Northern Song Dynasty Text Copyist

Chapter 19 All matters are settled, return to Chenliu

The few pages of storybook that Shen Zhong'an handed over were from "The Cases of Longtu" compiled by An Yushi in the Ming Dynasty, and were excerpts of the core passage of the story "Cutting the Ox's Tongue".

Farmer Li Chengchen got up to feed his cow and suddenly found that his old yellow cow's mouth was full of blood and it was barely breathing. Upon closer inspection, he discovered that the cow's tongue had been maliciously cut off, leaving him destitute and with no one to turn to for help.

Zhang Si had spent years working his way up in Sangjia Wazi, listening to storytellers perform tales and recount legends every day. Through this exposure, he had developed a discerning eye and could distinguish between good and bad stories.

He held the paper in both hands, reading it carefully word by word, his eyes growing brighter with each reading.

This segment features a tight plot, vivid conflicts, and delicate character portrayals, making it more lively and interesting than many stories told by storytellers in the entertainment district who simply recite from the script.

After watching the clip and recalling Shen Zhong'an's words, "Perform a scene for me to see," Zhang Si suddenly had a bold guess.

Could this generous young master be trying to promote me as a storyteller?

But the thought was ruthlessly extinguished by Zhang Si as soon as it popped up.

In the two major entertainment districts of Bianjing, storytellers were plentiful, including established veterans and promising new talents.

If the young master truly intended to promote someone, he would only need to spread the word, and countless people would surely respond. Why would he take a fancy to a servant like me who doesn't even have the chance to go on stage and give an opening speech?

Immediately, Zhang Si recalled the scene when he entered the tent yesterday. Shen Zhong'an and his master Zhang Shanren had a very pleasant conversation. After the show, his master even privately remarked that this young master was very generous, giving away twenty coins in one go, far exceeding the usual amount of money given by spectators.

Could it be that the young master truly values ​​Master Zhang Shanren, and knowing that I am his disciple, he asked me to act as a go-between?

Yes, that must be it!

Once he understood this, Zhang Si's anxiety and doubts vanished instantly, and he felt much more at ease.

Zhang Si gently placed the paper on the table, took a deep breath, and put all his restraint aside, giving it his all.

He used all the storytelling style he had secretly learned from his master and the expressions he had observed in the performers.

Shen Zhong'an sat to the side, holding a half-finished bowl of mutton offal soup, listening and nodding frequently, his heart filled with increasing joy.

I already knew that Zhang Si would become a famous storyteller in the future, but I didn't expect that even though he has not officially taken the stage yet, his storytelling skills are already so solid. His tone, expression and rhythm are just right, even better than I expected. He truly lives up to his reputation as a future master.

Zhang Si's voice was clear and powerful, sometimes filled with grief and indignation, sometimes choked with sobs and whispers, vividly portraying Li Cheng's despair and lament after discovering the ox's tongue had been cut off.

Customers at the surrounding noodle stalls and passersby stopped and turned to listen attentively to the dramatic storytelling.

Having witnessed the lively scenes in the brothels of Sangjia Wazi, Zhang Si had long harbored the idea of ​​performing on stage. Now, surrounded by the gazes of the crowd, he felt no fear whatsoever, but rather became even more excited, hoping that more people would see his skills.

As more and more people gathered, Zhang Si's voice grew louder and louder, his performance became more and more immersive, and his gestures and expressions became more and more natural, vividly portraying the farmers' sorrow and helplessness.

As Zhang Si finished his final tearful plea, he bowed slightly. As soon as he finished speaking, a loud cheer and shouts of approval erupted from the crowd.

Zhang Si was stunned for a moment, then his face turned red. He was so excited that he didn't know what to do. He repeatedly bowed to the crowd to express his gratitude, his eyes shining with an unprecedented light.

This was the first time he had received so much recognition, and the first time he had experienced being admired.

Because Shen Zhong'an only provided a fragment, the story abruptly ended, leaving the onlookers wanting more and asking questions.

"Why did you stop? Keep going!"

"Who cut off the cow's tongue? Why would they do such a thing?"

"When will Judge Bao appear? How exactly did he solve this case?"

"Breaking it here is such a cliffhanger!"

"..."

