As if he had a preference for cut sleeves.

Prince Chen was filled with shame and embarrassment.

When Prince Chen explained that the young lord was male, not only was Lu Erlang Lu Xian astonished and unable to process it, but even Prince Hengyang Liu Mu, who had originally been indifferent to this “Flower God Selection,” curiously looked toward that Zhou surname youth. As the two men’s probing gazes pressed down together, the possibility of the truth being discovered increased countless times… Zhou Yangling stepped back, lowered his head, and relied on Prince Chen to block Prince Hengyang and Lu Erlang’s line of sight.

Zhou Yangling had already guessed their identities by now. When she came to the “Flower God Selection” with Luo Lingyu, she knew that everyone here was from noble families and royal aristocracy. The possibility of randomly encountering young masters was… indeed very high. However, Zhou Yangling frowned – being new here, she couldn’t fully grasp the situation in Jianye, and she didn’t want to return to her female identity for now.

The slender-figured Young Lord Zhou retreated behind Prince Chen Liu Chu. Prince Chen started, secretly perceiving this as the youth’s plea for help and trust in him. Liu Chu pondered briefly before speaking: “Young Lord Zhou, though… sharing the surname Zhou with Lady Zhou, but he is male. You two are being impetuous.”

Liu Chu was… straightforward.

He completely failed to notice that Young Lord Zhou’s beauty was like a woman’s. Because he had red lips, white teeth, and thick eyelashes, with features tending toward the feminine, and in his youth was often teased for “being like a girl.”

Seeing Prince Hengyang raise his eyebrows and completely ignore his words, Liu Chu added another bargaining chip: “He was… brought by Lady Luo.”

Brought by Cousin Luo?

Prince Hengyang Liu Mu immediately shifted his gaze away – he was somewhat afraid of Luo Lingyu’s relatives, such as Lu Erlang. Anything related to Luo Lingyu, he wanted to stay three steps away from.

Lu Erlang Lu Xian’s expression kept changing: How was this different from his dream again? That dream of his… how did some parts match with reality, yet when reflected in reality, become so strange?

Why did his Cousin Luo not only have such little connection with Prince Hengyang but also constantly have beautiful men coming and going around her? This, this… perhaps… Lu Erlang felt he needed the “Flower God Selection” to confirm that his dream was completely wrong. For a moment, Lu Erlang also fell silent, and the atmosphere among them became awkward. Just then, an eager voice joined in: “Lu Erlang, you’re here.”

Lu Xian turned his head to see Qi Sanlang Qi An walking quickly toward them. The young lord wore a jade crown and silk sash, dressed in a gauze brocade robe, walking quickly with delight all over his face. Lu Erlang was stunned for a while, because he used to spend his days reading books and painting, and wasn’t very familiar with Qi Sanlang. That dream of his had made him change himself, actively participating in worldly affairs, but he was certain he still wasn’t familiar with Qi Sanlang. So why was Qi Sanlang approaching him so enthusiastically?

Qi Sanlang came over, eagerly looking around: “Lu Erlang, is Sister Luo not here? Today is her competition, aren’t you going to see where she is?”

Lu Erlang: “…”

Prince Hengyang let out a sneer from the side, about to leave with a flick of his sleeve: “Lu Erlang, you see, there are plenty who like your cousin, I just…”

“Young Master!” The sleeve was grabbed by Lu Xian.

Lu Xian earnestly said: “What did you promise me? You promised you would come watch my cousin compete!”

Qi Sanlang couldn’t make heads or tails of what they were talking about; Prince Hengyang was made thoroughly embarrassed by Lu Erlang, glaring at him viciously before grinding out “I know”; Prince Chen calmly made way, seeing Young Lord Zhou’s playful expression, and for some unknown reason, suddenly felt this scene was somewhat embarrassing. Prince Hengyang and Lu Erlang were arguing, while Qi Sanlang had come rushing over for Luo Lingyu… Prince Chen’s lips pressed into a line as he said softly: “Let’s go.”

Zhou Yangling gave him a deep look before cupping her hands in farewell: “Young Master, farewell until we meet again.”

She turned and left immediately, her steps hurried, yet observing her retreating figure, her manner was graceful and rather spirited. This young lord was the one who truly left with a flick of the sleeve, without being stopped by anyone. Prince Chen Liu Chu still had an inexplicable feeling he couldn’t shake off – he stared at Zhou Yangling’s back, always feeling he had overlooked something. This young lord also didn’t explain or argue… Qi Sanlang: “What is Young Master looking at?”

Liu Chu came back to his senses: “Nothing. Just feel… we’ll meet again.”

