048 Greatly Astonished

Xi Lou was first startled, then turned to look at Yun Xueyan’s resolute face, filled with confusion. He had just helped her out of an awkward situation, so why was she still determined to dance?

Without glancing at Feng Xilou’s gentle gaze, Yun Xueyan took a deep breath and slowly walked to the center of the garden, standing beside Mu Wanying. Her face remained calm and unaffected, pure as a lotus blooming on her translucent cheeks. Under the lantern light, her beauty appeared all the more breathtaking.

The person most astonished to see Yun Xueyan’s true appearance was Yun Qimo. She had never expected that the girl once ridiculed for her ugliness could become so stunning. In comparison, both Yun Xiyin and she herself were somewhat inferior.

“Yun Xueyan pays her respects to His Majesty, the Empress Dowager, and the Empress.” Kneeling before the three seated at the center, Yun Xueyan then rose, and Feng Xilou returned to his seat.

He did not understand why Yun Xueyan would insist on this course of action.

Sensing the gentle gaze lingering on her, Yun Xueyan turned, her bright, clear eyes meeting Feng Xilou’s with a hint of a smile. “Xueyan thanks Prime Minister Feng for resolving the difficulty just now.”

She could not continue to let Feng Xilou step forward on her behalf. She already owed him too much, and the thought weighed heavily on her conscience.

Turning away, her side facing Feng Xilou, she finally allowed the sadness in her heart to surface. She hoped her recent aloofness would not cause Duan Nanyu to trouble her further. Even if he did, she still had to thank Feng Xilou, or he would be left in an awkward position.

She gave Mu Wanying a gentle smile. Seeing Mu Wanying nod, Yun Xueyan spoke, “Madam Wanying, would you kindly play ‘Ode to Clear Waters’ for me?”

Mu Wanying was slightly taken aback, curious how the person before her could know of “Ode to Clear Waters.” The piece was rarely performed anymore, and the score was kept solely within the Mu family—they had never shared it with outsiders.

“Very well.” With a gentle nod, Mu Wanying’s fingers began to dance across the strings of the zither, producing sounds as delicate as flowing spring water, yet capable of transforming in an instant to sweep across the vast sky.

As the music began, Yun Xueyan glided gracefully into the dance. Her pale, flowing skirts rippled like water, billowing in layers—she seemed a butterfly breaking free from its cocoon, slowly spreading her wings to soar.

Her cool, serene face bore no trace of a smile, yet she radiated a dazzling brilliance.

All eyes gathered upon Yun Xueyan, watching her elegant form sway and spin to the refined melody, as if everyone was immersed in a world of beauty.

Feng Xilou looked on, warmth and a hint of astonishment flickering across his gentle features, though soon hidden by affection. Holding his wine cup, he gazed intently at the dancer before him—she was truly beautiful.

Elsewhere, Yun Xueyan’s performance far exceeded Duan Nanyu’s expectations. He had never imagined that someone so inconspicuous could outshine all others.

He realized he had indeed underestimated her.

With a mocking smile, he leaned closer to Yun Xiyin. “Yin’er, how does she know how to dance?”

Yun Xiyin clenched her hands tightly together, suppressing her discomfort before replying with a forced smile, “I have no idea, perhaps she learned from her third mother.”

“Her third mother? You mean her own mother?” He recalled a woman he had once glimpsed—her bearing was impressive, though years of hardship had clearly aged her.

“Yes, Third Mother was born in the pleasure quarters, once famed as a celebrated dancer.” Yun Xiyin feigned concern and lowered her voice. “Nanyu, you don’t think less of my sister because of this, do you…?”

Understanding her implication, Duan Nanyu merely smiled indifferently. “Of course not, you worry too much.” With that, his gaze returned to the figure in the center of the garden.

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