I was forced to cultivate immortality when I just wanted to lie down

Chapter 277 The Cicada's Final Song, Winter is Coming

On the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, the wind disperses the cicadas' song, and autumn arrives in ten thousand trees.

Today, Linjiang County was exceptionally lively. County Magistrate Chen led a group of wealthy merchants, gentry, and celebrities to the City God Temple to observe and worship.

The Liyuan Opera House built two stages in total. One was located at Caishikou in the north of the city, on the wide platform of the execution ground. The other was located outside the City God Temple in the south of the city, which enshrined the Eight Banners Marshals. This way, the people in both the north and south could be taken care of.

Chen Guangrui initially thought the charity performance at the opera house might be lively, but he didn't expect it to be even more lively than the Baishui Temple Fair in Tianjin.

In the past few days, not only people from the county, but also people from Tianjin Prefecture and other counties have come over.

"During the charity performance, I hope you will pay attention to the city's defenses. If there are not enough constables, you can ask Wu Tingwei to help. If you can get the garrison to help with the defenses, that would be even better."

Now, recalling what Xu Qing had said, Chen Guangrui realized that what the other party said was the truth, without any exaggeration.

But how did Xu Qing manage to make the small theater in Linjiang County so famous? It can't really be just because of charity performances and free eggs that so many people come to visit, right?

At this moment, Xu Qing, the instigator, was watching the excitement in front of the stage at Caishikou.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, there were only some warm-up plays. There were no plays featuring the Overlord or the Eight Banners Marshals. Xu Qing didn't have to take the stage himself, so he was able to relax and be a spectator for once.

Not far from the stage, Guo Dongyang, who had come from Tianjin, had just gotten off his carriage when many people from Tianjin came up to greet him.

In the entire Tianjin area, the most famous storyteller in recent years is undoubtedly Mr. Dongyang. Many people from Tianjin are willing to travel a long way because of the rumors they heard from Guo Dongyang about Boss Liu's divine voice.

Many people at this point still don't know what hype is, let alone that Guo Dongyang is an extra hired by Xu Qing.

Only rebel groups like the Cangyi Gang know a thing or two about it, but they can't be considered experts.

There are two types of hype: one is fake goods that lack real ability and are just putting on a show, and the other is genuine goods that have real substance and are just waiting for a little wind or a fan to take off.

Those who hide their true abilities and lack real skills can become popular for a while through hype, let alone extraordinary people with real skills and unique talents!
Tianjin is full of extraordinary people, but those who are good at self-promotion and have real talent are few and far between.

Xu Qing started building momentum for Boss Liu half a month ago. Now the official seal on the old garden in Xishi, Tianjin has been removed, and the notice to warn the public has been changed to the words "Evil spirits have been eliminated and the residence is safe and secure".

In no time, the story told by Guo Dongyang about Liu Su'e's superb singing skills and her ability to overpower ghosts and gods spread throughout the streets and alleys of Tianjin.

No one could help but believe it, because Liu Su'e had indeed been to the West Market of Tianjin, and according to the brokers, when the land deed for the West Market Theater was sold, Boss Liu was among those who accompanied her to inspect the property.

With official notices posted first, brokerage firms providing confirmation, and Guo Dongyang adding his own embellishments, the uninformed people of Tianjin couldn't help but become curious.

I've heard of monks and Taoist priests exorcising demons and ghosts, but I've never heard of a play that can make ghosts submit and be sent to be reincarnated!

What kind of performer could make even ghosts and gods feel inferior?
The key point is that those ghosts and gods all came from the most famous Pear Fragrance Theater in Tianjin back then.

The reaction to hearing about the public charity performance at the Liyuan Opera House in Linjiang County, led by Liu Su'e, the troupe's star performer, is unimaginable.

Whether you love opera or not, everyone wants to see who this big shot is.

Two weeks ago, before the charity performance even started, the Liyuan Opera House in Linjiang County was almost always packed. Master Chen couldn't stop smiling. However, he also knew that these people were not there to listen to the opera, but to catch a glimpse of the legendary Boss Liu.

Among the guests were many local gentry and noblemen, who were not easy to please. Master Chen wanted to have Liu Su'e come out and meet him, but unfortunately, Liu had long since paid off all the old favors of the theater during her years as a leading lady, and now she had Manager Xu standing behind her.

As for the Pear Garden Opera House, it can only be considered a nominal establishment. If Master Chen wants Boss Liu to perform, it's not something that can be done just like that!

Those who couldn't see Boss Liu felt their curiosity intensify.

Many famous opera enthusiasts even decided that if this Boss Liu didn't have the legendary divine voice, they would definitely ruin her reputation!
If an ordinary actor dares to act so arrogantly and ostentatiously, wouldn't he be digging his own grave and courting death?

"Boss Liu is going to have a tough time getting through this!"

Master Feng was a long-time member of the "playboy" circle and knew their nature. Boss Liu's high expectations would only increase their own.

So even if Boss Liu's singing skills are indeed at the level of a master in Peking Opera, as long as he doesn't break through that constraint and reach the level of a 'celestial voice,' people will always find something wrong with him.

