I've Got This Cannon Fodder Trope Covered!

Chapter 37

Soon, the sound of silk and bamboo instruments filled the corner, and a group of dancers gracefully entered.

The dancers' robes were light and delicate, their waists so slender that they seemed as if they could be held in one hand. Their movements swayed in time with the music, their faces glistening with a sheen of sweat, their hairpins slightly askew, but their beauty was undeniable.

As the music quickened, the dancers' movements became bolder, their already loose collars slipping open, revealing glimpses of snow-white skin, creating a scene of vibrant allure.

Xiao Junzhan glanced down briefly, his eyes showing no reaction. He raised a bronze cup from the table and took a sip of wine, completely indifferent to the scene of beauty unfolding before him.

His disinterested attitude left Prince Yan and his wife visibly uncomfortable.

These were dancers that had been nurtured in Prince Yan's household for a long time, each one breathtakingly beautiful, yet none of them had succeeded in catching the Crown Prince's attention for even a moment.

Princess Changle, however, seemed entirely unaware of the awkwardness. She smiled and patted the hand of the young lady beside her, saying, "The performances here aren't that impressive. My Wan'er dances the Butterfly Dance beautifully. How about she performs for everyone?"

The young lady beside her, referred to as Wan'er, blushed quickly, casting a shy glance toward the young man seated at the head of the table before quickly lowering her gaze again, the very picture of youthful infatuation.

Xiao Junzhan did not even glance her way, merely responding with a nonchalant hum of indifference.

Hearing this, Wan'er gracefully rose to her feet and moved to the center of the hall, bowing deeply to Xiao Junzhan before softly saying, "Forgive my humble performance."

Dressed in a crimson apricot-colored dance gown, her slender arms gracefully lifted, and she began to dance with light, graceful steps. As she spun around, the flowing hem of her skirt twirled, perfectly highlighting her soft, alluring figure.

Unlike the previous dancers whose revealing performances bordered on flirtation, after the dance ended, she still remained perfectly dressed. Aside from a thin layer of sweat on her forehead, even her hairpins remained in place, showing no sign of disarray. Though she had just performed, there was nothing vulgar about her demeanor.

As the eldest daughter of Duke An's estate, Liu Wan Ning had been to the imperial palace a few times before. Once, she caught a glimpse of Xiao Junzhan from afar, and since that moment, she had been utterly captivated by him.

She was extremely beautiful and came from a noble background. It wasn't impossible for her to compete for the position of Crown Princess, and her family fully supported her, wholeheartedly planning for this goal.

She had practiced this dance countless times at home, knowing precisely which movements and angles would make her look most beautiful. Even her slight breathing was intentionally controlled.

Although she thought she should have enough confidence, standing in front of him now, Liu Wan Ning's heart felt like it was about to leap out of her throat.

No one spoke for a long time. With her forehead touching the ground, Liu Wan Ning softly said again, "This humble servant greets His Highness the Crown Prince."

This time, she deliberately raised her voice, making it especially noticeable in the quiet inner hall.

Xiao Junzhan's gaze remained indifferent. He glanced at her as if looking at an inanimate object and said flatly, "Are you Chengyi?"