Chapter 37: This play needs to be changed

In May of 884 AD, on the official road fifty li southwest of Bianzhou (modern-day Kaifeng)Her daughter was so impulsive that even the King of Longevity had never seen anything like it.

Although he also felt that the play had major problems, he wouldn't be as impulsive as Li Jiuniang. Instead, he smiled and looked at Zheng Zhi: "What do you think, Prime Minister Zheng"Zheng Zhi actually thought that while the play had some shortcomings, the problems weren't too big. 。King Shou asked himself, and immediately laughed, "Your Highness, why not allow them to collect the money first We can then make plans for the long term"

King Shou nodded, Zheng Zhi summoned Song Xiong, and ordered him to go and collect the money 。Song Xiong was quite puzzled, but Xiang Ye's unorthodox ways were nothing new to him, so he didn't dwell on it and went to ask Ye Hou Sheng for the money-collecting pot. 。How dare Ye Hou Sheng ask him to take money Naturally, he declined in every way, repeatedly saying "I dare not". 。But Song Xiong merely glared at him, and he had no choice but to hand over the earthenware basin. 。Only the spectators, seeing such a big figure personally come to collect the money, felt that he was not here to charge a fee, but rather like a robber. 。

They hastily emptied their pockets, paid the "bribe," and then one by one left the stalls.

Back in the sunshine, reminiscing about the just-concluded play, I thought that paying extra was actually worth it. The performance was truly amazing. 。

They kept discussing leaving.

Seeing Song Xiong finish collecting the reward money, Li Jiuniang's heart skipped a beat and she gave Si Niang a knowing look. 。"How much money was given out today" Si Niang immediately stepped forward and asked.

Song Xiong also knew that she was the close maid of the princess of the Wangfu, so he wouldn't neglect her. He showed her the pottery basin: "Just two or three guan." 。The Ye family heard this astonishing number, but their hearts were mixed with joy and worry. 。This new play was a great success, which is naturally cause for celebration. 。But Li Jiuniang's imperious attitude left them feeling uneasy. 。Yetou Xiaoyao was about to step forward to clarify, but Yetou Housheng gently pulled him back. 。Only Zheng Zhi said, "Now that all the idle people have left, I would like to hear your esteemed opinion, Your Highness." 。He wasn't in a hurry to state his position. One was out of respect for the prince, and the other was also afraid that if he stated his position first, if it differed from the prince's, it would be awkward. 。The Duke of Shou did not refuse. After a moment's thought, he summoned the Ye family member: "In this play, when you perform in Hangzhou, does anyone from your family have been to Hangzhou"The question from His Highness was rather strange. Ye Youxiao hurriedly stepped forward and bowed, saying: "Your Highness, we commoners have never been to Hangzhou." 。“So what you’re saying is that this entire play is a fabrication” Shou Wang looked at Ye Youxiao, letting out a cold snort. 。

Ye Youxiao's head is a little big.

What's wrong with this King Shou Just because I haven't been to Hangzhou, I can't play a character from the opera going to Hangzhou How strange! 。To say that all the play is negated by this alone, isn't that like missing the forest for the trees Have we, the Ye family, been working so hard for so long just to get nothing out of it

Ye Youxiao quietly glanced at Zheng Zhi, but saw him staring at the top structure of the shed, obviously not going to speak up for justice. 。

Ye Youxiao couldn't bear it any longer and immediately replied, "Your Highness, although I haven't been to Hangzhou, this play is just a fictional story. Although there are fabricated parts..."

Sheng Wang suddenly shouted, "I said you made it up, you won't admit it"

Ye Youxiao dared not speak again.

After all, the Royal Prince Longevity is someone even the Imperial Grand Preceptor respects. He just risked his life to defend "The Butterfly Lovers of Tang Dynasty," and now if he argues with the Royal Prince Longevity again, his journey through time will be over. 。As for political stars, they can no longer dream. 。The King of Longevity suddenly laughed: "What's your name, little servant"Ye Housheng hurriedly chimed in: "Your Highness, his name is Ye Youxiao." 。"Shou Wang glanced at Ye Housheng, then turned to Ye Youxiao: "Ye Youxiao" 。"Hmph, if I don't make things clear to you today, you'll probably still think you can intimidate people with your position!"

