Chapter 26: The Flower Guide

  "Sister, look."

  She slightly furrowed her brow, and behind her came the sound of people's gasps, their surprise no less than hers. Just as she was about to turn around, a white object flew in front of her eyes. Upon closer inspection, it was a butterfly... How could there be a butterfly?

  But there was not just one butterfly, when she turned around, the whole stage was occupied by colorful butterflies at some point, and a faint fragrance came with the breeze.

  Just as she, no, everyone was astonished, several women in light blue long dresses swayed with gentle dance steps and slowly walked onto the stage, each holding a white plum blossom and a red plum blossom. These people stood in an arc shape, then knelt down, dancing with the plum blossoms in their hands, softly singing "You are the wind, I am the sand, entwined and lingering around the horizon."

  "What's going on here again?" Kong Qing knew that Qi Lin would appear, but what was the point of this scene?

  Zi Yun was watching the stage with great interest, having previously heard the story of Xiang Fei and not expecting to see it performed. It's really interesting, I suppose Yu Mu didn't expect it either. Looking at Yu Mu across from her, she clicked her tongue in disappointment, what a pity, unable to see.

  "You are the wind and I am the sand, entwined forever across the horizon."

  Zi Yun was pulled back into view by this refreshing voice, but when he saw Qi Lin sitting on a swing made of woven flowers slowly falling from above, he was startled.

  I thought Pei Yao's outfit was unprecedented, but unexpectedly Qi Lin's outfit is also innovative and unique.

  The decorations on her head were just a garland of tea flowers woven from various colors, and the green silk was casually scattered behind her. She changed into a white clean long skirt, with only a circle of tea flowers sewn at the bottom of the hem, and the hem seemed to be much larger than that of ordinary people.

  What's more important is that around Zilin, there are many colorful butterflies flying around her. No matter which angle you look from, it seems like a fairy descending from the sky.

  Although she doesn't have the beauty of Peony, the gentle beauty of Paeonia, or the noble beauty that Xiao Ran was born with, Qi Lin's beauty is a natural one, and it feels very comfortable to look at. Speaking of natural, Zi Yun only just realized that Qi Lin didn't put on any makeup like others did, she appeared with a bare face.

  How bold, how very bold.

  But this also successfully shocked everyone.

  When Qilin was still half a person's height from the ground, she had already removed her hands from the flower vines, and with one foot leading the way, she quickly landed on the ground, spinning around in a few circles. The wide skirt suddenly opened up, and the tea flowers on top were finally all revealed.

  "Look quickly! What is that?" someone in the audience shouted out in surprise.

  Upon hearing this, everyone looked at Qilin and finally saw what it was. "Butterflies, there are butterflies flying out of her body."

  "This is impossible." Xiao Ran suddenly stood up, the butterflies filling the sky were not the main point, the main point was that those butterflies flew out from Qi Lin's body. "Is she a witch?"

  Bai Yao gave a cold glance and laughed coldly. Anyone with discerning eyes could see that the butterflies had flown out from Qi Lin's sleeve opening and hem, so she must have put them there beforehand. It was truly impressive that she managed to find these butterflies in this freezing winter weather.

  Well, her voice is just so-so, that's why she wants those women as accompaniments. Compared to her, they are far inferior.

  Earning everyone's gasps of amazement, Qilin was very satisfied. She had thought correctly - just her appearance and these butterflies already covered up the flaw that her voice wasn't very good.

  Next is her relatively skilled ballet.

  Closing her eyes, she tiptoed on the tips of her toes, with both hands raised above her head, and danced elegantly across the stage with a light and airy figure, while softly singing.

  Farewell, let's get drunk tonight.

  Singing facing wine, long remembering butterflies fluttering in flight.

  Don't be infatuated with wealth and glory, they are all fake. You are the wind, I am the sand, entwined forever.

  A thousand reminders and a myriad of instructions, but a thousand words and a myriad of phrases cannot be retained.

  In the vast ocean of people, where is the place? From now on, let's stand shoulder to shoulder and watch the colorful clouds together.

  Entwined and lingering, you are the wind, I am the sand.

  Dripping and dropping, yesterday's clouds and mist, yesterday's flowers. The heavens are vast and have a deep affection for each other, that is what makes a home.

  Every morning and evening, she is on the road of red dust. You are the wind, I am the sand, entwined and inseparable.

  After singing the song back and forth twice, Qilin didn't stop immediately, but stood on one leg in place, tiptoed, and took advantage of the inertia unique to ballet dancers.

