Chapter 197: Enjoy the Show

Author: White Pear Flower

Raws: https://book.qidian.com/info/2386994/

Translated by Gumihou

Proofread by Pill Bug

Gumihou: Adjusted text to reflect how people with great power really act like

 

Now that two people had taken the lead to flatter the Empress Dowager, the rest eagerly followed suit, their mouths filled with nothing but honeyed remarks as they praised the Mother of the Empire for her insight, intelligence and discerning eye. The Empress Dowager nodded repeatedly at the warm praises before finally saying, “Since everyone is so interested, let us all go. In fact, let us call for more people to come and liven up the atmosphere. Bi Xi, go and extend an invitation to the Emperor for this afternoon’s play. Let him know that we shall start without delay regardless of whether he turns up or not.”

Everyone laughed again.

Fu Qiuning thought: Well, it looks like the Empress Dowager has a good relationship with the current Emperor, similar to how Old Madam Jin is supportive of everything Jin Fengju does.

She was still pondering over this interesting parallel when the Empress Dowager said, “That’s right, send two eunuchs to the Duke of Jing’s estate. Tell them that their daughter-in-law will be showcasing her talent this afternoon and to come and listen to a section of this unique opera as well. Send word to those princes and princess consort as well.”

Prince Lie’s mother smiled slightly and said, “The Empress Dowager is truly considerate. One should know that though we may forget to invite anyone, we must never forget Prince Rong’s palace. Who doesn’t know how competitive Princess Consort Rong is? Now that her sister-in-law is the one putting the play together, who knows what kind of words she would whisper behind us if we forget to invite her?”

Fu Qiuning thought: These noble people are just too tricky. Look at the way she takes the opportunity to slander the rival faction. Whatever, I am but a humble shu-born daughter, my importance only lasts as long as this play is popular. [1] Let’s pretend not to hear anything.

Naturally, a politically savvy Empress Dowager also understood the meaning behind those words. She cast a glance at Fu Qiuning, wanting to gauge how she would react. When she saw nothing but quiet indifference on Fu Qiuning’s face, the Empress Dowager nodded approvingly to herself. She thought: King Zhenjiang may have distinguished himself at war during his early years, but in his later years, neither father nor son showed any promise. That’s right, I heard Fengju say that this child and her mother were not particularly favoured either, to the point that both mother and daughter were exiled to the village. The girl was later called back to the palace only to be forced onto Fengju. Aih, after so many calculations and machinations, it looked like this father and son duo were blind to the girl’s virtues, benefitting Fengju instead.

She was still pondering over these things when Fu Qiuning stood up to say, “To answer Your Majesty, since the performance is scheduled for this afternoon, this humble woman should go and supervise the performers and ensure that no problem would arise-”

The Empress Dowager cut her off with a laugh, “Enough, enough, you have already rehearsed for so many days and worked so hard, surely there’s no need to look at them anymore? Moreover, what problem could there be? You must stay for lunch today, I insist. After lunch, you may take a nap and be rested for the afternoon’s performance. As for those performers, just send word for them to come and perform.”

Everyone laughed again. Fu Qiuning could only [2] force a smile at this high-handed, unreasonable order. Naturally, she knew that the order was nothing more than yet another ‘joke’ at her expense. Having no other choice, she stayed for lunch with the royal ladies. [1a] Once the important people had gone off to take their naps, she hurried over to the Jade Lotus Pavilion. If the troupe was to perform that afternoon, they had to make preparations. By the time she reached the pavilion, there was already a frisson of excitement in the air. Someone had already sent word that they would be performing before the Empress Dowager that afternoon.

There was no time to even think about putting together a costume. However, the girls were already pretty enough in their own way and what was important at that time was the singing, dancing and music. Everything else could wait. She stayed with the performers until a decree came down to inform them that the performance would take place at Heavenly Fragrance Tower.

Fu Qiuning was familiar with the name ‘Heavenly Fragrance Tower’. It was the name of the place where Qin Keqing [3] had hung herself after having been accused of engaging in an illicit affair with her father-in-law. Not only that, after her death, the father-in-law, Jia Zhen, was even more emotional than her husband, Jia Rong. There was even new evidence to support speculations that the original thirteenth chapter of <<Dream of Red Chamber>> was later removed, presumably by Annotator Ji Huosou. The subtitle was ‘Lewd Death at Heavenly Fragrance Tower’, which was not at all a very auspicious name for a building within the imperial palace grounds.

