” Meng Laoyezi questioned, “But how does loving music lead to rebellion?” Qi Shejiang replied expressionlessly, “Because learning music didn’t save the Chinese people.” The audience burst into laughter. Qi Shejiang continued, “This person, besides loving music, also enjoyed making friends with martial arts masters, practicing things like levitating objects since he was eight…” Meng Laoyezi remarked, “Is this learning from martial arts masters? Sounds more like learning from superheroes.” The segment that Qi Shejiang and Meng Laoyezi were discussing was called “Zhan Qinglong,” adapted from a historical story, still in the spirit of their dynamic. “Zhan Qinglong” is a Qin opera that tells the story of Shan Xiongxin from the Wagangzhai during the Sui and Tang Dynasties, who, after being captured by the Tang army and refusing to surrender to Li Shimin, was sentenced to death and sang passionately before his demise. In this version of the cross-talk, it was about Dong Fuxiang leading troops in rebellion while Zuo Zongtang suppressed it. He refused to surrender and was eventually captured and sentenced to be executed. Dong Fuxiang often compared himself to Shan Xiongxin and, in that grim situation, began singing “Zhan Qinglong” at the execution ground. Unexpectedly, his singing awed even the Qing soldiers and Zuo Zongtang himself, silencing them with amazement.
They not only set him free but also conferred him a title and allowed him to lead his old subordinates into the Qing army, transforming into regular troops. From then on, he battled and achieved promotions and wealth. His fierce reputation led him to kill many foreigners during the invasion by foreign powers, causing the Eight-Nation Alliance to harbor deep resentment and even try to force the Qing court to execute him. Despite all that, they couldn’t eliminate him, and the Qing court managed to protect him until he retired in his later years and died of an illness. Now, when Qi Shejiang and Meng Laoyezi perform “Zhan Qinglong” again, they have made some adjustments based on modern culture and incorporated some new jokes.
