Looking up, one can see a beautifully decorated boat slowly sailing in the middle of the vast lake, resembling a moving waterside pavilion.
Carved railings and embroidered balustrades, green tiles and red eaves.
Every part of it is exquisite.
The sound of string and wind instruments was carried by the wind. A beautiful maidservant, lightly draped in a thin veil, ascended the high platform, her graceful figure scattering petals all around. At this moment, darkness gradually fell, and the night seemed to be filled with the lingering fragrance of perfume.
The thin gauze windows of the painted boat reflected the woman's hazy silhouette, outlining a figure that evoked many thoughts, and many people were already mesmerized.
"Beautiful lady!"
Wen Yao's lips twitched: "We haven't seen anyone yet, what are they so excited about?"
Shen Tangning smiled slightly: "Holding the pipa half-concealed, it only arouses people's desire to explore."
Then she thought, could Chi Yan be among these people?
As if sensing something, Chi Yan in the middle of the lake sneezed. He rubbed his nose and subconsciously looked around. However, with so many people around, the two of them did not notice each other.
"What's wrong?" Ji Wuyai looked up blankly, still holding the wine jar. "Did you catch a cold? Chi Yan, you seem a bit weak. It hasn't been that long?"
Chi Yan gave him a dangerous look and said irritably, "You're the one who's weak!"
He had also had two drinks, and after being blown by the wind, his head was a little dizzy: "How much longer? I want to go back to sleep."
"Almost there! Just wait a little longer..." Ji Wuyai burped.
——
Meanwhile, inside another painted boat.
The woman was applying lipstick in front of the mirror. She pursed her lips, then carefully applied it evenly with her slender, white fingertips.
The woman in the mirror was exceptionally beautiful, with fair skin and a lovely face. She had a pair of charming and alluring eyes. She forced a smile and her red lips moved slightly: "Is this what that person wants?"
She heard something from the person behind her, and slowly closed her eyes. When she opened them again, her beautiful eyes were calm and undisturbed: "I understand."
The people inside the house quietly disappeared.
After a while, there was a knock on the door, and a maid whispered a reminder: "Miss Pingting, it's time."
She stood up and ascended the platform amidst the attention of the crowd.
...
Shen Tangning and the other two found a teahouse on the second floor, where they could barely see the scenery in the center of the lake.
A woman slowly emerged from the painted boat, her figure graceful and her face veiled by a light gauze.
It was too far away to see her face clearly, but from the screams all around, one could guess that this was the graceful young woman.
"I can't even see their faces." After waiting for so long, Wen Yao couldn't help but feel a little disappointed that she still couldn't see their faces clearly.
"It's okay, watching others dance is fine too," Gu Qingxu comforted her.
Accompanied by the close drumbeats, the figure slowly began to move, her water sleeves fluttering, sometimes lowering and sometimes raising, her waist incredibly supple, and the clear sound of golden bells ringing out with each movement.
A hint of surprise flashed in Shen Tangning's eyes: "This is the Zhezhi Dance."
Wen Yao turned her head, cupping her chin in her hands: "Is there any explanation?"
Gu Qingxu pondered for a moment: "It is said that this dance originated from the Western Regions and is extremely difficult. It requires a high level of strength and flexibility from the dancer. Look at the dense drumbeats, yet her steps are never disordered. The strength of her leg lifts and waist bends is just right, which shows that she has a profound foundation."
Shen Tangning nodded, her face showing appreciation: "It's no exaggeration to say that her dance captivated the capital."
After the dance ended, everyone was still immersed in the stunning performance.
Pingting didn't leave immediately as usual. She gazed at the vast crowd, her eyes reflecting the dazzling lights, and smiled gently.
"Thank you all for your love for Pingting. Today, I have prepared a special segment for you. Please write what you would like to say to me on a piece of paper and give it to my maid. Afterward, I will randomly select a few audience members and personally go to them for a chat that will last for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea."
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