As dusk deepened, lanterns were hung among the corridors, terraces, and pavilions of Prince Wu's Manor, while countless Imperial Guards and Black Bureau constables patrolled through them.
In the great garden behind the Prince's Residence, streaks of fire rose from time to time, then burst high overhead into a skyful of glittering sparks. Women's voices could faintly be heard:
"Wow..."
"Your Majesty, this one's fun! It spins around on the ground..."
"Mind your hands, Your Majesty..."
In the great garden, several palace maids held lanterns and watched with their hearts in their mouths.
Dressed in a dark red house dress, the Empress Dowager held a Fire Starter and lit all manner of fireworks.
Hongyu had ordered the Imperial Guards to gather these fireworks from Jianyang City. The largest could even burst into a multicolored flower in midair, far prettier than the ones Ye Jingtang had bought on a whim.
But amusement was only interesting with someone to share it. Setting off fireworks here alone with her personal maids, however pretty they were, still felt rather monotonous and dull.
As the Empress Dowager watched the sparks scatter overhead, a trace of resentment showed in her eyes. She was probably silently complaining that Perfected Person Xuanji had gone out enjoying herself and abandoned her here again.
And the Empress Dowager was not the only woman in the Prince's Residence who felt bored.
In the Viewing Tower near the garden, Dongfang Liren sat upright behind an exquisite writing desk, dressed in a Python Robe.
Several elderly officials accompanying her stood before the desk with neatly compiled accounts and registers, earnestly reporting on various affairs.
Dongfang Liren took official business very seriously and never neglected her duties, but even her patience could not withstand these old officials' long-windedness.
Especially the principal official sent