Ye Housheng hurriedly bowed: "Your Highness, we commoners would never dare" 。"King Shou smiled and looked at Zheng Zihui: 'Zheng Xiang, have you noticed the biggest flaw in this '"Ye Youxiao thought inwardly with disdain: 'Your Majesty, please spare us...' 。This is a classic masterpiece, you dare say it has flaws Are you a playwright or a critic Perhaps you're just too afraid to speak up and would rather let the prince babble on. 。Li Jiuniang's heart was filled with anxiety. 。If she could raise her hand to answer the question, she would certainly be the first. However, the King was addressing Zheng Xiang. Though she acted impulsively, she also knew that this wasn't her time to speak. Even with minimal decorum, she shouldn't have spoken up. 。Where did Zheng Zhī get the idea to be provoked by these words from King Shou, he immediately smiled and said: “Please advise me, Your Highness.” 。That stool was really uncomfortable to sit on, and there wasn't even a footrest. It was already quite difficult for the King of Longevity to sit on it and watch the whole play through. 。At this moment, I could no longer hold back and stood up. Just as I was about to speak, I suddenly remembered my daughter's words earlier, "to change the play," so I smiled at Li Jiuniang again and said: "Jiuniang says she wants to change the play" 。So, in your opinion, how should it be changed”Well, finally my turn! Li Jiuniang immediately bowed and said: "Father, what puzzles me the most is why Liang Shanbo couldn't see through the disguise of a woman dressed as a man for three years This fabrication is truly ridiculous!"Hearing Li Jiuniang's words, Ye Youxiao smiled inwardly: this is where the dramatic conflict lies. 。Without it, how would you captivate the attention of this audience While Li Jiuniang is a renowned performer, she is after all a celebrity from the Tang Dynasty. How could she possibly understand true drama I thought these nobles and beauties would have some insightful opinions, but this is what they come up with

Ye Youxiao certainly wouldn't have expected that Li Jiuniang, while watching the play, was moved by it, unconsciously placing herself in the role of Liang Shanbo's lover. Unbeknownst to her, she was replaced by an ugly woman, and in the end, both she and Liang Shanbo transformed into butterflies! Her arrogance and a woman's possessive psychology toward love would never allow for such a plotline or ending. 。Of course Ye Youxiao didn't dare to mock Li Jiuniang, she was a princess after all. 。At this moment, Shou Wang's voice rang out: "As for whether you can see through the disguise of a woman pretending to be a man, we won't speak of that yet..." 。"Only speak of Liang Shanbo!"

Ye Youxiao was taken aback: "Liang Shanbo He hasn't offended Your Majesty, has he"

The next words from King Shou left him speechless: "Zheng Xiang, look, in the play, Liang Zhu only knew each other for three years, right Yet this Liang Shanbo actually abandoned his studies and forgot his duty to the emperor all for a mere three years of love! He disregarded his parents' nurturing over ten years, let alone filial piety! He is truly an ungrateful wretch! Our ancestors have always governed with filial piety and kindness, ruling the country by morality and caring for the people..." 。"Liang Shanbo, such an unfilial and unrighteous person, is truly no better than a dog or pig. How could someone like him be sung about in the marketplace" Zheng Zihou heard this and was overjoyed: his memorial had a title, but he hadn't actually written anything yet. 。I didn't expect the King of Longevity to have such insightful wisdom, which could be a key part of my official report. 。

Immediately, he laughed and said: "Your Highness is truly perceptive and wise.

"Ye Youxiao, upon seeing the "Tang Edition Liang Zhu," felt a surge of anxiety as he feared it would be stillborn." 。But what King Shou said perfectly matched the social environment of that time. 。Could it be that a classic play, so painstakingly sought after from the realm of ten thousand yuan, could not be performed in the Tang Dynasty My heart was filled with anxiety, yet I couldn't find words to refute this claim. 。After all, from the perspective of the social environment at the time, "Liang Zhu" did indeed have the semblance of going against convention. It was just unexpected that after a prince watched the play, he immediately identified its weakness. 。

Shou Wang's confirmation really makes me watch the play, but is it just that you shouldn't be so fussy

When I was desperate, I unexpectedly heard Li Jiuniang's voice: "Father, that's why I think this play needs to be modified

