Clouds Drunk, Moon Slightly Sleeping

Chapter 35

"Night Wind, let's put all that aside for now. If I leave Zhilan Palace and need to find you, how will I locate you? This Phoenix Orchid Jade Pendant is supposed to be a token, but can't you just blow on it like this bracelet and know I'm looking for you?"

"Young master, it's not that it's impossible, but the phoenix's cry of this Phoenix Orchid Jade Pendant can only be sounded by someone with internal strength. The six small holes at the top of the six orchid petals of the jade pendant cannot be sounded by someone who is not skilled in martial arts."

Damn, what does this mean? No wonder when the fox gave me this thing, he only said it was a token and that I could use it to find the Dark Ones, without saying anything else. I was wondering about it when Night Wind appeared! You stinky fox, so your dream girl is actually a martial arts prodigy, huh!

"Night Wind, first, gather all the information you can about the Crown Prince, Fourth Prince, and Sixth Prince of Tianqing Kingdom from childhood to adulthood, and deliver it to me as soon as possible. At the same time, send people to closely monitor the Fourth Prince's residence, and ideally, gather evidence of his overly close relationship with the envoys of Wangyue Kingdom. If you discover anything unusual, notify me immediately." I thought for a moment, then added, "As for not being able to enter Zhilan Palace, I'll find a way out. Now I'm leaving, so you should go too. Also, tell my elder brother that I'm doing well here, and he shouldn't worry."

"Young master, the information you requested has been prepared." Ye Feng took out several sheets of paper from his pocket and respectfully handed them over.

Huh? Xiaoye is so efficient? Looks like you haven't been slacking off these past few days! I took the paper, didn't have time to look at it closely, and hid it and the Fenglan jade pendant close to my body before walking straight out.

I wore my hair in a high bun, adorned with a peacock hairpin. I wore a white, low-cut, backless, floor-length dress. The bodice was fitted, with a silver-embroidered peacock display on the chest, while the skirt flowed wide, revealing a semi-transparent sheer veil embroidered with peacock feathers in various colored silk threads, interspersed with gold and silver coins, resembling a peacock's tail in full display from afar. Tian Xilan had prepared the entire stage according to my instructions. I stood on the central circular stage, surrounded by a ring of egg-sized luminous pearls, making the stage as bright as day, like a 21st-century spotlight constantly shining on the protagonist. The gold, silver, and silk threads on my dress shimmered subtly. Rippling water surrounded the stage, with occasional tinkling sounds—small jade beads I had instructed Xilan to have hidden people throw into the water. Beyond the water's edge, a light blue gauze curtain formed an arc, my stage backdrop, dreamlike and ethereal. A row of musicians sat behind a light gauze curtain; the audience could only hear their music but could not see them.

I casually extended my right hand, trailing the long hem of my skirt, to my back. My left index finger and thumb touched, the other three fingers pointing backward, their long nails adorned with finely trimmed silver threads—a simple manicure. Raising my left hand above my head, I created a classic lark's head pose. I glanced at the crowd out of the corner of my eye, pleased to see them already speechless with amazement. I smiled. This stage, this outfit, this entrance, and the dance I was about to perform—I knew in my heart the visual impact and the shock it would bring to everyone present. I had never felt so confident. Was it cold? I was used to it. I always dressed like this for New Year's Day performances. The weather was even colder then.

