Chapter 176: Chapter 176

At the edge of the county town, there was a small Diaoqu troupe. Since the troupe leader’s surname was Zhang, it was called the Zhang Family Troupe.

The Zhang Family Troupe consisted of two singers, four dancers, and four musicians—a total of ten members.

In better years, the Zhang Family Troupe had enjoyed great fame. Whenever they set up to perform, crowds would gather in thick layers. After each Diaoqu show, they always collected a fair amount of copper coins.

The troupe members never worried about survival.

But following three years of severe drought, life for the Zhang Family Troupe grew increasingly difficult.

By this year, their performances had completely stopped drawing audiences.

Each time they staged a show, only a handful of spectators showed up, offering barely any coins. Unable to fill their stomachs, the Zhang Family Troupe joined ordinary refugees at County Magistrate Liang Shixian’s Charity Platform to scavenge for bowls of noodle soup.

There seemed no end in sight to such days.

Tan Liwen had been a loyal spectator. In the past, he never missed any performance, even during the worst drought. But for months now, he’d vanished.

The moment Master Zhang spotted Tan Liwen, tears welled up. “Mr. Tan, it’s been so long. When every curtain rose, you were there to cheer us on. But these past months, fearing something had happened to you.”

Tan Liwen sighed. “Thank you for your concern, Master Zhang. After failing imperial exams repeatedly, I realized my limitations. Months ago, I abandoned the scholar’s dream and went to Gaojia Village. Steward Thirty-Two became my Dong Weng, and I now serve as his advisor. Busy with village affairs, I simply couldn’t return to see your Diaoqu.”

Master Zhang responded, “Gaojia Village? Lately, that name’s on everyone’s lips. Many are flocking there for work. Sounds like a wealthy clan’s large-scale construction.”

Tan Liwen smiled. “Exactly that Gaojia Village. Master Zhang, I returned specifically to find you. I ask you to visit Gaojia Village and perform your Shaanbei Diaoqu.”

Master Zhang paused, thinking: Troupes like ours only thrive in bustling towns. In some remote village? Who’d attend unless a wealthy lord hosted some occasion—covering our fees…

Baffled, he asked, “Which wealthy lord invited us?”

Tan Liwen teased, “Wouldn’t you rather learn upon arrival? Don’t worry—you’ll be paid. Surely you trust me, Tan Liwen?”

Master Zhang lowered his gaze to the noodle soup in his hand, sighing softly. Fine. Even in this county, we’re starving refugees. Performing for a wealthy lord would fill our bellies for two whole days.

Mr. Tan is an honorable man. He won’t trick a humble troupe like ours.

“In that case, we’ll go.”

Thus, the Zhang Family Troupe gathered their instruments, costumes, and props. Their small party trekked alongside Tan Liwen, embarking on an improbable adventure.

Setting out at noon and marching till dusk, they finally reached Gaojia Village.

Master Zhang’s eyes locked onto Gaojia Fortress—majestic and imposing—surrounded by cluttered, brightly colored small houses. Sunset fell, closing the road construction sites. Farmers rested. Even labor offenders paused duties during free time. Work had halted everywhere.

Across Gaojia Fortress, laborers streamed home, filling the area with vibrant chaos.

Startled, Master Zhang gasped, “This Gaojia Village dazzles like a bustling town!”

Tan Liwen chuckled. “Ordinary townsfolk lack our villagers’ wealth. Come—I’ll take you to the stage.”

He led them into the Gaojia Business Circle. There stood a plastic stage mimicking ancient architecture—a strikingly luxurious, elegant structure.

As mere itinerant players (their name ‘Zhang Family Troupe’ signaled lowly status), they’d only performed on crude wooden platforms. Never before had they encountered a proper, grand stage.

Terrified, the ten members trembled. “This… stage… us performing here?”

Tan Liwen nodded. “It’s the only stage in Gaojia Village.”

Master Zhang stammered timidly, “It’s beneath us… We shouldn’t…” Follow current novels on noⅴelfire.net

Tan Liwen retorted, “Hah! I’ve watched your shows countless times. You deserve it. On my recommendation, the Deity personally summoned you. Don’t behave like cowards! If you miss a note and embarrass me before the Deity…”

Master Zhang straightened his spine. “Thank you for your trust, Mr. Tan. But… this ‘Deity’?”

Tan Liwen answered, “You’ll understand soon. Focus now—deliver your finest Diaoqu play tonight for His Reverence.”

Master Zhang glanced at the fading sun. “But night falls soon. Audiences would be asleep once we prepare.”

“Not an issue!” Yiye suddenly popped out, beaming. “The Deity just decreed—ignore darkness. He yearns for liveliness above. Prepare for Shaanbei Diaoqu immediately.”

Indeed, Li Daoxuan felt utterly bored. The miniature world offered daytime fascination, but when night came and villagers rested, everything stilled.

As a modern man, he rarely slept before midnight—leaving hours of utter monotony. The troupe’s arrival thrilled him immensely.

Especially since Shaanbei Diaoqu represented local culture—a genre Li Daoxuan had never witnessed before.

“Yiye, announce the Diaoqu show.”

Yiye bounced away excitedly. Watching Diaoqu enchanted her too—since childhood tales, she hadn’t witnessed one firsthand. Skips and jumps marked her steps. “A performance! How splendid!”

Tan Liwen grinned at Master Zhang. “The Saint Lady looks ecstatic. Prepare quickly now!”