The Beauties of the Cold Palace A Subtle and Alluring Woman

Chapter 33

Xiao Quanzi, oblivious to my expression, said, "Master, you don't know, those women are practically going crazy. This is what you call... what you taught me before, hmm," Xiao Quanzi scratched his head, racking his brains, "Right, that... that... some people's happiness is others'—"

I corrected him, saying, "It's a case of some people being happy while others are sad."

“Yes, yes, that’s it,” Xiao Quanzi said happily.

I picked up the half-finished drawing paper, crumpled it into a ball, and threw it into a makeshift wooden trash can.

Xiao Quanzi looked up in astonishment, then knelt on the ground, picked up the painting, and exclaimed, "Master, this painting was perfectly fine, why did you throw it away?"

I put down my pen and said calmly, "A painting with a single mistake is unusable. Useless things are useless to keep, so it's better to discard them."

“Oh, right, Your Majesty,” Xiao Quanzi suddenly remembered something and said, “His Majesty also said that at tonight’s banquet, he can grant Consort Huan one wish as a reward. I wonder if Consort Huan is hoping to become one of the four concubines, or if she wants more gold and silver treasures, or something else? It’s so exciting, Your Majesty, what do you think?”

"It's none of my business, so don't tell me again. I'm going to get some sleep. Remember to wake me up before the banquet starts." I don't know why I suddenly felt a little tired, and I wanted to sleep quietly by myself.

"Yes, Master." Xiao Quanzi looked at his master, who had suddenly fallen silent, with a strange expression. For some reason, he had a feeling that his master's back looked somewhat lonely.

"Master, Master, wake up, wake up."

"Is the banquet about to begin?" I woke up groggily. I touched my forehead; it was burning hot and hurt terribly. I must have slept too much.

"Yes, my lady, if you don't get up and get dressed soon, all the other ladies will steal the spotlight tonight, and you won't get a chance to shine," Xiao Quanzi complained.

I replied lazily, "I hope I don't have to do anything about it." How come in just a few days, Xiao Quanzi has already inherited all the fussiness from Yunying? She's even starting to worry about this.

I felt weak and listless, so I lazily got up and managed to find a presentable white robe to wear. Looking at my pale face in the mirror, devoid of any color, I could only apply some rouge to avoid being seen by anyone with ulterior motives. I put on some light makeup, casually chose a few hair ornaments to wear, and finally, draped a long robe over my shoulders. Amidst Xiao Quanzi's protests, I took him out.

He kept chattering in my ear the whole way: "Master, all those beautiful dresses in your closet are about to get moldy if you don't wear them soon, and the jewelry in the warehouse is about to rust if you don't wear it..." Seeing that I ignored him, he finally sighed at my lack of self-control: "Master—"

After walking for a while, we ran into the little tycoon. I looked at him and saw that he was dressed in a gorgeous brocade robe, which was a limited edition designed by Junjin for those little noble masters. This kid really knows how to enjoy life!

I didn't say anything to him, but he started criticizing my clothes: "If you make your lips any whiter, I'll think I've encountered a female ghost!" Then, with an expression of exasperation, he said, "Can't you dress up a bit more like other women? Be careful your father isn't snatched away by other women."

I didn't even bother to look up: "Even if I tried to steal your father, he wouldn't be mine."

He nodded in agreement: "That's true. As the emperor, Father should naturally have a harem."

Seeing his smug expression, I couldn't be bothered to continue talking to someone I couldn't communicate with verbally; it would be a waste of my time. Besides, for some reason, I feel weak all over, and I'm even walking a little unsteadily.

Seeing that I ignored him and walked straight away, he quietly followed behind me. After a long while, he surprisingly said something astonishing: "If it were me, I would only ever want one woman I love in my life." After saying that, he gave me a shy look, and I almost collapsed on the spot.

He really is a handful. For him to say something so cheesy is like the sun rising in the west.

Along the way, the imperial concubines, dressed in their finest attire and dazzlingly beautiful, walked past me with their heads held high. Compared to them, it was truly a stark contrast between a peony and a wildflower growing by the roadside. Oh well, I slowed my pace, deciding to stroll through the Imperial Garden first, and then go in after all the concubines were seated. Then I would quietly remain there, as if I were invisible.

That little sugar daddy had no patience to waste time with me, and arrogantly left me and my entourage behind.

