by N/A
Du Xiao Li returned to her own seat. Du Ke Xin's gaze towards her were about to turn into daggers. Zhong Mei Qing also pensively looked to Du Xiao Li, while Du Old Madam glanced to Du Xiao Li with a smile on her face.
Du Yun Han never knew that Du Xiao Li could dance. Competing with Eastern Li's third princess, he wanted to ask Du Xiao Li whether or not she held certainty in the outcome. However, he couldn't leave his seat, so he could only worry helplessly inside.
Very soon, music sounded from the stage. Despite Lu Jun Qi's personality being rather spoiled, her dance was still considered graceful and subdued. However, one has to admit, her dancing was very good. It was even a class higher than Meng Jiang Zhuo. Perhaps because she both loved and hated Han Ming Yi, her dance also carried a certain kind of emotion.
One song ended and off stage the crowd erupted into enthusiastic applauses. Lu Jun Qi used her own strength and obtained praises in a foreign country.
"Your turn! If you have any self-awareness, then I suppose you won't need to dance." Lu Jun Qi confidently said.
"Regardless of outcome, one always needs to perform. Admitting defeating without fighting, that isn't my style!" Du Xiao Li came up below the stage and said.
"Hmph, then I'll just see what kind of dance you can make out!" Lu Jun Qi finished saying and left with her own servant girl.
Du Xiao Li nodded towards Han Ming Xiang to the side. Han Ming Xiang then clapped her hands, and a giant drum was lifted onto the stage and placed in the center of the stage, following which several small drums were also brought up. Every small drum was fastened onto a wooden pole. The eunuchs then had the other end fixed onto the stage, forming a semi-circle around the giant drum.
"What instrument are you using?" The Grand Empress Dowager watched the eunuchs and palace maids moving about on stage and asked, "Just these drums?"
"Replying to Grand Empress Dowager, yes." Du Xiao Li replied.
Her instruments tonight were just these drums. Because she didn't think she'd be performing, and she had never practiced any instruments before with anyone, if she were to hastily find someone right now to perform together, afraid it would have the opposite effect. But if it was just simply mixing in some beats, then it wasn't a problem.
"Miss Du, everything is ready." After the eunuch had all the drums fastened properly, he turned to Du Xiao Li and said.
Du Xiao Li went up onto the stage from the side and glanced at the densely packed people below, seeing Du Xiu Heng tightly clenching his fist at her, cheering her on, and also Han Ming Yi's eyes carrying a smile. She deeply inhaled, and after bowing to everyone, came before the large drum. With one hand against the drum's surface, she climbed onto the drum.
"Dun-----Dun-----Dun-----" Meng Jiang Zhuo stood at the edge of the stage, striking the drums thrice with the mallet. Following her drumming, Du Xiao Li who was on top the drum began moving. Her two hands streaked across the top of her head, her upper body twisting along the directions of her hands, and after making a big stroke, two long flowing sleeves were thrown out, perfectly hitting two small drums.
(T/N: I actually remember this scene in Empress Dugu drama that is the perfect visuals for this-----Check it timestamp at 15:45. It's pretty much the same thing described. Don't asked me how sleeves can strike drums, it's magic.)
'Dun----'
"Dun-----'
Following this start, Du Xiao Li began performing various difficult moves on top the drum. Seemingly after every move it would all strike a small drum in the surrounding. The sound of the drums sounded one after another, like an accompaniment. Although this kind of tune was somewhat monotonous, it still soundly resonated into the heart. In addition to Du Xiao Li's carefree movements, it was as if one was looking at a wisp of tenderness upon the battlefield, resolution and gentleness coexisting. This kind of feeling, compared to Ji Liu Xia's dance earlier, was even better!
(T/N: I'm not sure if author actually intended for it to say Ji Liu Xia here-------)
"Good!" When Han Ming Ze saw Lu Jun Qi's dance earlier, that exquisite dancing skill made him believe that tonight, Du Xiao Li would certainly lose without a doubt. Yet, unexpectedly, Du Xiao Li had such a move up her sleeve. That imposing grandeur completely had Lu Jun Qi's dance pressed down.
"Turns out Xiao Yi's dancing was this impressive!" Ji Liu Xia watched Du Xiao Li's swiveling figure above the drum. Her chin practically about to fall to the ground!
