Chapter 277: The Autumn Cicada's Final Song, The Stern Winter Approaches

On the seventh day of the seventh month, the wind scattered the cicada songs, bringing autumn to ten thousand trees.

Today, Linjiang County was exceptionally lively; County Lord Chen led a host of wealthy merchants, gentry, and celebrities to the Chenghuangmiao for the ceremonial observance and worship.

The opera garden had constructed two stages in total: one at the vegetable market entrance in the north of the city, built directly on the wide platform of the execution ground, and the other outside the Chenghuangmiao in Chengnan, dedicated to the Eight Banners Marshal, perfectly accommodating the populace from both the northern and southern districts.

Chen Guangrui initially thought the charity performance might be lively, but he never expected it to be even more bustling than the temple fair at Baishui Temple in Tianmen.

In these past few days, not only people from the county, but also many from Tianmen Prefecture and other surrounding counties had rushed over.

"During the charity performance, I hope my lord will pay attention to city defense security; if the government office runners are insufficient, you may invite the Military Commandant to intervene, and it would be best of all if you could mobilize the garrison troops for security."

Now recalling the words Xu Qing had once spoken, Chen Guangrui realized that everything the other had said was the truth, without a shred of exaggeration.

But how had Xu Qing managed to make the small opera troupe of Linjiang County so famous? It couldn't truly be just because of the charity performance and free eggs that so many people were attracted to come and enjoy themselves, could it?

At this moment, the instigator, Boss Xu Qing, was standing before the stage at the vegetable market, watching the spectacle.

On the first day, the seventh, only some warm-up plays were performed; there were no dramas featuring the Overlord or the Eight Banners Marshal, so Xu Qing did not need to take the stage personally, enjoying a rare leisure as a spectator.

Not far from the stage, Guo Dongyang, who had rushed over from Tianmen, had just stepped down from his carriage when many people from Tianmen approached to greet him.

Throughout the entire Tianmen Prefecture, the most famous storyteller in recent years was undoubtedly Mr. Dongyang; many people from Tianmen had traveled such a long distance precisely because of the rumors they heard from Guo Dongyang regarding Boss Liu's divine voice.

In this scene, many people still did not know what hype was, nor did they know that Guo Dongyang was a 'supernumerary actor' hired by Xu Qing.

Only rebels like the Cangyi Group knew a thing or two about it, though they could not yet be considered proficient.

Hype falls into two categories: one is for those with no ability, faking it as a counterfeit; the other is for those with genuine talent and substance, needing only a gust of wind and a fan to soar into the sky as the real deal.

Those who hide their heads and tails with no ability can still enjoy a moment of fame through hype, let alone extraordinary individuals who possess true skill and genuine mastery!

Tianmen has many extraordinary people, but those who know how to create hype and also have the capability are few and far between.

Half a month ago, Xu Qing began building momentum for Boss Liu; now, the official seals on the government office at the old garden in Tianmen's West Market had been removed, and the public notice board warning the citizens had been changed to read 'Evil Spirits Purged, Residence Secured'.

In an instant, the marvelous tales told by Guo Dongyang—that Liu Su'e's singing prowess was supreme, capable of suppressing ghosts and spirits—spread through every street and alley of Tianmen.

One could not help but believe it, because Liu Su'e had indeed been to Tianmen's West Market, and according to the brokerage firm, when the deed to the West Market opera house was sold, Boss Liu was among those accompanying them to inspect the property.

With the government posting notices beforehand, the brokerage firm providing confirmation afterward, and Guo Dongyang adding oil to the fire with his storytelling, it was inevitable that the unsuspecting citizens of Tianmen would become curious.

People had heard of monks and Daoist priests subduing demons and exorcising ghosts, but hearing that singing could make ghosts so convinced that they willingly went to reincarnate was something never before heard of!

What kind of performer must one be to sing even ghosts and spirits into feeling inferior?

Crucially, those ghosts and spirits were all originally from Lixiang Opera House, the most famous in Tianmen back in the day.

Now, hearing that the Linjiang County Opera Garden was holding a public charity performance, led by the troupe's leading star Liu Su'e, the reaction was imaginable.

Regardless of whether they loved opera or hated it, everyone wanted to see just what kind of divine being this master was.

Half a month ago, before the charity performance had even begun, the Linjiang County Opera Garden was already packed for nearly every show; Master Chen was smiling so hard his mouth couldn't close, yet he also knew that these people had not come to the opera garden to listen to plays, but to catch a glimpse of the legendary Boss Liu.

Among the guests were no shortage of rural gentry lords and noble young masters; these people were difficult to serve, and although Master Chen intended to have Liu Su'e appear on stage to meet them, alas, during the years Boss Liu had served as the leading star, she had long since repaid the opera house's old debts, and now the one standing behind her was Shopkeeper Xu.