[3] On the other hand, what better name would serve a place that is traditionally filled with intrigue, suspicious deaths and hidden lewd behaviour?

Fu Qiuning led the procession of performers and musicians together with Official Lin to the ominously (?) named theatre and found that the two floors of seats were already fully occupied. At first, she was a little worried about the performers feeling pressured about being watched by imperials, but it turned out that she had overthought the matter. [1] After all, these were professional performers. Professionals who regularly appear in front of tough audiences. Moreover, even without her expressed instruction, they had come up with a rudimentary set of costumes for the opera.

The clothes were not new, but they fit the temperament of the characters that would appear on stage, especially the seven celestials that gathered together at the opening act. [1] She was wondering what else she could do for these professionals when a eunuch scuttled over with a smile and said, “Madam, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager and His Majesty the Emperor bade you sit with them and watch the performance with the audience. You have worked hard these few days and should reap the rewards of your hard work. Do come quickly, Madam.”

Fu Qiuning cast one more look at the group of performers who were already engrossed in getting ready. They clearly didn’t need her around to lecture them, and after some final instructions to Official Lin, she headed towards the seats. She gave her greetings to the Emperor and Empress Dowager first, straightening up when the Emperor told her to do so.

The Emperor chuckled and said, “Your husband has been away for a few days now. We have received a letter saying that he was preparing something at the border. All is safe and well, You just focus your attention on creating the opera. I believe that once the opera is ready, he will be back. The two of you are the pillars of my Great Ning Dynasty. Yes, this is a most perfect match indeed.”

To be called a ‘great pillar of the Great Ning Dynasty’ [4] was flattering indeed. However, it was not something that one should be too proud of. Fu Qiuning quickly expressed her gratitude in a subdued way. Not denying her contribution, but not making a big fuss either.

The Empress Dowager must have seen this as more show of modesty from Fu Qiuning and graciously said, “Your mother-in-law is over there with the rest of your family. Seeing how you have gone out so early in the mornings and back late in the evenings, they have brought your four children over as well. Go and sit with them.”

The Empress Dowager must have felt that this was a great generosity on her part. Even so, Fu Qiuning dimly noted [5] that her blood mother, Yu’shi, was not among those seated together in the Jin Clan group. The Empress Dowager must have known that her ‘mother’ had moved into the Duke of Jing Estate. However, since concubines were generally regarded as less than servants, she must have considered Yu’shi as barely human, let alone an actual ‘family member’. Once again, Fu Qiuning reminded herself that this was the ancient world where discrimination was the norm.

[1b] Not to mention, Prince Rong’s mistress was only allowed into the palace because she was carrying royal blood. Otherwise, she would not be fit to even sweep the steps of this place. Speaking of which, how humiliated Princess Consort Rong must have felt when she had to accompany that mistress into the place resided by her judgy mother-in-law accompanied by the woman her husband had cheated on her with?

Still, it was nice to see the four children seated together, practically brimming with excitement. [1b] None of Jin Fengju’s other children were there. Well, if nothing else, Jin Zhenyi would be very happy to brag about this experience to the other children. She could already see the glint of spite and arrogance shining in his eyes even from this distance. [5a] The children stood up to greet her. Although she did get to see the children in the mornings, they barely managed to exchange a few words. Also, since she had to revise and make plans for the rehearsals, she barely had time to look at their homework and could only hope that the children were keeping up on their own.

As for the rest… Old Madam Jin [1b] made a small joke which elicited a moderate amount of laughter, looks like the people around her understand that she could not overshadow the Empress Dowager in her territory… even Madam Jiang said something nice to Fu Qiuning. [1b] Well, it’s not like she could be snippy at the Emperor Dowager’s favourite person of the month now, right?

Seeing that the performers had settled into the place, the Emperor ordered for the show to start. Fu Qiuning was about to settle down when she noticed Princess Consort Rong waving at her. Unable to pretend to not see her, Fu Qiuning could only hurry over to see what the woman wanted. When she arrived, Jin Yanqiu pursed her lips into a pouty smile and hissed, “Such amazing talent, yet to only showcase it now. Fu Qiuning, ah, Fu Qiuning, you certainly are full of hidden talents. You wait, I shall settle the score with you later.”

