From cute to empress

Chapter 275: Miraculous Rebirth of the Art Festival

"This...how could this happen..." I looked at the mess in front of me in disbelief. The originally magnificent conference hall had now been ravaged beyond recognition by the storm.

Beams snapped, colorful flags scattered, and the once smooth bluestone floor was soaked with rainwater, leaving a muddy mess everywhere. The carefully constructed stage was half-collapsed, musical instruments scattered across the ground, and the exquisite decorative paintings were soaked by the rain, the paint smeared and mottled.

My heart seemed to sink along with the chaotic scene. How could this happen? Was all the hard work I had put in place going to be destroyed in an instant?

"Your Majesty..." Xiao Tao's voice trembled slightly, and she was obviously frightened by the scene before her.

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself. No, I couldn't give up like this! This art festival is more than just a simple cultural event; it represents my commitment to the people and my hope for the future of our country.

I raised my head, looked around, and shouted, "Don't panic, everyone! Natural disasters are ruthless, but people are kind! Together, we can rebuild our home!"

My voice was like a shot in the arm, calming the already flustered crowd. Yes, as long as we don't give up, there is still hope.

I immediately organized the repair and cleanup efforts. The palace maids and eunuchs sprang into action, moving wood, clearing the accumulated water, and rescuing damaged items. Officials from the Ministry of Works also braved the wind and rain to arrive, directing the craftsmen to repair the damaged buildings.

"Mengmeng!" A familiar voice came. I turned around and saw Zhen Youcai in military uniform, walking towards me in a dusty look.

"Youcai, why are you here?" I asked in surprise.

"I heard about the situation here and was worried about you, so I brought a team of soldiers to help." Zhen Youcai said, his face as firm and confident as ever, as if any difficulties were not worth mentioning in front of him.

The soldiers brought by Youcai were all elite soldiers who had been through many battles. They acted quickly and efficiently. With their help, the cleaning and reconstruction of the venue progressed rapidly.

As I watched the busy figures before me, my heart was filled with hope. The storm may have destroyed our homes, but it couldn't destroy our resolve. I believe that with everyone's concerted efforts, we will overcome these difficulties and ensure the art festival goes on as scheduled!

As night fell, the wind and rain gradually subsided, and the sky gradually cleared. Standing on the newly rebuilt stage, I looked at the brand new venue before me, feeling a surge of emotion.

"Your Majesty, everything is ready." Master Danqing walked to my side and said softly.

I nodded, glanced at the busy figures in the audience, took a deep breath, and said, "Let's begin..."

The master painter and the renowned opera actor didn't even bother to straighten their rain-soaked clothes before directing the other artists to rearrange their works. The originally spacious venue had become cramped due to damage to some areas, and they needed to be frugal and precise, ensuring that each piece could be displayed to optimal effect within the limited space.

I watched as Master Danqing directed several artisans to skillfully divide a massive landscape painting, originally intended to be displayed flat on the floor, into several sections, reconfiguring them into a three-dimensional viewing space using existing walls and screens. A renowned opera actress and her students, rehearsing repeatedly by moonlight, fine-tuning their performance formations, striving to create the perfect visual effect on the damaged stage.

The art critic had been standing silently on the outskirts of the crowd, watching the bustling scene before him. I noticed tears glistening in his eyes. He walked over to me and said, his voice choking, "Your Majesty, you and your team have shown me what true art is! In the face of disaster, you didn't give in. Instead, through your actions, you gave art a deeper meaning! I... I'm ashamed of my earlier doubts about you. Please allow me to contribute my humble contribution to this grand event!"

I was moved by his sincere emotion, and I shook his hand and said, "Thank you for your understanding and support. This event belongs to everyone. Let's work together!"

The art critic, who had extensive connections, immediately took action to help us contact many artists who were unable to participate due to damage to the venue. He also actively coordinated resources from all parties and provided advice for the smooth holding of the event.

Looking at the bustling scene in front of me, my heart is filled with hope. I believe that this art festival that has gone through the baptism of wind and rain will definitely be even more exciting!

On the morning of the grand opening, I stood in full attire, center stage, on a newly rebuilt stage, ready to begin my speech. The audience was packed, their faces beaming with anticipation. As I scanned their excited faces, my heart swelled with excitement and emotion.

"My dear fellow citizens..." I was about to speak when suddenly there was a commotion in the crowd, drawing my attention to it. I saw a familiar figure slowly walking towards me...

It was Zhen Youcai! He was dressed in military uniform, standing tall and straight, looking as energetic as ever. My heartbeat quickened, and an indescribable joy washed over me. He hadn't left the frontier for a long time, so why was he suddenly here?

The crowd spontaneously made way for him. He walked straight to the front of the stage, knelt on one knee, clasped his hands together, and said in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. Long live the Emperor!"

His loud voice echoed throughout the venue, and the originally noisy crowd instantly quieted down. Everyone looked at him intently, their eyes full of admiration and curiosity.

I took a deep breath, suppressed my excitement, and said in a calm tone, "General Zhen, please stand up quickly. You have come a long way and must have worked hard."

He stood up, looked at me with a sharp gaze, and a gratified smile on his face: "It is my duty to share your Majesty's worries."

"Why are you back? How is the war on the border?" I asked with concern.

"Thanks to Your Majesty, the border conflict has been pacified, and the people are living and working in peace and contentment." He paused, his gaze sweeping across the crowd before settling on me. "I have come here specifically to report the good news to Your Majesty and to witness this grand event with my own eyes."

I nodded and was about to speak when suddenly, there was another commotion in the crowd. A lady in luxurious clothes, surrounded by her maids, walked towards me.

It was the wealthy merchant's wife who had made such a generous donation! She approached me, bowed slightly, and said with a warm smile, "Your Majesty, I am deeply pleased that this grand event can proceed as scheduled. To show my support for the arts, I would like to make a small contribution to repair and improve the venue facilities. I hope Your Majesty will grant this."

I was deeply moved and quickly said, "Madam, you are so kind. On behalf of all those who love art, I thank you for your generosity!"

The wealthy merchant's wife smiled and shook her head, saying, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. It is my honor to contribute to art."

I watched her return to her seat, my heart filled with warmth and gratitude. The success of this event is inseparable from the efforts and support of every art lover. Their kindness and enthusiasm, like the warm sun in winter, warm my heart.

I took another deep breath and cast my gaze upon the dense crowd below the stage, my heart filled with strength. I slowly spoke, my voice clear and resolute:

"My dear people, today we gather together to witness..."

Before I finished speaking, a deep and rich male voice suddenly rang out from the crowd: "Wait a minute!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw a tall figure wearing a black cloak, with an indistinct face, slowly walking towards the stage...