The emperor lived in Chunying Palace, deep inside the palace.
The vast gardens and buildings are as peaceful as caring for the bedridden owner, immersed in the dusk.
Only one of the rooms was brightly lit.
The maids shuttled between more than a dozen princes and nobles pouring wine, while musicians, palace dancers and jugglers were waiting to appear.
There are four empty seats directly in front.
Shui Xinyuan was waiting in the corner, staring at the empty seats.
Occasionally, Zhuyan and Yaoer in front of them would peek over here and give them an unpleasant look...
They must have heard about Shui Xinyuan Society's "Snow Moon Plum Blossom" and were able to attend this banquet.
Every time Zhuyan and Yao'er turned their heads, Qing'er, who was standing diagonally behind Shui Xinyuan, would stare back at them instead of Shui Xinyuan.
Finally hearing the sounds of chaotic footsteps, Lu Wuxian appeared from inside and sat down in one of the empty seats.
Then, the attendants carried a thin and haggard old man in on a sedan. Next to him was a woman wearing heavy makeup and gorgeous clothes.
That’s the Emperor and Lu Wuxian’s mother, Concubine Chen, right?
The accompanying eunuchs helped the emperor sit on the chair, and Concubine Chen also pretended to sit next to the emperor.
Shui Xinyuan didn't look at Lu Wuxian, the Emperor, or Concubine Chen.
There is still one seat available.
Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Shui Xinyuan opens his eyes.
The door deep inside slowly opened, and a young man with a sword appeared, followed by a tall young man behind him.
"..."
Shui Xinyuan's eyes were hot and he pursed his lips tightly.
Lu Fusu sat down in the last empty seat, and Zhuge Qing stood behind him, as if protecting him.
Lu Fusu, who had been lowering his gaze, raised his head.
Everyone said some words to the emperor, but the content was completely inaudible.
each other……
Unable to reach out, call names or talk.
Can only communicate by sight.
Telling that I really want to see you...
"Then, please enjoy it, Your Majesty..."
The music and cheers blaring interrupted the subtle eye contact.
Qing'er tugged on Shui Xinyuan's sleeve, signaling to retreat.
Song, dance, acrobatics.
Lu Fusu drank wine and enjoyed the performances one after another, while still looking at Shui Xinyuan frequently.
The same goes for Shui Xinyuan. Although his face is facing the stage, his eyes are following Lu Fusu.
After Jin Cha finished dancing, Qing'er pulled Shui Xinyuan's sleeves.
Shui Xinyuan turned to look at Qing'er.
"..."
The friend nodded silently.
After responding with a smile, Shui Xinyuan took the thing originally hidden in his sleeve in his hand.
The chamberlain announced the name of the show.
"Dance, snow, moon, wind and flowers."
There was a small commotion at the scene.
Ding...the little bell rang.
Shui Xinyuan moved forward slowly.
...His Royal Highness Fusu...
Three years ago, I vowed to become the best dancer in Beijing for you.
I haven't done it yet.
but……
Quietly raise one hand and make a ready gesture.
In her hand is a plum branch with red petals.
No, if you look closely, you will see that it is just a dead branch. What looks like a red flower are three small bells painted red.
"..."
No one noticed that Lu Fusu held his breath when he saw the plum branch.
He still remembers it because it was a plum branch he broke off with his own hands.
A silent murmur escaped his lips.
"Water girl..."
She shook the plum branch lightly.
Ding.
The moment the bell rang, the pipa played.
Shui Xinyuan slowly danced his sleeves, and his light purple shawl fluttered.
...Looking back at my family and my hometown that was gradually moving away from me, on the road to the capital, I looked up at the sky, where the snowflakes were falling lightly.
Gorgeous but lonely, I want to find comfort and reach out to the bright moon in the distance.
The plum blossoms embellished in the hair of a gentle person seem to have given me a considerate and gentle heart...
Do you still remember? His Highness Fusu...
That night proved that the plum blossoms where you and I met have always supported me.
Even though we meet again, I still dare not ask you if you have forgotten this little plum branch?
If you remember...
Hope you can understand.
The gentle heart you gave me is my most precious treasure.
The hem of the clothes swayed lightly.
The bell makes a clear sound.
The overlapping tunes did not disrupt the pace, and there was almost no sound of footsteps. I also forgot how difficult this piece of music was, and Shui Xinyuan danced lightly.
After taking a big leap at the end, he landed on the ground with the final sound, then gently bent his knees and lowered his body.
There was silence.
No one made a sound.
Shui Xinyuan stood up slowly, stood upright, and bowed deeply straight ahead.
Low sighs and countless applause sounded.
The emperor also raised his bony hands and clapped two or three times.
"Wonderful……"
Hearing the emperor's somewhat bitter voice, the room became quiet again.
"It's been ten years since I last saw this dance! It's really... wonderful... come closer."
Under the urging of others, Shui Xinyuan took a few steps forward and then knelt down.
"May I have your name?"
"Folk girl... Shui Xinyuan."
Unexpectedly, Shui Xinyuan was not as nervous as he imagined. Instead, it could be said that Shui Xinyuan was more concerned about the sight of Lu Fusu nearby.
"Shui Xinyuan... very wonderful dance. Receive the award."
"Thank you, Your Majesty..."
"Prince."
Although Shui Xinyuan could not raise his head, he could feel that Lu Fusu left his seat and stood up when he heard the emperor's call.
"You reward her with this for me..."
"yes."
ah……
The heartbeat is so fast that it even hurts.
Lu Fusu approached Shui Xinyuan.
"Raise your head..."
A steady and nostalgic voice.
But Shui Xinyuan couldn't raise his head because of this... Seeing Lu Fusu so close, he would definitely not be able to help crying.
In front of the hesitant and motionless Shui Xinyuan, Lu Fusu knelt down on one knee.
"No need to be afraid, you let us enjoy a wonderful dance. The practice must be very hard, right?"
"..."
The cheeks gradually became hot.
...can't cry...
"Shui... Shui Xinyuan, this is a reward from your father, accept it!"
"As ordered..."
Lu Fusu handed over a set of bright red robes similar to red plum blossoms.
Shui Xinyuan couldn't help but raise his head.
Lu Fusu...smiled and nodded.
"..."
The gentle gaze has not changed at all.
Shui Xinyuan, who was determined not to cry, had stiff shoulders, and the red robe was gently placed on her trembling hands.
"It suits you very well... If you have a chance, dance again for us to enjoy."
"good……"
Lu Fusu returned to his seat, and Qing'er approached and helped Shui Xinyuan up as if nothing had happened, and helped her back out.
That's enough... Shui Xinyuan thought.
This is enough.
I was able to see that he was safe and sound, I was able to show him my dance, and I even unexpectedly said a few words at a close distance.
...I am a dancer, dancing only for you...I don't expect more...
Shui Xinyuan hugged the red robe and smiled, always staring at Lu Fusu.