A Shot Enticed a Dance

Mu Qing: the Empress

Hu Feng: the Emperor

The Empress Dowager: the Empress Dowager

Yu Xi: Crown Prince of Yan

Yu Chun: 7th Princess of Yan and martial Junior sister to Hu Feng

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"The Empress Dowager has arrived."

A woman who has aged well walked grandly across the hall to the side throne. With her sudden appearance, it made the atmosphere even more intense.

Noticing the strange looks the Empress Dowager asked, "Hmm...why is no one celebrating?"

Mu Qing glanced at the old fox cleverly then looked at Hu Feng, "Ah, Princess Yu is indeed thoughtful. You Highness since the Empress Dowager has not eaten yet, why don't we give the meal to her?"

Her bright eyes laughed coldly, "Princess Yu is very kind so she would not mind at all right? Imperial Mother wouldn't mind either right?"

If she was not in front of so many people, Yu Chun would have long forsaken her face and punch the living daylights out of Mu Qing. How can this commoner have the courage to give away the meal that she, the 7th Princess of Yan, cooked? Looking at the smug grin on that hateful woman's face, Yu Chun fists clenched together.

"Ah Qing'er, Aja is fine. After all this is something Yu Chun has especially prepare for her Senior brother, how can Aja take it," the Empress Dowager kicked the ball back to Mu Qing. Her words had not only rejected Mu Qing's suggestion, but also put Hu Feng and Yu Chun in an ambiguous relationship. This will make Yu Chun look like a man stealer, and cause Mu Qing to become the third wheel.

Yu Chun coldly glared at the woman on the throne, "Your Highness does not know, but Senior brother hates salmon the most. I only want Senior brother to enjoy his birthday."

Mu Qing laughed secretly in the inside, while her fingers grasped Hu Feng's and squeezed them. 'Ice Cube, isn't your turn? I already did most of the work!' Hu Feng stared at the woman across from him. He could see a small fire in her eyes edging him on.

"Imperial Mother should not hold back," the golden words flew out of the Emperor's mouth. In such a short sentence, Hu Feng made it clear who was closer to him.

The officials silently cheered in their hearts. Who would want a foreign princess to have power in their own country? The Mu family was especially happy to hear such words from their son in-law. Madam Mu thought that her lazy daughter has finally done something right. Yu Xi hid a smirk behind his wine cup. The Empress Dowager could no longer back away, so she gracefully accept it.

"Then Aja thank Yu Chun."

Thousands of needles pricked her heart, and Yu Chun stumbled a bit as she sat down. Her eyes held many unshed tears, and her face was completely downcast. How could Senior brother treat her so unfairly for an outsider? She had put a lot of hard work into today, but everything was ruined because of that slut! She refuse to believe that Senior brother would not look at her! He gave Master a lifetime promise!

Seeing how Yu Chun was shot down, the party began it's lively atmosphere once more. A man in his thirties stepped out from his table, and bowed before Hu Feng. His hat showed his high rank in the Judicial branch.

"In order for the party to be more lively, I hope your majesty will like my family's gift. My oldest daughter, Ye Yue, will perform a dance."

A charming girl stepped out after Minister Ye, and curtsy before the royal couple. This girl was very loveable. Her face held an innocent look, and her petite size made people want to protect her. The band began to play a mellow tune, and Ye Yue glide beautifully across the room.

Everything was beautiful. From her hand movements to the sway of her hips. Many young officials had questionable looks in their eyes. The whole hall was completely focus on this girl. Soon, the music came to a halt, and Mu Qing clapped her hands. Encougared, the whole hall started clapping for Ye Yue. This girl was truly talented!

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Minister Ye: Head of Judicial branch, father of Ye Yue, and husband to Ye Ling

Ye Ling: Niece of the Empress Dowager, and appeared in the 3rd/4th chapter

Ye Yue: Official daughter of the Ye fu, and gifted dancer