The Second World in Ancient Times

The sun rose, its soft light like a golden veil gently draping the towering palace walls, casting a dreamy halo over the ancient palace. Within the palace chamber, I slowly awoke, gazing at the wisps of dawn filtering through the window lattice. My heart was filled with anticipation for a new day, yet also with a tinge of apprehension about the upcoming talent show. I knew this competition was no ordinary contest of beauty, but a war without the smoke of gunpowder. Various factions were secretly gearing up to distinguish themselves at this grand event, and I, naturally, became the target of their attacks. Recalling the various workplace competitions and talent shows I'd participated in in modern society, I told myself that no matter what situation I find myself in, with my own ability and wisdom, I can always find a way out of any adversity. The same was true in this harem.

Wanqing had been waiting attentively beside me for a long time. When she saw me wake up, she quickly handed me a warm handkerchief and whispered, "Your Majesty, today is the day of the talent competition. Did you sleep well last night?"

I smiled faintly, took the handkerchief and gently wiped my face. "It's a little tiring, but it's okay. This game is crucial, I must give it my all."

After getting up, I meticulously dressed with Wanqing's help. I chose a moon-white silk gown, delicately embroidered with plum blossoms. These blossoms appeared and disappeared with my movements, like plum blossoms swaying gracefully in the wind. My hair was adorned only with a jade hairpin, simple yet elegant, highlighting my extraordinary demeanor.

"Your Majesty, you look like a fairy today, you will definitely outshine all the other beauties." Wanqing praised sincerely.

I shook my head gently. "In this harem, beauty and appearance are just stepping stones. The real winner is true talent and wisdom."

When I arrived at the competition venue, I saw it was already beautifully decorated. Colorful silks fluttered in the breeze, and delicate flowers exuded their rich fragrance. However, I had no time to appreciate it all. I could keenly sense the jealous gazes hidden behind the false smiles, like a thorn in my back.

Before the competition even began, Concubine Hui gracefully approached. She was dressed in a gorgeous peach-pink brocade dress, her makeup heavy, and her eyes shone with reluctance and defiance. "Sister Concubine Yu, I heard you've put so much effort into today's competition. I'm really looking forward to your performance. However, this art is so profound, so don't be overconfident."

I smiled calmly and replied, "Sister Huifei is absolutely right. I will do my best. However, sister, don't underestimate us. There are many hidden talents in the harem. Who knows, one of the sisters might do something amazing."

At this time, Concubine Zhen also came over and said in a sarcastic tone, "Yes, Concubine Yu has always been very intelligent, but this competition requires real ability, not just some clever tricks that can get you by."

I raised my chin slightly, my gaze firm: their eagerness to provoke me was simply to unsettle me. But I'd experienced countless intrigues and competitive pressures in the modern era, so how could I be intimidated by such petty tricks? "Sisters, we'll know whether I'm a mule or a horse once we take them out for a walk. I may not be talented, but I'm not afraid of any challenge. Sisters, instead of making sarcastic remarks here, you should focus on your performances and avoid embarrassing yourself and making a fool of yourself."

The competition officially kicked off, and the first performance was a display of Concubine Li's dancing skills. She danced gracefully in the center of the stage, her graceful posture and light steps winning cheers from the audience.

I secretly admired Concubine Li's exceptional dancing skills, but I remained calm. I had already carefully prepared a unique choreography. In my modern life, I had thoroughly studied various dance styles and participated in the planning of many creative dances. These experiences informed my confidence at this moment.

Soon, it was my turn to take the stage. I gracefully walked onto the stage, bowed gracefully to the audience, and then gently sat down at the piano. My fingers gently stroked the strings. At first, the sound was like twinkling stars in the quiet night sky, soft and soothing, with a touch of ethereal and distant, instantly bringing everyone into a tranquil atmosphere. This opening style, borrowed from modern meditation music, aims to calm the audience's hearts and better immerse them in the subsequent musical changes.

As the melody progressed, I picked up the tempo, and the sound grew passionate, like surging waves crashing against the rocks on the shore, brimming with power and passion. I employed the powerful rhythms and rhythmic variations of modern music, creating a sense of surging excitement that resonated directly with the audience. Furthermore, I skillfully applied the principles of resonance in physics, adjusting the force and position of my playing to create a more intense resonance within the spacious venue, making the entire space seem to vibrate with the sound. The audience was captivated by the sound, and the previously bustling venue instantly fell silent, everyone immersed in this beautiful world of music. As I played, I observed the audience's reactions, and seeing their rapt expressions, I felt a surge of satisfaction that modern musical concepts could flourish even in this ancient palace.

