Chapter 108: Lanyue Tower

Nurse Yang had already received Lady Wan’s instructions and was now urging the dancers to practice with even greater intensity. Among them, Yunyi bore the heaviest responsibility as the lead dancer. The piece they were performing was The Dance of Prince Lanling , a performance involving twelve dancers. Unlike their usual graceful and gentle routines, this dance required a faster-paced rhythm, including a demanding sequence of spins where Yunyi would have to complete twenty full rotations.

During a brief rest between rehearsals, the girls gathered in small groups, chatting about the men they would perform for that evening. One girl whispered, “I heard from relatives in the capital that when high-ranking officials take a liking to a certain dancer, they’ll take her away and make her a concubine.”

Another giggled softly. “What? You’re already dreaming about becoming someone’s concubine before even meeting them?”

The first girl retorted, “I’m just sharing what I know. It’s you who’s overthinking things. If one of us is fortunate enough to catch their eye, so be it—but we need the luck for that. Wishing won’t change anything.”

The girls nodded. Then the first girl added, “By the way, I heard there are actually three officials here—one of them is an imperial physician.”

Yunyi, resting nearby, froze at the mention of an imperial physician. An imperial physician? Why would one come to the governor’s residence?

Concerned, she approached the group and asked, “Sister Zhao, do you happen to know the physician’s surname?”

“Surname?” Zhao thought for a moment before hesitantly replying, “I think it’s Zhu. I heard he was specially sent by the Emperor to treat the governor’s illness.”

Zhu... the imperial physician. Yunyi’s lips tightened. She knew him well—he was one of the Emperor’s most trusted physicians and had seen her more than once. If he were to spot her, he would surely recognize her. Not only would she no longer be able to stay at the governor’s residence, but her presence here could also cause trouble for her father, which would go against everything she had set out to achieve.

No, she absolutely couldn’t let Imperial Physician Zhu see her. After much deliberation, Yunyi concluded that feigning illness might be the only way to avoid him.

“Sister!” Jiang Caiping suddenly called out loudly in her ear, startling her. Clutching her chest, Yunyi gasped, “What are you doing? You nearly scared me to death!”

Jiang Caiping giggled and held up something in her hand. “Look, isn’t it beautiful?”

Yunyi examined it closely. “A mask? What are you doing with this?”

“It’s what Nurse Yang gave us,” Jiang Caiping explained. “This one suits you best.” Seeing Yunyi’s puzzled expression, she added mischievously, “Have you forgotten? Prince Lanling wears a mask, so we must wear them too. The masks weren’t ready earlier, which is why we didn’t use them before.”

At this explanation, Yunyi finally remembered and nodded repeatedly. “You’re right. My memory failed me—I completely forgot about that.” As she spoke, she took her own mask from Jiang Caiping. It was exquisitely crafted, gilded with intricate designs. Tiny crystals adorned its edges, while a rhombus-shaped red gem at the center emitted an enchanting yet eerie beauty.

Meanwhile, Jiang Caiping had already donned her mask and playfully asked, “Do I look good?”

Yunyi studied her carefully. The mask covered about two-thirds of her face, leaving only her eyes and chin exposed. With the mask on, even if she stood within arm’s reach of Imperial Physician Zhu, he wouldn’t recognize her. This realization calmed her nerves, and she smiled. “Yes, you look wonderful!”

Pleased with Yunyi’s response, Jiang Caiping hopped over to the bronze mirror to admire herself from different angles. By now, all the other dancers had also put on their masks and were rehearsing under the dimming light of dusk for their final performance.

Under the night sky, Lanyue Tower glittered like a celestial palace, its dazzling lanterns illuminating the scene with a brilliance rivaling the stars. Inside, laughter and clinking glasses filled the air as Li Shimin and his brother continuously toasted Wang Wei and the others, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

After several rounds of drinks, Yunyi and the other dancers entered gracefully to the sound of silk-stringed instruments. As they danced, their flowing sleeves swirled, and their delicate feet, clad in translucent embroidered shoes, spun rapidly, causing their long skirts to billow in mesmerizing patterns under the radiant lights. The crimson-clad dancer at the center captivated everyone with her flawless and breathtaking movements.

Even after the music ended, the audience in Lanyue Tower remained spellbound for quite some time. They erupted into applause, not only Wang Wei expressing his admiration repeatedly, but even the usually stern Gao Junya cracked a faint smile.

Li Shimin grinned. “Does this performance meet the esteemed tastes of the two officials and Imperial Physician Zhu?”

Wang Wei laughed heartily. “It exceeds expectations—it’s absolutely magnificent! Though I’ve witnessed many performances, aside from those in the imperial palace, none compare to what we’ve seen tonight.”

“Master Wang flatters us,” Li Shimin replied, raising his cup. “Let me offer another toast to the distinguished guests.”

“Thank you, Second Master.” After finishing their drinks, Wang Wei eyed Yunyi curiously. “What is this maiden’s name?”

Li Shimin’s gaze flickered slightly, but he smiled smoothly. “She is one of our dancers, surnamed Wu, named Meixue.”

“Meixue… A fine name indeed.” Turning to Yunyi, Wang Wei ordered, “Remove your mask.”

His words caused Yunyi’s hands to clench tightly at her sides. Bowing her head, she murmured, “My appearance is too plain to offend your noble eyes.”

Gao Junya snapped coldly, “Do as you’re told. Stop making excuses.”

Yunyi gritted her teeth behind her mask. Imperial Physician Zhu was right there—if she removed her mask now, he would surely recognize her. Yet, judging by Wang Wei and Gao Junya’s demeanor, refusal wasn’t an option. What could she do?

Just as Yunyi struggled with indecision, Li Shimin interjected smoothly. “Esteemed officials, though her dancing skills are commendable, her appearance leaves much to be desired. It would be best not to spoil your enjoyment. Please allow her to withdraw.” Gesturing to the dancers still standing on the floor, he added, “Quickly, retreat.”

“Hold on,” Wang Wei interrupted, chuckling. “Second Master’s words have piqued my curiosity. I must see this maiden’s face.”

“But—” Before Li Shimin could continue, Wang Wei fixed his gaze on Yunyi and commanded firmly, “Take off your mask!”

Behind her mask, Yunyi glared at Wang Wei. Curiosity, my foot, she thought bitterly. This lecherous old man is clearly indulging in lustful thoughts. How disappointing that the Emperor trusts such a hypocrite. Once I return to the capital, I will expose Wang Wei’s true nature to Father.

However, Yunyi wasn’t the only one who noticed this. Li Shimin discreetly summoned Duan Zhiming and whispered instructions into his ear. Nodding, Duan Zhiming quietly slipped away.

Under Wang Wei’s repeated insistence, Yunyi reluctantly raised her hand and began to slowly remove her mask. In this situation, she could only take things one step at a time and hope that Imperial Physician Zhu wouldn’t recognize her.

Just as the mask was about to come off, the intricately carved vermilion doors suddenly swung open. A fragrant breeze wafted through the hall, carrying with it two stunningly beautiful women who entered gracefully. Both wore peach-colored brocade robes adorned with floral patterns, paired with golden-embroidered long skirts. What astonished everyone was that the two women looked exactly alike—as if cast from the same mold.