I saw that Xiao Quanzi also looked eager to try it out; he probably hadn't seen such a lively scene since entering the palace and was itching to join in. So I went with him, letting him find his own fun and not follow me. He happily left.

I wandered among the myriad flowers until I grew tired. Luckily, there was a pavilion not far away, so I went in to rest. As I sat by the pavilion watching the fish playing in the water, a male voice came from behind me: "Ying'er."

I turned my head and looked at him with some joy. No matter what, I was genuinely happy to see an old friend in the palace.

"Huan Wen, what brings you here?" I asked.

He remained as elegant and handsome as ever: "His Majesty wishes for the emperor and his subjects to enjoy themselves together, and as a subject, I naturally cannot be absent."

I gave a disdainful smile: "I know you well enough. I just wanted to take a look at the beauties hidden in the palace and feast my eyes."

As before, after hearing my words, he walked over with a roguish air, lifted my chin with his folding fan, and said in a cynical tone, "I wonder if the beauties Your Majesty mentioned include you?"

I was furious and threw a punch at him. He dodged it, and I smiled slyly. I turned around and pressed his acupoint, and he burst into laughter. Seeing his contorted face, which he didn't want to laugh but had to, I finally couldn't help but pat his shoulder hard and laugh out loud. So funny!

Lost in our fun, we didn't notice a bright yellow figure watching us coldly from a distance as we frolicked in the pavilion. After a long while, the figure silently left. But the eunuch accompanying the emperor inexplicably felt a chill emanating from him, making him shiver involuntarily.

After bidding farewell to Huan Wen, I quietly sat down at the end of the women's group. All the way home, I kept thinking about how, when I said goodbye, Huan Wen looked at me earnestly and asked, "How have you been?"

Seeing his unusually serious and sincere expression, I could only nod silently and leave that ambiguous scene. I could never hurt him, but I also couldn't fall in love with him. Even though I knew I liked him, it was only the liking of a close friend.

I spent the afternoon napping, and now I was a little hungry, so I ate heartily in a corner where no one was watching. But as I stuffed my mouth full, I glanced up and saw Huan Wen sitting not far away, raising his cup to me with a half-smile on his face. Thinking about my rather unseemly appearance, I couldn't help but feel embarrassed.

At this banquet, the emperor's concubines sat on the left, while the emperor and his ministers sat on the right. I didn't want to look up; I knew the head of the household sat next to the Left Chancellor, the second after the emperor. I didn't want to see him, didn't want to see his face or expression. I still couldn't get over Consort De's matter. I never imagined that behind Xie Weiying's death, behind my revenge for him, were so many unknown secrets. Because of Gao Lu's dishonesty, my punishment for him was to withhold his medicine to suppress the worms for three days. I thought that was enough to make him wish he were dead. The order of precedence was based on official rank, and Huan Wen sat only in the middle. I knew that in the future, he would replace everyone else. The concubines sitting next to the emperor on the left were Consort Huan, and Huan Shuangshuang, who was pregnant, sat next to her. Next was the stunningly beautiful Consort Wang, followed by the taciturn Consort Li, then Wang Dieyi, and then a number of women whose names I couldn't recall, some of whom I had barely even seen before. Ya Ya sat quietly in the middle. Your Majesty, how long has it been since you last thought of her? I feel a pang of sadness for her.

From beginning to end, I was completely unaware that a burning gaze had been fixed on me ever since I secretly took my seat. He had been watching my unseemly eating habits with an expressionless face, observing the ambiguous eye contact between Huan Wen and me, and the unspoken understanding between our eyes. At this moment, his face was as cold as a block of ice. The atmosphere at the banquet became somewhat tense.

But I, completely oblivious to everything, continued eating without any regard for appearances, which was quite unsightly.

I glanced up again, and suddenly noticed the patriarch across the street and a strange gaze fixed on me. I stared at the man for a long time before remembering that he was Director Wang; my brothers Sima and Third Brother had introduced me to him. He was now drinking and looking at me inquisitively. I awkwardly touched my face. Was there something dirty on it, or was my complexion too pale, and my blush not applied properly?

Just then, the emperor suddenly spoke: "My beloved concubine, today is a joyous occasion. I promised you that I would grant you one wish today. Tell me quickly, and I will certainly do it for you."

Everyone held their breath and looked at Huan Shuangshuang, who was sitting obediently next to Consort Xian, her head bowed and her face full of joy.

