Chapter 107: Adding Chaos

"Who on earth is that..."

"I've never seen her before..." "Is she a newcomer?"

After the song "Water Melody" concluded, a soft buzz of murmurs rippled through the hall. Had anyone else sung this piece, the reaction would likely have been indifference or criticism for being unconventional. Yet, in this moment, not a single soul questioned the technique. All they could feel was the immense, infectious power contained within that tranquil melody.

Three years ago, Nie Yunzhu had been one of the star attractions of the Golden Wind Pavilion. Born into an official's family, she was a renowned talent in her youth. Later, at the Golden Wind Pavilion, her mastery of the zither and vocal arts had set her apart as a virtuoso. Even then, though she possessed a unique flair and a touch of sharpness, her skills were already among the finest in Jiangning. Had she not deliberately kept a low profile and avoided competition, she could easily have vied for the title of one of the Four Great Courtesans or the Flower Queen of Jiangning.

By comparison, while Lu Xia was currently the star of the Yan Cui Pavilion, she had only reached the top sixteen in the Flower Queen competition—a far cry from the level Nie Yunzhu had attained three years ago. Now, after three years of introspection and refinement, Nie Yunzhu had shed her worldly vanity and the shackles of her heart, achieving a higher transformation in her musical and vocal arts. Such a metamorphosis is rarely found within the brothels, and it was only because she had eventually found a sense of support and purpose that she could truly settle into this peace. Performing here at the Yan Cui Pavilion, the disparity between the two was simply not up for debate.

Only on the balcony of the second floor did Xue Yan, Liu Qingdi, and the others, having finished listening to the song, manage to ask, "Who... who is that?"

Lu Xia shook her head, her voice as thin as a mosquito's. "I've never seen her either." She couldn't help but glance at Ning Yi, who was frowning slightly at the side. That woman had sung "Water Melody," which should have been related to him, yet why was Ning Yi wearing such an expression?

As they spoke, the woman who had finished her song on stage with such composure, drawing every gaze like a lily or a dark lotus, had poured a cup of tea. Holding it with both hands, she walked quietly up the stairs toward them. After a moment, the crowd instinctively cleared a path. Watching her pass, including Lu Xia, everyone saw the woman stop before Ning Yi, curtsy gracefully, and offer the cup with a smile.

Downstairs, Lu Xia had performed a similar gesture when offering a wine cup to Xue Yan. But now that both were on the second floor, in close proximity, the presence of the woman in white contrasted sharply with the red-clad Lu Xia. The woman in white had become the focal point. Amidst this, Ning Yi smiled, took the cup, drained it in one gulp, and returned it.

Behind them, Li Pin began to applaud, followed by the rest of the Su family members. The sound of clapping filled the hall.

By now, everyone understood. It was clear this woman had taken offense at Lu Xia choosing the Xue family, and had stepped out to show her support for Ning Yi—a fact evident from her choice of song. Had an ordinary woman stepped forward to make a fool of herself, it might have seemed petty, but this woman’s performance had overshadowed everyone else. Even if she had been invited by the Su family, people were now first and foremost curious about her identity.

On the second floor, Ning Yi and the woman were quietly speaking amidst the applause.

"You didn't have to go this far," Ning Yi said with a smile, shaking his head as he returned the cup. "Yuan Jin'er already told me the situation. It really isn't a big deal."

"I know you have a detached nature and wouldn't see this as a serious matter," Yunzhu smiled behind her veil. "But I couldn't just stand by."

The words were simple, yet carried a weight that needed no further explanation. Ning Yi, who had intended to say more, paused to collect his thoughts. "Regardless, thank you."

"I don't know many songs. These are about all I have to offer."

"You startled me."

"Oh?"

"Not just a few stories high—I’d say at least a dozen."

"Heh..."

***

The words passed between them in the moment. The applause had gradually died down, and the crowd watched as Ning Yi and Nie Yunzhu stood on the gallery, waiting for what would happen next. Ning Yi glanced around, wondering if he should let Nie Yunzhu sit aside. Nie Yunzhu, also glancing at the surroundings, felt her face flush. She lowered her head and whispered a reminder: "You should tip me."

"Hm?"

"Ah... yes, a tip."

Her voice was even softer, almost just lip-syncing because everyone nearby was watching. Ning Yi finally realized and said, "Oh," as he reached into his robes for money. "Right, right... I have five hundred taels... Thank you for your hard work, Miss."

Earlier, the combined total from the Su and Xue families for Lu Xia had been five hundred taels. This tip was truly staggering. Ning Yi maintained a professional demeanor, speaking his thanks loudly enough for the surrounding crowd to hear, before adding in a low voice, "I won't write poems for you." It was best to minimize the impact; there was no need to escalate the situation further. However, after he said this, Nie Yunzhu looked slightly embarrassed, and when she didn't take the silver notes he offered, things became a bit awkward. Li Pin rolled his eyes, followed by a ripple of quiet laughter, and Ning Yi finally realized the impropriety.

Blushing, Nie Yunzhu stamped her foot lightly, then winked at Ning Yi. Ning Yi placed the silver notes onto a small wooden tray held by a girl from the Yan Cui Pavilion, his face twitching.

