nashuaworldcup Chapter 512 The song ends and everyone disperses
Chapter 512 The song ends and everyone disperses
After the guards drove away the arrogant Fushe scholars, their frustration vanished. Little did they know that something even more exciting was about to happen—the general had several incredibly beautiful courtesans perform for them.
The soldiers, suppressing their excitement, surrounded the open space in the middle of the front courtyard of the Meilou—this was their makeshift stage. Many soldiers wanted a better view; some climbed the walls, and some climbed the trees.
When several women appeared, the atmosphere reached a small climax, and the soldiers excitedly discussed among themselves.
"They are so beautiful, like fairies..."
"I wish I could marry a wife like that."
……
Compared to these "country bumpkins" from Qiongzhou Prefecture, the personal guards of the Duke of Wei's mansion had lived in Nanjing for a long time and had seen the world. They proudly "educated" the soldiers next to them.
“Brother, these are some of the most beautiful girls on the Qinhuai River. Normally, you wouldn’t get to hear them perform without spending several hundred taels of silver. You’ve really hit the jackpot today. Your general is truly considerate of his subordinates…”
Gu Hengbo, Dong Xiaowan, Li Xiangjun, and Liu Rushi all appeared on stage, singing a short excerpt from "The Romance of the Western Chamber." Liu Rushi played Zhang Sheng, Li Xiangjun played the maid Hongniang, Dong Xiaowan played Cui Yingying, and Gu Hengbo played Madam Cui, who separated the lovers. Due to time constraints, they only had their makeup done briefly and did not change into their costumes. Liu Rushi, being a guest performer, changed into her previous male attire.
When Liu Rushi saw a group of soldiers surrounding her, many of them drooling, she felt a mixture of disdain and bitterness. Normally, countless high-ranking officials would want to hear her sing, but even that wasn't always possible; now she had been reduced to trying to please a bunch of uncouth soldiers.
Seeing Liu Rushi lost in thought, her expression shifting between light and shadow, Dong Xiaowan whispered a reminder: "Sister Liu, when you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head. Performing for them is better than suffering other humiliations..."
Liu Rushi awoke with a start. She remembered Liu Ye's threat; walking barefoot in the street would be worse than death. Compared to that, her current situation was much better. She roused herself and spoke first: "Last night, Hong left a note, inviting me to fulfill my promise tonight. It's past midnight, and she hasn't come yet! Miss, don't lie to me! This night is so quiet, so peaceful; will the celestial beauty come?"
"The Romance of the Western Chamber" is one of the most famous plays of the Yuan Dynasty, widely known and loved by everyone from emperors and generals to commoners. The line "May all lovers in the world be united in marriage" is particularly poignant, bringing tears to many eyes. The courtesans, all skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, were naturally more than capable of handling this play. Liu Rushi's portrayal of Zhang Sheng was handsome and lively, Li Xiangjun's maidservant was vivacious and genuine, and Gu Hengbo, though young, convincingly played the mature and dignified Madam Cui. However, the most outstanding performance came from Dong Xiaowan's interpretation of Cui Yingying, vividly portraying a strong-willed woman with "a beauty that could topple kingdoms and the countenance of Xi Shi and Yang Guifei."
In ancient times, entertainment options were scarce, and the soldiers had never seen such a high-level drama before. They were all completely absorbed in it, cheering and clapping loudly at the exciting parts, making the entire Meilou (Meilou Tower) bustling with excitement.
Xu Hongji, watching from upstairs, beamed with delight and said with a smile, "Thanks to you, brother, I get to see four beauties on the same stage today. This drink was truly worthwhile. Who else has the honor of gathering these four together?"
Liu Ye smiled and said, "As long as the Duke of Wei is happy."
Xu Hongji smacked his lips a few times and said regretfully, "The only flaw is the role of Hongniang. It would be perfect if Chen Yuanyuan played the part. People praised Chen Yuanyuan for her 'elegant demeanor, graceful appearance, and refined manners,' saying she had the air of a renowned scholar and was the foremost performer of Southern opera on the Qinhuai River. Her portrayal of Hongniang was even more stunning, like a cloud emerging from a mountain peak, with a melodious voice that could make six horses bow down in admiration. I once heard her perform a play, and she truly brought Hongniang to life, completely overshadowing the maid's role and leaving the audience mesmerized."
Upon hearing Xu Hongji mention this historically famous "femme fatale," Liu Ye smiled wryly, wondering if, due to his own butterfly effect, a historical event like Wu Sangui "risking his life for a beauty" would occur ten years later.
As a modern man bombarded with an abundance of entertainment, he wasn't particularly interested in this somewhat bland and monotonous traditional drama. However, the soldiers' enthusiastic response made him ponder: the Qionghai Army has strict discipline, and life in the barracks is monotonous and dull. In this era, there are no smartphones for soldiers to play games like Honor of Kings in their spare time. Could we consider introducing traditional opera and other forms of entertainment to enrich the soldiers' lives? After all, they are flesh-and-blood human beings, not machines without needs. Their nerves can't always be on edge; they need to relax.
Just as he was considering whether to set up an arts troupe or something similar, cheers and applause interrupted his thoughts. Looking down, he saw that the short play had already ended, and the four famous courtesans were taking their final bows.
Liu Rushi looked up at the building, suppressing her anger, and asked, "May I ask, Lord Pingnan, we have performed the trick you told us to do, can you let us go now?"
Liu Ye nodded: "I keep my word. You can leave now, no one will stop you."
Liu Rushi, arm in arm with Li Xiangjun, looked around hesitantly before walking out, glancing back every few steps, as if afraid Liu Ye would play a cat-and-mouse game. The soldiers voluntarily made way for them, and indeed, no one stopped them.
Seeing that they could really walk, the two held hands and started jogging, not wanting to stay a moment longer.
Liu Ye called out to their retreating figures, "Miss Xiangjun, remember to go back and pack your things, and prepare to leave Meixiang Pavilion. As long as my brother has a change of heart, he will come to take you away at any time."
Li Xiangjun was startled by what she heard and stumbled, almost falling. Liu Ru grabbed her hand tightly to prevent her from falling.
After Liu Rushi and Li Xiangjun left, Dong Xiaowan stood in the center of the room, gracefully gave a curtsy to Liu Ye upstairs, and then walked out of the Meilou gate. Liu Ye stared at her back, feeling that compared to the Dong Xiaowan he had seen at Leyunlou in Suzhou, the Dong Xiaowan before him seemed to have changed quite a bit, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what exactly had changed.
Xu Hongji shook his head and swayed his body, seemingly still savoring the grand occasion of the four beauties on stage. He only snapped out of his reverie when Gu Hengbo came upstairs to ask if the banquet should continue.
He said to Liu Ye, "Although those scholars from the Fushe Society caused trouble today, I am still very happy. Let's stop drinking here and have a good drink together next time."
Liu Ye cupped his hands and said, "As long as the Duke of Wei gives the word, I will be ready to oblige at any time."