Chapter 76

In ancient times, poetry, as the main literary genre, could be accompanied by music or not. Those without music were called poems, and those with music were called songs. It was obvious that the flower contest would not simply involve the courtesans reciting a poem and then finishing. Each courtesan was carefully selected from the daughters of fallen nobles, disgraced officials, or common girls, and they were exceptionally beautiful women. From a young age, they received elite training, excelling in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and possessed both talent and grace. Their upbringing was also meticulously planned to ensure they grew into top-tier beauties. Additionally, they underwent various other forms of training, which were not to be disclosed to outsiders. Therefore, raising a courtesan required a very high cost, and as a result, the women who became courtesans were different from other prostitutes. They would not be easily assigned to serve customers. The brothel owners knew that what could not be obtained was the best. If a courtesan's virginity was lost, her value would significantly decrease. Unless the courtesan was flawless in both appearance and talent, which was extremely rare.

The brothels, having invested a great deal of effort and cost in training the courtesans, would naturally try to delay the time when the courtesans started serving customers. They would use the courtesans' virginity to entice the wealthy young men who desired to be close to them, thereby recouping their investment many times over. Therefore, for ordinary brothel customers, even just seeing a courtesan, speaking a few words, or drinking a few cups of wine required a significant expenditure. Men who wished to approach a courtesan had to spend a large sum of money in the brothel to demonstrate their wealth. Only then would the brothel consider allowing them to approach the courtesan. If they spent enough money, the brothel would notify the courtesan and allow the customer to enter, but only for drinking and conversation. If they wanted to go further, it would depend on their ability to win the courtesan's heart. Once a customer approached a courtesan and left with a desire to see her again, hoping to win her heart, the money would flow into the brothel owner's hands like a stream.

When a courtesan eventually had to start serving customers, it would be done publicly, with a competition that not only tested wealth but also talent. Only those chosen by the courtesan would be allowed to be with her. After that, the courtesan would start serving customers and would no longer be a courtesan. A younger and more beautiful woman would take her place. If a courtesan was lucky, she might meet someone willing to redeem her and have the means to do so. She could then become a concubine in that household, which was already a fortunate outcome. Even if she could not become a concubine, becoming a maid was still considered very lucky. However, most courtesans, as they aged and lost their beauty, would lose their means of earning a living and remain in the brothel as "room elders," performing various tasks or serving the younger women. Some, eager to leave the brothel and marry, would spend all their savings to follow a man, only to be deceived and abandoned. Most did not have a good ending.

Yue Xian was likely to face one of these outcomes. Xia Hongsheng felt sympathy for her and was willing to help her. Since reciting a poem would not be enough, he decided to do something grand and complex, something that would make a big impact.

For example, performing a Tang Dynasty version of an opera?

Xia Hongsheng could provide the poetry, and Yue Xian was skilled in music and dance, making it a perfect match!

The script would not be difficult to write. Tang poetry, Song lyrics, Yuan drama, and Ming and Qing novels, especially the Yuan drama and Ming and Qing operas, contained many classics that had endured for centuries. Bringing these to the present, he was confident that the audience would be captivated and applaud enthusiastically!

Which one to choose? Without much thought, Xia Hongsheng immediately wrote down a few words: "Du Shiniang's Anger and the Sinking of the Treasure Chest." The reason was simple: he had directed a performance of this story in college, making it easier to handle, and the story was very classic and emotionally engaging. Moreover, the protagonist's identity matched Yue Xian's, making it easier to portray with genuine emotion. Originally adapted by the Ming Dynasty novelist Feng Menglong, it was a "simulated story" and one of the most outstanding short stories in ancient Chinese literature, achieving a peak in both thought and artistry. It depicted a woman's relentless pursuit of her ideals with remarkable artistic effect... Oops, he had accidentally recited the literary significance of the novel...

In any case, "Du Shiniang's Anger and the Sinking of the Treasure Chest" was decided. Time was short, and there was no time for extensive rehearsals. He had directed this in college, so it would be easier to handle. The story was also very engaging for first-time viewers, and as the saying goes, tragedy is more likely to be remembered than comedy because people generally hope for a happy ending.