Although Li Jiuniang disliked Liang and Zhu's love, this play, regardless of its form or content, thoroughly stirred her heart, even causing her to feel a surge of spring tide. Therefore, she quite liked Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. 。Now that Father wanted to hit it with a stick, he quickly changed the subject, but his two shiny eyes were eagerly looking at Father. 。Shou Wang listened to his daughter's words and immediately smiled at her, saying: "Jiuer, just tell me, how can it be changed"Li Jiuniang had a flash of inspiration: "Why not change it to, after Liang Shanbo died, he remembered that he should repay his parents' kindness, so Yin Si (the underworld) allowed him to return to the yang world to be filial In this way, he would no longer be an unfilial person" 。Seeing her father nod slightly, Li Jiuniang took the opportunity to press further: "If Father agrees, his daughter would be willing to join this new play as well" 。As soon as these words were uttered, the Ye family members all fell into deep thought. 。Ye Haosheng felt that with this reinforcement, the new play not only could escape from death's door, but also with the protection of the Wangfu, in the future, Ye family would be like when Lady Ye was alive again, without worries about food and clothing. 。Ye Youxiao then thought that this way he could perform on the same stage as his goddess, not only would the Ye family flourish, but he might even have a chance to get close to her. 。Even by courting Li Jiuniang to get closer to King Shou, he gradually rose to become a rising star in the political arena. 。Thinking of the benefits, I can't help but smile. 。Only Ye Ma's warm heart ignited a fire within him. 。This fox spirit, she's actually jumping at the opportunity! With this new play generating so much excitement, she wants a piece of the pie What's more, she doesn't just want to act; she wants to "rewrite" *The Legend of Liang and Zhu*. Who knows, she might even seize the entire production for herself! With the power of her family's estate, the Ye family stands no chance against her. 。

The most crucial point is, she played Zhu Yingtai. What about herself

As if hearing Ye Mama's gentle worry, only to hear the Duke of Shou ask: "Does Jiuer also want to act in this play"

Li Jiuniang's statement surprised everyone again: "Father, my daughter wants to change the script. My intention is that Liang Shanbo returns after death and marries a virtuous woman from a noble family. She serves her parents and waits for the day of the imperial examination. Finally, she achieves fame and fortune, then loyally serves the country and becomes a generation of good officials.

"But that's not good" Ye Youxiao felt a surge of nausea but dared not show it: Goddess, such a cheesy line I admire you for even trying this. I'm impressed." 。The King of Longevity pondered for a moment, then smiled and asked: "What about Zhu Yingtai" Li Jiuniang was taken aback and replied: "That unfilial daughter, it's best she dies..." 。In stark contrast to the virtuous woman, this situation highlights the importance of women embodying filial piety. Otherwise, their reputation will be forever tarnished. 。"This sentence, spoken by Li Jiuniang, was incredibly lighthearted. All the gloom I had felt since coming to the theater today has vanished." 。But Ye Niang Wen, who had always played the role of Zhu Yingtai, was furious: This wretch, she actually wants Yingtai to die! No wonder, she had long wanted to hook up with Youxiao, so she sees me as an obstacle! It's just that she is so vicious, she actually wants to take my life

Ye Youxiao heard that Li Jiuniang's revised plan was to have two heroines. Although she had read such novels before crossing over, she couldn't agree with it at this time. 。Li Jiuniang is merely a princess of the Wangfu, she is not Shouwang himself, so Ye Youxiao had the courage to refute:“Love between men and women is a natural inclination, even the sages have said…”Shouwang coldly threw out a sentence: "A disobedient and unfilial daughter, what nature can there be As for Liang Shanbo, if he only talks about love and refuses filial piety, it is disobedience " 。An unfilial son, even in death, should be brought back to the mortal realm to show filial piety!” Zheng Zhi also spoke up: “You Xiao, you think this Zhu Yingtai in the play, defied her father's words to study abroad, contradicted her father's words by refusing to marry, and ultimately committed suicide……” 。Such an arrogant woman, could she really bear the toils of household chores To become a virtuous wife and good mother Haha, I doubt it. 。Li Jiuniang broke into a smile, her eyes twinkling: "Lord Zheng, you are still the most insightful person I know!" 。Ye Youxiao was speechless. This Tang dynasty person, watching Liang and Zhu's story, how could he come up with all these afterthoughts It's like a summer insect trying to discuss ice. 。But when you think about it carefully, there is some reason to it. 。Could it be that I've been brainwashed by the Tang dynasty elites

Master Huishen brushed his presence with a wave: "Amitabha Buddha, as far as this old monk sees, if Liang Shanbo were to return to the mortal world, he would likely need a high monk to guide him through the process." 。Ye Youxiao was taken aback and chuckled wryly: "This, this... what is this all about Reading scriptures on the stage"Zheng Wei waved his hand dismissively: “Master Fang’s words might not necessarily be…” 。If you speak of absolution, then a Taoist immortal should be invited to perform the rites, so as to satisfy everyone. 。Ye Youxiao looked at the "Liang Zhu" and was heartbroken. Just because it was set in the Tang Dynasty, Liang Shanbo had fallen in love with someone else, and Zhu Yingtai simply chose to die for him. There were also filial piety, loyalty, and even a mixture of Buddhism and Taoism, with Buddhist chants and Taoist talismans flying everywhere! He wanted to die; he felt that he had committed a grave sin: taking a classic and setting it in the Tang Dynasty, transforming it into this appalling image!Ye Housheng pondered secretly. If he continued like this, besides adding a "virtuous woman" character, he would also have to add monks and Taoist priests... 。

A wise woman recommended Li Jiuniang, but who would play the monk or Taoist priest Would it be him and his wife instead However, everyone was discussing the matter with respect, so he, being cautious and discreet, naturally dared not speak up.

Shou Wang pondered for a while, then made up his mind: "Master Ye," 。Ye Hou Sheng hastily stepped forward and clasped his hands together in greeting: "Your Highness, this lowly one..." 。The King of Shou's tone was calm and gentle: "Today, I came to watch the play in order to understand the people's livelihood. However, although your play is novel in content, there are many aspects that do not conform to the rules." 。Fortunately, Zheng Xiang pointed out the flaws one by one. Only then did I realize that Zheng Xiang is good at discerning subtle things and preparing for contingencies. He is truly a wise minister who understands the overall situation. 。As for the revisions to *Liang Zhu*, it can be said that Shou Wang was the sole leader, with Zheng Zhun at most just tapping on two drums. 。But King Shou had his own considerations: while watching plays wasn't exactly scandalous, it certainly wasn't something to be boasted about. 。If a scheming official reports to the emperor, they will likely also suffer damage to their own reputation. 。He cherished his feathers and was mindful of his reputation, so he hesitated quite a bit. 。Moreover, this alteration to the play was merely a trivial matter. It would be sufficient to explain it briefly to Zheng Zhuan. Whether he did well or poorly, it had nothing to do with me. 。With a Grand Minister in charge, Jiu'er could naturally sing operas to her heart's content and no longer worry about anything untoward happening. 。So, what he said was a real two-birds-with-one-stone kind of situation. 。Zheng Zhi heard that King Shou intended to entrust the matter of changing the play to him, and his heart was filled with joy instead. 。My "Book of Establishing Order in the Nation Begins with Cultivating Propriety and Morality" focuses on clarifying these four characters, "propriety and morality." According to King Shou's view, after revising the play, it not only has a novel form and a complex plot but also possesses strong political content. This allows me to achieve my goal of returning to the original principles and clarifying propriety and morality. 。"A system with clearly defined roles for ruler and subject, husband and wife, father and son—these are the essential moral bonds. With such a foundation established, wouldn't proper conduct between ruler and minister naturally follow Therefore, wouldn't the Tang Dynasty's return to its glorious past begin right here, with this small new play" The official then replied with respect, "Your Highness is too generous in your praise. I am but a humble scholar of limited knowledge and fear I am unfit for such a task."。Shou Wang, upon hearing this, knew that Zheng Zun intended to explain the matter himself. With a smile, he said, "Zheng Xiang need not refuse." 。The meaning of this is to ask Zhengxiang to spare some time and help them revise the play. 。Zheng Zhu no longer refused: “Your Highness flatters me, I shall endeavor to do my best.” 。Hearing Zheng Zan's agreement, King Shou stopped his departing steps and smiled, asking, "Zheng Xiang, how should this be amended" Zheng Zan replied in a loud voice, "The minister believes it is simply a prodigal son returning!" raised his mixed iron lance with his left hand, twisting and pulling it, causing Wang Yanzhang to feel a tremendous force that suddenly snatched the spear from his hand! As the iron-wrought spear fle...