Chapter 97: The Grand Performance Begins

As the drumbeat began, the sounds of the zither and flute gradually rose in pitch. The music was enchanting, stirring the hearts of all who listened.

“Why hasn’t it started yet? This is the fairy’s first appearance on the Flying Snow Jade Flower Stage! It must be even more ethereal.”

Previously, the Snow Maiden had performed on other stages a few times, garnering the admiration and affection of many fans.

The family of four sat together on a small sofa by the skylight, hidden from view by the deceptive light.

With the stirring drumbeat echoing, the backstage crew on the top floor lowered a series of red curtains. Once the entire stage was concealed behind the curtains, a blue-and-white figure gradually emerged.

“Here she comes!”

“Quiet! Don’t anger the noble above!”

Within the red curtains, the Snow Maiden descended gracefully with drifting snowflakes, looking exactly like a celestial being descending to the mortal realm.

“Heartshadow is projecting from the opposite side.” From this angle, only the top of the Snow Maiden’s head and her petite figure were visible, much to Lin Shu’s dissatisfaction.

[Respectful Commander, the projection has begun.]

The skylight stretched twenty meters wide, and four large screens had been added around its edges opposite the four spectators.

“Four angles to spy from! Husband, did you often do this before?” The Moon Goddess sounded a little jealous, envious of the proud and coquettish girl in the projection.

The dance was about to begin. Lin Shu felt a surge of excitement; he hugged the Moon tightly and focused intently on the upcoming performance.

The Moon Goddess settled quietly, and even the mother and daughter Jing Ni watched attentively, both impressed by the stage effects of the Flying Snow Jade Flower platform.

“Husband, are you still thinking of taking another queen? You don’t even dare touch Shao Shao now, do you?”

The young figure moved gracefully, every gesture and step captivating. Jing Ni couldn’t help but sigh in admiration.

Lin Shu shook his head. Perhaps once, but after having them, his fantasies about beauties had faded.

“Jing Ni, Little Moon, having you two is enough for your husband!”

His affections were limited; divided among four, the love he could give Jing Ni was greatly diminished.

Jing Ni smiled and nodded. The once impetuous husband had become steadier—at least he hadn’t touched Shao Siming for two years.

As the Snow Maiden’s dance unfolded, the cheering crowd gradually quieted of their own accord.

Some eyes shone with anticipation, some with mischief, but most were filled with admiration. Such an ethereal grace was not something ordinary mortals could approach.

As the last shimmering petal fell, the Snow Maiden’s flowing garments slowly drifted downward.

“Wonderful! Truly a rare beauty of the mortal world!”

The crowd was still savoring the moment when a young noble on the upper balcony stood and shouted.

Gao Jianli, who was composing poetry, was abruptly interrupted and had to stop.

“Who is that up there? Such rudeness before the performance is over!”

The youth below frowned in displeasure.

That! It was him!

“How has he returned?”

Finally, someone recognized him: a noble son who had disappeared for two years!

“That’s the son of the Duke of Yan, Yan Le!” Gao Jianli sighed. Given his current status, he indeed could not match him.

The music and drums gradually ceased, and the Snow Maiden bowed to the audience.

“Thank you all for your support. I shall now take my leave.”

The next act was the dance of the beauties, so the Snow Maiden could not linger.

Knowing she would not be seen for several days, Yan Le was naturally reluctant.

“Wait!”

The Snow Maiden frowned, raising her head and reluctantly releasing her hold to look toward the voice.

Yan Le smiled and leapt down from the pavilion to the edge of the stage.

“So it is the heir of the Duke of Yan! It has been a long time. Allow me to serve you properly,” said a young woman in a white dress, descending from the top floor before Yan Le.

Yan Le nodded. “Hostess, it has been a while. Please bring this Snow Maiden along with you.”

“Master, the Snow Maiden is still young and naive. Let me serve her!” The young woman was helpless—both father and son of the Yan family were notorious for their shamelessness and troublesome nature.

The hostess was an old flame of Yan Le’s past. He didn’t mind reminiscing, but how could it compare to this fresh young flower?

