The spotlight suddenly illuminated center stage. Yun Nishang stood gracefully in a moon-white gauze gown, her long, glossy black hair loosely pinned behind her head. A few stray strands fell beside her fair neck, accentuating the delicate yet soft line of her jaw. Her features were as clear as if washed in morning dew. When her almond eyes curved in a smile, fine flecks of light shimmered within them. Her nose was small and straight, her lips a faint peach color, and shallow dimples appeared when she smiled.
She was slender but not frail, with smooth shoulders and a narrow waist. Her skirt swayed lightly with her movements. As the lights shifted, she raised a hand and took hold of the microphone. A clean, gentle aura surrounded her. Though she stood on a stage under the gaze of countless people, she carried the sweet freshness of a girl next door—elegant and lively enough to make the audience instantly fall silent.
In an instant, all the cheers and screams came to an abrupt halt.
"Hello, everyone. I'm singer Yun Nishang. It's an honor to meet you all on this occasion..."
A captivating smile blossomed on Yun Nishang's face. Even before tens of thousands of spectators, she showed no trace of nerves. After her customary opening remarks, she got straight to the point.
"Today, I'll be bringing you my new song, New Imperial Consort Drunk on Wine. I hope you'll like it..."
The spotlight shone upon the center of the stage, and the accompaniment slowly began. A clear, ethereal voice with a distinctive operatic lilt rose gradually, spreading through the microphone across the entire venue and ringing in everyone's ears.
"That year, snowflakes drifted as plum blossoms bloomed upon the branches..."
"By Huaqing Pool that year, too much sorrow was left behind..."