Finally, she raised her head and looked at the emperor, saying, "Your Majesty's favor has long been received. How could I dare to act presumptuously again?"

Sima Rui's expression remained unchanged: "It's alright, go ahead and speak. I will keep my promise."

"Well—" Huan Shuangshuang finally emerged after much urging from the Emperor: "Your Majesty has prepared a banquet for me today, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude and trepidation. There are no particularly enjoyable programs for everyone tonight, but I have heard that Sister Weiying has been learning various dances since childhood. Why not let her choose any three different types of dances to perform for everyone? I wonder if Sister Weiying would be willing to grant Shuangshuang's small request?"

Seeing everyone staring at me, I froze, gave an awkward smile, and put down the chicken leg I was holding. How did we end up talking about me again? Studying dance since childhood?! How could I, as the person involved, have no idea? Looking at Huan Wen, he was actually looking at me with a gloating expression, as if to say, "How come I didn't know you studied dance since childhood?" In fact, I didn't even know myself!

Sima Rui initially intended to refute Huan Shuangshuang's words and bestow some gold and silver jewelry upon her to prevent her from being embarrassed. However, when he saw her still exchanging glances with that man, he felt a sudden discomfort in his heart. He coldly looked down at her and cruelly said, "I wonder if my beloved consort can fulfill Shuangshuang's wish, and also fulfill my own promise on my behalf?"

I was sweating profusely as I looked at the expectant eyes of everyone. Damn it, I was really in a bind. I had no choice but to agree. I gritted my teeth, walked out respectfully, and knelt down, saying, "Your Majesty, I will certainly share your burdens. However, I beg Your Majesty to allow me to prepare clothing."

"Okay, you can go and get ready first." Huan Shuangshuang looked at me kneeling on the ground, pale-faced, and assumed that I was definitely in trouble this time. She raised the corner of her mouth slightly, waiting to see me make a fool of myself.

She naturally wouldn't ask to be one of the four imperial concubines; such a foolish thought would only come to mind for a stupid person. If the emperor truly intended to make her a concubine, he wouldn't have let her choose for herself. If she asked for gold, silver, jewels, or other rewards, the emperor would likely look down on her, seeing her as a vain woman. After much thought, she couldn't come up with any good wishes. Perhaps it would be better to take this opportunity to humiliate that woman; this was probably the wish of many concubines.

"Hmph." Huan Shuangshuang sneered.

I stood up, feeling a little dizzy for some reason. Maybe I slept too much today?

Sigh, I hope I don't suffer too much later. I wonder if I can bring out some kind of Dai dance or tap dance? They're all waiting to see me make a fool of myself; how can I just throw together any random dance and embarrass myself? Let me think.

Let me think about it.

All I can say is that things got a bit tragic later on, but there's nothing we can do about it. Just wait and see, everyone.

Volume 2, Chapter 59: Yin Wuxuan

A clear song briefly parted the cherry blossoms. Lingering over the fleeting beauty, I cherished her youthful face; the sound of the phoenix flute faded into the soft moonlight.

The world's revelry, its bright lights and bustling crowds, its endless feasts and toasts—aren't they all manipulated by people?

So, this kind of amusement and ridicule directed at the seemingly weak truly reflects the law of the jungle. However, this time, the unfortunate one being mocked or seeking amusement is me. Perhaps this is yet another test from fate? A smile involuntarily creeps onto my lips, and I shake my head slightly. When did I ever care about such things? I'll face whatever comes my way, won't I?

Upon arriving at the back room, a room the Emperor had temporarily cleared out for me to prepare, Yunying had already secretly come in to wait for me. I whispered something in her ear, instructing her to find the clothes I needed. The clothes, of course, were in my specially made secret compartment, known only to Yunying. I usually only wore those clothes in my room; I would never display them in public. But today, I had no choice. I hoped I wouldn't scare anyone. Those clothes—sigh… never mind, I don't want to think about it. I casually let my hair down; since there were no jewels or hairpins to begin with, it saved me a lot of trouble.

After the clothes arrived, there were three sets, and she declared she wanted to see three different types of dances. I couldn't afford to be careless either. It wasn't just me who was losing face now; if I messed up in front of these important civil and military officials, I would be disgracing the entire Xie family. Conversely, if I succeeded, the Huan family would be the ones to bring shame upon themselves.

Looking at the maids who were busy in a chaotic mess, I felt a bit overwhelmed. Maybe I shouldn't have tried to be so strong.