As for the Opera Garden, it could at most be considered a name in title only; if Master Chen wished to make Boss Liu appear on stage, it was truly not something that could be accomplished simply by wanting it!

For those who could not see Boss Liu, their desire to investigate only grew stronger because of this.

Many famous patrons who loved opera had even made up their minds: if this Boss Liu did not possess the divine voice of legend, they would definitely make her reputation collapse and her name be ruined!

If an ordinary actor dared to act so high-and-mighty and so ostentatiously, wouldn't that be digging one's own grave and looking for trouble!

"Boss Liu is going to have a difficult time passing this test!"

Second Master Feng was a figure who had long mixed in the circle of patrons; he knew the nature of those people—if Boss Liu set the pitch too high, their expectations in their hearts would become even higher.

Therefore, even if Boss Liu's singing ability truly reached the level of an opera master, as long as she did not break through that final shackle and achieve the level of a 'Immortal Voice', people would always be able to find fault.

"Isn't Young Brother Xu worried?"

Xu Qing brought Xuan Yu and Shiyue, and on his left hand side was also a bratty child keeping Shiyue distracted with endless chatter.

At first, Second Master Feng had thought that Xu Qing had quietly and secretly had a child of his own, but upon inquiry, it was not the case at all; this little girl, this little maid, and this little brat were all other people's children, and Xu Qing was merely looking after them for others.

Second Master Feng also brought a child, three years old, born from the adopted daughter he had taken in several years ago.

Xu Qing made no judgment; Tianmen had too many talented people, and as long as the individuals themselves were willing, no one bothered to meddle in such matters; moreover, Second Master Feng had now formally married that girl with proper rites and betrothal gifts, and the two were as sweet as honey mixed with oil, otherwise Second Master would not often come to ask him for pills to strengthen the body and enhance vitality.

"What do I have to worry about? Does Second Master not know that Boss Liu disappeared for over half a year?"

"I have heard of that, but wasn't it because Boss Liu was ill and took leave to recuperate?"

Xu Qing smiled and said: "Boss Liu went to find a master and learn arts; she went for advanced studies!"

"The Boss Liu of now is no longer the same as before."

Xu Qing spoke the truth; although those opera ghosts from the West Market opera house were not entirely honorable, they had indeed transmitted all their true skills to Liu Su'e.

Coupled with the influence of that wisp of yin energy from the opera house, and the empowerment of the Void Deity upon Liu Su'e's person, Liu Su'e's voice was also vastly different from before.

If one did not look at the person but only listened to the operatic tune, it truly sounded like it was being sung for ghosts and spirits.

If one wanted to find a second female role master in Tianmen capable of rivaling Boss Liu, one would likely only find the Embroiderer at Shuimen Bridge.

But the Embroiderer was truly a ghost.

"Boss Liu has already become unmatched by anyone."

Before the charity performance rehearsals, Xu Qing had heard Boss Liu practicing her voice by the Tanggu River, and it was truly extraordinary!

"Is she really that powerful?"

Second Master Feng was half-believing and half-doubting, until the opening warm-up plays concluded and it was Liu Su'e's turn to take the stage; only then did Second Master become completely convinced and submit.

At this moment, the curtain rose, leaving only a single female role on the entire stage; that female role gently swayed her water sleeves, standing there gracefully and elegantly; her cheeks were ruddy, her eyes were lively, her breath was warm, and even before she opened her mouth to sing, just that single movement, that single frown and smile, was enough to captivate people's hearts and minds.

"Yi—Ya—" The good play began; Boss Liu raised her voice, and before the lyrics even emerged, she raised a layer of goosebumps all over Second Master's body!

Beside him, Chen Liuer's sky-high braids stood straight up!

Xuan Yu's fur bristled all over, while Shiyue was completely captivated, her gaze fixed.

Singing for ghosts and spirits to hear—it turned out this was no idle talk.

The crowd, which had just been noisy and chaotic, instantly fell silent.

"I am the Yuanjun of Protecting Life and Ensuring Safe Childbirth of the Nine Heavens,

She governs human conception and childbirth, ensuring mother and child enjoy eternal spring.

Now witnessing this devout heart, auspicious light protects the gate of virtue!

Behold the faithful believer burning incense to beg for an heir,

Holding a talismanic spell for calming the womb to usher in an auspicious hour.

Safeguarding ten months of stable pregnancy,

Until the qilin child falls to earth to repay Heaven's grace!"

After Liu Su'e finished her a cappella segment, the first act of "Record of Protecting the Infant," titled "Sending the Qilin," officially began.

This act concerns begging for a child, serving as the opening scene.

Xu Qing listened with great relish; once the act concluded, Xuan Yu, snapping back to awareness, asked impatiently, "When does my part begin?"