"Brother Xu, aren't you worried?"

Xu Qing was with Xuan Yu and Shi Yue, and on his left was a mischievous child who was chatting with Shi Yue about this and that.

At first, Master Feng thought that Xu Qing had secretly had a child without telling anyone, but after inquiring, he found out that it wasn't like that at all. The little girl, the little maid, and the little kid all belonged to other people's children, and Xu Qing was just taking care of them for them.

Master Feng also had a child with him, a three-year-old boy, born to his goddaughter whom he had taken in a few years ago.

Xu Qing didn't make a judgment. There were too many talented people in Tianjin. As long as people were happy with such things, no one would bother to interfere. Besides, Master Feng had now formally married that girl, and the two were very much in love. Otherwise, Master Feng wouldn't have come to ask him for health-strengthening pills so often.

"What do I have to worry about? Doesn't Second Master know that Boss Liu has been missing for more than half a year?"

"I've heard of that, but wasn't it because Boss Liu was unwell and took leave to recuperate?"

Xu Qing laughed and said, "Boss Liu went to learn from a master and further his studies!"

"The current Boss Liu is not the same as before."

Xu Qing was telling the truth. Although the actors at the West Market Theater were not very kind, they had passed on their real skills to Liu Su'e.

In addition to the influence of the yin energy in the theater, and the blessing of the illusory spirit on Liu Su'e's body, Liu Su'e's voice was also very different from before.

If you don't look at the performers and only listen to the opera singing, it really sounds like it's being sung for ghosts and gods.

If you want to find a second female impersonator in Tianjin who can rival Boss Liu, you'd probably only find the embroiderers from Shuimenqiao.

But the embroiderer was a real ghost.

"Boss Liu, no one can match him anymore."

Before the charity performance rehearsal, Xu Qing listened to Boss Liu practicing his singing by the Tanggu River, and it was truly extraordinary!
"Is it really that powerful?"

Master Feng was skeptical until the opening warm-up scene ended and it was Liu Su'e's turn to come on stage, at which point he was completely convinced.

At this moment, the curtain rises, leaving only one female performer on the stage. The female performer stands there gracefully, her water sleeves swaying gently. Her face is rosy, her eyes are bright, and her breathing is warm. Even before she has uttered a sound, her every move, every smile, is enough to captivate people's hearts.

"Ee-ya-" The show was about to begin. Boss Liu sang his lines, and before the lyrics even came out, he had already given Second Master goosebumps!
Chen Liuer's high ponytail stood up straight!

Xuan Yu bristled with anger, while Shi Yue was completely captivated.

Singing for the spirits and gods to hear—this was no joke after all.

The previously chaotic crowd immediately fell silent.

"I am the Nine Heavens' Goddess of Safe Childbirth and Prosperity"
It governs human pregnancy and childbirth, ensuring the longevity of both mother and child.

Now that we see the devout heart arrive, auspicious light protects the door of goodness!
And look at the believer burning incense and praying for offspring,

Hold a talisman for safe pregnancy and send it to the auspicious time.

To ensure a stable pregnancy for ten months,

"May our child be born to repay the grace of Heaven!"

After Liu Su'e's solo singing, the story officially begins with the first act of "The Story of Protecting the Infant," titled "Sending Off the Unicorn."

This scene, which focuses on the desire for a child, is considered the opening act.

Xu Qing listened with great interest. After one act ended, Xuan Yu, who had come to her senses, eagerly asked, "When will it be my turn?" "You mean Cat God? That'll have to be at the nightclub. With this performance, there will definitely be even more people at the nightclub. After tonight, Xuan Yu will be truly famous!"

“I was already quite famous. In Pingtang Village and Sanshan Township, they even erected a shrine for me and invited me to catch rats every year.”

This cat is easily satisfied. Xu Qing said with a smile, "Once these plays are sung, not only in the village, but perhaps even thousands of miles away, people will be worshipping your memorial tablet."

During the break, the two, a stiff man and a cat, chatted for a while. Grandpa Feng had just returned from buying candied hawthorns for his grandson, and he had bought a few extra skewers, which he distributed to Xu Qing and the others.

"What memorial tablets are you talking about?" Master Feng asked casually.

Xu Qing casually replied, "Of course, the memorial tablets are sold by the coroner's shop. It's their anniversary sale, so they're selling them at half price, practically giving them away for free. Everything is half price."

"."

Xu Qing's words reminded Master Feng of the purpose of today's charity performance by the opera troupe.

The old man subconsciously looked up at the stage and saw a conspicuous red banner stretched from left to right above the dark green curtain, which read: "Sixth Anniversary Celebration of the Opening of the Jinmen Jingxia Street Coroner's Shop".

Not far to the left and right, on top of poles over three zhang long, hung vertical banners that read: "Though the profit is small, the sentiment is profound; with sincere hearts, we help the people and our benefits will last forever."

Below the two vertical banners are two bulletin boards, listing all kinds of funeral services, and even offering value-added services such as ghost plays in addition to the affordable packages.

