In the center of the Wei family inn was a stage used for performances.
This time, the Chen family troupe was performing The Romance of the Western Chamber.
Since Xiao Ming took the Chen troupe under his wing, he had Xiao Wan arrange many dramas for them. These were not imitations of European plays but performed in the traditional Peking opera style.
Xiao Ming believed that Chinese culture was profound. Although this era lagged behind Europe in technology, there was no need to feel inferior culturally. He was confident that promoting traditional Chinese culture would have excellent results.
However, while promoting tradition, he also needed to reform its flaws and promote new ideas. Drama was a form of expressing ideas, transcending national or cultural differences.
As the troupe approached, Princess Pingyang and the noblewomen showed excited expressions.
Throughout history, the lives of the rich and powerful were quite similar. They enjoyed vast wealth, and converting wealth into life’s pleasures was one of their joys. Showing off wealth, buying luxury goods, and competing were perpetual hot topics in noble circles.
Regardless of country or era, Xiao Ming grasped this consumer psychology of the wealthy and designed an experience program—from lodging at the Wei family inn to enjoying the drama.
After returning, the noblewomen’s stories of Qingzhou would become popular topics among elites, and jealous rivals would flock to Qingzhou to keep up.
“Aunt, you must be tired of Chang’an dramas by now. I thought Qingzhou had a few exciting plays to relieve your boredom,” Xiao Ming said with a smile.
Pingyang became even happier and lightly patted Fei Yue’er’s hand. “Yue’er, see? My nephew truly cares. Now that you’re with him, you won’t suffer.”
“True, Your Highness is extraordinary. Yue’er feels lucky,” Fei Yue’er said softly to Pingyang, unsure if it was polite or sincere.
Pingyang glanced between Fei Yue’er and Xiao Ming. The couple had treated her well on this visit, easing her earlier worries.
The three chatted as the orchestra on stage began to play.
Chen Xier sang clearly, “Who dyed the frost-covered woods so beautifully? The blue clouds, yellow flowers, and the west wind blow strong. Tears of parting flow endlessly. Early or late separation, it makes one melancholy. The steed cannot be restrained; the long willow branches sway aimlessly…”
With the clear and stirring melody, the audience was captivated.
The Romance of the Western Chamber was a traditional Peking opera. Directing it required little effort since it was a classic. Xiao Ming chose this play intentionally.
For women, love has always been an enduring theme.
Because feudal rites restricted human relationships, women longed more for touching love stories. This play depicted Zhang Sheng and Cui Yingying overcoming obstacles to be together.
As the performance began, Princess Pingyang and the noblewomen were absorbed in the story. Even Fei Yue’er watched intently, having never seen this play before.
Watching the crowd become enraptured, Xiao Ming nodded in satisfaction and quietly accompanied Pingyang.
When Sun Feihu heard of Yingying’s beauty and led troops to besiege Puji Temple to force marriage, Pingyang looked worried.
When Zhang Sheng sent a letter to summon his friend, General Du Que, to rescue them—but afterward, Lady Cui insisted on calling them brother and sister—Pingyang bit her lip angrily.
The play was long. After an hour, when Zhang Sheng became the top scholar and married Cui Yingying, the drama finally ended.
At this point, Pingyang could not help but wipe her tears. She said softly, “May all lovers in the world be united, but alas, things often do not go as hoped…”
Fei Yue’er’s reaction was different. She smiled, happy at the happy ending.
Xiao Ming understood why Pingyang was saddened. Years ago, Xiao Wenxuan had arranged a disliked husband for her to ally with the Zhao family, which he knew.
The siblings even quarreled over this. In the end, Xiao Wenxuan sent the general Pingyang loved north to resist barbarians, but after a great battle, that general disappeared without a trace.
This play stirred Pingyang’s memories, deeply moving her.
“What a superb play! Bravo!” Pingyang suddenly exclaimed.
At her words, two maidservants threw silver coins onto the stage.
Other noblewomen quickly followed suit, showering the stage with silver coins like rain.
Seeing this, Xiao Ming smiled softly and said, “Aunt, this troupe knows many plays, but it’s late tonight, so probably only this one.”
Pingyang felt moved. Life in Chang’an had been boring, with little fun. Now in Qingzhou, she had many expectations. She said, “In that case, I should get a residence in Qingzhou. Ming’er, make sure to handle that well for Aunt.”
“Don’t worry, Aunt. I won’t disappoint you. Next year Qingzhou will have even more entertainment. You won’t be bored,” Xiao Ming teased.
For over two years, Xiao Ming had not changed the entertainment options in Great Yu. Instead, he focused on development. Now Qingzhou was at a turning point, and he needed to introduce activities to attract the wealthy.
Pingyang stood and stretched. She said, “It’s late. You two should rest early. Tomorrow, we’ll see the princess consort’s handiwork.”
“Then I won’t disturb you,” Xiao Ming bowed.
After seeing Pingyang upstairs, Xiao Ming and Fei Yue’er returned to the palace.
Back at the palace, Fei Yue’er eagerly summoned the singing girls. Tomorrow, she would showcase her designs, which made her a bit nervous.
Because it was so private, Xiao Ming wouldn’t be able to enter the display room often and she would have to handle it alone.
After a restless night, Fei Yue’er went directly to the Wei family inn the next day.