He changed Tiwat

After a fierce battle, Yaksha, Master Fan, and other soldiers of the Thousand Rocks Army disappeared into the depths of the Layered Rock Abyss, their whereabouts unknown.

Yun Jin's troops were tasked with luring the enemy to the cliffs.

Yun Jin made a gesture of holding the reins with one hand, and grasped the eagle's feathers with the other, and sang loudly:

"As we traveled, it grew late, and before we knew it, the moon had risen over the eastern hills."

"The wind blows sand that startles people's faces, and the fog obscures the withered grass."

"Breaking through thorns and brambles, I headed southeast, but the rocks collapsed and the valley sank, and my horse could not move forward."

"Whipping the whip, I gallop across the ravine; the mountains rise ten thousand feet high, reaching into the clouds."

Legend has it that on the highest cliff of the layered rock abyss, a hero once picked up the feathers of a flying eagle.

Another legend says that those who accomplish this feat will be qualified to die alongside the immortals.

She glanced down at the pursuing enemies, then looked at the precipice before her.

Suddenly, a demonic whisper echoed in the wind:

"Although it is a good thing to die to protect others and pursue one's goals..."

"However, upon closer reflection, this matter is just like a fish diving into a deep pool or a bird falling into a secluded valley."

"Though it brings self-satisfaction, it remains unknown to the public and is ultimately forgotten..."

"You mortals are like feathers caught in a tornado, drifting and falling into the deep sky,"

"Isn't all this talk of salvation and perseverance just empty and meaningless stuff?"

The somber whispers subtly swayed the hearts of those whose names could not be recorded...

At this moment, Yun Jin suddenly stopped with her spear, pointed at the enemy, and shouted:

"A single word has enraged me to the point of blazing fire; those demons, please keep silent and do not presume to know my loyal heart."

"Since joining the military command, he has shouldered heavy responsibilities and deserves to be called a family of loyal martyrs for the country."

"In which battle did not my Thousand Rock Army suffer losses? In which battle did not my father and son die?"

"My father and I are loyal and devoted to serving our country. We fought desperately in the Cengyan Abyss, and even ghosts and gods were moved to tears."

Even if our ambitions are thwarted and we die on the battlefield, we will still shed our blood to stain the yellow sands and let our noble spirit live on forever!

After saying this, Yun Jin leaped off the high cliff.

The battle was finally over.

Many soldiers lie dormant deep within the caves.

The eerie screams of the dark army subsided quietly, like ripples on a pond.

Even though human life is short, the earth will remember it all forever.

A bright young girl, holding the flowers left by her lover, walked towards the cliff where he had perished, and softly sang a melodious ballad:

"To whom do you entrust your longing?"

Slender fingers on the dressing table under the bright moon

Who will shatter the fleeting years?

It must be in the beautiful woman's spring dream.

I can't recall the twin Emei eyebrows.

A graceful figure in flowing robes floats on the misty waves.

When will we drink from the long river together?

Tonight, the rain falls on the lamp that has burned for ten years.

I am still here, but who do I care about?

A series of youthful days, yet to come, drift away like gossamer threads;

Thoughts quietly drift as colorful leaves fall amidst the frost and snow.

Alas, yesterday's cloud-like hair adorned with green peonies;

The peach blossoms bloom silently, but the person has not returned.

To whom do you entrust your longing?

To whom do you entrust your longing?

Many audience members quietly wiped away tears as they listened to the mournful melody.

As the song played, the actors appeared and took their final bows. "The Tale of Chensha's Rebirth" came to a close.

The audience in the teahouse stood up and applauded, and the applause was thunderous. The new play was clearly a great success.

Amid the noise, Ningguang suddenly spoke up: "Yelan conveyed what you wanted to tell me earlier."

Although her voice wasn't loud, Han Fulai heard it clearly. However, Xingqiu, who was right next to them, didn't hear a single word.

Han Fulai was applauding the audience on the stage when he heard Ningguang's voice. He didn't turn around, but simply nodded slightly.

Ningguang wasn't actually looking at him when she spoke either.

Although they did not look at each other, they both knew that the other was probably expressionless at that moment.

For the two of them, everything was a set plan, leaving little room for emotional fluctuations.

"Since you're ready, I won't keep you waiting too long."

Ningguang paused, then said, "One month. Within a month, I will accept three stars. The next time we meet, everything will be settled."

Han Fulai replied with only four words: "I'm looking forward to it."

After this unnoticed conversation, Ningguang bid farewell to the two and walked backstage, presumably to discuss with Yunjin some matters concerning the development direction of "Yunhan Society".

Before long, the guests left, and most of the old opera enthusiasts were busy going out to find relatives and friends to brag about Mr. Yun's new play. Only a few idle people remained in the teahouse, drinking tea and chatting.

