In the Golden Palace, Xi Linghao sat on the cold, black jade throne, listening to the lengthy report from the Vice Minister of Revenue regarding relief efforts for the snow disaster in the northern border. His brows bore an inescapable air of illness and weariness, and his eyes were somewhat unfocused.

"...However, the treasury is short of funds, and the transportation of grain and fodder is difficult, so I'm afraid it will be difficult to manage everything..." The vice minister's voice was filled with helplessness.

"Father." A clear and steady voice broke the silence in the hall.

Dressed in crimson palace attire, A Yuan stood tall and straight as a bamboo stalk beneath the imperial steps. She bowed slightly, her voice clear and articulate, leaving no room for argument: "Your Majesty, I believe the snow disaster in the northern border is of utmost urgency. With insufficient treasury funds, we can first open the imperial treasury for emergency relief. For the transport of grain, we can emulate the previous dynasty's 'work-for-relief' policy, conscripting able-bodied men from less affected areas to clear snow from official roads and reopen supply routes. Those who participate will receive daily rations and a small amount of money; this will not only alleviate the immediate crisis and reassure the people, but also ensure the smooth flow of grain—a triple benefit."

Her suggestions were clear, logical, and to the point, taking into account both the nation's dire financial situation and offering practical solutions. The gazes of the courtiers involuntarily focused on her, a mixture of surprise, scrutiny, and subtle approval.

Xi Linghao's cloudy eyes suddenly lit up, as if injected with vitality. He leaned forward slightly and said repeatedly, "Good! Yuan'er's words are excellent! We shall do as the Princess says! Ministry of Revenue and Ministry of Works, quickly draft the regulations, and the Imperial Treasury will allocate funds immediately!"

"Your Majesty!" The trusted censor appointed by Empress Lin immediately stepped forward, attempting to muddy the waters. "Her Highness the Princess's concern for the disaster victims is truly benevolent. However, the Imperial Treasury is the royal family's private treasury. To use it lightly would be against propriety and could also set a precedent for extravagance!"

Before Xi Linghao could speak, A Yuan turned to face the censor, a smile playing on her lips, but her eyes were as cold and sharp as a deep pool: "Censor Li, you are mistaken. The imperial treasury takes from the people, and should therefore be used for the people. The people of the northern border are suffering from hunger and cold, their lives hanging by a thread. If the imperial treasury cannot relieve their suffering, what use is it? As for extravagance..." Her gaze swept across the hall, carrying a hint of mockery, "Although I have only been back in the palace for a short time, I have heard that some palaces are lavishly furnished, with each item costing a fortune. If we are talking about extravagance, shouldn't Your Excellency first submit a memorial?" She glanced meaningfully in the direction of Kunning Palace, her words piercing yet leaving no grounds for criticism.

Imperial Censor Li was speechless, cold sweat pouring down his face, and dared not speak further. Xi Linghao's gaze towards A Yuan deepened with admiration and trust. Empress Lin sat behind the beaded curtain, her fingernails almost breaking.

A few days later, a grand banquet was held in the palace to entertain the envoys from the neighboring country. The palace was filled with the sounds of silk and bamboo instruments, the clinking of cups, and the dazzling lights reflecting the jewels and precious stones that filled the hall.

As the eldest princess, A Yuan naturally occupied the seat of honor. Today, she specially wore a more solemn royal blue palace dress, with gold-embroidered feather patterns that shimmered under the lights. Her hair was styled in a high bun, adorned with a nine-tailed golden phoenix hairpin symbolizing her status as the crown prince. The hairpin swayed slightly with each movement, and her phoenix eyes held a majestic air.

Her demeanor was elegant, and her speech was refined. Whether exchanging pleasantries with envoys or responding to toasts from relatives and nobles, she always appeared poised and graceful, displaying the nobility and majesty of a princess to the fullest. Envoys from neighboring countries privately remarked on Princess Xiling's poise and bearing.

Empress Lin sat beside Xi Linghao, dressed in her most magnificent phoenix robe and with exquisite makeup, yet she felt a stinging pain in her eyes from the dazzling light emanating from A Yuan's sapphire blue robe and the nine-tailed golden phoenix. She forced a smile, trying to steer the conversation toward the song and dance she had meticulously prepared.

"Your Majesty, look at this Rainbow Feather Dance. It was specially arranged by me and took months of painstaking effort to rehearse," Empress Lin said, pointing to the dancers gracefully dancing in the hall, her voice soft and charming.

Xi Linghao's gaze, however, was drawn to A Yuan, who was speaking quietly with an elderly member of the clan. Her profile, illuminated by the lamplight, appeared serene and wise, and the occasional smile that appeared on her face was like the first melting of snow, pure and captivating. Hearing the Empress's words, he gave a perfunctory "hmm."