Qin Shi Ambitious

Page 73

The Moon Goddess opened her palm and said calmly, "In that case, you are also a disciple of my Yin-Yang School."

"I am the chief steward of the Farmer's School, and the next head of the Gonggong Hall." Lu Wei smiled faintly, but did not completely rule out the possibility: "What can the Yin-Yang School bring me?"

The moon goddess's deep purple eyes said, "The Yin-Yang School can only help you at crucial moments."

"As far as I know, the Yin-Yang School has now submitted to the Qin State." The Jade Soul Sword, which had only recently been hung on the wall behind Lu Wei, seemed ready to spring into action. "But why hasn't it been used by His Highness the King of Qin yet?"

"The art of Yin and Yang believes in the timing of Heaven." The Moon Goddess's expression remained unchanged beneath her veil: "When a king's ambition for power is satisfied, he will naturally seek immortality and pursue longevity."

"After the Qin state unified the country, the role of the Yin-Yang school in this unified country will be brought into play."

"Longevity..." A mix of emotions surged through the steward's mind, but he deliberately avoided the topic: "Now that Lady Moon Goddess has come to Ji City, she must have already found your friend?"

"Yes," the Moon Goddess said, her outstretched hands suddenly closing. "But I am no match for her, so I cannot take her back."

The woman before him was so frank that even Steward Lu, who had prepared some words, felt somewhat uncomfortable: "In that case, does Lady Moon Goddess intend to return alone?"

“Yes and no,” she said indifferently, “I will return alone, but not now.”

"Because I learned the Five Virtues?" Lu Wei's mind slowly caught up with the Moon Goddess's thoughts.

Is it possible for a Yin-Yang master to confirm that someone has personally witnessed the teachings of the Five Virtues...?

"Yes," the Moon Goddess answered with only one word this time.

...

On the 25th day of the twelfth lunar month, Feixue Pavilion officially opened for business.

The first-day ticket price of five gold coins was so expensive that it deterred many minor nobles. Even the wealthier nobles frowned, but since they had already stopped their carriages, they couldn't turn back just because of the price.

Otherwise, wouldn't we be ridiculed?

It's just hardware, nothing to brag about compared to the prestige of a noble family. I'll just take a look today and not come back next time.

In the end, Feixue Pavilion was still filled with guests.

These people paid five times the price of other dance halls, and now they are very critical. If Zhao Wu's performance has any flaws, Fei Xue Ge may not be able to survive after the performance ends.

But if these people can have a good time, Feixue Pavilion can become the top performer in Jicheng in just one night!

Lu Wei sat in the VIP box on the second floor with little interest, accompanied by Yue Shen, quietly waiting for the performance to begin.

The most artistically valuable performance at Feixue Pavilion was undoubtedly Xue Nu's Lingbo Feiyan, which he had already seen many times. Since Xue Nu would not be performing this dance in front of outsiders today, he had no expectations at all.

"Moon Goddess, do you have any expertise in dance?"

With a high note from the chime bells, the performance on stage officially began. As the finale, the Snow Maiden would definitely be the last to appear. Lu Wei looked at a dancer from the Zhao Kingdom performing the Zhao dance, then shook his head and looked at the Yin-Yang School protector.

"Yin-Yang divination requires pleasing the spirits and gods; the way of witchcraft and dance is one of the compulsory courses for disciples of the Yin-Yang school."

"I've seen witch dances before in the Yunmeng Market of Chu." Steward Lu continued the conversation, then suddenly remembered something: "The witch dances of the Ba and Shu people are considered the best in Chu... I wonder how the witch dances of Shu Mountain compare to those of the Yin-Yang School?"

The Moon Goddess turned her head at this moment, and the ice-blue teardrop pendant on her forehead swayed gently: "The Shu Mountain witch dance does indeed have its merits."

"Compared with the Yin-Yang School, there are obvious differences between the two. If we only look at it from a secular perspective, the Dance of Shu Mountain would be rated higher."

"I was somewhat surprised by the Moon Goddess's humility." Lu Wei glanced at the small forehead ornament, then quickly looked back at the Moon Goddess: "And what if we look at it from an unconventional perspective?"

"The dance of Shushan has undergone changes, and it has become a dance for 'people' to see."

"But my Yin-Yang School's witch dance has never changed its original intention; it will always be a dance appreciated by 'ghosts and gods'!"

"Therefore, Mount Shu will eventually perish, but my Yin-Yang School will live on for a thousand years."

Chapter 95 Yin Yang Eight Curses

Since the Zhou Dynasty, no dynasty has lasted for eight hundred years like it, but there are many examples of aristocratic families and academic pursuits that have lasted for a thousand years.

