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Wrapped lightly in silk gauze, her gold-trimmed bustier was half-exposed, and various ornaments hung from her waist. Her high, cloud-like chignon was adorned with countless gold and jade hairpins. Beneath such allure, there was a hint of dignity, comparable to an imperial concubine. It almost created the illusion that only she could carry such splendor without appearing vulgar.
A white veil covered her face, revealing only a pair of sparkling phoenix eyes. On the gold ornament on her forehead, a red ruby shone like blood.
Her superb dancing skills masked the flaw of her slender figure. Her delicate waist swayed, and she slowly rotated with the music. Her long sleeves danced silently in the sunlight, and a faint, hidden fragrance seemed to disperse.
At the first sight of her, everyone quieted down in unison, marveling in their hearts.
Xiao Qi also froze, stopping his banter.
The music gradually quickened, and pieces of her dance attire seemed to fly. Amidst the vibrant colors, a patch of white captivated all eyes, moving throughout the pond like a white butterfly flitting among flowers, or light, graceful snow. The movement of her sleeves stirred the air over the pond, lifting her thin veil, revealing her face vaguely, like looking at flowers through mist or willows in the rain—hazy and mysterious, sparking endless imagination.
Suddenly, the style of the music changed.
Before everyone could react, the dancer gracefully swept out of the dance pond and landed in front of Xiao Qi, picking up the wine pot before him with both hands. Her posture was no longer seductive; her demeanor suddenly became solemn and dignified. She retreated to the center of the dance pond, and the other dancers jointly held a tray, presenting an empty cup. She raised the wine pot high, and with a backward kick of her jade foot, the sparkling wine poured from the pot, tracing a graceful arc in mid-air over her head, accurately emptying into the cup without spilling a single drop. It was the most challenging wine-offering dance in Yan Country.
The dancer discarded the pot onto the tray and began to dance with the cup. At times, she leaned forward and kicked, at others, she spun and knelt. Not a single drop of wine spilled from the cup, and her dance was even more beautiful and extraordinary. Even the Southern King on his seat openly expressed admiration, smiling and raising his handsome eyebrow at her, signaling with his wine cup.
The Southern King was renowned for his connoisseurship of song and dance, and his romantic reputation was well-known to all.
Receiving a response from such a distinguished connoisseur, the dancer’s eyes flickered, as if in feigned anger and delight. She held the cup of wine and circled before each guest, dazzling everyone. They secretly hoped the cup would stop before them, yet each person knew well that this cup of wine would never be theirs, and they couldn’t help but show disappointment.
Only Xiao Qi, seated at the head table, wore a strangely uneasy expression, which eventually turned exceptionally grave, his gaze becoming increasingly surprised and uncertain.
Finally, the dancer, holding the wine cup, stopped before him, dancing slowly, her phoenix eyes gently lifted.
A brief exchange of glances, and Xiao Qi was even more shocked, abruptly standing up!
Everyone was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle and assumed the wine was for the host. His sudden loss of composure astonished them, and even the Southern King looked at him with surprise.
The dancer’s eyes filled with a smile, slightly playful, as she swept past him and stopped directly in front of the Southern King, raising the wine cup and bowing gracefully.
“Please, Your Highness, grace me with your presence.” Her voice was clear and round like pearls, spilling from beneath her veil, each word distinct.
The Southern King did not take the wine but asked with interest, “It’s the Prince Ding’s great joy; how can I take precedence?”
“This humble maiden can dance because there are those who appreciate it. To receive a glance from Your Highness is this humble maiden’s lifelong wish,” the dancer said unhurriedly. “Besides, this cup of wine is offered first to a distinguished guest, so as not to be impolite.”
The Southern King glanced at Xiao Qi, “Is that true?”
Seeing that General Wu and General Zhao Heng showed no unusual reaction, Xiao Qi regained his composure and slowly nodded, “Your Highness, please.”
All the guests echoed their agreement.
The Southern King laughed heartily, “The Prince Ding is hospitable, and even the dancers in his residence are considerate. In that case, I shall not be modest. Please.”
With that, he reached out, took the wine, and drank it in one gulp. Then, playing with the empty cup, he asked the dancer with a smile, “What is your name?”
The dancer replied, “This humble maiden is Yan Chu.”
