Chapter 44 Reward Original work, 17K views

thel is Drunken Flower Tower. Each courtesan here takes a flower as her name, but Bu Yao refused to do so, believing that flowers are trivial objects and men's attraction to them is just part of their...Chapter 44 Reward Exclusive on 17K

Everyone says Mu Qingfeng is the number one young master, while Mu Qincheng is his half-sister from another mother.

Qi Lin carefully observed Mu Qincheng. Her noble purple attire displayed her high status without reservation, her skin like cream and her aura like fragrant orchids; she also exuded a hint of allure in her gaze.

The moment Mu Qincheng stood in the middle, the musicians began playing music. Qi Lin noticed that this piece was exactly what Xiao Ran had played earlier—Long Yue (Enduring Joy).

As soon as the music started, Mu Qincheng began to dance, with steps completely different from those of Xiao Ran but no less graceful. Qi Lin watched quietly and became absorbed when she heard a heavenly voice floating in like a dream, like an invisible jade hand gently stroking one's cheek or like dark hair dancing before her eyes—everyone present closed their eyes.

The singing seemed to come from afar, transporting everyone into a wondrous world.

With the last note of Long Yue, Mu Qincheng finished her dance, but no one had yet snapped out of their trance.

"Your humble servant is being presumptuous," said Mu Qincheng courteously while bowing. "May your Majesty's longevity match that of heaven."

"Wonderful!" The Empress Dowager clapped first, smiling and saying, "Truly a beauty of the city, her dance captivates, as does her voice; reward."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Mu Qincheng slowly stepped back.

Qi Lin looked at the Empress Dowager. Xiao Ran's dance was good too, but it seemed that she favored Mu Qincheng more and praised her while belittling Xiao Ran with just one sentence; seeing how red and white Xiao Ran's face alternated now made Qi Lin feel somewhat amused.

A few senior concubines showcased their talents in turn, each unique—more interesting than watching Spring Festival Gala. Even Qi Lin was fascinated by the performances, temporarily forgetting her gloominess.

It finally came to Bu Yao's turn. Qi Lin scrutinized Bu Yao: a plum-colored dress and plum-shaped hair ornaments perfectly suited her title of Plum Concubine.

The people behind Bu Yao were all dressed in scholar attire; each held an inkstone, forming a circle and kneeling down to grind the ink orderly.

Two men holding large scrolls came forward next. Bu Yao took two brushes handed to her and walked up to the scrolls; as music started playing, she began dancing while simultaneously painting on both scrolls with great fluidity.

This display of calligraphy and dance was indeed a laborious effort.

Qi Lin glanced at Feng Changqing. He nodded approvingly. The Empress Dowager seemed to notice Qi Lin's gaze and gave her a meaningful look; Qi Lin smiled in response.

It must be said that Bu Yao's painting skills were quite good. In no time, a peony was already taking shape. At this moment, the accompanying dancers simultaneously raised their inkstones and gathered around Bu Yao. She then moved gracefully to dip her brush in ink and painted the peony. Finally, she spun around and ended up beside Feng Changqing, whereupon she playfully took over his wine cup before returning to the scroll.

With elegant fingers, she lightly dipped a bit of liquor and sprinkled it onto the peony. She then kneeled down with everyone else and said loudly, "Your servant respectfully wishes for the Empress Dowager’s longevity to be like Mount Tai and her blessings to be as vast as the East Sea, with eternal youth. This peony is my humble offering."

"Longevity like Mount Tai, blessings like the East Sea To put aside that I don't understand what you mean, how do you speak of eternal youth" Although she said this, the Empress Dowager was still quite pleased with Bu Yao's creation; it was novel and bold.

Bu Yao smiled slightly and replied, "In my hometown there is a mountain called Mount Tai. On that mountain grows a type of pine tree that remains evergreen all year round and stands tall despite the wind and rain. There’s also an ocean named the East Sea whose waters flow ceaselessly without drying up. Therefore, Your servant wishes for your longevity to be like the everlasting pines on Mount Tai and your blessings to flow endlessly like those in the East Sea."

"Youth is a woman's treasure, and I hope that she will keep this treasure forever, as beautiful as she is now." Bu Yao was certain that the Empress Dowager would love such words, because women are all the same. Indeed, she found an even more radiant smile on the Empress Dowager’s face; pleased, she said, "I believe the Emperor feels likewise."

"We also wish for the Empress Dowager's longevity to be like the everlasting pines of Mount Tai and her blessings to flow endlessly like those in the East Sea." The other officials also kneeled down to congratulate her. The atmosphere suddenly heated up.

Feng Changqing was no different, and the Empress Dowager finally showed an unprecedented smile.

"Good, good, good," said the Empress Dowager three times in a row, but she found Bu Yao unfamiliar and asked, "Who are you"

“Your servant is Bu Yao. I am newly bestowed as Plum Concubine by His Majesty and also a fellow townsman of Sister Hong Xue.” Smiling, Bu Yao said, “My talents cannot compare to my sister’s in the slightest; this can only be considered an embarrassment.”

Qi Lin was taken aback—when had she ever compared herself to Bu Yao with regards to talent Now all eyes were on her.

"Is that so" The Empress Dowager glanced at Qi Lin and then at Feng Changqing, saying, "If your concubines are this talented, I must see for myself. If I am not satisfied, you will be punished."

“Mother is right,” said Feng Changqing with a smile. “Precious Consort Yi will certainly not disappoint Mother.”

