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Deep in the palace, maids styled the princess's hair, adorning it with an exquisite step-shaker.
One step, one sway, a clear, ringing sound. They reminded her: walk slowly, step evenly, never let the step-shaker clatter.
Thus, wearing it, the princess walked step by step from her chambers to distant Liangzhou.
To her, the step-shaker meant her identity, a constant reminder of her mission.
Later, at a banquet, she met a girl sweet as grapes. She took the princess's hand, calling the step-shaker's pearls "bells."
The girl danced with her bracelet, joyful as a bird. The princess's gentle eyes reflected her radiant smile.
She wished the girl's happiness could dance on forever.
In a silent night, the princess faced the moon in her jade pond chamber.
She imitated the girl's dance, the step-shaker at her ear swaying happily.
So one could dance with a step-shaker after all.
How she wished to see that girl again—she wanted to learn that joyful dance too.