Chapter 29: The World's Greatest Actor

national leader. To take what should be idle chatter and turn it into the theme of your life, that person must be a failure."Ye Youxiao was not interested in discussing philosophical themes with him....In terms of scale, Yongshou Temple is inferior to Xiangguo Temple; in terms of history, it was only built during the Daci era, and it has been less than two hundred years. 。Although it can barely be considered an ancient temple, compared to renowned temples like Daxinci'n Temple, Qinglong Temple, and Chanfú Temple, it certainly doesn't rank among Chang'an's top-tier temples. 。So the number of incense burners visitors here is actually limited. 。Besides burning incense, many devotees would also go to the temple grounds for leisure activities. They might watch performances by performers from the Western Regions, purchase watercolor paintings from local women, or even come to Ye's stall to watch plays. 。Mr. and Mrs. Ye Hou's performance was still as captivating as ever, with constant applause. During these times, when Mrs. Ye went to collect the money, a smile would bloom on her little face. Every day, they would earn two or three hundred copper coins from various small change. 。...It's just that the rice in Beijing is expensive, and all kinds of goods are not cheap. After deducting various expenses for food, drink, and socializing, one can at most save a single copper coin per month... 。Ye Youxiao didn't sing opera, nor did he collect silver. He simply relied on his two sturdy legs to travel all over the 108 districts of Chang'an's east and west markets. 。I came home late several times and was scolded by my older sister. 。Fortunately, my stepfather is truly forgiving and has never spoken harshly to me. 。However, he was also a little embarrassed. 。After all, he's just a boy. Spending his days like this doesn't seem to be leading anywhere. 。

Now, Ah Jie is completely comfortable with him. Whenever he's late coming back, the thing he fears most is Ah Jie reaching out and twisting his ears. That really hurts.

Of course I wanted to dodge, but my elder sister was so agile, I couldn't seem to avoid her. It's really frustrating. 。

The mother earnestly taught her son not to become a wastrel. The family's expenses, however, are beyond the current means.

While Ye Youxiao listened to his mother's endless chatter, he couldn't help but think about how things were different before he time-traveled. When he was this age, didn't all children get pampered 。

The stepfather finally spoke up, wanting Ye Youxiao to come into the shed and watch the play as well. It was also a process of learning by osmosis.

He discovered, after watching the performance, that his sister's singing was truly a gift from heaven with its clear and melodious voice. 。After the teasing prelude, Aye Aye started the main act "Playing the General," which was not only hilarious but also showcased Aye's impressive skills. On stage, she tumbled and leaped with agility, often eliciting applause from the audience. 。To his surprise, his mother was surprisingly agile and ruthless when teasing his stepfather. 。But after seeing it too many times, Ye Youxiao couldn't laugh anymore. He got used to it, and only those onlookers still laughed uproariously, occasionally applauding. 。Such a dull life lasted for more than half a year. As winter passed and spring came, the big households all went out to enjoy the spring scenery, and even the smaller households couldn't avoid coming to the temple to burn incense and kowtow. After such a long period of quiet, the Ye family was bustling with activity again. 。On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, he earned almost a whole tael of silver in just one day, and the whole family was overjoyed. 。However, the next day, a female guest arrived at Ye's shed. 。Like other pilgrims, this female visitor came to burn incense and pay respects to Buddha. Afterwards, she happened to walk past the Ye family's stall and heard the cheers coming from inside, so she brought her companion in. 。This girl is tall and sweet-looking. 。She wore an elaborate hair bun, her eyebrows were heavily drawn, and her face was adorned with green jade ornaments. Her fair cheeks had a hint of blush, giving the impression of being slightly intoxicated. 。Two bright eyes are hidden behind long eyelashes, cherry-red thin lips that reveal pearly white teeth when smiling. 。One could not tell the girl's origins from her clothing: she wore a crimson shirt with a floral pattern, a yellow skirt with a floral pattern, and a pale green shawl. 。This ordinary attire, on this girl's body, appears particularly graceful and elegant. 。The woman behind her, however, was a different kind of beauty: simple in appearance but taller than she, almost six feet tall. 。Her hair was styled in a simple, low bun. Although she, like the girls, had flower rouge applied to her face, there was not a hint of coquettishness about her. 。Branches of plum blossoms adorn her red dress, but hanging by her side is a sharp sword! Aside from the beauty of youth, I can't find any other appealing features on her. 。Ye Youxiao, who was idly watching a play, was immediately drawn in. 。What kind of people are these

