Chapter 404 - Chapter 404: Chapter 400: Whirling Dance_1 (1/2)

Chapter 404: Chapter 400: Whirling Dance_1

Seeing that Yingbao had finished her bird’s nest soup, the class leader gave a satisfying nod and instructed Xiaolian, “Get her a set of clothes. Take her to the banquet tonight and let her perform a solo dance.”

High-quality courtesans might as well flaunt their talents, and so they could be sold at a good price.

“Yes.” Xiaolian obeyed the orders of Hu Daban deferentially, but she wore a disgruntled look on her face.

She was the lead dancer for the Hu Xuan dance, and also the best dancer of the troupe. Now it seemed that Hu Daban intended to promote a newcomer, which naturally left her displeased.

However, despite her resentment, she couldn’t defy Hu Daban’s decision at this time. She dutifully did the newcomer’s makeup, painted her forehead wheel, adorned her with hand and foot bells, and tied her hair up using silk ribbons into double loop buns.

At dusk, a cart carried a group of resplendent dancers and musicians to the County Government compound—a nearby mansion.

The lanterns were hung high at the gate, and several guards stood on either side, scrutinizing everyone with hawk-like eyes.

Hu Daban donned a white robe, his hair piled high, adorned with a silk flower on his head. His face painted with rouge and powder made him look even more charming than a woman.

He bowed his fist towards the guards at the door and said with a smile, “We are from Wuchun Yard, here to attend the banquet as invited.”

The guard scrutinized him a few times before going inside to announce.

Before long, he returned, checked that none of them carried weapons, and then allowed them inside.

Yingbao blended into the midst of the dancers and slipped into the rear courtyard with ease..

After entering a big hall, they saw brightly lit chandeliers, several tables and chairs scattered around. Several officials from the County Government sat around a table, another table was occupied by some big households of the county.

Among them were the leader of the Cao Gang and the assistant leader of the Qinglong Gang.

The young man occupying the seat of honor was none other than Xiao Mo, whom she had not seen for many years. Cao Can was sitting next to Xiao Mo, constantly flattering and saying something to him.

Seeing Xiao Mo, Yingbao was taken aback. She quickly lowered her head, her heart beating wildly.

How did this man get to Qinchuan County so quickly?

Shouldn’t he still be on his journey?

Fortunately, she had grown up now and she was about the same height as girls between fifteen and sixteen, so she thought he probably wouldn’t recognize her.

The musicians took their places, Xiaolian spread out the dance rug, and only then did people start dancing.

Five girls performed together first, with Xiaolian in the center. Everyone began to jump and spin along with the beat of the drum.

Hu Daban, standing behind several musicians, was looking at Yingbao with satisfaction again and again.

She danced the Hu Xuan Dance in a light, rhythmic manner, yet with strength, vitality, and liveliness. Every move was pleasing to the eye.

The colourful ribbons in her hands swirled with her spin. The swing of her arms looked like flashes of lightning streaking across the sky.

As the performance ended, the dancers retreated for a short rest, and then two men went forward to perform the Hu Teng Dance.

The Hu Teng Dance, performed by men, differed slightly from the Hu Xuan dance. The Hu Xuan involved standing and dancing, while Hu Teng involved squatting and spinning.

The two young men wore long-sleeved shirts, black belts around their waists, yellow boots on their feet, their lithe and exuberant movements mimicking the flight of birds.

Once the men finished, Cao Can said, “Let that young girl dance solo.”

Everyone followed his finger and saw a group of similarly dressed dancers standing next to the musicians.

“The one with the double loop buns,” Cao Can added.

This resulted in everyone’s gaze falling on Yingbao, who had her hair put up into double loop buns.

Hu Daban gently nudged her and whispered, “Go ahead, perform well. If there’s a reward, it’s all yours.”