Seven days later, the ball arrived as scheduled.
As evening approached, the Cheng family servants were busily preparing for the ball, which was to be held in the evening, before the guests had arrived.
Madam Cheng lifted Xu Zhuohua's confinement.
Xu Zhuohua could guess what Madam Cheng was thinking at a glance. She disliked her and thought that a country girl who came from a nunnery would never dance fashionable ballroom dances, let alone waltzes.
Instead of teaching her a lesson, what else could it be but waiting for her to embarrass herself?
Xu Zhuohua didn't care. She changed into the dress prepared by the Cheng family, put her hair in a bun, and even put on an extremely flamboyant makeup.
Since there were no rhinestones or sequins available, she used gold foil scraps around her eyes.
In the servants' eyes, Xu Zhuohua was just missing that soul-summoning stick to be able to perform the soul-summoning dance at the door.
Everyone felt something was off about Xu Zhuohua and dared not approach her.
When Madam Cheng saw her outfit, she almost fainted. Although she wanted to see Xu Zhuohua make a fool of herself, she didn't want her to embarrass the Cheng family.
"What's that on your face? Go wipe it off right now!"
Xu Zhuohua didn't move. "Madam, my face is covered in gold leaf, which makes me look so rich!"
Madam Cheng frowned. "The Cheng family doesn't need your gold leaf. Wipe it off quickly."
Xu Zhuohua didn't want to wipe it off. She had spent two hours on her makeup and styling, and it was all her hard work. She didn't want to touch it at all.
Just as the stalemate was reaching its conclusion, a servant came in and said, "Madam, the warlord has returned."
Madam Cheng glanced at Xu Zhuohua, gave up, and turned to leave.
Xu Zhuohua also went out.
I've been at the Cheng family's house for ten days, and I still haven't seen the warlord.
Military governor Cheng Yuguang rose to power in Dongzhou, killed his former employer, and led his army from Dongzhou to Xinhai City. He seized a piece of land from the foreigners and became a highly representative warlord force in the south, as well as the only warlord without the background of the Beiyang government.
His foresight and ruthlessness are beyond the reach of many.
History books don't describe him much, only that he participated in the struggle, was defeated, and fled to America with his family.
Xu Zhuohua, however, felt that heroes emerge in chaotic times, and Cheng Yuguang, skilled in political maneuvering and strategy, was a perfect example of someone who rose from humble beginnings.
Xu Zhuohua couldn't help but feel a little nervous about meeting such a person.
A car resembling a train engine slowly drove into the entrance of Cheng Mansion.
The car door opened, and Cheng Yuguang got out with his head down. He was quite tall and had a very dashing figure. Wearing a military uniform, he exuded an imposing aura. He had a long, ruddy, and stern face, and beneath his dark eyebrows were a pair of sharp eyes like those of a tiger, leopard, or jackal, radiating an aura of authority without anger.
Cheng Yuguang did not go up the steps. Instead, he put his arm around Madam Cheng and affectionately rubbed his chin against her shoulder.
Xu Zhuohua looked at Cheng Yuguang with eyes like a startled fawn.
Cheng Yuguang's voice was booming, with a hint of hoarseness like a broken gong, "Is this Shuhua?"
Xu Zhuohua lowered his head and replied softly, "Greetings, Commander."
Cheng Yuguang laughed heartily, "Not bad, you've got quite the guts."
Because no young girl would dare to stand in front of Cheng Yuguang and speak without trembling.
A young woman in a Western-style dress jumped out of the car. She looked about 70% like Mrs. Cheng. She was very proud and her hair was tied up with a silk ribbon. She was very pretty and fashionable.
Cheng Wenyun walked over in her high heels, looking at Xu Zhuohua's outfit with curiosity.
Madam Cheng introduced, "Wenyun, this is the elder sister of the Xu family in Dongzhou. Quickly greet her."
Although Cheng Wenyun looked arrogant, she had a soft and cute voice. "Hello, Sister Xu."
Xu Zhuohua nodded in greeting, "Hello, Sister Wenyun."
Then Cheng Wenjun took Madam Cheng's arm and said, "Mother, Father said that today's ball was specially organized by you to celebrate my birthday. You are so good to me."
Mrs. Cheng smiled gently, "This is a reward for taking such good care of the old man."
Watching the mother and daughter's affectionate actions and Cheng Yuguang's kind smile, Xu Zhuohua felt a little bitter.
However, as guests gradually arrived in an endless stream, Xu Zhuohua had no time to be sad or upset.
Because she had seen most of these people's faces before; they were people who had appeared in history books.
She used to study late into the night, memorizing these names one by one.
Their contributions, their lives—when reciting them, the text seemed too long. But when these people walked past her alive, bringing a gentle breeze, Xu Zhuohua felt a different kind of emotion.
Perhaps the few words in the book cannot fully capture their character and spirit.
The history in her mind came alive, no longer just cold words, but vivid and lifelike. Even the tone and expression of their voices captivated Xu Zhuohua.
The opening dance was performed by today's star, Cheng Wenyun, whose dance partner was her own brother, Cheng Muyun.
The two maintained a proper distance, with their arms around each other.
The lights shone on Cheng Muyun, making his black suit appear as if it were adorned with silver threads, shimmering with tiny lights.
Cheng Muyun has a great figure, and Xu Zhuohua can't get enough of looking at him. His dancing skills are also excellent, with perfect control of tension and relaxation. He leads Cheng Wenyun like a sturdy tree or a majestic mountain.
No wonder he said he would teach me to dance; he really does know how.
It's just that it's never been written in history books.
When the music ended, the real dance began.
Cheng Yuguang and his wife stood in the center, swaying their bodies slowly, and more and more people joined in.
The lights flickered, shadows rose and fell, music filled the air, and the aroma of wine wafted through the air.
Cheng Muyun originally intended to walk towards Xu Zhuohua, but was pulled onto the dance floor by Luo Yunqiao halfway there. Forced by Miss Luo's face and Mrs. Cheng's warning look, Cheng Muyun reluctantly joined Luo Yunqiao in dancing a ballroom dance.
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