The calm before the storm

The fragrance courtyard, Banxi Pavillion.

"Liqiu, I have some calming pills. Do you want one?" Xiaolian held out a handkerchief containing the calming pills.

Liqiu glanced down at the pills and shook her hand, "no, I need to be clear-headed". 

"Okay, but let me know if you need it". Xiaolian folded the pill into the handkerchief and put it back into her sleeves. 

Sister Li that served under Matron Wang walked in some minutes later to escort Liqiu up to the stage.

Liqiu counted to three to calm her heart before going up to the stage. She ignored to ogling eyes of the men as she performed the sword dance.

Seated a few seats away at the front of the raised platform was Nie Shaoqing. He had accompanied by his brother Nie Guozhi and the sixth prince to watch the performance.

The previous soft dances so far were not to his taste so he had looked away from the stage and focused solely on watching the other guests.