After dinner the Xiao Bai And Ming Xue duo changed their clothes for something more appropriate for the occasion and went down. While climbing down the stairs they saw Ruo Lan and Xuwei sitting at one of the sofa in the living waiting for them.
"Good evening." Xiao Bai politely greeted with a smile.
"You're finally here." Xuwei stood up and went to Xiao Bai. Because of the incident earlier Ming Xue was keeping his eyes on him incase he did something out of bounds. Noticing the glares Ming Xue was sending towards him he couldn't help but say, "Calm down, okay? I won't do anything, yet."
After hearing this Xiao Bai couldn't help himself but elbow Xuwei then whispered, "Are deliberately trying to provoke my subordinate?"
Xuwei only turned his head to the other side to avoid Xiao Bai's scrutinizing gaze. However, what he said is true. He really won't do anything at the moment, he respects Xiao Bai and he will follow the process for his sake, he was a gentleman after all. But that doesn't mean he won't do anything in the future. And he was quite confident about it.
Ming Xue on the other hand was not as immature as Xuwei that he will react to such childish provocation. He pride himself on his calmness and rationality in every situation. But it seems like he was not so confident anymore. Because the childhood friend that he once parted and reconciled with was not pestering him making him lose his demeanor.
"Ming-xiong, what happened between you and my young master? Are you two in some kind of conflict? Hey, can you spill some tea?" Ruo Lan rained questions one after another. Truly annoying. Ming Xue felt his veins bulging on his forehead, he took a deep breath and distanced himself from Ruo Lan.
When they were about to set out Xiao Bai felt like something was missing, "Where's the other kid?"
The three other look at Xiao Bai then asked, "Kid?"
Xiao Bai finally realized what he just blurted out and corrected himself, "I mean where's DIngwu? Won't he make a fuss about leaving him behind?"
Knowing that he meant that Guan Dingwu, they finally understood why Xiao Bai viewed him as a kid. He really act like one. So they all nodded in understanding.
Ruo Lan raised his hand and said, "I invited him earlier but he doesn't seem well. He said that he ate something bad along the way and now his stomach hurts, so he can't go play tonight."
Shifting their attention on Ruo Lan they can't help but think, 'ah right. There's another one right here.'
"Then that's too bad. Lets just bring him something when we go back." Xiao Bai considerately said. The three of them didn't disagree and finally walk out of the building.
They walked for five minutes after finally nearing the plaza. Along the way there were many shops that sells delicacies and shops that sells scented pouches, fans, and other miscellaneous things. It was particularly lively given that a lot of schools also arrived at the same day. The streets were literally loitered with groups of people happily going around.
When they set foot at the plaza what they saw were dazzling lantern swinging from trees everywhere, like twinkling stars at the night sky. It was more than what they expected and was more lively then what they thought, the people bustle around, the staffs checking if everything was okay, people admiring the exquisite and artistic approach of the venue and finally enjoying the troupe playing.
This was the three-day countdown for the main event, and their will be shows in here every night. They especially invited the most famous troupe to perform entertainment in this three-day countdown.
The troupe was called [Lilies of the Valley], a group full of beauties with graceful bearing and talents in singing, dancing, and playing instruments. They were currently performing, the instrumentalists are in the back while the dancers are occupying the center of the plaza, creating a view of blossoming flowers due to they colorful clothing and their graceful swaying. Every hand movements were elegant and a feast in the eyes.
The music soon became more intense and lively and so it caught the attention of many people who was busy running around earlier, Xiao Bai and his team was also no exemption. Almost everyone present had they eyes glued at the performers. At this act, the dancers with their pink outfits bundled up in the center and was forming something like a close bud, as the music slowly got back to its mellow tempo, like it was some sort of magic, the petals of that bud slowly opened up, because of the tension building up, the onlookers were quite eager to know if something unexpected would happen in the next second.
And they were not disappointed. In the middle of that blooming lily there appeared a newly born fairy. He was so soft and tender, really like a fairy in the middle of a flower, the little fairy stretched its limbs as if it just woken up from deep slumber and its eyes also a little wet, it look so innocent and fragile, it was extremely cute, making one want to squeeze him up.