The incident with the young lord wasn’t given much attention by this group. They made plans to go find Luo Lingyu, to give her some support. Only when they arrived did they learn that Luo Lingyu had pushed her performance to the evening, and when they wanted to ask Luo Lingyu more, the Luo lady was busy and had no time to see guests. Everyone could only leave disappointed, each going about their own business. During this time Prince Hengyang wanted to leave again, only held back by Lu Erlang’s persistence.

Throughout the day, Luo Lingyu was adjusting her mindset – if Seven couldn’t get out of bed by evening, she needed to prepare herself to perform. Since her dance skills weren’t refined, she would have to rely on other things to assist. In the afternoon, Zhou Yangling brought servants to move in the chime bells, and when Luo Lingyu went to look, she was quite delighted. Several sets of chime bells, each set of bronze bells different in size and sound quality. When Zhou Yangling struck them with a small wooden mallet, the sound was heard to be deep and magnificent.

Luo Lingyu murmured: “Since ancient times, chime bells were used for palace music, never seen among common people. Since our dynasty began, palace music has already retreated, and now whether in a palace or among common people, all are dominated by popular music of the qingshang style. Chime bells are probably rarely used even in the palace anymore… Young Lord Zhou, you were able to recreate ancient-style chime bells, and help me with them?”

Zhou Yangling smiled modestly: “I didn’t recreate them. My father is a current famous scholar, who most enjoys researching these old things, wanting to recreate them.”

Luo Lingyu blinked at her: Young Lord Zhou’s father having a refined interest to recreate ancient-style chime bells must surely be the character of a great family…

Zhou Yangling sat behind the bells, holding the wooden mallet, and said: “There are only a few hours until evening, I need to familiarize myself with the chime bells to better assist you. Sister Luo, let your musicians come in, I need to coordinate the music with them.”

Today’s popular qingshang music versus the solemn and majestic chime bell music, Young Lord Zhou wanted to combine the two… Luo Lingyu’s beautiful eyes sparkled with brilliance, already imagining how stunning it would be to the world tonight if they succeeded.

Luo Lingyu pulled the door closed, and quietly withdrew, patting her chest: “Fortunately Young Lord Zhou is male, not competing with me for the ‘Flower God’ position. Otherwise, I might lose to Young Lord Zhou…” It would be terrifying – with such grand momentum from the chime bells, no matter what she competed in, she would be overshadowed. Fortunately, Young Lord Zhou was helping her.

Young Lord Zhou was so talented.

Want to marry Young Lord Zhou even more now…

Luo Lingyu patted her face, patting away her heart full of admiration, sitting in the corridor outside. Zhou Yangling had given her reassurance, allowing her to truly calm down and properly think about how to handle the evening’s dance.

As the sun set at dusk, golden rays dragging long tails fell below the horizon, the sky gradually darkened, and red lanterns were lit throughout Hualin Garden, lights like snakes and dragons, illuminating the garden as bright as day. By this time, rather than seeing fewer people, there were even more young lords and ladies strolling in the garden. People were numerous, pipes and drums clamorous, just as if brilliant light filled the roads, like a grand festival night feast flowing like water.

Serving girls went back and forth through the garden, bringing wine, tea, cakes, and pastries to the young lords and ladies. Below each competition venue were set seats, and dozens of tables, where young lords and ladies could sit, eating dinner while watching the competitions. This was because although today’s competition was song and dance, there had never been noble ladies personally performing music. The noble ladies’ self-taught songs and dances participated in the selection, while the ladies sat below, observing the reactions of those around them.

The scene was refined, the manner of noble families, people discussing in whispers—

“Whose turn is next?”

“It’s Lady Luo’s. She seems to have invited some Seven from Chengyu House to dance, but I’ve been to Chengyu House and never heard of anyone there being outstanding at the dance.”

“Let’s see how Lady Luo handles it… Hey, has anyone seen Lady Luo? She seems to have not appeared all day.”

Chen Xiu, who had seen Luo Lingyu flirting with a young lord in the morning, sat properly dignified before her table, elegantly sipping tea, hearing an earful of young lords discussing “Lady Luo” this and that. Chen Xiu snorted heavily in her heart, suddenly hearing small commotions around her, and looking up, saw Lu Sanlang walking slowly among several old men, as refined as the clear moon.

Even though Lu Sanlang had his head lowered and wasn’t doing anything, the ladies’ gazes shifted over, unable to move away, until they heard clear music rise, and everyone finally came back to their senses, looking toward a large screen about eight zhang long-standing before them. The screen was made of white silk, purely white and clean throughout, without a single brush stroke painted on it, completely different from the popular colored screens of the time. Serving girls came and went, crouching below the screen, lighting candles one by one. Candlelight flickered, brushing past the hem of serving girls’ skirts as they walked past. On both sides of the screen, more appropriate angles were found to direct the abundant lights toward that screen.

