Chapter Sixteen: The Peerless Dancer, Yan Ruqing

All eyes turned toward the man who boldly proclaimed himself as the king. Yan Ziyu was no exception. The man was tall and robust, his features broad and wild. Despite his splendid embroidered robes, he could not conceal the fierce aura radiating from him. The plume-adorned hat he wore was a symbol of the royal family of the Chiyang Kingdom.

A sharp intake of breath swept through the crowd—this man was brazen, utterly arrogant! To open his mouth by provocatively comparing a mere concubine with the daughters of Da Yun’s esteemed ministers was beyond audacity.

To challenge the daughters of Da Yun’s chief officials by belittling a concubine as unworthy of the stage—whether Long Xiaotian accepted this or not, it was a trap either way.

The emperor’s brow furrowed, displeased by the man’s insolence. Just as he was about to speak, another voice, gentle and refined, interjected.

“I, Sheng Yue, have also heard of this matter. It is said that even the common geishas in Da Yun possess talents rivaling those of noble ladies, which speaks to the openness of Da Yun’s customs. Might this general have the fortune to witness such talents firsthand?” With a slight smile, the man from Sheng Yue, who claimed the title of general, was dressed in simple, elegant robes. His delicate features bore no trace of hostility.

Hearing this, Long Xiaoyan’s brow tightened subtly.

It was well known that Chiyang and Sheng Yue were like fire and water, locked in endless conflict. Now, they stood on the same side—could this be an omen?

“Haha… Since Prince Xi and General Chen share such refined interests, I shall naturally consent! Da Yun is a land rich in heroes and talented people. Men are strong and vigorous, women intelligent and beautiful, a true pride of our nation. Now, even the renowned Prince Xi of Chiyang and General Chen, the lucky star of Sheng Yue, have come here, which fills me with great pride! Let the daughters of the ministers perform for us—a delight to the gathering and a welcome for the envoys of both kingdoms.”

True to his imperial bearing, Long Xiaotian quickly turned the tide after a fleeting flash of barely perceptible anger. With a few words, he not only restored Da Yun’s dignity but also subtly mocked the deficiencies of Chiyang and Sheng Yue, killing two birds with one stone.

“Your Majesty, your servant Yan Ruoqing wishes to be the first to perform. Please grant your permission!” Yan Ruoqing stepped forward gracefully, kneeling in the center of the hall. Her soft voice was as melodious as a yellow warbler’s song emerging from the valley.

The emperor’s eyes lit up when he saw that the volunteer was none other than the beloved daughter of General Yan, one of Da Yun’s famed Three Wonders. He struck the table and decreed, “Granted!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Yan Ruoqing replied joyfully and stepped into the center of the hall.

As the music began, her lithe figure swayed in perfect harmony with the rhythm. Her exquisite, alluring face took on a new charm. In an instant, she transformed into a dancing queen, her movements elegant and flowing like a butterfly fluttering on the breeze.

With each step, she struck perfectly on the beat. When the music softened, she appeared delicate and supple as water, graceful and limber. When the music surged, she became radiant and heroic, shedding her softness for an imposing presence.

When the music ceased, the crowd lingered, enchanted by the ice-blue figure at the center of the hall.

“Excellent! Truly worthy of being one of the Three Wonders in dance. Well done!” the emperor exclaimed with joy shining in his expression.

“Your servant thanks Your Majesty for the praise!” Yan Ruoqing knelt deeply, unaware she had already become the prey of certain onlookers.

Beads of sweat dotted her forehead, her cheeks flushed with a rosy glow. Her chest rose and fell with heavy breaths, and strands of hair, slightly disheveled, lent her a different, even more enticing allure—one that stirred the desires of men.

“Prince Xi, General Chen, are you satisfied with this performance?”

Satisfied or not—after the emperor’s praise, the question was merely superfluous, like putting on airs.

Prince Xi’s broad, rugged face remained inscrutable. “Today, I’ve truly had my eyes opened. I never imagined Da Yun harbored such a marvelous talent. This dance—indeed beautiful!”

General Chen smiled calmly, his voice weighty with meaning. “What a stunning beauty, a city-toppling dance—beautiful, exquisite!”

“Hahaha… Minister Yan, you have raised a fine daughter! To receive such praise from Prince Xi and General Chen is rare indeed. Your daughter is undoubtedly the foremost among the Three Wonders!” The emperor’s words filled Yan Ruoqing with boundless joy.

“This lady’s dance has captivated all. My concubine cannot compare. I concede defeat with this first round. For the second, let my humble concubine perform. Surely, the emperor of Da Yun will not refuse?” Prince Xi’s rugged face twisted into a cunning smile.

With a wave of his hand, he summoned a woman whose beauty, while not quite matching Yan Ruoqing’s, exuded a mysterious, intoxicating charm. Her ample bosom and slender hips, her phoenix-like eyes—she moved like a supple water snake, radiating allure with every step. Over ninety percent of the men present were already enchanted by her.

“Your Majesty, Miss Yan’s first dance was unforgettable. If the younger sister is so formidable, the elder sister should be no less. How about this round be entrusted to another of the Yan family’s daughters—now the Queen of Xiao? What do you think?” As Long Xiaotian pondered who to choose next, the gentle consort seated to his right suddenly spoke.

In an instant, the spotlight shifted to Yan Ziyu. Every gaze focused intently on her.

A sharp pang struck Yan Ziyu’s heart. A fierce gleam flashed in her eyes. She cast a cold glance at the gentle consort seated high above, as if to imprint her visage in her memory.

Suddenly, she smiled charmingly. The slight upward curve of her lips radiated intense confidence. The arrogance in her eyes transformed her entire presence.

If before she was a sheathed blade, reserved in its sharpness, now she was a divine weapon, gleaming with deadly edge.

You want to play? Then let us see who will truly be playing whom.

A piercing light flickered in her eyes as a faintly mocking smile curled her lips.