Mo Li

The Alluring Dance (Yao Ji x Mu Yang)

Yao Ji became a dancing girl at the tender age of ten. Before that, though not exactly born into luxury, she was the daughter of a fourth-rank official—a young lady from a respectable family, by all accounts. But the ruthless machinations of the court changed everything. When her father committed a grave crime, leading to the execution of their entire household and her consignment to the training house, she no longer wished to recall her former name.

At thirteen, Yao Ji officially debuted as a courtesan. With a single dance at the Alluring City Quarter, she became the premier dancing girl of Chu Jing. It was also on that very day that she met Mu Yang.

A girl of thirteen or fourteen is just beginning to awaken to love, and even in a place like the Alluring City Quarter, this holds true. Though she had only just started receiving guests, Yao Ji had already spent over two years in the quarter, witnessing enough heartbreak among her sisters to steel herself against such emotions. Thus, when she first laid eyes on Mu Yang, she remained unmoved.

At the time, Mu Yang was merely eighteen—a young man in white robes, brimming with youthful vigor and charm, the kind who could ride his horse to a leaning bridge and have every red sleeve in the tower wave for him. That day, after her dance, Yao Ji was slightly breathless and nervous. It was her debut, a moment that would determine her life for years to come. Success would elevate her to the status of a rising star in the Alluring City Quarter, a Pure Courtesan held in high esteem, untouched and adored. Failure, however, would doom her to the same fate as countless nameless sisters—forced into the lowest trade of flesh, no matter how breathtaking her beauty. Women, in such matters, are often naively persistent. Even knowing the inevitable end, they still cling to the hope that these few years might be different. Perhaps... this time, it would be?

"Miss, are you all right?" Amid the applause, Yao Ji hurriedly descended from the stage and made her way toward her quarters in the rear courtyard. In her haste, she brushed past a man and stumbled, nearly colliding with the wall. Just as she feared she might ruin her face, an arm encircled her waist, pulling her back. A low voice inquired gently.

Yao Ji froze. Looking up, she saw a young man clad in pristine white robes, his bearing noble and his features striking. His eyes held a faint smile as they met hers, but unlike the leering gazes of many patrons, his held only quiet concern and warmth.

"I'm fine. Thank you for your assistance, young master," Yao Ji replied, pushing his hand away and offering a slight curtsey, her tone cool.

"I am Mu Yang. Your dance was exquisite," the man said with a smile.

Yao Ji was momentarily dazed. She had naturally heard of Mu Yang—the heir of Marquis Muyang Manor, a renowned and ambitious young noble of the capital. Though the sisters of the Alluring City Quarter often spoke of him, it was always by reputation alone, for Mu Yang never frequented such places of pleasure. Yao Ji had never expected to encounter him here. Gazing at the handsome youth before her, she frowned slightly. Many men failed to live up to their reputations, but to see one who appeared so pure and refined as a regular visitor to the pleasure quarters was undeniably disappointing.

As if sensing her thoughts, Mu Yang's smile turned wry. "I came with a few friends. This Alluring City Quarter is quite vast—do you know where the Evercloud Pavilion is?"Evercloud Pavilion was the residence of Chang Yun, the most renowned courtesan in Alluring City Quarter. Yao Ji nodded and pointed him in the right direction. The reason for Mu Yang's visit had nothing to do with her in the first place, and her momentary change of expression was merely due to surprise at the discrepancy between the rumors and reality.

"Well, well... if it isn't our dear Young Master Mu?" A languid, teasing male voice rang out behind them. Turning around, they saw a man in red robes strolling toward them.

"Third Master Feng," the young Mu Yang greeted with impeccable manners, his temperament far from ill-natured. Third Master Feng was a regular in the pleasure quarters, and though Yao Ji had never met him before, his reputation preceded him. Feng San was the illegitimate son of the wealthiest family in Chu Jing, while Mu Yang was the heir of Marquis Muyang Manor. For someone of Mu Yang's status to initiate a greeting to Feng San was undeniably courteous. Yet Feng San seemed unappreciative, arching a brow as he regarded Mu Yang with a mocking half-smile. "How rare. I never imagined Young Master Mu would have such refined tastes. And isn't this... Miss Yao Ji? Your dance captivates the entire city—I've long admired it."

Feng San's words carried a flirtatious edge, though in such a setting, they weren't out of place. Mu Yang was already considered a dashing and handsome gentleman, but Feng San's beauty surpassed even his. The faint smirk at his lips, both teasing and derisive, lent him an air of roguish charm. Whether it was Feng San's looks or something else, Yao Ji found his deliberate flirtation oddly inoffensive. The red-robed Third Master Feng was, after all, a man difficult to dislike.

Mu Yang didn't engage in any argument with Feng Zhiyao, merely offering a faint smile. "I have matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now. Miss Yao Ji, farewell."

"Young Master, take care," Yao Ji replied coolly, watching as Mu Yang headed toward Evercloud Pavilion before turning away, dismissing the encounter from her mind.