Thus all directions were dark, with only a brilliant white screen visible in front.

Having taken his seat, Lu Sanlang adjusted his loose robes and sash, looking at this screen, carelessly: “Whose work? It’s somewhat interesting.”

Prince Chen Liu Chu said: “Cousin Luo.”

Lu Yu looked at him.

Seeing Lu Sanlang’s questioning look, Liu Chu saw him lower his eyelashes, hand supporting his chin, saying softly: “My cousin.”

Liu Chu: “…”

Not knowing why he was contesting this.

Liu Chu had come to accompany Lu Sanlang because Lu Sanlang had been here for three days already and was utterly exhausted in spirit. Regarding Luo Lingyu’s participation in the “Flower God” selection, Liu Chu himself didn’t care. But when serving girls and servants brought out bronze chime bells again, Liu Chu’s gaze fixed on them, surprised: “Luo… your cousin, she, even has such methods?”

Chime bells today were rarely seen even in the palace. Lu Yu stared at the chime bells, his eyes flickering slightly, not making a sound.

At the same time, Qi Sanlang Qi An and his friends, Prince Hengyang Liu Mu, and Lu Erlang Lu Xian… were all paying attention to the screen and the chime bells.

The lanterns were already lit, but Seven still hadn’t gotten any better. Luo Lingyu no longer held out hope, hiding in her room with a heart full of awkwardness and disappointment, personally doing her makeup, disguising herself as a dancing girl. Midway through, personal maids of Princess Pingning Liu Tang and Lady Han came by, asking why Lady Luo wasn’t going with them to watch the competition. Luo Lingyu found the excuse of needing to take care of Seven, when in reality she was completely lazy to deal with Seven now – Seven was being cared for by her younger sister.

Luo Yunwan seriously cared for Seven lying sick in bed, making Seven feel deeply touched. Unexpected while the Luo family’s elder lady was like that, the younger lady was so kind-hearted. Seven was very worried: “Young Lady, why don’t you tell Lady Luo to let me go instead? I can…”

Luo Yunwan placed her small hand on her forehead, her little face full of concentration: “You can’t. Don’t worry, my sister is very good at fooling people…”

“Wan’er, are you talking about me behind my back again?”

Luo Yunwan’s head shrank back a bit, playfully sticking out her tongue at Seven lying on the bed, before turning around. Originally wanting to smile sweetly and act coquettishly with her sister, but after one look at her sister’s current appearance, Luo Yunwan couldn’t help but: “Wow—” Only to see that Luo Lingyu’s clothes compared to usual… were even more ethereal and graceful.

The lady’s hair was styled in a flying immortal bun, her long dress trailing the ground, and between her lifting sleeves, the pearl armlet on her arm would occasionally show. This outfit of misty silk, cyan gauze skirt, hundred-layered ripples like wind-wrinkled waves. The waist-length silk ribbons outlined the lady’s slender waistline, her shapely jade chest… Such form-fitting dance attire accentuated Luo Lingyu’s graceful charm and alluring sentiment.

Perhaps because her features were bright and beautiful, she naturally suited such an appearance.

It stunned all the women in the room.

Luo Lingyu glared at them, feeling extremely embarrassed, pulling over the large cloak hanging on her arm to wrap around her figure, urging them: “Prop up Seven, dress her in the same appearance as me, and follow me to the back. We still need to act… I can’t let people know the person going up to compete is me.”

She was a noble lady, unwilling to be judged by others and shame her parents.

The women naturally agreed without much talk.

…

The young lords and ladies, each with their purposes, were all waiting for the performance of this dancing girl invited by Luo Lingyu. Lady Han and several other familiar ladies wanted to find Luo Lingyu, but couldn’t find her anywhere. When the gentle music began to overtake the voices, they all gave up, turning their attention to the stage.

Seeing the wide, long screen, bright as splendor, string and wind instruments began to play softly and leisurely. The music was refined and elegant, attracting everyone. Accompanying the light and lively music, it seemed as if seeing spring’s glory, flowers falling in profusion… Suddenly a commotion spread through the crowd, people staring at the screen, seeing shadows of flower petals falling from branches projected onto it.

Scattered falling, like rain like pearls.

All reflected on the pure white screen.

“Using the screen to showcase dance skills? Lady Luo is quite interesting.”

