Chapter 163: Jin Fu's Sense of Immersion

On the temporary imperial court in Yan Capital, early in the morning, the anxiously rushing Sima Qian and Liu Xiaojun shouted to get him up to look at the script.

He glanced over the script of White-Haired Girl in his hand, and couldn't help but reveal a hint of amusement; this could be considered a boomerang, right?

It hit him this fast; he can't even sleep in.

However, he remained composed, pretending to flip through the papers and began to 'review'.

Sima Qian, full of respect, spoke first: 'Your Majesty, this script is a heaven-sent masterpiece. The author depicts the people's hardships with such depth that the insight into human nature and exposure of social injustice are unsurpassed. To seek no fame or profit, but to speak for the common folk wholeheartedly, is truly admirable.'

Liu Xiaojun also nodded repeatedly beside him, adding: 'Yes, Your Majesty. When I read this script, I teared up several times; the plot is so moving. The author must harbor the world in heart to write such a shocking work.'

Liu Ju listened to their praise of him, feeling secretly pleased, but kept a stern face, deliberately picking at it: 'This play does have merits, but is the plot overly tragic? Depicting the lives of the Great Han common folk like this might damage the dignity of the Great Han.'

Upon hearing this, Sima Qian immediately knelt and spoke earnestly: 'Your Majesty, I believe only by facing these hardships can we awaken the people and motivate the court above and below to seek welfare for the common folk. This script does not slander the Great Han; rather, it sounds a warning bell for Your Majesty, urging us to improve livelihoods, so that the Great Han may flourish ever more.'

Liu Xiaojun also hurried forward, arguing forcefully: 'Your Majesty, art naturally springs from life; the genuine suffering of the common folk should not be concealed. This play can let more people notice the people's hardships and thus drive reform, which is indeed a blessing for the Great Han.'

At this moment, Wei Xiang slightly nodded, pondering and said: 'Your Majesty, Lord Sima and the Princess are right. Although this script has tragic aspects, it can also serve as an opportunity for us to examine ourselves and improve governance, which is beneficial to the state.'

Xu Wei, however, showed hesitation and whispered: 'Your Majesty, might the dark side portrayed in this script cause panic among the common folk and unsettle their hearts?'

Zhang Tang snorted coldly: 'Hmph, just the grumbling of scholars; if taken seriously, the court would fall into chaos.'

Liu Ju was left speechless.

Jin Fu stood aside, eyes firm, stepped forward and said: 'Your Majesty, I endured hardships in the Twin Lakes and know the people's suffering. This script truly reflects the people's current state; those common folk oppressed by powerful clans have experiences exactly like those in the drama. I believe this script should not be buried, but rather widely promoted so that more people know the people's hardships, thereby enabling us to better serve the common folk.'

Liu Ju looked at everyone expressing their views, already having decided in his heart, yet pretended to be difficult, pondered a moment and said: 'Alright, alright, since you all hold it in such high esteem, I will reluctantly approve this script for review and trial performance in Yan Capital.'

Upon hearing this, Sima Qian and Liu Xiaojun were overjoyed, eyes flashing with excitement, and hurriedly knelt to give thanks.

Jin Fu and the others also showed relieved expressions, expecting this play to shine brightly on stage and bring new change to the Great Han.

Especially Jin Fu, the son of a condemned official, his days in Everlasting Peace were nothing short of difficult.

Walking the streets of Everlasting Peace, people pointed at him, their eyes full of contempt and disdain.

Those nobles who once were on good terms with his family now avoid him at all sight, as if he carried some ill omen. In the court, he is further sidelined by many officials; whatever he proposes is always rejected for no reason, as if his very existence were a mistake.

In this cold environment, Jin Fu's heart was full of repression and resentment; he often gazed at his family's once-glorious mansion, secretly grieving, constantly questioning why fate treated him so unfairly.

However, Jin Fu did not sink into despair.

When he came to Yan Capital, he had thought to start a new life, but then encountered the Twin Lakes Incident, being imprisoned and tortured by Li Yao and Li Wan father and son, suffering severe harm to body and mind. But

Even so, his loyalty to the Great Han never changed. He knew that only by contributing to the imperial court could he wash away his family's disgrace and prove his worth.

Thus, he resolutely used almost all his wealth to buy land, donating it to the imperial court as a site for the palace, hoping thereby to add a brick and tile to the Great Han's future and also regain respect for himself.

When Jin Fu came into contact with the White-Haired Girl script, it seemed he saw his own reflection.

He watched the tragic plight of Yang Dalang's family in the script, his feelings mixed.

Yang Dalang was exploited by the landlord, his life extremely hard; this reminded Jin Fu of his difficult situation when sidelined in Everlasting Peace, that sense of helplessness and despair being the same.

And Xi'er's tenacious struggle also let Jin Fu see his own unyielding spirit in adversity.

He secretly reflected: 'This Xi'er, though a woman, possesses such unyielding will; facing oppression by powerful forces, she never gives up. Just like me, even in dire straits, I never thought of betraying the Great Han, always holding fast to that loyalty in my heart.'

Reading how Yang Dalang, despite having no way out, still struggled desperately for his daughter, Jin Fu's eyes grew moist.

He thought of how, for his family's reputation and to be able to raise his head again on the Great Han's land, he likewise endured countless hardships.

He silently said to himself: 'Yang Dalang, you can sacrifice everything for your daughter; I, for the Great Han, to wash away my family's stigma, am I not also giving my all? Each word in this script seems like an outpouring of my deep emotions; I seem to feel their pain, their struggle, their yearning for a better life.'

Jin Fu immersed himself in the script; his emotions intertwined with its plot, he increasingly felt the play's significance was extraordinary, hoping more people would see it, so they would know such suffering still exists in the world, and his own emotions could resonate through it.

Meanwhile, Liu Ju, seated on the throne, observed the reactions of the crowd.

Although he had already made up his mind, he still lifted his gaze to the ministers below, speaking with a steady, powerful voice: 'This script perceives the people's livelihood hardships, its intention profound; I decide to adapt it into a performance, to be staged by the Great Han Song and Dance Troupe together with the Drama Troupe.'

Sima Qian's face full of satisfaction, he slightly nodded, inwardly praising Your Majesty's move as wise.

Liu Xiaojun could hardly conceal her excitement, eyes flashing with light; the play she strongly advocated is about to go on stage, to be known by more people.

Liu Ju then summoned Li Yanian, speaking solemnly: 'Li Yanian, I order you to be sure to arrange this White-Haired Girl into a shocking performance. This play concerns the people's livelihood and sentiments; you must carefully refine every detail, perfectly presenting the script's emotions and story to the common folk.'

Li Yanian hurriedly knelt and respectfully replied: 'Your Majesty, rest assured; I will surely exert my utmost effort and not disappoint your trust.'