Chapter 138 The Grand Banquet of the Tang Dynasty (Part Two)
Qin Yue walked all the way to the weaving workshop deep in the alley.
"This is the now-famous 'Qinghe Textile Bureau'," Qin Yue stopped and showed everyone the storefront of Qinghe Textile Bureau, "and diagonally opposite is 'Qinghe Gold Shop'."
She sighed, "I can't even imagine how happy I would be if I could order a dress from the Qinghe Weaving Factory and then go across the street to order a piece of jewelry."
Lines of comments scrolled across the phone screen:
Hahaha, go to sleep, you can dream about anything.
I heard that many celebrities are now having their gowns made at Qinghe Weaving Factory. Another magazine even borrowed some of their clothes last time, so they've really become famous.
[Didn't that internet celebrity also book it last time? She even did a live stream! Xiaoyue, you should go too! You can't let your fans lose face!]
The viewers in the live stream were making a fuss.
Qin Yue chuckled: "You guys think too highly of me. Besides, having money isn't enough these days; you still have to obediently wait for your turn."
She recounted some insider information she had gleaned from Lu Xiaoqi:
"I know people in the ancient town, and I've heard—just hearsay—that their haute couture consultations and appointments are booked until the year after next! And it's not like you can just book an appointment whenever you want; there seems to be a preliminary screening process to see if the design requirements and production timeline match. If the requirements don't fit the workshop's own style, they'll reject it outright. Last time, a celebrity wanted to commission a purely Western-style evening gown using the kesi (silk tapestry) technique, and they didn't take the job."
"And the gold shops are the same; the craftsmen are simply too busy. They're only taking orders for rough gemstones they provide themselves. I heard someone brought over a seven- or eight-carat pink diamond last time..."
Qin Yue heard Lu Xiaoqi say these things during dinner, and she picked out the parts she could share. These little tidbits captivated the viewers in the live stream, who were reluctant to leave.
[Holy crap? The year after next? This is harder than getting tickets to a top-tier celebrity concert!]
I understand, that kind of process can't be rushed; slow and steady wins the race.
It's normal to be rejected when trying to order a Western-style dress from a traditional weaving workshop, right? I wonder what that celebrity was thinking? Xiaoyue, can you reveal who it is?
[Great, that's how it should be. Look at those international haute couture brands, which one doesn't have its own complete set of rules?]
Qin Yue, watching the comments, continued to share what she knew: "However, they're not completely detached from reality. I heard they'll be launching some improved ready-to-wear collections and high-end cultural and creative products soon, such as scarves and bags using kesi or embroidery patterns, as well as wedding fans and veils. The prices aren't cheap, but at least they're affordable if we grit our teeth! They'll also be offering rentals."
The comments section started flooded with messages again:
【Then I'll have to wait and see. If I can't afford to buy, can't I at least rent?】
[Does the gold shop have similar products? After seeing He Yan's hairpin, I'm completely powerless against these!]
The high level of activity in the comments section demonstrates that Qinghe Textile and Qinghe Gold Shop have truly made a name for themselves and secured a place in the hearts of many young consumers. For a newly established brand, this is an impressive starting point.
In Qin Yue's phone camera lens, a number of tourists were indeed gathered in front of the glass window of the textile workshop, stopping to admire the exquisite garment. She zoomed in, focusing on the carefully displayed dress inside the window, so that fans outside the live broadcast room could also appreciate it.
It was a Song Dynasty triple-layered ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) in a sky-blue color.
The pleats of the pleated skirt are as fine as ripples on water, flowing gracefully with every step. The outermost layer is a nearly transparent long-sleeved gauze gown, embroidered with sparse and elegant lotus and flying sparrow patterns in extremely fine silver and light blue silk threads. The needlework is subtle and restrained, appearing like clouds and mist from afar, yet revealing exquisite details up close.
The embroidery originated from a Southern Song Dynasty embroiderer surnamed Zhou who worked at the Qinghe Weaving Bureau.
