Chapter 5: Late Night Snacks

Han Wei still remembers that day when he accompanied his elder brother to watch the performance of "Red Plum Pavilion" at the Daxin Society. Afterward, his elder brother invited Wei Yunhan and Xiao Yansheng to a quiet teahouse by the Huanglong River for tea. Both Han Wei and Yansheng acted as younger brothers, respectfully listening and not daring to speak much, while the elder brother and Wei Yunhan discussed calligraphy, painting, poetry, and music. The elder brother pointed out a flaw in the technique of the Six Harmonies Blade in "Sancha Kou," using a folding fan as a substitute for a sword to demonstrate and explain to Wei Yunhan. Wei Yunhan, in turn, shared a recently acquired guqin piece with the elder brother, engaging in lively conversation and laughter, creating a very pleasant atmosphere. The table was set with boiled beans, bean sprouts, and warm wine. There were no exotic delicacies or the opulence of restaurants and clubs; instead, there was only the gentle breeze from the river outside the small bamboo building and the half-hidden moon, which made the setting feel relaxed and carefree

While going to the washroom to wash his hands, Yan Sheng glanced at Han Wei with a shy smile

"Is it referring to Yu Zhirou?" Han Wei, upon hearing his elder brother's response, could not help but exclaim in surprise. He did not expect his unromantic elder brother to actually know about Yu Zhirou's poetry; it must be due to the good teachings of Sister-in-law Yu Ning.

It has become somewhat fashionable for high-ranking officials and wealthy individuals to invite a few entertainers to accompany them for drinks and late-night meals. Although Han Wei knows that his elder brother is not a superficial person, it seems that his elder brother harbors a special affection for Wei Yunhan

Han Wei saw that Xiao Yan finally revealed a happy smile, and when she smiled, two dimples appeared, making her quite charming. Even Han Wei couldn't help but think with a mischievous intent, such a delicate child should be learning to perform as a dan (female role in traditional Chinese opera), why is she learning to be a martial artist instead

Nowadays, compared to the elder brother, Mao Xingbang certainly exudes an impressive presence. Not only did he strongly invite Boss Xiao Wei to have a late-night snack, but he also insisted on bringing Yan Sheng along.

Mao Xingbang raised an eyebrow and retorted, "Are you asking me? Everyone knows that the two of you have always been inseparable; even the 'old man' knows that you two are old flames. You should be more aware of Xiao Hu's whereabouts than I am."

After listening to Wei Yunhan's explanation, Mao Xingbang laughed and scolded: "In terms of serious matters, you haven't seen Xiao Hu, the various schools and streams..."

Han Wei noticed Yan Sheng's reluctant gaze searching for his senior brother Wei Yunhan. Even though the few slaps were not heavy, hitting his thigh made it difficult to sit or stand. However, how could he face that awkwardness? Nevertheless, Yan Sheng still reluctantly joined everyone in the restaurant on the sixth floor of the Xingmei Club.

However, it is unjust to blame Commander Hu; it was he who proposed sending Yun Han to Longcheng, but Yun Han declined. This has already caused Commander Hu some trouble, so it would not be appropriate to delay his important matters.

How is it? Whatever Third Master desires, he will certainly obtain it

Little Wei, I envy you. With so many ladies, madams, and young women crowding backstage to present you with fabrics for 'A Song of Red Gauze,' your fortune in romance is indeed remarkable

"How do we speak here?" Han Chen asked. Before Han Wei could respond, Yan Sheng suddenly felt his legs give way and collapsed to the ground, losing consciousness.

Han Chen then asked wwwhetushucom.com: "Is tattooing very popular in the Beiping and Tianjin areas? How painful is it, after all, it involves piercing the skin."

Han Wei savored the mocha coffee in his cup while listening to Wei Yunhan recount the joy of the brothers in the opera troupe experiencing their first flight on the "iron bird"; outside, amidst the chaos of war, there was anxiety over the inability to purchase train tickets in Xijing, and how Commander Hu Ziqing issued a directive to have the Dexin Company send a military vehicle to Longcheng.

Today is also the first time that my elder brother has visited Boss Wei in the backstage, largely due to the fact that Mao Xingbang has been clamoring to send a flower basket.

Han Wei then heard Wei Yunhan speak with a hint of sarcasm about the recent trend of tattoos in the North. Modern women adorn themselves with elegant little flowers on their wrists, chests, and foreheads. It is said that there is a restaurant in Beiping called 'Northwest Wang,' where the tattooing techniques are so exquisite that even a tattoo of a mosquito captures the fine hairs on its legs in vivid detail

Wei Yunhan suddenly waved his hand in frustration and said: "Don't even mention tattoos. Just thinking about the tattooed female corpse reported in the Longcheng Daily these past few days makes me feel nauseous. It's really boring for these ladies and young women, living in comfort and idleness, to seek out such forms of entertainment."

Speaking of tattoos, one naturally brings up the strange case of the tattooed female corpse found in the Yellow Dragon River. Han Wei felt so disgusted that he could not eat. He got up to go to the washroom and found Yan Sheng also stumbling along behind him

While they were joking, as soon as the door opened, Han Wei was so frightened that he immediately stopped speaking; it was his elder brother Han Chen who had entered.

