Delicate Hands Yama
Consort Sun, having spent years secluded in the deep palace, had never seen the face of this highest judicial official of the Great Yan Dynasty, the iron-fisted former Minister of Justice. However, judging from Xue Hongbi's demeanor and expression, she guessed the general situation. She had little interaction with Madam Pei, so there was no need for her to be particularly afraid of her. Since Madam Pei did not greet her, she remained silent, simply leading the dancers in bowing respectfully along the corridor.
Madam Pei turned her cold, deep gaze to Lady Sun and said indifferently, "I hope that the Pei family has not caused you any trouble these days. The Mid-Autumn Festival is just around the corner. If the Pei family has offended you in the past, please forgive us."
Marquis Pei Yuanli of Dongguang commands over 100,000 central troops, making him virtually untouchable within the Jianzhang Imperial City. For Mu Huaying, the wife of the Marquis of Dongguang and former Minister of Justice, to utter these two sentences to a mere instructor in the Dance Department, while seemingly polite, was in fact filled with hidden meaning and a palpable sense of oppression.
Lady Sun was straightforward, but not truly stupid. Upon hearing Madam Pei's words, she dared not raise her head, but bowed deeply to the ground, saying, "The dance troupe has benefited greatly from Hongbi. You are too kind, Madam."
She did not respond to Madam Pei's implication, nor did she dare to make any promises. Ultimately, it wasn't that she was deliberately causing trouble for Huang Chao'an, who came from the Pei family; rather, it was that Huang Chao'an wouldn't let her and the dance troupe off the hook. And this matter couldn't be resolved simply by agreeing to forgive.
Madam Pei merely nodded coldly, then turned to Xue Hongbi and said, "I originally came to the palace to discuss Yu'er's entry into the palace with Consort Chen, but I suddenly remembered you at the Music Bureau, so I came to see you on the way. If you have almost finished your business, then you can come back with me."
Upon hearing Madam Pei's words, everyone present looked at each other, somewhat at a loss for words.
The dancers in the troupe had grown accustomed to Xue Hongbi's constant yelling, shouting, and physical abuse these past few days. Although she was fierce, her teaching methods and content had broadened everyone's horizons. At least since her arrival, they no longer needed to wear heavy demonic makeup, and their performances had become much more lively.
Sun Neiren was surprised that Xue Hongbi had only come for a short visit and was returning so soon. She had originally thought that Xue Hongbi would not return to the Pei residence until at least after the Mid-Autumn Festival dance performance.
A Qiu, however, gleaned at least two meanings. First, it meant that Yu'er, whom she mentioned, was going to enter the palace, and at this critical juncture, Madam Pei didn't want anyone from the Pei family to cause trouble again. This included Xue Hongbi, and naturally, Huang Chao'an as well.
At this moment, A Qiu was unaware that this Yu'er was none other than "Zhu Huang," the undecided member of the new Flying Phoenix Four Guards, Pei Yuanli and Mu Huaying's eldest daughter, Pei Yu, the eldest daughter of the Pei family, known as the "Twin Heroes of Bow and Spear."
Secondly, Madam Xue's arrival to teach was probably just a polite gesture from the Pei family. She had already come, but there were no concrete requirements regarding her performance or whether she was capable of handling important tasks. Therefore, if Madam Xue didn't want to continue wasting time with them, she could take this opportunity to leave.
Despite being the wife of the Marquis of Dongguang, Mu Huaying seemed to be aware of everything, big or small, concerning the men in and outside the household, intervening and meddling without making a sound.
Of the previous Flying Phoenix Guards, A Qiu has now personally met three of them: Consort Chen, Li Lanxiu, is gentle and peaceful, with the demeanor of an empress; Commander Sikong Zhao is heroic and not inferior to men; and then there is Madam Pei, who seems cold and arrogant, but is actually extremely shrewd.
She had never met Zhao Ling, the magistrate of the Imperial Library, and was unaware that Zhao Ling was the colleague of her senior brother, Gongyi Xiu, whom she had to see every day.