“Yan Chu? Hmm—” The Southern King put down the wine cup, deep in thought, “Wine awakens the lonely pillow as wild geese first arrive... A good name.”
Yan Chu bowed again, “If Your Highness does not disdain me, I can also be your pillow-side wild goose.”
As soon as this was said, the guests understood. Such high-class dancers naturally sought patrons while young and beautiful. Although the Prince Ding was good, his life was extremely disciplined. The Southern King, however, was different. They just didn’t expect her to offer herself publicly, even daring to bypass the host, which was truly a bit bold.
The Southern King was also surprised, thinking that his sudden visit meant Xiao Qi couldn’t have intentionally arranged this, so he carefully scrutinized her.
Xiao Qi’s expression was not good. “The people in my residence are impolite, making Your Highness laugh.”
Being in the Prince Ding’s residence and openly currying favor with the Southern King, the guests secretly sighed that she was simple-minded. This time, she would likely face severe punishment, and they couldn’t help but show pity.
Only the Southern King curled his lips, looking at Yan Chu and saying, “I didn’t expect such a wonderful person in your residence. The Prince Ding is lucky.”
Xiao Qi coldly rebuked, “Step back now!”
Yan Chu said unhurriedly, “Prince Ding, why not first ask about this humble maiden’s origins?”
The dance instructor hurriedly came up to explain, “Your Majesty, please calm your anger. The lead dancer, Miss Yi Qiu, accidentally injured her foot. Miss Yan Chu was temporarily invited from outside and is not from the residence.”
Yan Chu turned back to the Southern King, “Yan Chu has no master. Your Highness need not worry.”
Seeing how easily she excused herself, the guests were surprised, and even Xiao Qi was stunned.
The Southern King seemed interested. He propped his elbow on the table and leaned forward, looking at her. “What a thick-skinned woman. Your dance is good, but I may not necessarily have to have it. Tell me a reason why I should.”
Yan Chu said without hesitation, “If you lose Yan Chu, Your Highness will surely regret it.”
The Southern King laughed, “So, I cannot miss you?”
Yan Chu did not answer, but poured and offered wine again.
The Southern King watched her for a moment, then finally reached out, but instead of taking the wine cup, he took advantage of the gesture to clasp her snow-white wrist and pull her whole body into his embrace.
Yan Chu was startled at first, then lowered her eyes and chuckled softly, “Your Highness.”
Their words and actions already carried a flirtatious tone, but such occasions were meant for men’s entertainment, and the exchange of beautiful women was normal. The guests felt quite disappointed and raised their cups, congratulating, “The Prince Ding’s great joy has indeed facilitated a wonderful affair for His Highness the Southern King.”
The Southern King stood up and smiled, “Having disturbed everyone for half a day, I should return.”
Yan Chu also walked to Xiao Qi and bowed to bid farewell, “May the Prince Ding and his wife live to a ripe old age together...”
“Take off your veil.” Xiao Qi suddenly interrupted her.
At these words, the guests were filled with anticipation, eager to see what kind of peerless beauty lay beneath the veil, capable of making even Xiao Qi of Yunze lose his composure.
“This humble maiden only promised to perform a dance in the residence. As for anything else, I must refuse,” Yan Chu rejected him directly. “Now, this humble maiden belongs to His Highness the Southern King. If the Prince Ding wishes to see, he must await His Highness’s permission.”
Xiao Qi stared at her, showing no expression, his hand in his sleeve gradually clenching.
All the guests looked at the Southern King.
“Since you are mine, the words ‘humble maiden’ no longer apply to you,” the Southern King raised his hand and touched the veil. After a brief pause, he suddenly lowered his hand and smiled, “No one is willing to share the appearance of their woman. I apologize for disappointing you all.”
________________________________________
In just half a day, rumors had spread throughout the capital:
At the Prince Ding’s banquet, the Southern King personally attended to congratulate, and during the feast, acquired a peerless dancer.
Outside the gates of the Southern King’s residence in the capital stood two stone sculptures of fire spirits. Guards stood with their swords, exuding solemnity and grandeur, making it impossible for even masters to enter without permission. A retinue approached from a distance. Fifty formidable guards on horseback led the way, with several carriages in the middle, the first two more lavishly decorated.
The carriages stopped outside the Southern King’s residence. The Southern King alighted, accompanied by his princess, and slowly ascended the steps.
