Chapter 15: On the Eve of the Banquet

The three foreign envoys looked simultaneously toward the guard standing behind Yin Xi. Yin Xi looked up at Ji Kece, a smile curling at the corners of his mouth. "My dear official is quite eye-catching, isn't he? Envoys, this is my Imperial Guard, Chu Heng."

Ji Kece shifted his gaze to the three envoys below the throne. With an expressionless face, he clasped his hands in a salute and bowed, saying, "I am honored by the favor of the three envoys. This official greets the envoys of the three nations."

After the three envoys nodded in greeting, Yin Xi raised a hand, and music began to play.

The dancers who had been dancing around the perimeter all withdrew, and the dancers of the Yidu Imperial Palace began to dance in an orderly fashion. They moved elegantly to the music, like Chang'e ascending to the moon or a lotus floating upon the water. In a series of graceful turns, the central dancer leaped into the air, spinning mid-flight.

Then, she descended slowly, landing back into the dance like a budding flower. With a flourish of her sleeves, she appeared like a blooming lotus, pristine and untainted, as the music stopped and the dance concluded.

Next came the chime bells. A set of thirteen chime bell racks was placed in the center of the Outer Court Hall. The bells were arranged in three rows, each engraved with exquisite patterns. Yin Xi's design showcased the grand momentum, spectacular scale, and immense power of the Yidu Dynasty.

Upon seeing the design of the chime bells, the three envoys realized there were four more bells than those in their own countries. Even more surprising was the design of the lithophones; the full set contained forty-one stones, situated at the other end of the chime bell rack. Currently, thirty-two were in use, suspended in two layers with sixteen on the upper layer and sixteen on the lower, with another nine available for immediate use. This set of lithophones coordinated perfectly with the chime bells.

The envoys' expressions shifted to panic and trepidation, but more so to dark, scheming thoughts. They exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable, appearing as if they were half-smiling. In the blink of an eye, Ji Kece saw the three envoys looking at one another, a faint aura of danger lurking beneath the surface.

Two dancers wielded two different types of T-shaped wooden mallets and long rods, striking the massive chime bell rack. One could hear the galloping of spirited horses, the howling of a gale, and the sound of flowing water through high mountains. The dancers' graceful movements were slow and lingering, gradually merging with the sound of the bells—a perfect union of person and melody, stillness within motion, and motion within stillness.

The chime bells and the dancers' movements came to an abrupt halt. All the officials in the Outer Court Hall, including the three envoys, burst into loud applause.

The envoy from the State of Yan stood up and bowed toward the current Emperor of the Yidu Dynasty. "Such beautiful dancing; it was truly worth the journey. Monarch of Yidu, this official has an impudent request."

Yin Xi's sword-like eyebrows twitched slightly, but a smile remained on his face. "I wonder what the esteemed envoy of Yan wishes to discuss?"

The Yan envoy bowed and nodded. "This official has brought the Yan Dance from my country and hopes to present a performance here. I hope the Monarch of Yidu will enjoy it."

A smile hung on Yin Xi's lips as he mused to himself that since they had come prepared, they must have come with intent. He turned and said, "The envoy of Yan is most polite. Do not delay; please present it."

The Yan envoy clapped his hands three times, and a long, lingering melody began to play. After a moment, a figure appeared wearing peach-colored cloud-patterned brocade robes and a tight-fitting, patterned *quju* skirt. Her hair was styled in a half-moon shape with curled temples, her long skirt wrapped around her waist with a wide belt trailing down, and her hair fell over her shoulders, adorned with tassel ornaments around her neck, making her appear exceptionally beautiful.

Her practiced movements merged with the music and dance. The *quju* within her sleeves swirled like water snakes; she would occasionally cast a flirtatious glance or sway her willow-like waist, looking utterly captivating. All the officials present were deeply drawn to her, their hearts filled with pity and affection.

At this moment, Yin Xi turned his body and looked up at the "Imperial Guard" standing behind him. With a slight movement of his left hand, he pointed toward the corner right next to him, very, very close.

Ji Kece's eyelid twitched. He lowered his gaze to observe the Emperor's actions. Forced to comply, Ji Kece leaned down to pour wine for the Emperor, his voice very soft. "Your Majesty, be careful. Drinking too much is bad for your health."