The ice sculpture competition brought a large influx of people to Huaixi City. Winter is usually the slowest time for business, but this winter is different.
Since the appearance of the Immortal Inn, many ordinary people and merchants have flocked to Huaixi City, making this originally sparsely populated city bustling with activity. From the owners of restaurants and inns to small vendors, everyone has made a fortune.
Newcomers to Huaixi City can hear the locals discussing the Xianyuan Inn everywhere, their words filled with reverence and gratitude.
Some say that the immortals bestowed seeds of high-yield crops, and now breeding has begun. Once the breeding is successful, the people will be arranged to plant them. The people are extremely grateful, and temples dedicated to the immortals are now being built in various parts of Huaixi City.
Some say that Prince Duan also received a cement recipe from an immortal, and that he would use cement to renovate the inner city of Huaixi after the snow melts.
Of course, the most discussed topic is the upcoming ice sculpture competition.
"Have you guys heard? The immortal said he's going to hold an opening ceremony for the ice sculpture competition, and admission is free. Do you guys want to go check it out?"
“I have a friend who is staying at the inn. He said that the opening ceremony was a song and dance performance, and the immortals even used magic to build a studio.”
"Are those actors and craftsmen worthy of such high regard from the immortals?"
"Shh, don't say anything out of line. The immortal said that every profession can produce an expert, and there is no such thing as a noble or lowly profession. Craftsmen have made great contributions to the development of Huaixi City, and those actors, no, they should be called artists. They are not prostitutes. They earn their living with their talents and should not be ridiculed."
"The immortals are always right; it seems we've been too narrow-minded."
That's why they say we can only be mortals.
Because of An Ge's attitude, the status of artists and craftsmen in Huaixi City has improved significantly during this period.
"Hey, Uncle Wang, your craftsmanship is getting better and better! I happen to have a batch of furniture made. When do you have time to arrange it for me?"
"That's unfortunate, my order book is full right now, I might have to wait until next month," said Grandpa Wang apologetically.
"It's alright, it just shows how good your skills are. I can wait. I'll pay the deposit first, but you'll have to put me on the order list next month."
"Haha, definitely, definitely."
Even after the guests left, the smile on Grandpa Wang's face hadn't faded. Ever since the immortal's words spread, not only had his business improved considerably, but people had also begun to treat him as an equal.
Before this, he had always been humble and courteous when interacting with customers. Having lived most of his life, he was used to the artisan's way of life and never imagined he would have such a good life.
Because of his improved status, his beloved grandson no longer faced discrimination at school, and last time he came back, he even told him he had made a few more friends. Thinking of his grandson's words, Grandpa Wang's wrinkles deepened.
This feeling is even more profound for actors. Compared to craftsmen, their status is even lower. When others hear that they are actors, their eyes will show contempt. Therefore, many actors do not interact much with the outside world except for their own troupe members.
Now, more people in Huaixi City are requesting them to perform, and more importantly, people are looking at them with a greater sense of equality. After each performance, they receive many rewards, not because of their looks, but purely because of their excellent performance.
Many opera troupes, upon hearing that the immortal had specially built a studio, immediately became envious of the performers who could perform there.
If they are better, will they one day be able to perform in a studio?
Many people shared this view, and for a time, the opera troupes throughout Huaixi City engaged in fierce competition, resulting in a significant improvement in their overall quality.
For some courtesans, An Ge's words resonated even more deeply. Especially the saying, "Every profession can produce an expert," implying that in terms of talent, they were confident they were no less capable than daughters of noble families. Their previous work in brothels was merely out of necessity or forced by circumstances. Given the opportunity to live an honest life, why choose to be trapped in a brothel?
Fortunately, Prince Duan's iron-fisted policies meant that forced prostitution was extremely rare. Some courtesans who had saved enough money redeemed themselves, and those who lacked funds no longer spent their days in despair. The immortal's words were like a ray of light in their dark lives, giving them hope to live on.
Song Anping and several classmates were on their way to a restaurant when they overheard people talking and couldn't help but join in the discussion.
"The teacher is getting stricter and stricter. If it weren't for the heavy workload, I would have gone to the inn to check on things long ago. I wonder if the teacher will let us go on the day of the opening ceremony."
"I don't care, I'll definitely go that day. None of us are cut out for the imperial examinations. We're lucky if we even pass the preliminary exam. I'm not planning to take it next year."
The group nodded in agreement; they were well aware of their own limitations.
"By the way, Brother Anping, I remember you mentioned that your second uncle likes to carve small trinkets. Does that mean he has a good chance of winning a prize in this competition?"
Song Anping's expression became unnatural for a moment. "My second uncle was just carving around for fun. How could his skill level possibly catch the eye of an immortal?"
The person asking the question secretly curled his lip. This Brother Song always considered himself a scholar and looked down on craftsmen, often using his second uncle's case as a negative example. Even immortals don't consider craftsmen lowly; how could Song Anping possibly refute an immortal?
If his second uncle wins the award this time, then things will get interesting.
Song Anping ignored the amused looks from the others, calmly took a sip of tea, but felt quite uncomfortable inside.
The first branch of the family has always been the pride of the clan, firmly believing that the family's rise can only be achieved through them. Now, the second branch, which has always been suppressed, has suddenly attracted everyone's attention, and he is filled with mixed feelings.
While everyone was discussing Song Dahe, he was practicing his ice sculpting skills with complete focus. Behind him, various crystal-clear ice sculptures of small animals were lifelike.
Hui Niang said with some concern, "You should rest for a while; you've been carving all morning."
Song Dahe smiled and shook his head, his tired face showing satisfaction. "I'm not tired, really. I've never been able to do what I love so openly and honestly before. Hui Niang, I'm really happy." His parents' attitude towards him had improved significantly these past few days, which ironically extinguished any last shred of hope he had for them.
He no longer needs his parents' love; now, his main concern is to make a better life for his family through his skills.
"You still need to get plenty of rest, so you don't overwork yourself before the competition even starts."
Song Dahe thought for a while and reluctantly put his hand down. "You've worked hard these past few days. Kang'er said that the immortals are going to hold an opening ceremony. We're not far from Cangshan. Let's go and take a look together."
"Won't it interfere with your plans?" Hui Niang was tempted, but worried that it might delay her husband's important business.
"It's alright, it's alright. We haven't been to the land of immortals yet. I haven't figured out the content of the competition. This trip will be a good opportunity to find inspiration."
The family discussed it and decided to go to Xianyuan Inn on the opening day.
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