Di Lingwei chatted with Mu Fuwan for a while, making Mu Fuwan overwhelmed by the unexpected favor.
However, such things had a limit. Di Lingwei also feared an adverse effect. So, after successfully unlocking one achievement, she did not speak much more.
Unlocking one achievement today was a good start. Unlocking the rest could be left for the future.
After letting Mu Fuwan leave, Di Lingwei returned to the Study Room and began reading.
…
In the blink of an eye, another three days passed, and the date turned to March 1st.
During these three days, apart from reading, Di Lingwei spent her time talking with Mu Fuwan. But unfortunately, she was unable to unlock any more achievements.
This situation made Di Lingwei ponder how to find a breakthrough. Additionally, she wondered if there were undiscovered patterns in unlocking achievements. If she could figure them out, it would greatly aid in unlocking achievements for others in the future.
But this sort of thing truly could not be rushed. She would just have to take it one step at a time.
“Your Majesty, the Minister of Rites has come to pay his respects.”
Today, Di Lingwei was again reading in the Study Room when Xing Ruolan entered and softly announced.
“Let him come,” Di Lingwei said without looking up.
Xing Ruolan obediently withdrew.
It had been some time since she had transmigrated, and Di Lingwei had somewhat adapted to the identity of a Female Emperor. Issuing orders under this identity now had little psychological barrier.
Soon after, the Minister of Rites entered.
He was a clean-shaven, refined-looking middle-aged man named Li Chengji. Upon seeing Di Lingwei in the Study Room, he respectfully knelt in greeting.
“Rise. What matter do you bring before Zhen?” Di Lingwei sat behind her desk, flipping through a book as she asked unhurriedly.
“Reporting to Your Majesty, regarding Your Majesty’s instructions, this subject has preliminary produced some results,” Li Chengji said after rising, his eyes respectfully lowered.
My instructions?
Di Lingwei’s heart skipped a beat. When had she instructed Li Chengji about something? How did she not know this?
“Tell Zhen,” Di Lingwei said, her expression unchanged on the surface, as if she truly had given such instructions.
Li Chengji immediately began to elaborate.
“Although time was short, after much deliberation, the officials of the Ministry of Rites have still found an entry point for developing the entertainment industry. First, we decided to begin with festivals…”
Hearing Li Chengji’s explanation, Di Lingwei understood, but she felt a bit speechless inside.
She had never said anything about vigorously developing the entertainment industry. Yet, her previous words had been over-interpreted by others, who claimed she did it for the entertainment industry and social stability, touting her profound foresight.
Regarding this, apart from being speechless, Di Lingwei could only tacitly consent. After all, she was the Heavenly Mandate Empress. Wasn’t profound foresight a given?
“This festival, we are calling it the Lantern Festival.” Li Chengji slowly laid out the Ministry of Rites’ plan from these past days. “During the Lantern Festival, the main activities will focus on releasing lanterns, setting off fireworks, and guessing Lantern Riddles. As for the timing, this subject and others have tentatively decided on the third day of the third month, which is the day after tomorrow. Of course, due to time constraints, we currently only plan to trial this in Phoenix Capital to observe the festival’s effects. A decision on whether to expand it to other regions will be made later.”
Festivals were very scarce in this world. So, finding an entry point this way for developing the entertainment industry seemed quite normal for the Ministry of Rites.
Di Lingwei also found the plan feasible. She nodded slightly. “The Lantern Festival sounds decent. Minister Li, you have worked hard. Now, proceed well with holding this first festival.”
“This humble subject will exert his utmost ability.” Li Chengji replied.
Afterward, Li Chengji presented some more detailed materials about the Lantern Festival, exchanged a few brief words with Di Lingwei to receive her guidance, and then withdrew.
Di Lingwei looked at the materials, lost in thought.
‘From what I’ve seen so far, unlocking achievements for everyone requires interaction, and it seems one must try enough different approaches. So, bringing Mu Fuwan to enjoy the Lantern Festival might unlock more of her achievements, right?’
Thinking this, Di Lingwei became even more interested in the Lantern Festival.
After receiving Di Lingwei’s approval, Li Chengji was very pleased. Upon returning to the Ministry of Rites, he immediately mobilized everyone to set things in motion. Thus, just that afternoon, the news that March 3rd was designated the Lantern Festival rapidly spread throughout Phoenix Capital, sparking widespread discussion.
With official support, the citizens of Phoenix Capital quickly familiarized themselves with all the details of the Lantern Festival and began their preparations.
Thus, time swiftly turned to March 3rd.
…
As night was about to fall, the dim yellow sunlight bathed the earth, and the clouds appeared fiery, dazzling the eye.
Di Lingwei stepped out of Phoenix Perch Palace under the twilight glow, followed by Xing Ruolan and Mu Fuwan. There were no other followers besides these two.
At that moment, Di Lingwei was dressed in a vermillion-red Pomegranate Skirt embroidered with intricate and exquisite patterns, looking quite magnificent.
Her jet-black hair was soft and smooth, meticulously styled by the palace maids into an elegant updo. It softened her domineering aura, adding a touch of gentleness. Combined with her breathtakingly beautiful and delicate features, she looked precisely like a young lady from a wealthy, noble family. No one would ever imagine she was the awe-inspiring Heavenly Mandate Empress who commanded the world!
Di Lingwei had decided to go and see this Lantern Festival personally, hoping to use the opportunity to try unlocking some achievements. She only brought Mu Fuwan and Xing Ruolan along.
Both Mu Fuwan and Xing Ruolan had also changed into ordinary women’s attire, following as Di Lingwei’s handmaidens.
They walked out from the rear palace towards the outside of the Imperial Palace. By the time they emerged, the sky had grown even darker.
‘So many days since I transmigrated into this world, and this is my first time stepping out of the Imperial Palace. I hear the Phoenix Capital is the most prosperous city in the Phoenix Dynasty. I wonder just how lively it truly is.’
Di Lingwei thought to herself, feeling a sense of anticipation for this trip.
After walking a few more steps, Di Lingwei seemed to recall something. She turned around and said, “Remember this, you two: outside, you must not address me as Your Majesty. You are to call me ‘Young Miss.’ Do you understand?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Both responded in unison.
“…Answer me again.” Di Lingwei fixed her gaze on the two of them.
Under Di Lingwei’s stare, both felt immense pressure but also understood her meaning. They immediately corrected themselves: “Yes, Young Miss.”
Di Lingwei nodded with satisfaction. That’s more like it.
She also reminded herself internally not to refer to herself as ‘Zhen’ while outside.
“Let us go.” Di Lingwei turned back around and continued forward, with Xing Ruolan and Mu Fuwan following closely behind.
The bright moon emerged from the distant horizon, stars appearing one by one, making the night sky exceptionally brilliant.
