The world seemed to fall silent as the lilting melody from Fei Xue Pavilion drifted outward. Even people in the streets and alleys paused where they stood, listening closely to the sound of the xiao.
It was as if even the heavens were moved; in moments, great feathery flakes began to fall.
"It's snowing!" children cried, yet even their cheers couldn't break the spell. The adults were lost in the music, utterly absorbed.
Inside Fei Xue Pavilion, some men who had been feigning drunkenness froze mid-motion. A goblet slipped from one hand and shattered on the floor—its owner oblivious.
Goku ignored everything around him, his gaze fixed on the woman before him. A woman this perfect… hardly something mortals deserve to possess.
As the last notes faded, the dance began anew—
light, airy steps; a figure of flawless grace; ribbons floating like snow. Together they formed a dance to topple cities.
Only now did the crowd fully awaken to the spell; eyes widened, mouths hung open, all staring in a daze.
Clap, clap, clap—
Just as everyone sank deeper into rapture, a jarringly timed round of applause snapped them back. Faces turned, annoyed, toward the sound.
Seeing the smug Yan Chunjun, Goku frowned. His mood soured at once; he almost strode over to swat the pest flat. But before he moved, a shout split the air.
"Hmph! Who ruined this general's mood? Get out here!"
The speaker reeked of wine and swayed on his feet—clearly drunk.
A squad of royal guards poured in from the entrance. A lavish palanquin, ostentatious and grand, was carried in by burly men.
A guard barked, "Who was cursing just now?"
'Heh. The fat fool's got some presence… Fine. Let him preen for a moment,' Goku thought, a wicked smile tugging at his lips. "In a bit, I'll make sure he regrets it."
--
Snowflakes spun down through moonlight, scattering upon the world.
Under snow and moon, that peerless beauty looked like a painting come to life.
Alas, the spell was broken by that intrusive applause. Men tumbled from heaven back to earth; anger flared. The more clear-headed held their tongues—guests here were nobles and grandees.
Measured footsteps sounded, pounding like a hammer on each heart. Heads bowed; knees touched floor. Whoever had arrived was no small figure.
Gao Jianli's brows knit. His hands stilled upon the strings; the music ceased.
Xue Nu's dance stopped as well. She turned with light steps toward the newcomers, a prickle of foreboding in her chest.
"Your servant Yan Yi. I did not know Yan Chunjun had arrived. I have offended—please, my lord, forgive a foolish man."
The blustering officer from moments ago turned into a quaking supplicant, kneeling trembling before the gaudy palanquin.
"Oh… General Yan."
Yan Chunjun's voice from within was mild—yet heavy with authority.
"Your servant is here," Yan Yi answered, bowing even lower.
"What exactly do you want me to forgive?"
Yan Yi's breath stuttered. He dared not reply.
"Left Guard, tell General Yan what crime he has committed," Yan Chunjun said lazily.
"As a member of the warrior nobility, he insulted the royal house. That is a capital crime."
"My lord… mercy!"
Yan Yi shook like a leaf, nearly wetting himself. This man is a general?
The Left Guard flashed forward; a cold blade kissed Yan Yi's neck. He shivered so hard his teeth chattered, sweat trickling as he stared at the edge.
"Zhao's music and dance are without peer; Yan's youths, aping Handan, took only mockery from the Seven States. But Xue Nu's Zhao dance stands alone; to witness it is a life without regret."
Yan Chunjun spoke with leisurely poise, every inch the superior. "General Yan's rude outburst has ruined the elegance of Fei Xue Pavilion tonight."
Yan Chunjun went on, "He deserves death… However, since tonight's hostess is Xue Nu, let her decide his fate."
A voice in the crowd murmured, "Yan Chunjun's power is boundless. In front of him, how could a mere dancer decide anything? And Fei Xue Pavilion is a place for leisure, not politics—certainly not executions."
"Impudent!" a guard barked.
"Enough," Yan Chunjun said, lifting a hand. The red gauze curtains drew back slowly, revealing his coarse, homely face. "No politics—only elegance? So this is my fault, then?"
Xue Nu stood proud and silent.
The blade left Yan Yi's neck and the guard stepped back to the palanquin. Gao Jianli set his hands to the strings again.
Yan Yi thumped his head to the floor repeatedly. "Thank you for your mercy, my lord!"
"I have long heard that Fei Xue Pavilion houses a woman beyond compare. Seeing you today, the tales are justified."
He lifted a hand; a maid approached with wine. He took a pleased sip. "This is Guanghan Light, a fine vintage made from rare western fruits—finer even than palace wine. Attend me—present a cup to Xue Nu."
A servant stepped forward with a cup, offering it to Xue Nu with both hands.
A middle-aged man sighed nearby. "A fine wine—but not to be drunk."
A young man whispered, "What's the trick?"
"In Yan, it's an open secret: when Yan Chunjun gifts a woman wine, it means he wants the woman."
Xue Nu took the cup with flawless grace and looked toward Yan Chunjun. "Thank you for the honor. To stand upon the Flying Snow Terrace is a dancer's fortune. To earn such a discerning guest's favor is Fei Xue Pavilion's glory. With this peerless wine, Xue Nu gives thanks for heaven's favor upon this house."
She lifted the cup—
and poured it out.
"On behalf of all dancers, Xue Nu thanks my lord."
With that elegant turn of phrase, she declined him.
Inside the palanquin, Yan Chunjun's fist clenched. No one had ever refused him so openly.
"Xue Nu's dance was interrupted. Tonight's performance ends here. Gentlemen, please disperse."
Her voice was as gentle as ever. She turned to leave.
"Impudence! How dare you turn your back on the royal house!" a guard roared.
'Be as impudent as you like—I've got your back,' Goku murmured, pulse quickening. Enough talk; it was nearly time for a grand entrance.
"Wait." Yan Chunjun's voice halted her again.
"What else does my lord require?" Xue Nu did not turn; her tone remained cool.
"Every city has its legend—especially the capital. Lingbo Feiyan, your famed dance, is the greatest of them. I would have you, Xue Nu, perform it for me…"
_____
T/N:
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