Qi Lin nodded slightly; Bu Yao's move was ruthless. She had a better voice than Qi Lin, although she could do ballet and paint better—though Qi Lin could only draw pencil sketches and geometric patterns. In the current situation, dancing a ballet would likely fail her. Everyone in attendance was looking at her.

Walking to the center under everyone's gaze, Qi Lin felt like a criminal being tortured—it felt awkward.

"Your servant boldly requests that His Majesty move over here." Qi Lin had no choice but to steel herself and approach Feng Changqing—although she actually wanted Wood Qingfeng to come. However, at the moment it was only possible to call for Feng Changqing.

Qi Lin's words caused everyone present to take a sharp breath; no one had ever requested that Feng Changqing move closer before. But what was even more shocking was that Feng Changqing actually walked over with an amused smile on his face as Qi Lin whispered something in his ear. He looked slightly surprised but then nodded.

"Your servant will make a fool of myself."

Ci Lin began to take ballet steps, and Feng Changqiang also unsheathed his long sword in coordination with her.

"Do you not see the river's water coming from the sky, rushing towards the sea without returning" Ci Lin loudly said as she performed a back bend. Feng Changqiang held onto her waist; their coordination was perfect.

"Do you not see the sorrow of white hair in front of the high hall’s mirror Hair as black as silk in the morning turns to snow by evening," Ci Lin circled around Feng Changqiang, landing on one foot and spinning. Feng Changqiang also stretched his hand out towards her; she grabbed his hand and spun into his arms, loudly proclaiming "Seize joy when you can; don't let your golden cup face the moon empty-handed. Heaven endowed me with talent for a purpose; after spending all my money, I'll earn it back again. Cooking sheep and slaughtering cattle is just for fun; I must drink three hundred cups."

The alcohol she had consumed earlier had already reached her head, but despite feeling dizzy, Ci Lin's steps were light and graceful, making her movements even more agile. The spectators praised her performance while being shocked by the poem in her mouth.

Mu Qingfeng couldn't hold back anymore; he put his cup down and rhythmically tapped on it with chopsticks. A few people who knew a bit of music joined in accordingly.

"Pour more wine, don’t stop! I will sing you a song, please lend me your ears."

"Five-horse carriage, thousand gold cloak, call the children to exchange for fine wine and share with you the sorrow through the ages!"

With the last note falling, Ci Lin had spun around thirty times in her original spot. Her body went limp just as Feng Changqiang caught her. She softly said "Share the sorrow of the ages together."

Feng Changqiang was slightly taken aback and gently responded "Share the sorrow of the ages together."

“Snap snap snap”

Ci Lin was stunned; she got up from Feng Changqiang's arms. Mu Qingfeng, who had clapped his hands, and others followed with cheers. Ci Lin knelt down and said "This is a humble offering."

"Haha, wonderful! It’s truly marvelous. This is the most unique dance step I’ve ever seen and also the best poem I have heard. Is this your own work" The Empress Dowager smiled.

"Reporting to the Empress Dowager, this poem was not written by me," although it would be better at this moment to claim it as her own work, Ci Lin chose honesty "This poem is authored by a friend back in my hometown."

The Empress Dowager nodded with some disappointment but still smiled and said, "Indeed impressive. If there's an opportunity, I also wish to meet this friend of yours."

"It seems Mother is very satisfied with the talent of Consort Ci," Feng Changqiang helped Ci Lin up and held her hand. Seeing her cheeks flushed, he asked "Has Mother made a decision on what to reward her"

"I dare not," Qi Lin had nothing in mind, but suddenly she realized that today was the Empress Dowager's birthday and also the grand ceremony for crowning the new empress. The way others acted suggested they already knew who would be crowned as the empress. Qi Lin nervously lowered her gaze, waiting for the Empress Dowager to speak.

"This is what you deserve," Feng Changqing said softly.

The Empress Dowager nodded and said, "I cannot go back on my word. However, it seems that His Majesty has already given you the best he could offer. You don't lack for anything good, so tell me, what do you want"

What did she want

This question was like a get-out-of-jail-free card; Qi Lin sighed in relief. Did she want freedom But if she said that, it would likely mean her death.

"This concubine only wishes for the Empress Dowager's health and happiness every year," She had everything she needed, but none of it was what she truly wanted.

"You know how to speak nicely." The Empress Dowager smiled slightly and said to Feng Changqing, "As emperor, what will you give her"

Feng Changqing walked in front of Qi Lin. Facing her, he said, “Your Excellency has everything; shall I reward you with a generous gift”

Qi Lin looked at Feng Changqing. For some reason, the unease in her heart intensified.

"Bring it up."

Qi Lin turned to look behind and was stunned for a moment because Yu Mu had been brought forward; he still wore his white clothes, and there were also four or five wolves beside him. Qi Lin recognized them as the ones from White Tiger Mountain.

Aman, Chuyi, Shifu, and Mao Mao.

"Aaow~"

The sight of Qi Lin made the wolves raise their heads to howl as if they were seeing their master. But they were tightly chained up.

"Your Majesty, what is your intention"

“It seems these beasts still remember Your Excellency.” Feng Changqing didn’t answer Qi Lin’s question; he raised his hand and Qin Xiao handed him a yellow cloth. Feng Changqing passed the cloth to Qi Lin and said, “Does Your Excellency recall this imperial edict”

Qi Lin looked at it silently. How could she forget This was the trigger for her departure from White Tiger Mountain.icials to greet Your Highness. This is quite a grand spectacle now," Kong Qing was very satisfied with this display. Although he had seen it many times before, he still felt that there wasn't enough e...