The phrase "Three Teachings and Nine Streams" was uttered, and Han Chen kicked Mao Xingbang under the table. Mao Xingbang quickly changed his words, saying: "In any case, Xiao Hu flies around in his plane, taking everyone along. Alas, he even takes his rival along. Not long ago, Xiao Hu and a poet were both pursuing a female teacher who had returned from studying abroad, and he became quite familiar with that poet, his rival. Every time he traveled back and forth between Xi'an and Beijing, he would take that poet home to visit his family. He is the one who wrote, 'With a wave of my sleeve, I take not a single cloud away.'"

Han Wei was also taken aback upon hearing this. Does Premier He from Xijing know that his elder brother has an exceptionally close relationship with the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the national army, Navy, and Air Force, Hu Ziqing

Han Wei teased him, saying: "I have become an expert from long illness; what are your two slaps? When my elder brother hits me, it's as fierce as hitting a thief or swatting a mouse"

Wei Yunhan said: "I beg your pardon, Third Master, you must have heard this from Commander Hu Ziqing, right? I had the fortune of meeting Commander Hu in Beiping, and just as he was about to fly to Xijing for a meeting, he heard that I was taking a theater troupe to Longcheng, so he kindly offered to take us along on his plane. Commander Hu mentioned that whether it was one person or ten, it would be the same for this flight."

"You... you are in pain from your wound, aren't you?" Han Wei asked with concern, noticing Yan Sheng's pale complexion, unsteady gait, and dazed expression

Mao Xingbang proudly opened a folding fan with a mud-gold fan surface, showing it off to Wei Yunhan

"Tao Minghan, your calligraphy and Xiao Wei's painting are both effortless, but it is essential for Xiao Wei to paint on the fan that you inscribed. His stubborn mind will absolutely refuse to do so," Mao Xingbang said with a hint of sarcasm. "Xiao Wei, I must say you are being inconsiderate. You come to the capital but do not come to find me."

Wei Yunhan took the fan and gently unfolded it, flipping it over to examine both sides. She playfully chided, "San, you jest too much. Yunhan is merely a performer; how could I dare to compare my calligraphy with that of the Young Master of Longcheng? If I had known you were intent on having General Yang's calligraphy inscribed, I certainly would not have painted this plum blossom on the gilded surface of the fan."

At this point, Han Chen suddenly asked Wei Yunhan: "Last time I saw you in Tianjin, you seemed to mention that someone paid to buy your painting to have it tattooed on their back"

Han Chen self-deprecatingly smiled and said: "That is too much of a compliment for Han Chen. Deputy Commander Hu comes and goes without a trace; I fear I won't see him for a long time."

"Is Xiao Hu still flying the plane all over the place?" Han Chen asked again

Han Chen smiled and said, "There is no distinction of value in calligraphy and painting. Back in the day, Xu Wenchang was down on his luck at the Qingteng Studio, yet his works are still timeless treasures. Brother Mao San went through great trouble to obtain a painting from you, Xiao Wei."

Yan Sheng shook his head and smiled: "They are talking about tattoos, and I find it disgusting"

Han Wei suddenly joked: "I've thought of something. Next time I go to that restaurant 'Xibeiwang', I will get a large green fly tattooed on my back, and it has to be so realistic that the hairs are lifelike. I guarantee that the next time my brother tries to hit me, he will see a back full of flies and be so disgusted that he won't be able to swing the whip or the *picture*."

In the first three days of the performance of "Cannon Play" in Longcheng, Brother Han Chen, despite his busy schedule, attended every show, which seems unprecedented in Han Wei's memory. The provincial governor of Longcheng personally came to support the event, truly giving the Deutsche Nachrichten Agency a significant boost, attracting the attention of the local elite and officials who flocked to watch the play. However, Wei Yunhan did not seem to flatter Brother Han with excessive deference; instead, while occasionally "managing the scene" beside the stage, his gaze would occasionally drift towards Brother Han in the box above, slightly bowing in acknowledgment.

Han Wei felt a jolt in his heart and thought to himself how unrestrained Mao Xingbang's words were. From a worldly perspective, people look down upon those who perform in plays, considering actors to be of the "lower nine ranks," akin to prostitutes, thieves, corrupt officials, and witches. However, even if Mao Xingbang truly harbored such thoughts, one should not speak so recklessly, especially since Han Wei believed that Mao San did not mean any malice.

After taking a seat, Han Wei, understanding and considerate, discreetly requested a soft cushion from the waiter, who intentionally placed it on Yan Sheng's chair, accompanied by a smile directed at Yan Sheng

Yan Sheng no longer held back, conversing with Han Wei as they returned to their seats. After a few casual exchanges, Han Wei learned that Yan Sheng's master, Old Boss Wei, was suffering from a recurrence of his leg ailment and was recuperating in Tianjin. This time, it was Yan Sheng's second senior brother, Yun Han, who brought their brothers and sisters from the Dexin Society to run the Longcheng.

Mao Xingbang exclaimed loudly: "If it were me, I would spit on Xiao Hu for being so petty. Since flying to Xijing is still flying, why not just fly directly to Longcheng? It would only cost a bit more in fuel."