But A Qiu strongly suspects that among the previous generation of the Flying Phoenix Guards, the one who was truly the most cunning was not the famous talented woman Zhao Lingying, but rather this seemingly gentle but shrewd Madam Pei.
If she knew that the introduction of the new Flying Phoenix Guards was Madam Pei's idea, and that Emperor Xie Lang adopted it immediately upon hearing it, she would surely reassess the strength of this Madam Pei, who had long since retired.
Lady Pei was the only member of the previous Flying Phoenix Guard to marry, and her husband happened to be Pei Yuanli, who commanded the central army among the three military forces of the Southern Dynasty and was responsible for ensuring the stability of the capital. It is hard to say that Lady Pei did not engage in some political maneuvering on behalf of Emperor Xie Lang during this period.
The loyalty of the Flying Phoenix Guards to their lord is evident from this.
Sun Neiren looked at Xue Hongbi, and the dancing girls were also secretly watching Xue Hongbi.
Firstly, it was unexpected that the usually aggressive Madam Xue could be as timid as a mouse in the presence of a cat.
Secondly, although they wanted to keep her, the dance troupe wasn't a good place, nor did it offer high-ranking positions or generous salaries. Moreover, it might be the mistress's wish, and interfering too soon would only put Xue Hongbi in a difficult position.
Even with A Qiu's intelligence and boldness, she did not dare to speak or interrupt, also considering that this was ultimately a family matter of the Pei family, and it was inappropriate for outsiders to interfere.
To everyone's surprise, Xue Hongbi paused for a moment, then a resolute look suddenly appeared on her face.
She lifted her skirt, took a step forward, knelt heavily on the ground, and kowtowed, saying, "Madam, I wish to stay in the dance troupe as an instructor until my hair turns white, and I do not wish to return to the Pei residence!"
Her words caused everyone present to change color.
The entire Xiangxie Corridor was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.
For a moment there was no sound. The geisha held their breath, their eyes wide open, staring blankly at the scene before them.
Even A Qiu, who had been keeping his head down and acting obediently, looked up in surprise and looked at Xue Hongbi and Madam Pei.
Madam Pei, Mu Huaying, was basically the same as she had imagined based on her voice. She had long, slender eyebrows that reached her temples, and cold, phoenix eyes. She was beautiful yet dignified, noble and graceful.
Even someone as calm and dignified as her showed a fleeting look of surprise when she heard Xue Hongbi's words.
She stared intently at Xue Hongbi, scrutinizing her as if meeting her for the first time. After a moment, she said, "This is a big deal; you should think it through carefully."
Madam Pei's tone softened slightly from its original harshness and coldness.
Of all those present, only Lady Sun knew that Xue Hongbi's current status as a favored concubine in the Pei household was something she had dreamed of for many years and had worked tirelessly to achieve. Therefore, she was the one who was least able to come to her senses.
Xue Hongbi kowtowed again, and when she raised her head, her eyes shone with determination: "I have been in the Pei family for fifteen years and have always been taken care of by the Marquis and his wife. But during my time at the Music Bureau, I have finally realized that what I want to do most in this life is to live in the service of the Way of Dance and Music."
No longer do they dance to win favor, no longer do they dance to claim the top spot. The aging and fading instructors, no longer worthy of the attention of nobles, will never again have the opportunity to perform on stage. Yet, in the process of teaching the young dancers and musicians, one can still feel the transmission of artistic life. It is a spiritual inheritance and continuation that transcends mere appearance.
Madam Pei said calmly, "Even if you want to pass on your dance skills and live up to your past achievements and reputation as a renowned courtesan, the Pei family has courtesans who can teach you. You don't necessarily have to stay here."
Her phoenix eyes swept coldly over the young girls on both sides of the corridor, as well as her wife, but the emotions in her eyes were unreadable.
Ah Qiu recalled what Xue Hongbi had said when she first arrived: "Any two maids from the Pei family would be more presentable than you." She secretly speculated that Madam Pei probably also felt that she couldn't see anything commendable about these people that made Xue Hongbi give up her life of luxury to stay here.
Xue Hongbi seemed to have mustered up her courage and clearly said, "There is a difference between the two."
