Chapter 167: Sensation

The news of the performance of White Haired Girl spread like wildfire, quickly spreading throughout the Great Han realm.

From the prosperous capital Chang'an to remote border towns, from bustling market streets to tranquil countryside fields, people everywhere were eagerly discussing this play.

In Chang'an's grand theatre, every seat was filled; audience members arrived early just to catch a glimpse of White Haired Girl's performance.

As the performance began, the entire theatre fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes turned to the stage.

When Shi Liangdi, playing Xi'er, sang a melodic, deeply feeling tune that spoke of life's hardships, many female audience members in the lower seats were moved to tears, which slipped down silently.

A young lady from an aristocratic family gently wiped the tears from the corner of her eye with a handkerchief and sighed, 'I never imagined the common folk could suffer such misery; Xi'er's fate is truly heartbreaking.'

Meanwhile, the male audience members were shocked by the play's exposure of social injustice, whispering to each other, engaging in heated discussion of the plot, and occasionally letting out angry sighs.

After the performance ended, thunderous applause erupted throughout the hall; the audience lingered, unwilling to leave, loudly calling out the actors' names to express their admiration and respect for the splendid show.

In local towns as well, the performance of White Haired Girl caused a tremendous sensation.

A temporary stage was erected in the town square, and the surrounding townspeople put down their farm work and business, coming from all directions to watch.

A vegetable-selling uncle excitedly said, 'This opera truly voices the hearts of us common folk; the wicked appearance of the landlord old miser is portrayed vividly, just watching it makes us angry!'

Children weaved through the crowd, imitating the movements of Xi'er and her little companions from the play, and humming the tunes from the drama.

Although young, they were also captivated by the vivid performance on stage, and felt great curiosity about this story filled with hardship and struggle.

As White Haired Girl continued to be performed in various places, its influence gradually permeated every level of society.

In the schoolhouse, teachers brought the story of White Haired Girl into the classroom, discussing with students the social fairness and justice and the people's living conditions.

Students spoke up actively, expressing their views on the drama's characters and their thoughts on social issues, making the classroom atmosphere exceptionally lively.

In the officialdom, officials also began to reexamine their duties, considering how to improve people's livelihoods and reduce social injustices like those depicted in the play.

Some enlightened officials voluntarily submitted memorials to the imperial court, urging stronger efforts to tackle problems such as land consolidation, so as to prevent more common folk from suffering.

Folk artists were also inspired by White Haired Girl, and they began creating related derivative works.

Street storytellers adapted White Haired Girl into a form of oral narration, and each day at a fixed spot they told this wonderful story to listeners, attracting crowds who stopped to listen.

Painters, meanwhile, created exquisite artworks based on the play's scenes and characters, selling them at the market, where they were greatly beloved by the populace.

White Haired Girl has become a shining star in the cultural realm of the Great Han; the discussions and reflections it sparked not only enriched the spiritual lives of the Han populace but also drove all sectors of society to pay attention to and contemplate real‑world issues, exerting a profound and positive influence on the development of the Great Han.

And when the news that the actress playing Xi'er in White Haired Girl was actually Empress Shi Liangdi, the wife of Emperor Liu Ju, began to spread among the populace, the whole Great Han erupted.

People's faces filled with disbelief.

'What? The one playing Xi'er is Lady Shi? That's totally unexpected! Lady Shi usually stays deep in the palace, yet she can portray our common folk's hard life so vividly—it's amazing!'

'Yeah, when I watched the play I felt Xi'er was portrayed too realistically; I never imagined it was Lady Shi. This shows that Lady Shi harbors the common folk in her heart and can feel our difficulties.'

As one of the broadest audiences, the young scholars in the schoolhouse all rose to their feet, faces bright with excitement.

A scholar pushed up his glasses and exclaimed, 'Lady Shi's deed truly shows that a woman's valor equals that of a man. By personally performing, she made the story of White Haired Girl more moving and drew more attention to the people's hardships. Such virtue is truly admirable.'

Another student shouted, 'Emperor Liu Ju having such a lady who cares for the people is indeed a blessing for our Great Han. Surely under Lady Shi's influence, His Majesty will pay even greater heed to the people's welfare and seek more blessings for them.'

At the imperial court, officials were also whispering among themselves.

Some officials who had originally held reservations about Lady Shi's participation in the drama now could not help but change their view. An elderly minister stroked his beard and sighed, 'Lady Shi can set aside her dignity, immerse herself in the performing arts, and add much luster to White Haired Girl. This not only shows her love for art but also reveals her heart that embraces the world. To have such a worthy consort, His Majesty is fortunate indeed in our court.'

Meanwhile, the young and capable officials all declared they would learn from Lady Shi, go deep among the populace, and understand the people's true needs.

The common folk's praise for Emperor Liu Ju also followed.

On every street and lane, people sang praises of Emperor Liu Ju's openness and wisdom: 'His Majesty allowed Lady Shi to participate in White Haired Girl and strongly supported the play's performance, showing that he has the people's interests at heart. He intends, through this drama, to let everyone see the common folk's problems so we can jointly find solutions—such an emperor we wholeheartedly support.'

Children, while playing, also began to sing their own made‑up ballad: 'Emperor Liu Ju is truly wise; the lady performs for the people. White Haired Girl, spread far and wide, the future of the Great Han shines ever brighter.'

For a time, words of praise for Emperor Liu Ju and Lady Shi spread to every corner of the Great Han.

In the palace, Lady Shi looked at the newspaper's words of praise for her; instantly a warm surge rose to her heart, and her eyes welled up.

She clutched the corner of her garment tightly, her hand trembling slightly, her heart filled with an indescribable excitement.

'The common folk actually accept me so fully, keeping my portrayal of Xi'er in their hearts and lavishing further praise upon me.'

She murmured to herself, her voice tinged with a sob, recalling each performance on stage—the effort and sweat—now, in this moment, transformed into a profound sense of achievement.

Yet, amidst the excitement, anxiety surged in like a tide.

Lady Shi began to worry whether she could always meet the people's expectations, fearing she might disappoint them in future performances.

She sat before the bronze mirror, gazing at herself for a long time, her eyes full of worry: 'Now everyone has high hopes for me; can I really keep up this standard? What if……'

That thought sent a chill down her spine, making her inner unease grow stronger.

Liu Ju keenly sensed the change in Lady Shi's emotions.

She gently looked at Lady Shi, lightly taking her hand, and said, 'Lady, I know you have heard the common folk's opinions, feeling both moved and anxious. But you must understand that the effort you have put into White Haired Girl is seen by every audience member, and your portrayal of the role has already entered people's hearts.'

Liu Ju exerted a little force, gripping Lady Shi's hand firmly, his gaze resolute as he continued: 'Occasional mistakes are inevitable, but they cannot eclipse your past brilliance. What the people love is your dedication to art, and the sincerity with which you convey Xi'er's spirit to them. As long as you stay true to your original aspiration and keep striving, you will surely continue to bring wonderful performances to everyone.'

Lady Shi raised her head, gazing at Liu Ju, tears shimmering in her eyes, she nodded firmly and said, 'Your Majesty, thank you for your guidance and encouragement. I will surely not disappoint your expectations, nor let the common folk down.'

Under Liu Ju's encouragement, Lady Shi's anxiety gradually faded.