Republic of China: My great warlord, many children, many blessings.

In contrast, Wang Keqin preferred the exceptionally handsome Shen Hao, who was tall, dashing, and possessed an outstanding temperament.

In particular, the strong masculine scent he exuded, along with the fact that Shen Hao didn't have any body odor or cosmetic smell, greatly increased Wang Keqin's positive impression of him.

Instead of a weak scholar like Yuan Kewen, pale-faced and lacking in energy.

Yuan Kewen's body had long been hollowed out by opium addiction.

Wang Keqin had heard of this, after all, many of Yuan Kewen's concubines came from the Peking Opera world.

They were all from the Peking Opera world, and they would gossip about whether other actresses were getting married well.

Therefore, Yuan Kewen's private life has no privacy whatsoever.

His fame spread throughout the entire Peking Opera world; he was known as a quick-draw artist.

The kind of battle where you warm up for about a minute before surrendering.

Wang Keqin, being in the Peking Opera world, had naturally heard these complaints.

Everyone says that marrying Yuan Kewen is like living a life of widowhood.

The key point is that Yuan Kewen was the kind of person who was rather fickle and indifferent. He only had a month's novelty with his concubines, and after that, he would lose interest and look for new targets.

This is also why Wang Keqin didn't have a very good impression of him.

The thought of living a life of widowhood in the future made Wang Keqin feel a little resistant.

Originally, she had no choice, but Shen Hao's appearance seemed to have made Wang Keqin somewhat tempted.

We now have a tiny bit of choice in life.

Shen Hao, a man full of masculinity, is the kind of man she likes and who makes her heart flutter.

But now Duan Zhigui's meaning is very clear: he wants her to accompany Yuan Kewen, and for Yao Yulan, Yao Yuying, and Xiao Lanying, the mother and daughter, to accompany Shen Hao.

This made Wang Keqin feel very uncomfortable.

He fantasized about switching places with Xiao Lanying and her two daughters.

Let them go keep Yuan Kewen company, and I'll keep Shen Hao company myself.

But she didn't have the right, nor did she dare to ask.

One person has no advantage over three people.

Is it because Shen Hao is the Governor of Guangdong that he is accompanied by three people?

Just as Wang Keqin was lost in thought, the audience cheered.

The three women, Xiaolan (Li Nuohao), Ying, Yao Yulan, and Yao Yuying, have also finished singing "Huarong Road".

I don't know if I was genuinely enjoying watching it, or if I was just in a good mood.

Duan Zhigui laughed heartily and clapped.

At the same time, he casually tossed two gold bars onto the stage.

This drew thunderous applause from the audience.

Although the gold bars weren't intended for them, they were still very excited to see someone so extravagant.

The opera troupe owner also bowed in gratitude.

Duan Zhigui on the second floor enjoyed the applause. He chuckled and put his arm around Shen Hao's shoulder, saying, "Brother Shen, after you remove your makeup, I'll take you backstage to see Xiao Lanying, Yao Yulan, and Yao Yuying."

If you like it, then don't leave tonight.

This Yi Garden has a backyard, and the suites inside are all top-notch. The bedding and everything else have already been prepared for you.

"I'll stay here peacefully tonight."

The girl in red glared at Duan Zhigui, wishing she could shoot that bastard Duan Zhigui dead.

Damn it, I haven't even slept with Shen Hao yet, and you dare let them sleep first? (Village)

204. This is a notification, not a discussion.

Inside the backstage area of ​​Yiyuan.

Just as Xiao Lanying, Yao Yulan, and Yao Yuying finished removing their makeup, the owner of the opera troupe walked in, accompanied by a man in a suit.

The opera troupe owner placed the two gold bars that Duan Zhigui had just tipped him in front of Xiao Lanying.

"Boss, what's going on?" Xiao Lanying asked in confusion;

Because the money and gifts given by guests are usually divided among the entire opera troupe.

Although actors are the main characters, they can't all receive the tips.

Opera troupe members receive a salary, called "performance fee".