Not just Ji Liu Xia, aside from Han Ming Yi, Luo Qi, and also Du Xiu Heng, of everyone present, not one wasn't stunned by Du Xiao Li's dance, especially since this was many people's first time seeing this drum dance. Everyone seemingly all didn't dare to believe their own eyes, especially those who've always thought that Du Xiao Li was an useless and talentless person!
Lu Jun Qi sat in her seat, blankly watching Du Xiao Li dance, muttering in her mouth, "There's actually this kind of dance, there's actually this kind of dance......."
Han Ming Yi stared at the dancing figure on top the drum, thinking how she was competing for him, and thinking how she finally was willing to not hide her own talent anymore, the corner of his mouth uncontrollably rose up.
Compared to Han Ming Yi's happiness, Luo Qi who although was also conquered by Du Xiao Li's dance, felt like he'd downed a cup of bitter wine inside.
As the drumbeat intensified, it signaled the final moments of the dance. Above the drum, Du Xiao Li leapt, twirled, and swung open her flowing sleeves, striking all the small drums once. And before the final sound faded, she sat atop the drum and ended this dance with a highly difficult move.
(T/N: Move so difficult even the author can't describe----)
Following a few seconds of silence, the loudest and longest applause for the night erupted. Everyone all knew, Du Xiao Li used tonight's two dance to prove to the world, she wan't an useless person. In fact, even Eastern Li's best dancer Lu Jun Qi wasn't her opponent either.
"Hahahahah, good, good! Prime Minister Du, never thought that the useless daughter you spoke of was actually this impressive. Even the imperial dance instructor can't compare to her!" Han Ming Ze said with a hearty laugh.
"Thanking your Majesty for the praise." Du Yun Han's fox like eyes were also narrowed into a smile. He knew his own daughter wasn't as she seemed on the surface, yet didn't expect that she had a dance that shocked the world!
"This heavenly dance, seldomly can one see in the mortal realms!" Shui Qing Fairy exclaimed in admiration.
"Third princess, this outcome......." The Empress looked to Lu Jun Qi, who still hadn't returned to her sense, and spoke.
"No need to say." Lu Jun Qi interrupted the Empress's words, "I admit defeat. I feel somewhat unwell, so will be returning to the inn first."
With that said, Lu Jun Qi nodded her head towards Han Ming Ze and the others and got up, leaving together with her own servant girl. Han Ming Ze had a eunuch go lead the way for her. This time, she didn't even bow, just directly turned and left. And when she brushed past Du Xiao Li, she didn't even give her a glance.
Du Xiao Li came down from the stage and headed straight. Seeing Lu Jun Qi's look in her eyes as she was leaving, Du Xiao Li sighed inside.
Ch. 073.3 – One Dance Shocks the World (3)
One Dance Shocks the World (3)
T/N: Chapter sponsored by Mochakat9 and Kim! Thank you for sponsoring!
While far from home, far from one's family, one's most proud of talent getting kicked down a notch by someone else, one's heart naturally would feel deeply hurt, yet there was no one to accompany her.
But, if it weren't for her picking a fight tonight, she wouldn't have such a wound either.
"Du Xiao Li, you've danced quite well! This emperor was just thinking what would be good to reward you with, then suddenly remembered your stake. Since that's the case, just take Ding Wang back with you then." Han Ming Ze half-jokingly and half-seriously said.
(T/N: Everyday I wonder how this Emperor is full brothers with Ren Wang----)
Sweat----
Du Xiao Li didn't know how to reply to Han Ming Ze's words. At this time, her old man actually stood out and saved her, "Your Majesty, Xiao Li just won a mere competition, no need for your Majesty to reward! Having your Majesty's praise is already her greatest fortune."
"En, although it is so, this emperor can't really not reward either. Just have that night pearl from last time's tribute bestowed to her." Han Ming Ze said.
"Thanking your Majesty for the bestowment." Du Xiao Li took the night pearl and returned to her own seat. Afterwards, she let out a long sigh. Attending banquets, really is quite tiring.
"Tired?" Du Xiu Heng looked to Du Xiao Li, feeling somewhat worried for her.
"I'm alright." Du Xiao Li had the grape wine in front of her downed in one gulp, and then continued, "However, a few more of these banquets and I'll certainly exhaust to death! This kind of occasion is just too stifling."
"En, in the future, there probably won't be too many of this kind of occasion." Du Xiu Heng said, consoling her.