“That’s him! The son of the Duke of Yan!”

Many in the crowd, who were still whispering, quickly fell silent.

The Duke of Yan was a figure highly regarded by the Northern King. Though not residing in Ji City, he was the second most powerful person in Yan State, even surpassing Yan Dan.

“Master!” The Snow Maiden felt a chill flash across her eyes—could she not avoid this?

Just as the hostess was about to speak, Yan Le waved and ordered his men to pull her aside.

“Hold on!” an unpleasant voice sounded.

Yan Le frowned. Who dared to block his good deeds?

Upon hearing a strong, commanding shout, Yan Le’s swordsmen briefly halted.

“Heh! Gao Jianli, the interloper, has arrived!” Lin Shu shook his head. This scene was all too familiar.

The newcomer was tall and handsome, dressed splendidly, descending lightly with an elegant grace.

He was a master. Yan Le’s four swordsmen immediately shielded their lord.

“Heh! And who might you be? Do you know this is Yan State?”

Yan Le recognized Jing Ke but not Gao Jianli, perhaps regarding Gao Jianli as a mere nobody.

Gao Jianli calmed his racing heart and greeted the Snow Maiden first.

“Apologies for disturbing you, miss. The fault is mine.”

The Snow Maiden nodded faintly. “A chivalrous gentleman need not be so formal.”

This man was indeed more handsome and elegant than Yan Le, but this was Yan State! The Snow Maiden did not wish to involve others.

“Heh! Very well! The Duke of Yan’s residence has been gone for only two years, yet someone dares to disrespect the royal family so openly.”

Yan Le signaled, and one swordsman immediately left to summon reinforcements.

“It’s them!” With a sigh, Yan Dan, shielding her face, had no choice but to step out from the crowd.

The newcomers advanced with a swaying gait, revealing their profound skill.

Gao Jianli had to brace himself.

“Who are you?” Yan Le was furious. What cats and dogs dared to provoke him?

Yan Dan shook her head slightly, then spoke softly.

“Yan Le, this is Gao Jianli, the Northern Kingdom’s envoy stationed in Yan and a close friend of Jing Ke. Do not stir trouble.”

The voice reached Yan Le’s ears, and he was stunned.

He could not afford to offend Yan Dan alone, let alone a Northern Kingdom envoy!

After greeting Yan Dan, Yan Le looked at Gao Jianli.

“So it is the Northern Kingdom’s envoy stationed in Yan. Our Duke’s residence and the embassy are practically one family.”

Gao Jianli certainly knew this, which explained his restraint. He did not wish to reveal too much.

“Your Highness, may you return to your seat? I will personally apologize later.”

The Snow Maiden’s eyes brightened—she hadn’t expected this man to be the Northern Kingdom’s envoy! No wonder he was unafraid of Yan Le.

The surrounding crowd erupted with excitement, eager to witness the clash between the prince and the envoy.

If it were Jing Ke, Yan Le could not afford to be disrespectful—otherwise, his father would surely break his legs! But who was this Gao Jianli?

“Envoy Gao, have you also taken a fancy to these two beauties? Hostess, please accompany Envoy Gao. This way, both families may enjoy happiness.”

Yan Le had seen many beauties, but such a proud, snow-white-haired girl was new to him.

Yan Dan frowned. Yan Le was truly no different from Yan He—both were debauched and lecherous.

Gao Jianli glanced at the Snow Maiden and resolutely shook his head. “I hope Your Highness understands.”

“You!” Yan Le was enraged. To lower himself so much! Gao Jianli would not even grant him face!

“Envoy Gao, do not disgrace the empire. Our Yan State also belongs under the king.”

Yan Le issued a final warning.

At that moment, dozens of armored soldiers rushed in, wielding powerful imperial crossbows.

“Thank you, Envoy Gao, for your assistance. This is an internal matter of our Snow Pavilion. We hope the envoy will not interfere.”

The hostess quickly spoke, not wishing for the long-dormant flames of war to rekindle because of them.

The Snow Maiden cupped her fists in salute. “Please, Envoy Gao, return to your seat.”