Chapter 40: The Performance

"Consort Jing has arrived!"
"The Sixth Prince has arrived!"
"The Fourth Princess has arrived!"

Following the nasally announcement of the attendant, a graceful and opulent woman appeared at the entrance of the grand hall. She was dressed in a magnificent deep purple gown, and the hairpins in her coiffure shimmered brilliantly, swaying gently with her elegant gait. By her side, she held the hand of a jade-like, adorable young child—the Sixth Prince, Murong Yi, the youngest son of Consort Jing.

Accompanying them was a woman of about twenty years, dressed in a goose-yellow gown, who appeared dignified and refined. This was the Fourth Princess, Murong Lian. Having lost her birth mother at an early age, she had been raised by Consort Jing. Murong Lian had once been married, but unfortunately, her husband could not endure the Fourth Princess’s willful and arrogant nature. He insisted on a divorce, and tragically, he met an untimely death while on his way back to his estate, murdered by bandits. Since then, the Fourth Princess had remained a widow. Consort Jing, feeling pity for her, had summoned her back to the palace to remain by her side.

Tang Chaochao looked at the Fourth Princess, noting the resemblance in their features, and then cast a glance toward Murong Si. An old Taoist priest had once told her that only relatives share such facial similarities, though sometimes it could be generational. While one might say Murong Si resembled Consort Jing, he actually bore a stronger resemblance to Emperor Kangjian, whom Tang Chaochao had seen before. There was surely an unknown secret hidden within this.

As soon as Consort Jing took her seat at the head of the hall, everyone rose in unison to pay their respects. Consort Jing was exceptionally well-preserved and looked no older than thirty. With a lovely face and a dignified air, she raised her hand to signal that they need not be so formal.

"Everyone, please take your seats. Consider this a family banquet today; there is no need to be so constrained."

The guests bowed in gratitude before returning to their places. Consort Jing smiled kindly, her gaze resting briefly on Xie Tingyao, who sat further down. "Tingyao, my dear, why are you sitting so far away? Come and sit by your aunt."

Xie Tingyao’s face lit up with a brilliant smile, and she was about to rise when her eyes inadvertently fell upon the Crown Prince sitting opposite her. "Aunt, I am quite comfortable sitting here."

Hearing this, Consort Jing’s gaze shifted to the Crown Prince, and the smile on her face faded slightly. "Crown Prince, what brings you here today? As for Si’er, it took quite a bit of persuasion on my part to get him to attend!"

Consort Jing glanced at Murong Si, who was not far away. Murong Si chuckled and said, "Mother, you jest. I simply felt that snow is nothing worth watching. It is far better to stay in my manor, listening to music and watching plays with my concubines."

Upon hearing this, Consort Jing’s expression stiffened. She feigned a reprimand, saying, "You are a prince, after all. Can you not learn from the Crown Prince and help alleviate your father’s burdens?"

"You are right to scold me, Mother!" Although Murong Si said this, his expression made it clear that he was merely being perfunctory. Consort Jing gave him a look of annoyance and turned her gaze away.

At this moment, the Fourth Princess, Murong Lian, spoke up. "Mother, since so many young ladies and gentlemen are here today, why not let them perform to add some cheer to this snow-viewing banquet?"

Consort Jing smiled and nodded. "That is a good idea."

Palace banquets had always been prime opportunities for young noblewomen and gentlemen to display their talents. The ladies hoped to find an ideal husband, and the gentlemen, naturally, shared similar intentions. Upon hearing they were to perform, everyone began to summon their spirits and prepare.

Tang Chaochao watched these peacocks vying for attention and couldn't help but think of the Prince of Lin’s exquisite face. If he were here, he would be the most beautiful peacock of them all just by standing still, with no need to display any talent at all. The talents of the noblewomen were nothing more than playing the zither, dancing, or, at worst, reciting poetry and painting. Tang Chaochao found it dull, her mind preoccupied with how to find an opportunity to isolate Xie Tingyao. She had promised the Emperor she would not kidnap anyone again; to do so now would be a slap in the Emperor’s face. Tang Chaochao knew well what should and should not be done, which was why she had attended this banquet in the first place.

The first to perform was Xie Tingyao. She had changed into a gown with flowing water sleeves and walked slowly to the center of the hall, beginning to dance as the music started. It had to be said that these noblewomen were indeed skilled. Tang Chaochao had to admit that Xie Tingyao danced well—though it would have been even better had she not cast flirtatious glances toward the Crown Prince, Murong Bo, every so often.

The dance ended to thunderous applause, and Xie Tingyao wore a look of pride. Following her, other noblewomen took the stage, and a few gentlemen also stepped forward to display calligraphy or improvised paintings, though none were particularly remarkable.

Liu Rulan, sitting in an inconspicuous corner, gripped her handkerchief tightly. If not for Tang Chaochao humiliating her, she could have been on stage now, winning the favor of the Third Prince. She cast a vicious glare toward Tang Chaochao, a malicious plan forming in her heart. *Tang Chaochao, if you won't let me have peace, then don't expect to have any either.*

Tang Chaochao, whose perception was sharper than most, sensed the malicious gaze and looked over instinctively, catching Liu Rulan before she could look away. Though Liu Rulan felt the shame of being caught, she became even more determined to carry out her plan. Tang Chaochao simply grinned at her and turned her gaze away.

The performances were drawing to a close when a voice suddenly rang out. "I have heard that General Tang’s family has found their second daughter. I wonder if she is here today?"

The Fourth Princess, Murong Lian, scanned the hall, noticing that everyone turned to look at Tang Chaochao. Tang Chaochao raised an eyebrow and stood up. "Fourth Princess, I am she."

The Fourth Princess let her gaze rest on Tang Chaochao’s face—unadorned yet clean and beautiful—and felt a flash of displeasure. She had always hated women who were too striking in appearance, for it was because of an exceptionally beautiful seductress that her own husband had insisted on a divorce. She had refused, even going so far as to torture the woman in front of her husband, only for him to take his own life. If that were to get out, what would become of her reputation as a princess?

Seeing that Tang Chaochao did not bow to her, the Fourth Princess grew even more annoyed. She exchanged a look with Xie Tingyao and curled her lips into a smile. "They say the eldest daughter of General Tang is exceptionally talented; surely the second daughter is no less so."

It was a clear attempt to make her look foolish. Tang Chaochao would not give them the chance. "Fourth Princess, you jest. I was raised in the mountains since childhood and know nothing of the zither, chess, calligraphy, or painting, nor can I recite poetry or paint. If you wish to see a performance, you should ask someone else!"

No one had ever heard a noblewoman so brazenly admit that she knew nothing. Yet, Tang Chaochao’s composure left the Fourth Princess unable to continue her line of questioning. Xie Tingyao, seeing this, immediately chimed in. "Tang Chaochao, the Princess asked you to perform; what is the meaning of your constant excuses? Do not think that just because you have been granted the title of Princess, you can be so arrogant!"

Tang Chaochao laughed. It was clear they were determined to see her humiliated. "Miss Xie, while your words are unreasonable, it is true that I cannot sing or dance. However, I do know a few clumsy martial arts moves. I just don't know if Miss Xie would be willing to be my sparring partner; I promise I will go easy on you."

Xie Tingyao was furious. "You!"

Who would want to fight her? She was a noblewoman; how could she have learned something as vulgar as martial arts?

Tang Chaochao tilted her head and smirked. "It seems Miss Xie does not dare."