From cute to empress

Chapter 14: Outsmarting the Powerful

Three days later, the palace banquet arrived as scheduled. I donned the brocade dress Zhen Youcai had carefully selected for me and meticulously applied my makeup in front of a bronze mirror. Strangely enough, ever since crossing into this intelligent magic circle, my previously clumsy fingers have become incredibly nimble, even capable of sewing and embroidery.

"Our little girl Mengmeng is getting prettier and prettier." Zhen Youcai stood behind me, his eyes full of doting smiles. I smiled sweetly at him in the mirror, but I couldn't hide my nervousness.

The banquet was held in the Imperial Garden, where colorful lanterns hung high, illuminating the night sky like daylight. Zhen Youcai and I walked into the banquet hall hand in hand, immediately attracting many people's attention.

"Look, that's Guard Zhen, who's been in the limelight lately, and his 'strange woman'."

"I heard that this girl came from the countryside, yet she was appreciated by the emperor. I wonder what kind of seductive tricks she used."

The whispers around me reached my ears, but I just smiled calmly, pretending I didn't hear anything. Zhen Youcai gently held my hand and whispered comfortingly, "Ignore them, just be yourself."

I smiled and nodded, then followed him to an empty table and sat down. After a while, several women dressed in fancy clothes came over, holding glasses of wine.

"Oh, isn't this Guard Zhen? Why are you sitting here alone? Are you afraid of neglecting the beauty, so you specially found a secluded place?" The speaker was a woman in pink palace dress, and her words were a bit harsh.

I recognize her. She is the cousin of the current emperor. She relies on her status to act arrogantly in the palace and often makes things difficult for other palace maids.

"Miss Li, you're joking," Zhen Youcai replied calmly, "My wife and I just want this quiet place."

"My wife?" The woman covered her mouth with a smile and looked me up and down. "Guard Zhen really knows how to joke. This girl looks unfamiliar. Could she be a new maid from some family?"

I sneered in my heart, but remained calm on the surface. I just picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip.

"Oh, look at me, how could I say such unpleasant things?" Seeing that I remained unmoved, the woman spoke even more harshly, "Miss, please don't take it personally. I'm just being straightforward, I don't have any bad intentions."

I put down my teacup, smiled faintly, and said, "Miss Li, you're joking. How could I argue with you? You are of noble status and a relative of the Emperor. I'm just a commoner, I can't afford to marry you."

My words seemed humble, but they were actually sharp. The woman's face turned pale and blue after hearing them.

"You..." She was furious, but didn't know how to refute.

"Okay, Miss Li, let's not disturb Guard Zhen and his friends." Seeing this, another woman hurried forward and pulled her away.

I watched them leave with a cold smile on my face. I knew this was just the beginning. In this palace, a place where people are eaten without leaving any bones, there were still many more challenges waiting for me.

At this moment, a middle-aged man in official uniform, holding a wine glass, approached us. I recognized him; he was the current Prime Minister, Lord Zhang. He was a man of integrity and held considerable prestige within the court.

"Guard Zhen, this is..." Prime Minister Zhang's gaze fell on me with a hint of inquiry in his eyes.

"Your humble servant greets Master Zhang," I spoke first, bowing slightly. "Your humble servant Niu Mengmeng greets Master Zhang."

Prime Minister Zhang looked at me, a glint of admiration flashing in his eyes, and then he said with a smile: "It is true that heroes emerge from youth. After seeing her today, Miss Niu is indeed extraordinary."

I know, my chance has come...

I smiled faintly and replied in a neither humble nor arrogant manner, "Master Zhang, your praise is unmerited. I am merely fortunate to have been appreciated by the Emperor and have learned a few superficial things in the palace."

"Oh? The emperor taught you personally?" Prime Minister Zhang seemed interested and sat down on the stone bench next to me.

