The winter wind breaks through

The master of the troupe was furious and was about to strike, but Guiyun held onto the feather duster in his hand. "Master, please do not be angry. Although Zhanfeng has made many mistakes, we must first resolve the current situation before we discuss it further." Having heard some of the context, she was quick-witted and, under Qinggu's subtle direction, firmly blocked the master. Qinggu added, "You say your son Geng, but aren't you the same? You believe everything the teachers say and do not trust your own child. It is common for the wealthy to bully the poor; he suffers outside and then comes home to be wronged by you as well." As she spoke, her eyes turned red, and Gui Feng followed suit. Zhanfeng stood in the corner, puffing out his chest, exuding a defiant spirit as if he would rather die than submit. The master felt a pang in his heart. This child reminded him of himself from many years ago, the sharp edges he had lost through hardship, while Zhanfeng still possessed them. With a sudden ache in his heart, he reached out to support Zhanfeng.

The Du family's New Year's Eve ceremony was held for Xiao Fengming. The memorial tablet was placed on the table in the living room, adorned with incense and candles, their flames flickering brightly, illuminating everyone's faces. Qing Gu and Gui Feng squatted by the door, propping up an old enamel basin to burn paper offerings. She couldn't help but sigh, saying to Gui Feng: "You, my senior sister, have always had a solid foundation since childhood, and that voice of yours is truly rare. However, in your desire to improve yourself, you have followed the wrong people." Gui Yun and Zhan Feng arranged the offerings, and everyone hurried over, standing together in front of the memorial tablet, each taking turns to offer incense to Xiao Fengming.

Xiao Fengming followed that Japanese man for only a short time before becoming addicted to opium, day after day, ruining her voice. In September, that Japanese man suddenly drove her out, even selling the small villa and taking all his belongings to live elsewhere. Xiao Fengming had nowhere to go, and being pulled by her addiction, she ended up becoming a clandestine prostitute. A few days ago, she was unable to pay her bill at the opium den on Sima Road and was beaten by the waiter. Alas—how could they treat a woman so harshly! She herself did not know how she still had the strength to run back to Hongkou, collapsing at the doorstep of an old neighbor's house. A few days ago, she was unable to pay her bill at the opium den on Sima Road and was beaten by the waiter. Alas—how could they treat a woman so harshly! She herself did not know how she still had the strength to run back to Hongkou, collapsing at the doorstep of an old neighbor's house. It was that neighbor who sent someone to find me; fortunately, they knew she had come from the Qingxi troupe, otherwise—" Qing Gu spoke for a while, choked up, her eyes reddening, "there would have been no one to collect her body and arrange for her burial." Du Banmaster kept puffing on his pipe, listening all the way through, and asked: "Can she be buried now?" "I begged that neighbor to help find someone to take her body to Xibaoxing Road; it is still in the morgue now," Qing Gu said, gently wiping her tears. Du Banmaster put down his pipe and said: "We must hurry to lay her to rest; we need to take care of this matter." Du Banmaster put down his pipe and said: "We must hurry to lay her to rest; we need to take care of this matter.

Guiyun encouraged herself and nodded vigorously. Zhaofeng Villa is a high-end Shikumen complex in the French Concession's western district, a place Guiyun had never set foot in before. The alley is orderly and spacious, making it the most tranquil spot in the bustling city. In winter, without the cover of green shade, the grandeur of the Shikumen styled like foreign houses is even more pronounced. Boss Wang's Shikumen is located deep in the alley, three stories high, elegant and distinctive. Zhanfeng led Guiyun and Guifeng to take a rickshaw, and he was the only one excited along the way, even pressing the electric bell on the iron gate with enthusiasm. Soon, a slightly plump maid in a dark blue cotton coat came to open the door. Zhanfeng presented the invitation, and the maid politely ushered them inside. The interior was charming in its own right. The entire living room resembled a parlor, with a fir floor, floor-to-ceiling steel windows, and red velvet curtains. In the center stood a mahogany table surrounded by eight mahogany chairs, and in front was a black leather sofa. By the window, there was even a small oval space with a microphone set up beside it. The scattered antique vases added to the ambiance. The dining room and living room were seamlessly integrated, reflecting the style of Shanghai's parlors, yet with a more refined touch. A stage was set up, and there were several leather sofas. The grandeur was distinctly different. The inconspicuous staircase on the side was a straight fold type, concealing the rooms upstairs. However, sounds of shuffling could be heard from above, suggesting that the second floor and the library had an independent mahjong room. Boss Wang was not only a reasonable elder but also a distinguished capitalist, enjoying every bit of what he deserved.