The garment, devoid of excessive, glittering gold thread, perfectly embodies the understated luxury and refined elegance pursued by the Song Dynasty. A subtle, scholarly, and sophisticated feel permeates the garment. The online comments section was immediately flooded with the word "elegant."
[Such sophisticated aesthetics! I feel this understated style is even harder to pull off than being covered in gold thread.]
Is this the aesthetics of the Song Dynasty? I love it! Wearing this makes me feel like Li Qingzhao!
[It looks so comfortable, I really want to touch it! The fabric and texture are amazing!]
Some viewers commented in the live stream: "[Host, can you show us the window display of the jewelry store across the street? The craftsman there told me they were going to renovate it last time I went, and I'd like to see if they've done it yet.]"
Qin Yue naturally obliged, saying, "No problem."
When she turned around, she found even more people in the opposite shop window. After waiting a while, she squeezed to the front of the crowd and pointed her camera at the jewelry store's window display. She discovered that this time, the jewelry on display was a crown adorned with peonies!
In the window of the gold and silver shop, soft spotlights, like stage spotlights, precisely illuminated a gilded crown inlaid with jewels and peonies, so elaborate it was breathtaking!
This magnificent crown is crafted using an extremely complex multi-layered filigree technique. It is made of pure gold, with layers of swirling peony petals and intertwined vines forming the base. The layers are so lifelike and luxurious that they are truly exquisite. The edges of each "petal" and "leaf" are engraved with extremely fine patterns, which reflect a delicate luster under the light.
Hundreds of evenly sized, lustrous pearls are densely embedded among the golden leaves, like morning dew clinging to the flowers. Even more striking are the clusters of finely cut colored gemstones such as rubies, sapphires, and tourmalines nestled in the heart of the flowers and on the branches, their intense colors shimmering brilliantly.
The entire crown is dazzling with gold, gemstones, and warm pearls. Although it lacks kingfisher feather inlay, its exquisite goldwork, magnificent gemstone setting, and overall grand design exude unparalleled courtly majesty and ultimate splendor. It forms a strong visual contrast with the elegant Song Dynasty style of the weaving workshop opposite, yet it is equally breathtaking.
This is the peony crown that Master Jin and his apprentice have been working on since the middle of last year. When Liu Yu came to shoot the big photos, this phoenix crown had only just begun. Qin Yue was also lucky; this peony crown was only put on display yesterday, replacing the previous filigree pavilion and tower hairpin.
The live chat exploded instantly:
[Ahhhhh, the peonies are in full bloom! Oh my god! This is so gorgeous!!]
How much is this worth...? My mouth is watering...
[Breathtakingly beautiful.]
[(A scream from a history student) The form! The craftsmanship! The level of restoration is incredible! It's practically an artifact brought to life!]
The weaving workshop is like a fairy, the gold and silver shop is like an empress! I love them both!
Qin Yue herself was so shocked by the phoenix crown that she couldn't speak for a long time. She finally managed to find her voice: "Did you see that? This... this is the real treasure of the store, right?! After seeing it, I feel like my eyes have been cleansed... I always thought that crowns of this caliber could only be seen in museums."
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The girl who had been eyeing the shop window earlier was now satisfied, shrieking, "It really is that crown! I saw Master Jin and his team making it last time I went there! Completely delighted, I'm immediately buying a high-speed train ticket to Qinghe Ancient Town. I want to see it with my own eyes!"
Someone noticed the interesting detail: "Hey, you saw Master Jin making it? Aren't you not allowed in gold shops?"
Anyone who has visited Qinghe Ancient Town knows that you can now visit the Qinghe Textile Factory by appointment. They used to have classes every day, but due to their busy schedules, they have only kept the classes on Saturdays and Sundays. As for the Qinghe Gold Shop, which used to be open for visits and classes, it is now closed to the public.
Everyone can understand, after all, there are so many valuable things inside.
The girl casually explained: "Oh, I had a small piece of jade that I wanted them to make into a hairpin."
Qin Yue was filled with awe; it turned out she was a wealthy woman. Fans were all calling her "sister," and the atmosphere became very lively.