The music began softly; it was "Spirit of the Peacock," the piece I played for Xilan on the pipa yesterday. I told him my requests, asking him to find someone to perform it—what instruments, how many people to ensemble—it was all up to him. I only wanted the melody and its atmosphere. Excellent! The small band's performance exceeded my expectations. I danced to the music, my mind free of distractions, my eyes oblivious to everyone else, only myself, only the music, only this stage. A dancer's destiny is passion, a dancer's rhythm is their soul. Standing tall against the wind, leaping and spinning, spreading wings and soaring, sometimes strolling, sometimes chasing and playing, fluttering wings, dragging wings, perching on branches, displaying their plumage, resting… I was a proud and beautiful peacock, or a fairy who had mistakenly fallen to earth. Every gesture was a heartfelt dance of the soul, and even within my lonely body, there seemed to be the sound of wings soaring and waves crashing. The final spin was breathtakingly beautiful, like a peacock lingering before taking flight, or a dancer clinging to life before the curtain falls. As petals rained down, the ethereal woman gradually returned to tranquility amidst the drifting flower rain, reverting to her original pose. The peacock, standing amidst a hundred flowers, remained noble and proud even after its dazzling display.

Only when I bowed to take my leave did the crowd seem to awaken from a dream, erupting in cheers, applause, and thunderous applause. Ignoring the large audience, Xi Lan rose from her seat and walked straight to the front of the stage. With a swift movement, she flew to my side, gently leaped over the small pool beside the stage, took the white fox fur-trimmed cloak handed to her by a maid, wrapped it tightly around me, and then led me by the hand toward the main seat at the top of the banquet hall.

I lifted my skirt slightly, afraid it was too long and I'd trip, and followed Tian Xilan forward. The banquet hall was arranged in a U-shape. The King of Tianqing Kingdom sat in the central seat, flanked by his favored concubines. To the left of the hall sat the envoys of Wangyue Kingdom, and to the right, the princes and ministers of Tianqing Kingdom. Xilan walked slowly, occasionally glancing at me with a smile in his eyes. I kept my head down, letting him hold my hand. My face was burning, but my heart was pounding. I wondered what the ghost emperor of Tianqing Kingdom looked like. What if he was just like that fourth prince? I'd be doomed. I could clearly and intensely feel the various gazes and whispers from the crowds on either side, but I was too preoccupied to pay them any attention.

I lowered my head and bowed, following Tian Xilan in kneeling and paying my respects. Then I stood up, not daring to raise my head.

"Your Majesty, not only is Miss Yue beautiful, but her talents are also extraordinary. That dance just now was something I had never heard of or seen before. To have such a wonderful skill at such a young age, Xi Lan's judgment is indeed excellent." Judging from the voice, it must be Consort Shu.

"Raise your head and let me see you." The voice was calm and dignified, revealing no emotion whatsoever.

I slowly raised my head. The middle-aged man seated on the dragon throne before me wore a bright yellow dragon robe embroidered with clouds and dragons. His hair was bound with a jade crown, and he had thick eyebrows, a square face, and a solemn expression. His eyes, though not angry, held a commanding presence. His thin lips were slightly pursed, and he rarely smiled, yet he seemed born to be this way—deep and cold. His eyes coldly scrutinized me; even the fleeting look of amazement I had seen upon first meeting was icy. The woman sitting to his left was indeed Consort Shu, so Consort Rong to his right was also expected.

I smiled, a slight upturn at the corners of my mouth. "King of Azure Sky, we've finally met. My next task is to find a good opportunity, without losing my life, to reveal my identity and successfully persuade you to form an alliance with the Dragon Radiance Kingdom."

"The dance was excellent, reward it!" No sooner had the words been spoken than a eunuch appeared, carrying a large, gold-rimmed tray. On the dark red silk base of the tray lay a string of pearls, each about the size of a ring. The pearls were round and lustrous, all roughly the same size, shimmering brilliantly under the night lights.

"This humble woman, Yueweimian, kowtows to express her gratitude for Your Majesty's bestowal." I knelt and bowed in thanks.

"King Tianqing, I am here on the orders of my king, sincerely wishing to form an alliance with your esteemed country to jointly pursue our great cause. Unexpectedly, at this welcoming banquet, His Majesty has sent women from the Dragon Radiance Kingdom to perform a dance, and has even praised them highly. What is His Majesty's intention in doing this?" The speaker, seated at the head of the left-hand seat, was about thirty years old, with a robust build, a square face, sharp eyebrows, and bright eyes, exuding an air of arrogance and domineering presence. He rose and merely bowed to King Tianqing, his tone revealing a hint of displeasure.

