Chapter 6 A Stunning Dance
It was another Yin hour before dawn. Dongfang Yuning sat on the special little stool in the Golden Palace, like an exquisite doll with its soul drained away, with no desire to live.
She held her beautiful little face in her hands, her big grape-like eyes looking blankly ahead, as if staring into the endless abyss of the morning court.
Crown Prince Nangong Chengqian stood beside the imperial steps, his eyes inadvertently sweeping over his aunt who had been tortured and wilted. The corners of his mouth twitched imperceptibly, and a rare trace of sympathy rose in his heart.
The pink shawl covering her goose yellow palace dress had long been dragged casually on the smooth gold brick floor due to her owner's listlessness, making her look even more delicate and pitiful.
While the court was discussing some routine matters, Dongfang Yuning's thoughts had already drifted away, and he was engaged in a silent crusade against System 118:
[Tongzi~ I feel like I'm being drained dry~ My soul is about to leave my body...]
[Host, hold on! Think about the points! Think about the mall! Think about what new news there might be today!]
[New news? I just want to sleep now. This brother-in-law is a devil, the reincarnation of Zhou Paopi, exploiting child labor! I'm going to the Labor Bureau to sue him...]
[Host, there is no Labor Bureau here! ]
[Wow, Tongzi, you don’t love me anymore…]
Just then—
“Report—!”
A resounding announcement broke the silence in the hall. A dusty guard hurried in and knelt on one knee:
"Your Majesty! His Royal Highness Prince Yong has arrived at the palace gates with his triumphant troops. He will be allowed to enter the palace for an audience immediately!"
"Okay! Okay, okay!"
Nangong Yu, who was sitting high on the dragon throne, slapped the armrest suddenly and stood up suddenly. The emperor was very pleased and said several good words.
"May God bless our Yan Kingdom! Prince Yong has worked hard and made great contributions! My dear ministers, follow me out of the palace to welcome Prince Yong's triumphant return!"
Nangong Yu's sudden loud laughter and actions were like thunderclaps out of the blue, instantly shocking Dongfang Yuning, who was daydreaming, and bringing him back to his senses!
She blinked her big eyes in confusion, and before she could fully understand the situation, she saw the emperor's brother-in-law walking down the imperial steps with great strides, and walked out with the prince and a group of excited ministers.
"Ah? Oh oh!"
Dongfang Yuning hurriedly climbed up from the small stool in a panic, trying to catch up with the main group like a frightened little rabbit.
She was petite, and standing behind a group of tall and burly courtiers, her view was completely blocked, and she could only see the rows of broad backs in front of her.
[System! Look! What did I say! Brother-in-law Zhou Paopi is not a human being!]
The villain in her heart immediately started complaining.
[I have small arms and legs, I'm already short, and I have to get up earlier than the chickens every day. I'm a child laborer and I'm being exploited intensely! Look, look! Now I'm the one standing behind them, and I can only see their butts! This view is amazing!]
This voice was like a devil's sound, resounding clearly in the minds of every minister who was walking out excitedly!
“…”
“…”
In an instant, the originally excited team froze for a moment! The ministers walking in front, especially those standing directly in front of Dongfang Yuning, felt as if their buttocks were being burned by invisible gazes, and they dug their toes into the ground in embarrassment!
Almost instinctively, or as if by some kind of silent understanding, the team quickly moved left and right, leaving a VIP passage leading directly to the front for the petite Dongfang Yuning at the back!
Nangong Yu was walking in front, so he naturally heard it. He paused slightly, turned around and looked at his sister-in-law meaningfully.
On that beautiful little face, a pair of big eyes were rolling around, looking ahead curiously, and with a bit of timidity as if the focus was suddenly on her, like a frightened little rabbit, which was particularly lovable, if you ignore the outrageous complaints in her heart.
When Dongfang Yuning finally saw the front clearly, he saw a group of people striding towards the palace gate. The leader stood tall and straight like a pine tree, dressed in a dark prince's python robe and dark golden scale armor. Although he looked dusty, he could not hide his cold and fierce aura and noble majesty.
He had an extremely handsome face, with sword-like eyebrows slanting down into his temples, a high nose bridge, thin lips tightly pursed, and a pair of deep eyes like a cold pond and ancient well, so sharp that it seemed to penetrate people's hearts. It was none other than Prince Yong, who had made great military achievements and was feared by the enemy country - Nangong Ye!
Half a step behind him, followed closely by an equally imposing young general. He was a burly and robust figure, with a resolute face, sharp eyebrows and bright eyes. His silver armor gleamed in the morning light. It was Dongfang Yuning's elder brother, the great general who defended the country—Dongfang Liezheng!
