Chapter 34: The Husband-in-Law is Coming

you came here with your family" He pointed at the grey sedan chair with his hand. 。Li Ke said with a hearty laugh, “This is just about eliminating the bandits of Huang Chao. It's not a battle agains...Hearing Zheng Zhi's such a difficult request, Ye Youxiao couldn't help but blurt out: "Whether to look or not, of course, Xiangye has the final say." 。Only I feel that this new play is very different from the previous military plays. If Grandfather doesn't take a look and give some pointers, it would be a real shame. 。Though Zheng Zong was a high-ranking official, he couldn't shake his scholarly nature. Hearing him speak so interestingly, one couldn't help but ask: "How is it different from acting with military officers Tell me more about it." 。

Ye Youxiao felt a weight lift from his chest. This time, the problem had an answer readily provided by his godfather. He didn't want to waste this opportunity: "The previous military play was intended to make the audience laugh; this new play, however, is designed to make them cry."

Zheng Zhen couldn't help but ponder inwardly: To make the audience cry What kind of play is this How has he never heard of it

A series of questions left Zheng Zhen both confused and curious. He felt that the young man before him seemed truly unfathomable.

He dared to venture into the Xiangfu alone. If it were Liu Can, he'd probably only have half a life left by now. 。He knew the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, yet he was completely unfamiliar with *The Thousand Character Classic*, which left Zheng Zun unable to fathom it. 。Now, he strongly recommends watching a "new play." He talked for ages about it, but what kind of play would make the audience cry

Zheng Zhu was genuinely curious, yet he deliberately spoke in a nonchalant tone: “I still need to write poems"

You left a message for someone in Cangtou. When you have time, someone will notify you. 。"Did Xiangye agree" "I can't believe it, the prime minister agreed to come watch the play"Ye Youxiao hurriedly looked up at Zheng Zhu, but saw that pair of bloodshot eyes also watching him slyly. 。Immediately, his heart settled: as long as you don't hit me or kill me, as long as you come to watch the play... He hurriedly bowed deeply: "The little one thanks Lord Xiang, and will now return to the Ye family's hut, awaiting Lord Xiang's arrival!"Watching Ye Youxiao leave, Zheng Zun helplessly smiled and paced before the painting of *Bamboo Grove Seven Sages*, silently pondering, would today's agreement to watch a play get him impeached by the Censors Should he take that person with himNo, it couldn't be just taking that person... 。That man was nothing more than a shield, and he couldn't just play defense. He had to be one step ahead of his enemy, so he had to strike first!

He returned to his desk, picked up his brush, but forgot that he had already written earlier. He pondered deeply while habitually dipping his brush in ink, then eagerly began writing the topic: "On how to secure peace for the country, one must first establish proper morals and ethics." 。Looking at this line of vigorous calligraphy, Zheng Zhu secretly felt pleased with himself: I'm not just here to watch a play, I'm here to witness an important event that will secure the nation and establish proper order! A prime minister of a great country should know the big picture. Isn't the famous saying from the Han Dynasty about Bing Ji asking Niu Chuan whether he cared about human life but not about death, just this point

Thinking of his satisfaction, he couldn't help but smile slightly. 。

The boy attendant was also laughing on the side: Master Xiang had smeared ink on his mouth again, but he didn't seem to taste it at all and was still laughing there

Ye Youxiao returned to the shed and immediately told his whole family this great news.

It is said that Ye Youxiao really invited Xiangye, which made Ye Housheng look at him with admiration. 。When it comes to fortune tellers, Lady Ye has met several in her lifetime, but those were all for Lady Ye's face. With our humble status, they wouldn't even look at us. 。But now, Ye Youxiao doesn't know what kind of sleeping pills he gave to the Xiangye. Just relying on the lowly status of the opera troupe's family, they actually agreed to watch the play! It seems that giving Ye's future to Youxiao was a very correct decision. 。

All Ye Ma'n wanted to know was about Xiang Ye's appearance. She heard that his eyes were bloodshot, and she worried that he must be working tirelessly for the country day and night, getting no rest.

