It was time to make a move against Wang Feifei.
However, without evidence, directly taking action would be troublesome. But what exactly should she do?
Di Lingwei couldn’t help but ponder this issue. What should she do to make Wang Feifei willingly slip up?
She truly couldn’t risk shaking her own foundation by acting against Wang Feifei without sufficient evidence. After all, undercurrents surged throughout the Imperial Court, and many others were waiting for a chance to strike against her. Those people would absolutely use this as ammunition, dealing a massive blow and disruption to her rule.
Therefore, dealing with Wang Feifei required extreme caution, time and again!
While Di Lingwei was deep in thought, Mu Fuwan had finally composed her emotions.
She rose and walked to the edge of the Imperial Dungeon, the chains on her body clanking metallically with her steps.
“Thank you, Your Majesty, for resolving this Guilty Subject’s years-long regret. This Guilty Subject finally knows who her parents are.” Mu Fuwan held the files with both hands, offering them back to Di Lingwei.
Di Lingwei did not take them.
She refocused her gaze on Mu Fuwan and said, “No, you still don’t know. You’ve only learned of the situation through words on paper. You haven’t truly met them yet, so your understanding of them remains incomplete.”
Mu Fuwan was taken aback. “This Guilty Subject still has a chance to meet her parents?”
“Of course. It is merely a word from Zhen. As long as Zhen is willing, you can meet them.” Di Lingwei clasped her hands behind her back, her tone casual yet carrying the absolute authority befitting the Sovereign of a Nation.
Mu Fuwan was silent for a moment before saying, “Forget it. It’s better if I don’t see them.”
“You aren’t curious about your parents?” Di Lingwei raised an eyebrow at Mu Fuwan.
“What use is curiosity? This Guilty Subject will not say anything.” Mu Fuwan lowered her head as she answered.
Clearly, she believed Di Lingwei’s words were actually a condition. A trade: if she was willing to name the instigator behind her and help provide corresponding evidence, then she would be allowed to see her parents.
But Mu Fuwan did not want to accept such a trade.
“What if it was simply an unconditional chance to see your parents, with no demands placed upon you? Would you still refuse?” Di Lingwei asked unhurriedly.
“No demands?” Mu Fuwan was stunned, feeling a bit confused.
Why would she be allowed to see her parents with no demands at all? What was this Heavenly Mandate Empress, with her peerless wisdom, planning?
“Yes, Zhen makes no demands of you.” Di Lingwei looked deeply at Mu Fuwan, her expression calm, revealing nothing of her inner thoughts.
In truth, she had considered using this as leverage to get Mu Fuwan to reveal the information she wanted. But considering Mu Fuwan’s Personality, she felt the chances of success were too low, so she ultimately abandoned that approach.
As for letting Mu Fuwan see her parents without conditions, it was naturally not out of the kindness of her heart either. It served a purpose.
“Why would Your Majesty do this?” Mu Fuwan asked, uncomprehending.
“Zhen’s thoughts are not for you to fathom. It seems you do wish to see your parents. In that case, Zhen shall grant this to you.”
Leaving those words behind, Di Lingwei said nothing more. She turned and walked away.
Mu Fuwan stared blankly at Di Lingwei’s retreating figure.
It was only after Di Lingwei had departed that Mu Fuwan let out a bitter laugh. “So this is the Heavenly Mandate Empress? What profound cunning. One can never guess what she is thinking. Her eyes are like a bottomless abyss, truly unfathomable.”
…
Before long, Di Lingwei returned to the Imperial Palace.
In the front courtyard of Phoenix Perch Palace, the spring breeze continuously blew. Trees swayed gently, and from time to time, a leaf would relinquish its branch to embrace the earth.
On a stone table, Palace Maids had brewed a pot of hot tea, its green smoke curling upwards.
Di Lingwei sat nearby as Palace Maids massaged her shoulders and legs, their pressure perfectly judged, giving her an air of utter enjoyment.
“Ruolan.”
Di Lingwei called out, and Xing Ruolan immediately approached. “Your Majesty, this Servant is here.”
“Zhen asks you, if one were to designate a ranking of combat strength within this Phoenix Dynasty, how would you arrange it?” Di Lingwei asked, seeming very casual.
To this question, Xing Ruolan answered without hesitation. “If such a ranking must be made, then Your Majesty is undoubtedly number one. Your Majesty’s Martial Power is unrivaled under heaven.”
“Then who comes below Zhen?” Di Lingwei continued.
“Below Your Majesty, it becomes difficult to say. Whether the Commander of the Imperial Guard or the Four Great Generals, all possess terrifying and formidable strength. However, the Four Great Generals should be slightly stronger,” Xing Ruolan replied after a moment’s thought.
The Four Great Generals?
Di Lingwei memorized this, but outwardly remained calm. “How would you rank the Four Great Generals themselves?”
“The difference in strength among the Four Great Generals shouldn’t be large. This Servant cannot easily judge,” Xing Ruolan said, shaking her head.
“Then what do you think of each of them, in all aspects? You can provide a detailed evaluation. Since Zhen has ordered you to do so, you need not worry excessively.” Di Lingwei’s posture was leisurely and relaxed.
Seeing that Di Lingwei had said this, Xing Ruolan pondered for a moment before speaking.
“Among the Four Great Generals, the oldest is Cloud-Riding General, Xie Fenghua. He is over fifty years of age, but Cloud-Riding General’s strength is extraordinary, and his experience in commanding battles is even more seasoned. Your Majesty’s decision to send Cloud-Riding General to Fortune Pass to deal with the Rebel Army was extremely correct.”
“North-Suppressing General, Situ Po, is also in his early forties. His combat prowess is quite exceptional, and he is equally far-sighted in troop deployment and strategy. Sending him north to handle the Barbarian Tribes is very fitting.”
“Peerless General Wu Jitian is only just over thirty, yet his reputation is already not inferior to the two preceding generals. His potential is immense, his future Achievements immeasurable. Although he is currently stationed in Phoenix Capital for the time being, he drills the soldiers daily and diligently practices martial skills, knowing how to improve.”
“Ice-Sealing General Nie Bingyu is the only woman among the Four Great Generals. Yet, to become one of the Four Great Generals in her twenties, her strength cannot be underestimated. General Ice-Sealing was also promoted by Your Majesty against much opposition, and has the best relationship with Your Majesty.”
Listening to Xing Ruolan’s words, Di Lingwei fell into deep thought.
Two of the Four Great Generals were out on campaigns. If she remembered correctly, they had left not long ago. Before that, both the Rebel Army and the Barbarian Tribes had shown signs of ill intent. Various ministers had proposed suggestions, and she had approved everyone’s proposals at that time.
The other two were still here, which meant she could summon them.
She was about to start moving against Wang Feifei. Of course, not a direct attack—she wouldn’t act without evidence. Her move meant forcing Wang Feifei to slip up. But Wang Feifei was powerful, and she wasn’t assured of her own safety, hence the need to understand the combat strengths of others.