The first dance was very simple; all I had to do was put my hair up and insert a prop—a white feather—into my bun. I twirled in front of the large bronze mirror, and Xiao Quanzi, who was standing by at my beck and call, frowned at my strange attire. After a long while, he finally managed to say, "Master, why do you look like a bird in this outfit?"

I nonchalantly attempted a standing pose, and thank God, I managed to stand up using the martial arts skills I'd learned in school. By the way, the first dance I want to try is ballet, the world-famous Swan Lake. I wonder if these old-fashioned people can get used to this kind of thing. Perhaps some will understand the elegance, peace, and tranquility of ballet.

The dance I'm going to perform is what's known as the noblest and most elegant ballet in the world.

I pulled Xiao Quanzi aside and whispered the instructions in his ear. He went from being confused to suddenly understanding, and quickly got up to carry them out. I smiled; the "High Mountains and Flowing Water" piece I'd painstakingly created had actually been invited to the palace as a performance orchestra. Based on my understanding of them, and our previous collaborations and guidance, I figured having them play some soothing music wouldn't be a problem.

Just as I was thinking about finding someone to help me, Consort Huan walked into the room with a faint smile and lent me her personal maid. As she left, she said to me with an expectant look, "To be honest, I'm really looking forward to the miracle you'll bring. I think you'll need these people."

I looked back at her and said, "Thank you, Your Highness."

"Don't mention it," she said, looking at my unusual attire with a smile. "Your outfit is quite unique."

Seeing her struggling to find a word to describe my outfit, I covered my mouth and laughed: "You look like a bird, don't you think?"

"Okay." She nodded. "I'm leaving now."

I called for Huanxianfei's maids, Atao and Xiaoye, and asked them to prepare a brazier, an iron clamp, and a basin of water for my next dance.

Have all the lights in the banquet hall turned off. Then, just like during a fashion show, find a large mirror, have someone set it up in the opposite attic, and turn on the lights. That's how they created a simple, modern lighting setup.

Amidst everyone's anticipation, and with a sense of something being eagerly awaited, I put on a Western Halloween-themed mask, gracefully walked to the stage, stood on the ground, and struck a pose.

Standing gracefully, exuding an ethereal charm, her face serene, her eyes empty, she radiated nobility, inviolability, and unapproachability. Every movement, every lift, every spin, every stroll through the air, was so elegant, so natural, as if innate, flowing smoothly and effortlessly like clouds and water.

The lights changed with my movements, but always shone on me alone, on my silhouette, my white clothes, and my less-than-perfect but adequate dance moves of these ancient people.

The music had been over for a long time. I lay prostrate on the ground in the final pose, and for a long time I heard no applause. There was no reaction from the audience. A chill ran through me. Could it be? Is it just a difference between East and West? They don't appreciate Western, or even world-renowned, ballet?

I slowly raised my head, only to find that all the ministers and concubines present were staring at me blankly. Just as I was about to give an awkward smile to ease the unusual silence, I thought to myself, "Perhaps I'm not as good as I thought, perhaps I really did a terrible job dancing, perhaps I should have declined when Huan Shuangshuang made things difficult for me and backed down." Perhaps... I thought to myself with a touch of self-mockery.

Just as I was about to leave this humiliating stage in dejection, someone shouted "Bravo!" and thunderous applause erupted from the audience. Apparently, these people had been stunned into silence by my new dance style, which made me think—I saw Huan Shuangshuang and the other spectators turn pale and incredulous. I finally relaxed, and my worries vanished. It seems the charm of dance transcends nationality and ethnicity; as long as there is an appreciation, it is universal.

I calmly looked at them, bowed slightly in thanks, and then made my graceful exit. Hmph, they'll see what happens next.

When I got backstage, I couldn't help but glance back, only to see Sima Rui's complex gaze, just like when I sang "A Laughter in the Vast Sea" with him during our adventure at Yichun Garden. It seemed to be filled with some kind of emotion, or perhaps some unknown anger and sadness.

I looked away, but caught a glimpse of a deep, probing look in the patriarch's eyes. I wanted to laugh, but I saw Huan Wen sitting quietly to the side, watching Sima Rui and me exchange silent glances. When I looked at him, he quickly forced a bitter smile, still a gentle, warm smile, but I saw the sting in his eyes, and a hint of helplessness—helplessness towards supreme power, or helplessness towards fate. I didn't know, but I knew it was because of me. But I—couldn't respond.