The Southern Princess never imagined that after one banquet, her husband would have yet another woman by his side. And she heard that this woman was an exceptional dancer and had publicly offered herself, suggesting she was certainly not a peaceable person. Though the Southern Princess felt jealous, she dared not show it too much in front of the Southern King. She merely smiled and offered congratulations, instructing the maids to take Yan Chu to settle in.
Knowing the newcomer would be favored, the maids and servant girls, though despising Yan Chu’s origin, dared not treat her harshly. Instead, they were extra cautious, flattering and fawning over her.
Experiencing the ways of the world again, Yan Chu merely smiled in response, dutifully following their arrangements. After bathing, she didn’t bother to adorn herself. The two maids, unable to dissuade her, led her directly into the new chamber. The room was clearly intentionally arranged, with festive colors used for the bed curtains and bedding. Several maidservants were already waiting inside.
Yan Chu was quite at ease. After dining with the maids attending her, she sat alone in a chair slowly savoring tea until dusk approached and lights were lit throughout the garden.
The pearl curtain jingled, and a tall figure entered. The maids discreetly withdrew.
His crown was removed, and his long hair was casually tied with a single ink-jade hairpin, with several strands falling loose, making his face appear even more handsome and enchanting. His ink-phoenix crimson robe was shed, replaced by a pure black outer robe, half-revealing a snow-white inner garment, exuding a subtle chill. His downward gaze brought a faint sense of oppression.
Facing the newcomer, Yan Chu still wore her veil. Sweeping away her daytime flirtatiousness, she unhurriedly stood and bowed, “The color most adept at hiding, Your Highness suits black very well.”
The Southern King stopped before her, not helping her up, “What does this King need to hide?”
“Yan Chu dare not speculate.”
“Your appearance is forcing this King to confront Xiao Qi.”
With her eyes slanting upwards even more, Yan Chu straightened up and said, “Was Your Highness not already confronting him?”
“Women are not suited for this path. You are playing with fire.” The Southern King raised his hand, his fingers lightly, slowly caressing her face through the veil, feeling her contours.
Yan Chu allowed his actions. “Your Highness is mistaken. Women are inherently suited for this path. It is the nature of Yan Kingdom’s people to be keen on playing with fire, as long as Your Highness is willing to play the game.”
The veil drifted down, revealing her face completely.
His long fingers paused slightly, then slowly caressed her smooth cheek, graceful eyebrows, delicate nose, and vibrant red lips, suddenly shifting to cup her small chin.
The Southern King looked at her for a long moment and said, “You are indeed very suitable.”
Yan Chu said, “I told you, if Your Highness didn’t take me, you would definitely regret it.”
No sooner had she spoken than her waist tightened. An arm, with an irresistible force, pulled her entire body tightly against him.
A dangerous proximity, a feeling of being controlled.
“Since you are in this King’s grasp, it is not for you to decide,” with a devilish shadow flickering in his eyes under the candlelight, the Southern King lowered his head and said, “Have you ever thought that this King may not fulfill your wishes?”
Yan Chu said, “Making the best use of things, Your Highness will not abandon greater utility.”
The Southern King unceremoniously threw her onto the bed. “Whether your value will be greater, I look forward to proving.”
“Tonight, perhaps a distinguished guest will arrive,” Yan Chu slowly sat up, smiling, “Your Highness might as well decide how to deal with Yan Chu after meeting the distinguished guest.”
________________________________________
The Prince Ding, Yunze Xiao Qi, visited the Southern King by night, which was even more unbelievable than the Southern King attending the wedding banquet at the Prince Ding’s residence during the day. In the Southern King’s front hall, Xiao Qi sat upright in a chair. On a high side table next to him sat a cup of hot tea. Behind him, two guards stood to his left and right. Outside the door, dozens of guards with their hands on their sword hilts confronted the Southern King’s guards, creating an extremely tense atmosphere.
“His Highness has retired. Prince Ding, please return.”
“Xiao Qi has important matters to discuss. If His Highness insists on not appearing, I will have to be impolite.”
Seeing that he intended to barge in, the household servant hurriedly ordered people to stop him.
“The Prince Ding’s sudden arrival, and I was unable to come out to greet you in time. Please excuse my impoliteness.” Unhurried footsteps came from behind the screen. After a moment, the Southern King walked out, dressed in ordinary casual clothes, with a rosy glow on his face.