I was secretly delighted, knowing this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After a moment's hesitation, I unrolled my prepared speech: "Your Majesty is so busy with affairs of state, how could he have the time to teach me? It's just that I have nothing better to do, so I enjoy reading historical texts and occasionally pondering matters of state. When the Majesty learned of this, he encouraged me to speak freely, regardless of my status."

"Then what do you think? Now that our dynasty is strong and the people live and work in peace and contentment, is there anything that needs improvement?" Prime Minister Zhang asked calmly, as if trying to test my depth.

I anticipated his question and answered confidently, "Master Zhang, although our dynasty is strong, border threats persist, and the people are burdened with heavy taxes and labor service. If we want long-term peace and stability, we must plan ahead and increase revenue and reduce expenditure."

"Oh? Then in your opinion, how can we increase revenue and reduce expenditure?" Prime Minister Zhang asked, with a hint of admiration in his eyes.

I took a deep breath and listed the problems I'd observed and the solutions I'd been considering. "In terms of increasing revenue, we can encourage the people to develop commerce, open up new trade routes, and increase national revenue. In terms of saving money, we need to reduce unnecessary expenses, streamline the organization, and severely punish corrupt officials..."

I spoke eloquently, combining the knowledge I'd read in history books in my previous life with some modern management concepts, and offered a series of practical suggestions. Prime Minister Zhang nodded frequently as he listened, his eyes lit up with admiration.

"Miss Niu is so young, yet she has such insight. It's really rare, really rare!" Prime Minister Zhang clapped his hands in admiration.

I smiled modestly and said, "I am only good at talking on paper. I don't deserve such praise from Master Zhang."

"Haha, Miss Niu, there's no need to be so modest," Prime Minister Zhang said with a hearty laugh. "Your suggestions are very insightful. I will seriously consider them and report them to the Emperor."

I was delighted, knowing that my goal for the evening had been achieved. I bowed again to Prime Minister Zhang to express my gratitude. Prime Minister Zhang exchanged a few more pleasantries with me and then stood up to take his leave.

I watched Prime Minister Zhang leave, my heart filled with joy and anticipation. I know this is just the beginning, and I still have a long way to go. But I believe that as long as I persist and work hard, one day I will achieve my goal and become the Empress!

I secretly glanced at Minister Liu and General Li who were not far away. They were looking at me with eyes full of relief and encouragement...

I stole a glance at Minister Liu and General Li, who were not far away. They were looking at me with eyes full of relief and encouragement. I smiled at them as a greeting.

"Mengmeng is really improving," Minister Liu sighed, stroking his beard. "When she first entered the palace, she was just a naive little girl, but now she can chat and laugh with important officials in the court."

"Yes," General Li nodded in agreement. "It seems that the Emperor has a deeper meaning behind letting her stay in the palace."

I listened to their conversation and couldn't help but feel a little proud. I knew that my efforts hadn't been in vain, and I had gradually gained the recognition of some important figures in the court.

Just then, a group of gorgeously dressed palace maids came towards me. I immediately recognized the one leading them. It was none other than Wang Zhaoyi, who had deliberately made things difficult for me in the Imperial Garden last time.

"Hey, isn't that Miss Niu?" Wang Zhaoyi said sarcastically, "Why are you standing here alone? Why don't you go and curry favor with the elders?"

I had expected her to pick a fight, so I didn't panic. I simply replied calmly, "Wang Zhaoyi, you're joking. I'm a humble girl, how dare I marry you gentlemen?"

"Hmph, it's good to know that you are of humble status," Wang Zhaoyi snorted coldly. "I advise you to stay within your means and don't dream of soaring to the heights and becoming a phoenix."

The other palace maids followed suit, their words filled with ridicule and jealousy. I sneered inwardly. It seemed that my behavior during this period had already made them feel threatened.

I was about to open my mouth to retort when suddenly, a gentle voice came from the side: "Wang Zhaoyi, what are you doing? The banquet is about to begin, why don't you hurry up and take your seat?"

