C44

Yu Mancheng would visit the water theatre every day as if she was reporting in. Zhang Zhou was getting more and more familiar with Guan Yuniang, so he didn't have any averse feelings towards her. Sometimes, he would even sit together and chat with her. Cai Gui also came, and didn't linger for too long. He simply said a few polite words and left. It didn't matter if they knew him or not. Being able to go in and say hello was something they had a lot of face for. It could be said that ever since they had taken up residence in the Song and Dance Teams, there had been an endless stream of people coming to the Water Drama House. This caused the citizens of the capital to feel increasingly expectant towards the singing and dancing group of Yao Tai.

After one day of leaving court, Cao Yi, the right-hand servant of the Ministry of Law, sent invitations to some people. The general meaning was: "Little brother's birthday, please give it all!" However, Cao Yi was an official who had invited students below the third rank. The imperial government didn't prohibit personal relationships between officials. However, there was a rule that didn't need to be made clear: invitations to birthday parties wouldn't be given out to Shangguan on their own accord.

That same day, the capital spread the news that the singing and dancing group of Yao Tai was going to perform for Cao Yi's birthday. On the other hand, the singing and dancing group from Yaotai had also made it clear through the visitors that they would not perform in the capital. As for whether or not they could see the performance of the birthday party, that was entirely up to their masters. The Law Protector, Cao Yi!

Cao Yi suddenly became the focus of discussion. The officials who had received Cao Yi's invitation turned an ordinary banquet into an extremely glorious occasion. One of the servants, who didn't have much status at home, unexpectedly praised her in a rare manner when she heard that her wife had always despised her incompetence, and had chatted with her best friend.

"Master Cao and my master have a good relationship. Then Master Cao's birthday, the first post will be given to my master. Although he has been quiet all these years, neither fighting nor snatching, his character and character are still very good. He has made a few good friends!"

The Minister of Rites almost burst into tears as he wished he could run to Cao Yi Hall and burn the paper before kowtowing.

Li Yin also had a lot of face, because he got a few tickets for some bad friends of his. It had to be known that this was not something that was hard to find, but rather, there was no ticket at all. That was Lord Cao Yi's birthday banquet! No one expected Li Yin to have this ability.

Using Li Yin's exact words, "When I was in Hezhou, I had some friendship with Master Cao, so I was also going to celebrate his birthday. Li Yin's exact words were," When I was in Hezhou, I had some friendship with Master Cao, so I was also going to celebrate his birthday.

Li Yin also said in a very low key tone that he also had friends that he was familiar with. In the future, when he went to Hezhou, if he wanted to see the performance of the dance group, all he had to do was mention his name and he would receive VIP treatment! Li Yin wasn't bragging about this. According to the past, he was still Yao Tai's boss. In any case, this matter had allowed his status in the circle of friends to increase by quite a bit.

The current days were very enjoyable for him and also very precious. He was very dedicated to Zhang Zhou's tasks, he knew the risks involved in what he had done, and he was very careful, but he also had a sense of accomplishment. His view of Zhang Zhou was not the same as before, and there were even some things that he would take the initiative to think for Zhang Zhou.

King Jing's Estate.

"The entire city, what's troubling you?"

"Your highness, the entire city has loved this song all their lives. On a trip to Hezhou, that song has captivated this slave's dreams, and he has never been willing to eat it until now! "It's a pity that this time's performance will not be made public!"

"Oh? "There is such a thing!"

"The purpose of this performance is only to liven up the birthday of Cao Yi, the right-hand attendant of the Ministry of Justice. You are not allowed to enter without being invited."

"Haha …" King Jing laughed. What's so difficult about this? I just happen to want to see the charm of this Yaotai Song Dance Group that is rumored to be godlike! "

"..."

Big Pillar National Residence.

The Great Pillar Nation's Pei Yuanhao was coaxing his granddaughter.

"Who dares to offend my darling granddaughter? "Tell grandpa that grandpa will help you vent your anger!"

"Grandfather, you did not allow me to go to Hezhou last time. I missed out on a lot of exciting events. This time, I must go!"

