Wan'er led them to Clear Shadow Hall in the Cloud Music House. Even before they reached the entrance, they could hear strings, flutes, and drums. A rehearsal was underway inside.
Eight young women in long white dresses were dancing gracefully. Huo Xiaoru stood at their center, also dressed in white, holding a blue silk ribbon in both hands. Her slender body leaned and whirled, the ribbon tracing exquisite curves around her, a sight so pleasing it dazzled the eyes and enchanted the heart.
Only then did Murong Feiyan realize that Hu Xiaotian's sweetheart was the talented Huo Xiaoru. Huo Xiaoru was tremendously famous. She had come to Capital City specifically to rehearse the Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Robe Dance for the emperor's sixtieth birthday celebration. Her arrival had caused quite a stir, and countless dignitaries considered it an honor merely to meet her.
The music's rhythm grew faster and faster, like pearls large and small falling onto a jade platter. Huo Xiaoru spun ever more swiftly.
Hu Xiaotian watched with his mouth hanging wide open. He had never imagined that Huo Xiaoru was such an accomplished dancer. Just watching her made him dizzy.
Huo Xiaoru suddenly stopped and waved a hand. "No! It's still not right!" Clearly, she was dissatisfied with the choreography of this passage.
The musicians stopped playing, and the eight accompanying dancers stared blankly at Huo Xiaoru. Her delicate brows drew together. She lowered her lovely head and thought for a moment before saying softly, "Let's stop here. I need to give this some thought."
"Young lady!" Wan'er called.
Huo Xiaoru turned around and only then noticed Hu Xiaotian and Murong Feiyan. She was rather surprised, unable to understand why Hu Xiaotian had come. Yet one thing was undeniable: his performance at the Misty Waters Pavilion that