The little fairy seems to be confuse at first but soon the tempo of the music changed again and the little fairy got up and joined the team in dancing their piece. After the performance was done, a wave of applause came from all sorts of direction, only then did Xiao Bai came to realize that he was missing something.
That was the main act of the night, the following performances were just music playing as a backdrop for the peaceful night, giving more magical atmosphere. Xiao Bai and the others were about to plan out how they would spend their remaining time when they heard two female students who were talking to each other.
"Was that the student from Yin Hai academy who was rumored to be a beauty that could topple countries?" one of them excited whispered.
"Yes, they say that he was actually a man, seeing him personally, how could a man be a as pretty as that? I don't believe it." the other responded.
Xiao Bai sped up and chatted with the two, "Excuse me my fellow students. I'm Wang Bai, a first year from Yang Gui Academy. I happen to overhear your conversation earlier. But that main performer earlier, you say he's from Yin Hai Academy?"
The two of them who was saying earlier that no man can be pretty swallowed their words after seeing Xiao Bai, the two of them introduced themselves for formalities, it turned out that they were first years from Yang Gui's sister school, Lantian Academy. They introduced themselves as Wu An and Wu Rong, they were fraternal twins.
"As to your question earlier, the main dancer was indeed from Yin Hai, he was the rumored young master from Yu clan. Their clan has been known for their outstanding troupes for generations, creating countless masters in that field. Naturally they were trained from young, however despite being trained since young, the male ones would obviously give up on music and pursue swords or martial arts. Cases like Young Master Yu is rare, also given that he was a beauty himself." Wu Rong explained.
"Hmm, he really is very pretty. I even thought he was a woman at first." Xiao Bai said while recollecting the moments.
"Right? Even I, who already knew that he was man, was still in denial when I personally saw him. He's too feminine to be a man, even his waist is much more defined than mine." Wu An said with a pout.
Xiao Bai giggled at her reaction. They chatted for a little more then finally parted to enjoy the night. "See you around." they bid.
"Hey, what was that about?" Xuwei who was neglected since start was starting to sulk, also pouting in the process.
Xiao Bai smiled and sighed, he reached for Xuwei's head then gently patted, "Nothing, I was just a little intrigued."
Xuwei who was having a little misgiving calmed down then asked, "Intrigued? Why?"
Xiao Bai also didn't hide it, it's not like it was a top secret or a big deal anyway, "When I was looking out from the window earlier I saw senior Xu Feng with a bunch of other Yin Hai students, I saw that Young Master Yu with the group, he just made an impact in me and couldn't help but ask."
"Excuse me, are you perhaps talking about me? I happen to hear my name." A voice suddenly interrupted them. The four of them looked behind them and couldn't help but take a surprise step back.
After looking at the person from head to toe they finally recognized him and composed themselves, "Good evening Senior Xu, we were indeed talking about you but its not something bad, so please excuse us if we offended you in any way." Xuwei was the first one to interact.
Xu Feng let down his serious face and laughed, "No need to be so tense, this senior won't eat you."
"Oi! Xu Feng, stop being so loud I can hear all the way from the other side." Soon another voice joined in. Xuwei and the others looked at Xu Feng's back and saw a woman approaching. Xiao Bai immediately remembered her as the sturdy woman from earlier.
Xu Feng looked around and said, "That's harsh. You're making me lose face to some juniors."
The woman 'hmped', " Lose your face you say? We are busying ourselves and you're here playing around? Want me to wipe your face? You irresponsible idiot?!" then she hit him in the head and dragged Xu Feng away.
Xu Feng struggled but soon give up but left with a sentence, "Well then, I'll see you all soon, Young master Qin and Young master Wang."
Xiao Bai and Xuwei looked at each other then back at where the two left.
"Are we that famous?" Xiao Bai blurted out.
"Beats me." Xuwei answered with no care in the world.
After that little scene, the four went back to their plan. However, mishaps indeed occur. The original plan was for them to split up, it was Xuwei's advantageous plan so he could solo Xiao Bai and have a date around with no extras in the background. But, would Ruo Lan and Ming Xue who vowed to protect their masters easily agree to such condition?