  Her biggest record was spinning on one foot thirty-six times, don't know how long she can hold out this time.

  "It can be done this way." Watching Qilin's movements in the butterfly dance, Ziyuan was somewhat surprised. He had been through so many battles and seen all sorts of things, but he really hadn't seen a dance like this before.

  At this time, Qilin was like a butterfly dancing in the midst of flowers, intoxicated in her own world. She didn't know how many circles she had turned, only when the scorching heat reached her toes did she slowly come to a stop, kneeling on the ground with her arms outstretched and slowly bowing her waist.

  The butterflies also slowly dispersed from around Qilin, and such a scene gave her an inexplicable sense of beauty.

  She slightly raised her eyes, and a dizziness flashed before them, but she covered it up well. She withdrew her hands, smiled faintly, and slowly stood up, trying to make herself look fine. Looking down at the people below, they seemed still entranced by their own dance, only staring wide-eyed in her direction. Qilin didn't disturb them, taking this opportunity to calm down a bit, thinking about how to respond next.

  "Great, really great, it's just too good!"

  Zi Yunruo broke the silence first, clapping her hands non-stop as she stood up and walked to the front, saying "Miss, what dance is this?"

  But before Zilin could respond, a burst of cheers and applause erupted from the crowd, drowning out Ziyan's voice.

  Looking at Ziyu's unfamiliar expression, Qilin also found it unbelievable. She politely curtsied and waited for the applause from the audience to subside before speaking up, "Your Majesty, this is a traditional dance from my hometown, called 'Feathered Transformation into an Immortal'."

  She really couldn't think of a name, so Qilin just casually thought of one. After all, isn't Ji Huanghou considered to have achieved great merit and become immortal? Wouldn't this be even more reflective of her respect for Ji Huanghou? Moreover, it also reflects Ji Huanghou's lingering affection for the mortal world and the emperor from the lyrics.

  It's killing two birds with one stone.

  "What a wonderful transformation into an immortal." Zi Yun raised his eyebrows and said, looking at the fine sweat on Qi Lin's forehead. He had indeed made meticulous preparations, which also broadened his horizons. With a wave of his hand, the white fan unfolded, and he laughed, saying "Haha... haha... What a wonderful you are the wind and I am the sand, entwining each other to the ends of the earth."

  Having said that, he turned around and left, leaving the decision to the adults in the hall.

  Anyway, his meaning is already very clear, now it's just a matter of asking for guidance.

  "Who is this young lady?"

  Following the sound, looking over, it was a man of about 45 years old sitting in the lower seat who spoke. He must have held a high official position. Qilin politely bowed and smiled, saying "Greetings, sir. I am Hongxue, originally a personal maid of Yu Mu Gongzi of Liu Hua Lou."

  This was what Yu Mu had told her, at first she was afraid that her unclear identity would arouse suspicion, but Yu Mu made her say that she was his personal maid, she guessed that it should be because the relationship between Yu Mu and Zi Yin was well-known to everyone, so saying this would be more beneficial.

  When she mentioned the elm, she clearly saw the surprise in the eyes of several adults below the stage, but more were unbelievable, which made Qi Lin somewhat incomprehensible, and could only quietly wait for a response.

  "It's said that Master Yu Mu never accepts female servants, the song and dance just now were truly profound. Such an exceptional talent, no wonder Master Yu Mu would take her in." The official who had asked the question earlier stroked his beard, nodded in satisfaction, and continued, "This official has no further questions, does anyone else have any inquiries?"

  Although it was an inquiry, Qilin also saw that this high-ranking official's decision had already left others speechless, so those officials all bowed and said, "Your Excellency is wise, we subordinates think the same way."

  So fake.

  Although she thought so, Qilin still politely said "Thank you, sir."

  "Does that girl have a flower invitation?"

  What's the hurry? Zilin was taken aback, thinking of the brocade pouch Mu Qingfeng had given her. Due to the suddenness and unexpected events, she hadn't even had a chance to look at it yet. But since Mu Qingfeng told her to take it out, it must be fine. So Zilin took out the brocade pouch from her bosom and handed it over to the eunuch who had arrived.

  Qilin's gaze never left the brocade pouch, and she was nervous because she didn't know what was inside.

  When the adult received the brocade pouch, he was first surprised by its rare texture, and the floral pattern on it gave him a sense of security. He opened the pouch and took out a crystal clear white jade carving with rose patterns.

  The jade felt cool and piercing to the bone in his hand, and from its luster and fineness, it was extremely rare good jade. However, just as he had held it for a while, something strange happened.

