Chapter 103: Celebrity Idol

That day, a messenger from the prince’s residence delivered an invitation to Yang Cheng. Yang Cheng unfolded the letter and read: "It has been many days since we last met; I have missed you greatly. A few days ago, the songstresses choreographed a new dance, and I specially invite Master Yang to be the first to witness it."

The letter was signed by Zhu Wushang, and beneath the signature was a small note: "Master, please do not go to any expense. Just bring a few bottles of your finest cellar wine."

Yang Cheng chuckled to himself. The prince certainly had a thick skin; the real emphasis was clearly on that small note—he wanted to drink Yang’s wine. Without delay, he arranged for Xiao Lan to fetch several bottles of new wine, then took Murong Tie and set out for the prince’s mansion.

Upon arrival, Zhu Wushang had everything well prepared and warmly invited Yang Cheng to sit in the main hall to watch the singing and dancing.

As soon as Yang Cheng took his seat, Zhu Wushang clapped his hands, and music filled the hall. Ten lovely women appeared, each dressed in pale blue gowns with sheer white veils draped lightly over their shoulders. They stepped in rhythm, forming two graceful rows. Their hands danced lightly while their skirts fluttered elegantly—truly a beautiful sight.

Though Yang Cheng had previously seen many graceful dances in films, he was still deeply moved by this naturally flowing traditional dance.

The tempo quickened, and a young woman clad in moon-white palace attire suddenly leapt into the midst of the others. Yang Cheng observed her slender waist, eyebrows like emerald feathers, and skin as pure as snow. As her veil fluttered, she resembled a butterfly flitting among flowers of blue and white, or a small boat drifting gently over a sapphire bay. His breath caught at the sight; his wine glass trembled in his hand, spilling without his notice. Only after a moment did he realize his lapse, glanced around to find no one paying attention, and quickly pretended to sip his drink to conceal his embarrassment.

Zhu Wushang smiled silently. After the dance concluded, he turned to the dancer and said, “Ruoli, this is Master Yang, who has often been spoken of lately. It seems the Master is very fond of your dance. Come, offer the Master a toast.”

Yang Cheng blushed when he was seen through so clearly. The woman approached gracefully, filling two cups of wine. With both hands, she offered one to Yang Cheng, raising her cup and saying, “I am Lan Ruoli. I have admired Master Yang for a long time. It is an honor to meet you today. I offer you this toast.”

Yang Cheng’s face reddened. Having spent years secluded at the Yang family’s estate, it was rare to be so close to such a beauty. Nervously, he said, “Thank you, Miss Ruoli. This wine is quite strong; please do not drink it all at once.” He knew this was polite speech, but he feared the stunning beauty might treat it like ordinary wine and embarrass herself by choking, so he offered the caution.

Lan Ruoli smiled, covering her face with her sleeve, and sipped slowly. The wine’s strength was evident, but she drank steadily, then returned his smile before stepping back gracefully.

Zhu Wushang laughed and said, “Master Yang, you are talented beyond measure, yet why so restrained in the presence of women?”

Yang Cheng thought, ‘You must think everyone is as wealthy and handsome as you, living surrounded by beauties.’ Out loud, he replied, “I have devoted over ten years to my craft, have no family, and little contact with women.”

“Oh? Is that so?” Zhu Wushang said with curiosity, then laughed, “In my residence, there are hundreds of songstresses and performers, each exceptionally beautiful. If Master Yang likes, you may choose one to take with you, ha ha.”

Yang Cheng thought, ‘I am not one to share such pleasures,’ and said, “How dare I! How could I ever take away the prince’s delight?”

Zhu Wushang replied, “Master Yang, you misunderstand. My residence has twelve consorts who rarely appear publicly. I am fond of beauty but not wanton. Most of the women here I cherish for their talents. Seeing them suffer hardship, I took pity and gave them refuge.”

