Xing Ruolan withdrew, a hint of grievance lingering in her expression.
Wang Feifei, curious, asked, “Your Majesty, why did you summon Little Wan as well?”
Di Lingwei smiled. “Zhen knows you and Little Wan grew up together and share a very close bond. Zhen thought it would be a fine idea to invite her to bathe with us.”
So that was it.
Wang Feifei didn’t dwell on it, interpreting it as a sign of Di Lingwei’s regard for both her and Mu Fuwan. Her heart swelled with joy at the thought. What subject wouldn’t be overjoyed to receive such attention from the Sovereign of a Nation?
Mu Fuwan arrived shortly after. Upon learning that Di Lingwei wanted her to join them in the bath, Mu Fuwan was overwhelmed by the unexpected favor, yet she had no intention of refusing. For any subject, this was an immense honor, signifying the Emperor’s deep trust and esteem.
The bath lasted for half an hour. Despite the extended time, Di Lingwei failed to unlock Mu Fuwan’s Hidden Trait. This caused Di Lingwei to ponder the situation. If she still couldn’t unlock the trait at this stage, it could only mean her Intimacy level with Mu Fuwan wasn’t high enough. So, what should she do next to increase their Intimacy?
Time flowed steadily onward. Over the following days, Di Lingwei continued spending her days and nights with Wang Feifei. Although the Hidden Trait of Intimacy was already unlocked, it was only displayed as Level 1. If there was a Level 1, logically there must be a Level 2 or even higher. Finding ways to raise it further was therefore essential. Naturally, she didn’t neglect Mu Fuwan. She maintained frequent contact with her, cultivating their relationship. However, unlocking the latter’s Hidden Trait still seemed some distance away. But with sufficient personal protection, Di Lingwei wasn’t in any particular rush.
Time gradually brought them to the first day of April. On this day, Di Lingwei, accompanied by Wang Feifei and Mu Fuwan, went to an Execution Ground in the Phoenix Capital. Today was the day of Chen Daorong’s beheading. Having learned from the previous incident, the Ministry of Justice had significantly increased security around the Execution Ground, deploying countless agents both in the open and in secret to ensure no further mishaps occurred.
And so, Chen Daorong died. Yes, he simply died. No one came to rescue him. The execution was utterly unremarkable. Aside from the fact that it was an Imperial Uncle being beheaded—which sparked some murmurs among the common folk—there was nothing special about it.
Had Chen Daorong’s son and nephew been unable to reach him in time? Or had they simply been unwilling to try? Whatever the reason, Di Lingwei knew this trouble had not yet been fully eradicated. Chen Daorong’s son, Chen Yuanbao, and his nephew, Chen Hongming, would likely stir up more trouble for her in the future.
“Return to the palace,” Di Lingwei commanded, and her group set off back toward the Imperial Palace.
“This is This Subject’s proposal.”
Shortly after they returned to the palace, the Minister of Rites, Li Chengji, came to request an audience. He was here, of course, for the matter of vigorously developing the entertainment industry. Considerable time had passed since the last Lantern Festival, but the personnel at the Ministry of Rites had been unable to devise any other methods to increase recreational opportunities. Left with no other choice, they had racked their brains and cobbled together a second festival. Presenting the proposal to Di Lingwei, Li Chengji was somewhat apprehensive. “This is the Hundred Flowers Festival. The current month is the peak season for blooming flowers. It is a splendid season. Therefore, Your subjects have thought to create a Hundred Flowers Festival, focused mainly on flower viewing…”
Listening to Li Chengji’s dry explanation and then glancing at the proposal in her hand, Di Lingwei felt a touch of exasperation. “Another festival?”
Li Chengji knew that resorting to another festival-based approach wasn’t ideal, but the Ministry of Rites was at its wit’s end. A large group of them had racked their brains over this issue and genuinely couldn’t think of any other good ideas. That was why they had opted to target festivals again.
“Fine,” Di Lingwei said without further criticism. She handed the dossier containing the proposal back to Li Chengji. “The Hundred Flowers Festival it is. This period truly is perfect for viewing flowers. Zhen approves your request to organize the festival.”
Upon hearing this, Li Chengji let out a long sigh of relief. As long as Di Lingwei nodded in agreement, all problems vanished. However, Li Chengji also understood that they couldn’t make another proposal based on festivals next time; otherwise, it would surely provoke Her Majesty’s anger. So, the approval of the Hundred Flowers Festival wasn’t cause for pure celebration. They still needed to plan for the future.
Li Chengji withdrew.
Wang Feifei, who was standing beside Di Lingwei, asked curiously, “Your Majesty, we can view the flowers at the Hundred Flowers Garden, but where will the citizens of the Phoenix Capital go to view theirs?”
“The Ministry of Rites will likely sort that out themselves. Let them handle it. If they handle it poorly, we will settle accounts with them then,” Di Lingwei replied unhurriedly.
She turned her head to look at Wang Feifei and then at Mu Fuwan. “Minister Li has reminded Zhen that it is indeed a fine season for flower viewing. Let us go to the Hundred Flowers Garden.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Wang Feifei and Mu Fuwan answered in unison.
They followed Di Lingwei out of the Bedchamber. Xing Ruolan, who had been consistently ignored recently, also followed with the palace maids. Although Xing Ruolan always presented herself as gentle and amiable, the continuous neglect she’d faced during this period left her unwilling to accept the situation.
Therefore, after stepping out of the Bedchamber, Xing Ruolan approached and said in a soft tone, “Your Majesty, the palace maids have recently rehearsed several dances. Might Your Majesty wish to appreciate them? Enjoying the maids’ performances while admiring the flowers would surely enhance the beautiful scenery.”
“Dancing? That does sound appealing. Let them come,” Di Lingwei replied without refusal.
Xing Ruolan sighed inwardly with relief. She had genuinely worried this suggestion might be rejected, given Di Lingwei’s recent lack of closeness to her.
Before long, the group arrived at the Hundred Flowers Garden. Bathed in bright sunshine, the myriad flowers within the garden bloomed with extraordinary vividness and beauty, seemingly vying with one another in splendor. This season was undoubtedly the most resplendent time of the year for the Hundred Flowers Garden.
Di Lingwei entered a vermilion pavilion, with Wang Feifei and Mu Fuwan accompanying her on her left and right. They gazed out at the profusion of blossoming flowers all around. Xing Ruolan directed the palace maids to a relatively open area beside the pavilion, preparing them for the dance. Other maids stood by with various musical instruments, ready to provide accompaniment.
Di Lingwei was quite curious about the situation. She had yet to see this world’s music and dance since her arrival and this seemed the perfect opportunity to do so.
“Sit. Let us see what performance Ruolan has prepared for Zhen.” Di Lingwei took a seat in the pavilion and then gently pulled Wang Feifei and Mu Fuwan down to sit as well.
