Invent one herself?
A thoughtful expression crossed Xing Ruolan’s face.
Seeing this, Di Lingwei simply explained the rules of Wuziqi, or Five-in-a-Row. It was the simplest board game, understandable the moment it was explained.
After hearing it, Xing Ruolan couldn’t help but show admiration. “As expected of Your Majesty. When others encounter a problem, they try to follow paths already trodden by predecessors, but Your Majesty can blaze new trails. This servant is far inferior.”
Though Di Lingwei was pleased by the praise, she maintained a perfectly composed expression.
Standing to the side, she instructed, “Then the two of you shall play another game, this time of Wuziqi.”
Although she had seemed to interact mostly with Xing Ruolan, she had drawn Mu Fuwan in as well, attempting more interaction with Mu Fuwan in hopes of unlocking an Achievement.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The two sat down and quickly started clicking pieces onto the board, fiercely battling over Wuziqi.
However, perhaps due to mastering one principle leading to mastering all, Xing Ruolan remained extremely dominant even in her first encounter with Wuziqi. Ten games in a row, she defeated Mu Fuwan without much difficulty, which left Mu Fuwan feeling quite dejected.
If Di Lingwei hadn’t been watching, losing would just be losing. But losing so badly with Her Majesty watching made Mu Fuwan feel utterly helpless and deeply embarrassed.
‘Still no achievement unlocked… Not even a “Mu Fuwan Playing Chess” or a “Xing Ruolan Playing Chess”?’
Di Lingwei was also rather frustrated. She had absolutely no clue about the specific rules for unlocking Achievements. Fumbling around was truly maddening. At the very least, it seemed just playing chess wasn’t enough.
After yet another game of Wuziqi ended, Di Lingwei said, “Alright, that’s enough for now. Let’s return to the bedchamber first.”
…
After returning to the bedchamber, Xing Ruolan left to carry out Di Lingwei’s errand.
Unsure of how to interact with Mu Fuwan, Di Lingwei could only retreat to the study to read.
Sometime later, Xing Ruolan returned and handed over numerous files and dossiers. Then, at Di Lingwei’s gesture, she withdrew.
Di Lingwei was alone in the study.
Sitting there, she flipped through the files one by one. Those eligible to compete for the Imperial Guard Vice Commander position generally didn’t have low status; they were already Martial Officers, each currently holding their own posts.
After scanning through the files, Di Lingwei still struggled to make up her mind. She could only preliminarily select a few who looked decent, planning to personally meet them when she had the chance before making a final decision.
“Being the Female Emperor is truly exhausting.”
Di Lingwei let out a heartfelt sigh.
…
The next day.
Tired of reading, Di Lingwei decided she should focus on strategizing for Mu Fuwan today. Calling it “strategizing” might sound a bit frivolous, but in Di Lingwei’s opinion, what she needed to do to unlock the target’s Achievements didn’t seem much different from a game strategy guide.
She walked out into the front courtyard of the bedchamber.
“We greet Your Majesty.”
Seeing her appear, the palace maids and guards outside all paid their respects.
“Have Mu Fuwan come to see Zhen. Everyone else, withdraw,” Di Lingwei commanded.
So everyone else withdrew, and after they had left, Mu Fuwan entered.
After the customary greetings, Mu Fuwan stood to the side, awaiting Di Lingwei’s instructions. She assumed that since Her Majesty had summoned her, there must be some task to assign.
Di Lingwei’s beautiful eyes looked at Mu Fuwan. After a moment of internal deliberation, she asked, “Commander Mu, what type of man do you like?”
Mu Fuwan was visibly stunned by the question. She never imagined Di Lingwei would ask her such a thing. For a moment, she didn’t know how to answer, and a faint blush crept onto her cheeks.
But Her Majesty’s questions must be answered. Mu Fuwan could only say, “This humble subject’s sole focus is protecting Your Majesty and sharing Your Majesty’s burdens. I have never considered matters of love or romance.”
“Truly never thought about it?”
“Please see clearly, Your Majesty, this subject’s heart holds only Your Majesty.”
“…”
That statement made even Di Lingwei feel a bit embarrassed.
She hadn’t absolutely needed to know Mu Fuwan’s romantic preferences; she had purely been looking for a pretext to chat with her. Still, receiving such a reply felt quite gratifying.
Afterward, Di Lingwei continued to chat casually with Mu Fuwan about various topics.
Although it was casual conversation, her words never diminished her imperial presence one bit. This wasn’t aimless chatter; she had carefully considered yesterday what topics to discuss today, thinking up many suitable subjects. So now, she could converse with Mu Fuwan with ease and confidence.
They hadn’t been talking long when a gentle breeze swept by, and a leaf landed on Mu Fuwan’s head.
Seeing this, Di Lingwei directly reached out and plucked the leaf from Mu Fuwan’s hair.
This gesture immediately made Mu Fuwan feel overwhelmed by the unexpected favor. After all, standing before her was the Sovereign of a Nation, who had personally removed a leaf from her hair. This action made her feel deeply honored and slightly anxious.
…
Shangguan Yuchan entered the Imperial Palace.
As Chancellor, she could move freely through most parts of the palace. No one would stop her, and everyone she met would bow respectfully.
She was heading to Phoenix Perch Palace to see Di Lingwei.
Passing by a garden, her gaze penetrated through the trees and bushes, and she saw many palace maids sitting on the other side playing a board game. Puzzlement filled her.
“All chess games are extremely complex. When did these palace maids learn to play?”
Curious, Shangguan Yuchan walked over to take a look. Her steps were light and silent, and none of the palace maids focused on playing or watching noticed her arrival.
“Place the piece here, trust me, I’m right.”
“Aiya, aiya, little Huahua is at a disadvantage.”
“You have to hold steady!”
The palace maids chattered like a flock of spring sparrows, looking very youthful and lively.
Shangguan Yuchan quietly approached from behind. After watching for a moment, she understood the rules of this game. Her eyes lit up slightly.
Though the rules of this chess variant seemed simple, it was very down-to-earth. In a certain sense, it was quite valuable.
Just then, a palace maid noticed an extra person beside her. Looking up, her expression changed immediately. “Chancellor Shangguan?”
Hearing this maid’s voice, the other palace maids all looked up.
“Greetings, Chancellor!”
Upon seeing Shangguan Yuchan, the numerous palace maids hurriedly curtsied in salute.
In the Phoenix Dynasty’s palace, kneeling was only required before the Heavenly Mandate Empress. Facing the rest of the civil and military officials, a standard bow or curtsy was sufficient.
Shangguan Yuchan asked with a smile, “What game is this?”
“Responding to Chancellor, it is Wuziqi.”
“Who taught you?”
“The Chief Steward taught us. The Chief Steward said these are the rules Her Majesty created.”
Hearing this, Shangguan Yuchan was startled and immediately became more serious.
This was a game devised by Her Majesty herself?
Every action of Her Majesty’s must carry profound significance. Creating this game was surely not simply for the maids’ entertainment. So, what deep meaning had the far-sighted Empress embedded within it?