After looking at the two shop windows, Qin Yue decided to continue walking forward, as her appointment time was approaching: "Next time I'll ask if I can go in and show you around, but I have to rush to get my makeup and hair done today, it wouldn't be good to be late."
The makeup workshop was at the end of the alley. Qin Yue knocked on the door, and Zhu Cui answered it.
Zhu Cui smiled warmly: "Are you Miss Qin?"
......
Zhu Cui ventured alone to Hengdian last year.
Han Shanggong and Lu Xiaoqi were initially a little worried, but she reassured them that everything was alright. She had overcome many difficult paths and witnessed many terrible things before. Now, she was just going with the crew to a place that was a two or three-hour drive away to film a movie. There was no need to worry about her.
What's more, she now has a pair of healthy feet that can walk normally.
With her superb ancient makeup and hair skills, Zhu Cui quickly made a name for herself in the highly skilled film crew circle.
Initially, she worked as a guest makeup artist, responsible for the complex looks of several main actors. But her abilities quickly became apparent. Whether it was the "fallen horse bun" or "flying swan bun" only mentioned briefly in historical records, or the highly skilled "wide sideburns" and "high crown," she could accurately recreate them based solely on descriptions and limited references. The exquisite craftsmanship and historical accuracy of her creations left even the most knowledgeable director and seasoned makeup artists in awe. Even more remarkable was her speed and precision, which greatly improved the efficiency of the makeup team.
Over the course of a few months, news spread like wildfire that a "hair-combing genius" had joined the crew of "The Mountains and Rivers." Makeup directors from other production crews came to her, either to seek her advice or to poach her with high salaries. However, Zhu Cui was thinking about Qinghe Ancient Town, and as soon as filming wrapped, she politely declined all offers and returned home safely.
Everyone was overjoyed to see that she was not only safe and sound but also returned with honors.
Lu Xiaoqi allocated a small courtyard for her next to the Qinghe Weaving Workshop and hung up a plaque that read "Zhu Cui Zhuang Zao Workshop". This workshop complements the weaving workshop, serving customers who come to the weaving workshop and the gold and silver workshop for customization and future rental, and can also cooperate with various major performances in the ancient town.
It was attached to the weaving workshop, but Han Shanggong entrusted it entirely to Zhucui for management.
Zhu Cui was very dedicated to the workshop and even recruited several young students with artistic or makeup skills and a strong interest in traditional culture through official channels to formally become her apprentices. Upon hearing that she had opened her own studio, several young makeup artists she knew from the film crew also came to work for her.
Now, the makeup and styling workshop has six or seven people, including Zhu Cui.
Zhu Cui settled down here, continuing to study the makeup and hairstyle characteristics of various dynasties to provide styling support for the town's own performance projects; on the other hand, she carefully taught her disciples, systematically passing on her skills.
Occasionally, when invited by a familiar or extremely important film crew, she would briefly leave for a few days to help out as a "specially invited ancient costume makeup consultant." In each instance, she would attract the attention of the entire makeup team, and her reputation as a "master" had spread throughout the industry, making her a rising star.
But no matter how long she is away, she always returns to her workshop in Qinghe Ancient Town. For her, this place is not only a place to make a living, but also the soil where her craft, which has transcended time, can truly take root and be passed down.
After Zhu Cui led Qin Yue inside, Qin Yue asked her if she minded doing a live stream. Zhu Cui had seen many big scenes on set and had her own officially managed video account, so naturally she didn't mind. In fact, she was very cooperative in showing Qin Yue around the workshop.
The camera slowly pans across the studio: on one side is a bright, antique-style dressing area, where pear wood dressing tables display various cosmetic boxes and lacquerware, each categorized with different cosmetics, as well as rows of meticulously styled wigs and a dazzling array of hairpins, hair ornaments, and combs. The other side resembles a work area, with shelves neatly arranged with various hair buns, hair extensions, hair ties, and modern tools such as hair dryers and curling irons—a harmonious blend of ancient and modern, all in perfect order.