Duban and Qinggu are aware that Boss Wang may not appreciate gifts, but the custom of giving auspicious words during the New Year in Shanghai should still be upheld

All three were like Liu Laolao, yet none wished to appear unsophisticated, casting sidelong glances at the small Western-style house. Just then, Boss Wang came down the stairs: "Ah, Zhan Feng, you have arrived." As he descended, his appreciative gaze scrutinized the fresh faces of the New Year, and upon seeing a pair of sisters in red and blue, he couldn't help but exclaim in admiration from the bottom of his heart. "Having such two stars in the Qingxi Troupe is truly wonderful! No wonder the Fengping Theater is packed for every performance." Guiyun, recognizing Boss Wang, responded with poise, "Thank you, Boss Wang, for your warm invitation. We, the younger generation, would like to extend our belated New Year wishes to you, wishing you happiness, longevity, health, and abundant wealth." After saying this, Gui Feng presented the New Year goods prepared by the Du family, which had been purchased from a southern goods store on Nanjing Road.

My mind is filled with the image of Xiao Fengming dancing on stage, her flowing sleeves and the enchanting expression on her face. It should have been a joyful reunion on this small New Year's Eve, yet it feels so sorrowful.

Du Ban, noticing the respectful language in the post, became more solemn and said to Zhan Feng: "We cannot refuse Mr. Wang's kind intentions; it seems we should pay a visit and add some excitement to the last performance." After a moment of contemplation, he continued, "However, since Xiao Fengming's mourning period has not yet ended, neither your mother nor I have the inclination to go; it would not be appropriate. Why don't you take Gui Feng and Gui Yun with you to perform a piece for them? This will also give Gui Yun more opportunities to gain experience in front of an audience"

The song "Liang Shanbo" sung by Guiyun is dedicated to the character Zhu Yingtai, represented by Xiao Fengming. On the surface, it is a joyful melody, but beneath it lies a tone of sorrow.

People indeed wish to improve year by year! During a moment of leisure, Gui Feng asked Gui Yun: "Mother has been with the senior sister for quite a while, I hope nothing has happened?"

The voice of the master Du was somewhat hoarse as he led the recitation of the memorial text. "In your youth, endowed with talent, you studied the art for five years, your first performance like the song of a warbler, earning praise throughout the Shen River. Yet, entrusted to the wrong person, you met a tragic and lonely end. The bond we shared on stage often brings tears to our eyes. Now, with a solitary candle and some gold and silver offerings, we hope for your peace and prosperity on the road to the Yellow Springs." With life extinguished, how can there be peace? Yet, someone has collected the remains and set up a memorial tablet, thus your journey to the Yellow Springs is recognized with a name. The Du family has fulfilled their duty of affection and obligation towards Xiao Fengming. However, time does not stand still; the years must continue to pass. The matter of Boss Wang, as mentioned in the wind, inviting us to the gathering has also been confirmed. The Du family received a notice from the Wang family sent by a messenger on the fifth day of the New Year.

After speaking, Zhan Feng tilted his head and said: "I can't pretend I didn't hear that, so I have no choice but to get involved." Zhan Feng then realized that he seemed to have inadvertently stumbled upon something important, ultimately leading him to become entangled in it.