Han Fulai and Xingqiu waited for a while, and then they saw Yun Jin and Master Fan, who had changed into casual clothes, walk over.

Ningguang must have told Yunjin that they came to see the play. In fact, even if Ningguang hadn't said anything, Yunjin should have been able to see them from the stage.

Yun Jin's face was flushed, clearly still lingering from the high spirits she had just been in the performance. Upon seeing the two of them, she scolded them playfully, "You two are rare guests. Why didn't you let me know in advance that you had time to come and support me today? I had prepared two servings of fine tea from Qiaoying Manor, but now there's no room for you."

Ningguang went backstage to chat with her, and the fine tea was naturally meant to entertain that Tianquan Star.

Xingqiu chuckled and said, "You mean Qiaoying Manor's 'Yunpian' tea? I gave it to you before, guess if I've ever had it?"

Han Fulai cupped his hands in congratulations: "Congratulations to Mr. Yun on the great success of his new play. This play, 'The Rebirth of Chensha,' will become another classic play in Liyue. It is my great honor to be able to see it in advance. Moreover, Master Fan is enjoying a second spring on the stage. He is still vigorous in his old age, which is admirable to the younger generation."

Yun Jin covered her mouth and smiled, then said to Master Fan, "You see, I told you Mr. Han is very eloquent, you can't go wrong by finding him."

Judging from Yun Jin's words, it seems that Master Fan has something to discuss with him.

Han Fulai hurriedly asked, "Is there anything I can help you with?"

Master Fan rubbed his hands together somewhat embarrassedly and said, "I have long admired Vice Minister Han's outstanding literary talent, and it just so happens that she has graced my humble shop with her presence today. Mr. Yun also mentioned that you and she have a long-standing friendship... As you know, the 'Yunhan Society' is affiliated with the Heyu Teahouse... So... I have a favor to ask, I would like to request a piece of calligraphy from Vice Minister Han."

Chapter 321 The Falling Flowers Are Willing, But the Flowing Water Is Heartless [4k]

Although Master Fan spoke hesitantly, Han Fulai understood immediately.

This was probably Yun Jin's idea.

The "calligraphy" was just a pretext; the real intention was to use this opportunity to allow "Heyu Teahouse" to reconnect with Han Fulai.

It's like when leaders of China stay at a hotel or watch a performance, the staff there will enthusiastically ask them for comments, photos, or inscriptions.

Usually, the photos and inscriptions left by these leaders are quickly framed and hung in the lobby so that every customer can see them as soon as they enter the store.

Many shops even have their names inscribed and made into plaques to hang at the entrance—of course, a small fee is required for the inscription.

In fact, not every leader understands poetry and literature, and even fewer people can write good calligraphy.

What was written and how well it was written are actually irrelevant; the key is who wrote it.

The fact that a prominent figure left a calligraphy piece in the teahouse implies that the teahouse owner has a special relationship with this important person and that the person has powerful backing. It also shows that the teahouse is of a high standard, as such an important person would deign to be a guest there.

In Liyue's teahouses and restaurants, there are still many plaques and inscriptions left by the Geo Archon. Many owners of century-old shops are proud of these, and they can hold their chins up to the sky when they see them.

—But Heyu Teahouse was opened by Master Fan, and its history is only forty years old. There is indeed no calligraphy by the Emperor in the building.

Moreover, now that the Emperor has passed away, Heyu Teahouse will never have the chance to obtain his calligraphy.

Therefore, Master Fan always felt regret whenever he thought about this matter.

Although his Heyu Teahouse is the number one teahouse in Liyue with Mr. Yun in charge, the lack of the Emperor's calligraphy is equivalent to lacking the "Emperor's certification," making it less imposing than others.

—Although Han Fulai knew that the Emperor often came to their family's teahouse to listen to operas, Master Fan truly didn't. He only recognized Zhongli, the guest elder of the Rebirth Hall who always came to drink tea and listen to operas and keep accounts…

Although there is no chance for the Emperor's calligraphy, there is still a chance for the calligraphy of the "Emperor's successor".

Han Fulai has recently become very popular in Liyue Harbor because he solved the anomaly in the Layered Rock Abyss. His reputation as the "successor of the Emperor" is growing. Naturally, Fan Erye's thoughts are also starting to stir.

It just so happens that Han Fulai is at the Heyu Teahouse to watch a play today, so Yun Jin strongly urges Master Fan to get on his good side.

Yun Jin and Han Fulai had some personal interactions when they rebuilt the Qunyu Pavilion. Han Fulai had also invited her to sing "Puppet Show" at Shen He's birthday banquet. But in the end, it was all normal friendship, without any interest involved, and there was no political connection whatsoever.

