I changed the world.

Ruian Palace is the residence of the current emperor of the Great Zhao Dynasty, Emperor Chenghe Chen Bingtai. Emperor Chenghe, who is 68 years old this year, has been on the throne for 36 years. During his reign, the country was stable, and he also adhered to a similar governing philosophy as his father, Emperor Taixing, and rarely interfered in the cabinet's administration. Therefore, he was regarded as a kind and benevolent elder both at home and abroad.

"Attendant Wang, is Father Emperor free now?" Outside Ruian Palace, the Second Prince Chen Xuhuan, dressed in a purple robe, bowed to the female official in her sixties at the gate and asked in a low voice.

Since reforming the eunuch system a century ago, the Zhao royal family has abandoned the previously criticized and "inhumane" eunuch system and established the current system of female officials. Recently, Emperor Chenghe has intended to further reform this system by introducing a number of male eunuchs, and this idea is currently under discussion at some levels.

"Your Highness, His Majesty is reading a book. When he served tea earlier, he asked when you would be coming," the female official replied with a smile.

"It's really kind of you to worry about me, Father..." Chen Xuhuan, a young man in his early twenties, bowed respectfully upon hearing this. He then said, "I visited several slums in Zhongzhou Province these past few days and just returned to the capital. I thought I'd come over to pay my respects and also tell Father what I saw these past few days."

"Your Highness is truly filial," the female official nodded in praise, then said, "In that case, may I go and inform Your Highness."

"Thank you for your service, Your Majesty."

The female official turned and went into the hall. After a short while, she came out again and said to the Second Prince who was waiting at the door, "Your Highness, please follow me."

....................................

In mid-November, the capital city had already entered a cooling phase, especially this year, as the cold air seemed to arrive more intensely than in previous years. In the warm pavilion of Ruian Palace, the temperature control device had been activated. Emperor Chenghe, Chen Bingtai, dressed in a wide-sleeved robe, was sitting at his desk reading a book, while the faint scent of sandalwood slowly wafted from the incense burner not far away.

"Your Majesty, the Second Prince has arrived." A female official announced at the entrance of the warm pavilion, whereupon the Second Prince, Chen Xuhuan, strode in, stopped a short distance from the Emperor, and bowed respectfully.