"A woman from the Dragon Radiance Kingdom?" King Tianqing repeated softly, his eyes fixed on me, a sharp glint in them.

I smiled calmly. Fourth Prince, is this your trick and purpose in insisting that I participate in the banquet performance today?

"I've heard that this peacock dance was created and practiced by the women of the Yun Prime Minister's residence in the Longyao Kingdom. It's incredibly beautiful and is never shared with outsiders or performed for anyone other than the Yun Prime Minister. Today, I've witnessed its splendor firsthand, and I'm amazed. I imagine the dancers who performed it just now must have been women from the Yun Prime Minister's residence." He spoke with such conviction that it seemed to be true.

I laughed even harder. To spread such rumors, isn't it because they firmly believe that by speaking these words as an envoy of Wangyue Kingdom at this time, no one would dare to refute them? Fourth Prince, your tricks are ultimately a bit too simplistic.

"Is that really so?" I could clearly feel the anger in Tianqing King's eyes when he asked the question.

"Your Majesty, I am Yue Weimian, and I am indeed from Longyao Kingdom. I learned this dance from a master since I was a child. I was unaware that there were women in the Yun Prime Minister's residence who knew this dance." I explained in a calm and respectful manner.

"Outrageous! How dare you conceal your identity and use a prince to infiltrate the palace! Guards, seize her at once!" Before the King of Tianqing could speak, Consort Rong couldn't help but shout loudly.

"Wait!" I looked up at Tian Xilan, who gave me a reassuring smile before bowing and saying, "Father, I knew from the beginning that Wei Mian was from Longyao Kingdom. She was brought back to the palace by me and lives in my Zhilan Palace."

"Zhilan Palace?" I clearly saw that everyone, including King Tianqing, changed their expressions.

Ye Feng said that Zhilan Palace was guarded by layers of guards, but I didn't see a single person. Looking at the expressions on everyone's faces, what secrets does Zhilan Palace hold?

"Then does Sixth Brother know that Miss Yue's face was deliberately concealed and disguised?" The Fourth Prince finally couldn't help but ask.

Clouds Drunk, Moon Slightly Asleep (Revised Edition) Volume Two: Where Does the Vast Sky and Water Lead? The Trees Desire Stillness, But the Wind Never Ceases (Part One)

Chapter word count: 7671 Update time: 08-12-21 16:22

The tree desires stillness, but the wind will not cease (Part 1)

Do you want me to bear the charge of deceiving the emperor and be put to death? A smile crept onto my lips. Fourth Prince, I've already thought through all your little tricks for tonight.

“Father, Wei Mian did indeed disguise herself, and it was I who did it myself. Wei Mian was new to Tianqing Kingdom and suffered from acclimatization issues, plus a pollen allergy, resulting in a rash on her face. Firstly, I was afraid she would scratch her face and break the skin, leaving scars, and secondly, I didn't want to startle the distinguished guests at tonight's banquet, so I disguised her. Wei Mian had no intention of deceiving Your Majesty, and I hope Your Majesty will understand.” Tian Xilan explained with a smile, “That was the explanation we had prepared this morning.”

The Fourth Prince was clearly surprised that we were prepared. His gaze swept over Tian Xilan and me before he respectfully addressed the newly enthroned Prince Tianqing: “Father, I believe that given the current situation, it is best to be cautious. Although Miss Yue was brought into the palace by my sixth brother, her identity is indeed suspicious. I am worried that someone might take advantage of my sixth brother’s kindness to try to uncover our country’s secrets. I urge Father to reconsider.”

