Chapter 38: The Rainbow Robe (5)

Qin Lanqing bowed gracefully to everyone and said softly, “Then, I shall sing a piece of ‘Wei City Tune’ for all of you young gentlemen.”
The beautiful woman walked slowly to the guqin in a corner of the private room, knelt down gracefully on the brocade mat, plucked the strings lightly, and smiled, “If my singing isn’t good, please don’t blame me.”
Her delicate hands rested on the strings, and with a gentle strum, she began to sing: “Morning rain in Wei City washes away the light dust; it also covers the green roofs of inns. The willows take on a fresh hue—don’t worry, drink another cup of wine. Life is short; since ancient times, wealth, fame, and success have their limits. Don’t let your appearance suffer. I fear that beyond Yangguan Pass, past memories will be like dreams, with no one by your side.”
Her singing was melodious and tender, filled with longing and sorrow. Combined with the elegant and solemn sound of the guqin, it made people sigh deeply, wishing to have her as a confidant.
After finishing the song, Chen Runzhi clapped his hands and laughed, “Lanqing’s guqin skills have improved even more. This tune is truly moving. What a wonderful ‘Wei City Tune’—full of sorrow yet not awkward, full of blessings yet not artificial. Now I even want to go beyond Yangguan Pass to see the vast deserts of the north.”
“Third Young Master, you’re teasing me again. With your appearance and family background, you’re surely destined to become a marquis or prime minister. Why would you go to such a harsh place and waste such a bright future?” Qin Lanqing replied with a smile.
“You’re really sharp-tongued!” Chen Runzhi shook his head and smiled wryly.
Li Kuo said, “It’s good to serve in the court, but if everyone fears defending the country, who will protect the Tang Dynasty’s court? As the saying goes, it’s better to be a commander than a scholar. If given the chance, I’d like to go to the border to expand our land for the Tang Dynasty. Even leading a group of people would fulfill my role as a retired military officer.”
Zhang Yanji gulped down a cup of Gaochang wine and continued, “If Brother Kuo goes, I’ll go too, so my father won’t keep scolding me for not striving for progress. I’ll just join the army and stay away from him—out of sight, out of mind. After becoming a marquis or prime minister, I’ll show him I can still live without him!”
“Very good, Young Master Zhang—your ambitions are great, and you don’t rely on your father’s influence. If you can give up the bad habits of a nobleman, I’ll let you go.”
There was nothing to do with this close friend, so Li Kuo had no choice but to agree.
“After hearing Lanqing’s guqin music, we must appreciate Yunxi’s performance too. Yunxi, you won’t disappoint us, right?” Pei Xingchen said softly, fanning himself.
“Sure, I’ll perform! But you little rascal, if you dare to let me down, you’re dead!”

Han Yunxi waved her sleeve at the musicians standing outside the door, then stepped to the center of the private room. Accompanied by the long melody of a green flute, she began to dance gracefully. Her sleeves swayed lightly, her feet moved delicately—like a rare flower blooming in a secluded valley, exuding beauty. As her robes fluttered and she turned sideways, she captivated the gazes of countless onlookers. In the center of the hall, elite dancers from the imperial music troupe performed to accompany her. For a moment, with fluttering sleeves and a fragrant atmosphere, it was truly a scene of vibrant beauty. The dance “Green Waist” was performed by Qin Lanqing with lightness, grace, and elegance—just as described in the verse: “A light silk fan and white orchids, a slender waist and jade belt dancing through the sky’s veil. She seems like a fairy descended from heaven; her smile outshines the stars.”

While the audience was filled with admiration, Han Yunxi suddenly changed from her delicate, dreamlike demeanor. The music became rapid, and the melody shifted from gentle to vigorous. She spun her waist, and the pace of the dance quickened as she performed the “Zhezhi” dance—fast steps, sleeves flicking to the rhythm of the drums, with the golden bells she wore emitting clear, resonant sounds. It was as if described in the verse: “At the start of the Zhezhi dance, the drums call; three rapid beats urge on. The drums drive the final beats, while her waist bends softly; sweat soaks her silk robes like raindrops on flowers.”

With a clear sound marking the end of the music, the woman in green silk bent her waist and lay down on the velvet carpet.

After a moment of silence, thunderous applause erupted.

“Sister Yunxi, you danced wonderfully! When will you have time to teach me?”

Zhang Yanji stepped closer, pleading.

Seeing his expression, Han Yunxi found it amusing.