What's most captivating is that there are several women in the workshop getting their makeup and hair done. They are dressed in everyday clothes, but their hairstyles have become classical and elaborate, some dignified, some charming, as the apprentices of Zhucui meticulously draw their eyebrows and eyes.
When they saw the camera filming them, everyone smiled and waved, some charming and some gentle.
"Wow, there are so many beautiful young ladies here!" Qin Yue exclaimed.
Zhu Cui explained with a smile, "They are dancers and performers in the ancient town. There will be a 'night banquet' performance and parade in the evening, so they came in advance to prepare."
The comments section is already drooling:
[What I admire most about Qinghe Ancient Town is where they found so many beautiful women? Whether male or female, their looks are all top-notch, and they all possess a classic beauty.]
[The boss must be a total sucker for good looks!]
At this moment, Zhu Cui gestured for Qin Yue to sit down in front of an empty dressing table. The light above the dressing table was very soft and bright, ensuring that every detail could be clearly seen.
"Miss Qin would like to try out a Tang Dynasty style outfit that matches the theme of the banquet today, is that right?" Zhu Cui confirmed gently.
"Yes, thank you so much, Ms. Zhucui!" Qin Yue nodded excitedly, while fixing her phone on the stand and adjusting the angle to ensure that the fans in the live stream could clearly see the whole process.
"Babies, here's a treat! Get up close and personal with a master makeup artist's technique demonstration!" Qin Yue whispered to the camera, "Teacher Zhu Cui is a hairstylist that many film crews can't even book these days, so you should all learn from her."
First, the makeup artist did Qin Yue's makeup. This makeup artist was someone Zhu Cui had met on set. Knowing that she had a good reputation, Zhu Cui poached her when she set up her studio. Filming in Qinghe Ancient Town didn't require staying up all night or working irregular hours, so Qin Yue agreed without much hesitation.
A simple Tang Dynasty makeup look is not complicated for an experienced makeup artist like her; it was done in forty minutes. Next, it's time to see Zhu Cui.
“You’re suited to the Jinghong bun hairstyle; you’d definitely look beautiful with it,” she said with a smile.
Qin Yue had no objections. She was just a food blogger and had no knowledge of these things: "I'll listen to you, teacher. I'm handing my head over to you today. You can do whatever you want with it."
Everyone laughed.
Zhu Cui selected a large number of hair extensions and hair buns, which she cleverly combined with Qin Yue's real hair. She first gathered Qin Yue's hair up and made a high bun base, then layered the hair extensions on top of each other, combing them into a gorgeous and stunning bun.
Next, she selected several gold-inlaid jade hairpins, pearl flowers, and an exquisite comb, carefully inserting them into her hair bun. Every step was precise, ensuring the bun was both secure and graceful.
As the last gold hairpin was inserted into the hair bun, Zhu Cui gently adjusted the position of the hair ornament's dangling beads, and the entire look was finally completed.
The whole process took only twenty minutes.
"Alright." Zhu Cui picked up a handheld bronze mirror and placed it behind Qin Yue's head, gesturing for her to look in the mirror in front of her.
Qin Yue looked up at herself in the mirror and instantly held her breath.
The woman in the mirror had a face like a silver plate, eyebrows like distant mountains, and lips like cherries. A dazzling floral adornment adorned her forehead, and her high-piled hair was adorned with gold and jade hairpins that trembled slightly with her breath, shimmering with light. She was a beauty straight out of a Tang Dynasty painting of court ladies!
"My God..." Qin Yue couldn't help but exclaim, almost not recognizing herself.
The live stream room completely exploded:
【Ahhhhh! Your Highness, the Imperial Concubine!】
Wow, this is practically a head transplant! It looks amazing!
[Does the teacher need a keychain? Like, just a head? I'll send you mine.]
I understood each step individually, but putting them together is magic. My eyes tell me I know it, but my hands tell me, no, you don't.
How does this hairstyle even stand up? It looks like it could withstand a Force 10 gale, haha, but it's so natural! I had a similar hairstyle done for a photoshoot before, and it just looked fake.
