Chapter 123: A Sword Dance for the Birthday Celebration, a Chill...

After the grand Western Liang melody concluded, whether or not everyone was truly interested, the hall erupted in unanimous applause. Despite the best efforts of the Doulu family’s song-and-dance performers that followed, the guests gradually relaxed their attention, especially upon learning that Madam Gongsun and her disciples had arrived. Naturally, their enthusiasm waned as they awaited a different spectacle.

Even Consort Doulu couldn’t help but whisper, “Madam Gongsun’s sword dance has gained legendary renown across the imperial region in recent years. Is it truly as miraculous as they say?”

“Your Highness must ask my elder sister or my brother about that. I’ve been busy these days escorting people to meet some Taoist masters on my brother’s behalf. Today is my first time witnessing that unparalleled sword dance,” Princess Yuzhen replied, pausing thoughtfully before continuing, “However, it is said that among military sword dances, General Pei of Youzhou is unrivaled. Unfortunately, since he guards the frontier, no one has had the chance to see his true skill.”

As they spoke, someone in the hall suggested presenting a congratulatory poem for the birthday. Soon, a stream of auspicious phrases followed—turtle and crane symbols of longevity, blessings of fortune and long life—until Princess Yuzhen felt a dizzying overload. Especially when Prince Qi, Li Fan, approached with a smiling face and a cup of wine to honor Consort Doulu, opening with a cliché about pine and sea, she couldn’t help but frown and chide, “Qi Ge, can you not come up with something new? Hearing the same old phrases repeatedly is giving me a headache.”

Prince Qi, accustomed to Princess Yuzhen’s temper, felt momentarily embarrassed but helplessly replied, “Nine-Niang, you are too picky. It’s not easy to find new words for birthday blessings every year. As long as my sincere heart reaches Her Highness, that is enough. Very well, I won’t say any more trite words—I only wish Consort Doulu smiles brightly every day.”

“I appreciate your sincerity,” Consort Doulu smiled as she downed the cup, then her face clouded with a deep melancholy. “However, if you really want me to smile every day, just bring more children under your knees often for me to see, and I will be content.”

Seeing Prince Qi’s expression flicker, Princess Yuzhen recalled that his only son had died young and felt a pang in her chest. She quickly forced a smile, “Since Your Highness says so, it must be true. Qi Ge will surely have many descendants! Qi Ge, come sit beside me. There’s no obstruction here, and it’s perfect for watching Madam Gongsun’s sword dance next. By the way, I heard you’ve prepared a song and dance to celebrate Consort Doulu’s birthday? Unfortunately, my brother was quick and summoned Madam Gongsun into the palace directly, ruining my carefully prepared Dao melody. Now, it probably won’t even win applause, at best just reluctant clapping.”

“Who can compare to the Emperor Brother?” Prince Qi said with a deep gleam in his eyes but quickly smiled as if nothing had happened. “Although I had someone prepare a birthday song, the singer is somewhat interesting but cannot compare to the Emperor Brother’s grand gesture. However…” He drew out the word with a sly smile, “That scoundrel Dou Shilang has been secretly preparing for several days. Perhaps he can give Consort Doulu a real surprise.”

Before Consort Doulu and Princess Yuzhen could ask further, a voice suddenly shouted from the hall, “The sword dance is starting!”

At once, no one—neither the two ladies nor Prince Qi, Prince Song, Prince Xue, Prince Shen, nor the other noble guests—could resist craning their necks to gaze at the elevated stage.

Yet for now, only music was heard, no dancers appeared. Unlike Madam Gongsun’s usual performances among the common folk, which featured just pipa and cymbals with small drums, today’s musicians did not remain backstage. Still, there were only a few.

When one musician stepped forward to play, the sound was piercing and resonant, soaring to the skies with extraordinary clarity. Even Du Shiyi and Wang Wei were astonished, and Zhang Jian’s eyes widened in surprise. The most familiar with such occasions, Dou Shilang, merely smiled knowingly.

“There’s nothing remarkable about it,” he said. “Li Guinian’s bixi—a type of double-reed instrument—if he isn’t the best, then no one dares claim the title! That he takes the stage himself explains the powerful, sorrowful tones he produces. It seems today’s singer must be his brother Li Henian. No need for Li Pengnian’s dance this time; it must be he playing the pipa personally.”

Sure enough, as the bixi and pipa intertwined seamlessly, a haunting tenor voice began to resonate:

“Beacon fires blaze across the desert, illuminating the clouds over Ganquan.”

At just the words “beacon fires,” a figure clad entirely in fiery red leapt onto the stage. Under the watchful eyes of all, few caught the precise movements of this entrance. Suddenly, thunderous applause and cheers erupted, yet the fiery figure seemed unfazed by the acclaim. Moving in harmony with the sword’s shadow, the red sleeves fluttered wildly. Then, an object in midair suddenly unfolded, and with Madam Gongsun’s swift, gleaming sword pointing rapidly dozens of times, the soft red silk seemed nailed in place before gently drooping.