After Du Xiao Li returned to her seat, the Grand Empress Dowager announced that she was tired and returned to rest. Originally, there were still some other arrangements, but because the banquet started late, and then there was this incident afterwards as well, the time was already somewhat late and everyone were all somewhat tired. Thus the Emperor allowed for everyone to all scatter, each returning to their respective homes to rest.
Du Xiao Li followed Du Yun Han and the others out of the imperial palace together. While leaving the palace gates, she felt the air momentarily change. The originally stifling feeling instantly disappeared all at once.
"Finally out!" Du Xiao Li exclaimed.
"Tonight, go back and properly rest, look at how it's exhausted you." Du Xiu Heng stood by her side and said, knowing why she was this tired.
"En, tomorrow I'll be going to the estate to stay for a period of time!" Du Xiao Li said.
Speaking of the estate, she recalled that the Grand Empress Dowager wanted to go. She really hoped that Grand Empress Dowager and Meng Old Madam were joking.
But, her imagination may be abundant, but reality was very slim. This was Du Xiao Li's second heartfelt sigh today.
"Come on, we're going back." Du Xiu Heng said, and then watched Du Xiao Li get on the horse carriage, before getting on his own horse.
After Du Xiao Li got on the horse carriage, she saw Du Ke Xin's gloomy face.
"You sure know how to pretend! To have actually hid from everyone's eyes!"
Du Xiao Li mockingly laughed and said, "I've never said anything about what I know and don't know, wasn't everything all spread out by you all on your own? Now you're blaming me?"
"You-----"
"I'm really tired right now, so be quiet. Else, I can't promise whether or not it'll be the same as this afternoon." Du Xiao Li coldly said, and then closed her eyes to rest. The whole way back she never said another word to Du Ke Xin, even if she used daggers to glare at her the whole time.
After arriving back at the Du Manor, Du Xiao Li went to look for Du Yun Han and told him that she was going to the estate. The Grand Empress Dowager didn't say that she couldn't tell her old father. These following days where she won't be attending school, she still needed Du Yun Han to request a leave of absence for her!
When Du Yun Han heard her say this, his heart almost jumped out from shock.
"Daughter ah, let me tell you, that estate of yours although appears very good, but if the Grand Empress Dowager and them really wants to go, this won't be a small matter!"
Du Xiao Li shrugged her shoulders and said, "I know! But grandma Meng said it like that to the Grand Empress Dowager, and she just clapped her hands and decided. I didn't even have the time nor authority to say no. What could I do?"
"Hai, this matter is too significant. Tomorrow, I need to go look for his Majesty to discuss." Du Yun Han said.
"If you think it's useful, then go ahead." Du Xiao Li said, "Anyways, I'll have you take care of the matter over at the school. Tonight has depressed me to death, it'll be perfect to go to the estate to relax a little. I'll be going back now!"
Du Xiao Li said, and then left Du Yun Han's study, returning to her own courtyard. Standing in the courtyard, she looked to the round moon in the sky. Another year of mid-autumn has passed, this was already the seventh mid-autumn she's celebrated since coming here.
"Miss, you've finally returned, how was it tonight?" Seeing Du Xiao Li having returned, Xia Yuan and Ying Ge thus went up to greet her.
"Xia Yuan, Ying Ge, your miss is about to die." Du Xiao Li looked to Xia Yuan and pouted.
"Ah? What's wrong miss? Did you get injured? Quickly let Ying Ge have a look." Hearing Du Xiao Li say this, Ying Ge quickly rushed forward.
"Aiyooo, I'm not injured!" Du Xiao Li felt ticklish getting touched all over by Ying Ge and quickly stopped her.
"If you're not injured, then how are you dying?" Ying Ge asked.
"Must have been uncomfortable in the imperial palace." Xia Yuan rather understood Du Xiao Li's personality and knew that she definitely must have felt uneasy in the imperial palace.
"Is that so miss?"
"Sigh, more or less. You all go prepare some food and wine. We're going to have guests in a bit." Du Xiao Li said.
"There's still going to be guests at this hour?" Ying Ge skeptically asked.
"En, go prepare. I'm going to rest for a bit inside first." Du Xiao Li said and returned to her own room.