At the end of the song, the audience erupted in applause. The king, seated high on his throne, his eyes filled with admiration: "Concubine Yu's zither playing is truly marvelous. This piece of music should only exist in heaven. I am honored to hear it today. It is truly a great pleasure."

I stood up and thanked him: "Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty. I am only slightly versed in music, and I am deeply honored to be recognized by Your Majesty."

Next came the dance. I took a deep breath and quickly reviewed the movements of a fusion of modern and classical dance. During my time in modern dance, I frequently took dance fitness classes, which gave me a precise grasp of the rhythm and power control of modern dance. I also possessed a deep understanding of the graceful postures and artistic expression of classical dance. I skillfully combined the two to create a completely new dance style.

I danced gracefully, my long sleeves fluttering. At the outset, I harnessed the rhythmic power of modern dance, with swift and powerful footwork and twists of my body, instantly capturing the audience's attention. Each of my movements was imbued with power and agility, as if expressing the independence and confidence of a modern woman. My feet, like nimble drumsticks, rhythmically tapped the stage floor, creating a gentle yet melodious sound. My body, as if pulled by invisible threads, traced graceful arcs through the air. During my spins, I employed the pivoting technique of modern dance, allowing for both speed and stability. My skirt, like a blossoming flower, unfurled freely.

Then, I gradually absorbed the graceful postures of classical dance, my long sleeves fluttering in the air, like a fairy descending to earth. Throughout the dance, I skillfully utilized the space of the stage, vividly expressing my emotions and stories through dance. I imagined myself striving for my dreams in modern society, infusing that resilience and perseverance into my movements. Sometimes, I moved like a gentle spring breeze, lightly weaving across the stage; sometimes, like a summer downpour, fiercely unleashing passion and power; sometimes, like an autumn wild goose, gracefully stretching its body and soaring through the sky; sometimes, like a winter plum blossom, proudly standing tall amidst the ice and snow, demonstrating an unyielding will.

However, just as I was dancing, I suddenly felt my foot slip, as if someone had tampered with the stage. I was startled, but years of professional experience quickly calmed me down. I told myself: Don't panic, this might be an opportunity. With my exceptional sense of balance, I deftly turned this slip into a dance move, as if it were a deliberate plot twist. I executed a squat spin, a classic move from modern ballet, and not only did I avoid falling, but it actually made the whole performance even more spectacular. I was secretly grateful that modern dance techniques had come in handy at this crucial moment.

The audience didn't notice anything unusual and continued to immerse themselves in my dance. But in my heart I knew that it must be the other concubines who were secretly plotting.

After the dance, I returned backstage, and Wanqing came up to me anxiously: "Madam, did you almost fall just now? Someone must be playing tricks on you. How abominable!"

I frowned slightly. "It doesn't matter. They think they can defeat me like this. They are really naive. I must let them know that I am not so easily manipulated."

In the following rounds of the competition, other concubines also showed off their talents, some recited poems and painted, some played the zither, but none of them could surpass my performance.

Finally, the results were announced, and I, without a doubt, won first place. The King personally came on stage to present me with the award. He held an exquisite jade pendant and gently placed it around my waist. "Concubine Yu, your performance today was absolutely perfect. This jade pendant is my commendation. I hope you will continue to bring more surprises to the palace in the future."

I knelt and saluted: "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty. I will definitely live up to your expectations."

Although the concubines in the audience were extremely jealous, they could only force themselves to smile and congratulate me.

Concubine Hui stepped forward and said with a forced smile, "Congratulations to Concubine Yu for winning the championship. You are truly exceptionally talented. I am ashamed of myself."

I smiled and replied, "Sister Huifei, you are too kind. Your talent is quite outstanding. I was just lucky today."

After returning to the palace, Wanqing excitedly said, "Your Majesty, you were truly amazing today! Not only did you successfully deal with the concubines' secret plots, but you also won the competition. Now your position in the harem is even more secure. Let's see who dares to bully you from now on."

I sighed softly, "Wanqing, this is only a temporary victory. In this harem, the struggle will never stop. We must always remain vigilant and constantly improve ourselves, so that we can gain a long-term foothold in this dangerous palace."

In this harem filled with calculations and conspiracies, I relied on my wisdom and talent to resolve crises time and again, striding towards a higher position and more secure power. I know the road ahead is long and the challenges will be even more arduous, but I am undaunted. I possess the independence and tenacity of a modern woman, and I will surely shine brightly on this palace stage.