"A storyteller?"
Cui Ming and Hong Ye couldn't help but speak up.
Qin Yuan also asked in surprise, "Mr. Songshan?"
Master Songshan was a renowned Confucian scholar. In previous lives, countless people wanted to become his disciples but never had the chance. Later, Master Songshan went into seclusion on Mount Lu. The princes vied to win him over and invite him to serve in their posts, but he refused them all.
The emperor simply issued an edict, and he moved away from Mount Lu overnight, refusing to serve as an official in the court no matter what.
Qin Yuan knew him because Lin Ziqi was serving as a county magistrate near Mount Lu at the time.
Is this Mr. Matsuyama the same Mr. Matsuyama?
Qin Yuan had some doubts.
The head maid replied with a smile, "Reporting to Madam, his name is Mr. Songshan. The Marquis wanted to find a storyteller to come to the house to tell stories about the Three Kingdoms, and preferably also some stories about the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. The servant searched for half a day in the entertainment district before finding such a suitable person. After bringing him back, the Marquis asked a few questions and said that he was a good match. He could understand what the storytelling was like and was willing to listen, so he kept him in the mansion and said that he must be treated well."
Hearing this, Qin Yuan understood perfectly well that Lord Gu was so engrossed in reading that he was looking for a storyteller to read to him.
"Romance of the Three Kingdoms" is fine; most storytellers in the entertainment districts can recite it.
It's hard to say about the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods; you'd need to find someone who has studied diligently and passed the imperial examinations to be able to explain it.
Qin Yuan suppressed a laugh and nodded, saying, "Alright, go and tell the Marquis that I will certainly treat him well. Since he wants to lecture the Marquis, he can stay in the courtyard closest to the outer courtyard. That way, it will be convenient for him to lecture the Marquis at any time."
The headmistress agreed and said with a smile, "This storyteller is very lucky. If he can please the Marquis with his storytelling, wouldn't he earn much more than if he told stories in the entertainment district?"
Qin Yuan said, "That reminds me. The manor is holding a banquet in a couple of days, and we need to invite some people home to make it lively. Do you have any good opera troupes or variety shows you could recommend?"
The head housekeeper smiled and said, "You'll have to ask around about that. Steward Cao is in charge of these things. But I've heard that Wuqiao's acrobatics are very popular in the capital recently. Several families we know have invited them to their banquets."
Qin Yuan nodded and said, "I understand. You can go now. I'll have Hongye arrange things for Mr. Songshan's courtyard."
The woman in charge was somewhat surprised.
After all, storytellers are of lowly status, so it's quite strange that this one is so highly regarded by the Marquis and his wife.
After she left, Hongye asked, "Miss, could this Mr. Songshan have some kind of background?"
Qin Yuan said, "I don't know. I have heard of a reclusive scholar named Mr. Songshan, but there are many people in the world with the same name. This Mr. Songshan may not be that Mr. Songshan."
Hongye laughed and said, "That's true. Why would a great scholar go to the entertainment district to give lectures? That's just something low-class people do to amuse themselves."
Qin Yuan said seriously, "That's not entirely true. You should be careful what you say when you're out in the future. Some storytellers are officials who have resigned from their posts, and some have the academic titles of Juren or Xiucai. They write and tell stories, and their business is better than others."
Hongye asked, "Why would anyone still enjoy doing this kind of thing?"
Qin Yuan said, "Who knows? Just like some noble people who like to perform, they also perform in private. You might accidentally offend someone, which is why the elders say that trouble comes from the mouth."
Hongye was startled and quickly said, "I remember, I will never speak carelessly again."
Cui Ming sighed, "No wonder there's a saying that great hermits live in the city."
“That’s exactly right.” Qin Yuan nodded. “The monks, Taoists, and nuns in those ancient temples might all have some kind of background. And the prisoners in the jail might also be hidden talents. After the general amnesty, they can cause trouble once they are freed from their shackles.”
After Qin Yuan had spoken to Hongye, she instructed her to arrange accommodation for Mr. Songshan.
Hongye dared not underestimate the situation and was extremely careful. She led several maids and old women to clean the courtyard and house, arrange the furniture, and prepare bedding and other daily necessities.
Only then did they send someone to the front yard to invite Mr. Matsuyama over so he could see if there was anything else he was dissatisfied with.
Hongye waited for a while, and then saw the servant lead in a middle-aged man wearing a blue straight-cut long robe. He was of medium height and thin, with a thin and bony face. His features resembled those of a emaciated crane kept at home.
Hongye thought to herself, "It would be more appropriate to call him Mr. Souhe. Why call him Mr. Songshan? People who don't know him might think he's a tall guy."
"Excuse me, is this Mr. Matsuyama?" Koyo greeted him with a smile.
The man nodded and said, "Young lady, I am Mr. Songshan."
Hongye bowed and said, "My name is Hongye. I serve by Madam's side. Madam ordered me to clean the courtyard and prepare a room for Mr. Songshan. Please take a look and tell me if there is anything inappropriate so that I can replace it properly."
Mr. Songshan quickly returned the greeting, and after hearing her finish speaking, he immediately said, "It's just a temporary stay, there's no need to go to so much trouble. Miss Hongye, please thank Madam for me when you return."
Hongye said, "The Marquis instructed us to treat you well, so how could we be negligent? If the Marquis enjoys listening to you tell stories, he might have to keep you here for a while longer. If you don't eat or stay well after entering the Marquis's residence, people will say that the Marquis's residence is not sincere in its hospitality."
Mr. Songshan looked at her carefully and said, "Miss Hongye is very sensible and articulate. I will go in and take a look. If there is anything to add, I will let you know."
Hongye said, "Okay."
She waited outside.
A short while later, Mr. Songshan came out and said earnestly, "I'm so grateful for your trouble, Madam and Miss Hongye. The preparations are very thoughtful. However, I enjoy writing and would like to have some brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone. If you could provide them, that would be great."
Hongye said, "That's not difficult at all. I'll have someone prepare it right away. If you run out, just tell the servant to get more from the steward."
Mr. Matsuyama nodded in satisfaction.
Hongye rushed back excitedly to report back. When she entered the house, Lord Gu was already there, waiting for the meal to be served.
“Madam, I have cleaned the room for Mr. Songshan and he is very satisfied. He just wants some writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstones, saying that he likes to write calligraphy. I have already sent a set over and told him to just have the servant ask the steward for more if he needs more.”
Gu Jinghui immediately said, "That's excellent. This Mr. Songshan is a great talent."
Qin Yuan asked curiously, "How did you know?"
Gu Jinghui thought she doubted how a storyteller could have such great talent, so he quickly explained, "As you know, I used to be a study companion in the palace. Although I wasn't very good at studying, I've seen quite a few teachers. The retired Grand Tutor once taught me that true skill lies in being able to explain things clearly without resorting to pedantry or pretentiousness, and without being overly verbose. I've always kept this in mind and used it to judge who is capable and who is not, and I've never been wrong about it."
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