I will provide the accompaniment for you.

Palace, Chuxiu Palace, Main Hall

With the commanding cry of Eunuch Chief Rong, “His Majesty arrives, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager arrives, Her Majesty the Empress arrives, and all the noble ladies arrive!” Xuan Yuan Ren and Du Hai Ju, supporting the Empress Dowager, entered with great grandeur. Following behind were Zhao Chengxian, with Lady Shu by his side, and behind them were all the concubines who had been officially titled, followed by palace maids and eunuchs—easily close to a hundred people.

The young ladies immediately knelt and chanted in unison, “Long live Your Majesty, long live Her Majesty the Empress Dowager, may the Empress enjoy peace and prosperity!” The concubines, with the Empress Dowager and Empress present, were not entitled to receive such greetings. Each walked past with haughty pride, as if competing with the young ladies for superiority, knowing that these newcomers might one day become their rivals.

Xuan Yuan Ren took his seat at the central throne, the Empress Dowager sat to his left, Du Hai Ju to his right, Zhao Chengxian stood beside the Empress Dowager, and the other consorts arranged themselves accordingly. With regal authority, Xuan Yuan Ren waved his hand, “Everyone, rise!” A hundred beauties stood in the main hall, a feast for the eyes; of course, many not yet titled were absent.

A steward eunuch bowed to those seated and asked, “Your Majesty, may we begin the formal introductions? Whose performance would you like to see first?” Everyone knew that at least two young ladies would not be overlooked: Li Wanrong, due to her family’s status, and Hui Yue’er, personally chosen by the Emperor, thus certain to be called upon.

Xuan Yuan Ren’s mood was somewhat uneasy. He knew Hui Yue’er must be resentful towards him, yet he longed to see her. He assumed Hui Yue’er lacked any particular talent and did not wish to embarrass her, so he said, “Let the niece of Minister Li begin.” Besides Hui Yue’er, he knew none of the others; if Lady Shu hadn’t mentioned Li Wanrong yesterday, he wouldn’t have remembered her at all. After the candidates for selection were confirmed, the palace sent court painters to create their portraits for Xuan Yuan Ren and Du Hai Ju to review—except for Hui Yue’er, a special case, chosen by the Emperor himself.

Standing at the front, Li Wanrong strode forward with pride, glanced at Lady Shu, who nodded in encouragement, and addressed the Emperor with confidence, “Your Majesty, I shall perform ‘Heavenly Maid Scattering Flowers’ for everyone.” Xuan Yuan Ren nodded, his thoughts elsewhere. Li Wanrong began to dance, graceful with every spin, soft and elegant, accompanied by her maids who had rehearsed with her long before entering the palace.

Zhao Chengxian kept exchanging glances with Hui Yue’er, standing in the first row. Their eyes communicated silently; Zhao Chengxian looked at Hui Yue’er with concern, she signaled she'd passed the test and raised her brows as if to ask, “Impressive, aren’t I?” Zhao Chengxian replied with a dismissive glance, “Not really.” Hui Yue’er glared back, unwilling to concede. It was as if they were quarreling with their eyes; if the two were ever united, their future would surely be lively.

When Li Wanrong finished, Xuan Yuan Ren remarked perfunctorily, “Worthy of Minister Li’s niece, as talented as Lady Shu.” Li Wanrong thanked him and withdrew. Xuan Yuan Ren then casually selected a few others. He kept observing Hui Yue’er, but she paid him no mind. He assumed Hui Yue’er was angry and deliberately avoided looking at him—far too pleased with himself.

At last, the Empress Dowager could not resist and said, “Emperor, let Princess Siyue perform for us. I am certain her talents are second to none!” The Empress Dowager was curious what abilities Hui Yue’er possessed to warrant such effort from Xuan Yuan Ren in granting her a princely title. With the Empress Dowager’s command, Xuan Yuan Ren had no choice but to agree. Zhao Chengxian glanced at Hui Yue’er with concern.

Lady Shu immediately echoed, “Indeed, Your Majesty, let us witness the Princess’s talents!” None believed Hui Yue’er possessed any real skill; they assumed she was merely a common girl who had enchanted Xuan Yuan Ren with her beauty, and all were eager to see her embarrassed, unaware that Hui Yue’er’s abilities far exceeded their expectations.

Seeing everyone in agreement, Xuan Yuan Ren nodded. Zhao Chengxian knew Hui Yue’er disliked drawing attention, but if she refused, ridicule would surely follow, and her stubborn spirit could never endure it—who knows what might happen. Zhao Chengxian signaled to Hui Yue’er with his eyes, “Don’t refuse, whatever you do.”

Hui Yue’er took a few steps forward, glanced at Xuan Yuan Ren, and said, “Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, noble ladies, entering the palace for selection was never my intention, and I have not prepared any performance, so…” She was interrupted by Zhao Chengxian.

He stepped forward and said, “Therefore, I shall accompany you. Why not perform a sword dance?” He knew Hui Yue’er would decline, so he intervened, understanding her temperament. He did not wish her to suffer humiliation for the sake of leaving the palace. His heart was conflicted; he wanted Hui Yue’er to leave, but could not bear for her to be wronged. Alas, how rarely can one have it both ways.

Hui Yue’er fixed her gaze on Zhao Chengxian, understanding he was shielding her from mockery. They exchanged a glance for several seconds; she nodded in agreement, then turned to Xuan Yuan Ren, expressionless, and said, “Your Majesty, I shall perform a sword dance.” Zhao Chengxian had already ordered Chen Gui to fetch his flute, and a young eunuch brought Hui Yue’er a ceremonial sword. Zhao Chengxian played a haunting, melancholic tune, and Hui Yue’er danced, her sword seeming to possess emotion: at times sorrowful, then suddenly light and quick. The audience was astonished; though entirely improvised, their harmony was exceptional, as if they had practiced for years.

The women, the men, the old, the young, and those neither old nor young—quickly shower me with gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts, hold nothing back! Let the storm rage with even greater force!