Chapter 807: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 807: A Marriage Granted, Never to Part (3)
However, both of the seafood dishes were made from dried ingredients, so the flavor wasn’t as fresh and delicate as it could have been. Fortunately, the royal kitchen's culinary skills were top-notch, so the dishes were still palatable.
The atmosphere at the New Year’s banquet was lively, with the clinking of cups and the sound of chatter filling the hall. It didn’t take long for a performance of song and dance to begin. The dancers, with their graceful figures, had practiced diligently for this day to make others smile. Each of them performed with great focus, determined to give their best show.
This was Mo Yan’s first time witnessing the ancient style of song and dance, and she watched with much more concentration than the others. The dancers truly had excellent skills. Their movements were elegant, and each one was beautiful in her own way, making Mo Yan feel a sense of sympathy for them.
Seeing Mo Yan so focused, Xiao Ruiyuan couldn’t help but shift his gaze to the dancers, though after a few glances, he lost interest.
Just as Xiao Ruiyuan was about to return his attention to Mo Yan, a teasing voice rang out in the hall: “It’s rare that General Xiao appreciates dance. Have you taken a liking to one of the dancers? Haha, if that’s the case, why not ask His Majesty for a favor and take her home?”
The voice wasn’t loud, but it cut through the sounds of the hall. Everyone turned to look at Xiao Ruiyuan, seeing him indeed watching the dancers. Though they were slightly surprised, many of them shared knowing smiles.
After all, men, no matter how uninterested in women, still had moments when they sought comfort, and these dancers certainly had their appeal. It wasn’t strange that General Xiao might be moved.
Xiao Ruiyuan’s face darkened, and he was about to respond when Emperor Hui'an’s laughter rang out: “Oh? General Xiao, which dancer has caught your eye? You’re not getting any younger, it’s time for you to have someone by your side. If you fancy someone, just say the word. Once the banquet is over, you can take her home.”
As soon as Emperor Hui'an spoke, the entire hall fell silent. Even the twenty or so dancers, whose graceful movements had been perfect moments before, suddenly faltered.
These dancers came from the palace music troupe. Although they held a higher status than common dancers, they were still considered low-born, lower in rank than even palace maids. The best of them were chosen by the emperor and elevated to be by his side, but many others spent their later years as concubines to ministers or teaching dance in the palace. The worst fate was when they reached a certain age and were released from the palace.
Despite their position, these dancers had heard of Xiao Ruiyuan’s reputation. They knew he had never married and had no woman in his life. Now, hearing that Emperor Hui'an was willing to grant them to such a prestigious general, even if it was just as a concubine, they were thrilled. It seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and they couldn’t help but be excited.
Xiao Ruiyuan quickly glanced at Mo Yan, worried she might be upset, only to realize that her attention was entirely on the dancers, and she hadn’t even looked at him.
A wave of indescribable frustration washed over him. The temperature around him seemed to drop, and with a cold expression, he stood up. He shot a few sharp, icy glares at the talkative minister and then clasped his hands in a salute to Emperor Hui'an, saying, “Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. However, none of these dancers have caught my eye. I must apologize for disappointing Your Majesty’s goodwill and ask that you impose a punishment.”
[End of Chapter]
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