Di Lingwei had not yet returned. Wang Feifei had no idea why the Empress had said they would bathe together only to then go out. Left with no other choice, she decided to enter the bathing pool first.
The temperature of the pool was absolutely perfect. The moment it touched one’s skin, an incredibly comfortable sensation would spread throughout the body, causing every pore to relax. It was enough to make anyone involuntarily show an expression of pure bliss.
So comfortable!
Wang Feifei soaked in the pool, only her head visible above the water.
Just as she settled in, Di Lingwei re-entered the chamber.
“You are dismissed,” Di Lingwei commanded.
The palace maids acknowledged the order and quickly filed out.
With the maids gone, only Di Lingwei and Wang Feifei remained in the grand hall. However, Di Lingwei stood near the entrance, able to withdraw at any moment. Outside, a sufficient number of Imperial Guards stood watch, allowing Di Lingwei not to worry excessively about her own safety.
Di Lingwei’s gaze shifted and landed on Wang Feifei. “Stand up,” she ordered.
Wang Feifei blinked.
Though she didn’t quite understand the Empress’s meaning, she still stood up in the pool. In that instant, the breathtaking sight threatened to eclipse the splendor of the entire hall.
‘Ah… as expected, very… that.’
Di Lingwei felt a jolt of surprise internally, but her face remained impassive. She observed with a perfectly calm and detached expression.
She saw no marks of restraint on Wang Feifei’s body. Did that mean Wang Feifei truly hadn’t been among those Black-Clad figures who stormed the execution grounds?
‘Although there are no marks, I still cannot clear Wang Feifei of suspicion. Perhaps those Black-Clad operatives were her subordinates.’
Di Lingwei was not so easily convinced to drop her suspicion.
This was a matter of paramount importance. No amount of caution was excessive.
Just then…
Achievement Unlocked: 【Wang Feifei in the Bathing Pool】. You may now view Wang Feifei’s Hobby Trait.
Di Lingwei’s mind stirred. She quickly used her Mystic Left Eye to examine Wang Feifei.
Name: Wang Feifei.
Identity: Commander of the Imperial Guard.
Personality: Carefree and seemingly thoughtless. Appears easy to control but is actually quite astute. Due to a deeply hidden secret she cannot divulge, her true temperament is somewhat melancholic, though she hides it well.
Hobby: Loves to drink. Drinks whenever she has the chance.
Loves to drink?
Seeing this hobby, Di Lingwei paused, momentarily taken aback. She had never seen Wang Feifei drink alcohol. Perhaps the original host had forbidden drinking within the Imperial Palace?
Regardless, she filed this hobby away in her mind. It might prove useful someday.
Furthermore…
‘The conditions for unlocking Wang Feifei’s traits seem to be related to locations.’
Di Lingwei made this assessment.
The achievement for unlocking Wang Feifei’s Personality Trait was 【Wang Feifei on the Training Grounds】. This time, it was 【Wang Feifei in the Bathing Pool】. A common thread had emerged: the setting. To unlock Wang Feifei’s subsequent traits, perhaps she needed to bring the woman to different locations and observe.
If she could learn about Wang Feifei’s Regret, Heart’s Desire, Weakness, and other such traits, dealing with her should become much easier.
As Di Lingwei was lost in thought, Wang Feifei stood in the pool, somewhat uneasy, her arms crossed over her chest. She looked utterly bewildered, as if she had no clue what the Empress wanted, her face a picture of pure innocence.
Fortunately, Di Lingwei’s contemplation didn’t last long. “Zhen just recalled another matter that requires Our attention,” she stated. “Commander Wang, you may continue your bath.”
Leaving these words behind, Di Lingwei departed without waiting for a reply.
Wang Feifei: “…”
The moment Di Lingwei’s figure disappeared, the pitiful, wronged look on Wang Feifei’s face vanished instantly.
Her eyes, in a flash, became incredibly complex. Who knew how many hidden worries were concealed within them?
…
In the study, Di Lingwei held a book, but her eyes, focused on the pages, were unfocused. Her mind had wandered.
At present, what Di Lingwei lacked most was a person she could truly trust.
She might be the Empress, the Sovereign of the vast Phoenix Dynasty, with a multitude of people at her command. But who knew what truly lay hidden beneath their outwardly respectful facades? People’s hearts were unfathomable.
Wei Nian and Mu Fuwan were perfect examples. Both were people she had wanted to trust, yet the final outcome had been deeply regrettable.
So, who was left that she could trust?
Di Lingwei didn’t know. Placed within this enormous Imperial Palace, she felt like a tiny piece of duckweed adrift in the ocean, carried by the currents, constantly threatened with being overturned by the next wave.
The world was vast; where could she find peace of mind?
Thinking these thoughts, a wave of weariness washed over Di Lingwei. She didn’t even notice when she fell asleep slumped over her desk. By the time she awoke, a considerable amount of time had passed.
“Mm?”
Di Lingwei pushed herself upright and realized a coat had been draped over her shoulders. Looking up, she saw Xing Ruolan standing there, respectfully waiting.
“Your Majesty, you are awake,” Xing Ruolan said softly. “Shall I have the palace maids prepare some warm water for you to rinse your mouth?”
After a nap, one often awoke wanting to freshen up. Xing Ruolan was very considerate.
Watching Xing Ruolan’s departing figure, Di Lingwei forcefully suppressed her quickening heartbeat.
She had been so careless as to fall asleep! If Xing Ruolan had wanted to make a move against her just now, wouldn’t she have succeeded?
Or perhaps Xing Ruolan hadn’t acted because she was actually trustworthy?
Di Lingwei considered this but then dismissed the thought. In Xing Ruolan’s eyes, she was still the Heavenly Mandate Empress with unparalleled martial power. Perhaps the original host possessed the ability to defend against sneak attacks even in her sleep? If so, even if Xing Ruolan harbored disloyalty, she likely wouldn’t dare act rashly while she was sleeping. She might even suspect it was a trap to test her.
Thinking this, Di Lingwei couldn’t help but rub her temples. She felt her paranoia had become extremely severe lately; she was starting to see everyone as a potential threat.
Of course, she couldn’t be blamed. Xing Ruolan’s Personality Trait already indicated she had a hidden side, and that hidden side was described as ruthless. It was perfectly normal not to be able to trust her.
After massaging her brow, Di Lingwei noticed an extra dossier on the desk. She picked it up to look.
“Hmm? This is information on Mu Fuwan’s background?”
Di Lingwei’s spirits lifted.
Previously, she had tasked Xing Ruolan with investigating Mu Fuwan’s origins. She hadn’t expected results so quickly. Immediately, she began to read with focused attention.
The information wasn’t overly extensive. Mu Fuwan was an orphan, born in a village called Hedai Village, not far from Phoenix Capital. Due to her family’s extreme poverty, she had been abandoned by her parents. Fortunately, she was found by the Wang Family. She was taken back and branded with the Wang Family’s mark from then on.