I hurried backstage, took off my clothes, and changed into the second outfit Yunying handed me. Looking at its unprecedented design and its brilliant, unconventional innovation, I felt a bit resigned—I sighed resignedly. It seemed I had no way out now.

Looking at my modern clothes, Yunying said with a headache, "Miss, are you sure you really want to go out dressed like this? It's alright to wear it in the courtyard, since no one will see us, and I'm used to your unconventionality. But, if other people see us, well... sigh... Miss, I have a bad feeling about this."

I patted her on the shoulder: "Trust me, this will pass. This will pass." I didn't know if I was comforting her or myself.

I casually put on my baseball cap and said, "Let's Go!"

Yes, the second dance I'm going to perform is hip-hop, the most popular street dance, cough cough, but that's in modern times. I was initially worried I wouldn't be able to do it, but after learning various techniques from the old man, I'm confident I can. That's why I dare to embarrass myself in front of so many people.

"By the way," I turned my head and asked, "Did Xiao Quanzi take care of what I asked him to do?"

Yunying nodded: "If there are no unexpected events, he should be ready."

I looked at her, my eyes a little red. I thought I could be cold-blooded and ruthless, that I could be indifferent to everything in this world. But now I realize that there are so many things I care about, so many things I can't let go of.

"Yunying, thank you. I can't imagine what I would do without you by my side. Thank you for always being there for me." I glanced at her one last time, then turned and resolutely walked towards the front desk.

Even tougher challenges lie ahead. Keep going, An Jin.

A figure appeared on the stage in an instant, and as she appeared, the stage was suddenly filled with dazzling light. The sky was filled with colorful fireworks of various shapes, patterns and colors. When everyone saw this, they suddenly remembered the fireworks that illuminated the entire sky above Jiankang City at the fashion show.

As smoke billowed from the stage and fireworks lit up the sky above the small Imperial Garden, the crowd was still amazed that such a spectacle had appeared. It was Jun Jin's private property. After Jun Jin first used it at the fashion show, many merchants and high-ranking officials offered exorbitant prices to buy the technique, but Jun Jin refused them all. Even when they tried to place orders, Jun Jin still declined. He told the outside world that it was a technique personally designed and kept secret by Young Master Jin, a firework that only Jun Jin or Young Master Jin himself could produce. The crowd was astonished. The concubines, who hadn't left the palace, naturally didn't know, and assumed it was a new invention from the palace, exclaiming with delight. But those who knew the truth wore solemn expressions.

As the music slowly began, the woman on stage swayed her waist and body with graceful and exaggerated movements. Even just seeing her from behind sparked anticipation and imagination. Then, the music suddenly swelled, and the audience was jolted as the woman finally appeared before them, her figure partially veiled like a pipa player.

Upon seeing the woman's appearance and attire, everyone present couldn't help but gasp. Even the concubines covered their cherry-like mouths in shock, their eyes wide, about to burst into laughter at her strange attire—

Volume 2, Chapter 60: Laughter

A black baseball cap, a black T-shirt with a skull pattern that slightly revealed a flat navel, and ripped jeans that reached his waist with a gold belt. And of course, one and only Nike knock-off sneakers. Trendy smoky makeup, large hoop earrings, and flowing curly hair! This was my imitation of how Fong Sai-yuk curled his mother's hair in the movie "Fong Sai-yuk," though of course I wouldn't cause a disastrous accident like burning his hair. This was absolutely a night out that would leave everyone present speechless and unforgettable!

A one-handed push-up, a backflip in mid-air, followed by a 360° vertical spin upon landing. The spectacular entrance consisted of several high-difficulty, fluid movements, eliciting gasps of astonishment from the audience. Some even applauded. It felt less like a grand court performance and more like a spectacle for the audience in the marketplace. Captivated by the breathtaking performance, a spectacle unlike anything seen before, they forgot their noble status and pride. They became authentic, letting their own desires guide their decisions.

I stared blankly at the people below the stage, my gaze cold and indifferent. Every movement was sharp and swift, carrying a chilling aura. I poured all the unhappiness, resentment, and disgust I had encountered in this palace into every movement and every spin of the dance. This gave me inexhaustible strength and energy, as well as boundless courage. It was like an explosive force that immersed me in it, and the corners of my mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly.