Princess Chaoyang stomped her feet in annoyance, her heart full of indignation, and glared at Ji Xinhe, who looked back at her innocently.
In Lian’an Town, Ji Xinhe had heard about Princess Chaoyang’s obsessive love for Marquis Mu Houchu. She had thought the princess would have moved past it since she was married now, but it seemed not.
Even though the princess was ruthless, she was not very smart. Ji Xinhe did not see her as a threat.
Princess Chaoyang seemed to sense Ji Xinhe’s indifference, she gritted her teeth, and asked scornfully, "Looking at Lady Li now, I wonder what gift she gave to Imperial Consort Guifei for her birthday?"
Lady Sun made an awkward smile, "Le Yuanhou Mansion sent a Guanyin statue carved from a blood jade as a gift."
Princess Chaoyang expressed her dissatisfaction, "Lady Li is so insincere. This is her first time in the Palace meeting His Majesty and Imperial Consort Guifei. How can she not show any thoughtfulness in her gift?"
Ji Xinhe responded lightly, "What should I have done according to the princess to show my thoughtfulness?"
"It’s very simple. Either play the zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, singing, or dancing; just choose one you’re good at to show your sincerity," she answered.
Princess Chaoyang was angry that her attempts to belittle Ji Xinhe had failed. All she wanted was to make Ji Xinhe suffer a bit to soothe her anger. How could a peasant girl with such a lowly background showcase anything sophisticated?
Ji Xinhe responded calmly, "I, with my lacking worldly experiences and amateur skills, dare not flaunt them." But her words had a hint of sarcasm towards Princess Chaoyang.
You!" Princess Chaoyang, wide-eyed, was on the verge of snapping.
Duan Lan finally rose from his seat, his voice heavy: "Today is Imperial Consort Guifei’s birthday. Performance matters should be left to the Palace performers, and we shouldn’t make it difficult for others."
Marquis Mu Houchu’s expression turned slightly cold.
Princess Chaoyang scoffed, "I don’t understand what you mean. All I did was advise Lady Li to express her sincerity. How did that turn into me trying to make things difficult for her? As a princess, I aren’t hesitant to hurt myself for the Emperor’s and Imperial Consort’s amusement. Why should the fiancée of Young Master Duan be treated as more valuable than me?"
Whispers spread throughout the garden after her words. The news about Ji Xinhe and Duan Lan’s betrothal had been widely shared in the capital.
Ji Xinhe’s face turned slightly cold. Princess Chaoyang brought up their marriage deliberately, likely wanting to cut off any potential escape for Ji Xinhe. This glaring betrothal was now hanging over her head, and she didn’t know how long it would restrain her.
Just as Duan Lan was about to say something, Ji Xinhe suddenly stood up and said, "Alright."
The crowd was surprised. Why had Lady Li agreed so easily?
"Good! I’m looking forward to it!" Princess Chaoyang had already done her research on Ji Xinhe. Her family was so poor they couldn’t afford food, and she had no talents. It seemed like all she had was a pretty face given by God!
Marquis Mu Houchu slightly frowned. Ji Xinhe was never impulsive. If she agreed, she must be confident and perhaps even had another objective. His only concern was the chance of others taking advantage of this situation.
"Your Majesty, I would like to change into a dance costume and borrow ten large drums, if you permit," said Ji Xinhe to the Emperor.
The Emperor, puzzled about why she needed the drums, didn’t ask and gave the go-ahead, "Alright."
The garden was spacious enough to arrange ten large drums in a line in the center.
However, only nine of the large drums were placed in an arc, while one drum was placed flat in the front.
At a loss, the crowd saw Ji Xinhe, in a feathered dance dress, stride in carrying a large goose down fan covering her face. She knelt on the drum placed flat in the front.
An uneasy feeling swept over Princess Chaoyang. She had wanted Ji Xinhe to embarrass herself, but now, what was happening?
The musicians began to play. It was a lively and brisk drumbeat, with stringed instruments playing a supporting role.
Surprisingly, none of the musicians were playing drums. Upon close observation, it was clear that Ji Xinhe was the one playing, beating the large drum under her feet in time with the rhythm, her movements graceful, and her dance expressive.
As the music played, she used her fan to cover her face. Just when it seemed like the fan would be moved away, it would quickly return, holding everyone’s attention.
Suddenly, her steps quickened, the drumbeats became more urgent. In an abrupt movement, she bent at the waist, and finally moved her fan away to reveal her stunning appearance, her eyes captivating.
People in the garden couldn’t help but shout out praises.
Princess Chaoyang’s face darkened. This was not what she planned for!
The smile on Ji Xinhe’s face disappeared, and with a swift motion, she closed her fan, did a flip and dismounted the drum. The drumming ceased.
The entire garden fell silent, nobody daring to make a sound. Some were stunned by the fascinating performance, while others were holding their breath.
Had it ended?
Then Ji Xinhe suddenly stepped backwards until she reached the arc of drums arranged behind her. With a leap, she shot two pink silk ribbons from her sleeves. The ribbons hit the two outermost drums- making a deep thumping sound.
The music that had previously stopped, resumed as Ji Xinhe danced and struck the nine drums behind her with her ribbons. The music got faster as she moved swiftly.
Finally, she pulled the ribbons back into her sleeves and stood still, while the entire garden was once again filled with hesitant silence.
After a while, the silence was broken by applause and cheers.
"Good! As expected of Miss Le Yuanhou! I’ve never seen such a dance before. What a feast for the eyes!"
Marquis Mu Houchu looked at Ji Xinhe, the depth of his cold eyes filled with curiosity. This woman never ceased to amaze him.
Ji Xinhe smiled subtly. She hadn’t performed this dance in over a decade. The last time she did, she had been given a mission to assassinate a leader who loved ancient dances, and she had done so using this dance. The minute the ribbons flew out from her sleeves that day, the leader was killed by the hidden blades within.
Even the Emperor clapped enthusiastically, laughing loudly, "Good! Truly extraordinary! Such a spectacular dance is rare! I should reward you generously! Come here..."
Ji Xinhe slightly lifted the corners of her lips, respectfully bowing towards the Emperor, "If Your Majesty wants to reward me, would you allow me to ask for my reward?"
The Emperor laughed heartily, "Tell me! Whatever you want, I shall grant it!"
Raising her eyes, Ji Xinhe’s gaze held a calm serenity: "I want to call off my engagement."
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