In Jianzhang Palace, Emperor Tuoba Hong has been a bit annoyed for the past few days.

  He was originally worry-free - the Great Qin Dynasty is now rich and powerful, with a vast territory, no major wars on the border for the time being, and his performance evaluation can be rated as excellent; he has reached the age of 30, has been on the throne for eight years, and the days of holding great power are very glorious, very comfortable, and very proud. However, being an emperor always has many worries.

  Seemingly in control of the world, imperial power is not as stable as it seems. The several half-brothers left behind by the previous emperor are simply wolves and tigers; the ministers seem diligent and loyal to the monarch and country, but in reality, none of them are sparing with their oil lamps; the harem appears harmonious and peaceful, but in fact, it is a dark and turbulent world...

  Alas, the most annoying thing now is still the imperial court. At first, he married Xiaos eldest daughter as his empress and relied on the support of the Xiao family to ascend to the throne. As expected, after the big event was successful, the Xiao family became dominant. In order to balance the court and consolidate imperial power, he supported the Shen and Shangguan families, achieving a three-legged balance, but now the aftermath has come.

  The Xiao, Shen and Shangguan families are at odds with each other. Every days morning court is a war of words, with everyone at each others throats. Now that no one in these three factions will plot against the emperor anymore, but watching them fight every day is also a headache.

  Tuoba Hong stared at the memorial in his hand, after a moment he couldnt bear it anymore, raised his hand and slammed it to the ground.

  The emperor was enraged, and the palace maids around him knelt down in a flurry. The eunuch Yao, who was in charge of the imperial carriage, trembled with fear as he tried to pick up the memorial, but was stopped by Empress Shang.

  Xiang Fei had always been the most favored, able to enter the imperial study to attend to the emperors writing. Ordinary favored consorts did not have this privilege. At times like these, only she was able to step forward and comfort the emperor. She personally bent down to pick up the torn pieces, speaking softly:

  "His Majesty has calmed down, they are just some people who dont know their place, not worth getting angry over."

  "Every time I introduce a new policy, these wooden heads come up with a hundred reasons to block me... In my opinion, they are not working for the country, but seizing every opportunity to fight and oppose even the slightest matter. They submit memorials not for me or for the sake of the empire, but solely to defeat their political enemies! I am the Emperor, yet I have to be controlled by them in everything..."

  Xiang Fei listened with a cold smile, these few memorials were all submitted by the descendants of the Xiao family and the disciples of the Shen family. Heh, the Xiao family is still so blind to the emperors face, making it difficult for him everywhere! They still think they are the only ones who can dominate? The Shen family is even more unbearable, thinking that they can replace the Xiao family as the number one clan in the imperial court?

  Take another look at the imperial family, the Shangguan family. Although they are not as old and prestigious as the Xiao or Shen families, they are indeed good at flattering those in power. Whenever those two families quarrel to the point of no return, it is always the Shangguan family that comes out to cater to the emperors wishes... In these times, only those who know how to speak and act can live a good life.

  She thought to herself, her fists clenched and pounded on Tuoba Hongs shoulder, her voice soft and charming: "I dont understand court affairs, I just feel that the emperor is a wise ruler." After saying this, she smiled awkwardly: "Its said that only in the court of a prosperous and wise ruler will there be voices of contention."

  Xiang Fei was an extremely beautiful woman, with a gentle and charming voice that men would all like. Tuoba Hongs expression softened slightly as he reached out to grasp Xiang Feis slender fingers.

  Xiang Feis eyes sparkled as she bowed and said, "Your Majesty is not in a good mood. Why dont you go for a walk in the Yichun Garden? Although its a bit out of the way, the plum blossoms there are unmatched anywhere else..."