Actor: Thank you.

Throughout world history, the act of "kneeling" has given rise to many memorable scenes.

The Kneeling in Warsaw.

Emperor Kangxi kneels at the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum.

King Zhaoxiang of Qin knelt before Fan Ju.

But without exception, these celebrities kneel down in order to win people's hearts and shape their personal image.

It cannot be said that they are insincere, but they also harbor political motives.

Inside Guo Family Cuisine Restaurant today.

Wang Hui had her own reasons for wanting to kneel down.

This person has a "childhood training" background, having been immersed in the world of traditional performing arts since childhood.

She started learning her craft at age 9, debuted on stage at age 13, and became famous in Tianjin at age 14.

He first learned from Mr. Li Shusheng, then from Mr. Luo Yusheng, and finally became a disciple of Bai Yunmeng.

These are all renowned performers of Beijing-style drum ballad singing.

There are six major schools of Beijing-style drum singing: Liu School, Bai School, Zhang School, Luo School, Shaobai School, and Humorous Drum Singing.

Wang Hui alone carries on the traditions of three branches.

Among them, Ms. Luo Yusheng's husband, Zhao Kuiying, was once the chairman of the Tianjin Quyi Association.

In terms of industry connections, Wang Hui's background is a hundred times better than Teacher Guo's!
Therefore, Guo Degang's success is primarily due to the significant contributions of his wife, both in terms of funding and connections.

Secondly, it was Brother Qian's assistance that came into play.

If Teacher Guo is Liu Bang, then Wang Hui is Empress Lü, and Brother Qian is Zhang Liang.

Was Empress Lü an ordinary person?
Wang Hui is not one of them!
What kind of place is Tianjin?
The most prosperous area of ​​Jianghu (江湖, a term referring to the world of martial arts and江湖义气, a code of honor among江湖义

No matter what profession you're in, you can succeed in Tianjin.

Cities that have formed around river and land ports throughout history have all had similar problems.

There are many people, many stories, many emotions, and many cunning minds.

Wang Hui started her career at a young age in the chaotic world of Tianjin's traditional performing arts scene, and became famous in her teens. There's nothing she doesn't understand.

In Tianjin's underworld, there's only one rule: elders kneel before juniors.

It had to be done in public, in front of colleagues.

That puts you in a difficult position, leaving you with no way out.

This kind of behavior is collectively known as "playing the rogue," a tactic used by hooligans to "retreat in order to advance."

It wasn't invented by Wang Hui; it has historical origins.

This tactic has been proven effective time and again throughout history and is very difficult to counter.

It's a conspiracy disguised as an open scheme.

Therefore, Zhang Yuan absolutely cannot let this happen!

Kneeling on both knees means you're done for.

He prepared early, picked up a large crab shell, and started gnawing on it.

Actually, he doesn't like eating this stuff anymore.

If there's meat to eat, who's going to gnaw on the shell?

But the shell is useful.

When Wang Hui was about to kneel, he pretended to be drunk and woken up by the noise, and because he was clumsy, he knocked over the bone plate and bowl in front of him.

The crab shells that were placed to the side "accidentally" slid to Wang Hui's side.

At the same time, the chopsticks "accidentally" flew behind Cao Yunjing.

Now, the scene has become one of Jin Zi kneeling before his master's wife.

Moreover, the premise is that Cao Yunjing made a scene because he felt his income was too low.

This turned out to be the senior apprentice kneeling before his master's wife in order to get a raise.

Now, Zhang Yuan should be "truly" sober.

He stood up from his seat, looked at the two of them, and shouted at the same time.

"Jinzi, why are you kneeling before your master's wife?"

Just like Wang Hui's previous loud howl, she used her dantian energy.

Even if you can't see what's happening inside the private room, you can still hear it.

"I think I just heard something... yellow stalls?"

He swayed and staggered over to the two of them.

At this moment, Zhang Deyan, who had just been "bumped" into, rolled her eyes and tried to pull Cao Yunjing up.

But she found she couldn't pull it.

Upon closer inspection, Zhang Yuan had already arrived, with one hand resting on Jinzi's shoulder.

It was as if a thousand-pound weight had been placed on it, yet it remained completely still.

"Who gave you permission to help him up...?" Zhang Yuan gave the daughter of the old man with the crooked shoulders a "greeting" look.

He can only stand up if I tell him to kneel.

At this moment, both Jinzi on the ground and Wang Hui standing in front of him were sweating profusely.

Cao Yunjing felt a tremendous force on his shoulder and feared that a fist would come down at him in the next second.

Wang Hui was surprised that her move had been broken in the blink of an eye.

Quick-witted, reacted immediately.

Because Zhang Yuan, this "third party," arrived at just the right time.