"Then I shall take my leave," Yunzhu said with a smile. Hearing the laughter around them, she lowered her head and walked out of the crowd, heading toward the stairs. Ning Yi let out a sigh. The Su family would likely no longer feel overshadowed by the Xue family, though there were certainly many matters to consider going forward. Nie Yunzhu had been away for three years; if she became a topic of gossip again because of this, it would surely be bad. But she had taken the stage for him—regardless of the reason, he had to help her handle any trouble that might arise.

As Ning Yi pondered these things, Nie Yunzhu reached the stairs. Many eyes were still fixed on her, whispering and murmuring. However, amidst this, another, discordant wave of discussion began to emerge. At first, it was barely perceptible, then someone exclaimed, "Eh?" Liu Qingdi, who had been watching Nie Yunzhu, turned his head, his eyes widening as he whispered in shock. Only then did Ning Yi turn toward the stage below. Yunzhu, who had been keeping her head down, also turned to look at the stage. After one glance, she froze.

The music had already begun. A woman in a green dress stood on the stage. She was dressed elegantly, her figure tall, graceful, and remarkably lithe—clearly built for dance. The girl swayed her waist, held a flower in her right hand, and pressed it gently against her soft lips. Her gaze wandered toward a corner of the hall's ceiling, appearing dazed, filled with a faint, intoxicating charm. As she slowly turned, her eyes swept across the second floor.

This was just the beginning of the dance. The woman’s movements were graceful, and even the simple steps clearly belonged to a master. But what was most shocking wasn't the dance itself, but the fact that someone in the hall had already shouted:

"Yuan Jin'er..."

"It's Yuan Jin'er..."

"She's actually here..."

On the second floor, Ning Yi’s mouth fell open in astonishment. "This is too reckless." On the gallery, Nie Yunzhu was also stunned, instinctively glancing at Ning Yi, who happened to be looking back at her.

If they weren't in a brothel, but rather in their usual quiet morning routine, the two of them would likely be sitting on the steps, holding their heads in their hands.

Yuan Jin'er had a graceful figure and a lively, spirited temperament. Her foundation in dance was profound; her body was flexible to the extreme, twisting like a willow. The moment the main melody kicked in, her entire body sprang into motion. Her dress bloomed like a lotus on water, spinning continuously in the air. Amidst her swirling hair, her beautiful face flashed by—her gaze focused and earnest.

The dance... had begun.

Ning Yi took a few steps back and sat down, gently supporting his forehead. A moment later, he sighed helplessly and craned his neck to watch from above.

Regardless, as far as dancing went, it was quite a sight.

For now, he could only enjoy it. Whatever came next, he would think about later.

***

No one knew why Yuan Jin'er had suddenly appeared here, but once her name was called, the people in the hall were either shocked or mesmerized by the dance. In an instant, almost everyone forgot what Lu Xia had done earlier. She was supposed to be the highlight of the night, but now, that no longer mattered.

The dance started briskly, with Yuan Jin'er unfolding a series of breathtaking moves as if walking a tightrope. A moment later, the rhythm began to soften, creating an atmosphere of grace and vitality. The title of one of the Four Great Courtesans was no empty boast; Yuan Jin'er possessed sufficient talent and mastery. When the dance finally ended with a graceful bow and a smile as she tilted her head, the applause in the hall erupted like thunder.

"Yuan Jin'er, well done!"

"Miss Jin'er..."

Various voices rose up. Yuan Jin'er stood on the stage, smiling as she accepted the applause and the gazes of the crowd. She tilted her head, tucked her hair back, and smiled with pursed lips. After sweeping her gaze across the hall a few times without speaking, she walked to the side of the stage and jumped down with light steps.

The crowd watched in amazement as she poured a cup of wine, held it with both hands, and walked toward the stairs with her head lowered.

It was almost the exact same route and expression as the woman in white from moments ago. Many people turned to look at Ning Yi sitting there. Li Pin looked at her, then at Ning Yi, and couldn't help but chuckle softly. Aside from a few knowing or baffled laughs, the hall remained quiet, everyone simply watching Yuan Jin'er's actions. Ning Yi sat there, his expression twitching and complex. Nie Yunzhu had been in a white dress, and now Yuan Jin'er was in a lake-green one; perhaps the legend of White Snake and Green Snake originated from these two...

As he pondered this, Yuan Jin'er’s gaze found him before she had even reached him. Ning Yi met her eyes. But one couldn't kill with a gaze, and soon, everyone in the hall watched as Yuan Jin'er walked up to Ning Yi, curtsied gracefully, and with a smile, offered him the wine cup.

"You think this isn't chaotic enough, don't you..."

"Hmph, I'm just providing cover."

"Making trouble out of nothing..."

"None of your business... hurry up and tip me."

"Is this a robbery?"

"Better than a robbery."

"Fine, I surrender... but," Ning Yi exhaled and reached for his money. A short while later, he pulled out some loose silver. The man and woman exchanged glances in that ambiguous space, their expressions complex. "I only have four taels of silver left in total..."

Yuan Jin'er instinctively looked around at the people nearby, who were already closing in with complex expressions on their faces...