Inside the Imperial Study, Xiao Mo was reading the memorials submitted by his ministers, along with the reply from the Qin Kingdom's Lord.
Once he finished, Xiao Mo set them down, took a sip of tea, and said to Wei Xun, "Tell the Ministry of Rites to proceed with the date they chose. It's around the beginning of July, correct? Have the daughter of the Yan Clan and Princess Qinyang enter the palace then."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Wei Xun nodded and hurriedly noted it down, preparing to convey his decree.
"Wait." Xiao Mo stopped Wei Xun.
"What are your instructions, Your Majesty?" Wei Xun asked with a bow.
"If I remember correctly, today is the Poetry Lantern Festival?" Xiao Mo asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Wei Xun replied. "Tonight, every household in the Imperial Capital will hang red lanterns, and quite a few teahouses will hold poetry gatherings. It will be quite lively."
"Hmm." Xiao Mo stroked his chin, looking thoughtful.
"I have nothing pressing to do. Make the arrangements. I want to leave the palace for a stroll tonight," Xiao Mo said, raising his head to look at Wei Xun.
"Huh?" Wei Xun jumped in surprise. "You wish to go out at night, Your Majesty?"
Had he wanted to go out during the day, Wei Xun would not have reacted.
But going out at night—wasn't that a little too dangerous?
"Obviously. The Poetry Lantern Festival only gets lively at night. If I don't go out tonight, am I supposed to go during the day?" Xiao Mo waved a hand. "It's settled. I haven't gone out at night to clear my head in a long time. Just bring a few guards along."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Wei Xun wanted to advise him against it, but seeing that His Majesty had made up