At this moment, Dongfang Liezheng's gaze was like a searchlight, instantly locking onto the petite figure behind the crowd that had been haunting him - his little sister!
Seeing the younger sister's bright and clear eyes, no longer as ignorant and foolish as before, the iron-blooded general's eyes instantly turned red, and his excitement was beyond words.
"Your humble servant, I pay my respects to my royal brother!"
Nangong Ye walked closer, bowed and clasped his fists, his voice deep and powerful, carrying the clang of swords and horses.
"Royal brother! You must have had a hard time on this journey!"
Nangong Yu strode forward, held Nangong Ye's arms tightly with both hands, and patted them vigorously, with undisguised admiration and brotherly love in his eyes.
"The border is bitterly cold, and you've defended the border for my Yan Kingdom. I'm so relieved! Tonight, I'll host a palace banquet to welcome you. Don't leave until you're drunk!"
"Thank you, my royal brother!"
Nangong Ye responded in a deep voice.
[System! Hurry! Check this person's background! Even Zhou Paopi's brother-in-law thinks highly of him! Personally welcoming him, that's quite the grand gesture!]
Dongfang Yuning's inner radar was spinning like crazy.
[He's quite handsome... No, very handsome! He looks even more mature and manly than the Crown Prince's nephew! Tsk, that face, that figure...]
As Nangong Ye's eyes swept across the excited crowd, they naturally fell on the particularly conspicuous girl who had been deliberately made way. At just one glance, he was slightly startled.
She only saw:
She is petite, and even in the exquisite palace dress, her exquisite curves cannot be concealed.
Her skin was whiter than snow, and seemed to glow with a lustrous luster in the morning light.
A small face, as exquisite as the most perfect masterpiece of God, with eyebrows like distant mountains, eyes like rippling autumn water, a delicate nose and cherry lips, every part of it is beautiful.
Especially those eyes, clear and lively, filled with curiosity and a subtle cunning, like a newborn deer in the forest, pure and smart. They were completely different from the dull-eyed, foolish and ignorant little girl of the Taifu in his memory!
What a stunning beauty! Nangong Ye secretly praised her in his heart, and the cold and silent lake of his heart seemed to have been thrown into by a small stone, causing a circle of imperceptible ripples.
Immediately afterwards, the voice full of modern flavor and unconventional thinking entered his ears without any hindrance!
Nangong Ye: “…”
A flash of surprise flashed across his deep eyes, and then understanding came over him. So that's it! The "lucky star" and "genius" that the emperor's brother had vaguely mentioned in his secret letter a few days ago actually looked like this? Interesting!
It was truly interesting! Not only did he have a stunning appearance, but he also had such an interesting soul? He instantly understood the profound meaning of his brother's eyes just now—[Playing deaf and dumb, do not expose me!]
His expression remained calm, but his gaze lingered on that beautiful little face for a moment, and then he respectfully followed the emperor into the palace.
Dongfang Liezheng took advantage of the opportunity to pay his respects and quickly gave his younger sister a look saying "see you later".
The Linde Hall was brightly lit, music filled the air, and the clinking of glasses filled the air. The palace banquet celebrating Prince Yong's triumphant return was grand and solemn.
Dongfang Yuning sat obediently beside the Queen, enjoying the delicious food carefully prepared by the royal chef, eating it in small bites like a sated cat.
It wasn't until the Taifu's wife, Li, arrived, accompanied by a palace maid, that the three of them, mother and daughter, met and instantly teared up. Li, holding her lost and recovered little daughter, burst into tears, while the Empress also shed silent tears beside her. The three of them embraced each other, moving the Emperor and the Taifu deeply.
After the warm and cozy moment, the palace banquet entered the stage of performance. The noble ladies and daughters of various families were fully prepared, taking turns to perform music, chess, calligraphy, painting, singing, dancing, and poetry, all with one goal in mind: the handsome, powerful, and unmarried Prince Yong, who sat at the center of the room!
Nangong Ye and the emperor are brothers from the same mother and are the youngest son of the late emperor. Although he is only 25 years old, he is already a prince with outstanding military achievements, commanding a large number of troops and holding a respected position.
In addition, his face, which was more handsome than Pan An but as cold as ice, attracted countless noble ladies who dreamed of becoming the mistress of Prince Yong's mansion.
Dongfang Yuning was enjoying the singing and dancing while listening to the real-time broadcast of System 118:
[Host, look! The one in the green skirt on the front left is from the Minister of Rites' family. Her father was just reported by the Censor yesterday for accepting bribes!]
