Standing in the Imperial Court

The victorious army returned in triumph amidst nationwide celebration.

Yun Xueyan stood alongside Yun Qixiao and Xiao Chenxue in the grand and majestic throne room, which radiated imperial dignity.

Duan Siyi sat upon the dragon throne, looking down at the gathered group before finally resting his gaze upon Yun Xueyan. With an authoritative tone, he asked, "General Yun, who is this young woman?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, she is the mastermind behind our army's recent victory. Our ability to crush the enemy in a single strike is entirely thanks to Lady Jueyan's brilliant strategy," Yun Qixiao said, cupping his hands in a respectful bow and speaking in a resonant voice.

Standing nearby, Feng Xilou narrowed his phoenix-like eyes as he sized up Yun Xueyan. A faint, inscrutable smile played at the corners of his lips, masking his thoughts. He turned, lifting the hem of his snow-white robes, and stepped to the center of the grand hall. "Your Majesty, this subject believes this woman is truly extraordinary. Your Majesty should employ her talents."

Duan Siyi remained silent, casting a suspicious glance at Feng Xilou as if trying to probe his intentions, yet gleaning nothing.

"Is that the Prime Minister's view? Do you... know her?" Duan Nanyu asked, cutting in before Duan Siyi could respond, his sharp gaze scrutinizing Yun Xueyan.

Could she be Yun Xueyan? Yet Yun Xueyan could never possess such capability; she had always been so fragile.

Ignoring Feng Xilou and paying no heed to Duan Nanyu, Yun Xueyan stepped forward and spoke in a calm, steady voice, "Your Majesty, Jueyan has the utmost confidence to serve the imperial court. I believe that as long as one can contribute to the court, gender should be of no consequence. This is the true path of proper governance, untethered by antiquated notions of male superiority."

Her poised and unyielding voice stirred murmurs of discussion among the surrounding courtiers. Yun Xueyan turned a deaf ear to them; this time, failure was not an option!

"Your Majesty, women have never been permitted to participate in politics. While General Xiao is a woman who leads troops into battle, she does not meddle in state affairs. Therefore, this subject deems this matter entirely inappropriate." The speaker was none other than Yun Xueyan's own father, the Grand Tutor, Yun Chengyun.

Yun Xueyan cast a cold glance at the man she was forced to call her father. He was always interfering in her life—he had done so in the past, and he was doing so now!

"Lord Grand Tutor," she said coldly, tilting her chin slightly as she looked up at Yun Chengyun, "you are placing the fate of the nation in jeopardy! Although Jueyan is a woman, I am not entirely useless. If I may be so bold, your stance is nothing short of wasting a capable individual! Furthermore, whether or not I am retained is entirely up to His Majesty to decide. The Grand Tutor need not concern himself with matters beyond his purview!"

"You!" Yun Chengyun glared at Yun Xueyan in fury, but after a brief moment, he was subdued by her icy, indifferent gaze. He averted his eyes and looked instead toward Yun Qixiao.

"This subject believes Lady Jueyan should be retained," Yun Qixiao said, disregarding Yun Chengyun's warning glare as he once again offered his recommendation. His father owed Yun Xueyan a debt; he could not fail her as well.

"This subject also recommends her!" Exchanging a smile with Yun Qixiao, Xiao Chenxue stepped forward and bowed with cupped hands.

"Your Majesty, now that this subject, General Yun, and General Xiao all agree, I assume Prince Xiao is of the same mind as well, is he not?" Feng Xilou cast the question to Duan Nanyu, waiting to see his reaction.

"Indeed!" With a cold huff, Duan Nanyu stepped back into formation, though his gaze never left Yun Xueyan. She bore such a striking resemblance to her, yet she was not her.

His heart constricted violently, aching intensely. When would his Yan'er ever return?

"Since the Prime Minister, Prince Xiao, and both generals are in agreement, I shall not raise unnecessary objections. However, what official position should be bestowed upon her?" A faint smile touched Duan Siyi's solemn face.

"Your Majesty, Jueyan dares to request the position of the dynasty's first female strategist!"

Yun Xueyan's words sent a fresh wave of shock through the assembly, immediately followed by a flurry of whispered discussions.

Feng Xilou and Duan Nanyu looked at her in sheer disbelief, both shaking their heads in unison. Indeed, she was not her.

"What audacious ambitions! Yet, I appreciate your daring. I hereby appoint you as our realm's first female strategist! Does Lord Yan have any other requests?"

"I thank Your Majesty for this grace! This subject dares not ask for anything more!"

Yun Xueyan smiled faintly. At last... she had attained power of her own.