“I can teach you, but as a man, dancing the Green Waist would make you seem too weak. It’s better if you learn Zhezhi. It’s vigorous and strong—perfect for a young man like you!”

“Haha. Brother Yanji, are you trying to become like those barbarians, mastering martial arts so you can find a godmother?” Dai Jinjie laughed, slapping Zhang Yanji’s shoulder.

Glancing at him coldly, the young man retorted with a smile, “If I grew as fat as An Pang, I certainly wouldn’t embarrass myself everywhere. Nor would I take a girl more than ten years younger as my godmother. Otherwise, my grandfather would be overjoyed!”

Laughter filled the room, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.

“I think it’s still early tonight. How about we play a drinking game? Well, I suggest we each write a line of poetry to form a complete poem. Those who can’t write one will have to drink three cups!” Chen Runzhi suggested with a smile.

“Great! I was just worried I wouldn’t get a chance to drink. Now, no one stop me!” Zhang Yanji looked around.

Chen Runzhi nodded. “Then let me start with my line.”

Young Master Chen stood up, holding his wine cup, and slowly walked over to the carved window lattice. He lifted the wooden window and looked outside, where the moonlight flowed like silk into thousands of homes. After pondering for a moment, he said, “A full moon shines upon the golden cup.”

Chen Runzhi was clearly very satisfied with his poem and nodded at Pei Xingchen, signaling him to continue.

Pei Xingchen, coming from a prominent family in Hedong, was always immersed in poetry and literature, so composing poems for such gatherings was nothing to him. Looking at the full cup of fine wine, he pondered briefly before smiling joyfully and saying, “The golden cup is filled as the moon is full.”

His poem was an excellent continuation—not only did it vividly depict the scene at the banquet but it also maintained the atmosphere created by Chen Runzhi. After everyone evaluated it, they all admired Pei Xingchen’s knowledge, praising his poem as something rare and extraordinary.

Following the order of the banquet, it was Zhang Yanji’s turn to come up with a poem. Seeing the full moon reflected in his cup, he casually said, “The full moon falls into the golden cup.”

His poem seemed repetitive, but it was still correct. After some discussion among the scholars, they let Zhang Yanji off, but to their surprise, he raised his cup and drank the wine in one gulp, saying cheerfully, “If you don’t tell me to drink, I’ll drink anyway. On such a beautiful night, what’s the point without wine?”

Seeing this, Li Kuo had a sudden idea and quickly replied, “Then I’ll continue with, ‘Raising the golden cup, I swallow the moon.’”

After reading it aloud, everyone felt it carried the spirit of the sages and praised Li Kuo’s quick wit. Chen Runzhi said, “Brother Kuo, your poem is truly wonderful. Even the immortal poets said, ‘Don’t let the golden cup face the moon empty.’ With such a beautiful moment, beautiful songs, and lovely ladies, it’s best to enjoy life now.”

Just as Li Kuo was about to respond, they heard footsteps outside. The footsteps grew louder and louder—so familiar…

Finally… a roar like that of a lion from Hedong echoed through the streets from outside. “You little scoundrel~!”

The carved fan door opened, and everyone saw a young woman in a floral pomegranate-patterned dress, with a beautiful face and plump figure, standing with her hands on her hips and shouting at Li Kuo, “I prepared fried eggs and baked cakes waiting for you to come back for dinner, but you’re here drinking and fooling around! You’re driving me crazy! Driving me crazy! Driving me crazy!”

Note 4: “Green Waist,” a soft dance also known as “Liu Mo,” is a solo dance for women. The rhythm progresses from slow to fast, with graceful and delicate movements.
Note 5: “Zhezhi” and “Zhezhi Dance” are famous energetic dances that originated in the Western Regions and were introduced to the Central Plains. They come from the Shi State in the Western Regions, also known as Zhezhi. The “Zhezhi Dance” was originally a solo dance for women, who wore ornate ethnic costumes and brocade boots; drums were the main instrument for accompaniment, and the dancers appeared to the rhythm of the drums. The dance features rich variations in movements, being both vigorous and lively as well as graceful and charming. The dance sleeves sometimes hang low and sometimes rise. Near the end of the dance, there is a deep bending motion.
Note 6: An Lushan was skilled in performing the Hu Xuan dance and performed it many times for Li Longji and Yang Guifei. Delighted, Li Longji agreed to An Lushan’s request to have Yang Guifei as his godmother…