Chapter 112: Playing the Zither to Enliven the Mood

Baili Xian stepped forward. “Mother, the musicians in the palace are too mundane. Since my wife wishes to offer a dance in honor of your birthday, allow me to accompany her on the zither. I assure you, we will not disappoint.”

A ripple of surprise swept through the crowd. It was well known that, unlike Liu Ling’er, whose reputation was poor, Baili Xian was a celebrated figure in the capital—renowned for his mastery of music, chess, calligraphy, painting, archery, and horsemanship. If not for the misfortune that had claimed several of his previous wives, there would be no end to the women vying to marry him, enough to encircle the imperial city if they stood side by side.

“Ah Xian is right,” said Chu Meier, rising to her feet. “The palace musicians are indeed too monotonous. Let me then enjoy the sword dance performed by you two as a couple.” With that, she led the way toward Liu Ling’er.

Concubine Wu, standing beside Baili Hai, cast a cold glance at Liu Ling’er as she prepared by the lakeside, secretly wishing for some mishap during her dance—perhaps she would fall into the water, or even drown. On second thought, drowning would not do; if Liu Ling’er died, the poison placed within her body would be triggered, and Concubine Wu herself would not survive much longer. So she settled for cursing Liu Ling’er merely to fall in and disgrace herself before the court, never to show her face again.

Standing by the lake, Liu Ling’er felt an unexpected chill as the spring breeze blew. She wondered if Concubine Wu’s childish curse was truly affecting her, for something seemed amiss.

Meanwhile, Baili Xian had already taken the zither from a palace maid and was seated at the table, ready for the performance. All was prepared, awaiting only Liu Ling’er’s cue. She nodded to Baili Xian, signaling him to begin. The melodious notes of the zither filled the air. Liu Ling’er first bowed to the audience, then, sword in hand, spun gracefully and leapt onto the water’s surface, as light as a swallow skimming across a pond.

Her very entrance drew gasps and cheers from those present, silencing any lingering doubts about her. Chu Meier’s face lit up with delight. “A true Rippling Wave Sword Dance! Ling’er has certainly devoted much effort to this.”

The so-called Rippling Wave Sword Dance was a fusion of two styles: the Rippling Wave Dance, which required exquisite agility to dance upon water, and the Sword Dance, where the beauty and sharp spirit of the blade must be expressed. Either alone would be challenging, but together, the difficulty doubled—one misstep and all would be lost.

The lake at Phoenix Perch Palace was not an empty expanse; young lotus leaves had just begun to poke above the surface, each pointed tip offering Liu Ling’er a foothold so she need not fear falling.

Dressed in flowing silk sleeves, she moved in harmony with the heavenly music. Her sword traced blossom-like arcs, painting the air as she glided over the water like an artist at work. Gradually, Baili Xian’s playing grew more intense; Liu Ling’er’s sleeves fluttered, her fair wrists twisting as the sword’s movements accelerated, sending flashes of light dancing across the lake.

Liu Rufen could not take his eyes off his daughter. Suddenly, she seemed a stranger to him. When had she changed so much? Her temperament was utterly different, her every gesture unfamiliar—yet the stubborn streak and the birthmark on her arm confirmed she was still his child.

The peach blossoms by the lake, caught in the sword’s wind, whirled into the air. For a moment, countless petals and buds danced like sprites, enchanting every gaze and captivating every heart.

Chu Meier watched Liu Ling’er on the water, her eyes shining with approval. As a master herself, she recognized the lightness of Liu Ling’er’s movements. Though she relied on the lotus leaves for support, such daring could not be faked. Clearly, she had trained hard for this.

Baili Xian, even as he played, stole glances at Liu Ling’er, his heart filled with astonishment. Though Jin Wula had taught her with great care, Liu Ling’er’s mastery of the Rippling Wave Sword Dance surpassed all expectation.

The sword he had lent her was a true treasure, sharp enough to slice iron as if it were clay, to cut hair with a breath of wind—yet in Liu Ling’er’s hands, it danced with gentleness, like a refined maiden from the south, all violence hidden, radiance alone remaining.

As the music neared its end, Liu Ling’er’s sword conjured a flurry of blossoms, the rapid motion lifting peach petals into the air, swirling around her like a ribbon.

Just as she sheathed her sword and prepared to return to shore, a sudden commotion erupted by the lakeside. With a sharp crack, a streak of light shot into the sky, and a massive firework bloomed overhead. Though it was broad daylight, the firework was so vivid it could be seen clearly, its thunderous report startling Liu Ling’er so much she nearly lost her footing and fell into the water.