Chapter 74: A Dance Outshining All Beauties

Every glance and smile, every gesture and movement, inspired wonder and revealed beauty. Ling’er’s exotic dance had shed its wildness, instead infused with the gentle grace admired by the women of Northern Hua. Complemented by her attire and features, she exuded a delicate charm that astonished even Yu Qixian, who knew her well.

“Such dance steps surely come from the profound teachings of Pingliang.”

“Indeed! Ling’er hails from the royal family of Pingliang—she possesses a natural nobility. If she weren’t up against the young lady, she would surely take first place.”

Xuezhe blushed shyly, but suddenly noticed a woman approaching and quickly retreated into the shadows.

The approaching woman seemed familiar—perhaps… it was He Yu. The faint scent of medicine she carried reminded Xuezhe of her identity.

Touching the veil over her face, Xuezhe steadied herself and stood quietly to the side. “He Yu shouldn’t know who I am. Why am I so anxious? This flaw must be corrected!”

He Yu hurried over, clear displeasure in her expression. “Young Master Yu, what performance is this?”

Yu Qixian greeted her with a laugh, smoothly positioning himself to shield Xuezhe. “I’m just here to join the excitement. Look, Ling’er is up there! By the way, He Yu, what number are you?”

“Does it matter?” He Yu ignored Yu Qixian and turned her gaze to Xuezhe. Though Xuezhe’s features were concealed, jealousy flared in He Yu’s eyes and heart. She couldn’t bear to see someone more striking than herself, and yet here she was, forced to confront it in such a public setting.

“He Yu, you—” Yu Qixian tried to block her line of sight, awkwardly searching for words.

“Trying to dissuade me from embarrassing myself?” He Yu smiled, glancing toward Liu Li in the distance. “Both of these ladies are remarkable beauties and skilled dancers, but I, He Yu, have never admitted defeat. Since I’m here, and he’s watching, how could I possibly not go up?”

“Then why come here? The lighting is good—you’ll be noticed. On stage, it’ll be even brighter; everyone will judge you. If you outshine Ling’er, you’ll truly astound everyone!”

He Yu was momentarily speechless. She knew she lacked skill and had only sought Qiu Di’s favor to secure a spot, all for a glimpse of Liu Li. Now, she found herself in an awkward dilemma—going up was hard, not going up was harder.

“I won’t argue with you. I’m going over there.”

“You really plan to go on stage? Aren’t you afraid of squandering your hard-earned goodwill?”

“What do you mean by that?”

Yu Qixian smiled, acting solemn. “Trust me, I know best. After all, I am a man!”

He Yu considered this, then walked away, visibly annoyed. Instead of queuing, she stood in the shadow of the stage, her gaze fixed on Liu Li.

“I’d rather not embarrass myself. While I may surpass some of these women, I can’t compare with Qu Ling’er—let alone that one. Anyone who can make both Qu Ling’er and Yu Qixian stand as her guardians must be from Tianshan. As for me…”

Ling’er’s dance ended to thunderous applause. Every young lady below the stage felt intimidated, especially after the Empress Dowager spoke.

“Such dance is truly rare. It blends many styles and brings fresh innovation—utterly astonishing. Is there anyone who can do better? Why not let me be the judge?”

At these words, the young ladies stepped back, leaving only a handful of headstrong martial women unmoved.

“Hey, are you few planning to go up?” Ling’er teased.

A black-clad woman replied, “Miss Zhao’s dance was fine. We may not think it’s the most beautiful, but clearly, the crowd loves it. I suppose our sect’s strange dances are not to your taste, so we won’t perform.”

“Well then, this golden crown will—”

“Not so fast!” A noble lady stepped forward and addressed Ling’er. “You’ve held everyone back, which shows your skill, but it doesn’t prove that the young lady you mentioned is more accomplished. If you won’t let her perform, how can people be convinced?”

Ling’er looked at the rabble-rouser and smiled. She crouched down and whispered, “Where are you from, my lady? Are you hoping to win the favor of the palace and become a consort?”

The young noblewoman flushed with embarrassment and snapped back in a low voice, “Don’t talk nonsense!”

Ling’er clicked her tongue in mock admiration. “I’m not making things up—I saw you bribing them. Do you think stirring up trouble will help?”

As the argument grew, the official in charge intervened.