Now, he needed to quickly write the script, make some adjustments to fit the current era, and add some famous poems to enhance the atmosphere and emotional impact.

Xia Hongsheng explained his idea to Yue Xian. Although she did not understand what a Tang Dynasty stage opera was, she was intrigued by Xia Hongsheng's creativity. She knew that the courtesans' competitions were usually about music and dance, but Xia Hongsheng's proposal was clearly different. The Tang Dynasty was the early stage of Chinese opera, with only the rudimentary forms of opera emerging due to the development of music. There were no true opera performances yet, only musical and dance performances. Therefore, Yue Xian was excitedly curious about Xia Hongsheng's proposal, as it was a new form of performance she had never encountered, and it would likely surprise and captivate the audience at the flower contest.

"Master Xia, your great kindness, Yue Xian cannot repay..." The woman looked at Xia Hongsheng with gratitude, making him feel a bit embarrassed.

"Oh, Miss, you are too kind. It is my honor that you see me as a worthy person." Xia Hongsheng bowed slightly and smiled, considering himself quite gentlemanly. "In that case, I will take my leave now. I will return the script to you tomorrow and discuss the specific rehearsals in detail."

"Master Xia, won't you stay a little longer?" Yue Xian stood up to try to retain him.

Xia Hongsheng shook his head. "No, I have other matters to attend to. I need to finish the script as soon as possible. Since you cannot go out, there's no need to see me off. I will take my leave now."

"Then I will have Panying see you out on behalf of Miss." Panying said, and Yue Xian nodded. Panying then followed Xia Hongsheng out.

At the door, Xia Hongsheng bowed to Panying and prepared to leave. Panying bowed deeply and said, "Master Xia, Miss has been worried and unable to sleep for nights. After asking for your help, she was very anxious, fearing that you, with your great reputation, would not agree. But you were willing to help Miss... I haven't seen Miss so happy in a long time! Master Xia, you don't look down on us, and you treat us so kindly... Master Xia is a good person, and I... I thank you!"

With that, she bowed deeply again and then blushed and ran back inside.

Another good person? Xia Hongsheng touched his face, wondering if even in this new identity, he couldn't escape the fate of being labeled as a "good person."

He shook his head and smiled, then walked out of Xunfang Pavilion.

Outside, Qi Yong was standing straight, waiting for Xia Hongsheng like a guard. Xia Hongsheng quickly walked over to him, bowed, and said, "Brother Qi, I'm sorry for taking so long and keeping you waiting."

Xia Hongsheng's actions and words startled Qi Yong, who quickly jumped to the side and said, "Oh, Master, you can't do that! You are a noble, how can you bow to me? It would be my death! Just call me Qi Yong, and that's enough!"

Xia Hongsheng smiled and said, "Alright, I need to return to the inn at the academy. I won't go to the general's residence tonight. Please inform them. As for the new-style saber, it probably won't be ready today. I will return tomorrow afternoon."

"Master, don't say that. The general has instructed me to protect you at all times. You can go wherever you want and do whatever you want. I am just your attendant and will follow you." Qi Yong bowed and replied.

Hearing this, Xia Hongsheng did not say more and allowed Qi Yong to follow him. When they reached the inn at the academy, there were indeed very few people inside. None of the students from Luanzhou Academy were there, probably off enjoying themselves. They were usually strictly disciplined in the academy, so this trip was like a break, and they were making the most of it.

Xia Hongsheng returned to his room, and Qi Yong took out some copper coins to rent a room next to Xia Hongsheng's. Xia Hongsheng went back to his room, opened his backpack, and took out paper and pen. He carefully recalled the story and began to write.

He had to complete the script by evening and deliver it to Yue Xian the next day for rehearsals. The story required few characters: Yue Xian would play Du Shiniang, and her two maids could dress as men to play the two scoundrels. There were only a few days left before the final day of the flower contest.

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