I looked directly at King Tianqing. He remained silent, his face grim, his eyes cold and sharp. I could clearly feel the murderous aura emanating from him! Why was this happening? I had always thought the Fourth Prince was so eager to kill me because King Tianqing had received the letter from the Dragon Fox and was hesitant. But King Tianqing should have understood long ago that, even if he ultimately chose to ally with Wangyue Kingdom, Longyao Kingdom wouldn't dare to act rashly at this point. They were too busy trying to appease King Tianqing to risk offending him. Why was the rage and murderous intent in his eyes so obvious from the moment he heard I was from Longyao Kingdom? Did King Tianqing never receive the letter from the Dragon Fox? Was the Fourth Prince's desire to kill me not because he feared I would persuade King Tianqing, but because he feared King Tianqing would discover Longyao Kingdom's intention to form an alliance?

I was startled by the thought that was on my mind!

"Your Majesty, even if you are to convict me, please allow me to be so bold as to clear my name, otherwise I will die with my eyes open in disgrace." I knelt on the ground, my previous understanding telling me that I must try my best to save myself at this moment. "Your Majesty is wise and will surely restore my innocence."

"Seek justice for yourself? How do you intend to seek justice for yourself?" Perhaps my words were novel, or perhaps my demeanor was calm, but King Tianqing unexpectedly complied with my wishes.

"May I be so bold as to ask the Fourth Prince what he thought of my dance just now?"

"Absolutely astonishing." The Fourth Prince looked at me, hesitated for a moment, and finally gave his honest assessment, then quickly added, "But your dancing skills don't explain your problem."

"This humble woman thanks the Fourth Prince for acknowledging my dancing skills. The fine horses of Ye Cang Kingdom, the silks of Xiuruo Kingdom, the wines of Wangyue Kingdom, the beauties of Hanxing Kingdom, and the jade artifacts of Longyao Kingdom—this humble woman dares to ask Your Majesty how many of these have you enjoyed? And when Your Majesty enjoys these things, has Your Majesty ever considered that they did not originate from the land of Tianqing Kingdom, nor were they crafted by the skilled artisans of Tianqing Kingdom? This humble woman's dance is the same; it is solely for the sake of entertaining the audience and to win Your Majesty's praise. I have no ulterior motives; please, Your Majesty, understand."

The King of Tianqing looked at me, and I remained kneeling, meeting his gaze calmly and fearlessly. I continued, “Your Majesty, I have heard of Tianqing’s illustrious reputation, which has grown increasingly powerful and prosperous in the last decade. Not only do you treat foreign subjects with the same kindness as your own people, but your economy and culture have also reached unprecedented heights. I am ignorant and do not understand the ways of governing a country, but I believe that Tianqing’s development would not have been so rapid without Your Majesty’s magnanimity, your inclusive spirit, and your tolerance, generosity, and open-mindedness towards foreign things. Today, I offer my humble opinion on this dance. If the dance is wonderful, I believe Your Majesty would not be concerned about whether the dancer is old or young, noble or poor, or whether they live in the east or come from the west.”

I saw a hint of admiration in the eyes of the Azure King, who continued, “The Sixth Prince saved my life, and I have yet to repay his kindness, let alone have any intention of harming the Sixth Prince or the Azure Kingdom. Today, I offer this dance with utmost sincerity. I disguised myself to meet His Majesty not to deceive the Emperor, but rather to avoid alarming His Majesty. His Majesty is wise and will not condemn me for a grave crime simply because I am from the Dragon Radiance Kingdom.”

After I finished speaking, I bowed and knelt down. Silence reigned all around; for a moment, no one spoke.

"In your opinion, what should I do?" A wise person will always throw the question at the other party at such times.

"Your Majesty, I believe that while this woman's words are reasonable, this matter is of great importance. It would be better to detain her first and make a decision after the matter has been investigated thoroughly." The envoy looked at me with a mixture of pride and regret in his eyes.

"Let's do it this way. Men, take her away and keep a close watch on her." King Tianqing waved his hand at me, and guards came over to make a move.