Fu Qiuning was startled by the unexpected challenge. [6] Instead of openly retaliating, which was obviously what this poor scorned woman wanted, she blinked stupidly and said, “Princess Consort?”

[6] This obviously angered Jin Yanqiu. Her need for drama actually made her ample chest heaved with some strong emotions, but she was still politically savvy enough to not say anything, merely staring coldly at Fu Qiuning with a sneer.

[6] Frankly, Fu Qiuning had no idea what that woman wanted with her. After a couple of minutes of watching the silent, chest-heaving breathing, she decided that there was nothing she could do but bob in place with a ‘Please excuse this humble woman’ and return to her seat. Whatever, if Jin Yanqiu had a bone to pick with her, she could leave the palace and storm back to her maternal home again, causing another friction against the Empress Dowager and Prince Rong. After all, the ones who would panic would be Jin Fengju and the rest of the Duke of Jing’s family.

 

“

The heavenly palace is too desolated,

Day and night, I counted rows and rows of clouds,

Eldest sister says the world of Men is good,

The men would farm and the girls weave…

”

 This was the opening section of the <<Celestial Couple>>. The moment when the Seventh Daughter appeared, played by a singer who was as beautiful as a flower with a rather celestial-like air about her. Her appearance captured everyone’s attention. The music shifted into something more upbeat, and she sang,

“

Why not see Eldest sister now?

She shall decide and take responsibility~

”

thus ending the song to thunderous applause.

The seven celestial maidens came on stage, their flowing sleeves in colourful embroidery, making them look like flying butterflies, dazzling the eyes of the people. Just seeing them brought a smile to everyone’s faces.

“

Fishermen live on the water,

Reeds lined the banks like walls,

Nets blooming from boats,

A netful of fish, a netful of shrimps…

”

Old Madam Jin leaned over to say, “They sing very well. I must say, they sound even better than you, especially with the musical accompaniment.”

[1b] Fu Qiuning nearly rolled her eyes at this redundant remark. However, she could only nod and smile at this ‘intelligent critique’. It was something that she had already said many times to many people in fact, so what was the point of saying that back to her?

Not wanting to receive more false compliments, she turned away to look at the other people in the audience. The Emperor and Empress Dowager were nodding along to the music, occasionally leaning in to make some comments to each other. The rest of the people were similarly occupied, swaying or nodding along to the music.

“

A ray of light pierces the clouds,

I come floating down to earth,

I love not the celestial days,

I wish to love like flying mandarin ducks…

”

The seven celestial danced lightly and gracefully across the stage, their sleeves fluttering in the breeze. Suddenly, the beauty in the centre drew back her sleeves and stopped dancing to stare into the distance. The music slowly stopped.

Fu Qiuning stood up, walked down to the front of the stage to kneel before the Emperor and Empress Dowager and said, “Reporting to Your Majesty the Empress Dowager and Your Majesty the Emperor, due to the time constraint, we only managed to rehearse up to this point. It would take a little more time to complete the rest of the other two sections. What do Your Majesty the Empress Dowager and Your Majesty the Emperor think of this opera?”

What else could they say? If not for Fu Qiuning making this announcement, they would still be immersed in the play. In that instance, not only did the Emperor and Empress Dowager give their nod of approval, but the rest of the audience also shouted ‘Good! Good!’ and erupted into a cacophony of discussion. The Empress Dowager praised Fu Qiuning again and again. The Emperor was in such a good mood that he had the officials, both men and women who had watched the play with him, stay for a royal banquet. It was quite late before they finally dispersed.

After working hard for the past few weeks and having to stay and entertain the bosses on this last day, Fu Qiuning was exhausted. When she finally arrived at Elegant Mansion, she was welcomed by Yu’shi and Luo’shi, who exclaimed over her thin appearance. Both women tittered and said, “Goodness, if the Young Marquis is here to see you, he would feel so distressed!’

[1b] That was really the last straw. She abruptly bade goodnight to the ladies and went to her room for some well-deserved sleep. At least the emperor had the decency to allow the children to come home early and sleep since they had to school the next day.

