Chapter 1, The Theater Troupe

After the excitement is over, bring them over here!

The three disciples nodded and went to the backstage, greeted a few fellow brothers who were setting up the stage, and then saw in front of the dressing table a solitary figure illuminated by a dim oil lamp, holding a scroll and carefully turning the pages to savor the contents of the book.

In the southwestern part of Huangchuan, thirty li from Lishui, there lived a practitioner of the Way named Li. Due to inconvenient travel, he would cut paper into the shape of horses and place them on the ground. When the wind blew, they would appear to grow, their manes flying and their whinnies crisp and clear, resembling living creatures. They could travel a hundred li in a day, but upon encountering water, they would dissolve into a sticky mass

Master, what is happening outside

In front, a makeshift stage has been erected, where several wooden figurines, about one foot tall, dressed in robes, move in accordance with the sound of gongs and drums in the hands of the performers, while below the stage, someone is singing lyrics in a soft, melodic manner

Is it eaten raw

At this moment, a hazy mist had risen outside on the street, making it difficult to see the road beneath one's feet. The residence of the Wang family was not far; after crossing a street corner, it could be seen without any need to search, as the entrance to the alley was already crowded with people

However, Chen Yuan was also relieved that she did not truly pursue any official titles. Over the past few months, she gradually came to understand the turmoil of the Eight Kings in the Central Plains, with the Hu people lurking menacingly. She initially thought she had traveled to the Eight Kings' Rebellion of the Wei and Jin dynasties, but upon further inquiry, she learned that the Eight Kings were not of the Sima clan, but rather of the Gongsun clan.

The remaining half of the setting sun hangs on the ridge of the western mountains, while the crimson clouds drift like a colorful robe of sunset draped over the foothills of Funiu Town.

Money is not as important as the right path, let's hurry... never mind, I will join you all.

However, his voice was drowned out by a cacophony of chatter. Seeing that no one reacted, the man stamped his foot fiercely and shouted again, almost bellowing at the top of his lungs

What a truly wonderful story

Something has happened outside

"I will mention you again later." Although San'er is the third disciple, he is quite close to the fourth one. He shifted his gaze outside and said, "With such a good story, they are the ones who steal the spotlight. As for you, apart from your name, you have nothing else."

Oh dear, this is truly bizarre

Someone wanted to enter, but was subsequently stopped and sent back by the village head

The night outside was deep and profound, with old trees lined up outside the constructed stage, their branches and leaves rustling gently in the wind. Just as he turned the pages of the book and continued reading, the voices around him grew noisy. San Er, who had just gone out, suddenly ran back, his brow furrowed, his mouth slightly open as he swallowed hard, displaying a rather anxious expression.

In the gradually darkening sky, the sounds of the suona and gong can be faintly heard from over there, passing through the alleyway, where the villagers are sitting and standing in the open space, cheering loudly.

Under the oil lamp, Chen Yuan held a scroll and softly read its contents, occasionally clicking his tongue in admiration. If such extraordinary skills truly existed, he would indeed want to learn them.

Of course

Continue to overcome obstacles, um... didn't I give you the lines? The figure holding the book turned its face slightly, the outline becoming clear in the dim yellow light, with delicate features, a neat and tidy hair bun, and wearing an old light blue robe, which had faded in some places from washing. It slowly stood up, the robe hanging down silently, appearing somewhat oversized.

A temporary respite, the sound of fragmented conversations from the stands, the old man known as Zhao Banzhu listened almost word for word, his face nearly splitting with laughter. He hurriedly instructed his assistant to bring fruits to the stands to take advantage of the break and make some money as a supplement for tonight.

The master will not shortchange us. Third senior brother is also busy, I will read for a while longer

Let's go and take a look over there

The low and high eaves are adorned with raindrops that fell in the morning, while the streets are muddied with murky water trampled by people and livestock. The long street is bustling with noise, as groups of children shake their rattles, playing and frolicking together as they run towards the open space behind the town

Chen Yuan approached Zhao Bantou, who was not far away. The latter, unaware of the details, was merely pacing back and forth beside the stage with a grim expression. He instructed the eldest disciple to go and inquire about the situation; otherwise, the performance tonight would be in vain.

Amidst the buzzing noise, someone shouted, and among those present, some, undeterred by the chaos, yelled: "Let's see the excitement." One after another, they excitedly pushed and jostled, eager to be the first to reach the alley's entrance

The man known as the eldest disciple nodded and, outside the noisy crowd, suddenly a figure rushed in from the alley, his face drenched in white sweat, shouting to the people: "Something has really happened, the old Wang family is in real trouble!"

