Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
"Indeed, the other two young masters are quite handsome as well. One is carefree and unrestrained, while the other is refined and gentle. Oh my, just looking at them makes my heart race..."
"Hmph, you really have no shame..."
"You're no different!"
"..."
Le Yao Yao listened to the conversation of those young ladies, her thoughts racing. They were right; these three men were truly exceptional!
One was cold, one was warm, and one was gentle.
One was domineering, one was carefree, and one was mild-mannered.
With all three of them gathered together, it was indeed a sight to behold!
Just as Le Yao Yao was lost in thought, a sharp voice suddenly rang out from outside—
"The Emperor has arrived! The Empress Dowager has arrived! The Queen has arrived!"
With that piercing voice, the once boisterous Dragon Hall fell into complete silence. Everyone immediately knelt in reverence towards the entrance, and Le Yao Yao naturally followed suit.
"Long live the Emperor!"
"Long live the Empress Dowager!"
"Your Majesty, the Empress!"
Following this orderly and powerful voice, a slightly deep yet resonant tone echoed.
"Be at ease."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After kneeling to express their gratitude, everyone took their seats. However, with the presence of the Empress Dowager, the Queen, and these three prominent figures, the once lively Dragon Hall fell into a more restrained atmosphere.
Returning to her original position, Le Yao Yao naturally fell silent. Yet, her curiosity was piqued. After all, she had never seen the ruler of the Heavenly Xuan Dynasty before and was eager to learn more about him. Taking advantage of her small corner where no one would notice her, she couldn't help but slightly raise her head and secretly glance at the figure dressed in bright yellow sitting on the resplendent throne.
Although the Current Emperor and Prince Rui were not born of the same mother, they each possessed their own unique charm. If Prince Rui resembled a fierce warrior emerging from the depths of hell—proud and cold as ice—then the Current Emperor was like an unparalleled ancient sword!
The bright yellow dragon robe accentuated the man's heroic stature and imposing presence. His tall figure, straight legs, broad shoulders, and narrow hips gave him a model-like physique—strong and perfect!
As Le Yao Yao gazed upward along that tall frame, her previously curious eyes widened in surprise. She suddenly realized how young the Current Emperor truly was.
It was said that Prince Rui was only eighteen this year, while the Current Emperor appeared to be around twenty years old. His face did not resemble that of a living demon; instead, it belonged to a mature and attractive type that would leave Dongfang Bai and Nangong Junxi in awe upon first sight.
His forehead was full, with sword-like brows slanting into his temples. Those narrow, elongated phoenix eyes were currently filled with a hint of laughter, making him appear approachable and warm.
However, the air of nobility emanating from him made it clear that one could only admire him from a distance, never daring to offend!
He was a man who embodied warmth and gentleness, yet exuded an overwhelming presence of power and prestige.
At first glance, he seemed regal, but the more one looked, the more captivating he became, leaving others hesitant to draw near.
As Le Yao Yao assessed the Current Emperor, her beautiful eyes subtly shifted to the Queen standing beside him.
The current Queen appeared to be only seventeen or eighteen years old, possessing a dignified and graceful demeanor. Her skin glowed like snow, her features were exquisite, and her noble aura marked her as an extraordinary beauty.
Moreover, she radiated an air of grandeur that suggested she was a motherly figure worthy of respect.
Next to the Current Emperor stood an elderly woman, who must be today’s birthday celebrant—the Empress Dowager.
Though the Empress Dowager had lost her youth, her well-maintained appearance hinted that she must have been a stunning beauty in her prime.
Today, she wore a crimson embroidered robe adorned with phoenix patterns, which accentuated her slightly plump figure.
Her face may not have been beautiful anymore, but it radiated kindness and warmth.
At first glance, she resembled a friendly old lady.
Yet, surviving in the ruthless environment of the palace was no simple feat!
The sharp glint in her eyes was impossible to overlook!
As Le Yao Yao carefully observed the few people on the high platform, the stage was already filled with light songs and graceful dances, the sounds of joy echoing continuously.
After everyone had exchanged their well wishes with the kind-faced Empress Dowager, they took their seats.
At that moment, the banquet began. The palace maids entered in succession, carrying various delicacies from land and sea, placing them before each table.
After the Current Emperor said a few words and toasted to everyone, they all began to enjoy their meal.
Palace banquets were always so extravagant and elaborate. Once everyone had finished eating and chatting, an array of exquisite desserts was served.
At this time, after everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, various splendid performances were naturally provided for entertainment during the tea and meal breaks.
Le Yao Yao, who had been nervous and exhausted for so long, finally saw the Peking Opera officially take the stage.
Although she hadn’t personally choreographed these Peking Operas, she had meticulously arranged all the props and details involved.
Thus, Le Yao Yao couldn’t help but feel both excited and anxious.
Since today was the Empress Dowager's birthday, Le Yao Yao chose to perform "Eight Stars Bring Good Fortune" as a congratulatory piece for her.
Indeed, after the performance of "Eight Stars Bring Good Fortune," the Empress Dowager's face was beaming with joy, which made Le Yao Yao's heart blossom with happiness.
Next came the performance of "Wu Song Fights the Tiger."
The Mingcheng Opera Troupe truly lived up to its reputation as the best theatrical troupe in the Capital City. The actor portraying Wu Song brought the character to life with remarkable skill, demonstrating a solid foundation in artistry.
The story of "Wu Song Fights the Tiger" tells of Wu Song visiting his brother. On his way home, he passed by Jingyang Ridge and stopped at a tavern where he drank heavily, becoming so intoxicated that he stumbled as he walked.
On stage, the performer portraying Wu Song held a wine jug in his hand, staggering as he walked, making the audience worry that he might fall at any moment.
What concerned them most was when, during the scene where the Waiter advised him about the tiger on the mountain and urged him to stay at the inn for the night before continuing his journey, Wu Song abruptly rejected the suggestion.
At this point in the performance, the audience couldn't help but break into a cold sweat for the reckless Wu Song.
Moreover, all eyes in the audience were fixed on the stage, including those of the living Yama, who stared intently without blinking.
As for the Empress Dowager on her high platform, she was even more engrossed.
The elderly Empress Dowager loved lively events and enjoyed Peking Opera. However, in Heavenly Origin, she had seen nearly all the captivating performances available and was feeling quite bored without anything new to watch. Now, this production of Eight Stars Bring Good Fortune and Wu Song Fights the Tiger was so vivid and exciting that it delighted her immensely.
Her gaze never wavered from the stage.
As she watched Wu Song bravely continue despite knowing there was a tiger ahead—fearing only that the Waiter would mock him—she let out an "Oh!" and slapped her thigh in frustration at Wu Song's reckless behavior. This caught Le Yao Yao's attention, who couldn't help but stifle a laugh.
She thought to herself that she hadn't expected the Empress Dowager to be so endearing.
In that moment, she resembled her grandmother quite a bit—playful and straightforward.
This made Le Yao Yao's impression of the Empress Dowager even deeper.
The performance continued on stage until, after a long while, Wu Song Fights the Tiger finally came to an end.
Below, thunderous applause erupted along with cheers and continuous praise from the audience.
Because the Empress Dowager was pleased, the Emperor, Dragon Countenance, was even more delighted and immediately rewarded the Mingcheng Opera Troupe. Furthermore, he personally nominated and bestowed upon them the plaque of "The Best Opera Troupe in the World."
Seeing this, the Head of the Theater Troupe was on the verge of tears from joy.
After all, he had risen from being an actor to the Head of the Theater Troupe and had never received such a generous reward before. Now, with the Mingcheng Opera Troupe, he was about to gain fame across the seas! How could he not be happy!?
However, just as the Head of the Theater Troupe was about to express his gratitude and take his leave with the plaque, the Current Emperor suddenly remembered something and asked.
"By the way, I have never heard of these two plays before. Who created them?"
Upon hearing the Current Emperor's words, Le Yao Yao, who had been overjoyed on the side, immediately froze in surprise.
After all, today she had only thought about whether the Empress Dowager and everyone else would like her surprise creation of Peking Opera. She had never considered that the Current Emperor would ask such a question, and her heart tightened instantly.
The Head of the Theater Troupe, being questioned by the Current Emperor, respectfully replied.
"Your Majesty, the two plays 'Eight Stars Bring Good Fortune' and 'Wu Song Fights the Tiger' were both crafted by Eunuch Yao from Duke Rui's Residence. Eunuch Yao deserves great credit."
"Oh, Eunuch Yao from Duke Rui's Residence?"
After hearing what the Head of the Theater Troupe said, the Current Emperor, Leng Zihao, couldn't help but cast a smiling glance at Leng Junyu, who was elegantly sipping tea while holding a cup. He smiled and said,
"Second brother, your royal residence truly has an abundance of talent!"
After saying this, Leng Zihao seemed to recall something and softly repeated,
"Eunuch Yao? Who is that?"
Upon hearing the Current Emperor call her name, Le Yao Yao was momentarily stunned. However, she quickly regained her composure and hurriedly stepped forward, kneeling down as she spoke.
"Replying to Your Majesty, it is this humble servant."
Her voice trembled slightly, betraying her nervousness as she stuttered. She had never anticipated that she would be singled out by the Current Emperor due to the two performances.
In the resplendent Dragon Hall, even with her head bowed low, she could feel the weight of everyone's gaze fixed upon her.
Particularly unsettling was the scrutinizing look from the high platform, which made her heart race with anxiety. Just moments ago, she had observed the Current Emperor from a distance and found him to be gentle and approachable. But now, the intensity of his gaze felt probing, fiery, and sharp, as if he could see right through her. It sent a shiver down her spine and quickened her heartbeat!
Comment 0 Comment Count