。Ye Ma Wen just abandoned Ye Youxiao and asked Ah Niang, "Ah Niang, do you know what kind of medicine can soothe the liver fire It should be a little sour, a little sweet, in short, not so bitter. When Xiang Ye comes to watch the play, I'll serve him a bowl as a thank you for honoring our Ye family with his presence." 。"It's rare to see you put so much effort into something," Ye Dajiao said, smiling at her daughter. 。When your grandfather arrives, brew him a cup of chrysanthemum tea. Remember to only use chrysanthemums and add no other ingredients. 。He drank this chrysanthemum tea, naturally clearing heat and purging fire. 。If he drinks what we agreed on, we can give him some more. 。

Ye Dalian certainly understands her daughter's mind.

Although the Marquis is of noble status, You Xiao can invite him home to watch a play. Why wouldn't Wen Er be able to invite him for tea Although their statuses differ greatly, having a cup of tea shouldn't be a problem; what if the Marquis enjoys her singing voice She often goes to his residence to sing small tunes for him, and perhaps even offer him some "red sleeve entertainment," it wouldn't be unheard of. 。Although it seems a bit outlandish, fantasizing about it doesn't break any laws. 。

Ye Youxiao was a little disappointed: he had invited the master of divination, and achieved such great accomplishments, yet no one praised him heartily. He immediately said loudly, "What's the matter, don't you praise me"

Ye's mother smiled and said, "Praise, praise! Your mother will go and cook you an egg right away!"

Ye Hou Sheng also spoke up: "It's not that we don't praise you, but if the master of divination really came, what would we show him We need to discuss it first, and naturally we would praise you as a hero >>>" 。He looked at Ye Dalian, who immediately stopped and listened to the master's words. 。Ye Housheng said as he thought, "My lady, let's swap our military play with Wen'er's singing." 。 。"Lady Ye clapped her hands: “My husband, this is the best idea! Let’s first make a lively atmosphere inside the shed, then Wen'er and the others can come and sing a new play." 。Ye Haosheng said, "In the past, Zuanrong helped us warm up the audience; now, this new play is for Youxiao and Wen'er to get warmed up." 。Only then did Ye Dalian and her daughter realize the significance of this adjustment to the family hierarchy. Their expressions turned serious as they listened intently to Ye Housheng speak. 。Ye Hou Sheng patted Ye You Xiao's shoulder: "You Xiao, when Xiang Ye comes that day, it will be the turning point for your new play! So, starting tomorrow, we'll start rehearsing immediately. First, we'll rehearse enlisting in the army, then yours, 'Liang Zhu'." 。When you were singing, I would quickly change clothes with your mother. Then, during the “resisting marriage” section, your mother, playing Ma Wencai, would tease me, playing Zhu Yuanwai. It was actually just a ruse to get me to enlist, and all the commotion helped to lessen Yingtai’s rebellious influence. 。

What do you think

Ye Youxiao's heart was surging.

Now that the matter is settled, the Ye family's future rests heavily on his shoulders. He answered resolutely, "I will listen to my father's arrangements. My only desire is success, and to surpass Li Jiuniang!"Everyone looked at Ye Youxiao with relief. Ye Da's mother couldn't help but glance back at how he had looked when he first joined the Ye family, wiping away a tear. She thought to herself, "This child has truly grown up." 。That day, because of the officials' decision, You Xiaoxiao truly proved to be someone with potential: not only could he perform new plays, but he could also help his sister get revenge, and he even managed to invite the current prime minister. 。Oh, what a promising prospect! In the future, when we are old, this will surely be the best support. 。The next morning, the entire Ye family began to perform a new play. 。Yèniángwēn felt that these lyrics were quite simple and easy to understand. Compared to the works of poets, they were more accessible to the audience. 。Ye Family's first official performance was unexpectedly successful. Ye Housheng had originally thought that the "resisting marriage" section would cause a huge commotion, but to his surprise, the audience was engrossed and there were no incidents of vandalism as he had imagined. 。In the following performances, Ye Hou-sheng proactively reduced his military scenes, gradually fading his ugly character image. He shifted towards the main focus on Yingtai as requested by Ye Youxiao, and the effect was indeed better. 。And the play "Transformation," although it couldn't have any special effects, moved the audience to tears. Everyone was deeply touched. 。When the play ended, there was thunderous applause. After the performance, they actually earned more than usual. Ye Dalian was overjoyed, and Ye Housheng also felt that this new play was worth performing many times. 。