Guiyun and Xiaodie hurriedly returned home, only to find that their family had also encountered misfortune. Master Du was fiercely beating Zhanfeng with a feather duster, while Zhanfeng was jumping up and down in the courtyard. Qinggu was unable to stop Master Du from behind, anxiously gripping Guifeng's hand and calling out "his father".

It is exactly in line with the intention of the occasion: "I think so too." However, the matriarch Du still paid careful attention: "Do not lose face in a grand setting." By the fifteenth day of the first month, Aunt Qing directed Guiyun and Guifeng to wear new outfits. Guiyun wore a light blue jacket adorned with large, brilliantly blooming magnolia flowers, paired with a matching long skirt and cotton shoes, presenting a refreshing lake-like appearance that highlighted her charming face. Guifeng donned a peach-colored jacket and long skirt with peach blossoms, exuding a festive air; her delicate and clever features made her look even more beautiful against the backdrop of peach hues. Aunt Qing was very pleased with these two sisters she had nurtured, fresh and green like the tender shoots of lotus flowers, ready to bloom into the most exquisite blossoms. "In this way, there will be no loss of decorum; I fear that they might outshine the daughters of wealthy families," she said, feeling even more satisfied.

"Three days of fighting roosters, two days of walking dogs, you little rascal are not doing anything serious! You little brat..." The foreman Du scolded fiercely, ready to roll up his sleeves and confront someone. Guiyun and Xiaodie could not help but come forward to hold him back. The foreman Du was furious: "What do you think I am doing? I should be fixing him, but you should ask him instead. It's not easy to attend a foreign school in the concession, and he got into a fight with a rich young master, injuring someone. Now the teacher has come personally to find me; where am I supposed to put my old face!" Zhan Feng held his shoulder, where he had taken a few hard hits, causing him pain, yet he still refused to admit his fault, saying: "I am not wrong, I am not wrong at all. That Wang Xiaokai just relies on his family's wealth; my father runs a cotton spinning factory, and he bullies his classmates all day long, pinching his nose and calling Xu Wufu 'stinky', looking down on his father who sweeps the streets. What’s wrong with me being unable to stand it?" "You can sing, but I thought you couldn't recite your lines. Do you think you are Li Kui or Guan Yu? You can't avoid trouble all day long—"

Zhan Feng called over, and upon seeing her childhood friends adorned in the colors of spring by the lake, her eyes sparkled with joy. "Today, taking both of you out has truly brought me great honor!" However, Gui Yun felt anxious: "I’m afraid I won’t sing well later." Zhan Feng replied: "Just think of it as when you sang 'Crying for the Flowers' at the Bund when you were little! Alas, you weren’t nervous back then, but now that you’re older, you treat the stage like a ferocious beast." "I’m afraid of that spotlight." Gui Feng smiled to reassure her: "This time, we’re going to someone’s house to sing at a gathering, no makeup, and no spotlight, so don’t be nervous."

"Your hands are so cold, quickly put them in the quilt." Guiyun tucked Guifeng's hand into her quilt. Her heart, like Guifeng's hand, was at this moment icy to the bone, and her mind was swirling with the words that Qinggu had just said.

The rain continued endlessly. Guiyun thought of Xiaofengming, the charm lingering vividly in her mind, as she entered that black Mitsubishi car, which felt like a black hole from which she could never escape. Suddenly, the black car transformed into a white figure in a red plum blossom qipao. Turning her head, it was a beautiful woman with a braided bun, her cheeks gradually becoming youthful, transforming into the disheveled attire beneath, revealing a stubborn yet pitiful little face reminiscent of a book, with a small tear mole beneath her left eye. Suddenly, the black car transformed into a white figure in a red plum blossom qipao. Turning her head, it was a beautiful woman with a braided bun, her cheeks gradually becoming youthful, transforming into the disheveled attire beneath, revealing a stubborn yet pitiful little face reminiscent of a book, with a small tear mole beneath her left eye. A sudden jolt awakened her, her heart racing wildly. She pressed her hand against her chest, faintly hearing the sound of the erhu strings, and then put on her coat and got up to go downstairs. In the parlor, Master Du sat by the threshold, holding the bowstring, playing a tune of "Eighteen Farewells."

