After the court session ended, the sun had already climbed above the palace walls. Civil and military officials removed their court robes, changed into casual clothes, and quietly gathered in the private rooms of various teahouses outside the palace. The aroma of tea wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of conversation. However, beneath this surface calm, undercurrents were surging.

"Gentlemen, what are your thoughts on Princess Anping temporarily assuming the reins of government?" An official from the Ministry of Revenue took a sip of tea, his brows furrowed slightly, and asked the question first, seemingly intending to provoke a conversation.

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent, some bowing their heads in thought, others picking up their teacups and gently inhaling the aroma. After a short while, another person responded, "Ah, it's a long story. When the rebellion was quelled before the New Year, the national treasury was empty, and the military pay was unsustainable."

It was our very prince who secretly took out his private treasury to replenish the army's supplies, which greatly boosted morale and ultimately quelled the rebellion." He stroked his beard and spoke slowly, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.

"Yes, Her Highness is not only exceptionally intelligent, but also farsighted. She once proposed increasing commercial taxes to replenish the national treasury and prevent similar predicaments from happening again."

Although this move has drawn opposition from some, it now appears to have indeed contributed to the stability and development of the country. Others echoed this sentiment, praising Princess Yunhe's wisdom.

At this moment, a voice broke the silence: "But Princess Anping is, after all, a woman, and has no experience in governing a country. Now that she is temporarily in charge of the court, won't that cause more problems?" These words immediately caused a stir.

Some believe that Princess Anping is young and impetuous and may not be able to handle the complex political situation; others worry that she will be blinded by power and make wrong decisions.

However, some people firmly support Princess Anping, believing that she has enough ability and wisdom to lead the country to prosperity.

"Not only that, she also went to the fields herself to work alongside the people and encourage farming. In the past few months, the grain output of Yunchao has increased significantly, and the lives of the people have also improved."

An official from the Ministry of Rites also joined the discussion, letting out a soft sigh, seemingly quite moved by Princess Anping's actions.

A stalemate ensued.

At this moment, an elderly military officer slammed his hand on the table, splashing tea from his cup. His eyes widened in anger. "Women have long hair but short brains. How can we let her temporarily rule the court? Wouldn't this turn the court into a bedroom?"

"Hmph, that is not true. Although Your Highness is a woman, the wisdom and benevolence she has displayed are beyond the reach of ordinary men."

A civil official retorted. Facing the military general, his voice was neither humble nor arrogant, nor flustered.

"You military generals only know how to fight and kill, you don't understand the way of governing a country. Your Highness governs the country with benevolence and cares about the people's livelihood, this is the true way of the king," the civil official retorted without backing down.

"What a joke! Can benevolence feed us? What a nation needs is strong military force to defend its borders and resist foreign enemies. How could a woman possibly have such courage and ability?" The generals echoed, their views gaining support from some.

“Although Your Highness is young, she is intelligent, quick-witted, and diligent in her studies. Given time, she will surely become an outstanding monarch,” the civil official insisted.

"Time? We can't wait that long. The situation is turbulent and we need a strong leader to stabilize it. And that leader can't possibly be a woman!" the generals emphasized again.

Li Ye was so angry that his face turned red, and veins bulged on his forehead. He slammed his fist on the table and stood up, roaring, "Damn it! Last year when we were fighting that traitor Yun Shu, you guys were all well-fed and well-hydrated, all thanks to His Highness providing you with food and supplies. Why didn't you say women were useless back then?! Why didn't you tighten your belts and starve?!"

His voice was like thunder, making the entire private room buzz.

The military officers turned pale with fright after Li Ye's stern rebuke, each lowering their heads and daring not to utter a word in rebuttal. They knew in their hearts that they had indeed gone too far, but they felt embarrassed to admit their mistakes and could only silently endure Li Ye's anger.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen, please do not argue. Her Highness's temporary assumption of the reins of government is His Majesty's will. We should respect His Majesty's decision and give the princess a fair evaluation." An old minister stood up, trying to smooth things over.

"Prince Yi, what do you say?" He looked at Prince Yi Yunzhang, who had been sitting in the east seat and had not said a word throughout the entire meeting.

Upon hearing this, the tea room fell completely silent.

Everyone held their breath and turned their gazes toward Yun Zhang.

Yun Zhang, courtesy name Yifeng, traces his lineage back three generations. His ancestors were surnamed Zhang, but because they had rendered meritorious service in supporting the emperor, they were granted the imperial surname Yun.

The title was passed down to his generation. Because he was a playboy and unrestrained man in Dunyang City, he was granted the title of Prince Yi by the retired emperor.

Everyone knows that Yun Shu murdered the late Emperor Yun Ling, seized the throne, and then slaughtered all the princes. However, Prince Yi and his nephew Yun Li, who escaped, were the exceptions.

During Yun Shu's reign, he had a close relationship with Prince Yi, Yun Zhang. Although there was a gap of more than twenty years between them, Yun Zhang, who was in his early twenties, could always get along well with him.

The reason they were together was simply because they shared one thing in common: a love for beautiful women and a tendency towards obsession and cruelty. In layman's terms, they were birds of a feather.

But it was because of this that Yunzhang saved his life.

When everyone looked over, Yun Zhang was gently holding the teacup with his slender fingers, slowly sipping his tea, completely ignoring the noise around him.

After a long while, he casually raised his head and snorted, "You're asking for my opinion?"

......

No one dared to answer him. Not even the old minister who had just mustered the courage to ask the question.

He was now filled with anxiety and his legs were trembling. He must have drunk too much tea and lost his mind to ask this King of Hell!

"If you want a woman to soften up, just send her a few more men."

After speaking, he slowly stood up, gracefully patted off non-existent dust from his clothes, and then carefully smoothed out the wrinkles at the hem of his garment. After doing all this, he hummed a cheerful little tune and leisurely left.

Yun Zhang had just reached the door when he suddenly stopped. "You may continue. I am going to pay my respects to Her Highness the Princess."

Watching his departing figure, everyone looked bewildered. After a while, a younger official asked in a low voice, "What does the Prince mean by this?"

The others shook their heads in confusion, with one speculating, "No way, is the Prince implying that we should send male concubines to the Princess?"

“Impossible!” another person retorted. “That’s Her Highness the Princess, why would she need male concubines?”

"But if he didn't have this plan, why did the Prince suddenly propose to see the Princess?"

"Does the Prince intend to use his charms to persuade His Highness to abandon his plan to temporarily assume power?"

For a time, everyone was discussing it, but they were unable to reach a definite conclusion.