"Is Guo Family Cuisine going to go bankrupt?"

"It's not that bad, the food is alright."

“Especially with Sister Zhang’s husband in charge, it won’t fall apart.” Zhang Yuan glanced at Zhang Deyan again.

He immediately let go and sat back in his seat.

She sensed a threat in the other person's words.

"What's wrong with you?" Zhang Yuan raised his hand and patted Cao Yunjing's cheek.

The hand on his shoulder loosened, and he immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

"I was late last time I went to the annual meeting of Tianjingdihua."

"I'm telling you to read more books and learn how to be a good person."

Did you see it?

"I'm late again today."

"People cannot stop progressing; they must also understand the principles of things."

At this moment, Sister-in-law Qian asked Brother Qian in a low voice.

What are our brothers doing?

She couldn't understand it; he was drunk just now, so why did he suddenly get up and start scolding his apprentice?

"Shh...don't talk, just watch." Brother Qian patted his wife's hand.

"The Best Actor is acting."

Brother Qian took a sip of wine, picked up a piece of pork knuckle, and lit a cigarette.

I'm fully prepared to watch the drama unfold.

"Master, you must come early for the three major festivals and two birthdays, and bring gifts."

Where is your gift?

"Although your presence makes the master happy, you can't come empty-handed."

Wang Hui wanted to open her mouth.

Who saw him happy?

"Also, even if you feel it's unfair and want a higher salary."

"We can't say it on this day."

"Even if I kneel down for everyone's sake, it's really inappropriate to do this on such a joyous occasion!"

Wang Hui: ...

How did it become that he knelt down for everyone?

But people can talk a big game; they can always come up with something.

You, Wang Hui, know how to use those traditional performing arts tricks, and so do I!

It's nothing more than publicly distorting the truth and manipulating public opinion.

This is a tactic for you, but it's just routine for me.

Which film or television production doesn't need to guide public opinion during its promotion and distribution?

You only have a few people under you, and most of them are still greenhorns.

I have several award-winning actors and actresses on my side, and they still obediently follow orders.

"Get up!" Zhang Yuan shouted.

Jinzi felt a buzzing in her ears.

But there was no time to catch his breath; he scrambled to his feet from the ground.

"If you ever need anything in the future, go to your master first, or you can contact me privately."

"I can also make half the decision."

Zhang Yuan was speaking to tell everyone.

I'm drunk, not dead.

You think things will fall apart just like that? Even my half of it is going to fall apart?

Did I agree?
"I remember how hard you have worked in teaching your fellow students."

"Performing outside the team has helped them gain recognition and made a contribution."

"Plus, I drank too much and my head wasn't clear."

"Now bow to your master and mistress and apologize."

"Then go home and reflect on your actions!"

After saying that, Zhang Yuan patted Jinzi on the back, not too hard.

But it also made him feel much more clear-headed.

"Hey……"

"Master, mistress, I'm drunk, I'll go back now."

After saying that, he left quickly.

The act of walking, being forced to walk on one's knees, is completely different from walking like this.

"Senior brother." Zhang Yuan approached Teacher Guo.

This person's expression was obviously not good; they looked not only distressed but also embarrassed.

"Huh?" came the hoarse reply.

As the old saying goes, "It is the father's fault if he raises his children without teaching them."

“This child has an arrogant personality; you can’t spoil him anymore.”

Guo Degang: ...

My pot?
"This can't go on."

"We can't just stand by and watch the child behave like this."

"In the end, it was you who fed me step by step, bite by bite."

"I think I should help discipline them."

After Zhang Yuan finished speaking, everyone at the table shrank back.

When you say discipline, do you mean physical discipline?

"It's settled then, and I'll also have a share in the crosstalk club."

"It's my turn to lend a hand."

"Take it easy, don't worry about it, there's a performance later."

"I'll take care of everything."

Zhang Yuan took on all the responsibilities and acted like a partner, leaving the couple with little to say.

The entire venue was under his control.

Back in his seat, Brother Qian looked at him with a smile.

"what happened?"

"nothing."

Brother Qian squinted one eye: "Our team would have collapsed long ago without you."

"You're welcome," Zhang Yuan said, raising his glass in thanks.

"It's gotten even more yellow with you here."

Zhang Yuan: …

"How's Mr. Liu's daughter doing with you lately?" Brother Qian didn't mention what had just happened at all.

"That's good, she's doing very well."

He could tell that Brother Qian was deliberately changing the subject.

To avoid getting blamed on him later.

The performance was about to begin, and the crowd dispersed from Guo's Restaurant.

Go upstairs.

Those who are going to perform change clothes, while those who aren't performing watch others perform backstage or in the corners of the venue.

Zhang Yuan followed him upstairs, sat for a while, and then got up and left.

