Nan Zhiyun felt a little awkward, but Yu Jingchen found her embarrassment quite amusing, so he decided to speak.
"What do you think of Prince Yuncheng and the Yuan Consort's sister, Concubine Shu?" Yu Jingchen asked, a smile in his voice.
"Your servant thinks they are very suitable," Nan Zhiyun replied, feeling a bit uncomfortable. Being watched by so many people made her uneasy. She was once accustomed to such gazes, but now she often felt a sense of discomfort.
"What about Noble Consort Gui?" Yu Jingchen then asked Yan Guifei, his tone considerably milder than before.
"Your servant believes they are an excellent match. A talented man and a beautiful woman; if it were to happen, it would be a beautiful story," Yan Guifei responded.
"And Yuan Consort? After all, you are the elder sister," Yu Jingchen asked Yuan Consort.
Yuan Consort smiled gently, "His Majesty's grace is the fortune of your servant and my sister." Yuan Consort was always like this, neither competing nor seeking, accepting whatever was said. Of course, she also possessed her own pride.
After this small episode passed, it was no longer mentioned. Nan Zhiyun had eaten her fill and now sat in a daze, unable to eat more. She had always disliked attending such banquets since she was young; they were incredibly boring, and one had to sit properly.
In the past, whenever such banquets occurred, she would tell the Empress Dowager that she wanted to go out for some fresh air. The Empress Dowager, knowing she was bored, would let her go and play, even covering for her. But now, as Shu Fei, she could not easily leave, with many people below watching.
The palace's songs and dances were monotonous, and Nan Zhiyun was almost tired of them. Yu Jingchen found her listless expression amusing. He whispered something to Xing Lai, who then glanced towards Nan Zhiyun before withdrawing.
Just as Nan Zhiyun was about to give in to exhaustion, several large drums appeared on stage. The central drum was placed normally, while the others were suspended in mid-air by supports.
Nan Zhiyun felt a flicker of curiosity, and her drowsiness began to fade. It wasn't just her; everyone else was filled with curiosity. Yan Guifei's gaze first fell on Yu Jingchen, then shifted to Nan Zhiyun.
This performance was something His Majesty had specifically asked her to arrange. It was only two days ago, to be precise, the day Nan Zhiyun and Yu Jingchen returned from outside the palace. It was clear to Yu Jingchen why he had done this.
He had never concerned himself with such matters before, not inquiring about anything during the entire banquet. Yet, this time, he had her add this performance, even inviting people from outside the palace. Yan Qing always understood things clearly; this Shu Fei was truly different to His Majesty.
Nan Zhiyun's attention was captured by the stage setup. Then, a woman descended from the sky, clad in red, her sleeves flowing like a fairy, landing gracefully on the central drum.
Nan Zhiyun's interest was immediately piqued. She envied these "little fairies who could fly."
Seeing Nan Zhiyun's animated expression, Yu Jingchen's lips curved slightly. He discreetly kept an eye on Nan Zhiyun's reactions. The Empress Dowager's gaze lingered on him and Nan Zhiyun for a moment, a thoughtful look on her face.
The girl on the drum moved with agile grace. With a slight turn, she began to dance. Her flowing sleeves struck the surrounding drum surfaces, "Candle dragons embracing the light, scorching snow, and the Jie drum urging flowers to bloom in the imperial garden."
Nan Zhiyun was utterly captivated. How could she strike the drum surfaces with her sleeves and create such a powerful effect? She was genuinely engrossed in the performance, but the other consorts were different; they worried if this dancer would catch the Emperor's eye.
When the performance ended, the dancer bowed in the center and prepared to withdraw. Nan Zhiyun watched regretfully, still not satisfied.
"Wait," Yu Jingchen called out, seeing Nan Zhiyun's interest.
The hearts of the other consorts tightened. Could it be that he was truly taken with her? "What a seductress," they thought.
"This humble subject pays her respects to His Majesty," the dancer bowed again.
"How did Concubine Shu find her performance? Did you like it?" Yu Jingchen asked Nan Zhiyun.
"Your servant has rarely seen such a performance. It was novel and quite enjoyable," Nan Zhiyun replied truthfully.
"If you wish, perhaps we can have her stay in the palace, so you can watch her whenever you like," Yu Jingchen asked Nan Zhiyun this time.
Unlike before, when he had asked so many people. At that time, it was about Prince Luoyuncheng, and asking her might have led to speculation. But now, asking only her was a clear indication of his stance.
"This..." Nan Zhiyun was momentarily taken aback. Stay?
"It's up to you. If you want her to stay, she can. If not, it's fine," Yu Jingchen continued.
"Your Majesty, your servant has no such intention. It was just novel and interesting; there's no need to go to such trouble," Nan Zhiyun did not intend to keep her.
"I saw how curious you were just now and thought you were interested in this. Your eyes were glued to the stage," Yu Jingchen did not force the issue.
"Your servant simply felt she was very skilled. What she did just now is beyond the capability of ordinary people," Nan Zhiyun replied.
"Concubine Shu may not know, but His Majesty specifically asked this servant to add this performance, likely because he knew Concubine Shu would like it," the Noble Consort interjected at the opportune moment.
Nan Zhiyun was surprised to hear this. Because of her? She suddenly recalled the river performance they saw when they went out of the palace last time. Nan Zhiyun looked at Yu Jingchen, wondering if this was why it was arranged.
"I arranged this after seeing your interest in such things last time. If you like it, that's good. If you don't wish for her to stay, then forget it," Yu Jingchen looked at the dancer and said, "Reward her."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Shu Fei Niangniang," the dancer knew she had benefited from Shu Fei's favor.
"You may withdraw," Yu Jingchen said.
"Yes, this humble subject takes her leave." The dancer obediently retreated. The assembled crowd breathed a sigh of relief, glad that His Majesty had not kept the woman. But... it was specially arranged for Shu Fei? They began to feel envious again. Why?
His Majesty had clearly detested Shu Fei before. How had he suddenly become so fond of her? And so indulgent and attentive.
"Yun'er still likes these things. She hasn't changed much," the Empress Dowager remarked at this moment.
"These are quite interesting, and they are truly skilled," Nan Zhiyun said.
"When Yun'er was young, she even said she wanted to practice martial arts, but she gave up after two days," the Empress Dowager chuckled.
"Empress Dowager Niangniang, you were the one who said it was unnecessary," Nan Zhiyun linked arms with the Empress Dowager.
"Ah Su, look, this child is even trying to shift the blame onto this old woman," the Empress Dowager said to Nan Su, her face full of laughter. She then stroked Nan Zhiyun's head.
"That's because Empress Dowager Niangniang spoils her," Nan Su smiled.
"The treasure this old woman raised, who else would spoil her if not me? This old woman cannot bear to see her suffer," the Empress Dowager said with implied meaning.