Xiao Qi stood up and calmly cupped his hands to him, “I believe Your Highness already knows the purpose of my visit.”
The Southern King motioned for the guards to withdraw, invited him to sit again, then sat in the main seat himself, and smiled towards the screen, “To be so unforgettable to the Prince Ding, Yan’er, you must be even more delighted.”
“Your Highness is teasing me again!” A slender figure flashed out and sat directly on his lap, embracing his neck and speaking coyly.
Without the veil’s concealment, her peerless beauty was fully revealed.
Xiao Qi was moved and abruptly stood up, “Xi Luo!”
Yan Chu looked at the Southern King with a puzzled expression. The Southern King, without a change in expression, released his hand, signaling her to get up.
The scene before him brought shock and joy, but also an uncontrollable rage. Xiao Qi took two steps forward, “Stop this nonsense, come back with me!”
Yan Chu subtly avoided him.
The Southern King withdrew his smile, “Does the Prince Ding have a reason for this behavior?”
Xiao Qi said, “This woman is an old acquaintance of mine, allowing Your Highness to witness this unseemly display.” The person from his memory appearing in another man’s arms, and that man being his rival, finally led to his previous loss of composure.
“An old acquaintance?” The Southern King was surprised and turned to Yan Chu, asking, “Do you know the Prince Ding?”
Yan Chu shook her head, “Before today, Yan Chu was merely an ordinary dancer. How could I presume to know the Prince Ding? Your Highness, please investigate.”
“Regardless of whether you admit it or not, I will not let you stay here,” Xiao Qi tried to soften his tone. “I know you resent me, Xi Luo, I will explain to you...”
Yan Chu patiently interrupted him, “The Prince Ding must be mistaken. I am not Xi Luo.”
Xiao Qi stared at her intently, “Then, your surname?”
“This humble maiden’s name is Yue Yanchu.”
“The person I am looking for also has the surname Yue, of the Yueyi Mountain Yue clan.”
“The Prince Ding is mistaken,” Yan Chu smiled. “I merely suffered an accident several years ago that injured my head, and I don’t remember my past. Therefore, I took the moon as my surname, the character for ‘moon’ (月), not the ‘Yue’ (越) of Yueyi Mountain.”
Doesn’t remember her past? Xiao Qi paused, then said gravely, “If I’m not mistaken, there’s an arrow wound on your chest, from the Xingfeng arrow of Mufeng Country.”
“Yan Chu has no arrow wound.”
“Impossible.”
“Yan Chu is of humble status. To know the Prince Ding would be a dream come true; there’s no reason to deceive you.”
That’s right, if it really were her, how could she pretend not to know him upon seeing him? Given her personality, she should at least angrily rebuke him or try to kill him. Xiao Qi was silent for a moment, then said, “Regardless, I must verify it. Perhaps she lost her memory after this major event.”
Yan Chu showed a hint of annoyance, “There genuinely is no arrow wound. If the Prince Ding insists on disbelieving, does he intend to examine me personally?”
“The Prince Ding is eager and mistaken, no need to be angry,” the Southern King comforted her, then smiled at Xiao Qi, “Whether she has a scar or not, we will know tonight; there’s no need to rush.”
The sensitive area, the sensitive time, the implication was unmistakable.
Xiao Qi’s tone abruptly turned cold, “This woman has a deep connection with Xiao Qi. I cannot wait.”
“The Prince Ding’s insistence puts me in a difficult position,” the Southern King said, though he didn’t seem angry. After a brief thought, he clapped his hands and summoned two maids. “Xingfeng arrow wounds are permanent. You two, take Miss Yan Chu inside to examine her, so the Prince Ding can rest assured.”
Xiao Qi said, “This King will remember Your Highness’s kindness today.”
The Southern King nodded, “If she truly is the Prince Ding’s person, then she shall be returned.”
The tension on the surface dissipated. The two men no longer feigned politeness and quietly awaited the result. In just a moment, Yan Chu and the two maids emerged from inside.
The Southern King asked, “Well?”
The maid replied, “Reporting to Your Highness, Miss Yan Chu has no scars on her body.”
Xiao Qi said, “Impossible!”
“In the Five Spirit Realms, there are many people with similar appearances. To determine based solely on this would be rash,” the Southern King mused. “Does your old friend, Prince Ding, have any other distinguishing features?”