"Alright, alright. Darling doesn't cry, she'll definitely go!"

"..."

Ministry of Law, Shang Shu Manor.

The head of the Ministry of Justice, Yin You-heng, was in the midst of bickering with his son.

"Dad, why didn't Cao Yi invite you?"

"This is an official rule, I do not invite my superior to attend the birthday banquet!"

"I don't care. Lu Fengqiao has an invitation, but I can't climb it. Even the Left Attendant Qian Youdao's son can get an invitation, can't I? I can't afford to lose this kind of face! "

"..."

At the assembly the next day.

"Master Cao, I heard it's your birthday? Why didn't you greet him? Do you look down on your old brother? "

"Honorable Hall Master, how could this lowly subordinate dare to think like this? I was only afraid of breaking the rules and did not dare to disturb you!"

"We all work together at the yamen. That's too formal of you!" This old man must drink this birthday wine! "

"That would be my honor!"

"..."

"On Lord Cao's birthday, This King would like to go and get a goblet of wedding wine. Would it be convenient to be smeared with joy?"

"To this humble subject, the personal arrival of Your Highness is a great honor!"

"..."

"Little Cao!" "I heard that you had a performance by the Yao Tai Song Dance Team on your birthday. That granddaughter of mine …"

"Dazhu Country, this official understands. When the time comes, I will send someone to the manor to welcome the princess. Dazhu Country, rest assured!"

Some people came, others declared that they would have children to replace them, and Cao Yi agreed to all of them. On the same day, another piece of news reached the ears of the officials in the imperial court: The Empress will personally attend Lord Cao Yi's birthday banquet.

Those who did not wish to go personally immediately changed their attitude. As a pillar of the country, how could it be acceptable for Senior Cao not to personally visit and congratulate them?

On Cao Yi's birthday, besides the fact that the civil and military officials in the imperial court were physically ill, or that they were too busy to attend to official matters, almost all the high ranking officials of the imperial court, from third rank and above, had gathered at the Water Flaming Pavilion. This included the Duke of Jing and the two Duke of Ping, a princess, and the esteemed empress.

The scale of the battle was so large that it had never been seen before. There was not a single vacant seat left in the Water Flask. Regardless of the thoughts of those attending the banquet, it was an official's birthday banquet. To have such a lineup, it would definitely bring a whole new level of respect to them!

As the host, Cao Yi felt a lot of pressure. He had never seen a song and dance troupe perform before. After all, everything had been said on the streets, so he really didn't know what to do. Normally, these big shots, how many of them had faced him before? Tonight, be it the Empress, the Prince, the Dazhu Kingdom, or the Apostles, they were all smiling at him. Those colleagues of his were also extremely passionate. Some of the officials were obviously trying to get close to him …

Ever since he had arrived in the capital, he had felt extremely isolated. He truly did not want this to be just a dream. The empress's presence in person had even encouraged him with a few pleasing words, making him extremely excited. How could he know that Zhang Zhou had spent two million silver to make it.

Cao Yi did not dare to say too much at the start of the banquet. He made a simple speech and immediately began the banquet. He then gave a toast to each of the big bosses, gently reminding them not to drink too quickly. After Cao Yizhi finished his round, the feast was already halfway through. Cao Yi indicated that the singing and dancing performance could begin.

At the same time, he tore off the red cloth that was draped over it. It turned out to be a freshly ground bronze mirror, a total of sixteen sides. He had long ago focused his attention in such a way that it caused an empty area in the middle of the hall to instantly light up. Then some waiters came out and swiftly put on their old candles, one on each side of the screen, one on each side, the other on each side. Their eyes were soft and unblinking, and they were just in time to highlight the existence of the stage.

Everyone stopped. They knew that this singing and dancing group of Yaotai, which had shaken the capital, was about to appear.