The sound of hysteria echoed, and on the noisy stands, everyone's voices suddenly fell silent, creating a dead silence as you looked at me and I looked at you, and then we began to whisper to each other

"Regarding the beheading of Yan Wen and the two generals, how can one speak of my lack of grace and loyalty! If the city gates are not opened, I ask, is my blade not sharp?"

In the preceding dynasties, there were also the Qin and Han, as well as the Three Kingdoms, but there were no historical figures known to Chen Yuan, and even the famous deities and ghosts were different

... Guan Yu, you have received great favor from Lord Cao, with gifts of robes and horses, which is still not enough. You killed Guan Kongxiu, showing a different disposition. Today, you shall not pass this way!

Before the door could even be opened, it was slapped by Old Zhao

Indeed, I heard him mention before that something has been off at home lately. The chickens raised in the backyard often go missing, and when they are found, only the bones remain, along with some blood

Have you seen that Chen Lang? Old Zhao has certainly struck gold

Disciple, the master asked me to convey a message and inquire what you will be performing next

San Er might be a little scared, he shifted half a step and hesitantly pointed at the alley entrance: "But what they said is somewhat sinister..."

What happened

Is it lost somewhere? I will find it later and deliver it to the senior brothers.

I have seen him; he was originally the one doing odd jobs in the class

The puppet in a green robe and golden armor, with a face resembling a heavy jujube, has a beard that hangs down to its chest. It wields a green dragon and strikes down in anger, producing a sound akin to that of gold and iron. The puppet opposite falls to the ground in response.

"Seeking death! Wait for the officials from above to come and investigate, you all should not spread rumors, disperse, disperse!"

Indeed, it is said that the Wang family has committed acts that undermine moral integrity

Chen Yuan smiled at him. The wooden carvings performed by this puppet theater were all crafted by him. He also aspired to be a scholar, to pass the imperial examinations and attain an official position. However, after crossing over, he discovered that he was of the status of a performer, merely a miscellaneous worker in this Zhao family troupe.

Oh, how truly eerie. Could it be that a weasel has turned into a spirit and is causing mischief

Chen Yuan furrowed her brows, quickly set down her book, and followed him out of the backstage. She saw that the originally bustling audience had gathered in small circles, chatting about something, and the words that reached her ears had turned into a buzzing noise.

Good

A few helpers were left to watch over the belongings on the stage, while the old man walked ahead. Chen Yuan comfortingly patted the shoulder of the third senior brother, feeling somewhat curious about matters such as the spirit tablet cracking and bleeding.

It is just that one does not know where the next performance will take place, showcasing the imposing and extraordinary appearance of Guan Yu.

In the rudimentary theater, layers upon layers of villagers stood to watch the performance, straining on their tiptoes to catch a glimpse of the delicate Qinglong knife descending, unable to contain their applause and cheers. The story depicted in this wooden puppet show was unfamiliar to them, quite rare indeed. It was said to have been crafted by Zhao, the troupe leader's new apprentice, who had joined last year, and all the wooden carvings were done by him.

It appears to be the daughter-in-law of the Wang family, sitting on the threshold and weeping uncontrollably, while beside her are Old Wang and his son, both pale-faced and trembling slightly

The brother-in-law of the elder master is a soldier, who claims that there are enlightened individuals in this world, and he has encountered one of them. This enlightened person bestowed upon him a pair of elixirs, which cured his long-standing ailment of pain in the posterior in no time at all

When Chen Yuan and Old Zhao squeezed in, there were even more people at the Wang family's door, gathered in a crowd peering inside

The deviation from what was imagined is too great

Chen Yuan raised the tattered book in his hand, smiling as he sat back down. This book had been in the class for several years, containing a collection of bizarre and strange short stories. A few students in the class recognized some characters, and during their leisure time, they would pass it around to each other. After several years, the cover of the book had become so worn that it was barely possible to make out the title "Huangchuan Miscellaneous Doubts"

Whenever Chen Yuan thought of this, he couldn't help but laugh, as he believed that what the other party had given him was a hemorrhoid medicine

After approximately half an hour, the figures of three constables dressed in official attire emerged through the thin mist, carrying lanterns as they approached. They waved their hands to disperse the people outside, their faces displaying a fierce demeanor as they walked to the courtyard gate and summoned the village head for inquiries

Old Wang's family is really in trouble; his father's spirit tablet has cracked and is bleeding profusely. The family members are quite frightened, and the village head has already taken people over there!

The once lively stage suddenly fell silent, and Old Zhao, infuriated, jumped up and down cursing, waving his hands to urge Chen Yuan and the others to follow him as well

San Er, go to the backstage and ask how the next performance will be conducted