[In response to the comment above, that's because ordinary photo studios only use wigs, so they look fake. But Ms. Zhu Cui used a lot of her own real hair, which looks much more natural. Nowadays, TV dramas aren't that particular, except for those with high production costs.]
[Does the teacher accept apprentices? I really want to learn.]
Qin Yue relayed this to Zhu Cui. She had only meant it as a joke, but to her surprise, Zhu Cui paused and replied very seriously:
"Yes, our vocational school in Qinghe Ancient Town will be recruiting students in May or June this year. They offer a traditional makeup and hair styling major. If you really want to learn, you can keep an eye out for it then."
Qin Yue was taken aback: "Really?"
“Really.” Zhu Cui said with a smile, “I’d also like to give a shout-out to everyone. We welcome everyone to sign up. It won’t just be makeup and styling; there will be many other majors, such as textiles, embroidery, woodworking, and so on, all related to traditional crafts.”
Promotional activities for this school have already begun, but they are currently just preliminary, so not many people know about them yet.
"That's wonderful!" Qin Yue exclaimed with delight. "I think it's a good idea to learn a skill now. It's in high demand, and you don't have to worry about AI taking your job."
She had originally intended to interact with the comments section on this topic, and it seemed that everyone felt the same way, but after checking the time, she immediately jumped up: "It's almost six o'clock, I have to rush to catch the boat."
Zhu Cui hurriedly said, "Then Miss Qin, please go quickly. There are also boats going from the pier in District 5."
Qin Yue thanked Zhu Cui repeatedly. Even in such a hurry, she didn't forget to look back at herself in the mirror and admire herself for a while before quickly lifting her skirt and rushing to the dock in District 5.
In early March, at six o'clock in the afternoon, the sky over Jiangnan was still tinged with a hazy blue-gray hue before the sunlight had completely faded.
The ancient town's blue tiles and white walls, having lost their daytime brightness, appear tranquil and gentle in the approaching twilight. Under the eaves and beside the stone bridges, antique-style palace lanterns light up one after another, spreading out warm yellow halos that intertwine with the light night mist rising on the water, as if draping the entire ancient town in a veil.
Pier No. 5 is no longer as busy as it is during the day. At this moment, several exquisitely decorated wooden pleasure boats are moored, with lanterns hanging on their sides, reflecting the water near the boats and creating a shimmering, warm glow.
When Qin Yue arrived at the dock, she found that there were many guests dressed in their finest attire. Everyone was wearing Hanfu as required by the invitation, and most of them, especially the girls, had a complete set of makeup and styling done. The air was filled with the fragrance of clothes and the laughter of guests.
Some ordinary tourists nearby watched them curiously, and when they learned that they were on their way to the Hua'e Xianghui Tower for a banquet, they found it both interesting and amusing, and many even asked to take photos with them. Qin Yue's makeup and styling were exquisite and gorgeous, naturally attracting a lot of praise.
"Please show me the invitation."
Qin Yue hurriedly handed over the gold-flecked invitation she had exchanged upon entering the ancient town. After the staff verified that everything was correct, they led her onto a painted boat that was about to leave the shore.
She was inexplicably excited, and so were the fans in the comments section.
[It feels so real, like going to a grand banquet in ancient times.]
Everyone looks so beautiful!
I wonder what the banquet itself will be like; I hope it will be wonderful.
The pleasure boat sailed smoothly away from the dock, heading towards the increasingly radiant pavilion in the center of the lake.
Qin Yue leaned against the gunwale, the evening breeze carrying moisture brushing against her cheeks, exceptionally cool and comfortable. She looked around and saw that from different docks in the ancient town, painted boats with the same lanterns were slowly drifting out, like bright pearls scattered on a black jade plate, all heading in the same direction—to the Hua'e Xianghui Tower in the center of the lake, which had become the absolute visual focus.
The Milky Way is in the sky, and the Pearl River is on the ground.