Forty or so female singers, dressed in uniform, walked out in a line and lined up on the three levels of the high school stage that had been prepared beforehand. Amongst all the people present, who hadn't seen a beauty before? As far as looks were concerned, these singers were not that extraordinary. However, the design of clothing was definitely new and unique. It was also something that Zhang Zhou had copied from a comic book. Each and every one of the girls was dressed up to the point that they looked slim, graceful, and valiant. Following them were more than twenty zither masters, Xiao Di, pipers, drummers, and two little girls. They each pushed out a rack with metal objects that were either triangular or ring-shaped. Who knew what they were used for as they sat in a row in front of the stage.

Finally, a dignified and graceful lady walked over to the stage, bowed and said, "My humble daughter Yun Mei, the leader of the Yaotai Song Dance Group. To be able to cheer you on today, it is my great honor to be here. First of all, let's invite our lead singer Shallow! "I offer you all a song about loving the river and the mountains and loving the beauties."

If there weren't so many important people present, the few popinjays who came with Li Yin would have at least whistled and shouted to keep them entertained. Now, all of them were extremely quiet and obedient.

After that, a tall woman dressed in a heroic attire came out to the center of the stage. She first paid her respects to the spectator, and then to Mei Mei. Yun Mei walked up to them and gave a few words of encouragement before leaving.

She was a little tall, not in accordance with the aesthetic standards of this era. There were some discussions around her, but they quickly calmed down, allowing her to breathe lightly. She closed her eyes for a moment, then turned her head to the right and raised her right hand above her shoulder, making a gesture that was as still as a painting. Suddenly, he lightly flicked his middle finger and all the bronze mirrors were instantly covered up. His vision immediately dimmed, and a short, powerful string sound resonated in the air, followed by a melodious flute melody. The music occasionally intertwined, and the short, like a pearl entering water, unexpectedly had a different kind of sound, adding to the beauty of the painting. Then, without realizing it, the sound of the zither entered his ears, and with the aid of the flute, the singer began to sing leisurely with a broad and alluring voice.

The crisp beat replaced the beat of the drum. It was clear and thick for the song, yet it did not lose its melody. It sounded like a song without a melody, and the melody flowed out from within his heart!

The collaboration of the musical instrument had been refreshed, the lyrics of the singing were even more refreshing, making people ponder as they subconsciously sang along with it. At the back, a chorus of female voices could be heard, not covering up the sound of the lead singer's singing, and then the beautiful sound of the singing could be heard, giving off a different kind of lyrical vibe, as if the listener's clothes were already fluttering in the wind … Until the last sentence, "Don't worry about the worries and troubles of the situation", let people out of love for the river mountain more love for the heart of the beauty mood, feeling rippling! The melody disappeared amidst the lingering scent of the flute, and the entire place turned silent!

It could be said that these people represented the most prestigious people in the Great Tang, the ones with the highest appreciation. At this moment, their expressions were all different, stunning, pondering, reflecting on, and in disbelief. A lot of cheers!

Yu Mancheng's eyes were actually filled with tears as he mumbled, "That's it! "That's it!"

A song can let the listener so emotional, liver and intestines aftertaste, can not oneself! If he could create a sensation in the capital just by deducing in Hezhou, then so be it! That's how it should be!

The applause lasted for a long time, until then, until Sister Mei went up on stage again to express her gratitude, and then she said in a clear voice, "Today's banquet is for Master Cao's birthday. There is a student who wrote a melody to express his gratitude to his teacher. The last sentence was extremely sonorous and powerful. It greatly retracted the minds of everyone present!

Two middle-aged men appeared from behind the stage. One of them was holding a zither, the other a flute. The shallow man picked up a lute and the three of them sat in a triangle with a table in the middle, a jug of wine, and three wine cups.

Before Sister Mei left the stage, she clapped her hands lightly. The lighting on the stage changed again, and the figures of people on the stage blurred. The singer's face could no longer be seen.

He lightly poured a cup of wine for the two of them and then held the cup in mutual respect, gulping it down in one gulp. At this moment, the zither of the band behind him was as smooth as the river. The man playing the zither asked in a clear voice, "The martial arts world is vast, the wave length is far. I wonder if you two brothers can come with me?" The flute man answered boldly, "Why not?"

