The Rebirth of Li Fei: The Strongest Palace Fighting System

At this moment, Prince Dun spoke, his tone full of sarcasm:

"Your Majesty, I heard from outside that Your Majesty has appointed a new concubine, Wan Changzai, who is both talented and beautiful, but is afraid of cats. We Manchus have always conquered the world on horseback. If she is afraid of cats, how can she serve Your Majesty?"

Prince Heng also echoed in a sarcastic tone:

"A woman doesn't need to be brave or talented, she just needs to be pleasing to the eye."

"So, this reputation of being both talented and beautiful is in vain. It's just a way of satisfying people with your beauty, which makes it seem like the Emperor is judging people by appearances."

Under the sarcasm of the two princes on his left and right, the emperor also looked a little embarrassed.

At this time, Shen Meizhuang spoke up to smooth things over for the emperor:

"Your Majesty, Sister Wan has always been devoted to poetry and literature, and has never played with cats. Besides, I don't know where a cat would come from at the Princess's New Year's banquet. I thought I might as well compose a poem to celebrate the Princess' birthday."

"Oh my, isn't this just right..."

Concubine Qi always speaks without thinking and has no vision:

"My Third Prince is the most filial. He was afraid that I would be bored, so he specially sent me a very cute cat named 'Songzi'. I also brought it to the Old Summer Palace... How could there be no cat? Isn't there a ready-made one here..."

The emperor glanced at Concubine Qi helplessly, feeling that he could no longer refuse.

"My concubines wouldn't be afraid of a cat. Bring the cat here. Concubine Wan is here, you don't need to tease her, just give her a casual scolding."

......

The hall was magnificent and golden, and Zhen Huan and a "pine nut" stood in the center.

The cat had bright fur and eyes that sparkled like gems. In Zhen Huan's eyes, it seemed like a lurking beast that could pounce on her at any time, bringing endless fear and anxiety.

When the cat suddenly called out, the sharp and abrupt sound instantly broke the tranquility of the hall and also disturbed Zhen Huan's already tense heart.

Her body trembled violently, her hands clenched into fists unconsciously, and a trace of undisguised fear flashed in her eyes.

Zhen Huan took a deep breath, trying to calm her pounding heart, then slowly reached out her hand, her fingers trembling slightly, trying to get closer to the cat.

The cat seemed to sense Zhen Huan's nervousness and uneasiness. It curiously moved closer, but suddenly retreated at the last moment. There seemed to be a bit of teasing and provocation in its bright eyes.

Zhen Huan's face turned even paler.

She mustered her courage again and carefully reached out her hand. This time, she successfully touched the cat's fur. But then, the cat's claws gently waved, and the sudden touch frightened her again.

"Okay, that's enough."

At this time, the queen spoke and interrupted the "performance".

"Although the concubines in the harem love to keep cats, if they want to see 'animal play', it is best to have the animal trainers from the Hundred Horses Garden perform."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration. I have never kept a cat before, and I am sorry to have caused such a commotion, Your Majesty and Your Majesty."

Zhen Huan returned to her seat in embarrassment, but the "pine nut" was also taken back by Cui Guo, the maidservant beside Concubine Qi.

"That's fine. I've never raised one before, but I'm brave enough to give it a try. As long as I can show the courage of a heroine, that's enough. Okay, next one."

After the emperor said this, he gave the queen a look of approval, and the queen smiled slightly.

......

"Next, it's An Changzai's..."

When Concubine Cao was about to draw lots for me, Xiao Tao quickly placed the note that Concubine Cao had hidden in her sleeve on the top of the notes in the brocade box - the position that was easiest to grab.

Concubine Cao took the card easily, and then she felt a lag and was surprised.

The Emperor was already dissatisfied with Concubine Cao's suggestion to "amuse the cat" and was slightly annoyed:

"What's wrong with you today? Why don't you study again?"

"...Please...pay your respects and perform the 'Jinghong Dance'."

Immediately, the atmosphere in the hall grew tense and subtle. Everyone looked at each other, their eyes filled with surprise, confusion, and bewilderment.

Among them, Concubine Hua's gaze was particularly sharp. She stared at Concubine Cao, her eyes full of questioning and surprise.

Xin Changzai and Fu Cha Guiren have always been straightforward and say whatever they think:

"This 'Jinghong Dance' was created by Tang Xuanzong's Consort Mei. It had been lost for a long time, but Empress Chunyuan loved singing and dancing. She searched for the original dance and painstakingly modified it. It once moved the world and was a rage in the palace."

"This 'Jinghong Dance' is the most difficult to learn. If you do it well, it will be stunning. If you don't do it well, it will be just a poor imitation."

"Sister An is so young, how can she perform the 'Jinghong Dance'? Lady Cao just asked Sister Wan to play with the cat, and now she's asking Sister An to perform the 'Jinghong Dance'. Isn't that asking too much?"

Hua Fei said angrily:

"Although I remember Sister An was practicing dancing in the garden a few days ago, I'm sure even Queen Chunyuan can't compare to her. If you can't dance, don't force yourself."

In fact, as I listened to their constant provocation, I already felt confident in my heart, after all, I had practiced hard for a long time before.

The emperor did not like to see his concubines frequently showing their incompetence in front of the princes and ministers.

In his view, the concubines in the harem are not only his women, but also represent the face and majesty of the royal family.

Then, the emperor slowly said:

"An Changzai, just dance casually."

......

After changing, I gracefully returned to the main hall, wearing the exact same pink dance costume I'd worn in my previous life. This costume was as light as clouds, its pink delicate and gentle, like the most beautiful peach blossoms in spring.

Afterwards, Shen Meizhuang gently stroked the "Chang Xiangsi" guqin. I took a deep breath, adjusted my mood, and slowly walked into the dance floor following the melodious sound of the guqin.

My dance steps are light and smooth, and every turn and every jump is just right.

And in this graceful dance, I also incorporated singing.

Because in the previous life, I was the one who sang and Shen Meizhuang played the zither to accompany Zhen Huan in dancing, so the song "The Goddess of Luo River" was naturally a piece of cake:

"Graceful as a startled swan, graceful as a flying dragon, glorious as autumn chrysanthemums, flourishing as spring pines..."

My voice is as clear as a mountain spring, blending perfectly with Shen Meizhuang's guqin sound, complementing each other.

After the dance, the emperor was overjoyed:

"An Changzai really gave me a surprise!"

At this time, Prince Guo had already taken his seat without anyone noticing.

He did not use his "Chang Xiang Shou" flute to accompany me, probably because it was me, not Zhen Huan, who was dancing this time.

But he was generous in praising him, which helped the emperor regain 10% of his face.

The emperor smiled happily and rewarded Shen Meizhuang and me.

I know that this time, I will not only receive the treasures bestowed by the emperor, but also the "favor index" between the emperor and me will soon rise.

As everyone was drinking, the queen asked in dissatisfaction:

"Hua Fei, what's wrong with you? It's such a nice day, why are you ruining the fun?"