Chapter 19: New Play Script
Gong Changan was speaking with someone when he heard Feng Tianzhu calling for him, so he walked over with great composure.
Feng Tianzhu, spoiled rotten, rudely asked, “You grew up in the countryside, do you think you’re fit to play with me?”
Such a question was utterly inappropriate, but Gong Changan was not angered at all. “My household is hosting guests today, and I am the host, so I must entertain them properly. What does the Heir Apparent wish to play?”
“I doubt you have anything fun here,” Feng Tianzhu said disdainfully. “Every time I come, you just bring out a few dim sum and fruits, and we walk around.”
The Duke Feng’s Family provided him with the best of everything, and to please him, the people in the mansion searched everywhere for new toys.
He had seen and played with so many things that he no longer cared for ordinary items, hence his frequent utterance of “boring.”
“I have a couple of things, if the Heir Apparent doesn’t mind taking a look,” Gong Changan said.
“Cherries, watch closely, Heir Apparent,” Wu Shi instructed the maid specifically assigned to Feng Tianzhu.
“Yes, Little Madam,” the maid replied and quickly followed.
“Changan, accompany the Heir Apparent well, and do not be mischievous or willful,” Wen Mingqian cautioned, giving Gong Changan a deep look.
Gong Changan responded, “Mother, rest assured, your son understands.”
“Why haven’t I seen Concubine Song?” Marchioness Changrong Yu Shi asked. “Is she busy in the back?”
“Concubine Song returned to her maternal home these past few days. Her sister-in-law is about to give birth, and she doesn’t have anyone close by,” Wen Mingqian replied with a smile. “She will be back in a few days.”
She then inquired further, “Why hasn’t Fourth Miss come today?”
“Alas! This child has developed peach blossom tinea on her face and dislikes seeing people!” Yu Shi said. “It happens every spring; everyone else has recovered, but she hasn’t.”
“Has she applied any saltpeter?” someone immediately asked.
“Of course, she has, but it doesn’t seem to work,” Yu Shi said. “This child is strange; things that work for others are ineffective for her. She’s tried several different remedies, and it’s still itchy.”
“It’s a pity Liu Qiniang is no longer here,” Marchioness Jiangxia Qian Shi said. “If she were, this minor ailment would be a trivial matter?”
“Indeed. Ever since Liu Qiniang left the Capital City, there has been no news of her,” everyone said with regret. “The face cream, face powder, rouge, and medicated powder she made were truly incredibly effective, but sadly, they can no longer be bought.”
“She has been away from the Capital City for over ten years, and in all these years, no one has emerged who could match her skill.”
The Capital City is full of extraordinary people, and Liu Qiniang was one such rare individual.
She was originally an incense official, inheriting the art of incense making. Later, building upon her original craft, she researched many cosmetics that women adored.
Everything she produced was exquisite and in such high demand that it was difficult to obtain.
She was even bestowed the elegant title of “Hand of Rejuvenation,” not for a physician’s miraculous healing, but because her creations could restore a woman’s youthful appearance.
However, over a decade ago, she suddenly disappeared and was never seen again.
Her disappearance became the greatest regret for the noble ladies and young ladies of the Capital City. They did not begrudge money, but it was a pity that no amount of wealth could buy what they desired.
As everyone was sighing, a servant approached to ask Wen Mingqian, “Madam, all the guests have arrived. Can the opera begin?”
Since it was a banquet, they couldn’t let the guests be bored. Wen Mingqian was not very familiar with these people and had little to say, so she had invited a troupe.
Opposite the flower hall was the stage. The plays were chosen in advance, allowing the troupe to prepare costumes and makeup without haste.
“Everyone, I have invited a small opera troupe. Let us first drink tea and listen to the opera, and the feast will begin later,” Wen Mingqian said with a smile to everyone. “There are also a few homemade dim sum, with flavors from Suzhou and Hangzhou.”
Naturally, everyone agreed it was a good idea.
After three or four plays had been performed, the troupe leader said with a smile to Zhang Ma, “Butler Madam, I am truly sorry. Just now, I noticed the costume for the finale, 【Rich and Prosperous Brocade 》, was mixed up with the wardrobe for 【Mandarin Duck Alliance 》. Would it be alright to switch to this one?”
The deputy troupe leader also said, “They are both good play scripts; changing it won’t matter.”
Zhang Ma rolled her eyes and asked, “What kind of story is this 【Mandarin Duck Alliance 》 about? Is it a love story?”
“It’s a story about lovers finally achieving their union and succeeding in their careers,” the troupe leader said. “It is by no means a vulgar play script unsuitable for polite company.”
“Yes, yes! This is a new play our troupe has written and hasn’t officially performed yet! It’s a good omen for your residence to have it performed here today!” the deputy troupe leader urged. “There are specific rules for opera singing; it wouldn’t be good if a play is missed.”
“I cannot make this decision; I must consult with Madam,” Zhang Ma said, going to find Wen Mingqian.
Wen Mingqian walked aside with her and said, “Suddenly saying they want to change the play, I feel something is not quite right.”
“Does Miss fear there’s a trick involved?” Zhang Ma asked.
“We must be cautious. You know, Consort Song doesn’t want us to have an easy time, so why would she give up this good opportunity?” Wen Mingqian said. “Moreover, her early departure is even more suspicious.”
“But if a play is missing, it might not be good,” Zhang Ma said. “People will laugh.”
“How about this! Go and get their play manuscript. I want to see what the play script is actually about,” Wen Mingqian said. “We know the plays originally chosen, but we’ve never heard of this one.”
“Caution is the mother of safety; we cannot be deceived,” Zhang Ma also felt Wen Mingqian’s caution was appropriate.
She walked to the back of the stage and asked the troupe leader, “Madam wants to see the play manuscript for 【Mandarin Duck Alliance 》. Bring it to me.”
The troupe leader hesitated slightly. He hadn’t expected Wen Mingqian to be so meticulous as to want to see the manuscript, but he couldn’t refuse. So, he retrieved it from the costume chest.
Zhang Ma handed it to Wen Mingqian.
Wen Mingqian took the manuscript and read it at a glance. As she read, she couldn’t help but laugh aloud, “So that’s how it is!”
“Did Miss discover something?” Zhang Ma quickly asked.
“Go and call the troupe leader and deputy troupe leader over,” Wen Mingqian said. “I will question them myself.”
“Madam, what are your orders for us two?” the troupe leader and deputy troupe leader asked, bowing subserviently.
Wen Mingqian did not speak. She sat there, opening and closing the manuscript in her hand, her gaze scrutinizing the two men.
“Madam, we are truly sorry. It was our carelessness that we brought the wrong costumes. Please be merciful and let us change the play, will you?” the troupe leader’s face was full of smiles, like a fawning dog begging for food.
“Troupe leader, what is your surname? Where are you from?” Wen Mingqian asked him.
“My surname is Zhao,” the troupe leader said. “I am from Qinghe.”
“Troupe Leader Zhao, have I ever offended you?” Wen Mingqian asked with a smile.
The troupe leader frantically shook his head and said, “No, no, Madam, you are too kind. What happened today was purely an accident.”
“I have read the play manuscript,” Wen Mingqian said, tapping it with her finger. “What wicked intentions you have!”