The three of them laughed heartily. The bronze mirrors all around them changed, and the scene looked as if they were in the middle of a surging river.

The zither strings and flute notes overlapped, interweaving in an orderly fashion, as if they were competing with each other for the sake of modesty. The zither notes jumped out with a few distinct notes before coming to a sudden stop, and the flute notes melodiously changed as the man playing the zither was the first to start singing:

Canghai's laughter boomed from both sides of the river

Floating and Recovering with the Wave

The man playing the flute follows:

Laughter in the sky and the tide in the world

Who wins, who wins, who wins, who loses, who loses, who loses, who knows

Shallow Repeater:

Rivers and mountains laugh

How much do you know about the secular world

The three of them sang together:

Qingfeng's laughter could actually make people feel lonely …

There is still a picture of the night

"La …"

"La …"

"La …" "La …"

"La …"

"La …"

"La …" "La …"

Canghai's laughter boomed from both sides of the river

Floating and Recovering with the Wave

Laughter in the sky and the tide in the world

Who wins, who wins, who wins, who loses, who loses, who loses, who knows

Rivers and mountains laugh

How much do you know about the secular world

There was no longer any loneliness in the laughter of the people

The pride is still smirking

The three of them will sing a verse each before performing a chorus! During this period, the zither, flute, and pipa played in perfect harmony and ingenuity. Not to mention that the lyrics and melody made people forget themselves and enjoy the scenery. So what if there was danger in front? My heart is full of joy! So what if we have thousands of men and horses? We are not lonely! He was filled with lofty sentiments and a carefree smile. The chorus of the chorus had even made him lose himself in pride and aloofness!

Finally, under the candid laughter of the three people and the chorus of the singers, the boat disappeared without a trace.

Dazhu was the first to stand up and raise his glass of wine. What a great song to laugh at! A huge white cloud appeared! "Cheers!

Everyone stood up and replied in unison. Even the empress couldn't help gulping down the wine in her cup!

The chorus was invited to sing it three more times!

The Dazhu Nation was crying, Cao Yi was crying, Yu Mancheng was crying, and even Duke Jing was also crying! That night, countless people were drunk in the Flowing Water Pavilion!

The singing and dancing group from Yaotai once again amazed the entire capital! Unfortunately, no matter who it was that wanted to meet them again, they were mercilessly blocked by the Imperial Guards.

The empress decreed: Yao Tai Song Dance Company, will sing for the Emperor's Birthday, no one is allowed to disturb!

Cao Yi's reputation had also spread throughout the capital in a single night!

Cao Yi led Zhang Zhou into his study room, pointed to the thick stack of invitations on the desk, and said with a wry smile, "These were all caused by you!"

Zhang Zhou scratched his head and laughed foolishly, declining to comment!

After the two of them sat down, Cao Yi looked at Zhang Zhou and said, "I want to thank you!"

Zhang Zhou also became serious, and hurriedly stood up and said, "Teacher, please don't do this, this student will take responsibility for you. Although this student is not a gentleman, he knows how to repay favors, and is willing to be filial."

Cao Yi let him sit down and continued, "After experiencing so many things, teacher believes in your sincerity. If you are doing all this for the sake of getting the better of me, then you don't need to go through so much trouble for my sake! Teacher only has two disciples in his life, one is you, and the other is Zhang Xingzhi! Strictly speaking, our relationship as master and disciple was forced on you by me. This can be considered fate. You and I are fated to be together! "

Cao Yi stopped Zhang Zhou from speaking and continued, "It is my pleasure to have a disciple like you. Teacher does not dare to ask for anything more, I just hope that one day, if you are successful and your Senior Brother is in trouble, you can help him."

"Teacher, if you're safe, why would I be in trouble with senior brother?" Besides, if this big beam of yours falls, what can I, this broken window, do to support it? "

Cao Yi laughed out loud.

"Do you count as breaking a window or a door? Who in this world dared to call themselves useful? No matter what you say, I will take it as your consent! "

Zhang Zhou nodded his head and said, "Teacher, don't worry. Even if I did not achieve great success, I would not have ignored Senior Brother's matter!"