"I'm sorry, but I cannot accept this. My duty is to protect Xiao Bai under General Zhao's command. Although you are the esteemed his highness the crown prince I simply cannot comply." Ming Xue said in his usual 'as-a-matter-of-fact' face and tone.
"That's right young master. Although I fully know you don't need any protecting. Your father will beat me half death if I slack on my service." Ruo Lan seconded his Ming-xiong.
So in the end, the four of them still went together to enjoy the festivities.
[At Yin Hai Academy's building, student council's meeting room, near the center plaza]
"Everyone, good work!" Xu Feng shouted when he entered the door. The first and second years all greeted him back but the third years gave him glare. "What's with the glare?" He said with a pout, acting pitiful.
The woman who caught him strolling around earlier said, "Good work my ass. You should do some work yourself!"
Xu Feng was guilty of the crime, he was never a fan of office works anyways. In the face of all of them, he could only obediently sit and work some papers to help out, although president should shoulder most of the work, he often escapes to practice his sword, so almost all of the works were divided to his most trusted friends within the council.
it really pains them to have such a person to be the president but they couldn't deny that he was really dependable in time of need. His skills are also top notch, so no one really dares to condemn him except his three close friends.
"Xu Feng, tell me honestly, we came here to the center plaza to tend to the venue and also recheck the papers here in the council room. Why did you especially go out?" Shangguan You said. She knew fully well that although Xu Feng is often absent to work, it was because he was training, but this time he merely really walked around, which is very rare.
"Its's to meet them." Xu Feng honestly said.
"Meet them? Who?" Shangguan You inquired. Who are these people to caught the attention of Xu Feng?
With a smile on his face, he said full of interest, "The twin stars of Yang Gui Academy."
"Twin stars? You mean that two champions?" Shangguan You has long heard of them. They were the two first years who broke the rules of the entrance exam, having been tied for the first place. Since they really were deserving of such place, the headmaster personally changed the rules of the school to crown them the glory of the red robe. And because of their exploits in the school, being versatile to all activities, their name soared even more, reaching the other schools as well.
Xu Feng nodded, tapping his fingers on the table, "They will be quite a threat this year. Their retainers are also quite good."
Shangguan You then remembered the earlier event where she dragged Xu Feng away, "Are they really a threat? They look so young and soft, at most I think they will participate in non-combat competitions."
Xu Feng, "You shouldn't underestimate them, You. They can top all the aspiring students of Yang Gui, it means that their martial prowess are good. Also I investigated earlier. One of the twin stars, Wang Bai, was General Zhao's nephew. His close aide was also under the general."
Shangguan You's eyes widen, "General Zhao?! I see. If he was the general's nephew then he really might be something. Anyway, what about the other star?"
Xu Feng, "He's quite mysterious. There's no data on him, for now I know that he is named Qin XuWei, other details are unavailable."
Shangguan You was silent for a while.
Xu Feng stretched his limbs and said lazily, "No matter who they are. We'll win this year. That's for sure."
.........................................................................
Author's note: So almost all novels with this ancient setting always have this hierarchy where courtesan are low in status. And I don't want that in my work. I prefer equality to all XD
Also I've been in a slump lately. So I've been watching and reading a lot to have greater ideas, so please bear with my 'my-pace' writing. tee-hee~
[Mini Theater]
Xuwei, in his mind: I've been neglected. I've been neglected. I've been neglected.
Wu An: (whispers) sister, that man over there has been glaring for quite a while.
Wu Rong: (whispers back in cold sweat) you don't have to tell me, if looks could kill, I'll be dead for hundred times.
Xiao Bai: Lady Wu Rong, what's wrong, you don't look good. Are you okay?
Wu Rong: *laughs awkwardly* Yes, I'm fine. Its just a little chilly tonight. (in her mind: you should control your boyfriend, his bloodlust is leaking, you know! Don't let him drink too much vinegar, Xiao Bai my man! Us, low-borns, can't stand this murderous aura.)