As the painted boat drew closer, the full view of the Hua'e Xianghui Tower became increasingly clear and breathtaking. The entire pavilion seemed illuminated by countless glittering pearls, outlining its majestic and beautiful silhouette. Flying eaves, brackets, columns, railings... the entire building, in the night, resembled a jade palace, shimmering with light and reflected on the smooth, mirror-like lake surface, forming a symmetrical, dreamlike, and magnificent spectacle.
Even more wonderfully, the melodious sounds of traditional Chinese string and wind instruments drifted through the water. The clear and melodious music, carried on the evening breeze, reached the ears of every guest, as if taking them a step ahead and transporting them to that glorious and romantic era.
The painted boat cleaved through the calm water, oars creaking softly, lanterns swaying, carrying a boat full of expectant people, heading towards that brightly lit, ethereal waterside paradise.
This leisurely journey won't take much time, only five or six minutes.
The ship glided gracefully to the specially designated dock. The moment Qin Yue stepped onto the brocade-covered gangplank, the sounds of string and wind instruments suddenly became clearer and fuller, mingled with faint laughter and cheerful chatter. Before she could even properly examine the magnificent palace so close before her, a clear and melodious voice pierced the night:
"Distinguished guest has arrived!"
The voice came from a handsome man dressed in a crimson round-necked robe and a turban, resembling a Tang Dynasty official. He was all smiles and elegant in demeanor, bowing respectfully to the guests disembarking, then stepping aside to lead the way: "Distinguished guests, this way please!"
Qin Yue could hear excited whispers around her:
Wow, so handsome!
"I feel like I've traveled through time."
She looked back and saw the lake under the night sky, the water gently surging and kissing the steps in front of the palace. Turning her head again, she saw buildings in the lake that looked like a fairy palace, and for a moment she felt as if she had entered a magnificent dream.
The crowd was divided into two groups: those who had already done their makeup and styling according to the invitation and could enter the building directly, and those who had not done their styling and followed the "maids" to a small building on the side to change clothes.
Qin Yue belonged to the former group. She followed the flow of people and entered the main hall of the Hua'e Xianghui Tower.
"Wow!" Her eyes suddenly became quite busy.
"I simply don't know where to look," she whispered to her fans in the live stream. "Everything is so exquisite, I can't keep up, it's exhausting."
The live stream chat was flooded with messages:
"Then come back, I'm willing to take the blame for you!"
Qin Yue chuckled and stopped Versailles.
She looked around and began to take a serious look at the legendary Hua'e Xianghui Tower. According to Lu Xiaoqi, it was a complete replica based on ancient books, only half the size.
The interior of the hall was extremely spacious and brightly lit. Several layers of gauze curtains hung gently from the high dome, swaying slightly in a breeze that seemed to come from nowhere. The painted beams and pillars were splendid, and the coffered ceiling was magnificent.
Instead of modern tables and chairs, the hall features dozens of low dining tables arranged in an ancient style, each with a brocade cushion behind it. The tables are arranged in an ingenious layout, ensuring a good view for each guest while creating an intimate, enclosed dining atmosphere.
The second and third floors are all open-plan private rooms, offering panoramic views of the main hall.
A maid with her hair styled in double buns and wearing a pale yellow ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) greeted her with a smile, curtsied slightly, and said in a clear voice, "May I ask your honorable surname, madam? This servant will guide you to your seat."
Qin Yue gave her name, and the maid, who clearly had a list, quickly and accurately guided her to a private room on the second floor with an excellent location. Exquisite celadon tableware and a glass cup were already set on the table, and a round fan and a budding peony were thoughtfully placed beside them.
Following the maid's instructions, Qin Yue knelt down on the brocade cushion—fortunately, the cushion was soft and thick, so it wasn't uncomfortable.
There weren't many people in the small private room, only three or four tables, all leaning against the railing. Qin Yue looked out from the railing and saw that the building was brightly lit, with several magnificent lamp stands and tallow candles burning; in the corner stood a gilded Boshan incense burner, with mythical beasts appearing among the layered mountains on its body, and wisps of green smoke overflowing from the hollowed-out top of the burner, filling the entire space with a cool yet warm atmosphere.