Ying Ge was still muttering about who would be coming this late, while Xia Yuan headed to the kitchen to begin preparing food and wine. And just as Du Xiao Li said, right when they'd just finished preparing the food and drinks, two shadows landed down from the roof one after another.
"You're here." Du Xiao Li looked to the two of them, not the least bit surprised.
"How did you know we'd be coming?" Luo Qi looked to the already prepared food and wine, and asked.
"Intuition." Du Xiao Li replied.
Han Ming Yi sat down next to Du Xiao Li and said, "This is specially made to welcome us?"
Du Xiao Li nodded and said, "Wait a moment, big brother's coming in a bit."
A moment later, Du Xiu Heng under Xia Yuan's lead, arrived in Du Xiao Li's courtyard. Seeing the other two that appeared in her room, he blanked for a moment and said, "How come you two are here?"
"Big brother, come sit down for a chat." Du Xiao Li beckoned towards Du Xiu Heng.
Du Xiu Heng glared at the two that appeared in his younger sister's room, and then sat down next to Du Xiao Li.
Ch. 073.4 – One Dance Shocks the World (4)
One Dance Shocks the World (4)
Du Xiao Li picked up the wine pot and filled the cup in front of everyone full of wine. Afterwards, she placed down the wine pot and lifted the wine cup, "This is the first time the four of us have gathered since the mid-autumn six years ago in Du village. Come, let's celebrate!"
"Alright, cheers!"
Du Xiao Li's words instantly brought the four into their memories of that year. The memories of that time were all fresh in each of their minds.
After everyone finished drinking the wine in their cup, Du Xiao Li poured them all another cup, "Seeing that you all didn't eat much tonight, you all are probably still hungry, right? Xia Yuan's cooking is very good, try some."
"En, speaking of which, I really am still hungry." Du Xiu Heng rubbed his own stomach and said.
Luo Qi also wasn't full, then recalling Du Xiao Li's eating appearance at the banquet, he said, "Probably only you alone can still eat that carefreely in that kind of setting."
"Of course I need to fill my stomach first when hungry." Du Xiao Li said, "If I have no energy, how can I watch the performances?"
"Hahahahaha!" Du Xiao Li's somewhat mischievous words put everyone in an endlessly cheerful mood, each and every one all began laughing to their heart's content.
"Speaking of which, I've never seen younger sister dance in the past before. That dance of yours ca
n be said to be perfection!" Du Xiu Heng recalled Du Xiao Li's dance and praised.
"En, indeed very shocking." Luo Qi echoed.
"None of you ever asked me before." Du Xiao Li said, "Oh that's right, that Yu Sword Pavilion, I've heard of before, but what sect is that Moon Water Paradise? Could it be that it means living on top the water?"
"Keke----"
Du Xiao Li's words made Luo Qi and Han Ming Yi almost choke on their wine. Luo Qi helplessly looked to Du Xiao Li and said, "I'd once given you some information on the pugilistic world, you didn't look at any of it?"
"Ah?!" Du Xiao Li tried her best to recall and then smilingly looked to Luo Qi, "That uh, at that time, it just happened to be when the tangerine orchard was the busiest. I'd put it aside, and then forgot about. Hehe......."
"You ah, when planting tangerines, you can forget anything!" That year after Luo Qi left, he would still return to Du village from time to time to stay for a period of time. He can also be said to have watched Du Xiao Li walk this far, and towards her personality, he naturally very much understood. No wonder she'd always been blank on the matter of pugilistic world. Turns out, the material he gave her, she simply just didn't look over.
"This Moon Water Paradise, for the most part, have female disciples, and use musical instruments as weapons. Although the sect isn't big, they are involved with quite a few powerhouses. Because their disciples are all very outstanding, the people they marry naturally aren't ordinary either." Han Ming Yi explained.
"With instruments as weapons? That's sound attacks?" When Du Xiao Li heard this, for some reason, she felt she was going to be linked in many ways with this sect.
"Yes." Luo Qi said, "Someone has suspected that the book 'Wind Blowing Snow' that everyone in the wulin has chased after at the time had precisely came from Moon Water Paradise. But afterwards, they discovered that although they also knew sound attack, yet not a single person knew 'Wind Blowing Snow'."
"This 'Wind Blowing Snow' has always been honored as the highest of the sound attacks. Just don't know exactly who it was created by." Han Ming Yi had also once sent people to search for the secret technique book, but afterwards, he gradually gave up.