At this time, Sister A was humming a tune, softly singing Xue Can's Zhezhi Ci:

"Success on a day filled with spirited energy, spring wind stirs the dust in the sky" 。

Newly built pavilions and elegant residences, music and dancing with beautiful women.

Her clothes were disheveled, her figure swaying with urgency. She wore a light gauze garment half-fallen from her shoulder. 。Xue Na's "Zhe Zhi Ci" is A Jie's favorite poem. 。According to my stepfather, before Xue Gong, my elder sister only had a transverse flute. She would wail and sob as she played a tune, signaling to the audience that a hilarious and entertaining military drama was about to begin. 。This is essentially a "warm-up" function. 。But after the success of "Zhe Zhi Ci," Ah Jie's clear and melodious voice finally had a place to shine. As she danced and sang, her flirtatious gaze and charming smile captivated a large audience. 。Someone jokingly gave Ah Jie the nickname "Ye Zhe Zhi". Ye Youxiao actually thought this nickname sounded much nicer than her real name. 。What "niangwen" There's no such name! He tried calling his older sister "Ye Zhezhi", but she scolded him. His mother also said, "You just call your older sister that, what are you doing with those onlookers"

When she sang the last two lines, "Urgency breaks into swaying, Luo Shan half off the shoulder," his older sister actually started spinning around, who knows how many circles she turned! She suddenly did a side kick, her skirt flying up, truly having the charm of "Luo Shan half off the shoulder." 。The audience erupted in applause, and the elder sister beamed with joy. 。

My godfather also patted the ruler on a table beside the stage with force and shouted, "Although we haven't bought horses or gold to make art, it takes wit and intelligence! Wen'er, you come down and walk around the stage again. We still have to rely on your excellencies' generosity to give us some money!"

Ye Maowen walked offstage with a relaxed smile, holding a pottery pot in her hand, reciting mechanically: "Wealth rises at the door of wealth, profit resides above, auspiciousness passes through, prosperity leads the way. With my hands before you, your excellencies, don't miss out!"

The two women who had just come from the theater happened to be sitting in the front row. Ye Niang Wen didn't mind and extended the clay basin towards them. 。The young woman smiled faintly and said, "You dare to charge money for such singing You're ruining the reputation of the opera troupe!"As soon as these words left her mouth, the entire shed fell silent. 。Everyone knows: this is here to crash the party. 。The onlookers were all smiling, with a "the more the merrier" attitude, eagerly watching Ye Ma and Wen's argument, holding their breath for fear of missing a word, so they could boast about it later. 。

It's common for opera troupes to encounter such situations. Ye Niang Wen immediately smiled and bowed to the young woman: "My dear lady, as I've traveled from state to state, I've also received some guidance from masters. I didn't know that there were masters here as well, so please, sister, do me a favor and give us a demonstration first.