At night, Caishikou was brightly lit, and the opera stage was filled with performances of:

Golden eyes and jade claws dispel calamities; rats flee and insects vanquish, filling granaries to overflowing.

Do not dismiss the affairs of immortals as illusory; their blessings will forever protect the virtuous.

On the eighth day, Xu Qing was nowhere to be seen at Caishikou, but on the stage of the City God Temple, there appeared a majestic, painted-face marshal with a flag on his back.

"Iron horses trample the moonlit passes, carved bows shoot down the Big Dipper—"

When the marshal with the flag on his back spoke, it was like the roar of a tiger and the cry of a dragon, soaring straight to the sky.

Looking at that demeanor, it's clear that one could never pull off that imposing and awe-inspiring air without a decade or two of immersion in the art!

He looks like a real marshal, a real general!

Chen Guangrui didn't know that the person with the painted face on the stage was Xu Qing. He asked the troupe leader who was accompanying him, "Who is this person? His singing is so divine."

The old troupe leader said awkwardly, "This person is a friend of Boss Liu. He's not usually in the troupe, so I don't know him well."

Xu Qing was still putting in effort on stage:

"Soldiers, heed my command—"

The gleam of the blade, treading through the dust and smoke of war!

Conquering the world, securing mountains and rivers—only by standing tall can a man have no regrets!

The resounding voice carried far and wide. At the edge of the crowd, Zuo Zixiong, who was riding his horse past the City God Temple with two swords and two knives stuck in his back, straightened his back and stared intently at the star on the stage.

"We men should die on the battlefield, never choosing to live a life of dishonor! Otherwise, how are we any different from cowards and traitors?"

Zuo Zixiong felt completely refreshed; this play was just to his liking!

"Good! Good show!" After listening to one act, Zuo Zixiong reached into his pocket and took out a silver ingot, but he felt that giving the other party vulgar silver was too much of an insult to the play.

After much deliberation, this taciturn soldier reached down and took off his sword from his waist, throwing it, scabbard and all, toward the stage.

Just as Xu Qing was about to leave the arena, he sensed something amiss behind him. He turned around and reached out, and the sword landed in his hand.

Xu Qing looked up and saw a lonely figure riding a horse, with two swords and two knives stuck in his back, gradually disappearing into the distance.

The person quickly disappeared into the sea of ​​people.

Xu Qing returned home, and when he got backstage, he took out the sword again. He saw that the character "Zuo" was engraved on the hilt.

By the fifth day, the number of people who had gathered in Linjiang County was more than double what it used to be.

Linjiang County has a unique geographical location, serving as a vital transportation hub between land and water. Every day, countless official cargo ships and private merchant vessels shuttle back and forth.

The bustling scene in Linjiang County in recent days has also attracted these people to stay.

In just five days, many more temple fairs appeared in Linjiang County.

It was even more festive than the Chinese New Year.

During this period, the only ones who suffered were the yamen patrol officers and city defense soldiers.

In just a few days, Zhao Zhonghe had completely changed.

Not only him, but all the yamen runners in the three shifts had sunken eyes and stubble beards, looking like beggars from under the overpass dressed in official robes.

"That Xu guy is really inhuman! A funeral shop has to hold some kind of anniversary celebration, and we're all suffering because of him."

Before Zhao Zhonghe could even utter two curses, his men rushed in, saying, "There's a thug on East Street who started a fire and then took advantage of the chaos to steal. That guy is incredibly skilled; we couldn't catch him."

"Interfering is tantamount to being a thief or pickpocket," Zhao Zhonghe spat, then grabbed his knife and headed towards East Street.

When they arrived at East Street, they didn't see any nimble pickpockets, but they did see a skinny guy scratching his head and holding a fire poker.

Beside the skinny man, a man was lying on the ground, foaming at the mouth and convulsing.

"This is the one who interfered. How did he end up like this?"

After examining the thief's injuries, Zhao Zhonghe immediately turned to look at the skinny man who had been holding a stick.

"This person."

However, as soon as Zhao Zhonghe turned his head, the skinny man was nowhere to be seen. He looked around and then saw several lean figures in long robes jumping off the roof in the distance.

Judging from their movements, they were not like ordinary people; they looked more like a group of monkeys.

"What a weird thing."

Zhao Zhonghe frowned deeply.

In the past few days, every criminal and villain they encountered was either biting their own fingers and talking nonsense, or being groined and hit on the head with a club. Their state when they were arrested was as bizarre as could be.

As Zhao Zhonghe was pondering this, a man carrying two swords and two knives walked past him, accompanied by two Taoist priests who looked exactly alike, almost like twins.

The two Taoist priests were dressed in the robes of the Celestial Master's Mansion, while the middle-aged man carrying a sword had a military badge on his waist, clearly indicating that he came from a military background.

After the others left, Zhao Zhonghe was about to go to the next street when he suddenly felt something strange under his feet.

He lifted his leather boot and saw a silver ingot on the ground, gleaming brightly.

(End of this chapter)