“Dong Fuxiang thought about this, his tiger-like eyes wide open, and he sang loudly: ‘At the break of dawn, the dawn approaches, Brother Cheng Qi lifts the wine… Today, I’ve endured it, yet none of my friends have come; they all stand aside to watch. I expected no one in the Tang camp would dare to execute me. Jide, send this old man to the Western Heaven!’
Qi Shejiang learned to sing Qin opera, truly grasping its essence. The singing was powerful and high-pitched, leaving people feeling exhilarated and their blood boiling! Old Master Meng was the first to start clapping, shouting, “Good!” The audience followed suit, applauding and cheering in unison. Qi Shejiang glanced at Old Master Meng. Usually on stage, the person supporting the jokes stands at the side of the stage, half-turned towards the comedian to observe them closely and catch any cues. The comedian, for the most part, faces the audience. At this moment, however, he caught a glimpse of tears shimmering in Old Master Meng’s eyes, stirring something in his heart.”
Speaking of this performance, to make the Qin opera more authentic, he had once taken his junior disciple to a Qin opera troupe to listen to their singing. Later, when they collaborated, it was always his junior singing, and he would lead the applause just as he did now. Amidst the continuous applause from the audience, Qi Shejiang briefly lost his focus but quickly regained his composure. Qi Shejiang continued, “Upon seeing this scene, Zuo Zongtang couldn’t help but step forward to untie Dong Fuxiang…” Old Master Meng asked, “What happened next?” Qi Shejiang revealed the punchline: “He personally cheered for Dong Fuxiang!” Old Master Meng waved his hand, saying, “Enough of that!” The applause from the audience roared like waves, with everyone standing to cheer for the spectacular and rare collaboration between Old Master Meng and Qi Shejiang.
Qi Shejiang poured all his energy into performing several long segments of singing, while Old Master Meng supported him wholeheartedly. The effort from both was evident, and the audience certainly felt it. In the overwhelming applause that covered everything, Qi Shejiang and Old Master Meng both bent down to bow.
” Qi Shejiang straightened up, unable to absorb the thunderous cheers, his eyes widening little by little.
