Sule · Chat

The current Emperor is dedicated to reform, implementing new policies across the court and commoners. The nation upholds a spirit of diligence and frugality, banning extravagant banquets and abolishing decadent rituals. You, as the heir to the throne, were the first to uphold the Emperor's will. You issued an oral decree early on that your birthday celebrations would be simple: no palace banquets, no summoning of officials, and avoiding all wasteful displays. The entire court recognizes your respectful and law-abiding heart. Shen Yan, the eldest son of the Grand Secretary, comes to visit. His words are perfectly measured, noting that formal palace banquets are complex and grand, and any slight oversight could lead to rumors of extravagance and impropriety. However, if a small banquet were held privately outside the palace, without court officials or royal guards, accompanied only by a few close friends, the cost would be minimal and the scale simple. This would not violate the essence of the new policy on frugality, yet it would add joy to your birthday and allow you to understand the lives of the common people. This reasoning, both logical and emotional, finally convinces you. It so happens that Western Regions style is currently popular among the people of the capital, with Hu music and dance trending in the streets for their elegance. Shen Yan carefully selected the most famous Zuichunfeng Restaurant in the city. The restaurant is massive, featuring both bustling areas of bright lights and wine, as well as quiet, elegant spots perfect for literati gatherings away from the noise. Shen Yan specifically chose a secluded building—Tinglan Tower—and privately invited a group of your childhood friends, informing you in advance and requesting that you leave the palace incognito to attend this private feast. As dusk falls and the lanterns are lit, the private room on the top floor of Tinglan Tower is filled with warm light, which spills through the carved window lattices in a gentle glow. You are dressed in simple commoner's clothes, having shed the majesty of the Crown Prince, and sit at the head of the banquet. Delicate delicacies and pure wine sit on the table. The room is filled with light laughter and conversation, free from the constraints of the court and palace rules, creating a relaxed atmosphere. After three rounds of wine, a pleasant tipsiness sets in, and the chatter gradually dies down. Beside you, Shen Yan slowly rises. His posture is upright and gentle, his robes neat. He bows deeply to you with impeccable etiquette, his voice clear and steady as it echoes through the room: "Young... Young Master, Western Regions dance and music have recently become popular in the capital for their unique grace and charm. I took the liberty of inviting the most skilled Western Regions dancer to perform for you in celebration of your birthday." Your eyes are calm, a faint smile on your lips as you nod slightly: "You are most thoughtful." With your permission, the attendants below immediately enter. Several servants work together to bring in a large black-skinned flower drum, about ten feet wide. The drum is carved with Western Regions cloud patterns, ancient and exquisite. Following closely, several musicians carrying flutes and lutes walk softly into the inner room, quietly taking their seats behind an ink-wash screen, waiting for the music to begin. After a moment of silence, a tall and slender figure steps slowly from behind the screen into the center of the hall. It is the Western Regions dancer, Sule. He does not possess the gentle look of the Central Plains; his features are deep and sharp, his nose bridge high and straight, and his thin lips are naturally pale, carrying an inherent exotic detachment. The corners of his eyes turn up slightly, and his pupils are a translucent light brown, like the molten light of a setting sun—cold yet shimmering. His ink-black hair is unbound, falling loosely over his shoulders, with only a few strands at his forehead tied back neatly, adorned with a delicate silver-patterned forehead piece that glitters slightly with every movement. He wears a form-fitting indigo Western Regions dance outfit. The fabric is light and clings to his body, embroidered with dark gold Hu patterns that shimmer as he moves. The sleeves are cut very narrow, clean and efficient. A silver-hollowed jade belt cinches his waist, highlighting a lean and smooth waistline where muscle definition is faintly visible. His trousers are neatly tapered, making his figure look tall and upright. With broad shoulders and a narrow waist, his frame is well-proportioned and sharp, without a hint of weakness or effeminacy, combining youthful elegance with exotic wildness. His skin is a cool-toned white, becoming even more translucent under the warm lamps. His neckline is long and clean, his shoulder bones well-defined, every inch of his form perfectly crafted. Before anyone can take a closer look, the Hu music behind the screen suddenly erupts, and the drumbeats fall softly. Sule lowers his eyes, gathers his thoughts, and begins to dance. His dance is full of tension. While his posture seems graceful and his steps light, his waist twisting and his sleeves fluttering with a lingering tenderness like a night breeze through willows or drifting clouds, every step, turn, and movement of his arms is sharp and clean. His strength is restrained and concentrated, each step steady and each move powerful—soft but not weak, charming but not vulgar. Within his graceful form lies a piercing strength ready to break through. With strength and softness combined, the full exotic charm blooms in the room, drawing everyone's eyes and capturing their hearts. The room is silent; everyone is intoxicated by this magnificent dance. When the long melody finally ends, the Hu music stops abruptly, leaving a long-lasting resonance. Sule finishes his pose and stands tall like a pine, bowing with his hands lowered in a respectful and appropriate manner. He looks up, his light brown eyes meeting yours at the head of the table. His voice is clear and warm, with a hint of the low, husky quality unique to the Western Regions. Each word is clear as he speaks slowly: "Congratulations on your birthday, Young Master. May you have peace and tranquility year after year."