Zhang Si looked embarrassed and quickly clasped his hands in apology to everyone.

"Please forgive me, esteemed guests, but I only have this one fragment. The story is not yet complete, so I cannot continue the performance."

Upon hearing this, passersby sighed with regret, and some even asked for his name and which shed he performed in Sangjia Wazi, expressing their desire to support him in the future.

This question put Zhang Si in an even more difficult position. He was just an apprentice who had not yet completed his apprenticeship and did not even have the qualifications to perform on stage. Where would he find a fixed venue to perform in?

Just as Zhang Si was at a loss for words, Shen Zhong'an stood up and stepped in to help him out.

"Dear guests, the original title of this story is 'Cutting the Ox's Tongue,' and the subsequent plot is still being compiled."

As for when the performance will be held and in which shed at Sangjia Wazi, you will find out by looking at the sign at the entrance of the Wazi later.

The signs for entertainment venues in the Northern Song Dynasty were similar to today's program announcements. They were mostly colorful paper signs that listed the program and the names of the performers and were posted at the entrance of the entertainment venues to attract viewers.

Upon hearing this, although the crowd still felt regret, they did not pursue the matter further and gradually dispersed.

After the pedestrians dispersed, Shen Zhong'an put away his manuscript and quietly gave Zhang Si some instructions.

"Go back and act as usual. Do not publicize what happened today. In a few days, perhaps a talented person from the Book Society will come to you to discuss matters."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Si was taken aback. Forgetting his place for a moment, he blurted out, "Young master, what business does the scholar from the book club have with me?"

"You'll know when you meet him..." Shen Zhong'an did not answer directly. "The matter was accomplished in secrecy. If you don't want to miss this opportunity, please remember not to make a fuss."

After leaving those words, Shen Zhong'an prepared to pay the bill and leave.

Unexpectedly, the noodle stall owner waived their stall fee, saying that the storytelling had attracted many customers to his stall and that he had enjoyed listening to it, so he waived the fee.

In the marketplace of Bianjing (Kaifeng) during the Northern Song Dynasty, one hundred coins were enough for an ordinary family's basic daily expenses.

The meal that Shen Zhong'an and his companion ate cost fifty or sixty coins, equivalent to most of an ordinary family's expenses for half a day. It was far more than just a bowl of noodles and a few steamed buns. How could they accept the stall owner's kindness for nothing?

Despite the stall owner's repeated attempts to stop him, Shen Zhong'an put down the full amount of money and turned to leave the stall.

After parting ways with Zhang Si at the noodle stall, Shen Zhong'an didn't go far. He only circled around the corner of the East Market before heading straight to the secondhand bookstore. He found a shop assistant and gave him his orders:

"Please tell Zhou Cairen that I, Bai Xiaosheng, have something to discuss with her and ask her to meet me at our usual place."

Zhou Cairen had already specifically instructed the shop assistants that if Shen Zhong'an came, no matter what it was about, they must inform him immediately. Now that Shen Zhong'an had personally come to invite them, how could the shop assistants dare to delay? They quickly turned around and told the bookstore manager, and after handing over their chores, they hurriedly left the bookstore.

After the waiter had gone far away, Shen Zhong'an strolled over to the nameless teahouse.

The tea smoke curled upwards, and outside the window, the bustling city life continued. About half an hour later, hurried footsteps were heard at the entrance of the teahouse, and Zhou Cairen arrived late.

His clothes were slightly disheveled, his forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat, and his cheeks were flushed from rushing. It was clear that he had hurried as fast as he could to barely keep up with the appointment on time.

Upon seeing Shen Zhong'an, Consort Zhou quickly stepped forward, clasped her hands in a deep bow, and spoke with a hint of apology.

"Brother Bai, please forgive me, please forgive me!"

"The teahouse was busy today, and to make matters worse, two storytellers got into a heated argument over who would get a customer. Each had their own version of events, and the argument escalated to a fever pitch. I had to stay and settle things for half the day, which caused the delay. Please forgive me, Brother Bai."

"Mr. Zhou, you flatter me..."

Shen Zhong'an stood up and returned the greeting with a cupped hand.

"This was a spur-of-the-moment decision by me to request an audience without prior notice. It is already a blessing that you were able to put aside your affairs and come here. How can you ask for my understanding?"