[Wow! The one playing the piano in the middle, she plays pretty well, right? Too bad she and her cousin... Tsk tsk, the melon is ripe!]
[The one dancing on the right! Her family wanted to give her to the crown prince as a concubine, but the crown prince thought her feet were too big! Hahaha!]
[And that girl in gold and silver, her mother has almost emptied out her family's storehouse to support her younger brother! Her father is still in the dark!]
Dongfang Yuning listened with great interest, enjoying the interaction between his heart and the system:
[Tsk tsk, the circle of noble ladies in the capital is really deep! Tongzi, your melon field is really productive!]
Just as she was enjoying her melon, a young girl dressed in gorgeous clothes and with delicate makeup stood up. It was Wang Ruolan, the legitimate daughter of the Cheng'en Marquisate.
She performed a rather difficult water sleeve dance, her movements graceful and graceful, earning some applause. After the performance, she didn't immediately leave. Instead, her eyes flickered, seemingly unintentionally glancing at Dongfang Yuning, who was standing beside the queen. Her voice carried a hint of deliberately sweetened air:
"I'm honored to present my humble service. I've long heard that Miss Yu Ning of the Grand Tutor's Mansion is a beauty of unparalleled beauty, and seeing her today, I'm sure her reputation is well-deserved. I'm sure that after Miss Yu Ning recovers from her illness, her talent will be even greater than before. I wonder if I'd be so lucky as to receive some guidance from Miss Yu Ning?"
Her words seemed like a compliment, but in fact, every word was a stab in the heart! Everyone knew that Dongfang Yuning had been mentally retarded for more than ten years. Even if he was better now, what talents could he have?
It was obvious that he wanted to step on her in public to gain attention and to belittle her in front of Prince Yong!
As soon as these words were spoken, the whole audience fell silent!
Empress Dongfang Qiwu's face instantly darkened, her eyes brimming with anger! "What a wretch!" Her sister had been foolish and suffered countless injustices before, yet now they dared to humiliate Ning'er like this in front of her at a palace banquet?! They were giving her face!
The expressions of Grand Tutor Dongfang Yanru and Dongfang Qichen were also terribly gloomy. Dongfang Liezheng, who was sitting in the military commander's seat, even crushed the white jade wine glass in his hand with a "crack"!
The broken jade pierced his palm, and he was completely unaware of the blood oozing out. He just stared at the ignorant Wang Ruolan! The Marquis of Cheng'en and his wife were terrified and wanted to strangle their stupid daughter to death on the spot!
Prince Yong, Nangong Ye, picked up his wine glass and took a leisurely sip. His deep gaze fell on the targeted girl with interest. He wanted to see how this little creature with an interesting soul would respond.
[Holy crap! What the hell?!]
Dongfang Yuning's inner universe exploded instantly.
[Step on me?! You want to embarrass me?! I'm giving you a chance, right?! Do you really think I'm a pushover?! I was a fool before, and there was nothing I could do about it, but now... humph! System! Get your points ready! I'm going to avenge my past humiliation! Let them see the eighteen martial arts of a modern-day rich daughter!]
She showed no emotion on her face, instead she showed a sweet and harmless smile and gently patted her sister Queen's hand which was trembling slightly with anger.
Then he leaned close to the Queen's ear and whispered something in a voice that only the two of them could hear.
Queen Dongfang Qiwu was stunned at first, and then two red clouds flew up on her beautiful face. She glared at her sister coquettishly. Her shy and timid look lit up the entire hall in an instant.
This scene happened to be seen by Emperor Nangong Yu, who had been paying attention to the Queen. Seeing his wife so shy and charming, Nangong Yu felt his heart warm, and a long-lost impulse surged in his heart, and his eyes looking at the Queen became hot.
"Since the daughter of the Marquis' Mansion has so graciously invited me, I will play a duet with my younger sister to celebrate the triumphant return of His Royal Highness Prince Yong and the other generals."
Queen Dongfang Qiwu calmed herself down, regained her composure, and spoke in a clear voice.
Amidst everyone's astonished gazes, the two sisters stood up and left.
A palace maid had already brought up an ancient, simple, Jiaowei qin. The queen gracefully sat down, her fingertips gently stroking the strings.
Dongfang Yuning walked to the center of the hall. She thought:
[System, redeem the 'Moonlight Fairy Skirt' and the matching 'Jinghong Dance' skill experience card! Points can be deducted at will!]
System 118: [Ding! Exchange successful! 3000 points consumed! 'Moonlight Flowing Fairy Skirt' has been distributed to the changing area! 'Jinghong Dance·Trial Version' (Limited validity for one incense stick) loading... Loading complete!]