。To her surprise, the young woman only let out a cold snort and said to her companion, "Sih Niang, listen to that. The singing is terrible, but the attitude is huge." 。"Immediately turned his head to stare at Ye Niang Wen: "You say there are experts here, do you know where this place is This is Chang'an, the capital city, under the emperor's feet. How many dragons and tigers hidden here! You grass-roots troupe dare underestimate Chang'an Just saying that your 'master of lions', if I fail to perform well, wouldn't it ruin my reputation as Li Jiuniang!"The audience gasped: "It turns out to be the world-famous actress Li Jiuniang! Oh, we are blessed to hear Li Jiuniang sing. Can you give us a treat today Li Jiuniang!" Those who had seen disastrous performances had never seen such a sight! Ye Niang Wen was also at a loss for words and could only swallow her anger and explain to the actress:"I can't perform 'master of lions'. What I just did is called 'trembling lion', using Xue Gong's 《Zhe Zhi Ci》" 。Li Jiuniao stood up and mocked, “Only you would dare to say that was singing. This slave couldn't hear your singing! It sounds more like a cat!” Ye Niangwen stood there awkwardly. At this moment, she heard a crisp sound of a ruler hitting something. 。Seeing his daughter being bullied, Ye Hou-sheng immediately spoke up: "I came to the capital city originally to find a suitable partner for my daughter, to use myself as an example and attract talent! Since Miss Li Jiu has such lofty words, could you perhaps give us a song"The onlookers instantly grew excited, with some cheering even louder: “Miss Li Jiu! Miss Li Jiu!”Li Jiu looked back at these enthusiastic viewers and smiled faintly: "Well then, since I'm out for a spring outing today and in good spirits, I’ll sing a bit as a play and to thank you all." 。but I'm not afraid that you, little girl, will steal my art. 。"Li Jiuniang gracefully walked onto the stage, and suddenly stopped to ask Ye Niun: "I only need to sing a song for you and I'll get one silver coin, can you afford it"Ye Youxiao was taken aback: What kind of famous performer is this! It takes the Ye family three or four days to earn one silver coin from watching..." 。

She sang a segment and demanded it to be the same throughout!

Ye Mama reluctantly smiled: "Five hundred wen how about"

That Li Jiuniang let out a "poof" laugh: "Who has the patience to haggle! For your kindness, I'll give it to you for free anyway "

Ye Hou-sheng hurriedly bowed: "Thank you, thank you! Little one thanks Miss Li Jiu!" Ye You-xiao didn't hear his adoptive father's voice. With that smile from Li Jiu, his whole heart took flight. In the warm breath of spring, in the gentle morning breeze, in the sweet drizzle, his trembling heart was soaring. 。Ye Youxiao was certain this was the happiest moment since he had time traveled, and that happiness came entirely from this beautiful woman today! It just so happened that she wore a peach-colored dress, which was also his favorite lucky color!If you say there's no fate, then I'd kill you! I, Ye Youxiao, don't believe it!Ye Youxiao's heart had bloomed. 。He has already found his woman, Li Jiuniang!

Although it is impossible 。He himself couldn't believe it. 。But unrequited love is not a crime, is itAt this time, Li Jiuniang had already burst into song:Clouds imagine her garments, flowers her beauty;Spring wind caresses the threshold, dew heavy and fragrant;If I hadn't seen them on Mount Qunyu,I would have met her under the moonlit Jade Terrace. 。

This rendition of Li Bai's "Qingping Tune" is sung by countless people throughout history. Yet, Ye Youxiao believes that this performance today is undoubtedly the most beautiful: the mellow voice gently breezes through a garden like the wind, bringing waves of fragrance; the clear sound flows like a murmuring stream on a summer day, delivering refreshing coolness

Every note strikes the listener's heart perfectly, causing your soul to tremble involuntarily with her singing. Even the consciousness of the audience seems to be led by her delicate fingers, swaying suddenly east, then west, sometimes soaring to the clouds, and other times drifting by the lake shore. 。Every smile and glance she gave captivated everyone, prompting them to imitate her unconsciously. Her crimson lips and pearly teeth drove the audience into a frenzy. 。Ye Youxiao discovered that if Ah Jie's Zhezhi is a shot of strong liquor, then Li Jiuniang's graceful singing and dancing is a glass of sweet and sour red wine, making you want to keep drinking, able only to watch forever, hoping that your own life could pass in this kind of dance and song, not waking up from this beautiful dream. 。When she sang the last line "I will meet you under the moonlit Yaotai," Li Jiuniang suddenly leaped into the air, her graceful figure seeming to truly fly towards Yaotai and the moon! When she landed with her arms outstretched, the entire pavilion was deathly silent. Everyone's breaths seemed to have stopped. 。Li Jiuniang smiled and bowed to the audience. 。Someone suddenly shouted "Congratulations!" The applause erupted in the Ye's shed, resounding with cheers!The audience went wild. They shouted "Congratulations!", clapped their hands, stomped their feet, and danced together. Many even burst into tears. 。The tears are of unbridled joy, tears of moving emotion, tears of pure and innocent love!