  A faint redness slowly emerged from the jade, then began to spread. In less than a moment's time, the originally white and transparent jade had already turned crimson, as if it would bleed with just a bit of force.

  Sure, here is the translation:

  As expected, the red liquid slowly overflowed and finally flowed out from between the adult's fingers, dripping onto the table.

  "This isn't...". He stared at the jade in his hand, then looked at Qilin again, opened his mouth but couldn't say a word. He hastily put the treasure into his pouch and ignored the eunuch's support as he stood up with a serious expression and walked towards Qilin.

  Qilin was also puzzled, could this be some kind of lost treasure? She wouldn't be mistaken for a thief, would she? Seeing the noble approaching her, Qilin put on a strong and calm professional smile, thinking of various scenarios in her mind.

  "This humble official has eyes but no pearls, please forgive me, Red Snow Maiden."

  "Huh? Looking at the adult who was bowing and presenting a silk pouch with both hands, Qilin was taken aback. What's going on here? But she still took the pouch, and even through the fabric, she could feel the warmth of the object inside."

  What kind of person is Mu Qingfeng after all?

  This can't be some prince of Fenghuang Chao, right?

  It can only be thought of in this way.

  Although she thought so much, Qilin still slowly knelt down and said, "Sir's words are too heavy, Hongxue is just a personal maid, sir is really being too hard on Hongxue."

  "What Hong Xue Girl said is reasonable." Hurriedly helping Qi Lin up, he respectfully said "It's this humble official's fault for not taking good care of you."

  Neglect? Is it a misunderstanding?

  Qilin quickly blinked her eyes, since you're so polite, then be polite and obey, softly said "Sir does not bend the law for personal reasons, Hongxue admires that very much."

  The whispers of the two were an enigma that no one could understand, but this gentleman's respect was a prelude to everyone's admiration for Qilin.

  The last selected people were Qilin, Buyao, Mudan, who were born in Zuihuahou, Xiao Ran, the daughter of the prime minister, Du Ruohuan, the daughter of the Minister of Rites, Bai Lu, the daughter of the Minister of War, and Junzi, the daughter of the chief imperial physician.

  "It's all within expectations." Putting down the teacup, he was as calm and composed as ever. "The only thing that still surprises me is you. You actually thought of getting a butterfly to help you."

  Watching the carefree appearance of Yu Mu, Qi Lin also relaxed a lot. Since the person has been chosen, they can only wait for the emperor's selection ten days later, feeling like a contestant in a beauty pageant.

  It's been a long time since I danced, and these two days have really exhausted me. Qilin lay on the desk, lazily saying "Ah, being able to find so many butterflies in this cold winter is also surprising to me."

  Although it was just a casual remark, she was still super surprised when she saw so many butterflies, and almost became a wooden god.

  "I just gave you the butterfly I usually test medicine on." Then, put a tea flower at the hem of her skirt and sprinkle some medicinal liquid that is usually used to feed butterflies on top of the tea flower. The butterflies will naturally fly around her. "I really want to see such a scene once."

  Looking up at the elm tree, would he have applauded if there wasn't that ribbon?

  "So let's talk about it, how did you meet the Ninth Prince of Mahna?" The topic suddenly changed to something completely unrelated.

  The Ninth Prince? Of the Marnau Kingdom? Qilin suddenly lifted her head, blinking in confusion, and asked uncertainly "What prince? What are you talking about?"

  Upon hearing Zilin's response, Yu Mu was also slightly surprised and asked, "Don't you have the Blood Amber? That's something only the Ninth Prince of Manao has, worth a whole city. How is it that you don't know the Ninth Prince?"

  What?!

  Qilin suddenly stood up, took out a silk pouch, and pulled out the contents. Before long, blood-like liquid began to seep through her fingers, warm and flowing.

  This is something Mu Qingfeng gave her. Could it be that Mu Qingfeng is the Ninth Prince they spoke of? But Mu Qingfeng is a merchant from Fenghuang Country.

  No wonder he said it was something that couldn't be told to anyone.

  Is this what you mean?

  "I advise you to put it back where it belongs, this is no ordinary blood amber, the blood that flows out of it is your own, if you keep holding onto it like this, you will lose too much blood and die." He said nonchalantly, no longer entangled in the affairs of Qilin and the Ninth Prince.

  Upon hearing this, Qilin was startled and quickly put the object back into her pouch, thinking to herself that she must find a suitable opportunity to return it to Mu Qingfeng.