Arriving at the back alley of Guo's Restaurant, he found Brother Long waiting for him there. Beside him was a tall, thin man whom he had "captured."

It was Cao Yunjing, who had just caused a scene at the birthday banquet.

Zhang Yuan notified Brother Long in advance so that he could intercept the person.

"Come, sit down and talk."

Zhang Yuan found a small step, plopped down, and patted the side next to him.

“I’m fine standing,” Jinzi replied.

"Heh." It seems he has learned manners and sobered up.

"Well then, I'll be frank with you."

"Everyone saw what happened just now."

"I need you to tell me clearly now, do you still want to work in the troupe?"

Jin hesitated and did not answer immediately.

"Let's skip that and move on to the next topic."

“You’ve been traveling around a lot over the past year, so you must have saved up a lot of money.”

"But do you still remember when you were on CCTV's crosstalk competition?"

"Who helped you settle things so you could win the award?"

“It’s you.” He nodded immediately in reply.

"A tree has roots, and water has a source."

"One should never forget one's roots."

“Brother Qian will lend you money to buy a house, so you can call him your godfather.”

“I am not greedy for seniority, but do you remember that I never asked you for anything in return after that?”

"I remember." He was much clearer-headed now.

"Alright, I'll have you sign up today!" Zhang Yuan raised his hand and pointed it at him.

"Let's be frank."

"I know you made such a scene today because you were prepared."

"I've had this idea in my mind for more than just a day or two."

"And you saw what happened just now, especially your master's wife's attitude."

"If you go back to perform again in the future, you'll feel awkward, and the other party won't want to either."

"So, you've actually been planning to pick and choose this order all along, haven't you!"

Jinzi shuddered.

Seen through.

The excuse for all this commotion today is to raise everyone's wages.

He actually knew that even if the price increased further, could it reach the amount of money offered by outsiders?
If the price increases further, will the group give him a share of the profits?
No.

Why is Cao Yunjing the disciple who is most like Master Guo and has received his true teachings?

Because the two not only share artistic similarities, but also have many similarities in personality.

For example, "unwilling to be subordinate to others".

Teacher Guo always says that he wanted to join the mainstream back then, but they wouldn't let him, so he had no choice but to go it alone.

It was forced into existence.

Actually it is not.

Those mainstream people aren't stupid either!

People in the performing arts are all shrewd; they may not know anything else, but they are all masters at manipulating people.

People can tell at a glance that he's not the kind of person who can be honest and obedient.

Even if something becomes mainstream, it will eventually "rebel."

This is innate human nature and cannot be changed.

Cao Yunjing is the same; he's very capable.

He was particularly interested in taking on freelance work after discovering that he could do so.

In fact, they had been secretly contacting each other for a while, discussing the possibility of going solo with many of their fellow apprentices in the group.

However, everyone else remained silent, and only he jumped out to take the lead.

You may be arrogant, but he's not the cunning one.

At the dinner table, the eldest brother, He Yunwei, who had been keeping quiet all along while his eyes darted around, was the real "master."

This person contacted Jinzi privately.

He openly expressed his loyalty to his master and mistress.

Not finished yet.

Behind both sides' backs, he also secretly colluded with the Imperial TV Station.

They left themselves plenty of options.

This guy is very clear about the conflict between the Imperial TV Station and his master.

But the more they do this, the better they can "sell themselves for a good price".

Too "clever".

Zhang Yuan had no interest in even trying to win over someone like that.

What's the difference between keeping him by your side and taking Lu Bu as your godson?

Furthermore, with Mr. Zhang Wenshun gone, Li Jing, who was originally part of the trio, gradually drifted away without the old man's restraint.

Li Jing is He Yunwei's partner.

So don't be fooled by the seemingly thriving crosstalk club; beneath the surface, there are actually undercurrents.

When a master teaches a disciple, the disciple learns more than just skills through observation and exposure.

And also the way of handling things.

Teacher Guo's personality flaws were too obvious, which affected many of his apprentices.

"Uncle-Master, I..." Jinzi panicked.

The other party knew that I wanted to go solo, and that they were a partner in the crosstalk troupe.

Now they've got my bodyguards holding me... I'm doomed!

But he never considered who had helped him resolve the situation in the private room.

"Don't rush, let me finish."

Zhang Yuan took out a cigarette and tossed one to the other person.

"The art of crosstalk almost died out."

"Your mentor, Teacher Guo, made this industry famous."

"That's why we have today's prosperity and why small theaters can sell tickets."

"From this perspective, he has made contributions to the crosstalk industry."

"And no matter what, he is still your mentor."

"If you completely turn against us today, you will carry the stain of betraying your sect for the rest of your life."