Looking up, you can see layers of brackets supporting the dome, with a huge glass mirror embedded in the center of the dome, reflecting all the lights and shadows of the singing and dancing below. The reflections then fall onto the surrounding walls, making it seem as if the entire pavilion is flowing in light and shadow.
Many of the earlier guests were already seated behind the tables, all dressed in Hanfu, impeccably dressed, chatting quietly and laughing, blending seamlessly with the NPCs playing the roles of scholars, musicians, and singers. For a moment, it was impossible to distinguish who was the guest and who was the "host," together forming a vivid picture of a grand banquet in a prosperous era.
"I really feel like I've traveled back to the Tang Dynasty," Qin Yue couldn't help but exclaim.
She told her fans that this place was a high-priced replica of the ancient Hua'e Xianghui Tower, but some fans didn't believe her, thinking that no matter how well it was replicated, it would inevitably be influenced by some modern elements.
Qin Yue, of course, trusted Lu Xiaoqi and immediately slammed her hand on the table: "Alright, let's play a game of spot the difference. Whoever finds any modern items or decorations, I'll pay for you to come and play. I'll buy you the most expensive seats, okay?"
Fans were eager to see what was going on and were determined to use their sharp eyes.
Take a look at the wall.
Qin Yue approached the wall and pushed her phone camera towards it. A huge mural adorned the wall, depicting elegant ladies in flowing robes, their graceful figures swaying in the wind, holding round fans. Bathed in soft light and shadow, they appeared even more lively and graceful, as if they might step out of the painting at any moment to join the lively banquet.
Even the bronze crane-shaped lamp in the corner is cast so lifelike that the crane's beak is delicately held in the lamp, echoing the palace lanterns hanging on the lamp racks throughout the hall.
[Wait! The anchor's camera is focused on the palace lantern on the right! Zoom in!]
A comment suddenly popped up.
Qin Yue focused the camera on it as instructed. It was a hexagonal palace lantern. The lamp stand appeared to be made of polished hardwood, and the lampshade was not ordinary paper or a modern imitation, but a thin, gossamer-like silk, on which were delicately painted floral and bird patterns. Light shone from within, soft and warm, and the texture of the silk was faintly visible in the light, full of an antique feel.
[This lamp...it really looks like it's made of silk? Not plastic or paper? And the wooden frame doesn't use screws?! It's made of mortise and tenon joints?!]
While everyone was still marveling at the lights, Qin Yue zoomed the camera back onto the wall.
"Never mind that lamp for now, let me show you this. I'm telling you, I'm going to win today!" she said triumphantly. "You know I studied fine arts in college, right? Well, I also have a little bit of knowledge about ancient murals. I even went to Shanxi Province for a study tour. Look at the colors in the murals."
Qin Yue pressed the camera close to the mural, where large swaths of azurite and malachite green on the skirts of the ladies in the painting had a calm and warm luster. Under the light, they presented a subtle crystalline texture and a unique warm luster, which complemented the red of the surrounding cinnabar and the gold of the gold leaf, creating an exceptionally rich color palette.
"See that?" She raised her chin and said confidently, "This texture is definitely from ground mineral pigments. This kind of pigment was used in ancient times."
Some discerning viewers in the comments section also commented—
I've seen this effect before at a museum exhibition of replicas of Dunhuang murals! Modern chemical pigments simply can't replicate this sedimented texture.
[And there's gold leaf! That must be real gold leaf, right? The edges have thickness and a subtle textured feel! It's not gold powder or printing!]
[I'm speechless... This cost is way too high! Is the boss mining cryptocurrency?]
Qin Yue looked at the comments and smiled smugly: "How about it? Are you convinced or not? I told you the owner of the ancient town is a detail-oriented person! Even the paint on the murals is a replica of the ancient ones, not to mention the rest. So, you guys won't be able to make money off me today, hahaha."
The screen was instantly flooded with exclamations of amazement, and the fans who had initially been determined to find fault were all impressed by the exquisite details of the restoration.
[It seems they really spent a lot of money on the restoration; it's amazing.]
