CHAPTER 79: CHAPTER 74: GOOD NEWS—YUN JIAO CAN DANCE (DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL EXTRA)

Concubine Li was especially disappointed.

"I initially thought you would play the qin while I danced, and our dual performance at Xianfu Palace would amaze everyone. I didn’t expect your playing to be like this."

"No wonder you didn’t register. As for someone forcing you to participate, it might be because the Empress Dowager is curious about you, or Concubine Jiang is intentionally causing trouble."

Concubine Li explained again to Yun Jiao about the relationship between Concubine Jiang and the Empress Dowager.

This wasn’t a secret in the harem, and Yun Jiao had heard of it before, so she was aware of it.

Unable to sit still, and with no place to lie down nearby, Yun Jiao leaned over the qin and spoke: "My pitch is a bit off, but I think it sounds good."

Her playing could only entertain herself; to others, it was disastrous.

When her father hired a female tutor for her, he never intended for her to make a living by entertaining others with the qin, only hoping to cultivate her temperament. Every time he wrote a tribute to a mother bird feeding its young in the yard, his daughter would climb the tree and clean out the bird’s nest, exterminating the entire family.

After pondering for a while, Yun Jiao looked up: "Why not try a different approach? Can Concubine Li play the qin?"

She had been leaning over the instrument for too long, leaving marks on her cheeks.

"What are you saying, Consort Xi? Playing the qin, singing, and dancing are all the Concubine Li’s specialties."

The palace maid from the main hall couldn’t help but comment.

She had been favored for a while and received the title "Li," indicating her high skill level in entertaining.

Concubine Li nodded gracefully:

"I excel in lively tunes, but I struggle with Buddhist music or more melancholic pieces. I play the zheng better than the qin."

"That’s perfect. I have two pieces of music I want to transcribe for you to review."

The palace maid brought out writing materials.

Having not attended much formal schooling left Yun Jiao with ample free time, during which she learned a variety of things while surfing the internet on hospital wifi, frequently watching various video platforms, including Ruistation. Thus, drawing from her memories of ancient zither scores and combining them with her ancient studies, she transcribed two pieces --

"Pure Land of Bliss" and "Thousand Cherry Blossoms."

Good news: Yun Jiao can dance.

Bad news: It’s otaku dance.

There is some technical skill involved, but not much, certainly incomparable to traditional dances from the East or West. If possible, she’d love to showcase the modern artistic essence to dazzle everyone, but her previous life’s physical condition only supported her in doing cute otaku dances, some of which are too intense for her, leaving her needing intensive care afterward.

Concubine Li became intrigued after reviewing the music: "It’s rare to see this type of piece."

Yan Chi Palace also distinguished between elegant and popular music, but there was no explicit ban on performing popular music in the palace. This was courtesy of Emperor Ruiwu, who, to amuse Empress Haotian, embraced and promoted popular music, freeing it from the heavy burdens of harmonizing heaven and earth and edifying the populace, making it welcome in the harem.

That said, aristocratic families preferred stability, and few genuinely attempted such change.

Moreover, altering established impressions of elegant versus popular music isn’t a short-term task.

Had it been Concubine Jiang or Concubine Wei, they surely wouldn’t be willing to engage in such antics with Consort Xi, but Concubine Li carried a lighter burden in this regard. Though from an aristocratic family herself, whenever she encountered pleasing music, she didn’t want to miss it.

"What do you think, Sister Concubine Li?"

"I think we should give it a try."

...

When Yun Jiao decided to practice dancing, the Emperor’s troubles began.

Afraid that four days wouldn’t be sufficient, every time she practiced with Concubine Li in the main hall, she’d save her progress and relive the same time thrice.

Diligence makes up for lack of talent, granting her more time than others.

The first time, Concubine Li frowned: "Consort Xi, just moving your limbs isn’t dancing."

The second time, she still frowned: "Consort Xi, it’s like you and my music have separate agendas."

By the third time, Concubine Li’s brow finally relaxed: "Your movements lack a bit of strength, but I didn’t expect you to have some talent for dance."

"I can’t help it; I seem to have a bit of talent within me."

Praised, Yun Jiao almost bounced on the spot with glee.

Speaking of genius, she truly witnessed Concubine Li’s talent in music and dance. The music piece reached proficiency with just two days of practice. Similarly, with just one demonstration, Concubine Li could correct and instruct her on the necessary rhythm adjustments.

As for Yun Jiao, having traversed time didn’t make her a prodigy.

Even with a healthy body, she still occasionally synchronized hand and foot movements, tripping over the rhythm, knowing the steps but missing the beat; she’d sometimes rush and trip herself with one foot over another, saved from an ungraceful fall by Gong Mei.

Nonetheless, to Concubine Li, this dance wasn’t overly impressive.

It’s just...

Every time she watched Consort Xi dance, her heart couldn’t help but tug a little.

How can she be so lovable!

Such simple movements, and she looks so proud upon completion, seeking praise — what’s that all about?

If she had a daughter, she’d surely be as adorable as Consort Xi...

As Concubine Li savored her fondness, Yun Jiao suddenly spoke: "Could you repeat the praises you just gave me?"

They sounded lovely, appreciated, and she wanted more.

Concubine Li: ?

Concubine Li: "You misheard; I didn’t say anything."

...

However, if Yun Jiao practiced three times, it meant the Emperor relived the day three times over.

The first time, Xie Zhixing was calm.

The second time, Xie Zhixing remained calm.

The third time, Xie Zhixing summoned a Hidden Guard: "Have Chen Zhou report back on Consort Xi’s activities and recent events involving her."

Fifteen minutes passed, and Xie Zhixing learned of Yun Jiao and Concubine Li’s plan to perform before the Empress Dowager in the Imperial Garden four days later.

Would this routine persist for three more days?

This time reversal followed a pattern, he realized he’d return to the past at roughly the same intervals, thrice daily.

Understanding the cause and pattern, Xie Zhixing calmed himself once more.

In this loop, anything he did would be overwritten.

The eunuchs and palace maids attending the Imperial Court were astonished to find their workaholic Emperor calling for a blanket in broad daylight to nap on his couch, listening to music, and upon waking leisurely requesting meals and indulging in time-consuming Western mechanical toys.

"What’s become of the Emperor?"

"As servants, how could we know? But truly, the Emperor’s worn himself out recently; it’s good he’s taking a break."

"The Emperor doesn’t care for incense; perhaps place some fragrant fruits in the room later."

...

With each time reversal, his physical state was reset.

However, his mind had genuinely been relaxed; in the first two rounds he lay down, the third he reviewed documents with improved effectiveness.

This contrast made Xie Zhixing recognize that, though a Son of Heaven, he too needed rest.

Often satisfied with a nap, he listened to the Hidden Guard’s reports on Consort Xi’s progress, observing her growing adept with each dance attempt, barely restraining himself from visiting Xianfu Palace to watch. A dance pursued with such earnestness deserved to be seen once perfected.

Fully invigorated, the pleased Emperor saw a eunuch entering with a pile of Jade Tokens, picking up the cool one marked with Consort Xi’s name: "Summon Consort Xi."

This time reversal loop happened consecutively for three days.

Each evening after dancing practice, she would inevitably be embraced for sleep by the bothersome Emperor, which irked her enough to reset the timeline; yet he still accurately targeted her Jade Token every time.

It seemed like her chance of attending to the night shift had infinitely locked at 100% with every reset.

Yun Jiao couldn’t fathom what had gotten into him.