“It’s the character ‘Longevity’... truly the character ‘Longevity’!”

Princess Yuzhen, witnessing the sword dance for the first time, barely noticed the music or singing as she almost stood up. At the same time, Li Henian sang the second line:

“The Han Emperor wields the sword, summoning General Li.”

The initial notes were already high, yet this pitch seemed to ascend another octave, overpowering even the piercing bixi. Most astonishing was another figure who suddenly charged onto the stage riding a horse. Dressed in golden armor with a sword at hand, although the high sun obscured their face, the gleaming armor dazzled all. When she drew her sword and performed attack and thrust techniques, many gasped in admiration. Yet as these distractions faded, the red sword-shadow of Madam Gongsun gradually ceased movement, and all noise abruptly vanished.

It turned out Madam Gongsun was not wearing a red dress and skirt but was draped in a red cloak. Now, the cloak rustled fiercely in the night wind, exuding an imposing aura. Especially when she stepped forward to receive orders, as if taking up a military token, her nimble swordplay was so captivating that countless hearts were captivated.

“Martial spirit merges with the heavens, drumbeats echo from the valleys.”

As the bixi’s notes softened, the sound of war drums swiftly followed. Suddenly, Madam Gongsun’s blazing red cloak flipped, transforming into pure black. The once dazzling red became somber and deadly. Coupled with the lowering song, Du Shiyi felt the chilling tone pierce his soul. When she clasped her hands, her single sword transformed into twin blades, which she flung like shooting stars into the sky. Leaping swiftly, she caught the swords with perfect grace, unleashing consecutive sword flashes midair before landing steadily. He took a deep breath and, unwilling to watch any longer, turned to face the nervous children waiting behind.

“Have you all memorized the steps I taught these past few days?”

“We remember...” The leader, usually arrogant and domineering, felt uneasy in such a setting and in the presence of Madam Gongsun’s sword dance. He nodded and was pleasantly surprised when Du Shiyi patted his shoulder with a smile. Gathering courage, he straightened his chest. “Rest assured, Master Du, we will give it our all!”

“Boldness with courage, one battle cleanses the evil.”

As the last line was spoken outside, thunderous applause sounded once more. Du Shiyi smiled at the children, saying, “It’s not just about giving your all, but doing it for yourselves! Remember, tonight is your chance to shine. When everyone praises you, not only will you be honored, but your families will also be proud!”

Among the three before him, Dou Shilang and Wang Wei were seasoned. The latter pulled Zhang Jian back from his immersion. When Du Shiyi greeted them with a smile, Dou Shilang sighed deeply, “No wonder there are so many skilled sword dancers in the two capitals, yet none can match Madam Gongsun’s great fame. Her swordsmanship is unparalleled, fierce and majestic! Luckily, I never expected to face her head-on. After watching that piece, I am truly exhausted! Du Shijiu, I now understand what you meant earlier about lively, festive, delicate elegance!”

Compared to Madam Gongsun’s performance of several sword dances at Anguo Temple some days ago, today’s piece was shorter, and the master and disciple performed together merely to set the tone. Yet with the three most outstanding musicians from the Music Bureau—Li Guinian and his brothers—composing and playing, their presence alone was enough to open or close a grand performance at a noble residence. Adding the incomparable sword dance of Madam Gongsun made it even more spectacular.

When Consort Doulu smiled and ordered everyone to be invited in to meet Madam Gongsun and her disciple Yue Wuniang, her eyes lit up and she sighed, “Even men find it hard to perform such a vigorous dance. The skill of you two as master and disciple is truly extraordinary!”

“Your Highness flatters us. There is nothing special—just practice,” Madam Gongsun bowed again. Noticing many gazes filled with blatant desire, she lowered her head and replied, “I have long vowed to devote this lifetime to perfecting the sword dance. I will forsake marriage and men. Should I break this vow, I shall immediately end my life by my sword. I only wish that the sword dance passed down from my master reaches its pinnacle in my lifetime.”

“Truly a heroine not to be outdone by men,” Princess Yuzhen applauded, noting the resolute expression beneath Madam Gongsun’s bowed head. “With such determination, no wonder your brother appointed you as a commander in the Music Corps soon after you entered the palace! A woman with such ambition deserves full support.”

Whether princes like Song or Qi, or the noble scions and officials present, even those usually unrestrained in speech felt compelled to suppress their lecherous thoughts at Princess Yuzhen’s words. However, Yue Wuniang, radiant and alluring beside Madam Gongsun, attracted many covetous looks—especially from Prince Qi, whose eyes remained fixed on her.

When Consort Doulu casually asked about Yue Wuniang’s specialty, and she answered with a few words, all eyes in the hall momentarily sharpened.

“Your Highness, I specialize in flying sword strikes, capable of severing the throat within ten paces without fail! To master this skill, I spent half a year hunting wild rabbits and pheasants in Wangwu Mountain, nearly exhausting the game there!”