On the eve of the small reunion dinner for the Du family, the men of the household had all gone with Aunt Qing to Hongkou to handle the funeral arrangements for Xiao Fengming. Left behind, Guiyun and Guifeng felt a sense of gloom. After tidying up the house a bit, they went to bed early. However, the rain mixed with snow fell heavily in waves, the incessant "drip drip drop" making it hard to sleep peacefully. Guiyun turned over and heard Guifeng sigh: "Senior sister, has she really gone?" She reached out to hold Guiyun's hand.

The living room of the Du family, however, turned off the lights only at dinner time. During the New Year season, all the sisters and the qin master who usually stayed here returned home for the holidays, leaving only the Du family and Gui Feng.

Boss Wang was also aware and appeared very pleased, repeatedly saying, "Thank you for your trouble." He asked the maid to come over and take care of things, and added, "Later, I will invite two young ladies to enhance the charm of this residence." Guiyun smiled and said, "That is only appropriate, but I fear we may embarrass ourselves at your residence." Boss Wang exchanged a few more polite words, stating that there were few guests to accompany, and all three replied, "We dare not," and then curiously looked around.

Du Ban felt flattered and gained some face, clasping his fists and saying: "I am truly ashamed, truly ashamed." Boss Wang also clasped his fists, speaking with heartfelt sincerity: "My original intention was to encourage my son to acquire knowledge and serve the country. Alas, due to my busy schedule, I have neglected the education of my children, allowing them to waste their time aimlessly. I am truly ashamed!" These words carry some weight; they seem to admonish his son while also indirectly chastising others. Yet, they strike at the root of the issue. Although Zhan Feng understands the importance of studying hard and serving the country, often being reminded of it by his own parents, it is far more impactful to hear such admonitions from the elders of others in this context. His attitude became increasingly respectful and sincere, leading him to self-reflect.

Qing Gu sighed: "Back then, a fine performer—sigh—how unfortunate for you!" Zhan Feng hurriedly said, "Father, I will also go help out." Du Ban Zhu nodded, instructing Gui Yun and Gui Feng to take good care of the house, and then he hurriedly followed Qing Gu to Xi Baoxing Road.

In harmony with the couplet on the door, it is not only necessary to have "abundance year after year, and progress step by step," but also to ensure that "wealth flows in abundantly"

Seemingly broken yet unbroken, desolate and lonely, like weeping and lamenting. She had always heard that Master Du was a skilled performer, capable of drawing five notes with a single bow, yet all these years she had never seen him play the erhu alone. Now, as he moved the strings, he mournfully paid tribute to Xiao Fengming. Qing Gu lowered her head to wipe the newly carved wooden tablet, wiping and wiping, as if it could never be clean. The three of them had originally traveled together from Zhejiang to Shanghai, singing on one boat after another, performing on one stage after another, exhausting their youth and depleting their talents, all for the sake of a stable life. Regardless of how they had once faced trials together, they had ultimately shared hardships. Now, these two, sharing a tablet, had returned to the beginning, a poignant scene of the white-haired sending off the black-haired. Qing Gu saw Gui Yun and beckoned her over: "Sing a song 'Eighteen Farewells' for the elder sister." Gui Yun adjusted her coat and walked to their midst. Now, these two, sharing a tablet, had returned to the beginning, a poignant scene of the white-haired sending off the black-haired. Qing Gu saw Gui Yun and beckoned her over: "Sing a song 'Eighteen Farewells' for the elder sister." Gui Yun adjusted her coat and walked to their midst. Master Du struck the strings and began to play. "Three years of camaraderie, as deep as the sea, Shan Bo cannot bear to part with Zhu Ying Tai, together they descend the mountain, and again they come to Qiantang..."

Boss Wang smiled and said, "Since that is the case, Zhan Feng, come here, I have some other things to discuss with you"