Madam Pei raised her long eyebrows on her cold and pretty face, as if waiting for her to continue.
Xue Hongbi said, "The courtesans of the Pei household exist to embellish the banquets hosted by the Marquis, showcasing their power and influence. They are also gifts the Marquis uses to reciprocate or present to friends. I say this not out of dissatisfaction, but because this is the natural fate of courtesans, and the Marquis and his wife have already been extremely kind to me."
Upon hearing this, Madam Pei showed no surprise. She still asked, "Then what's the difference in the Music Bureau?"
Xue Hongbi said, “Although the dance troupe here is not yet established, none of them dance to please others or compete for favor. They... simply do what they want. I have been fighting among women for decades, and now that I am old, I envy this kind of simple life that does not depend on or climb the social ladder.”
A hint of mockery mixed with pity flashed in Madam Pei's eyes. She raised her head proudly and said coldly, "Since you have made up your mind, then so be it. However, according to the rules of the Pei family, once the arrow is released, there is no turning back. I will report to the Marquis on your behalf and have your household registration returned to the Music Bureau. From today onwards, you will have no further connection with the Dongguang Marquis's Mansion."
After saying her last sentence, Madam Pei immediately turned around, her magnificent black brocade dress trailing on the ground, the tiny pearls on her silk shoes trembling slightly, and she left on her own.
The remaining dancers in the corridor looked at each other, covered in cold sweat.
This Madam Pei was truly imposing. Under her oppressive gaze sweeping over the entire room, it seemed that no one could hide their thoughts or intentions. There was truly a feeling that one could not afford to make a mistake.
Fortunately, such a noble person would never normally set foot in their lowly place as a musician.
Xue Hongbi, who had been kneeling the whole time, had exhausted all her strength by the time Madam Pei left. Her forehead was covered in cold sweat, her face was deathly pale, and she collapsed, even the silks, satins, and tassels on her body were trembling.
Sun's wife sighed silently, came over to help her up, and complained, "You usually seem like a tough person, a famous courtesan, the grand finale, how come you're so afraid after just a few words?"
Xue Hongbi's hands were icy cold, yet she grabbed Sun Neiren's sleeve and screamed, "So even though you've been in the palace for many years, you're still a complete country bumpkin. Do you know who our Madam is? Do you know how many lives she's taken? Do you know she can exterminate an entire family without batting an eye?"
Lady Sun, confident in her own upright conduct and lack of legal knowledge, knew that even if Madam Pei was fierce, she couldn't control her. She could only repeatedly say, "Alright, alright, I was blind. Get up now!"
Xue Hongbi's voice still rang out loudly in the corridor: "Do you know that even our Dongguang Marquis and Grand Marshal Pei himself would give way to the Madam? Do you know that in the Pei family, apart from the Marquis and the eldest daughter, is there no one whose legs don't tremble when they see the Madam?"
A Qiu's heart pounded with anxiety: she wondered if Madam Pei had come out of the corridor and heard what she said.
Sun Neiren said helplessly, "Alright, Miss Xue, now that you are no longer a member of the Pei family, you must abide by my rules. The first rule of the dance troupe is that you must not make loud noises or shout in the practice area."
Xue Hongbi stared wide-eyed, bewildered, and asked, "What?"
Among the dancers, Zhang Exu and Cui Luzhu stared at each other, and Zhang Exu said, "When did we have this rule?"
Sun's wife suppressed a laugh and calmly said, "I am now the head instructor of the dance department. Since you, Xue, are not a member of the Pei family, you are under my jurisdiction."
He added, "This rule is something I just came up with, and it will be implemented from now on."
The dance troupe began to work tirelessly, rehearsing and practicing the rhythm of "White Silk" day and night.
Xue Hongbi no longer had the leisure to wear gorgeous silk dresses and elaborate makeup. Now she mostly came to Xiangxie Corridor with a bare face, too lazy to even draw her eyebrows, wearing the simplest dance practice clothes and wooden clogs.
She led the geishas in practice, one by one, pointing out the shortcomings in their movements and demonstrating them herself.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