Ten people are combined into one group, usually starting with three people. People with fewer than three people are paid a fixed daily wage, commonly known as "dead money".

The amount of money you receive for your performances is determined by the troupe leader in person, based on your profession, skills, and fame. There is no need for "democratic evaluation" or a signed contract; it is entirely a "gentleman's agreement." The troupe leader can dismiss you at any time, and you can also resign from the troupe at any time; both parties are completely free.

The economic distribution system of the opera troupe was based on the following: the troupe leader's investment in building the opera house and costumes was deducted first, along with the fixed percentage for the "fixed salary" personnel, the daily food expenses, and the opera donations payable (which were taxes and miscellaneous taxes and levies that began to be collected in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China). The remaining amount was divided equally among all the members of the troupe, with each share being worth a certain amount.

Even with the added fame of Xiao Lanying and her two daughters, they'd be lucky to get three portions of the bounty at most.

The fact that the opera troupe owner gave her so much money all at once made her suspicious, as it was completely against the rules, and she had a bad feeling about it for no reason.

"Take it. This is a gift from Governor Duan. Just take it without worry," the opera troupe owner said, looking somewhat uneasy.

“This is against the rules, I can’t accept it,” Xiao Lanying said firmly, shaking her head.

If she divides such a large sum of money among herself, the others will definitely have objections.

In that case, I'll be caught in the middle, pleasing neither side.

Moreover, Xiao Lanying had already sensed that something was amiss, but she didn't know the identity of the man in the suit.

The man in the suit standing to the side said indifferently, "Just take it. Hurry up and remove your makeup and change into some nice clothes. Don't keep my master and our distinguished guests waiting, or you'll be in for a beating."

You talk to them, I'm waiting outside.

"Yes, Butler Hou."

After speaking, the man in the suit turned and walked out.

Xiao Lanying sensed that something was wrong and looked at the opera troupe owner with a puzzled expression.

"Master, what do you mean by this?"

The opera troupe owner gave a wry smile and said, "What could I possibly mean? You should understand even if I don't say it."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Lanying paused for a moment, then understood what her boss meant.

Someone has taken a liking to her.

Xiao Lanying was somewhat surprised by this, but she quickly adapted and showed no resistance.

After all, she's been married and has two daughters, so she's not as resistant as a young girl.

"Boss, you mean Governor Duan?"

“Yes, that was Governor Duan’s steward,” the opera troupe owner said.

After saying that, the boss lowered his head, his eyes filled with guilt.

On the contrary, Xiao Lanying felt a little happy.

She was already considered a widow, so she didn't feel any resentment at being noticed by the governor of a province.

"Boss, I agree to this."

The opera troupe owner said with a wry smile, "She wants not only you, but also your two daughters, Yao Yulan and Yao Yuying."

Upon hearing this, the entire backstage area of ​​the theater fell into a deathly silence.

The two sisters, Yao Yulan and Yao Yuying, were deathly pale, their eyes filled with fear.

The two girls are only 15 years old and have never experienced anything like this before.

The thought of having to serve that powerful warlord Duan Zhigui filled her with dread.

I had only heard of forced marriages before, but when it actually happened to me, I realized how terrifying it was.

Xiao Lanying's initial smugness vanished completely at this moment.

I don't care about myself, but it's not okay for my daughter.

Moreover, what they want isn't their daughter, but all three of them, which makes it even harder to accept.

"Boss, I really can't accept this. I can't take the gold bars."

The opera troupe owner shook his head and said, "I can't make that decision, and I have no right to. Do you even have a choice?"

A young man who admired Xiao Lanying retorted indignantly, "This is the Republic of China era, based on the Three Principles of the People. We should be talking about democracy. Why can he be so domineering? We might as well just quit performing here."

The opera troupe owner glared at the others and said, "Is democracy something you can just talk about?"

"You're so naive. Only government officials have the right to talk about democracy, understand?"

"I don't accept it"

“If you’re not happy, just wait to be shot. Governor Duan can kill you like a dog. Do you think you have the right?” the theater owner said.