***Lan Pavillion***
"Come, General!" Li Xuechen, second-in-command of the Weiyun army, grabbed Tianlei by the arm and dragged him into the brightly lit pavilion.
"I already reserved one of the best spots for us — right over there!" He pointed excitedly to a distinct table at the center of the pavilion's main hall. "Come!"
Upon reaching the table, Xuechen pulled out a chair for his General with exaggerated care, ensuring he was seated comfortably before dropping into his own seat with a satisfied grin.
With a few quick waves of his right hand, he summoned a servant. The young woman approached gracefully, carrying a jar of wine and two fine cups.
"Here you go, good sir," she curtsied politely. "Anything else?"
"Just keep refilling our jar," Xuechen said eagerly. "The masked dancer is performing tonight, right?" His eyes lit up, hoping for confirmation — her performance was the only thing he believed the General might actually appreciate during their stay in the capital.
"Yes, she will, good sir," the servant smiled. "In fact, her performance time is drawing near."
"Great, then!" Xuechen sighed in relief.
"I'll keep returning to refill your jar. Do enjoy your evening," she bowed once more and slipped away into the crowd.
"Thank you, thank you," Xuechen said, already pouring the wine as she departed. He first served the General, then filled his own cup.
"You've been away from the capital for so long, and now that you're here, you barely want to spend time with your family. Instead, you choose to bring me to a pavilion," Tianlei remarked with a deadpan expression, his tone flat.
"Aiya!" Xuechen took a sip of wine before replying. "General, Minister Li has other sons. I doubt he cares much whether I visit or not. Besides, today is a wonderful day — Minister Zhang has been successfully brought to justice! We should celebrate!"
Xuechen was the second son of Minister Li, the Minister of War. The ministry oversaw all military affairs, including the Weiyun army. It was clear that Xuechen's deep knowledge of General Tianlei and his military strength was the reason his father allowed him to serve under that banner, despite the long-standing enmity between the families.
"We could sit in my mansion's courtyard and get drunk all night. Or maybe sit in Lansheng's tavern instead. Doesn't that count as celebrating? Why bring me to a pavilion?" Tianlei's face betrayed a hint of disgust at the words "pleasure house."
"Sitting and drinking with you in your house is no fun at all. Also, going to Lansheng's tavern would be unexciting as well — all he does is stuff us with loads of food while whining about his newly discovered recipes or his never-ending crush on Shu Dairong," Xuechen rolled his eyes, showing evident weariness from dealing with their mutual friend.
"I am telling you, General, Lan Pavilion is not just an ordinary pavilion. It's also a center for entertainment and exceptional performances throughout Great Qan. Enough complaints — gulp down your cup so I can pour you another. Now I honestly agree with Lansheng that you deserve a break from being so boring," Xuechen teased, raising his own cup.
"Useless," Tianlei muttered but obeyed, downing the wine in one smooth motion. It was plain and unremarkable, lacking any depth.
Xuechen refilled his cup and kept drinking, determined not to waste the hefty sum he had paid for their prime reservation.
Lan Pavilion was the most popular and expensive venue in the capital, renowned for its exquisite services that pleased both the mind and the eyes of its customers. It was the only place in all of Great Qan where the masked dancer performed, a fact that greatly contributed to its fame and fortune. This secured its status as the pinnacle of entertainment and pleasure in the capital — and beyond.
Nobles frequented the pavilion, making it prohibitively expensive for the lower classes, especially on nights when the masked dancer performed. Even the Emperor, if he wished to attend, was advised to book ahead on such occasions, lest all the best seats be taken, leaving only distant, obstructed views.
Rumor had it the masked dancer was a servant to Master He, refusing to perform anywhere else. No other pavilion could afford her; it was said she charged at least ten liang of silver for a three-minute performance. On special occasions when her act was extended, she earned a small fortune.
Her fame echoed nationwide, drawing crowds from far and wide to witness her enchanting presence firsthand. Spectators marveled at her luminous skin shimmering beneath the pavilion's radiant lanterns and her graceful movements in perfect harmony with the guqin, drums, and harps.
Yet, despite her adoration, no one knew her true identity. While some whispered she was Master He's favored servant, others speculated she might be a goddess who had chosen to favor him with her divine art.
Regardless, every performance was awaited with bated breath, the pavilion filled with eager admirers longing to behold her charm.
The pavilion was packed that night, the audience a glittering sea of nobles — wealthy men and women from across the country had gathered to see her. The one who cared least was the General himself, who simply gulped cup after cup of wine, patiently waiting for Xuechen to declare it was time for them to leave.
"Drink more, General," Xuechen grinned as he refilled his cup again. "It'll help set the mood for the masked dancer's performance."
"The masked dancer?" Tianlei frowned, setting his empty cup down.
"You haven't heard of her?"
"No." He shook his head.
Xuechen's eyes widened in genuine shock.
"Who is she, and what makes her so special?"
"She's the best dancer in all of Great Qan! She's the reason this pavilion is packed. Everyone wants to see her!" Xuechen explained enthusiastically, hoping the General would finally understand her value.
"So basically, this girl dances with a mask on and manages to pull this kind of crowd just because of that?" Tianlei glanced around at the throng of elegantly dressed nobles, genuinely impressed by the turnout.
"Exactly!"
"Wow. She must be a big deal," he said, returning to his cup with little further interest.
"Of course she is!" Xuechen emphasized. "You'll thank me after she performs, trust me! You'll be charmed!"
"Me?" Tianlei scoffed. "She might be great, but I doubt she'll dazzle me."
"Want to bet on it?" Xuechen smiled confidently. He had never won a bet against Tianlei before, but this time he was sure.
"Sure!" Tianlei smirked. "If I win, you scrub my entire mansion for a week."
"A week?! You're too cruel, General!" Xuechen knew how vast the Weiyun mansion was and dreaded the thought.
"That's my term. Deal with it." Tianlei swigged his wine, trying to hide a mischievous smile.
"Fine. And if I win, you give me the twin of your sword, Yingshen," Xuechen retorted with a grin.
"I knew it! You've had your eye on it since they arrived at the garrison."
"You already have Yangshen. If I win, I take Yingshen. Deal?"
"Deal. And if you lose, you scrub my mansion for a full week!"
They raised their cups in a toast to seal the bet, then returned to drinking, eagerly awaiting the masked dancer's arrival.
Soon after, the presenter's voice echoed through the hall, rich and theatrical.
"Ladies and gentlemen, nobles from far and wide… behold her elegance, her grace, her mystery. With the music of the guqin, drums, and harps guiding her steps, she takes the stage… Give a warm welcome to The Masked Dancer!"