However, to become the leader of Liyue's arts and culture scene, one needs an extremely high level of political acumen. For example, if Liyue Harbor is currently dominated by "Yuheng," and you and Yu Tea House are putting on a show every day, pretending that "Tianquan is supreme," then that would be incredibly rude.

First came two great battles against demons and monsters, then Liyue's military buildup plan and the establishment of the "Liyue Academy of Arts and Sciences," followed by the controversy surrounding the forgery of Mora and the construction of the "Guili New Area," and now the opening of the Laminarge... Liyue's major events seem to be happening one after another, even more frequently than the Liyue plays performed in teahouses.

Most of the shrewd merchants in Liyue Harbor can now see that among the seven stars on the Jade Palace, one will soon emerge as the brightest.

Since the passing of the Emperor, Ningguang has become the number one figure in Liyue. Previously, Yun Jin took advantage of the opportunity to rebuild the Jade Pavilion to let the "Yunhan Society" board Ningguang's ship, which was undoubtedly a brilliant gamble.

But Yun Jin knew the principle that "you can't put all your eggs in one basket".

Yuheng Star Keqing is also very worthy of Yun Jin's bet.

However, since she had already reached a cooperation agreement with Ningguang, there was no reason for her to switch sides now—so having Master Fan, the owner of Heyu Teahouse, which "Yunhan Society" was affiliated with, step forward was the best option.

Being adept at navigating social situations and skillfully maneuvering is the best description of Liyue's playstyle.

Regardless of whether Tianquan or Yuheng gains power, the "Yunhan Society" can rise rapidly.

However, Ningguang has extensive knowledge of Liyue's commerce and industry, and the Ningguang Chamber of Commerce has numerous investment projects, including artistic ones, so connecting with Ningguang is relatively easier. On the other hand, Keqing, the Jade Balance Star, is known as a "workaholic"—everyone knows she has no time for entertainment—making it a significant challenge for Yun Jin to establish a connection with her.

Recently, Yun Jin has been thinking a lot about how to naturally approach that Miss Ke Qing.

The arrival of Han Fulai, the personal secretary of Yuheng Star, is tantamount to presenting an opportunity to Yun Jin.

Yun Jin was incredibly intelligent, so she naturally knew that someone like Han Fulai wouldn't come to the temple without a reason, and that his presence at the teahouse to listen to the opera must have a purpose.

She had a vague idea that Han Fulai needed her to do something—and her request for the "calligraphy" was her payment for doing so.

When Han Fulai heard Fan Erye's request, he simply smiled and nodded at Yun Jin. The two exchanged glances, understanding each other without saying a word.

When Master Fan saw that Han Fulai had agreed, he was overjoyed and clapped his hands, shouting, "Bring me pen and ink!"

Upon hearing this, the waiter at the teahouse in the distance hurriedly brought over the Four Treasures of the Study, clearly having been prepared in advance.

As Han Fulai skillfully ground the ink, he asked, "I wonder what Second Master would like me to write?"

Master Fan pointed to the two empty beams beside the stage and said, “I have always wanted to add a couplet to this stage, preferably one that can highlight the prestige of ‘Yunhan Society’ without falling into the clichés of others… Unfortunately, although I have some skill in singing, my literary skills have never been up to par… Vice Minister Han, you are a highly talented person from Yuehaiting, so please write a couplet for my shop today.”

Xingqiu was amused by the request and said with a smile, "Brother Han, you 'King of Kings' are certainly very busy."

Han Fulai laughed and said, "If I retire in the future, I'll earn my pension by writing couplets for people."

Later, Secretary Han's calligraphy was indeed quite sought after in Liyue. Merchants would often spend a fortune to buy a couplet to decorate their shops, which earned him a lot of extra money.

Master Fan's request was both easy and difficult.

Other opera troupes also had their own couplets, such as "Life is like a play, and a play is like life," "Singing about the past, without contradicting the feelings of today," and "The zither and the lute play ancient tunes, and guests and merchants come and go to find kindred spirits," and so on. Writing one was not a difficult task.

The difficulty lies in highlighting the characteristics of "Yunhan Society" drama while avoiding clichés; it is indeed very difficult for ordinary people to write a couplet that meets the requirements.

But Han Fulai's title of "King of Kings" is not just for show.

He wielded his brush and wrote a couplet in an instant.

The first line reads: "The three armies, with six drums, have pacified the eight directions."

The second line reads: "One step across a thousand autumns and ten thousand miles of river."

Horizontal scroll: Red carpet and beautiful women.

This couplet is an adaptation by Han Fulai of a famous couplet from a Chinese opera stage—

"A thousand-year cause can be accomplished in an instant, and a vast land can be traversed in a small space."