The already installed lighting equipment continuously emitted various colors, focusing on Piao Xue Zhu, perfectly complemented by the dark palace backdrop.
In the vast palace, everyone turned their attention to Piao Xue Zhu. Her dance was like that of a celestial fairy descending to earth, moving and enchanting all who watched. The impact of the focused lights and the background music far surpassed that of Ling Xue's performance.
The civil and military officials were left agape, trembling with excitement as if witnessing a divine being's arrival.
What? The Langya Prince was stunned into silence. His cheeks twitched as he gazed at the gracefully dancing Piao Xue Zhu, unable to utter a single word.
In the dark palace, beams of spotlight illuminated Piao Xue Zhu, accompanied by the resounding background music. The ambiance, her dance, and the scene's arrangement completely overshadowed Ling Xue, the Langya Prince's adopted daughter.
Could it be that the palace was witnessing a celestial maiden performing? Jiu Zhu was utterly astonished.
"Unravel me, the most mysterious wait," Piao Xue Zhu began to sing. The microphone around her neck amplified her voice, filling every corner of the palace.
The civil and military officials were once again stunned into silence. Many officials marveled inwardly at the heavenly sound! It was truly a celestial melody—rarely found in this world!
The beautiful scenery combined with enchanting music, exquisite lyrics, and mesmerizing dance under the lights simply crushed Ling Xue's performance.
Not a single person spoke; everyone held their breath, captivated by Piao Xue Zhu's graceful movements. On the dragon throne, Su Qianxue was deeply moved. She finally understood why Jiang Han dared to bet so much! This dance belonged only to the heavens! Who could compare to it now?
Jiang Han's miraculous methods were truly astonishing. As Piao Xue Zhu sang and danced, the pre-set lights followed her movements seamlessly, just as the background music did.
As everyone immersed themselves in the beautiful song, Lin Qingyue in the crowd clenched her fists tightly, filled with regret. Everything Piao Xue Zhu had was given by Jiang Han. If only she hadn't let Jiang Han go, all of this would have been hers.
At this moment, within the palace, basking in the gaze of civil and military officials, enjoying the astonishment of the emperor, and the shock of Xia Guo Shi, it should be me.
This spotlight, this stunning dance and song that captivates everyone, should belong to me. Lin Qingyue thought to herself that if she had not separated from Jiang Han, if she had not called off their engagement, then today, the one dancing on stage would be her.
As a woman, who wouldn’t enjoy the admiration and attention of others? Who wouldn’t relish that feeling of being the center of attention? Moreover, those watching were none other than the civil and military officials of the Great Zhou Dynasty—the pinnacle of society.
Jealousy surged within her. While others were immersed in the dance, Lin Qingyue clenched her fists in anger, causing her nails to dig into her palms and blood to seep out.
Finally, after Piao Xue Zhu gracefully exited the stage and the lights dimmed, the palace returned to its darkened state. The civil and military officials remained lost in the enchantment of the recent performance. Only Lin Qingyue scanned the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of Jiang Han. She thought that perhaps if she approached him now, there might still be a chance to mend their relationship.
As Piao Xue Zhu came off stage, she anxiously asked Cen Ya and Yan Dong how her performance had been, worried that she might not have secured first place.
“Don’t worry! Shopkeeper Jiang arranged everything perfectly! When you danced just now, it was like a celestial maiden descending from the heavens,” Cen Ya reassured her.
“Really? But why didn’t they react?” Piao Xue Zhu replied, puzzled by the lack of response from the officials.
Minutes later, Su Qianxue ordered the eunuchs to relight the candles in the palace. When light flooded back into the room, the civil and military officials gradually emerged from their stupor.
Several elderly ministers clicked their tongues in admiration, exclaiming: “Such a dance under such a moon should only exist in heaven; to witness it now makes me feel that even if I were to die tomorrow, I would have no regrets.”
“Yes! Such ethereal music and lyrics make my heart yearn!” another minister lamented.
Minister of Justice Luo Yuhua came back to his senses and remarked: “Such a beautiful dance and dazzling lights—surely only celestial beings could enjoy such a spectacle! Who would have thought that Piao Xue Zhu could present something so extraordinary!”
After more civil officials and military officers regained their composure, Su Qianxue finally spoke: “Gentlemen, Piao Xue has finished her performance; it is time to judge who is first!”
As soon as he finished speaking, a chorus of ministers chimed in: “Your Majesty, do we even need to ask? It must be Piao Xue Zhu who takes first place!”
“Your Majesty, Piao Xue Zhu’s dance is truly divine; she must be first!”
“Your Majesty, when I saw Piao Xue Zhu dance just now, it was as if I were witnessing a celestial maiden; I sincerely believe she must take first place!”
“Your Majesty, if our original candidate were selected for first place now, it would imply foul play. However, I genuinely say that she must be first!”
A group of ministers pounded their chests, declaring that if Piao Xue were not first, they would not be satisfied. Che Chengyun also awakened from his reverie, murmuring, "This dance is astonishingly beautiful; to witness it is a life without regrets!"
"Really?" came the cold voice of the Langya Prince.
"Your Highness," Che Chengyun replied instinctively before realizing the implication. If Piao Xue Zhu were to take first place, our royal family would have to present five rare treasures, and Jiu Zhu would also need to offer two.
This is a disaster! The better Piao Xue Zhu dances, the worse off we are!
"Your Highness, I believe we can only aim for second place!"
"I'll go find the Minister of Rites right away!"
Che Chengyun clasped his fists and prepared to cross half the palace to seek out the Minister of Rites.
The Langya Prince waved his hand, stopping Che Chengyun. "Enough, don't embarrass yourself."
"Your Highness, I can do this! Please let me go!"
"I will unite with many officials from the Ministry of Rites to declare Piao Xue Zhu as second place."
Che Chengyun was pained at the thought of losing five treasures; he was determined to give it a try.
Seeing this, the Langya Prince sighed and shook his head slightly, feeling that his son was not using his intelligence wisely.
Jiu Zhu, who had also awakened from his daze, initially marveled at how beautifully the dance was performed. However, halfway through his admiration, his expression suddenly changed as he frowned.
"The better Piao Xue Zhu dances, the greater our loss will be! Why are we getting lost in admiration?"
Yet, that dance and music truly seemed celestial; such opportunities are rare in this world.
"Jiu Zhu," the Langya Prince said, trying to suppress his heartache as he looked at him, "it seems we have no chance of winning."
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