The sky was brilliant, and Phoenix Capital was equally resplendent.
Because the Lantern Festival had been promoted so thoroughly, lanterns had already been lit and hung throughout Phoenix Capital. The bustling city resembled an inverted night sky, its radiance rivaling the very stars above.
Di Lingwei walked slowly. The streets before her were spacious and immaculately clean. The buildings on either side varied in height, the tallest reaching five or six stories, all possessing an antique charm.
The streets were busy with people, young and old alike. Everyone wore a smile of genuine joy, seemingly quite satisfied with their prosperous lives.
Vendors and laborers were plentiful, their hawking cries ringing out from time to time.
This was Phoenix Capital.
Within Phoenix Capital flowed a river called the Flying Phoenix River. It was wide, long, and winding. At night, flower boats drifted along its course, their lanterns glowing brightly, adorning the Flying Phoenix River with a tapestry of light.
Both banks of the Flying Phoenix River were lively scenic spots where many from the capital came to stroll and enjoy themselves.
Di Lingwei and her two companions walked unhurriedly along the riverbank. The night breeze from the water brushed gently past, carrying a hint of coolness.
‘This is Our land, Our domain.’
Di Lingwei felt a surge of emotion, but it quickly faded. Though the land lay before her, whether she could keep it was still fraught with uncertainty.
As they walked, Di Lingwei sniffed the air. There were quite a few snack stalls along the river, and the mingling aromas were enough to whet anyone’s appetite.
“Your Maj—Young Miss, shall I buy you something to eat?” Noticing Di Lingwei’s expression, Mu Fuwan immediately offered.
Di Lingwei was about to nod, but Xing Ruolan quickly objected. “You must not.”
“Why?” Mu Fuwan glanced at Xing Ruolan.
“The Young Miss’s body is precious as gold. How can she casually eat food of unknown origin from outside? What if something goes wrong?” Xing Ruolan was firmly against it, though her tone remained tender and gentle.
Normally, someone who speaks too gently has difficulty persuading others. Yet, for some reason, Xing Ruolan’s words were always very convincing.
Di Lingwei thought it over and found it reasonable. There were likely many who wished to take her life; food from outside could not be trusted.
“Forget it. I won’t eat anything,” Di Lingwei said with a wave of her hand.
Seeing Di Lingwei’s decision, Mu Fuwan did not press the matter further.
After walking a short distance, they spotted a large crowd gathered up ahead. People were guessing lantern riddles. Merchants sold brocade pouches containing riddles, and those who could guess the answer within a set time could win prizes provided by the merchant.
“The success of Li Chengji’s Lantern Festival can be partly gauged by these riddles. Little Mu, go buy a few brocade pouches,” Di Lingwei commanded with the air of a superior.
It took Mu Fuwan a second to realize “Little Mu” referred to her, and she immediately replied, “Yes, Young Miss.”
She quickly pushed into the crowd. Though she appeared to be a delicate woman, the burly men jostling in the crowd were all shoved aside by her. They could only sigh inwardly at how strong young girls were these days.
It wasn’t long before Mu Fuwan returned to Di Lingwei’s side with several brocade pouches.
“Young Miss, I’ve bought them.”
“Open them and see.”
“Yes.”
Mu Fuwan opened the first pouch. The riddle read: “One mountain is still higher than another mountain.” The answer was one word.
“Isn’t that the word for ‘surpass’?” Di Lingwei glanced at it and said instinctively.
“The Young Miss is divinely wise.”
“As expected of the Young Miss.”
Mu Fuwan and Xing Ruolan immediately offered praise, causing Di Lingwei to feel oddly embarrassed.
Mu Fuwan then opened the second pouch. The riddle was: “Out of a thousand, not even one remains.” The answer was one word.
“What do you think the answer is?” Di Lingwei casually asked.
Hearing this, Mu Fuwan started thinking. Xing Ruolan, however, answered directly: “Young Miss, the answer is the word ‘uncle’.”
Di Lingwei smiled and nodded approvingly.
The writing system of this world was strange, sharing about seventy percent similarity with that of Di Lingwei’s past life. So, by and large, the riddles were interchangeable.
Next, Mu Fuwan opened the remaining pouches one by one. Under Di Lingwei’s signal, Xing Ruolan provided the answer to each, demonstrating the astonishing mental acuity of the Chief Palace Steward.
“Chief Steward Xing, you’re amazing.” Once all the riddles were solved, Mu Fuwan couldn’t help but sigh in admiration.
“Oh, it’s nothing. But outside, just call me Little Xing. Little Mu, you can take the answers and claim the prizes now,” Xing Ruolan said with a smile, her voice gentle.
“Right, we can claim the prizes.” Mu Fuwan immediately perked up.
She trotted back to the stall, exchanged the correct answers for the prizes, and then ran back excitedly.
Earning rewards through riddle-solving was an experience she’d never had before. She found it quite fun, and a smile couldn’t help but bloom on her face.
【Achievement Unlocked: A Happy Mu Fuwan. You may view Mu Fuwan’s Hobby Trait.】
Just then, a notification chimed in Di Lingwei’s mind, giving her pause.
She controlled her Mystic Left Eye to activate its examining effect, directing it at Mu Fuwan.
Name: Mu Fuwan
Identity: Vice Commander of the Imperial Guard.
Personality: Down-to-earth and exceptionally loyal.
Hobby: Practices swordplay whenever she has free time; very passionate about improving her strength.
‘So she likes practicing with the sword?’
Di Lingwei mused thoughtfully.
“Young Miss, these are the prizes.” Mu Fuwan came over holding the rewards.
The prizes resembled toys: little rattle-drums, small pinwheels, and some snacks like candy. They seemed likely to appeal to children.
Di Lingwei glanced at them and smiled. “You keep them.”
Mu Fuwan nodded, holding the pile of items. She then asked curiously, “Your Majesty, shall we guess more riddles? There are still plenty of prizes over there.”
Di Lingwei chuckled, “That would just be bullying the merchants. With Little Xing here, what riddle could we not solve?”
Xing Ruolan quickly and demurely replied, “Young Miss flatters me. My knowledge is not even one ten-thousandth of the Young Miss’s.”
Di Lingwei patted Xing Ruolan on the shoulder. “Little Xing, no need to be so modest. Excessive modesty, at times, is no longer modesty.”
“The Young Miss is correct,” Xing Ruolan answered with her head lowered.
“Let’s go. I’ll continue to enjoy the night sights of Phoenix Capital.” Di Lingwei clasped her hands behind her back and strolled unhurriedly along the river.
Xing Ruolan and Mu Fuwan followed closely behind.
At the same time, inside the Chancellor’s Mansion.
Shangguan Yuchan opened a letter in her hand. Her face instantly changed, and her gaze sharpened as she looked at the two people before her. “This letter… was it truly found in Mu Fuwan’s home?”