After that day, Yao Ji had little interaction with Mu Yang. Instead, she gradually grew familiar with Feng Zhiyao. Working in Alluring City Quarter made it hard not to know Feng San, given that Third Master Feng spent at least half of every month there. The pleasure house even reserved a room specifically for him—one of many such accommodations he had across the capital. The more time Yao Ji spent with Feng San, the more she realized he wasn't the dissolute rake or insatiable libertine others perceived him to be. In private, Feng Zhiyao's gaze when he looked at her was always clear and composed, devoid of any turbulence.

Thanks to Third Master Feng's frequent patronage and Yao Ji's unparalleled dancing skills, within just two months, she firmly secured her title as the top courtesan of Chu Jing, enjoying unrivaled fame.

Her next meeting with Mu Yang didn't occur until the following year. By then, Mu Yang remained the proud heir of Marquis Muyang Manor, while Yao Ji had become the capital's most celebrated dancer. Even many noble families and royal households had invited her to perform, and securing a private audience with her required nothing short of extravagant wealth.Meeting Mu Yang again was an accident. Having become the top courtesan of Chu Jing, Yao Ji naturally stole the limelight from Chang Yun, the former leading courtesan of Alluring City Quarter. It was inevitable that she would attract jealousy, so Yao Ji had always been very cautious. Women of their background had no right to innocence, but Yao Ji never expected Chang Yun to conspire alone during an outing with the other girls from Alluring City Quarter, intending to ruin her virtue.

Virtue might seem like a joke to women like them, yet it was also crucial. As the reigning top courtesan, she could command a fortune just by chatting and entertaining guests. But once she lost that, she would quickly fall to the same plight as ordinary courtesans.

Naturally, Yao Ji didn’t want that. So the moment she sensed something was wrong, she endured the pain and hid herself away.

"Miss, are you alright?" A soft voice tinged with familiar concern came from behind the rockery where she was hiding. But to her now, this concern was no different from lethal poison.

"I’m fine!" Without looking back, Yao Ji staggered forward.

"Miss Yao Ji..." Mu Yang, worried, grabbed her arm. Only when he saw her flushed cheeks did realization dawn. "What’s wrong with you? Should I call for a physician?"

Yao Ji was already swaying unsteadily, and Mu Yang’s pull sent her collapsing into his arms. Her mind was a chaotic mess. Clutching his hand, she gritted her teeth, struggling to maintain the last shred of clarity. "There’s no time... There’s a pond ahead. Throw me in!"

"But..." Mu Yang frowned. Though spring had arrived, it was still late February. The pond would be freezing even for a man, let alone a woman.

"It’s fine, I can swim! Please..."

As a scion of a noble family, Mu Yang was no stranger to such schemes. Seeing Yao Ji’s determination, he could only nod. "In that case, forgive my offense."

That day, Alluring City Quarter’s top courtesan Yao Ji fell into the water and was rescued by the heir of Marquis Muyang Manor. She fell ill for a full month afterward. But from then on, Yao Ji remembered that gentle and bright young man. He... not only helped her but saved her life.

In the years that followed, Yao Ji’s fame grew even greater. With the patronage of noble young masters like Third Master Feng and the heir of Marquis Muyang, no one dared to cause trouble in Alluring City Quarter. By the time Yao Ji turned twenty, she officially became the owner of the establishment and no longer entertained guests. She only performed dances when requested by the capital’s nobility or even the imperial palace. The rest of the time, she sat alone on the second floor of Alluring City Quarter, quietly watching the bustling revelry below.

"Miss, the young master of Marquis Muyang is here," a maid announced softly outside the door.Yao Ji turned around, her enchanting and beautiful face carrying a faint weariness, and said, "Please ask the young master to return. Yao Ji does not receive guests." Watching the little maid retreat in surprise, Yao Ji gave a bitter smile. In the blink of an eye, nearly ten years had passed since she met Mu Yang, and Yao Ji could no longer remember exactly when it all began. Her Feng Zhiyao had once sighed with a smile, saying, "Yao Ji, falling for someone like Mu Yang is truly asking for trouble. By all rights, you should have chosen me instead."

At the time, Yao Ji had merely smiled faintly. She was well aware that someone of Mu Yang's status could never have a future with her, whereas Feng Zhiyao, the illegitimate son of a wealthy merchant family, would have been far less complicated. Yet, despite the dashing Third Master Feng's charm, she had never felt her heart stir for him. She knew all too well that his heart already belonged to another. As for Mu Yang... his eyes held only her.

But such days could not last forever. Mu Yang was already past twenty and still unmarried, but two months ago, he had finally succumbed to the pressure from his family and became engaged to Miss Sun. It came as no surprise when the betrothed Miss Sun later sought her out.

Recalling the words spoken by Princess Ding at Elegance Pavilion yesterday, a glimmer of resolve flashed across Yao Ji's stunning yet bitter smile. Though she had only met Princess Ding twice, Yao Ji had to admit that in every aspect, the princess was someone she admired—noble birth, a devoted husband who shielded her from all storms, an open-hearted nature, and abilities and wisdom beyond ordinary women.

