C13 The Dancer
Liu Li Hall.
Yanwu walked gracefully to the outside of the hall, where she saw a dancer begin her performance. The dancer wore a veil, obscuring her face, but Yanwu found her figure strikingly familiar.
"Yuvyi!" Yanwu gasped, recognizing the dancer. Yuvyi spun lightly, her pink dress swirling like a half-bloomed flower.
Yuvyi noticed Yanwu standing outside the hall and flashed a captivating, teasing smile. She held a silk fan, her shoulders draped with flowing fabric, and her waist adorned with tassels. Though her face was veiled, her beauty was undeniable. Her dark hair cascaded down, and her enchanting eyes were mesmerizing. She danced with abandon, frequently casting glances at Xiao Zhen, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, as lovely as peach blossoms. Her lashes fluttered delicately, a true vision of beauty.
Yanwu murmured a low compliment. Although she had seen many skilled dancers back in Great Qi, none could compare to Yuvyi.
Yanwu's gaze swept over the people in the hall. Xiao Zhen smiled silently, while Nan Ying's expression remained unchanged. Her eyes instinctively shifted to Mo Ruyan, who stood behind Xiao Zhen, lost in thought.
Yanwu silently chided him for his lack of appreciation, waiting outside for the performance to end.
When the dance concluded, Xiao Zhen exclaimed, "Bravo!" His smile reached his eyes as he said, "This dancer's skill is extraordinary, and I bet her beauty matches it. Would the esteemed prince have the honor to ask her to unveil, so we may all admire her face? What do you think, Ruyan?"
"The lady is indeed a marvel; I am impressed," Mo Ruyan replied, not directly answering the question.
Nan Ying was about to respond when he saw Yanwu enter the hall. She gave a slight bow to everyone and said with a smile, "I was just outside admiring the dance and felt quite inadequate in comparison. My father once arranged for the palace dancers to teach me, but I barely learned a thing. Seeing this young lady dance, I feel truly humbled. It seems the Crown Prince is quite taken with her. Perhaps she might consider revealing her face for his sake?"
With this, Yanwu put Yuvyi and Xiao Zhen in a difficult position. Her face wore a gentle smile, but her eyes were sharp. Yuvyi had no choice but to remove her veil. If she refused, it would be seen as disrespectful to Xiao Zhen, embarrassing him in front of everyone. If she complied, Nan Ying would surely be furious, as a princess from Xiliang should not act so frivolously.
Yuvyi, aren't you eager for attention? I'll make sure you get plenty.
"You're too kind; I don't deserve such praise," Yuvyi said, lowering her eyes, masking her delight with a composed demeanor.
Yanwu smirked inwardly.
As soon as Yuvyi finished speaking, she removed her veil, revealing her lovely face to everyone.
Yanwu was momentarily taken aback. Did Yuvyi intend to unveil herself from the start? Perhaps she had overthought things...
Nan Ying recognized Yuvyi immediately, but he suppressed his anger and remained silent. The gathering was initially meant to discuss the union between Yanwu and Xiao Zhen, a marriage alliance between the two regions. Yet, with the event barely underway, Yuvyi had already stolen the spotlight. Xiao Zhen might now be more interested in Yuvyi, while Yanwu seemed indifferent to the whole affair. Moreover, Yuvyi's actions were rather reckless, potentially embarrassing Xiliang...
Nan Ying grew increasingly frustrated.
When Xiao Zhen and Mo Ruyan saw Nan Yuvyi's face, their eyes instinctively shifted to Nan Yanwu. The two did bear a striking resemblance...
"Yuvyi?" Nan Yanwu exclaimed in feigned surprise, "I never expected it to be you."
"Sister," Nan Yuvyi replied with a sly smile, her eyes gleaming with pride. "Yuvyi greets everyone."
Xiao Zhen turned to say something to Mo Ruyan, but noticed Mo Ruyan's gaze was fixed on the center of the room.
"What’s this? Taken with the little princess? Want me to put in a good word for you?" Xiao Zhen teased, thinking Mo Ruyan was entranced by Nan Yuvyi's dance.
Mo Ruyan seemed not to hear him at all.