If the Yin-Yang School wants to last for a thousand years, it cannot be determined by one generation of Yin-Yang School disciples; each generation of disciples must keep up with the times.

Lu Wei had no intention of arguing with the Moon Goddess on this point. The reason he suddenly mentioned Mount Shu was because Mount Shu had been guarding a secret for many years.

In the future, the Yin-Yang School will use the power of the Qin State to transplant the secret vessel on Mount Shu, the Fusang Divine Tree, to the giant ship at sea called the Mirage.

Judging from the Moon Goddess's tone, the Yin-Yang School may have already conceived of this plan to attack Mount Shu. However, moving the giant tree Fusang from Sichuan to the East Sea would require the full support of the First Emperor after the unification of the world.

The Shu Mountain tribe is the indigenous force that best represents the spirit of the people of the Bashu region. They are the friends that Chief Steward Lu likes to befriend.

"Lady Moon Goddess said last time that the Yin-Yang School wants to be my friends?"

Lu Wei turned his head to the right spot and focused on watching the performance below.

"Your Excellency needs a friend like the Yin-Yang School."

The Moon Goddess also looked towards the stage. To her, everything was an object of Yin-Yang magic, and appreciating the dances of worldly dancers was also a process of learning Yin-Yang magic.

"Is the Qin state a friend of the Yin-Yang School?"

"The Qin state needs the Yin-Yang School as a friend."

By simply changing the subject, the Moon Goddess's tone became as if it had been copied and pasted.

"Lady Moon Goddess, do you think I and the Qin Kingdom can be friends?"

"No." Since her arrival, the Moon Goddess has answered Lu Wei's questions very decisively: "But Your Excellency would rather not be regarded as an enemy by the Qin State now."

"The Yin-Yang School can help you with this; it is our sincerity as friends."

"Not bad." The conversation ended there.

Lu Wei did not presume to ask, "Which friend would the Yin-Yang School help if I were to become an enemy of the Qin State?"

As another branch of the Hundred Schools of Thought that separated from Taoism, the Yin-Yang School was more proactive than the Taoists. However, when faced with issues concerning the survival of their school, these two schools differed greatly from the Mohists; they always sided with whoever won.

Even astrology cannot accurately predict who will win. The moon goddess can see which stars are different, but she cannot discern which stars will shine the brightest in the end.

The outcome of a birth chart depends not on the chart itself, but on the astrologer's interpretation. And who can guarantee they'll always interpret it correctly...?

On stage, Fei Xue Ge's performance was excellent. Yan was the coldest of the seven kingdoms. Although the number of nobles here was no less than that of the other six kingdoms, their entertainment and experiences were limited by their environment, and they could not keep up with the changes in the other six kingdoms.

Zhao Wu's graceful movements made them realize how dull and outdated Yan Kingdom's original music and dance halls were. And when the treasured Flying Snow Jade Flower Terrace emerged from the stage through a magical mechanism, while the guests were still marveling, the Snow Maiden's dance left everyone speechless...

No one cared anymore about the five gold pieces they had spent.

This music and dance hall rose to become the most prestigious den of iniquity in Jicheng, just like the Tantai in Handan.

After the overnight success, Feixue Pavilion tickets sold out for the next two days. Although the ticket price remained the same, its fame attracted more powerful and wealthy people, who showered the pavilion with generous tips, resulting in revenue that was much higher than the first day.

To the regret of the powerful and wealthy, the white jade stage and the dancers who appeared at the end of the first day never reappeared, as if a dream had been shattered and could never be rekindled.

Those who missed the first day's performance could only listen to the rumors and imagine what it would be like if the dancers were even more skilled than Zhao Wu, who was already at the pinnacle of her art.

Some powerful and domineering individuals had considered using their influence to force Feixue Pavilion to bring out the white-haired dancer, but when they learned about the background of the place, they could only sheepishly apologize.

With the Luqiu Pavilion signboard and the powerful Yanchun Jun Mansion behind it, along with the "One Dance to Captivate the City" plaque personally inscribed by His Highness Prince Dan, unless Yanchun Jun himself or the Prince of Yan were present, anyone could only weigh their own status.

"Before the New Year, we'll ignite the pre-existing hype while leaving suspense. After the New Year, the usual five-piece set for other dancers' performances will remain unchanged, but the performance on the Flying Snow Jade Flower Stage will be open for public reservations a month in advance..."

The Snow Maiden, who was adored by the guests of Ji City, was kneeling beside the steward, who was leisurely reading "The Book of Eternal Hegemony," and explaining in detail the future plans of Fei Xue Pavilion:

"Each reservation is limited to fifty people, and entry is obtained through an auction. In addition to money, there are also restrictions on the identity of those who enter."