“Since no one else will take the stage, for fairness, let the young lady Miss Zhao praises so highly perform!”

Ling’er rose, glanced at Xuezhe, and said, “Please, my lady.”

Xuezhe looked at Ling’er and Yu Qixian, then leapt gracefully onto the stage, stunning the crowd with her elegance.

“Xuezhe, we’re all counting on you. I’ll watch with keen eyes!” Ling’er called out, then told the official, “This beautiful lady is the one I admire most. One look at her and you’ll see I wasn’t exaggerating!”

The troublemaking noblewoman laughed. “She’s certainly extraordinary, but to judge talent by looks alone is improper. I suggest she remove her veil before we proceed.”

“Remove her veil?” Ling’er burst out laughing. “So you can all die of shame? Or distract all the men from the competition?”

The noblewoman was silenced, while the Empress Dowager chuckled with delight.

“Who could have guessed that my contest would yield so much amusement! The young lady on stage is remarkable—could she introduce herself?”

Ling’er stood beside Xuezhe and replied loudly, “Empress Dowager, that’s hardly necessary. We’re just here to help—this isn’t an imperial selection!”

“Haha, Miss Zhao speaks her mind! Then tell me, how shall we award the golden crown? Some propose she removes her veil, others wish to see her dance. Since you cannot reveal too much, you must choose one or the other.”

Ling’er was momentarily speechless, but Xuezhe calmed her and replied, “I am willing to dance and let all decide.”

“Very well!” The Empress Dowager nodded with satisfaction, though her smile began to fade.

Xuezhe glanced at the Empress Dowager, then whispered to Ling’er, “Step down now, I’m fine.”

“Alright!”

Phoenix soars, dragon glides, flowing wind and falling snow.

These eight words best described Xuezhe’s dance.

A fairy in flight, breathtaking to behold.

These eight words became the crowd’s favorite epithet for Xuezhe.

When the dance ended, all were left awestruck, frozen in place, their hearts pounding and blood rushing with excitement.

It was so silent one could hear the snowflakes fall—no one stirred. Such beauty!

There was no need for words; everyone guessed Xuezhe’s origins, and the Empress Dowager herself confirmed her identity.

No one remembered how the men’s contest played out; all that remained was the memory of that dance, that enchanting woman. In the end, Xuezhe claimed the golden crown, while Gao Hai fought valiantly for first place, joining Xuezhe in investigating many mysteries.

Yu Qixian, He Yu, and Ling’er left the palace together, walking in silence as the people around them buzzed with talk of the event.

Everyone felt that witnessing such a scene in the palace was a rare happiness and fortune.

Night deepened. Moonlight bathed the palace of Northern Hua, and a subtle fragrance lingered in the air.

Shuo appeared once more, this time showing his true form, without relying on the plum blossom spell.

“Beauty, still awake? Shall I keep you company?”

She looked at him, unable to hide her fear. Their past encounters had been only through talismans; meeting him face to face was both startling and terrifying.

He stood before her, strong and imposing, his features both devilish and strangely alluring—a good-looking man, with the kind of handsome features that spoke of his youthful vigor.

His eyes were deep and large, with lashes any woman would envy, paired with thick brows that lent him a noble, icy air. His nose was straight and well-formed, his face sharp and striking. His lips, brilliantly red, seemed almost aflame—fiery in hue, yet soft and natural.

But all that beauty was cloaked in an aura of evil and fire. His clothes and makeup bore traces of flame, as if he’d just stepped from a pyre, carrying a hint of hell with him.

“What do you want?” she asked.

“Did you not summon me with your longing?”

She rose and looked out the window. “Master, now that you can walk freely, are you planning to kill again?”

“And if I am?”

“Could you spare just one life?”

“I’ve already promised to protect your family—don’t tell me you have another illegitimate child?”

“No. I want that astonishing young woman as my daughter-in-law.”

“Oh? Such noble intentions? But neither of your sons shows any interest in women.”

“The elder one! He’s always been detached, never swayed by any woman, but this one could be different. I want her help to wake my son, then seize power!”

“Hahaha, isn’t it because she’s from Tianshan, exceptionally talented, and you want her for yourself?”

“It’s all the same. I beg your help, Master!”

“Very well. You know I’m always attentive to your wishes!”