Chapter 110: The Flowing Wave Sword Dance

The former Emperor of Beikang bore the surname Xiao, with the given name Xi—he was the twelfth ruler of Beikang. Xiao Xi was quite a remarkable figure; while others schemed tirelessly for the throne, he found it unappealing. When the crown prince was only eleven yet already capable of managing state affairs, Xiao Xi promptly abdicated, passing the throne to his son and becoming a carefree spectator. According to his own words, being emperor was a miserable business—it aged one quickly and forced one to endure the whims of officials. How could that compare to the joy of roaming mountains and rivers each day with his wives and concubines? Occasionally, he’d admonish his son to rule well, or visit ministers' homes to startle them for amusement.

Such a free-spirited nature explained why monarchs from other nations grew old and weary, while he only grew younger, his handsome charm undiminished by time. When he entered, Chu Mier rose to greet him, and Baili Hai, seeing the Empress Dowager stand, followed suit. With the emperor himself standing, none of the officials dared remain seated. Thus, the grand hall was filled with the spectacle of Eastern Chu officials welcoming the former emperor of Beikang.

Xiao Xi appeared delighted, his smile blooming like a flower. "Empress Dowager Chu, your Eastern Chu is exceedingly hospitable—I am truly overwhelmed! Let everyone sit, let’s speak comfortably together."

Chu Mier nodded slightly to Baili Hai, who waved his hand, commanding, "Beloved ministers, be seated! Bring a chair for the Emperor of Beikang." Eunuchs hurried to carry a seat forward, and Xiao Xi sat down without pretense, bold and relaxed. "Empress Dowager Chu, your beauty remains as radiant as ever. Over these years, many of our generation have passed on or succumbed to illness. Few of us elders are still vigorous. I hope we may visit more often in the days to come."

Chu Mier smiled, replying, "Emperor of Beikang, your praise is excessive. Setting aside the distant ones, you yourself remain robust as a youth, seated before me."

"Haha, Empress Dowager Chu, you truly know how to speak—your words please me! Bring in my gifts." Xiao Xi laughed heartily, showing no sign of age.

The gifts were carried in, and Liu Ling’er paid close attention—was Xiao Xi’s offering another grand treasure? She was eager to see. Indeed, four envoys who accompanied Xiao Xi descended, bearing an object nearly two meters tall, shrouded in silk, and placed it carefully by the Emperor.

The Empress Dowager pointed to the item with a smile. "What has the Emperor of Beikang brought, so mysterious?" This question echoed the curiosity of all present. The object was veiled in silk, much like a bride’s red covering: its shape visible, its face hidden.

Xiao Xi rose and removed the silk, unveiling the gift at last—a tree appeared before everyone’s eyes.

Liu Ling’er’s eyes widened and her hand trembled, nearly crying out, "Is this real? How could there be such a large evergreen pine sculpted from jade—and whose craftsmanship is so exquisite that even the pine needles have been carved?"

A lavish gesture indeed. Liu Ling’er scrutinized it again—it truly was jade! She couldn’t help but gasp. To carve an entire tree from a single block of jade was a priceless feat, far more valuable than the golden statue gifted earlier by the fourth prince of Nanman.

Envoys from every nation had arrived, and the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration was soon to commence. The civil and military officials of Eastern Chu presented their gifts, as did the palace’s consorts, offering their congratulations. Before long, it was Baili Xian’s turn.

Baili Xian signaled to Liu Ling’er, and together they approached the Empress Dowager. "Your son pays respects to Mother, wishing you happiness as boundless as the Eastern Sea, and longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountains. I have prepared a gift, hoping Mother will like it."

After speaking, Baili Xian accepted a long box from Tie Wula and presented it, bowing, to Chu Mier. She opened it and found a long sword within. Her face lit with joy as she looked up at Baili Xian. "Xian’er, you are truly thoughtful. I never imagined you would recover the lost sword from my Flower Palace. I am deeply fond of your gift."

"This is what I ought to do. As long as Mother is pleased, that is all that matters." Baili Xian spoke with respectful composure, which only further endeared him to the Empress Dowager. However, Baili Hai, seated nearby, felt uneasy—an inexplicable sense of crisis arose within him. It seemed the day’s plan could not be postponed.

Liu Ling’er hadn’t expected Baili Xian to have prepared a gift so early, but she still intended to perform the sword dance she had practiced so diligently—otherwise, her efforts would have been wasted.

Stepping forward, Liu Ling’er spoke: "Mother, Ling’er has also carefully prepared a gift for you. But before presenting it, I’d like to request something from you."

"Oh? Speak freely. What is it you wish for, and what is your gift?" The Empress Dowager asked in mild surprise.

Liu Ling’er replied, "I have long heard that Mother’s sword dance was famed throughout the world in her youth. Ling’er wishes to borrow Mother’s sword to perform a sword dance in your honor!"

Chu Mier couldn’t help but laugh. "Child, I’ve stayed at the Prince Xian’s manor for some time and never seen you dance with a sword. Now you wish to perform? Be careful not to injure yourself."

At her words, the civil and military officials laughed, and the envoys from other nations, initially confused, soon joined in after hearing from the Eastern Chu ministers that Liu Ling’er was reputed for her frailty.

Liu Ling’er was not perturbed. She knew only deeds would prove her, words were futile. She turned to the Empress Dowager. "May I borrow your sword?"

"Of course, you may borrow it. I am keen to see how Ling’er performs the sword dance today!" The Empress Dowager signaled a maid to hand the sword to Liu Ling’er.

Taking the sword, Liu Ling’er spun gracefully and walked toward the lakeside outside the palace. The Empress Dowager’s expression changed, murmuring, "Could it be that Ling’er intends to perform the Wave-Stepping Sword Dance?"