Chapter 7

Ginseng Soup

Chūnxiù secretly watched Meixue from the other side. Meixue was massaging her legs, while Yùnyí appeared to be busy with something and hadn’t noticed. Yang Māmā and a few others were also not present.

After a day of practice, everyone’s legs were a little sore. The dance “Longchi Yue” required particularly light footwork and graceful movements, but lightness didn’t mean it was easy. On the contrary, it required more strength from the dancer to control their legs in order to display the lightness effectively.

Chūnxiù approached Meixue with a bowl of ginseng soup and asked, “Are you alright?”

Meixue was taken aback by the sudden concern and looked up in surprise. After a moment, she regained her composure and awkwardly replied, “I’m fine, just need a rest.”

Chapter 7: Ginseng Soup

Chūnxiù sat down beside Meixue and softly asked, “Are you... upset with me?”

Meixue looked at her in confusion and asked, “Why would you say that?”

Chūnxiù sighed lightly and said, “Actually, that day, I didn’t mean to trip you. It was an accident. But afterward, because of what happened, the maid who is close to you spoke harshly to me, and I was angry. That’s why I made things difficult for you. Looking back now, I shouldn’t have done that. Meixue, can you forgive me?”

Meixue stared at Chūnxiù in disbelief, never expecting the latter to come and ask for reconciliation, especially since she had always seemed to dislike her.

Seeing that Meixue didn’t reply, Chūnxiù nervously asked, “Are you not going to forgive me?”

Meixue snapped out of her thoughts, shook her head, and said, “No, it’s not that. I’m just a little surprised. Actually...” She paused, then smiled lightly, “We don’t have any deep grudges, and we’ve grown up together. There’s no need for forgiveness. As for what happened before, let it go. From now on, let’s not bring it up again.”

If Yùnyí had been there, she would have reminded Meixue not to trust Chūnxiù. After all, a person who has been arrogant and domineering for so long couldn’t easily change her nature.

Chūnxiù nodded, feeling ashamed, and said, “You’re really kind. Compared to you, I’ve been too harsh.”

Meixue smiled and said, “I said we’re not bringing it up, and yet you keep talking about it. Do you want me to scold you to feel better?”

Chūnxiù lowered her head and smiled, saying, “Hmm, we won’t bring it up again. But speaking of which, Meixue, your dance moves are graceful, and you have a great sense of rhythm. Yang Māmā will definitely choose you as the lead dancer.”

“That all depends on what Yang Māmā decides. We just need to do our best,” Meixue replied. Chūnxiù smiled inwardly, but on the surface, she nodded thoughtfully and said, “You’re right. By the way, I had some ginseng soup prepared to help replenish our strength. You should drink some too so you have the energy to keep dancing.” She handed Meixue a bowl of ginseng soup.

Meixue was surprised upon hearing it was ginseng soup and quickly declined, saying, “This is too precious. You should drink it yourself. I’m fine.”

“I already drank a bowl earlier. I really can’t drink any more,” Chūnxiù said, noticing Meixue still hesitated. “You don’t think I stole this ginseng soup, do you? Don’t worry, I bought it when I went out today, thinking it might help me dance better tomorrow.” She added, “You’re not refusing because you’re still angry with me, are you? If that’s the case, was everything I just said a lie?”

“That’s not what I mean. It’s just...” Before Meixue could finish, Chūnxiù interrupted, “If that wasn’t your intention, then you wouldn’t be refusing even a bowl of ginseng soup. Or are you afraid I’m trying to harm you?” Saying that, she took a sip of the soup and coldly added, “See? There’s no poison in it!”

“I didn’t mean that,” Meixue said, seeing Chūnxiù wasn’t saying anything. She sighed and said, “Alright, I’ll drink it. Don’t be angry anymore.”

Her words made Chūnxiù feel happy, and once she saw Meixue finish the soup in the bowl, she scooped the remaining soup from the pot and urged Meixue to drink it all.

Meixue couldn’t resist her persuasion and drank the second bowl. Afterward, she frowned and said, “This soup is really bitter, and it feels like there’s a fire burning inside me.”

Chūnxiù smiled deeply and said, “The more bitter it is, the better the effects of the ginseng. After drinking these two bowls, you’ll definitely perform well tomorrow.”

At this moment, Yang Māmā came out, signaling everyone to continue practicing and announcing that the selection for the lead dancer would happen in an hour.

Jiang Cǎipíng, using a dance turn to approach Meixue, whispered, “Sister, why did Chūnxiù suddenly change her attitude? She’s not opposing you anymore and even gave you ginseng soup to drink?”

Meixue, while continuing to dance, replied, “I’m not sure either, but it’s better to have one more friend than one more enemy. Don’t you think?”

Jiang Cǎipíng nodded and said, “I hope that’s really the case.”

An hour later, everyone performed their dances and the lead dancer was selected. In the end, Meixue won with her outstanding dance skills and was chosen as the lead dancer for tomorrow’s performance.

Some people were envious, others were jealous, and many came to flatter Meixue, including those who had previously looked down on her.

Yang Māmā had been most worried about Chūnxiù. Since entering the mansion, Chūnxiù had been competing with Meixue. But to her surprise, Chūnxiù didn’t say anything this time, probably understanding that it was a done deal and there was no use in competing further.

As for Meixue, although she had been chosen as the lead dancer, she wasn’t particularly happy, as she had been feeling increasingly hot and uncomfortable since earlier.

After managing to fend off the people surrounding her, Meixue headed back to her quarters. On the way, she met Yùnyí, who noticed her flushed face and exclaimed, “Meixue, why is your face so red?”

Meixue touched her face and shook her head, saying, “I don’t know. I’ve been feeling hot since earlier. I’m not sure if it’s because of the weather.”

“Hot?” Yùnyí looked up at the sky in confusion. It was already October, and today the weather was overcast with no sunlight, so how could it be hot?

Before Yùnyí could speak, Meixue spoke again, “I won’t talk to you now. I’m going to take a bath and change. Maybe I’ll feel better.”

As Meixue turned to leave, Yùnyí quickly stopped her and asked, “Meixue, you’re going to lead the dance tomorrow, right?”

Meixue, still struggling with the discomfort in her body, replied, “Yes, why?”

“I’ve been here for so long, yet I’ve never seen the Governor. I really want to know what he looks like. So... would you please speak to Yang Māmā tomorrow and see if I can come with you?” Yùnyí asked.

“Come with me?” Meixue looked at her in surprise, not expecting Yùnyí to ask such a thing. After thinking for a moment, she replied awkwardly, “I’m afraid that might not be convenient. After all, such things aren’t something I can decide.”

Yùnyí hurriedly said, “I know this request might put you in a difficult position, but it’s something I’ve always wished for. Please, I hope you can help me!”

“Well...” Meixue thought for a moment, and finally, feeling a little reluctant, said, “I’ll try, but if Yang Māmā doesn’t agree, there’s nothing I can do.”