Tang Dynasty Little Godfather

Chapter 212 Pattern
All of this happened so suddenly. At first, everyone believed the rumors and was just dissatisfied with Zhang Huai, thinking that he was the one who was interfering. But as Wuming Academy really did not come out to perform, everyone's dissatisfaction with Wuming Academy also increased day by day.

Especially those fans of Dream of the Red Chamber and traditional opera.

I felt that the nameless academy was too willful. Even if Zhang Huai did something, he shouldn't have cut off all cooperation with everyone. They just went to ask, and you just flipped the table. The key is that you didn't even give them a chance to beg for mercy. That's really going too far.

Just then, news came from the imperial court that a grand play was being prepared, and that it would be performed by the three chief officials, Ziye, Nishang, and Feilu.

This news is truly explosive.

Although Hongxiu was quite famous and was the first Duzhi of Chang'an, she alone was still far inferior to the other three Duzhi.

Those who can become geisha in the capital are all highly skilled and have a large number of fans.

This is so exciting!

While everyone was discussing it, Zhang Huai shared the theater he had prepared earlier, cooperating with various restaurants in the East Market and some famous courtesans in Pingkangfang to prepare his own opera adaptation of Dream of the Red Chamber.

This opera adaptation of Dream of the Red Chamber was originally scheduled to be performed this year, and everyone was looking forward to it. However, due to the sudden cancellation of the charity performance by Wuming Academy, they had to write the script themselves based on the storytelling of Dream of the Red Chamber.

At the same time, Zhang Huai also asked Chen Haihong and other restaurant owners in the West Market to build another theater in the West Market.

In fact, it wasn't just the owner of the West Market Restaurant; many wealthy people also had their eyes on this lucrative opportunity.

These successive news items kept the public busy and greatly boosted the morale of fans of Dream of the Red Chamber and traditional opera.

It should have been done a long time ago.

If the nameless academy won't perform, can't we perform it ourselves?

Many talented scholars stepped forward to help, some writing scripts for plays, and others continuing the story of Dream of the Red Chamber themselves.

It truly shows that everyone is united in their efforts.

But there is one exception: Yi Xian Jue.

The students of the Nameless Academy continued to talk about Dream of the Red Chamber at Yixianjue without giving any reason. The familiar Nameless Academy had returned.

"Old Bai, your business is doing well!"

Wang Xi came to the counter and greeted Bai Siyong with a smile.

"Oh dear! Young Master Wang, if... if it were possible, I would prefer business to be a little worse, this..."

Bai Siyong felt no joy whatsoever at this.

In that case, he will become the target of everyone's criticism!

"What are you afraid of?"

Wang Xi shook his head and said, "I want to see who dares to cause trouble now."

Before the words were finished, a shout rang out, "Goblin!"

Wang Xi frowned, looked in the direction of the voice, and saw a young man of about eighteen or nineteen years old upstairs. He immediately said unhappily, "Brother Wei, don't you know how to greet people?"

Brother Wei said, "Did I call you wrong? You just have your eye on the Bai family's little cook, why go to all this trouble, forcing us all here?"

"That's right. It's not that this place is bad, it's just that it's too small and can't accommodate too many people."

"Your Nameless Academy is utterly untrustworthy. You just cut ties like that, even though we supported you so much before."

"You can deal with your grudge against Zhang Baishou's restaurant, but why sever ties with all other restaurants?"

"What charity? Humph, I think your husband has no kindness at all."

"Don't be too smug, you nameless academy students. This opera isn't that difficult. Someone will replace you soon, and then you won't even have time to cry."

Most of the people who come here now are nobles, since there is nowhere else to listen to the Dream of the Red Chamber. They are not afraid of Wang Xi and complain to him without giving him any face at all.

Everyone felt that Wuming Academy was being too willful.

Wang Xi stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Please don't rush to complain. My master has other reasons for making this decision."

"What's the reason?"

"It's very simple."

Wang Xi said, "It's because our academy has been dealing with buying and selling cooperation matters every day lately. It doesn't feel like an academy at all; it's more like a workshop."

The gentleman believed that this situation was not sustainable and that the academy should prioritize education. Therefore, he decided to sever ties with major restaurants. The reason for maintaining the partnership with Yi Xian Jue was simply to satisfy everyone's love for Dream of the Red Chamber.

Once we've finished discussing Dream of the Red Chamber, we will also sever our cooperation with Yi Xian Jue.

As for your concerns that someone might replace us, our husbands are very happy to see that and are even willing to offer them assistance. We will even share some musical instruments with everyone. Teaching and nurturing students is the true meaning of an academy.

"Really?"

"Ah."

Wang Xi nodded and said, "I'll put it this way today: if any family wants to rehearse their own opera, including the Dream of the Red Chamber opera, we can send someone to guide them."

These few words alone completely changed the image of the Nameless Academy, which shows how grand the scale of the event was.

Upon seeing this, everyone exchanged bewildered glances, as they had not expected the Nameless Academy to be so generous.

A young man suddenly said, "Is it true? Then share the secret recipe for the Beauty Wine with everyone."