When Ye Youxiao saw the opportune moment, he begged his godfather to challenge Li Jiuniang.

Ye Hou Sheng also felt that based on the performance results of the past few days, he should be able to act opposite her in a scene and see who was better, so he went to Qiushui's shed. 。To everyone's surprise, Li Jiuniang was extremely arrogant. She wouldn't even see Ye Housheng's face and only had Si Niang deliver a message saying that if the Ye family could win against her, she would be willing to give them two hundred taels of silver. 。Ye Hou Sheng was always cautious, so he asked how to win. Li Jiuniang refused to say any more and directly ordered that Si Niang chase him away. 。Ye Hou-sheng recounted his experience, and the Ye family grew even more resentful of Li Jiu-niang. They just waited for Xiang-ye to come over and then made an appointment with Li Jiu-niang to have a confrontation. 。When the head steward of Xiangfu, Song Xiong, came to Ye's shed, he saw that Yongshou Temple was right next door. He went in first to burn incense and pray to Buddha. 。He didn't want to startle Abbot Huishen, but after some polite greetings, Huishen learned that the steward had come to pave the way for Lord Xiang. He wanted to tell the Ye family that Lord Xiang would be coming to watch the play tomorrow. 。

This astonishment was no small matter.

The Yeh family has been setting up a stage under the giant cypress tree to perform opera for over a year. Although he had gone there once, this kind of worldly entertainment was too different from the high monk's practice. He just glanced at it and returned to his quiet room to cultivate his nature. Since then, he hasn't gone back. 。Hearing suddenly that the Grand Tutor was coming in person to this humble shed, I couldn't help but be surprised. I wondered what was so special about this place that it could attract the attention of the current chancellor He was a renowned and accomplished monk, yet he also understood that for a temple to thrive, it needed the support of high-ranking officials. 。Moreover, I was also quite curious, so I went along with it and, as the landowner, asked the steward to go to the shed. 。Ye Hou Sheng suddenly saw Fang Zhang coming, hurriedly and respectfully greeted him forward. He also noticed that there was a gorgeously dressed middle-aged man beside Fang Zhang. He immediately understood: The Hui Shen Fang Zhang who he hadn't seen in years came today, it was because of the fairy wind of this man. 。While one should show respect to the Abbot today, the person beside him should absolutely not be underestimated. 。Ye Hou Sheng immediately beamed and said, "Master Huishen, it's been a long time! This benefactor, however, is a stranger to me..." 。Hui Shen recited a Buddha's name and said, "Lord Ye, long time no see. You seem even more elegant than before." 。This official's given name was Song Xiong, and his courtesy name was Yi Fei. He was the chief steward of Zheng Xiangye's mansion. 。“It’s said that Song Xiong is Zheng Xiangye’s steward, Ye Hou Sheng’s mind lit up: the big deal Friend Xiao had mentioned, has arrived today! But his mouth didn’t lag behind at all: “So it’s Mr. Song! This humble servant knew this morning why the magpies were calling so loudly, it was because Mr. Song had arrived! How fortunate I am to see Mr. Song’s esteemed face! Quickly, please, Master Fang and Mr. Song, come inside and speak.”Now Song Xiong didn’t listen to his flattery, his two eyes only looked around, he saw a very large cypress tree, and secretly nodded. 。At that moment, I said to the Master Abbot, "Master Abbot, please" 。Hui Shen and Song Xiong entered the shed. Song Xiong, as always, looked around cautiously. Although Hui Shen had been here before, he hadn't taken a good look at the shed. Now, he couldn't help but follow Song Xiong's gaze, looking this way and that, even noticing the purplish-red tablecloth for the first time. 。Ye Hou Sheng was just about to introduce himself when Song Xiong suddenly asked, "Is your father-in-law the master of Ye Family's shed"Ye Hou Sheng hurriedly replied, "Thanks for asking, Sir Song. My humble name is Ye Hou Sheng, and I am indeed the master of the Ye Family." 。But Gong Song had given instructions, so please tell me. 。He had a lot of experience in the Jianghu, so he was used to only saying "Master Ye" and glancing lightly over the awning. Just in case the awning had a secret passage, he'd have an escape route as well. 。Song Xiong didn't notice his evasiveness. His trip this time was very important. Besides the safety of the Xiang Ye, there was also a Wang Ye who would be present. 。But he couldn't say it out loud at this moment, just a general idea was enough:

“Tomorrow my family’s master will come here to inspect. Logically speaking, you should sweep and clean the courtyard, and no outsiders are allowed inside.” 。Ye Hou Sheng nodded vigorously, as if pounding garlic, and readily agreed. 。

Seeing that he was still honest, Song Xiong's heart felt a little less apprehensive: "It's just my family's Xiang Ye, who has always been friendly with people. He actually broke the precedent and asked you to keep your doors open as usual to welcome guests, without having to serve him specially.

Ye Hou Sheng was taken aback and hurriedly said, “Master Xiang, you grace us with your presence. A humble servant like myself is truly honored and should abide by the proper etiquette...” He had served in the palace before, and was well aware of the strict protocols there. He also knew that breaking them would bring not glory but disaster. 。Who knew Song Xiong couldn't bear it and interrupted him: “You old man! The Grand Master personally ordered it, who dares disobey!” Ye Housheng was startled again, inwardly calling out in misery: how could the Grand Master have given such an order He had already made up his mind that when the Grand Master arrived, he should clear the place early, just like Song Xiong said before, all idlers and hangers-on were not allowed inside. 。Ye Hou-sheng was even prepared to go to the temple and request an abbot priest to send some young novices to maintain order, so that Xiang Ye could watch the play safely. 。But now the master has actually ordered him to open the door as usual! He knows very well that among those onlookers, there are several scoundrels who are the most troublesome. Every time they see Wen'er take the stage, they will whistle incessantly and spout nonsense. 。Some drunkards came to the shed looking for trouble, making a mess of things inside. 。> 。That's why I spoke of the Abbot's visit, to prove that this hut is indeed in disarray. 。Song Xiong glanced at the master. Although Hui Shen knew what Ye Hou Sheng said was true, he felt that by saying this now, it made him seem like he wasn't coming often because of the preserved vegetables here. 。Actually, the reason I'm unwilling to come back is not entirely because of the worldly entertainment. As a highly accomplished monk, I naturally disdain it. However, there are other factors involved with this chaotic and messy place... 。But such an explanation is a bit too lofty. 。 。Ye Hou-sheng hurriedly continued, "I'm really afraid that..."Song Xiong simply waved his hand and said, "You don't have to worry too much" 。Tomorrow, someone named Song will lead some people over to help you maintain order. 。"And," he looked at Ye Hou Sheng, at this time the Ye family had already stood behind their patriarch. They only dared to watch him with awe and not speak up. 。

Song Xiong walked past Ye Hou Sheng, his eyes scanning Ye Da Niang, Ye Niang Wen, and finally landed on Ye You Xiao. He nodded slightly and said, "It's you!" generals of the Bian army, as well as "Iron Spear" Wang Yanchang and Wang Yanhong brothers, who had rushed to join, and Shi Shuchong. They all gathered inside the general's mansion, watching Zhu Wen...