"The way Feixue Pavilion earns so much money is to make every guest who admires the Flying Snow Jade Flower Terrace feel superior."

"Hmm, well done." Praising Xue Nu's performance, the latter perked up slightly. Lu Wei closed the military book: "How long can the powerful and wealthy of Ji City accept the usual five gold coins as an entry ticket?"

"The regular performances are held every three days, with a capacity of 100 people each time. My Flying Snow Jade Flower Stage is performed only once a month, with a capacity of 50 people each time."

Upon hearing the steward's question, the Snow Maiden carefully analyzed, "This level is something a capital city can afford."

“Nobles have many other expenses, and they can’t possibly rely solely on your Feixue Pavilion.”

Lu Wei turned his head to look at Xue Nu: "Ji City is not like Handan. There are not as many wealthy merchants coming and going here as there are in Zhao. Many trades are still monopolized by Lu Qiu Pavilion."

"The monthly auction of the Flying Snow Jade Flower Terrace can proceed as planned, but for regular performances, you might want to lower the price a bit more."

"Yes, Yukihime will go down and revise it carefully." The snow woman replied obediently, bowing her head.

After waiting for a while, sensing the restless desire and barely suppressed temper of the girl beside him, Steward Lu tapped his fingers on the table, a playful smile playing on his lips:

"Since you're here, you'd better dance the 'Lingbo Feiyan' dance for me again."

"Yes, Princess Yuki!"

------

Lu Wei was able to stay in Jicheng for the New Year, saving him a lot of trouble traveling.

But what's meant to happen can't be avoided. After the New Year, he still needs to travel thousands of miles back to Daze Mountain and stay there until June to prepare to take over as the head of the hall.

At that time, the head steward will become the hall master.

In preparation for the busy six months ahead, Lu Wei often practiced martial arts in the backyard during the days before and after the Lunar New Year.

Xue Nu and Lu Ni have been practicing swordsmanship frequently lately. Since Fei Xue Ge started operating, the dancers and musicians who came from Zhao Guo Tan Tai have become experienced and know how to run the business. Now, apart from rehearsing special performances, Xue Nu has a lot of free time.

In the past, Lu Ni spent the most time and energy taking care of Xiao Yan'er every day, but now that Xiao Yan'er is a little older, she has a strong ability to manage herself and no longer needs her to worry about her.

So when faced with the request from the white-haired dancer whom the lord had recently brought back to learn swordsmanship, she looked at the other's beautiful face and did not refuse.

While her mother and the new older sister practiced swordsmanship, Xiao Yan'er sat obediently on the stone bench. Although she didn't understand the mysteries of those sword techniques, after watching them for a while, she could hold a small wooden sword and dance around in a decent manner.

That's the true talent of a genius.

The steward, who was passing by, watched Xiao Yan'er's actions from afar and sighed with admiration.

After her congenital weakness was repaired, Ji Yan, who possessed the bloodline of Lord Xinling and Lu Ni, revealed her extraordinary qualities in both literature and martial arts.

Without disturbing the two women's sword practice, Lu Wei headed straight for the disciples' dueling arena. However, halfway there, he sensed a familiar aura. Turning his head to look under the eaves of the dormitory area, he saw the Moon Goddess, dressed in palace attire, suddenly appear, disrupting his plans...

"Is the Moon Goddess leaving?"

In the guest room, Lu Wei gazed at the Moon Goddess, whose attire was commonly seen in his later years, his eyes fixed on her particularly eye-catching transparent veil.

This might be the purpose of such ornaments: when the moon goddess wore a veil, one would pay more attention to the hazy lower half of her face. Now that she has removed her veil and put on an eye veil, one's attention is drawn to the upper half of her face.

"No." The Moon Goddess tried her best to calm her inner energy, but her disordered breathing had already been noticed by the Chief Steward: "After observing Your Excellency's Five Virtues aura for a few days, I gained some insights into the art of star observation, so I went to see my friend again."

So you changed into formal attire because you were going to see Dongjun...? Lu Wei didn't ask about the outcome, after all, the facts were right in front of him.

"Although I still lost, my opponent used the forbidden technique of Yin Yang School, so I only narrowly defeated him."

He didn't ask, but the Moon Goddess still frankly stated the result, admitting her defeat and shaking her head: "If it were a year ago, she wouldn't have needed to struggle so much to beat me. In just one year, she has wasted so much time."

"I have a question, and I wonder if the Moon Goddess could enlighten me?" The Moon Goddess's purpose in telling him so much and deliberately displaying a hint of her disheveled state was not hard to guess, but more than that purpose, Lu Wei wanted to know why: