novelAbuy Chapter 3 Encountering a Fellow Student in a Brothel
Chapter 3 Encountering a Fellow Student in a Brothel
Zhou Cairen was very fond of Shen Zhong'an's story "Du Shiniang" and immediately began making arrangements after leaving the teahouse.
However, no matter how good the story is, it is ultimately just a new story with new people. The Peony Pavilion and Lotus Pavilion, which can accommodate thousands of people, and the top storytellers Huo Sijiu and Yin Changmai are just beautiful things that one can only dream about.
As a respected veteran in the storytelling society, Zhou Cairen went through many twists and turns to find Li Zao, a storyteller who had recently established himself in Zhongwa, and allocated a medium-sized brothel that could accommodate three hundred people.
When Li Zao learned of this news, he was extremely unwilling and reluctant.
It's true that the storytelling association provided him with many scripts, but recently the scripts they provided were mostly clichés and received a lukewarm response, causing other storytellers to steal away many of his old customers.
However, Li Zao was not a top-tier performer. The rules in the entertainment district were strict. Only top-tier storytellers were qualified to choose scripts, while the lower-level performers could only accept scripts and had no say in their own lives.
Although Li Zao was extremely impatient, he could only grit his teeth and agree, taking the manuscript with the intention of casually putting it off for a few days and then removing it due to poor feedback.
Unexpectedly, as soon as Li Zao opened the new notebook, he became completely absorbed in it, neglecting to eat or sleep.
In just three days, Li Zao had transformed the manuscript into a spoken script, adding rhythmic elements, gestures, and intonations, polishing it until every word flowed smoothly, eager to take the stage and begin speaking immediately.
Storytelling in brothels follows established rules, with each performance lasting about two hours and never consisting of just one story.
The usual practice is to start with two short stories to warm up the audience, followed by a medium-length story to keep them engaged, then introduce new stories in the later part, and finally conclude with a signature old story to make everyone feel that their money was well spent.
No matter how exquisite "Du Shiniang" is, it is ultimately a new story that has never been published. No matter how enthusiastic Li Zao is, he can only place it in the middle or later part according to the rules.
He Sanlang was a regular customer of Li Zao's games. He didn't miss a single game, but he was always there five days a week, making him a top-notch fan.
However, Li Zao's stories lately have been really boring. Even the endings of the old stories are still quite good, and they make people want to fall asleep.
That day, he had already made up his mind to go to the peony shed to try something new. He had already stepped over the wooden threshold of the shed when he caught a glimpse of the newly erected sign in front of the tiled roof next door.
"The new story of 'Du Shiniang,' narrated by Li Zao, even had a special signboard set up..."
For ordinary new works, simply posting a piece of paper is considered a sign of importance; such a grand display must mean that the book club values it highly.
Driven by curiosity, He Sanlang abruptly turned his feet, which had crossed the threshold of the greenhouse, and stepped back into Li Zao's greenhouse.
The small and medium-sized tents, which can accommodate 300 people, were almost full.
The first two short stories were quite lively and interesting, but the middle section became rather bland. He Sanlang sat on the bench and yawned twice. If it weren't for waiting for the new storybook to be presented, he would have left long ago because of these extremely boring stories in the middle section.
Just then, Li Zao retreated backstage, changed into a crisp blue cloth gown, and returned to the stage. His expression was completely different from before, with a hint of barely suppressed pride in his eyes. He walked to the table, pressed his five fingers on the gavel, and with a crisp "snap," the entire audience instantly perked up.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the previous few words were merely an appetizer. Today, at this book fair, I will present you with a novel tale of love and sex, 'Du Shiniang Angrily Sinks the Treasure Chest.'"
The story begins with the pleasures of the brothel, with the sounds of sheng and xiao, and red curtains and green screens vividly before the reader's eyes; then it tells of Du Shiniang's unparalleled beauty, which captivated the capital; then she meets Li Jia, a young master from Zhejiang, and falls in love at first sight, making vows of eternal love.
Ordinary people love stories of talented men and beautiful women, and romantic tales. For a moment, the whole place held its breath, and not even a cough could be heard.
"Li Jia was at his wit's end, with no way to help; Du Shiniang was full of hope, but didn't know if she would live to see the day she could be redeemed; the madam, seeing that Li Jia couldn't come up with the money, pressed him even harder, threatening to sell Shiniang to someone else!"
"Ladies and gentlemen, will Li Jia be able to raise the three hundred taels to redeem himself? Will Du Shiniang be able to successfully leave her social status? Will this talented couple overcome all obstacles and finally become husband and wife?"
"To find out what happens next, listen to the second lecture tomorrow at this time: A secret plan to redeem oneself, a vow of unity!"
As the words fell, the gavel struck heavily, the echo reverberating in the ceiling.
The tent had only about two hundred people in total, but the shouts and applause mixed together created the atmosphere of five or six hundred people at the same time. Even passersby outside the tent couldn't help but peek inside.
Before Li Zao could even ask for a reward, people below the stage were already throwing copper coins onto the stage. Those from well-off families would directly throw small pieces of silver from afar, while even ordinary porters and craftsmen wouldn't leave empty-handed, taking out a few coins to toss over as a gesture of support.
Copper coins rolled all over the ground, and broken silver glittered among the pile of coins, soon forming a small heap in front of the platform.
In all his years of storytelling in the entertainment district, Li Zao had received tips when warming up the audience and cheers when the performances were exciting. But he had never seen such a scene before, with almost everyone contributing money and gifts filling the stage.
Looking at the pile of gleaming money and valuables, Li Zao's chest pounded, and a surge of joy rushed from the bottom of his heart to the top of his head.
Thank goodness, this time we've finally stumbled upon a truly exceptional book!
From now on, in Sangjia Wazi, Li Zao will finally have a show he can put on to impress everyone!
The next day, seeing the rapid progress, the owner of the Wazi immediately moved Li Zao to the large No. 1 shed, which could accommodate 500 people.
The tent was packed shortly after it opened, with the stands under the eaves overflowing and even the entrance to the tent filled with people.
The second chapter tells the story of Du Shiniang, who was not a weak and helpless prostitute who could be easily manipulated. She secretly saved money, outwitted the greedy and ruthless madam, and finally escaped by using both soft and hard tactics. She also made a solemn oath with Li Jia, entrusting him with her whole heart.
She broke away from the stereotypical image of a courtesan; her shrewdness, fierceness, and deep affection touched the hearts of everyone in the audience.
Within two days, the name "Du Shiniang" had spread throughout Sangjiawazi.
In the East Market, arguments could be heard everywhere—in teahouses, taverns, and street corners.
After receiving his post from the Kaifeng government office, Shen Zhong'an ordered a bowl of hot tea at a roadside tea stall to warm his stomach. As soon as he sat down, he heard two scholars at the next table arguing heatedly, banging on the table.
"Du Shiniang is so talented and beautiful, and she spent all her savings to redeem herself. If Li Jia were to betray her, he would truly be worse than a pig or a dog!"
"What do you know! In this world of prostitution, where is there true love? In my opinion, it's nothing but a momentary infatuation, and it will be exposed sooner or later!"
"Nonsense! The second part of what Li Zao said last night was clearly a vow made by the two of them..."
Although the two exchanged only a few words, Shen Zhong'an knew from these few words that the story of "Du Shiniang" entrusted to Zhou Cairen had already begun.
Having secured the post of Registrar of Chenliu County, and with nothing to do in the afternoon, Shen Zhong'an decided to get up and head to the East Corner Tower.
Storytelling performances were usually staged in brothels and theaters. There were two core brothels and theaters in the East Market: one was the Zhu Family Bridge Theater, and the other was the Sang Family Theater, commissioned by Shen Zhong'an.
There are more than fifty brothels of various sizes inside Sangjia Wazi, among which the four sheds that can accommodate more than a thousand people are the largest: Lotus Shed, Peony Shed, Yaksha Shed, and Elephant Shed.
After entering Sangjiawazi, and walking only a dozen meters, a long cloth banner standing high at the entrance of the shed caught Shen Zhong'an's eye. The banner was written with sixteen large characters in a flamboyant style: "Mr. Li Zao personally tells the story of 'Du Shiniang angrily sinks the treasure chest'". On both sides hung colorful flags with blue silk embroidery, swaying gently in the wind, extremely flamboyant.
The tent arranged by the Wazi was not large and was not particularly elaborate, but this Li Zao was someone of great importance.
In the fourth year of the Yuan You era, Li Zao was perhaps just beginning to show his talent. He had established himself in Sangjia Wazi and gained some fame, but he was still far from becoming a household name.
However, in later generations, Li Zao was one of the six famous novelists recorded in "Dongjing Menghualu", and can be called a person who left his name in history!
Zhou Cairen is truly remarkable; she managed to find Li Zao, a future star, to perform "Du Shiniang".
Next to the signboard was a wooden table. Shen Zhong'an strode forward. Five or six people were gathered around the table, and a servant in a short brown robe was sitting behind it, busy registering people, collecting money, and issuing tickets.
"Young man, may I ask when the performance of 'Du Shiniang' begins today?"
The servant didn't even look up, and while tidying up the paper money in his hand, he quickly replied, "Sir, you've come at the right time. The next performance starts in a quarter of an hour. This is the third performance today. It's 'Guazhou Nocturne, The Villain Spying on Beauty'."
"I wonder how the performance of 'Du Shiniang' went the past two days?"
"Is this your first time here, sir?"
The servant glanced at Shen Zhong'an amidst his busy work, and said with a hint of smugness in his voice.
"On the first day of the premiere of 'Du Shiniang,' the applause never stopped; on the second day, the audience was even more numerous, and the corridor was full of people."
Today it's even worse. The VIP seats in the main hall and the waist pavilion were booked out by the city's regular customers yesterday. Many wealthy merchants booked too late and could only buy regular seats.
"Look, the regular seats are almost sold out, only standing seats left. Would you like a regular seat or a standing seat, sir?"
Tickets to the entertainment venues were commonly known as "lantouqian" (literally "lantou money"). Prices varied depending on the class. Seats in the shrine or waist tent cost 30 coins, while regular seats cost 10 coins. Standing seats cost only 5 coins, making them a good value for money. Even ordinary people could come and listen to a show every now and then for entertainment.
"Excuse me, sir, could I have a standing seat?"
The servant took the money and handed Shen Zhong'an a bamboo token with the words "Peony Pavilion Seating Area" engraved on it, pointing to the entrance on the west side.
"Sir, please enter from that side. The standing seats are in the back corner."
Shen Zhong'an, carrying the bamboo token, entered the brothel from the west entrance. Just as the servant had said, the brothel was packed with people, with heads thronging everywhere, even more bustling than the streets of later generations.
Those seated on the shrine and the side awnings were mostly well-dressed and elegant; the scattered seats were mostly filled with students and ordinary people; as for the standing seats, there were people from all walks of life, and it was not uncommon to find scholars like Shen Zhong'an.
Shen Zhong'an had just settled down in the corner when a light tap of a gavel sounded on the stage. With a "snap," the tent fell silent instantly, and all eyes were focused on the center of the stage.
A man dressed in a blue cloth robe and wearing a soft headscarf slowly walked onto the stage, bowed to the audience, then stood still, holding a folding fan in his hand, and slowly began to speak.
"Dear readers, as mentioned in the previous chapter, Du Shiniang used her savings to help Li Jia redeem himself from prostitution. The two bid farewell to the brothel, hired a fast boat, and headed south, intending to return to Li Jia's hometown and become an ordinary, loving couple..."
Li Zao is skilled at telling folk tales, especially tragic ones. His tone is mournful, and he is adept at using a sobbing voice. Now, when he tells the story of "Du Shiniang," which is full of sorrow, he is even more at ease.
He could portray men as rough and boisterous, women as delicate and gentle, old men as hoarse and children as innocent and naive, villains as ruthless and knights as upright and righteous, without changing his clothes, relying only on his voice and tone, making the audience feel as if they were seeing the people in real life; he could imitate the neighing of horses, the clanging of knives, the sound of wind and rain, crying and shouting in the marketplace, so realistically that the whole audience thought it was real.
Standing on the high platform, he coordinated his hands, eyes, body movements, and steps, slapping the table when he spoke of thrilling moments, bowing his head when he spoke of touching moments, and raising his eyebrows when he spoke of comical moments. He brought the story to life with just his body language and expressions, making the audience cry, laugh, and be amazed along with him.
Even though the original owner had many memories of listening to storytelling in brothels, and had seen countless movies and TV series in later generations, and knew the ending of the stories, this storytelling still brought Shen Zhong'an an unparalleled experience.
There was only one person on the stage, yet he seemed like a thousand troops!
Such skill and ability—no wonder he deserves to be remembered in history!
“Pah!”
The sharp crack of the gavel echoed through the hall, jolting Shen Zhong'an, who was engrossed in the story, back to reality.
"Sun Fu's treacherous scheme has succeeded, and he is closing in step by step; Li Jia is completely unaware, having let the wolf into his house. After this cup of wine, is it brotherly affection or a trap? What slanderous words will Sun Fu utter next? How will Li Jia respond? Will Du Shiniang's good match be shattered?"
"Dear readers, to find out what happens next, please tune in tomorrow at this time for the fourth lecture—Tavern Intrigues and Slanderous Behaviors!"
“Pah!”
After the eye-catching gesture fell again, the entire audience fell silent for a moment, then erupted in thunderous applause and exclamations of praise. Several servants carrying bamboo baskets weaved through the crowd, asking for tips.
A servant boy rushed straight up to Shen Zhong'an, holding the bamboo basket high above his head, his desire for a reward obvious.
Shen Zhong'an took out two copper coins from his pocket and was about to put them into the basket when a slender hand beat him to it. With two clattering sounds, the two heavy copper coins fell into the bamboo basket.
These hands have distinct joints and calluses on the fingertips, clearly the work of a scholar who spends many years holding a pen and is well-versed in poetry and literature.
Shen Zhong'an turned his head to look and found that this person was not only a scholar as he had guessed, but also his classmate, Tang Geng, who ranked among the top three.
Tang Geng came from a scholarly family in Sichuan. His great-grandfather, grandfather, and father did not hold official positions and had no connections or favors in the officialdom. He ranked among the top three in the imperial examinations, but he was one of the few in his cohort who did not directly obtain a real position.
His official career was very bumpy. He served as the judicial officer of Lizhou for two years. After passing the civil service examination, he was appointed as the magistrate of Langzhong County. Later, he was transferred to the position of prefect of Mianzhou. However, he was implicated in the Mianzhou civil service examination case and imprisoned because of his elder brother Tang Zhan.
After being released, he was reinstated to his original position but was unable to be promoted for many years. He wasted ten years in the position of prefect and only entered the capital in the second year of Chongning.
Later, he was appreciated and promoted by Prime Minister Zhang Shangying and became a powerful sixth-rank official. This good fortune lasted only a year. He was demoted for six years because Zhang Shangying was dismissed from his post. After being pardoned and returning north, he was reinstated as Chengyilang. Finally, he died of illness on his way back to Shu from Fengxiang in the third year of Xuanhe.
When his official career was not going well, his poetry and prose flourished. During the six years he was demoted, he left behind numerous masterpieces. People at the time called him "Little Su Dongpo," and later generations also held him in high regard.
However, since the original owner of this body was only acquainted with him by nodding, Shen Zhong'an had no intention of befriending him for the time being. But since they had met, he still had to greet him, so he cupped his hands in greeting.
"Brother Tang, I never expected to run into you here."
After saying this, Shen Zhong'an threw the two copper coins in his hand into the servant's bamboo basket. The servant thanked him repeatedly and then ran off to another place with a smile.
Shen Zhong'an did not want to talk any more. Having already said hello, he turned to leave. Just as he lifted his foot off the ground, he heard Tang Geng's voice behind him.
"Brother Shen, please wait!"