Dongfang Yuning, surrounded by palace maids, quickly went to the side hall to change clothes. When she appeared in the main hall again, everyone held their breath!
She only saw:
She was wearing a radiant moon-white long skirt, the material of which was as thin as smoke and fog. When she walked, it seemed as if moonlight was flowing on it and stars were twinkling.
The wide cloud sleeves and the trailing skirt swayed gently with her steps, looking elegant and otherworldly, as if they were not of this world.
The light powder on her face made her skin look even more radiant, and the silver flower ornaments between her eyebrows added a touch of mystery and holiness. She looked like a fairy from the Moon Palace, breathtakingly beautiful!
Prince Yong Nangong Ye paused with the wine glass at his lips, and a storm of emotion instantly appeared in his deep eyes! Even though he was used to seeing the beauty of the world, he was still deeply struck by this stunning beauty!
Queen Dongfang Qiwu looked at her sister, her eyes filled with amazement and pride. She took a deep breath and plucked the strings of the zither with her fingertips.
An ethereal and ethereal song, "The Zen Heart of Clouds and Water", like the sound of nature, flowed out, instantly clearing away all the noise in the hall.
The piano music starts, the dance begins!
Dongfang Yuning moved!
Her figure was so lithe, as if weightless, that as the music flowed, she moved, at times, like a willow swaying in the wind, graceful and gentle; at others, like a fleeting glimpse of a swan, graceful and elegant like a swimming dragon. Her sleeves fluttered like flowing clouds; her skirt rippled like water. Every spin brought a shimmering brilliance; every leap seemed to be about to ride the wind homeward.
Her eyes are sometimes clear and innocent, sometimes charming and lively, interpreting the mood and emotion of the dance to the fullest!
This is more than just a dance; it is a visual and auditory feast! It is a passionate performance by the Moon Fairy!
Everyone was stunned! They forgot to breathe, forgot to speak! Even Wang Ruolan from the Cheng'en Marquis Mansion was pale as paper, her eyes filled with disbelief and deep jealousy!
Her proud water sleeve dance looked like rubble beside a pearl in front of this stunning dance, it was unbearable to look at!
Nangong Ye's eyes followed the moon-white figure in the hall, without blinking. He had fought on the battlefield, accustomed to bloodshed and slaughter, and had never imagined that such a lively, otherworldly, and breathtaking beauty could exist in the world.
This beauty lies not only in that stunning face and the ethereal dress, but also in the vibrant vitality and dynamic charm embodied in her dancing! She truly lives up to her reputation!
What made his heart tremble even more was the "interesting" soul beneath that seemingly fragile appearance, daring to face challenges and striking back! She was not a greenhouse flower, she was a rose with thorns, a clever and cunning little fox!
The piano music faded, and the dance froze. Dongfang Yuning was in a perfect spinning position, breathing slightly, with a healthy blush on her cheeks, which made her even more charming.
silence!
Deathly silence!
Immediately, thunderous applause and cheers broke out!
"Good! You dance well! You play the piano beautifully! The combination of these two is unparalleled in the world!"
Emperor Nangong Yu was the first to applaud, his eyes full of amazement and pride, mainly for the queen.
"So beautiful! This dance should only exist in heaven!"
"Miss Dongfang is truly a deity!"
Dongfang Yuning knelt slightly and saluted, his eyes swept over the pale-faced Wang Ruolan, and the corner of his mouth curled up in a very faint arc that was enough to make the other party feel embarrassed.
She put her hands on her hips and laughed inwardly: [Hahaha! Successful slap in the face! Cool! Tongzi, these points were worth it!]
System 118: [Host is mighty! Stunning everyone! Meat Eating Points +1000! Charm Points +50!]
She walked back to the queen, who excitedly held her hand, her eyes filled with tears of pride.
Prince Yong, Nangong Ye, slowly put down his wine glass, his deep gaze still fixed on the radiant girl, wanting to carve her image into his heart. A throbbing emotion he had never felt before quietly took root and spread in his cold, hard heart.
Until the emperor's teasing voice sounded in his ears:
"How is it? Is my sister-in-law pleasing to the eye?"
Nangong Ye suddenly came back to his senses, picked up the wine glass and took a sip to cover up, his voice low:
"Your Majesty, you are joking. Miss Dongfang... is still young and has not yet reached the age of marriage."
But the slightly burning in his ears betrayed his uneasy mood. The seed named Dongfang Yuning had already been quietly planted in his heart, waiting to break through the ground and grow into a towering tree.
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