In ancient times, people used to say that prostitutes were heartless and opera performers were untrustworthy. As the years of peace have quietly passed, I've watched Yvonne Yang, and whenever the night grows deep and silent, she silently sheds tears. In her heart, she has never been able to let go of Feng Liyun. To find out what happened to Feng Liyun, Master Jin has been asking around everywhere.
Only now does Yvonne Yang's heart feel the slightest bit of reassurance. Over the years, I've seen her live as if by rote, and to avoid being sold by Master Jin as someone's concubine, she poured all her effort into relentlessly honing her craft. In the end, it all paid off.
Yvonne Yang smiled through her silent tears, for Master Jin had already found the Liu Brothers. At least now, after finishing this performance, she could go in search of Feng Liyun.
With excitement in her heart, all Yvonne Yang could think about these days was how to give her best performance at the palace, and then, once it was over, to go find Feng Liyun.
Finally, on the morning of the performance, the Golden Troupe, led by a group of eunuchs, entered the imperial palace. They were arranged in a small garden, and the chief eunuch made all the necessary preparations. Now they just waited for nightfall. The entire palace was heavily guarded, with eunuchs and maids busy everywhere, all to celebrate the Empress Dowager's birthday that night.
Master Jin had already gone to the steward's office to receive instructions and was all smiles, hoping to make connections with some of the aristocrats.
Yvonne Yang sat quietly in the room, waiting. She felt no excitement about the rare chance to perform in the palace tonight. Instead, her mind was focused on the news Master Jin had gathered about Feng Liyun.
At night, the palace was brightly lit, the guests filled every seat, and wine flowed freely. After several rounds of drinks, the performance began. As soon as Yvonne Yang stepped onto the stage, she started singing, and within seconds, her skill amazed the audience, bringing smiles to both the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.
Master Jin watched from the side, his heart full of excitement. With each spectacular act, the audience below the stage was utterly entranced.
By the end of the night, the Golden Troupe received rewards from the palace. Master Jin even arranged for several high-ranking officials to invite them to perform at their mansions in the coming days. He was so happy he could barely keep his mouth closed.
After the performance, the troupe returned to their quarters to wait until early morning before leaving the palace. Master Jin had already been summoned elsewhere. As soon as she stepped off the stage, Yvonne Yang was exhausted but couldn't sleep. She planned to wait for Master Jin to return. The others in the troupe had gone to bed, but Yvonne Yang sat at a small table in the courtyard, waiting.
At last, Master Jin staggered back, drunk. Yvonne Yang immediately stood up and walked over to him.
"Ah, Yvonne, ha, when we get back, just tell me what you want and I'll get it for you. In a few days, we'll be performing at Lord Tu's house. Do you know, that official has many disciples—this year's top three scholars are all his students. This is a real opportunity."
"Enough, Master Jin. It's time you told me, isn't it?"
For a moment, Master Jin seemed to sober up, sighed, and sat down.
"Yvonne, why are you still thinking about all that? I say, just let it go..."
Suddenly, Yvonne Yang grabbed Master Jin's hand in excitement.
"Did something happen to my sister?"
Master Jin shook his head helplessly.
"The Liu Brothers are in Fengyang, but they've become street thugs. As for Feng Liyun, her whereabouts are unknown."