The Empress has abandoned me? I'll support a new emperor and destroy your kingdom!

This Mr. Su is not only skilled in intrigue and scheming, but also possesses profound insights and comprehensive plans regarding military and national affairs. He is truly a prime minister.

Yun Jin listened quietly, her eyes sparkling.

What Su Che said largely coincided with what she had been thinking along the way, but was more systematic and in-depth.

With him by her side as her advisor, she felt even more confident.

"What you say is exactly what I think," Yun Jin said slowly.

"The funeral rites for the enthronement will be conducted according to the Ministry of Rites' plan, with the Imperial Household Department, the Ministry of Rites, and the Imperial Clan Court jointly handling the arrangements. Mr. Su will oversee the process to ensure its stability. The defense of the northern border will be entirely entrusted to Marquis Weiyuan, with priority given to all necessary funds, provisions, and military equipment. As for personnel matters in the court..."

She pondered for a moment, then looked at the list of officials from the Ministry of Personnel in front of Su Che's desk.

"The appointment and removal of officials of the third rank and above shall be decided by me personally. For those of the third rank and below, the Ministry of Personnel shall consult with the Cabinet and submit the decision to me for approval."

As for the special examination for talented individuals, an imperial edict should be issued immediately, ordering the Ministry of Personnel to oversee the process, with Mr. Su recommending candidates to assist in selecting those of genuine talent and upright character, regardless of their background.

Regarding the matter of financial power, Pang Xiaoqing can secretly assist the Ministry of Revenue in auditing accounts, but he cannot be granted an official position to avoid causing controversy.

The Ministry of Revenue can be ordered to draft a detailed proposal on measures to increase revenue and reduce expenditure, which will then be discussed at the court meeting.

The adjustment of military command was overseen by Marquis Weiyuan and the Ministry of War, with Zhou Bo and Zhao Jianing assisting, and was proceeding steadily.

For each item she mentioned, Marquis Weiyuan and Su Che nodded and noted it down.

Despite her frail health, she was clear-headed and decisive, already displaying the demeanor of a leader.

"There's one more thing," Yun Jin said, glancing at Su Che with a hint of coldness in her eyes.

"The Third Prince Yun Huan and his core cronies, such as Mr. Jia, must be punished as soon as possible to serve as a warning to others and to extinguish the hopes of some others."

However, the case needs to be thoroughly investigated, the evidence needs to be made public, and the procedures must be legal to avoid giving anyone grounds for complaint. This matter will be handled jointly by the Three Judicial Offices and the "Peace and Security Division," with Mr. Su overseeing the process.

"Your subject understands," Su Che replied.

He understood Yun Jin's meaning: to establish authority through killing, and to occupy the moral and legal high ground to silence public opinion.

"In addition," Yun Jin paused, her tone softening slightly.

"On my way back to the capital, I heard some rumors circulating in the court and among the people, saying things like 'A female regent is turning the world upside down,' and 'A woman interfering in politics will lead to the downfall of the nation.' Although such remarks are ignorant and unfounded, they are misleading and should not be ignored. Mr. Su, are you aware of this?"

Su Che remained unmoved: "Such remarks do exist, mostly coming from some pedantic Hanlin scholars, disgruntled officials, and some members of the imperial family who have a past relationship with the Third Prince or whose interests have been harmed. Behind the scenes, there may also be someone fanning the flames."

"Investigate. Find the source." Yun Jin's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable chill.

"I will not punish people for their words, but if anyone uses this to form cliques, plot treason, or spread rumors that undermine the foundation of the nation, then I will not be lenient. Those who should be arrested will be arrested, and those who should be demoted will be demoted."

I will use the laws of the land and my political achievements to tell them, and to tell the world, that this country is fit for men, and it is fit for women too.

Moreover, you must sit even better than them.

The last sentence, though not loud, was resounding and carried an air of unyielding pride and determination.

Marquis Weiyuan was shocked, and his gaze toward Yun Jin held even more sincere respect.

This princess not only possessed courage and strategic acumen, but also the courage to clear the world and overcome all obstacles.

Perhaps, this land and its rivers and mountains can truly be reborn in her hands.

Su Che gave Yun Jin a deep look, a ripple of emotion flashing across his eyes before returning to calm. He cupped his hands and said, "Your subject obeys."

The discussions continued until midnight.

The general strategy has been finalized, but the details still need to be filled in gradually.

Yun Jin was still recovering from her serious injuries and lacked energy; the weariness on her face grew increasingly pronounced.

Upon seeing this, Marquis Weiyuan stood up and said.

"Your Highness is still recovering from serious injuries and needs to rest well. The general outline of the matter has been decided, and Mr. Su and I will handle the specific implementation ourselves. Please take care of your health and get some rest as soon as possible."

Su Che also stood up: "Your Highness, rest assured, with your minister and the Marquis in the capital, there will be no chaos. Your Highness, please focus on recovering from your injuries. It is not too late to formally assume court after the enthronement ceremony."

Yun Jin did indeed feel waves of dizziness washing over her, and no longer forced herself to endure it, she nodded: "Thank you for your trouble, Lord Marquis and Sir. Everything is entrusted to you two. Qingdai, see the Lord Marquis and Mr. Su out."

"This old minister takes his leave."

Marquis Weiyuan and Su Che bowed and withdrew.

Inside the warm pavilion, only Yun Jin and Qing Dai remained.

The crackling of the charcoal fire only amplified the silence.

"Your Highness, it's time to rest." Qingdai stepped forward to help her up.

Yun Jin waved her hand, gazing at the deep night outside the window, and murmured, "Qingdai, tell me, can I really walk this path? Can I walk it steadily?"

Qingdai was taken aback, then said firmly.

"Your Highness can definitely do it! You are not afraid of the Northern Di cavalry or the Southern rebels, so why would you be afraid of those old men in the court who only know how to talk big?"

With Marquis Weiyuan, with Mr. Su, and with so many loyal soldiers, you can definitely do it!

Yun Jin smiled slightly, a smile that held both weariness and relief: "Yes, with them here... I'm not alone."

She slowly rose and, supported by Qingdai, walked towards the inner room.

As she reached the door, she suddenly stopped and glanced back at the spot where Su Che had just sat. There seemed to be a faint, cool, scholarly air about him still lingering there.

"Qingdai".

"This servant is here."

"Tomorrow...have the imperial physician also take Mr. Su's pulse. He must have been working tirelessly these past few days and hasn't had a proper rest."

A hint of surprise flashed in Qingdai's eyes, then she nodded: "Yes, this servant has remembered."

Yun Jin said nothing more and went into the inner room.

The heavy palace gates slowly closed, temporarily isolating the outside world from danger and challenges.

What she didn't know was that Su Che had just left the Wenhua Hall.

As he stepped out of the palace gate, he paused slightly, glanced back at the window emitting warm light, and looked at it with a complex and unreadable expression.

The snowstorm has stopped, and the moonlight is desolate.

The road ahead is long and fraught with difficulties.

But the chessboard is already set up, and the players are in position.

This is a game of chess that concerns the fate of the empire and the future relationship between the two.

With the return of the Regent Princess to the capital, the most intense and delicate middle stage has officially begun.

The era belonging to Yun Jin and Su Che has truly begun.

What they will face is not only external enemies and internal troubles, not only the conspiracies and schemes of the court, but also the changing moods and relationships between them as their power rises.

Should we continue to work together, or drift further apart?

Willing to serve as a subject to a ruler, or...?

Everything was quietly brewing in the deep darkness of the Weiyang Palace, waiting for dawn.