Nearby, Lan Ruoli also spoke to Yang Cheng, “Master Yang, you misunderstand the prince. We are here because life forced us or family pressured us. Fortunately, the prince rescued us. He shelters us and treats us with great courtesy.”

Yang Cheng was surprised. “I did not expect the prince to be such a tender-hearted man.”

Zhu Wushang sighed, “I am just soft-hearted at my core.”

Yang Cheng glanced at the women. One of them bowed and said, “The prince saved us in our darkest hour, giving us shelter. Every year he spends a large sum to protect us. We sisters have nothing to repay but to perform and bring joy to the residence.”

Zhu Wushang shrugged, nodding in agreement.

At this moment, Yang Cheng’s perception of Zhu Wushang shifted; he was far from the frivolous nobleman he had once thought.

Yet, looking at the group, he thought wryly, ‘Your kindness is surely reserved for talented beauties.’ Still, a prince who cherishes and respects others is commendable. Rising, he praised, “Your kindness is admirable, Your Highness. Today I see you are a rare man, unafraid of public scorn, faithful to your true heart.”

Zhu Wushang laughed, “I was just teasing you earlier. If you really wish to choose a beauty, they must consent themselves. I never force anyone.”

Yang Cheng replied, “That is as it should be. For now, I have no plans. As for today, I lost composure because Miss Ruoli truly possesses the grace of a celestial being, fit to be a star. She surely has a brilliant future.”

“Star? Idol?” Zhu Wushang looked at him puzzled.

“Like a shining star, dazzling all and admired by many. A dancer or singer who displays their talent to the world, bringing joy to some and, at best, inspiring virtue and hope in many. Such contributions are as great as those of poets and writers.”

The women listened in astonishment. To them, songstresses and performers were lowly trades. They never imagined Yang Cheng saw them so nobly, and it stirred their hearts with yearning.

Lan Ruoli asked, “If that is so, could it bring income to the prince’s residence?”

The others nodded; it was the question on their minds as well.

Zhu Wushang touched his nose. Although he did not care much for money, the estate’s yearly expenses left little surplus. Despite the many women he supported, much of the cost came from his own lavish spending. Though Wuzhou was his fief, he only received a small portion of its taxes; most had to be handed over to the national treasury.

Yang Cheng answered, “Naturally. A good song and dance, combined with promotion, can make you all famous, bringing considerable income. The phrase ‘fame and fortune’ is precisely this.”

Seeing the women’s joy, Yang Cheng asked, “The estate’s annual expenses must be enormous, yes?”

Zhu Wushang smiled sheepishly, “Indeed. With other costs, my fief’s tribute leaves me with little each year.”

“May I ask how much tribute?”

“Only eight million spiritual coins.”

“...Eight million,” Yang Cheng was speechless. Receiving eight million at home was no small matter, though compared to some great families, it was modest. But those families had large households and equally large expenses.

Yang Cheng pondered for a moment, then said, “Your Highness has a wealth of talent here. If everyone contributes, I dare say an annual income in the billions is achievable.”

The women were wildly surprised, then joyfully exclaimed, “We are willing to work hard. Grateful for the prince’s shelter, we wish to ease his burdens.”

Yang Cheng said, “That is well said. Your Highness, I will plan a strategy. When the furniture you ordered is ready in a few days, I will bring it to you and we can discuss the details.”

Even Zhu Wushang, indifferent to money like most nobles, was excited by the prospect of billions of income. He cupped his hands in thanks, “Thank you, Master Yang. If this succeeds, wonderful; if not, no matter.”

He found Yang Cheng to his liking—a man with no blind reverence for royalty and no empty flattery. They treated each other as equals, with no sense of status disparity.

They raised their cups and drank, freely discussing the future. Later, Zhu Wushang took Yang Cheng on a leisurely tour of the mansion. The opulence once again left Yang Cheng in awe.

Their conversation was lively until dusk approached. Yang Cheng then took his leave, returning home in the deep of night.