Ye Hou Sheng was cheering with one hand while feeling a complex mix of emotions in his heart. 。The Ye family's ancestral hall was full of auspicious signs, and he was naturally delighted. 。But how did this grand slam come about His heart ached with bitterness. 。And after seeing Li Jiuniang's teasing performance, how could my own play even begin Jokes and banter, how could they compare to Li Jiuniang's single finger Forget it, I won't be performing today to avoid humiliating myself. 。Li Jiuniang pointed at the spectators who were laughing and said to Ye Niangwen, "Little lady, this is what I gave you as a starter! Now go around again and see how these officials treat you."Ye Niangwen stood stiffly there, as if she hadn't heard. 。Ye Dalian quickly snatched the clay pot from her hand and went to collect money from the spectators. 。Less than half the people arrived, and the basin was already full. 。Ye Youxiao hastily took a bag and put the pile of money into it. Ye Dajiao, smiling, continued to receive money, taking in almost another full pot before returning. 。Mrs. Ye hurried to tell Miss Li Jiu: "Thank you, Miss Li Jiu! I wonder if we could have half of all this copper money" Ye Youxiao estimated that there was at least seven or eight strings of coins here... 。No wonder Mother wants to take half. The Ye family has been performing opera for so long, have they ever thought about making this much money

Ye Ma Wen hummed softly: "Mother, take it all, let her take it." 。Li Jiuniang glanced at Ye Niangwen: “Does your family name Ye Do you know Empress Ye Gui” Ye Housheng’s heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly stepped forward to smile and say, “Let Li Jiuniang know: my family previously lived in Bianzhou, then went to Caizhou. It was only because of the war and chaos that we came to the capital.” 。He was a seasoned veteran of the Jianghu, and he didn't mention his relationship with Lady Ye because he didn't know if this Li Jiuniang was an ally or an enemy of Lady Ye Besides, everything he said was true. 。If Lady Li and Lady Ye were friends, then I could tell you all about it gradually. If they were enemies, then my mentioning this would clearly have nothing to do with Lady Ye. 。Li Jiuniang looked at the few people, just about to speak, but she heard a spectator shout: "Miss Li Jiuniang, don't talk nonsense. Can you sing another song for me"Someone immediately echoed: "Yes, we are staying here just to listen to the young lady sing again." 。Then someone must have consulted the classics and exclaimed, "It's truly like listening to celestial music, my ears are suddenly enlightened! This young lady is compassionate, could she please sing another song"Li Jiuniang gently spread her hands, and the audience fell silent. Then, Li Jiuniang spoke in a loud voice, "This servant only performs at Qiushui Pavilion..." 。For those interested, welcome. 。

As the audience dispersed, a few voices could be heard muttering:

"The Qiu Shui Pavilion charges an entrance fee of one silver coin. Who dares to go in"

Another said, "Today was a stroke of luck that we got to hear Li Jiuniang's singing."

"Haha, tonight, I must have three cups!"

Li Jiulang looked at Ye Hou Sheng and said: "Today's trouble, the slave will return

As for the silver, the maidservant only receives payment at Qiushui Pavilion when she sings. 。He walked off gracefully, waving to the woman named Si Nü. The two of them left together. 。Mrs. Ye hurriedly said, "Thank you, Ninth Lady!" Li Jiuniang smiled back and walked out. 。

Ye Youxiao also hurriedly chased after him.

He had only one thought: such a beauty, he absolutely couldn't let her pass him by! solemn, feeling their mental pressure doubled. 。Song Xiong said calmly, "It's not that I, Song, am being pedantic, Elder Ye, I'm not hiding anything from you. Even if they arrive tomorrow, besides my...