Emperor Xuanzong of Tang enjoyed the Rainbow Robe Banquet, but Yang Guifei's soul perished in the Fish-Sun Incident. Guests from the capital led them to the Moon Palace, where the Weaver Girl and her star-crossed vows were witnessed in the Hall of Eternal Life.
As the opera progressed, Yan Ning realized it was telling the story of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and Yang Guifei. The Kunqu opera's singing was magnificent and melodious, its recitation elegant, its performance delicate, and its dance graceful; the celestial female lead could descend from the second floor, and the stage setting was perfect. Yan Ning was gradually drawn in by all of this.
"A hundred years of separation in an instant, a generation of beauty gave her all for her lord." When Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei embraced and wept at Mawei Slope, Yan Ning also wept bitterly. Even the mighty emperor could not compare to the sorrow of Yang Guifei's fate. Yang Guifei willingly committed suicide for Emperor Xuanzong, and Emperor Xuanzong abdicated the throne because of his longing for her.
"The wind ripples, the shadows are fleeting, alas, who will guide me on the road ahead? Life and death, separation, both are distant and uncertain; the person is gone, the love remains, the hatred is endless." The spirit of Yang Guifei, filled with sorrow and longing, tugged at Yan Ning's emotions, and downstairs, everyone was already weeping. Yan Ning collapsed at her desk, weeping for Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, and for her own unfulfilled love affair with Fukang'an.
Heshen stepped down from the stage, removed his female role costume, and changed into a deep purple-red round-necked robe, over which was a royal blue double-breasted jacket. The jade inlaid in his cap gleamed. Heshen folded his fan and gave a slight bow to the male role performer, saying, "Thank you for your hospitality, Boss Hui, which allowed me, Heshen, to perform on stage!"
Huifeng bowed slightly to Heshen as well. "It is an honor for us actors to perform on stage at such a high position, Your Excellency. If Your Excellency did not perform well, then where would this deafening crying from the audience come from?" Huifeng lifted the curtain of the backstage and looked at Heshen as he pointed to the audience.
Heshen opened his folding fan, patted his chest lightly, and went upstairs to find Yan Ning. Upon entering the room, he saw a group of servants helplessly watching Yan Ning weeping at her desk. Heshen walked over, sat down beside Yan Ning, folded his fan, and gently waved it. Liu Quan then led the others out.
"It's just a play, why are you so moved, young lady?" Heshen fiddled with the tassel of his fan and glanced at Yan Ning's reaction.
"This isn't a play; it's a true love story, a tragedy for two lovers." Yan Ning didn't get up; she remained sobbing, her face buried in her arms on the table.
Heshen was at a loss for words as Yan Ning cried. He gently stroked her jet-black hair and wiped away her tears. "Today is only the first half. Tomorrow, we will perform Emperor Xuanzong and Consort Yang becoming husband and wife in the Heavenly Palace, free from the pain of separation." Heshen looked at Yan Ning with his crescent-shaped eyes.
"Really?" Yan Ning also realized that she had just lost control of her emotions. It wasn't entirely for Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, but more for herself and Fukang'an. She lowered her head and wiped away her tears.
After leaving the theater, Yan Ning, her earlier sadness gone, looked at the refined and handsome Heshen before her. Recalling her impression of Heshen, she said, "Aren't you afraid that in the eyes of future generations you'll be a round-headed, fat-eared, ignorant, and treacherous villain?" As soon as the words left her mouth, Yan Ning regretted them. She didn't know him well, nor did she know his true nature. In the TV dramas, he was a vengeful and cunning man. If that were true, wouldn't she be in deep trouble? Not only would she not be able to go back, but she might even lose her life here.
After a moment of stunned silence, Heshen closed his folding fan and burst into laughter. "While I may not be able to govern the country and bring peace to the world through martial arts, nor can I compare to the learned scholars of the court, I am still capable in both. Why do you say that, young lady? Or do you think I have a round head, fat ears, and an ugly appearance?"
Yan Ning breathed a sigh of relief, thankfully he wasn't angry. "Was that Yang Guifei you dressed up? How could a court official like you know these things?"
Seeing that Yan Ning suddenly changed the subject, He Shen did not press her further and replied, "I was just humming a few lines when I had nothing else to do. Today, I only wanted to make you smile, but I never expected to make you sad and distressed. It is my fault."
Before Yan Ning could speak, a man dressed in a gray-green satin robe embroidered with circular floral patterns walked towards them. Upon seeing Heshen, he bowed slightly and said, "Lord Heshen, what brings you to such a refined taste, accompanying this humble lady on a leisurely stroll?" As he spoke, he glanced at Yan Ning and exclaimed in amazement, "Truly a beauty that could topple kingdoms!"
Heshen ignored what the man said, helped him fasten the button on his shirt that was undone, and said with concern, "Winter is coming soon, wear more clothes!" The man's eyes showed a hint of emotion, and he replied with a smile, "I know."
Yan Ning knew that the person who came had misunderstood her relationship with Heshen. She took a few quick steps forward, picked up a lotus hairpin from a nearby stall, and stared blankly at it. It was exactly the same as the one that Fukang'an had prepared for her when she was in the military camp.
"Does the young lady like lotus flowers?" After parting ways with the man from before, Heshen walked to Yan Ning's side, took the lotus flower hairpin from her hand, and prepared to pay.
"I don't like it, I prefer lilies!" Yan Ning quickly snatched back the lotus hairpin that He Shen had taken. "I want to go back."
"Alright, then I'll escort the young lady back."
After arriving at the Fu residence, Yan Ning watched the departing carriage. She had originally thought that Heshen was going to question Fengshen Yinde about the princess, but it turned out that he was just inviting her to watch a show. Could it be that Heshen was not as treacherous and cunning as recorded in history books?
"Miss, you're back." Zhu Xiang greeted Yan Ning as she entered the courtyard and took the things from Yan Ning's hands.
"Zhuxiang, where is everyone in the house? Why are only you and Meixiang here?" Yan Ning sat on a bamboo chair under the plum tree in Liuxiang Garden, only seeing Zhuxiang beside her and Meixiang busy in the house.
Zhu Xiang poured Yan Ning a cup of tea, handed it to her, and said, "The others have all been summoned back to the manor because of some business."
"Has something happened to Fukang'an?" Yan Ning exclaimed in surprise, dropping the purple clay cup in her hand to the ground.
"Don't worry, young lady. If something had happened to the general, Zhao Xing would have come to tell you long ago." Zhu Xiang picked up the purple clay cup and poured tea for Yan Ning.
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