I turned and saw an elegant woman in gorgeous clothes approaching. Although she was over forty, she still had a graceful demeanor, and her expression was dignified.

"Madam Wu..." When Wang Zhaoyi saw the person coming, her face suddenly became a little ugly and her tone softened.

This Madam Wu was the wife of the prime minister of the time and held a high status in the harem. Even Wang Zhaoyi did not dare to offend her easily.

Madam Wu ignored Wang Zhaoyi and turned to me with a kind smile: "Miss Niu, don't be afraid. With me here, no one dares to bully you."

I glanced at Mrs. Wu gratefully, secretly relieved. I knew tonight's banquet wasn't going to be peaceful, but with Mrs. Wu's protection, at least I could avoid some trouble.

After the banquet, Zhen Youcai and I walked side by side back to the palace. It was already dark, and the chirping of cicadas outside the palace walls added a touch of noise to the quiet night.

"It seems that our position in the palace has gradually become stable." I said softly, with a hint of emotion in my tone.

"Yes," Zhen Youcai nodded, "but we also have to understand that this also means we will face greater challenges."

I turned to look at Zhen Youcai. The moonlight shone on his face, illuminating his resolute features. I knew that no matter how difficult the road ahead, I would face it with him. Zhen Youcai's words made my heart tighten. Yes, from the trepidation of entering the palace to now being able to chat and laugh with court officials, and even receiving assistance from nobles like Madam Wu, I have indeed established a firm foothold in the palace. But behind this seemingly prosperous and flourishing life, how many eyes are secretly watching, how many open and hidden attacks are waiting for me?

"You're right. We can't let our guard down." I took a deep breath and suppressed the uneasiness in my heart. "Tonight's banquet is a signal. Those who originally looked down on me have begun to feel threatened."

Zhen Youcai gently held my hand, the warmth reassuring me. "Don't worry, I'll take care of everything," he said firmly, giving me strength as always.

Back in my bedroom, I couldn't sleep. Recalling the details of the banquet, Wang Zhaoyi's hostile gaze, the other palace maids' sarcastic taunts, and Madam Wu's meaningful smile... all of it was like an invisible net, enveloping me.

I walked to the window, gazing at the bright moon in the night sky, a thousand thoughts racing through my mind. I knew that to survive in this deep palace, being cautious alone wasn't enough; I needed to possess sufficient strength to protect myself and achieve my goals.

"What are you thinking about?" Zhen Youcai's voice sounded behind me, and he gently draped a cloak over my shoulders.

"I'm wondering, what should we do next?" I turned to look at him, my eyes full of anticipation.

"A journey must be taken step by step, and a meal must be eaten bite by bite." Zhen Youcai said in a steady voice, "We have taken the first step. Next, all we have to do is accumulate strength and bide our time."

"Accumulate strength..." I muttered to myself, and suddenly the figures of Minister Liu and General Li flashed through my mind. They are knowledgeable and experienced. If I could get their guidance, I would definitely benefit a lot.

"What do you think? If we can get the support of Minister Liu and General Li, would it be more beneficial to us?" I turned to look at Zhen Youcai, with a glimmer of hope in my eyes.

"Minister Liu and General Li..." Zhen Youcai pondered for a moment, a glint in his eyes. "Your idea makes sense. They are both important officials in the court. If we can get their support, it will indeed be a great help to us."

"But how can we get their support?" I was a little distressed, after all, I didn't have a close relationship with them.

Zhen Youcai smiled mysteriously, leaned over to my ear and whispered, "I have an idea..."

His voice was low and magnetic, with a hint of irresistible temptation, and my heart couldn't help but sway slightly with his words.

"What idea?" I couldn't help but ask, my heart full of curiosity.

"You'll know tomorrow." Zhen Youcai blinked mysteriously and left a meaningful smile.

I rolled my eyes at him helplessly, but suppressed my curiosity and looked forward to tomorrow...