Xiao Qi was silent.
Features? What features did Xi Luo have? He realized he knew nothing at all.
The Southern King smiled and embraced Yan Chu, “It seems the Prince Ding is not very familiar with his old acquaintance.”
Xiao Qi looked at his hand, his gaze as cold as a sword, “This concerns the reputation of the Yunze clan. I hope Your Highness will reconsider.”
With words spoken to this extent, he had already indicated his willingness to pay any price. Outside, the two kings each commanded significant forces, and the military strength within the capital was also balanced against each other. Once action was taken, no one could guarantee how the situation would change, but everyone understood that the beneficiary would certainly not be themselves. The time was not right, and neither of them wanted to directly confront the other.
“Oh?” The Southern King said, “According to the Prince Ding’s meaning?”
Xiao Qi said, “I want to take her back to my residence.”
Yan Chu was slightly angered, “The Prince Ding is going too far.”
“Don’t worry, this King will not force a beauty, and the Prince Ding would disdain to,” the Southern King stated firmly. “This King will temporarily keep Miss Yan Chu as a guest for a few days. May the Prince Ding find the truth as soon as possible. No need to escort me out.”
As the other party made a concession, Xiao Qi also understood when to stop. So he said “Thank you” and left with his guards.
________________________________________
The two returned to the festive room. The pearl curtains swayed, and red candles burned brightly, creating a hazy and ambiguous atmosphere. After all the maids outside disappeared, Yan Chu personally poured a cup of tea.
The Southern King took the tea and placed it on the table, his gaze never leaving her. After a long moment, he asked, “Who exactly are you?”
Yan Chu replied respectfully, “This humble maiden is Yue Yanchu.”
The Southern King said, “As far as this King knows, the deceased Ding Princess was also surnamed Yue, the daughter of General Yue.”
Yan Chu’s expression did not change, “Oh?”
The Southern King said, “I heard that this woman had a peculiar temperament. A hundred years ago, when Xiao Qi proposed marriage, her condition was that Xiao Qi would only marry one person in his life. Xiao Qi agreed, and after their marriage, with the help of the Yue army, he greatly defeated Mufeng Country in the War for Land.”
Yan Chu said, “And it also caused Your Highness to lose the position you deserved.”
When the old matter of his failure to secure the succession was mentioned, the Southern King showed no sign of anger. He continued, “General Yue and his son unfortunately died in battle. The Ding Princess, hearing the tragic news in the capital, personally went to the battlefield but perished in a Mufeng ambush. With the Yue army leaderless, at a critical moment, Xiao Qi took command of the Yue army and successfully annihilated the enemy. From then on, the Yue army submitted to the Prince Ding.”
Yan Chu sighed, “At that time, the Yue army’s reputation echoed throughout Yan Country, yet the entire Yue clan met such a tragic end.”
“It is said that Xiao Qi was also present when the Princess was harmed. As for whether there was a body in the coffin during the burial, who outside of Xiao Qi would know?” The Southern King pulled her closer, a half-smile on his face. “The Ding Princess’s distinguishing features were completely unknown to Xiao Qi. Is this one of the reasons you chose this King?”
Yan Chu laughed, “Your Highness’s reputation for beauty precedes you, and you are constantly surrounded by admirers. You may not remember their features either.”
The Southern King’s tone deepened slightly, “Do you know the consequences of mocking this King?”
Yan Chu lowered her eyes, “Yan Chu submits to Your Highness’s disposal.”
The two of them tumbled onto the bed together.
Pinned beneath him, the weight and force made it impossible for her to move even an inch. Yan Chu suppressed a cry of pain; her soft gasps echoed intimately in the silent room.
His alluring eyes, from above, enjoyed his prey, revealing satisfaction at her submissive demeanor. His hand glided over her jade neck, then covered her rising and falling chest, pausing, then gently pressing down.
“This King also wants to know if there is a scar here.”
“Your Highness may check.”
“This King is concerned that after seeing it, I might change my mind,” the Southern King withdrew his hand. “There are not many women who truly interest this King.”
“Your Highness will never change his mind for a woman,” Yan Chu said. “Yan Chu believes that what Your Highness is most willing to part with are women.”
The Southern King looked at her for a long moment and said, “Tell me, what do you want?”
Yan Chu said, “If Your Highness gets what he wants, then Yan Chu will also get what she wants.”
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