Peerless General Wu Jitian.
Ice-Sealing General Nie Bingyu.
Although she didn’t know the extent of their loyalty, bringing them along to contain Wang Feifei should pose no problem.
In Di Lingwei’s mind, a well-considered plan had already taken shape.
…
The next day, several spacious horse-drawn carriages traveled unhurriedly along the streets of Phoenix Capital. Around the carriages, a large group of people clad in leather armor followed on horseback, and pedestrians along the way all moved aside.
“What important personage is out traveling?”
“Shh, keep your voice down. Can’t you see those are the Palace Imperial Guards? The one traveling this time must be a truly remarkable figure.”
“But who exactly is it?”
“I don’t know that. Just don’t stare too much. Sometimes, mistakes are made unintentionally. The less you look, the less you err.”
The procession of several carriages moved utterly unhindered.
In the foremost carriage, Di Lingwei leaned against a soft cushion, dressed in a red Pomegranate Skirt that outlined her graceful figure, adding a touch of alluring beauty to her overall appearance.
Beside her were Xing Ruolan and Shangguan Yuchan.
On this trip, Di Lingwei intended to visit Hedai Village, not far from Phoenix Capital, to carry out some plans. She had brought Mu Fuwan and Wang Feifei along. However, those two were not in the same carriage as her. Naturally, she chose to share a carriage with Xing Ruolan and Shangguan Yuchan, who possessed no combat ability.
As for Wang Feifei, she was in the second carriage behind, accompanied by Ice-Sealing General Nie Bingyu and Peerless General Wu Jitian.
Mu Fuwan was in the rearmost carriage, watched by some Imperial Guards. A Vice Minister from the Ministry of Justice had also come along.
‘What is Her Majesty going to do?’
Shangguan Yuchan was extremely curious about this situation.
She had been pondering this question since boarding the carriage. What matter required this Empress to personally go forth, and to bring along herself, two Great Generals, and the Commander of the Imperial Guard?
When she learned Mu Fuwan had also been brought along, Shangguan Yuchan felt the matter should be related to her. As Chancellor, her position in the Imperial Court was extremely high. She also knew that Di Lingwei had been investigating Mu Fuwan’s background, and had personally read Mu Fuwan’s dossier. So, with some deduction, she guessed Di Lingwei was taking everyone to Hedai Village.
But she still didn’t understand.
Even if Mu Fuwan was born in Hedai Village, was it necessary to bring her there in person?
And to have herself, two Great Generals, and the Commander of the Imperial Guard all follow as well—this showed that it must be a matter of great importance to Her Majesty.
‘Her Majesty is farsighted and must harbor profound deeper meaning in this. It’s a pity my wisdom is insufficient; I cannot see through Her Majesty’s intentions this time.’
Shangguan Yuchan could only sigh inwardly at her conclusion. She glanced at Xing Ruolan, hoping to glean something from the Chief Palace Steward who personally served Her Majesty. However, Xing Ruolan’s expression was always so gentle and compliant, truly impossible to read.
Not long after, the carriages left Phoenix Capital.
The roads outside the capital were initially quite smooth, but the official highway didn’t connect to Hedai Village. To reach it, they inevitably had to turn onto a side path. Due to the rough road surface, the carriages had to slow down, yet they still jolted considerably.
Fortunately, the distance wasn’t too far. After traveling for a good while, the carriages finally stopped.
“Your Majesty, ahead is Hedai Village,” came the voice of an Imperial Guard driving the carriage.
Di Lingwei, feeling somewhat dizzy and headachy from the bumpy ride, had to force herself to hold up, putting on an authoritative air as she said, “Let us alight.”
Shangguan Yuchan got off first. The wind outside seemed quite strong. As it blew, her white dress fluttered in the breeze, making her entire figure look ethereal, as if she might fly away at any moment.
Di Lingwei couldn’t help but be momentarily captivated by Shangguan Yuchan.
She had to admit, excluding herself, Shangguan Yuchan’s beauty was the pinnacle among everyone she had met. That face was beautiful from every angle.
“Your Majesty,” Xing Ruolan called out then, snapping Di Lingwei back to her senses.
Glancing at the gentle Xing Ruolan, Di Lingwei also stepped down from the carriage.
The wind outside was indeed very strong, whipping her red Pomegranate Skirt into a wild dance. Xing Ruolan, ever perceptive and considerate, immediately stepped forward to hold the hem of her dress, preventing any discomfort for her.
It had to be said, Xing Ruolan’s service was truly excellent, making one feel comfortable in every way.
If she hadn’t learned about the flaw in Xing Ruolan’s Personality, that hidden other side, Di Lingwei felt she might have truly been deceived by that gentle tenderness and could have ended up trusting Xing Ruolan too much.
“Your Majesty.”
People from the other carriages had also alighted and now gathered before Di Lingwei.
Di Lingwei swept her gaze over them, focusing mainly on the two Great Generals.
Name: Wu Jitian.
Identity: Peerless General.
Wu Jitian was a brawny, muscular man. His vermillion Leather Armor looked as if it might burst at any moment, the oppressive presence he exuded was very intense.
His reputation was immense, considered by many to be the strongest of the Four Great Generals. After all, he was in his prime and had numerous formidable battle records. Even in the face of Di Lingwei, Wu Jitian acted somewhat arrogantly, one of the few who dared to look directly at her. Seeing Di Lingwei looking his way, he flashed a confident, unrestrained grin.
Name: Nie Bingyu.
Identity: Ice-Sealing General.
Nie Bingyu was the only woman among the Four Great Generals. She had a well-proportioned, tall figure, a pretty face, and fair skin. However, the most striking feature about her was undoubtedly her eyes.
Those eyes carried a faint tint of light blue. It wasn’t conspicuous; at first glance, one might even overlook it. But it was certainly there, giving her entire demeanor a cool, aloof quality.
She was an icy beauty.
More importantly, Nie Bingyu’s eyes seemed to speak!
When Di Lingwei looked over, she read the meaning of “What are you looking at me for?” directly from Nie Bingyu’s eyes.
Nie Bingyu probably also knew her eyes revealed her thoughts too easily, so she quickly lowered her head, preventing Di Lingwei from reading her gaze further.
Di Lingwei found Nie Bingyu very interesting, far more so than Wu Jitian. If she had spare time, she could try pursuing Nie Bingyu’s Achievement. But for now, pressing matters took priority; the matter of Nie Bingyu would have to be put on hold.
Di Lingwei then looked at Wang Feifei.
Wang Feifei seemed to be in a poor mood today, keeping her head down and silent. She didn’t even glance toward Mu Fuwan.
Of course, Mu Fuwan didn’t look at Wang Feifei either, as if she didn’t know her. Yet the fact that these two, who had grown up together, were now acting so estranged only seemed to reveal a deeper layer of abnormality.