Below, someone understood, their interest growing deeper, unconsciously leaning forward. On Lu Erlang’s side, Lu Xian was closely watching Prince Hengyang’s expression. Seeing Prince Hengyang initially indifferent, when flowers began floating on the screen, Liu Mu was surprised, raising an eyebrow, his gaze falling on the screen.

Lu Xian was very happy: Cousin, continue!

The surrounding whispers and discussions didn’t cease. Five famous scholars sat in the best viewing positions, several old men’s faces showing admiration, discussing Luo Lingyu’s ingenious conception. They had seen too many ordinary dance performances; something novel could sweep away their fatigue, how nice. Among everyone, only Lu Sanlang Lu Yu remained expressionless.

Lu Sanlang took a sip of wine, absently using his brush to draw a “bing” character on paper, then put down the brush. If it was just winning through novelty, it still couldn’t move this strict person. Lu Sanlang watched calmly, his eyes deep and distant, when suddenly his pupils constricted, seeing a lady’s silhouette reflected on the screen, dancing gracefully.

The lady twirled in from the left side of the screen, the music instantly becoming faster. She danced alone under the falling spring flowers, her dance dress form-fitting, the lady’s arms raised, her fingertips truly like flowers, lightly tapping twice on the white screen. The slender waist, exquisite jade bosom, flying sleeves, increasingly rapid drumbeats…

Then seeing fewer and fewer flower petals, a moon-like shape appears at the top of the screen, the lady’s rapid dance slowly stops, changing to a gentle style…

Wisps of smoke, born with water. The music turned sorrowful, rippling waves on the screen, images of lake water and pavilions all trampled out under the lady’s feet. What everyone saw was this lady wandering and dancing on the rooftop, quiet and cold, alone. She stepped and flew under the moon, waist jade ribbons flying up, robe sleeves rising and falling, soft waist supporting the slender figure, flying toward that round moon.

At this time, the chime bells faintly joined in. At first extremely light, extremely slow, people didn’t even notice another musical voice had joined. When the lady on the screen danced toward the moon, the chime bells’ sound became deep and magnificent, overwhelming all other music. Yet the other music didn’t stop, still supporting those chime bell sounds. All voices chasing each other, like smoke and mist cradling Chang’e racing to the moon on the screen, pushing the momentum wave after wave to the climax…

Below, everyone had already been stunned.

Qi Sanlang’s breathing was rapid, his eyes burning;

Beside Lu Erlang, the light flickered in Prince Hengyang’s gaze, suddenly asking him: “Where is your cousin now?” Lu Erlang was gratified, but he also couldn’t find where his cousin was…

Prince Chen sat beside Lu Sanlang, hearing those chime bells, his heart full of amazement. Lu Sanlang’s cousin had played the chime bells, she had truly recreated the previous dynasty’s palace music, combining the solemnity of chime bells with the lightness of qingshang music… Luo Lingyu! Prince Chen suddenly looked at Lu Sanlang, his voice urgent: “Xuezhen, you, you, you…”

Your cousin is no ordinary person!

Prince Chen’s stuttering reached its peak in his emotional excitement. He usually strongly concealed his defect, not letting the world know of it, but now in his emotional shock, he stammered uncontrollably, everyone around was immersed in the dance and music, no one noticing his abnormality. However, when Prince Chen looked at Lu Sanlang, he discovered Lu Sanlang’s expression was unpredictable.

Liu Chu: “What’s wrong?”

Lu Yu’s heart surged like wild waves, his gaze like ice, staring at the lady dancing gracefully on the screen. A waist not even a handful, how graceful; every step matching the music, her dance posture both conforming to current ethereal beauty while having some ancient style; and her bosom… that bosom, bosom…

Luo Lingyu!

He stood up with a whoosh, his face full of shock: Luo Lingyu… the dancer was her! Must be her! She, a noble lady, actually went to dance for people to watch, where was her dancing girl, she…

Lu Sanlang suddenly standing up startled everyone, all looking over: “What’s wrong with Lu Sanlang?”

“Is there something improper about this dance?”

“Lu Sanlang?”

The other four famous scholars also looked over, seeing Lu Yu’s flustered face. Under everyone’s questioning, Lu Yu slowly sat down, calming his emotions, saying calmly: “Nothing.” He stared at the dance on stage, staring at that person’s waist and chest. While others were discussing who Seven was, only Lu Sanlang showed an expression between smile and not smile.

Lu Sanlang’s interest, exhausted for several days, recovered at this time: his Sister Luo, truly knew how to play… the surprises she gave him were not few. At the same time, he again saw her flirting with men, although this time it might have been unintentional…

Lu Yu’s face was black as ink.

Other scholars commented: “This dance is quite novel, what does Lu Sanlang think?”