The next day, she woke up early to find that Yu’shi and Luo’shi were already up.

[1b] Indeed, the ladies had been up early from the first day they stayed here, especially after knowing that Fu Qiuning had to leave early for the palace and come back late. They even stayed up late to greet her before she went to bed. The twins were also there too, chatting casually with their grandmother figures. A short while later, Jin Zhenyi and Jin Xiunan also walked in. Jin Zhenyi headed straight for Fu Qiuning to loudly say, “Mother, after making such a great contribution and receiving praises from the Emperor and Empress Dowager, once Father comes back, you can speak to him about letting me visit my mother, right?”

[1c] Fu Qiuning privately sighed at that precocious child. If he ever decided to go into doing business, he would surely succeed. She raised an eyebrow and said, “You sure know how to press your advantage. Your Father isn’t here and you know I am currently in favour. Very good. Unfortunately, your wish will most likely only happen in autumn, so do be patient until then.”

Jin Zhenyi already knew that, but receiving a confirmation from Fu Qiuning still made him happy. He still remembered the day his own mother hugged him and Jin Zhenyi, bitter tears falling down her cheeks as she mourned how they would most likely never meet each other in her lifetime. Again and again, she told them to be careful and to study hard, that they may one day steal a meeting in the future when they had all grown up.

[1d] This had frightened Jin Zhenyi into acting out. Surely no matter what he did, Father would never let them meet their mother, so why should he be compliant? Therefore, when Jin Xiunan bowed her head to that favoured woman, he was very angry at her. However, it turned out that his sister had greater wisdom than he.

[1d] Yes, it was the right thing to do to follow his sister’s insight. After all, he had just received confirmation from dear Official Mother that they would be seeing her soon! In less than a year in fact!

“Mother, your son has already grown up. Let us meet soon!”

 

[Gumihou: Yeah… all the usual stuff.]

 

[1] Author gave AR Qiuning a bunch of thoughts, but Actual Qiuning would not have bothered to overthink the matter.

[1a] FQN unable to take a nap because she was excited by the coming performance… like, what? It’s a job, there was no way she could sleep if she was any kind of professional.

[1b] Since Gumi had deleted so much of AR Qiuning’s thoughts, replaced them with ‘modern era’ thoughts

[1c] Realistic thoughts about a wild child that has nothing to do with making FQN look like Buddha incarnate.

[1d] Depict realistic wild child thoughts

[2] Forcing a smile at a superior’s joke. Ha ha ha.

[3] Qin Keqing – one of the Twelve Beauties of Jinling. She married Jia Rong, and carried on an affair with her father-in-law (so her husband claims) and dies before the second quarter of the novel at ‘Heavenly Fragrance Tower’.

https://dream-of-the-red-chamber.fandom.com/wiki/Qin_Keqing

So, Gumi is not sure just what kind of message author-san is trying to convey with the name Heavenly Fragrance Tower in connection with Qin Keqing of Dream of Red Chamber. Especially since Qin Keqing was said to be an extremely sensual woman who had apparently hanged herself at the tower.

On the other hand, since White Pear Flower gave us such a wonderful tidbit, let’s make use of it.

[4] Delete JFJ associations.

[5] Reduce any ‘sad feelings’ on FQN’s part re her blood mother because, hello? This person isn’t actually Transmigrator Fu’s parent?

[5a] Did not even speak to the children for a few days…

Gumihou: I don’t believe you

Fu Qiuning: I don’t believe you either

Gumihou: Especially since you just sweetly mentioned that with the lack of dear sweet handsome awesome sauce hubby is not around to look at their homework, you had to take over it like aww.

[6] Fu Qiuning was startled and quickly looked around. The prelude music had already started playing, and everyone was focused on the stage. She let out a sigh of relief and whispered, “Princess, be careful with your words. There are many gossipers in the palace. We can talk about it later when we return.” After speaking, she retreated back to Lady Jiang’s side. Meanwhile, Jin Yanqiu frowned, her expression turning cold, and a hint of a sneer appeared at the corner of her mouth. It seemed that she had figured out why Fu Qiuning said those words.

Showing intrigue with a hammer is… not an intrigue at all. It’s blunt force trauma.

 

 

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