I was initially a little worried about the ticket price being too high, but now I feel that the experience alone is worth the price.
Waaah, when I have money, I definitely want to go see the world!
Seeing that everyone was still in high spirits, Qin Yue took her fans on a tour before the banquet started. During the tour, whenever they encountered servants or maids in the building, they would greet her with ancient greetings.
Qin Yue's flustered return of the greeting made the fans burst into laughter.
[Xiaoyue, if you lived in ancient times, you would definitely be punished for a serious offense of disrespect!]
On her way back to her private room, she passed by a semi-open private room separated by a gauze screen.
Several scholars, dressed in wide robes and with their headscarves slightly askew, could be vaguely seen sitting together. On the table in front of them, besides exquisite wine and dishes, there were also writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones scattered about.
One of them loudly recited, "A golden goblet of fine wine costs ten thousand coins, a jade plate of delicacies is worth ten thousand coins! Fine wine! Fine food! Let's drink a big cup!" After saying this, he raised his cup and drank freely, his posture elegant and unrestrained.
Another man clapped his hands and laughed: "Brother Zhang, what a magnanimous spirit! Such a fine day, such a beautiful scene, such a grand gathering and such delicious food, how could we not write poetry? I am but a humble one, and I have only managed to compose a couplet: 'The dew is fresh before the Flower Calyx Tower, and the people of Chang'an live in peace...'"
"Wonderful! Brother Li's words have a touch of optimism!"
One of the men, seemingly slightly tipsy, was wielding a brush on a spread-out sheet of Xuan paper, drawing cheers and applause from several onlookers. Maids moved among them, smiling as they filled their wine cups, while in one corner, a musician played the pipa. The whole scene resembled a meticulously arranged yet naturally vivid live-action version of the "Night Banquet of Han Xizai."
Qin Yue stared intently, then lowered her voice and said to the viewers in the live stream, "Look, look! I think these should be NPCs."
Holy crap! This is a truly immersive experience!
[How funny! Haha, that guy reciting poetry has such great expressions, he's definitely a veteran actor!]
[They even had a live calligraphy session? That's some serious professionalism!]
[I'm so envious! This isn't just a meal; it's like stepping into the Tang Dynasty! This is exactly what I imagined a grand Tang Dynasty feast to be like.]
Seeing the live stream filled with "hahaha" and "envy" comments, Qin Yue found it extremely amusing.
As time passed, she returned to her seat.
At exactly seven o'clock, the hall and the private rooms upstairs seemed to be filled with guests, their elegant attire and soft laughter creating a lively yet quiet atmosphere. At this moment, the music that had been playing in the background suddenly changed its melody, becoming more solemn and grand, and the volume increased slightly, clearly reaching everyone's ears.
At the same time, most of the main lights in the hall were quietly turned off, leaving only the small palace lanterns on each dining table and the scattered lamps in the wall niches emitting a soft glow, enveloping the entire space in a tranquil and expectant atmosphere. The light focused on the empty area at the front of the hall and the main seat in the center of the second floor.
The sudden change in light and darkness instantly silenced the once bustling building. All the guests involuntarily stopped talking and turned their gazes to the spot where the light converged.
A middle-aged man, dressed in a scarlet round-necked official robe and possessing an extraordinary air, slowly walked to the second-floor balustrade. His face was lean and refined, his eyes clear and bright, and he held a scroll of silk in his hand. He first calmly bowed to the guests on all sides, then unrolled the scroll and, in a clear, resonant tone with a unique ancient charm, proclaimed:
"The auspicious time has arrived—"
"Welcome, distinguished guests, to this magnificent event! Tonight, let us cast aside worldly affairs and revel in the splendor of the Tang Dynasty!"
May the music be melodious, the dances graceful, the food delicious, and the wine soothing!
"The feast begins!"
Before the last note of the word "启" had even faded, a deep and resonant chime of bells rang out from the direction of the musicians. Immediately afterwards, the pipa, konghou, and sheng and xiao played together, creating a magnificent opening movement full of courtly atmosphere.
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