Wang Xi smiled and said, "Beauty Wine is different from opera. Opera belongs entirely to Wuming Academy, while Beauty Wine, although it was also brewed by your wonderful method, has been given to me by you as an apology to the Bai family. Therefore, this is my cooperation with the Bai family."

Everyone knows my character; that's something I would never share. If you're not happy, you don't have to drink. It's business, after all; it's a mutual agreement. Haha!

As he continued, his true colors were revealed again, and he burst into arrogant laughter. "If you don't want to drink, then don't drink. What's the big deal?" a young man slammed his hand on the table and stood up.

Wang Xi laughed heartily, "Don't try to be arrogant. Only we know how to brew this wine, and we also have several new, even more delicious wines coming out soon. You all have no choice. Otherwise, how could I dare to be so arrogant? Haha!"

It's the same old recipe, the same old gull-headed eagle.

It hasn't changed at all.

The customers inside were all furious, but there was really nothing they could do.

indeed!

Once you've tasted the Beauty Wine, any other fine wine is just a fart.

There was no other choice!

Alcohol is not like food. No matter how delicious the food is, you can skip it. But alcohol is different; you feel uncomfortable if you don't drink it.

This is why Madam Zixia was so determined to obtain it; the influence of this wine was simply too great.

After leaving Yixianjue, Wang Xi, seeing that noon was approaching, rushed to the palace without stopping, because Li Longji only had time at this time.

"Oh dear! What wind has blown the sparrows into the palace today?"

Li Longji arrived in the palace in high spirits, and upon seeing Wang Xi, a mischievous smile flickered in his eyes.

Upon hearing this, Wang Xi knew that Li Longji must know about his aunt's recent actions, and immediately said, "Uncle, please rest assured, I am definitely not here to ask for help."

Li Longji laughed and said, "Actually, I've been thinking lately that it's a bit unfair to let your aunt do whatever she wants to you. So, if Que'er asks for help, I'm willing to help you out a little, so that you don't lose too badly."

Wang Xi said excitedly, "Uncle, who do you think you are? With Aunt's methods, humph, there's no need for you to step in. I can handle it for her."

Li Longji smiled and said, "Is that so?"

"Ah."

Wang Xi said, "Uncle, you must remember that if Aunt comes to ask for help, you must be fair."

"Absolutely, absolutely. Your uncle assures you, he will not interfere."

Li Longji nodded seriously, then asked curiously, "Then what brings you here today, Sparrow?"

Wang Xi said, "Of course it's for my uncle's sake. How could I dare to bother my uncle with such trivial matters?"

Li Longji asked in surprise, "My business?"

"Ah."

Wang Xi nodded and said, "It's about promoting Taoist thought!"

Li Longji responded with an "Oh," and said, "Is that so?"

Wang Xi said, "My uncle asked me to promote Taoist thought, so he should at least give me a few Taoist temples and some Taoist priests."

Li Longji said, "That's very simple. I've already prepared it for you. How about I bestow upon you another title, the Taoist Envoy, so that you can legitimately manage those Taoist temples?"

He was incredibly generous to his young nephew, even considering granting him an official position at such a young age. This revealed another side of Li Longji.

Wang Xi hurriedly said, "Thank you, Uncle, but I cannot accept it at the moment."

Li Longji asked, "Why is that?"

Wang Xi said, "Sir, your Taoist philosophy emphasizes following the natural way. To tell a good Taoist story, you must make people gradually believe in Taoist philosophy without them even realizing it, rather than treating it like a business transaction."

Li Longji nodded slightly and then asked, "Then what do you need a few Taoist temples for?"

Wang Xi chuckled and said, "Please allow me to keep you in suspense for a moment, Uncle. I guarantee that Taoist thought will sweep the entire city within this year."

Li Longji laughed and said, "Good, Uncle looks forward to Que'er's brilliant idea."

Wang Xi suddenly added, "However, I have some requirements regarding the Taoist priests."

Li Longji asked, "What are your requirements?"

Wang Xi said, "Nephew wants fifty male Daoists and fifty female Daoists, preferably all of them top-performing."

"Top seller?" Li Longji asked, puzzled.

Wang Xi said, "They are the Taoist priests who can help the Taoist temple sell more incense."

Li Longji suddenly realized, and then said with concern, "Uncle asked you to tell Taoist stories well. Shouldn't you have found some highly respected Taoist priests?"

Wang Xi said, "Those highly respected Taoist priests have always been here. If they could do it, there would be no need for me to personally take action. We need to find another way."

Li Longji said with some concern, "You mustn't do anything reckless."

Wang Xi said, "Uncle, you can rest assured that I will handle things perfectly and give you a big surprise."

Seeing his nephew's confidence, Li Longji chuckled and said, "Alright, Que'er has never disappointed his uncle."

As he spoke, he tilted his head and said, "Strongman!"

Gao Lishi bowed and said, "This humble servant is here."

Li Longji said, "Go and help Que'er, and try your best to meet all of Que'er's needs."

Gao Lishi nodded and said, "I obey."

(End of this chapter)