It wouldn’t be appropriate for fellow performers to heckle him outright, but if Qi Shejiang flopped in his performance, not only the audience but even these people would be among the first to jeer. Qi Shejiang prepared himself, seemingly oblivious to the many eyes on him.
He plucked his sanxian and began to sing, “The Han dynasty wanes to the pious Ling, the world is desolate and not peaceful. Landslides and earthquakes bring disaster, in the world, hens turn into roosters.”
Black fiends fall in the Warm Virtue Hall, the Jade Emperor Hall reveals green rainbows. All because of the favoritism towards the Ten Eunuchs, robbers rise in a flurry under the yellow scarves…” Eighty years ago, people’s usual pastime was listening to songs and operas. Movies weren’t accessible to everyone, and traditional folk arts were the most widely appreciated forms of art; far too many people enjoyed them. In modern times, Qi Shejiang would have to select the most dazzling segments from “Ten Questions and Ten Answers” to impress the audience. Yet now, he had to begin singing from the start of “Ten Questions and Ten Answers” and slowly ease into the story. This narrative had lost its latter part in the big drum storytelling, and as Qi Shejiang sang here, passersby would hear the story, perhaps not fully grasping the nuances of the sub-degree song but loving tales of Guan Yu and Diao Chan. With Qi Shejiang’s excellent stringing and the charm in his voice, soon, about ten people had gathered around him. “… How enviable is your great defeat of the Hebei soldiers and generals, laughing as you behead Yan Liang among ten thousand troops. What of Fan Kuan returning to the world? Your lordship does not fall behind Chu’s heavy pupil.
Until now, Wen Chou again invaded our territory, we must rely on the Tiger’s Might to quell the rebellion.”
“Great!!”
Suddenly, a few people in the crowd shouted their applause, and other audience members began clapping as well. Passersby, drawn by the cheering, stopped to listen, curious about the exciting program.
After briefly scanning the crowd, Qi Shejiang nodded slightly. He understood clearly that the ones who had initiated the applause weren’t anyone else but those street performers eyeing his spot!
Qi Shejiang showcased a skill, and these people were experienced enough to tell his level of ability.
