Lin Yi received the news from Judge Zhong early in the morning that Gongsun Mo had already dismantled all mechanisms within Qiankun Palace, and it could be moved into after some minor refurbishments.
As for the arrangements of the Qixi Festival, it still fell under the purview of the Ministry of Rites, landing once again on Lin Yi’s shoulders.
In this matter, the Emperor could certainly rest assured. This text is hosted at novel•fire.net
"Lin Aiqing, for this Qixi Festival, I wish for you to hold it in a unique way, so that my Great Yu’s citizens can experience an unprecedented sense of happiness. Do you have any good ideas?"
After surviving the ordeal, the court officials believed even more that the heavens were protecting him and didn’t dare harbor wrongful thoughts anymore.
But having only the support of the officials was not enough; the Emperor was also thinking of using the Qixi Festival as an opportunity to establish the image of a benevolent and people-loving Emperor among the common folk.
Therefore, the heavy responsibility fell on Lin Yi, and what he never lacked were good ideas.
"Your Majesty, Qixi Festival is the day when young girls express their love and pray for romantic blessings, celebrated with activities like threading needles and eating festive treats."
"This year’s Qixi Festival, I will definitely innovate. As for how exactly, that is a temporary secret."
Daring to keep secrets from His Majesty was something only Lin Yi would do, and the Emperor was at his wit’s end with him.
’This scoundrel, is he trying to embarrass me on purpose? Keeping secrets, I don’t believe I can’t pry open your mouth!’
"Lin Aiqing, to ensure that tomorrow’s Qixi Festival proceeds orderly, you should reveal the itinerary first, so that everyone can be prepared."
Although it was known that Lin Yi would certainly amaze everyone tomorrow, the court needed reassurance.
Feeling the Emperor’s urgency, Lin Yi grinned proudly.
"Your servant intends to add some events, such as a love song competition and a love poem contest, among others."
In fact, Lin Yi had other ideas besides these, but he did not want to reveal too much.
At the grand festival tomorrow, Fourth Prince and Sixth Prince would definitely not miss out, thinking of making a big profit.
Retaining something up his sleeve would catch them by surprise.
’My dear wife, can you please not make things difficult for me? I want to surprise you tomorrow, can you leave me some privacy?’
Hearing Lin Yi’s inner thoughts, the Emperor instantly lost his composure.
’Hmph, are you complaining about me? Very well, if you do not provide a surprise, see how I deal with you tomorrow!’
The Emperor straightened his back and said solemnly, "Alright, we shall wait and see tomorrow. If this year’s Qixi Festival is not as grand and splendid as last year’s, Lin Daren, the position of Minister of Rites might need to change hands."
What, a change of person?
Lin Yi was shocked; had the Emperor gone mad, suddenly mentioning a change of personnel? Having secured the position of Minister of Rites with great difficulty, it couldn’t just be changed so easily?
’Has my dear wife lost her mind, simply handing over the position of Minister of Rites so casually?
Goodness, it seems ’pregnancy brain’ is real.’
’This pressure is on me, but what was last year’s Qixi Festival like? I have not even seen it, isn’t this comparison troubling me?’
At this moment, Lin Yi felt a thousand grievances but had nowhere to express them.
Yet the Emperor thought differently, last year’s Qixi Festival could be described in four words as an eyesore.
This year, as long as Lin Yi makes a minimal effort, he could easily surpass last year’s event, and the position of Minister of Revenue would be unshakeable; this was just to scare Lin Yi a little.
’Hmph, who told you to keep secrets just now and make me lose face? It’s just a small punishment.’
Fourth Prince and Sixth Prince exchanged glances, both keenly interested in the potentially wavering Minister of Rites.
After the court session, Fourth Prince took the initiative to visit the Sixth Prince Manor.
Sixth Prince’s attitude was rather cold.
"Fourth Brother, I’m busy with the reparations of the Qiankun Palace for His Majesty. If you have plans, please don’t involve me."
Obviously, Sixth Prince now preferred to keep a low profile.
After yesterday’s event, Sixth Prince realized that in the young Emperor’s eyes, Fourth Prince was more valued.
He was simply responsible for the security of the Imperial Palace, while Fourth Prince coordinated the Six Ministries and acted on behalf of state affairs.
The hierarchy was clear at a glance.
That was also why Sixth Prince wasn’t eager to get involved in the Qixi Festival affairs with Fourth Prince; he would rather act alone, if at all.
But Fourth Prince was adamant, knowing well that Sixth Prince had an exceptional troupe of courtesans, hailed as a marvel within the Imperial City.
His visit today was to borrow Sixth Prince’s courtesans for a day, to outshine the others at the Qixi Festival, and to rake in a fortune.
"Sixth Brother, if you’re busy, could you perhaps lend your courtesan troupe to Fourth Brother for one day?"
"Of course, it’s not that I’m lending you the dancers for nothing, Fourth Brother. 2000 taels, for one day’s use."
It must be said that Fourth Prince was generous with money, as 2000 taels could rent ten courtesan troupes.
In order to outdo Lin Yi at the Qixi Festival, regain the position of Minister of Rites, and stake everything on it, Fourth Prince was willing to bleed cash. However, Sixth Prince was not swayed by the money.
"I’m truly sorry, Fourth Brother. My courtesan troupe is not for public performance, and I don’t have much ambition; I only wish to live as a Prince in peace and ensure the safety of my family."
The old Sixth Prince, who had once covertly rivaled the young Emperor for the Dragon Chair, had vanished. He had truly recognized his insufficient strength and chose to avoid confrontation.
Fourth Prince was driven to frustration by such indifference.
"Old Six, what kind of muddled talk is this? We are the two most rightful heirs to the throne; we must reclaim what belongs to us."
Fourth Prince started to incite, hoping his half-brother would align with him to weaken the current Emperor’s power.
With a cold chuckle, Sixth Prince pointed out that there was only one Dragon Chair; if the throne were to be seized by force, Eighth Prince would be the first in line, followed by Fourth Prince, and perhaps some of the non-politically involved princes from outside the Imperial City might launch a coup. Then, and only then, might it be his turn.
"Fourth Brother, I’ve learned a new phrase recently that has been profoundly insightful: ’Do not scheme for a position that isn’t yours.’ Right now, I just want to be a good Prince and enjoy the prerogatives that come with it."
Hearing this, Fourth Prince grew impatient.
"No, you can’t be serious, Old Six. Are you thinking of casting me aside after crossing the river? Don’t forget, I have quite a bit of dirt on you, including your graft from the National Treasury."
At this point, Fourth Prince wasn’t willing to let Sixth Prince bow out, so he dredged up the past, attempting to blackmail him.
Sixth Prince was no easy target either, and he replied coolly.
"We’re both in the same boat, but rest assured, Fourth Brother. I swear to heaven that I won’t divulge those things. My heart and mind are troubled lately, so please leave me be."
"If you truly wish to borrow my courtesan troupe, then show some sincerity. 3000 taels!"
Sixth Prince knew that Fourth Prince couldn’t leave empty-handed and had to painfully agree to lend out his troupe for a day.
But he didn’t want to give Fourth Prince, that old fox, any advantage and planned to gouge him fiercely.