"They still betrayed the people who saved crosstalk."

"I told you to read more books, but you didn't, and this is the result."

“Your master imparted knowledge and skills to you, and I will now answer your questions.”

"When doing anything, you must have a legitimate reason for doing it."

“Namelessness is not justice.”

"Injustice cannot be brought to the table."

"Now I'm asking you, if you want to go solo, how do you do it to get ahead?"

"Only by upholding justice can one avoid being gossiped about?"

Cao Yunjing didn't think that far ahead; all he cared about right now was money.

I want to make a lot of money.

They've become famous, they've gotten carried away, and at this stage, they're blinded by greed.

When they think they've succeeded, arrogance blinds them.

Naturally, they wouldn't consider that much.

So after thinking for a while, he shook his head, still flustered.

But then, Zhang Yuan said something that he never expected.

Jinzi then saw this senior martial uncle point at himself.

"If I help you up, you'll have a legitimate reason to do so!"

It's certain that we can't go back.

He can stop it today, but he can't stop it forever.

If he's not around, Wang Hui can kneel down again, and she'll still be finished.

Jinzi had always thought that this uncle and master were on the same side, since they were fellow disciples.

But Zhang Yuan never said that.

Although he owns shares, 99% of the entire crosstalk troupe belongs to Mr. Guo and his wife.

Having power without connections is equivalent to having no power at all.

What if she kneels down to me again someday?
Therefore, he needs a force to check and balance him.

He kept waiting, waiting for the gold to "rebel".

Now that the time has come, what he needs to do is quite simple.

First, ease the tension between Cao Yunjing and his master, so that Mr. and Mrs. Guo cannot label him as a "clean-up" (referring to someone who has broken away from the family).

In this way, he could step forward and support the other party in starting their own business under the guise of "disciplining and helping his apprentices".

This way, the two sides remain connected, allowing one to control both sides.

Moreover, after he calmed things down and with his support, Jinzi was able to openly and legitimately ask his junior brother to "jump ship".

Zhang Yuan's goal is to dismantle the crosstalk club to a certain extent.

Guo and Yu are undoubtedly the main force.

However, after the division of forces, with his own support, the other apprentices will also have an extra "way out".

He went from being "unmanned" to being "manned".

Moreover, it allows for more people to be present anytime, anywhere.

Teacher Guo couldn't afford to turn against him.

Having already fallen out with the Hou family, if we fall out with them again, who will be the one "betraying the sect"?
Moreover, I am also a council member of the Chinese Quyi Artists Association.

Now, Wang Hui has been outmaneuvered by Cao Yunjing; instead, he's outmaneuvered her.

I'm a soft-hearted person, and Cao Yunjing is a junior I've watched grow up. I can't bear to let him go out and suffer.

So please take care of me, that shouldn't be a problem, right?

We can't just watch our children starve to death.

I'm still too kind.

Although Cao Yunjing is still a bit behind now, things are changing for the better.

And most importantly, Cao Yunjing and Guo Qilin's biological mother are distant relatives.

Zhang Yuan is essentially investing in the "princelings".

This is not a tactical issue, it is a strategic issue.

"Did you understand?" Zhang Yuan extinguished his cigarette and looked at Jinzi, who was still smoking but had barely taken a few puffs due to fear.

The other person shook his head.

"Then you don't need to understand."

"I'll arrange it for you."

"Wait outside your master's house first thing tomorrow morning."

"Go and apologize for what happened today, bringing a gift with you."

"I'll take care of the rest."

After Zhang Yuan finished speaking, he waved his hand.

Cao Yunjing hurriedly left, his mind in turmoil.

I thought about it all night after I got home, but I still couldn't figure it out.

Zhang Yuan, on the other hand, returned to the second-floor theater.

He had been gone for a long time, and it was already the end of the performance.

Teacher Guo is on stage for an encore, singing the famous Peking Opera excerpt "Weiyang Palace".

This passage is also known as "The Execution of Han Xin".

The story tells of Liu Bang's campaign against Chen Xi, during which Empress Lü, acting as regent, conspired with Xiao He to lure Han Xin into Weiyang Palace and kill him.

"Hehe..." Zhang Yuan looked on and laughed.

At this moment, just as at that moment.

The performance in the private room just now was "Weiyang Palace".

Liu Bang, Empress Lü, and Han Xin are all here.

Liu Bang and Empress Lü never expected that just as they were about to execute Han Xin, they heard that Xiang Yu had gathered all the fragments and resurrected!

Not only was he resurrected, but he also single-handedly broke into Weiyang Palace and was rescued by Han Xin.

Question: What was Guo Jingming's state of mind when she sang "Weiyang Palace" at this moment?

A: I don't know whether to laugh or cry. (End of Chapter)