Lu Yu raised his chin, his expression cold: “Ordinary.”

Others: … giving only such an evaluation for his cousin’s work, Lu Sanlang’s standards were really strict.

As the dance ended, below was all cheering. Luo Lingyu retreated from behind the screen, already sweating from the dance, her forehead also covered in sweat. After leaving the screen, the light no longer visible, she was wrapped in a large cloak by serving girls, covering her inner attire. Seven, pale-faced and trembling, was supported by serving girls, Luo Lingyu rushing over to grab her hand: “Quick, quick, quick, switch!”

Just as they began talking, ladies came to the back: “Lady Luo…”

Luo Lingyu tightly held Seven’s hand, her face full of delight and satisfaction, saying gently: “Seven, you danced so well! Thank you for your hard work! No matter what the result is, you’re the best dancer in my heart.”

Seven: “…”

Serving girls: “…”

Luo Yunwan often witnessed her sister’s expressions, her little face now full of calmness. Seven looked over at her, using her gaze to ask “Is your sister always like this?”, Luo Yunwan covered her face and nodded painfully: Sister’s acting skills, as usual, performing normally…

A young lord’s sneer sounded.

Luo Lingyu’s back stiffened slightly, turning around to see Lu Yu’s figure flash past, going with several old men to the next competition. His gaze crossed with the screen, he cast a playful look at her. Luo Lingyu ignored him, seeing him touch his forehead with his finger, lightly wiping. Luo Lingyu started, quickly touching her forehead, feeling the sweat on her forehead.

Luo Lingyu: “…”

Lu Yu’s figure just swayed once and then left, but Luo Lingyu’s heart sank. He had seen the sweat on her forehead, he knew the dancer was her… She had lost face in front of him again. This person was as hateful as ever!

She could only comfort herself that Lu Sanlang had nothing to do with her competition, she was just pretending, it didn’t matter if he knew. Until now she had been so absorbed in her dance, ears deaf to outside matters, not knowing that one of the five famous scholars was Lu Yu.

Because of this episode, Luo Lingyu perfunctorily responded to the ladies’ praise. To prevent another person like Lu Yu from being sharp-eyed and spotting the issue, Luo Lingyu used physical discomfort as an excuse to hastily bid farewell, going to the chambers to change clothes. Only after taking off this dance attire could she be at ease. Rustling and sneaking to the room, closing the door, no candles lit in the room, only the weak moonlight shining in from outside.

Luo Lingyu had just entered when her wrist was grabbed. Her scream was covered by a hand, she was pushed backward, pushed against the wall. As Luo Lingyu was shocked, she heard Lu Sanlang’s clear voice against her ear: “Don’t scream, it’s me.”

Luo Lingyu’s eyes widened, in the moonlight, indeed seeing clearly who the man pressing against her was.

Lu Yu looked down at Luo Lingyu, in the dim light, already seeing her cheeks red as clouds, lips alluringly moist. Luo Lingyu wondered in her heart what he came to do, whether he was going to mock her again. Yet the young lord’s eyes darkened slightly, Lu Yu giving an evaluation: “Cousin worked hard dancing…”

Luo Lingyu hesitated for a long time, tremblingly giving a response: “Not hard…”

Lu Yu looked at her for a while, looking until Luo Lingyu was nervous, then he reached up to pinch her cheek. The fingertip touch of skin was smooth, making one’s heart ripple. Just as Luo Lingyu’s whole body stiffened about to explode, she heard him laugh lowly by her ear: “Little Sister Yu’er… still so thick-skinned.”

Luo Lingyu: “…?!”

What? What did he say? Who is “Little Sister Yu’er”?

No, no… what right did he have to pinch her face…

When Lu Yu appeared, Luo Lingyu wasn’t afraid anymore. She hated Lu Yu, but she wasn’t afraid of Lu Yu. Looking left and right, Luo Lingyu was flustered by Lu Yu’s teasing. Luo Lingyu reached up to cover her ears, avoiding his tingling voice by her ear. She moved sideways to retreat, again avoiding his fingers pinching her face. Luo Lingyu glared at him fiercely, extremely dissatisfied with Lu Sanlang.

Luo Lingyu felt this was a good opportunity, righteously declaring: “Cousin, don’t get physical with me. Between us siblings…”

Lu Yu lazily interrupted: “Who’s siblings with you? Enough, there’s no outsiders here, don’t act in front of me.”

Luo Lingyu: “…”

The dim light was blocked by the young lord, the person pressed against the wall unable to escape, the lady lowered her voice angrily asking: “Then how did you recognize me?”

Lu Yu lowered his head to look at her chest, smiling: “You… are so plump, how could I not recognize you?”