To let go when it was time to let go... Perhaps it was truly time to leave...

Yao Ji lowered her head, gently touching her still-flat abdomen with a faint smile. Princess Ding was right—if one truly wished to live well, one could always find a way. Besides, she was no longer alone now.

"Yao Ji!" The sound of hurried footsteps echoed outside the door, and soon Mu Yang appeared at the threshold, his expression grim as he looked at her. The servants of Alluring City Quarter followed anxiously behind him, clearly hesitant to stop the heir of Marquis Muyang Manor.

Yao Ji waved her hand, dismissing the servants, before turning to Mu Yang with a faint smile. "What is the meaning of this, young master? Though Alluring City Quarter is a place of pleasure, Yao Ji has not entertained guests for many years."

"Yao Ji! Haven't you caused enough trouble?" The incident at Elegance Pavilion yesterday had left Mu Yang deeply displeased, but his years of affection for Yao Ji were genuine. Once his anger subsided, he had immediately come to Alluring City Quarter to find her, only to be turned away.

Yao Ji scoffed. "The trouble is over, and I ask that the young master refrain from visiting Alluring City Quarter in the future. Lest you chance upon Madam Sun and Miss Sun on the streets again."

"What do you mean by that?" Mu Yang frowned.

Yao Ji shook her head dismissively. "Nothing. Please return, young master."

Seeing Yao Ji's indifferent expression, Mu Yang sighed helplessly. "Yao Ji, I'm doing this for our future. You know... Marquis Muyang Manor... could never allow me to marry you as my official wife. Can't you endure a little hardship for my sake?" Yao Ji regarded him calmly. "Yao Ji is not accustomed to enduring hardship, nor should the young master force himself to. For the sake of our years of friendship, let us part on good terms.""You..." Knowing Yao Ji's temperament all too well, Mu Yang understood it was impossible to persuade her to change her mind in such a short time. He could only sigh softly and say, "I'll take my leave first. Think it over carefully."

Watching his retreating figure, Yao Ji suddenly spoke up, "Mu Lang, after all these years... we've both changed. Don't come again." You're no longer that gentle, cheerful young man from back then, and I'm no longer that naive girl who only wanted a devoted love. We've grown up, and we've changed...

Mu Yang's steps faltered momentarily before he left without another word.

"Miss..." The young maid waiting outside the door looked worriedly at Yao Ji, who seemed lost in thought. Yao Ji snapped out of her reverie and smiled faintly. "Pack my things. I'm going out."

"Where are you going, Miss?"

"Prince Ding's Estate."

After leaving Prince Ding's Estate, Yao Ji let out a long sigh of relief. Selling the Alluring City Quarter to Princess Ding—she wasn't sure if it was an impulsive decision, but now that it was done, she didn't feel as reluctant as she had imagined. With the savings from all these years and the money from the sale, she could live comfortably for the rest of her life. Finding a quiet place to give birth and raise her child—perhaps her life could find a different kind of happiness, one unlike before. Wasn't this the peaceful life she had always longed for?

"Take care, Miss," said the man who had escorted her out, his voice deep and pleasant.

Yao Ji was surprised that such a man would bid her farewell. She had seen him twice by Princess Ding's side—clearly not an ordinary guard, his status seemed quite high. Men like him usually looked down on women of her background, didn't they? Or was it that those around Princess Ding were truly different?

"Thank you..." Yao Ji hesitated—she didn't even know his name. "Thank you, sir." In front of this silent man, she found that all the social graces she had honed over the years in the Alluring City Quarter seemed useless. She couldn't even muster a polite smile, managing only an awkward expression of gratitude.

The man regarded her calmly. "I am Qin Feng. Miss... given your condition, if you plan to travel far, it would be best to wait a while longer."

Yao Ji was taken aback before nodding. "Thank you for the reminder, Commander Qin. I'll take my leave now."

"Farewell," Qin Feng said simply.

Yao Ji smiled faintly and turned away gracefully. She understood Qin Feng's concern, and the gloom that had weighed on her these past days lifted slightly. Even a stranger could show kindness—there were still good people in this world. Leaving Chu Jing might not be so unbearable after all. At the very least... she would no longer be a dancing girl, but an ordinary woman. Wasn't this what she had always wanted? Along with selling the Alluring City Quarter, Princess Ding had used her influence to alter Yao Ji's household registration, erasing the entertainer status that had haunted her for so long. From now on, Yao Ji... was simply a single mother raising her child.

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－First up is Yao Ji~ Actually, I really wanted to write a segment where A Li and Xiu Yao travel back to modern times. But right now, considering A Li's modern identity and all those stars and stripes in her family background... maybe it's better to forget about it~ Sob sob~ It feels so hard to write, I'm not someone who loves writing that kind of stuff, but completely forbidding it is also so painful ahhh~