall, the guests continued their conversations and laughter, but the oppressive atmosphere grew increasingly heavy. Prime Minister Gao sat in the main seat, his gaze sharp, seemingly observing the reactions of everyone present. He knew that this banquet was not only a test for the guests, but also a test of the family's unity and tacit understanding. And he, as the family leader, had to ensure that everything was under his control.

The following evening, in the banquet hall of Prime Minister Gao's residence, the candlelight still shone brightly, but the atmosphere was noticeably less relaxed than the previous night. An indescribable tension and oppression permeated the air, as if an invisible boulder weighed heavily on everyone's hearts. The women were forcefully dragged into the banquet hall by their husbands; their expressions varied—some with furrowed brows, others with shifty eyes—but all revealed deep unease and fear.

Among the group of women was a young girl in a pink ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress). She was young and beautiful, but at this moment she appeared unusually nervous. Her hands were tightly clasped together, tears welled in her eyes, and her voice trembled with sobs, as if she were about to collapse at any moment: "Father, I'm afraid... I'm afraid there's a conspiracy behind this banquet that we can't foresee. What if... what if we get caught up in it?"

Her father, a dignified and wealthy businessman, held his daughter's wrist tightly, as if trying to transfer his strength to her. His brow was furrowed, but his eyes were unusually firm, as if no storm could shake his resolve: "Daughter, I know your worries, but the more you worry, the calmer we must remain. Remember, we are a prominent family in the capital, and we must never lose face. This banquet may be a test for our family, but as long as we work together, we will surely overcome this challenge."

After speaking, he gently patted his daughter's hand to comfort her. Feeling her father's strength and determination, the girl's fear seemed to lessen somewhat. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and then followed her father into the banquet hall.

Inside the banquet hall, guests stood or sat, but their faces were less smiling and more solemn. Prime Minister Gao sat in the main seat, his gaze sharp, seemingly observing everyone's reactions. He knew this banquet was not only a test for the guests, but also a test of the family's internal cohesion and adaptability. And he, as the family leader, had to ensure everything was under his control to maintain the family's honor and status.

As guests took their seats, the banquet officially began. However, despite the lively music and dance, and the abundance of delicious food, a tense atmosphere lingered in the air. Everyone silently prayed that the banquet would end smoothly without any unexpected incidents.

On the third night, the atmosphere in the banquet hall of Prime Minister Gao's residence was so heavy that even the air seemed to freeze. The candlelight flickered, but it couldn't illuminate the gloom in everyone's hearts. An extremely oppressive atmosphere permeated every corner of the banquet hall, so stifling that it was almost impossible to breathe. The women were practically dragged, half-pulled, into the banquet hall by their husbands; their steps were heavy, their eyes empty and lost, as if they had already foreseen the uncertain and turbulent future of their families.

The woman in the turquoise dress was now deathly pale, as if she had lost all color overnight. Her hands were clenched tightly together, her fingertips turning slightly white from the force, as if trying to grasp at a sliver of security. Her eyes were filled with helplessness and fear, as if in this endless darkness she could find no beacon to rely on.

Her husband, the middle-aged man in brocade robes, also had a furrowed brow, his eyes revealing a mixture of helplessness and resolve. He knew the significance behind this banquet and understood that the family was facing an unprecedented crisis. But as the pillar of the family, he had to remain calm and steadfast, to protect the family's future. He gently patted his wife's hand, trying to offer her comfort and strength, but his own heart was filled with complex emotions that were difficult to describe.

Inside the banquet hall, guests sat or stood, but all appeared preoccupied. Some spoke in hushed tones, others pondered silently, but the usual smiles and ease were absent from their faces. Prime Minister Gao sat in the head seat, his gaze piercing, as if he could see into the thoughts of every single person. He knew the importance of this banquet and understood his responsibility as the family leader. He silently observed each person, secretly considering how to lead the family through this crisis.

As the banquet progressed, the atmosphere showed no signs of easing. On the contrary, with each topic unfolding, the guests' solemnity and unease grew increasingly apparent. They began to worry about the family's future, whether they could maintain their family's honor and status amidst this storm. Prime Minister Gao, however, remained calm and resolute. He knew that only he could be the family's guiding light, leading them through this darkness to welcome the arrival of light.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gao, this powerful minister who held immense influence, sat silently in the main seat of the banquet hall, a symbol of supreme honor and status. He wore an official robe embroidered with a three-clawed golden dragon, the gold gleaming brilliantly in the candlelight, seemingly foreshadowing his extraordinary identity and position. His face was dignified and profound, like an unshakeable mountain, quietly observing all the movements within the banquet hall.

His eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, able to capture every subtle change in expression. The guests' anxiety, unease, fear, and even their hidden ambitions and conspiracies could not escape his gaze.

Prime Minister Gao then slowly rose from his seat at the head of the banquet hall. His shadow, elongated in the candlelight, appeared exceptionally imposing. His gaze was piercing, sweeping over everyone present as if trying to see through their hearts. His voice was deep and powerful, each word clearly reaching everyone's ears: "After these three days of family banquets, I have seen clearly who are truly willing to work hard for the Emperor, and who are those with ulterior motives."

He paused slightly, seemingly giving the guests time to react. The merchants, upon hearing this, straightened their backs, their expressions grave. They knew that every word the Prime Minister uttered contained a wealth of information, and a single misstep could draw them into a political vortex.

Prime Minister Gao continued, “His Majesty often tells us: ‘Only with a country can there be a home, and every home is part of the country.’ We are all citizens of the Great Qi. Whether we are officials or merchants, we all bear the responsibility of protecting our country. If we cannot ensure that our people live a good life, then what use are we, those in high positions?”

His words carried a hint of reproach, yet also a touch of expectation. The merchants nodded in agreement, their faces thoughtful. They understood that Prime Minister Gao was subtly warning them, reminding them not to forget their place and responsibilities.

One of the richly dressed merchants said with a hint of flattery and respect, "Prime Minister Gao is absolutely right. Although we are merchants, we are well aware of the great principles of the nation. We will certainly do our best to share the Emperor's burdens and seek happiness for the people."

The other merchants echoed their sentiments, offering their agreement. Although they each had their own plans, they all chose to comply with Prime Minister Gao's wishes to avoid getting themselves into trouble.

As Prime Minister Gao observed their reactions, a subtle smile played on his lips. He knew that while these merchants were greedy and profit-driven, they were also a vital force in driving the nation's economic development. If they could be guided onto the right path and put to good use for the country, a win-win situation could be achieved.

He then cleared his throat and continued, “Let’s end the family banquet here today. After you all go back, think carefully about what I’ve said. Remember, no matter what position you hold, you must keep your duties and mission in mind. Only in this way can our Great Qi achieve lasting peace and stability, and can the people live and work in peace and contentment.”

Having said that, he waved his hand, signaling the guests to leave. The merchants rose and took their leave, each pondering the deeper meaning behind Prime Minister Gao's words. Prime Minister Gao, however, stood there, watching them depart, calculating his next move.