The fact that Shui Xinyuan accepted Chen Shaowu's guidance alone soon spread among the palace servants.
Qing'er was asked to turn back the clothes she was originally ordered to sew. The angry palace girls went to the dance studio to ask Shui Xinyuan to come back and continue doing odd jobs. However, as soon as they saw her practicing, they all turned around and went back. No one could come out.
Voice.
Chen Shaowu played the tune "Snow Moon, Wind Flowers" on a pipa, and Shui Xinyuan danced to the tune.
The court ladies who occasionally peeked outside would tremble when they heard Chen Shaowu's stern voice.
Until the sun went down and no one could continue to visit, Shui Xinyuan continued to practice by the light of a candle.
The sound of pipa resounded through the silence of the night. At this time, only Qing'er was still awake and brought some simple food to the dance room.
After dawn, the court ladies who came to visit again were surprised and frightened. Shui Xinyuan did not sleep and continued to practice. Some people thought that teaching the little civet cat from the country to dance "Snow Moon, Wind and Flowers" was meaningless and laughed at it.
Then……
When dawn breaks on the night of the new moon, Chen Shaowu's pipa stops playing, and Shui Xinyuan's dance also stops quietly.
"...That's it."
Chen Shaowu said in a hoarse voice: "I will recommend you to be the fourth dancer at tonight's banquet... Shui Xinyuan, let the emperor enjoy the dance of 'Snow Moon, Wind and Flowers'."
"Yes, thank you Master..."
After bowing his head and saluting, Shui Xinyuan fell down.
"Shui Xinyuan!"
Qing'er ran forward to support her, but Shui Xinyuan lay motionless on the ground.
"Chen Shaowu..."
When he turned around, he saw Chen Shaowu also holding the pipa and leaning on the chair, his face was pale and he was panting constantly.
She looked at Qing'er and nodded heavily.
"The banquet is in the evening, let her rest before then."
"well."
"Fortunately, she has learned half of it after watching Zhuyan's dance, otherwise she would have been unable to catch up. She really worked hard..."
"yes……"
Qing'er put Shui Xinyuan's arm around her shoulders and supported her body.
"Chen Shaowu, can I attend with her? Just stay in the corner."
"Just accompany her! I will gather everyone in the evening. After the rehearsal, we will go to Chunying Palace. Before that, let Shui Xinyuan wake up and get ready."
"I understand, thank you Chen Shaowu... Shui Xinyuan, don't sleep here! Move your feet and hold on a little longer..."
Shui Xinyuan, who was being dragged by Qing'er, suddenly opened his eyes.
"clear……"
"It doesn't matter if you don't speak. At least you have to walk by yourself."
Qing'er reluctantly came to the door. Several palace servants who had just woken up probably came to see the situation and happened to be standing outside.
Like Qing'er, they are all the daughters of small businessmen, or palace concubines who have recently entered the palace.
"...Sister Qing'er, do you want our help?"
"Then I'll trouble you. Hold on over there."
"Is Chen Shaowu still inside?"
"Chen Shaowu is quite tired, go and help her too!"
"good."
Some people supported Shui Xinyuan with Qing'er, while others ran to help Chen Shao dance.
"Qing'er, Qing'er, Shui Xinyuan has learned 'Snow Moon Wind Flower'?"
"I have never seen the entire 'Snow Moon Wind Flower'...but if I'm right, she did dance from beginning to end just now."
The palace servants holding Shui Xinyuan expressed their admiration.
"It's amazing! Even Zhuyan and Yao'er can't do it..."
"Yes, can we go to the banquet? I also want to watch 'Snow Moon, Wind and Flowers'!"
"There will be a rehearsal in the evening, so you should be able to see it then."
"Really? That's great! I didn't expect Shui Xinyuan to really be able to dance 'Snow Moon Wind Flower'..."
"Is she so powerful in the first place?"
"The body is nimble, light as a swallow, and fast..."
The palace concubines were extremely excited as they moved the almost unconscious Shui Xinyuan.
"We also have to work hard. We may not be able to dance 'Snow Moon Wind Flower', but if we learn 'Nanshan Spring Breeze' or 'Cangtian Dance', we may be able to attend the banquet and dance for Zhuyan and the others!"
"After learning it, will I be qualified to perform at the banquet?"
"Just work hard, right? That's right, we are court servants, so it's natural to compete based on our skills..."
Qing'er silently hugged Shui Xinyuan tightly and helped her move forward.
Shui Xinyuan's eyes were completely closed, and the palace concubine's conversation was almost inaudible.
…
In the evening, Shui Xinyuan was awakened by Qing'er, took her to take a bath, and then hurriedly changed her clothes.
It’s unclear why besides Qing’er, other court ladies also came to help comb hair or deliver snacks.
Shui Xinyuan was very puzzled as to what happened during her dance practice.
Qing'er just smiled and answered, occasionally experiencing the feeling of being served.
"Okay, it's perfect..."
There are plum blossoms embroidered with gold thread on the red background cloth at the hem of the dress, which is layered with white tulle. It is paired with a light peach top and a yellow belt. Shui Xinyuan is standing with a translucent light purple shawl draped over her shoulders.
"All that's left is the hairpin."
After Qing'er finished speaking, she handed over the hairpin hidden behind her back.
The brand new silver hairpin has plum blossom metalwork on it, but it has a few more blooming flowers than the hairpin Shui Xinyuan owns.
"This is for you."
"Qing'er..."
"Take it! Plum blossoms are your favorite, right?"
Shui Xinyuan tilted her head slightly shyly.
"Can you plug it in for me?"
"OK!"
Qing'er inserted the hairpin into Shui Xinyuan's hair and asked her to look in the mirror.
"Does it look good..."
"nice."
"Thank you, Qing'er."
For Shui Xinyuan, who had just woken up, being able to put on beautiful clothes and dress up well was as if he was still dreaming.
...Have I learned "Snow Moon Wind Flower"? I can already dance, right?
"Shui Xinyuan, it's time to go... Shui Xinyuan?"
...I should be able to dance by now. After all, I have been practicing for a long time.
Qing'er has also been looking at me...
"I...should be able to dance, right?"
"What?"
"Can I jump out of 'Snow Moon, Wind and Flowers'..."
Qing'er was stunned for a moment with her mouth open, and then she slapped Shui Xinyuan on the shoulder hard.
"Hey! Aren't you awake yet? Of course you can do it, I've been watching."
"Well, um..."
Since Qing'er has been watching, it shouldn't be a dream.
Shui Xinyuan straightened his back and nodded.
"Don't worry, I'm awake."
"It's time to go. Did you forget something? If you are late for rehearsal, Zhuyan and the others will be nagging again."
"I forgot something...ah, yes!"
Shui Xinyuan quickly opened the suitcase under the bed and took out the things she had forgotten.
Seeing that thing, Qing'er said blankly:
"You're going to bring something like that on the field?"
"……no?"
"It's too shabby... Hey, forget it. Then again, it couldn't be..."
Shui Xinyuan carefully held the thing in his hand and smiled slightly.