Chapter 860: Where did this good show come from? (2/2)

It wasn’t convenient to make explanations here, nor did they come easy. Her true reason for remaining by his side wasn’t meant to be known by the majority. She could only drink her wine quickly to quell the chatty uncles. Otherwise, she didn’t dare to imagine what the “guard” behind her would think of all this.

Faced with Baili Mingxiang’s toast, Long Feiye only nodded his head, but didn’t return the gesture. Baili Mingxiang long expected this. His Highness preferred tea over wine. Unless it was a special circumstance, even someone in her father’s position would find it difficult to coax His Highness to drink. Moreover, His Highness would never drink with women.

Baili Mingxiang raised her cup and drained it dry alone, her bright and clever heart having long seen through everything. Still...still, this fragrant and rich wine only tasted bitter and astringent on her tongue, making it hard to swallow. She couldn’t help but turn towards Han Yunxi, only to see that the woman didn’t mind at all. Instead, she was currently playing with her sword.

Long Feiye had glanced back twice himself already. When he saw that Han Yunxi didn’t care, his knitted brows relaxed. He stopped looking back and hid his unhappiness within his gaze.

After three rounds of drinks, a boisterous drumbeat sounded from afar. Everyone looked towards the noise to see a group of gorgeously dressed woman come singing and dancing onto the scene, guided by a few soldiers. Such performances were put on in the military at set intervals as a way to send best wishes to the soldiers. On Qiqiao night’s bonfire banquet, they were an expected appearance. However, the dancers tonight were different from the usual. Their clothing exposed their skin, while their gazes were seductive and alluring. Han Yunxi took a look and only felt these women were daringly dressed. Although they had long skirts, slits in the sides exposed their snow-white thighs at intermittent moments, making for a captivating sight. She grew puzzled: who arranged for these dancers?

The dancers stopped in the center of the clearing and all knelt in greeting to Long Feiye. The only exception was the most beautiful one, who bent over far enough to expose the charming depths of her shirt. Next to Baili Yuanlong, Senior Provincial Official Luo hastily rose to his feet.

“Your Highness, this is the most reputed dance company from the Luo River, the Goddess Luo Dance Troupe. They specially prepared a song for Your Highness’s amusement called 'Stepping Song' (踏歌), may Your Highness enjoy the show.”

So it was a dance troupe. They weren’t just famous in the Luo River region, but all of Cloud Realm Continent. Han Yunxi had heard of them before, but this was her first time seeing them in person. Long Feiye’s army was stationed right in the Luo River region. The original land belonged to Tianning Country, but after the East Qin troops moved in, Senior Provincial Official Luo surrendered.

“Stepping Song” wasn’t simply the title of the performance, but a name for a whole genre of dance. Han Yunxi was just feeling bored, so now she decided to enjoy the show rather than sitting around like a fool. Long Feiye darted a glance at Baili Yuanlong without a word before raising his hand to signal the dancers to start. Senior Provincial Official Luo was thrilled. He rose from his bow and clapped three times towards the dancers.

“To display your skills for His Highness is your fortune cultivated from three lifetimes! Put on a good show!”

All of the dancers nodded. As the strains of music rose with drumbeats, they began to rise and move their bodies, dancing and singing with the melody.

(YouTube link here)

It wasn’t just anyone who could perform “Stepping Steps.” Basic fundamentals included restraining one’s shoulders, tucking in the chin, hiding one’s arms, swaying one’s back, loosening the knees, turning one’s wait, and bending from the hips as needed. These really were dancers who deserved their reputation, their graceful forms flittering between movements smoothly, their steps light and quick. Occasionally, their supple carriage and ambiguous poses enchanted and mesmerized many a soldier. Men all loved to see a woman’s beauty, which could either be graceful and fine or gorgeous and seductive. These dancers possessed both qualities.

Thank goodness that only strict selections pass dance troupes allowed into the army, Han Yunxi mused to herself. Otherwise, a few women would be enough to ruin a whole regiment of men!

Men could conquer the world, but they were easily conquered by women in turn! While she was looking down on them in silence, the most beautiful dancer of the lost suddenly danced towards Long Feiye, her movements proud and lithe until she was only ten paces away. This was the closest she could get as an outsider. She tossed her water sleeves towards him until the silk landed past the feet of his table. It was like a lure, or a invitation. As she withdrew her sleeves again, her eyes gave him a seductive look. It wasn’t clear whether Long Feiye was looking, but Han Yunxi saw her charming ways at close distance. Every movement she made, even a simple glance, was filled with bewitching intentions to confuse the senses.

This isn’t dancing at all. She’s simply trying to seduce Long Feiye by eating him up!

After dancing in front of Long Feiye for a bit, the dancers behind her all stepped forward in front of various soldiers. One particially tall dancer ended up standing in front of Baili Mingxiang. Han Yunxi was puzzled. These dancers, they won’t even spare a female like Baili Mingxiang from their seductive ways, either?

At that thought, she suddenly sensed danger. Another good show was about to start! Suddenly, the lead dancer flicked her sleeves at Long Feiye’s table again, but this time she left them there instead of pulling the silk back She gave a sweet and delicate nod as her eyes trailed from her arms to Long Feiye’s table, then finally up to his face with a charming expression.

Han Yunxi’s heart was filled with warnings. She was still trying to figure out whether the danger laid with Long Feiye or Baili Mingxiang when Long Feiye suddenly grabbed the dancer’s sleeves and pulled her towards him...

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Sorry about no new PGC chapters yet, I've got extra work on my plate this week. Will keep track and make up for them as I get to it, including sponsored chapters!

All the best,

Ruyi