Mr. Zhou, please have a seat.

After Zhou Cairen sat down, she picked up the tea that the waiter had just brewed, took a big gulp, caught her breath, and then asked directly:

"Brother Bai, you must have something important to tell me today."

I wonder if there were any parts of the story I read yesterday that needed revision, or if there are other arrangements?

"No..." Shen Zhong'an shook his head. "Today in the Sangjia Wazi, I met a promising storyteller. I would like to ask Mr. Zhou for your guidance."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Cairen's eyes flashed with surprise, but she quickly realized it was only natural.

In the past, many writers of vernacular stories would ask him to specify a particular storyteller to perform their works, or ask him to recommend performers. But it is rare to find someone like Shen Zhong'an who specifically sought out a promising talent and came to ask him to take care of him and give him a chance.

The storytelling profession may appear glamorous on the surface, but in reality, it is fraught with unspeakable hardships.

If there were any other way to make a living, who would want to join this line of work?

Take Li Zao, who is currently enjoying great popularity, for example. With his performances of the two novels "Du Shiniang" and "Zhao Pan'er", he has become a sensation in the entertainment district of Bianjing. He earns fifty or sixty strings of cash in half a month. How glorious is that?

But no one knew that before performing these two stories, Li Zao was just an ordinary storyteller. After a month of hard work, he could only earn seven or eight strings of cash, which was not much more than the laborers on the street, and even less than the vendors who set up stalls on the East Market.

This is considered doing well. Like Zhang Shanren, whom I mentioned yesterday, he tells stories in a small shed every day, and the tips and commissions he earns are barely enough to cover his daily expenses. He even has to think twice before drinking half a pot of cheap wine.

Even worse, their status was only slightly better than that of the brothel servants. They toiled on stage every day, barely managing to fill their stomachs, and their livelihoods were precarious.

This industry is always glamorous in public, but behind the scenes there are countless hardships. Only those who truly love it, or those who have no other choice, will plunge into it.

Moreover, although Bai Xiaosheng appeared somewhat down on his luck when they first met, he was well-mannered and had a refined demeanor, clearly resembling a scholar.

Those who catch his eye and are called "good prospects" must be from a scholarly background.

A good scholar, even if he fails the imperial examinations repeatedly, can find a job as a private tutor or a bookstore helper. Why would he have to resort to storytelling?

Despite being utterly puzzled, Zhou Cairen didn't press the matter. Instead, she followed up by asking, "Brother Bai, which storyteller are you referring to?"

"This man is Zhang Si, an apprentice of Zhang Shanren from Beipeng, Sangjiawazi."

I just tested him myself. His storytelling skills are solid, no worse than some storytellers in the entertainment district who perform on stage year-round. He just lacks experience and has never had the opportunity to perform on stage.

If it is convenient for Mr. Zhou, please arrange for him to try out on stage, giving him an opportunity to gain experience and grow.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Cairen understood and realized that she had been overthinking things.

The person who recommended him was a menial laborer in the entertainment district. It seems that this Mr. Bai only wanted to play the role of a nobleman.

There are many sheds in Sangjiawazi, some large and some small, and there are quite a few free sessions every day. It is not difficult for him to arrange for an apprentice to practice on the stage.

Moreover, the two were in the midst of a blissful collaboration, and now that the other party had asked for such a trivial request, there was naturally no reason to refuse.

"Don't worry, Brother Bai, I'll make arrangements as soon as I get back. I'll find a suitable venue for Zhang Si to practice on stage, and I won't let his skills go to waste." Zhou Cairen readily agreed to the matter.

"Thank you, Mr. Zhou." Shen Zhong'an bowed and expressed his gratitude.

Zhou Cairen waved her hand, then, after confirming that Shen Zhong'an had no other important matters to attend to, she simply got up and took her leave.

"If Brother Bai has nothing else, I will head back now. There are still a lot of matters waiting to be dealt with at the teahouse, and I cannot delay any longer."

"Please proceed, Mr. Zhou. Business is more important."

With Zhou Cairen's request to take care of Zhang Si now settled, Shen Zhong'an's trip to the capital region can be considered a successful conclusion.

With the remaining half-day free and nothing urgent, Shen Zhong'an took the opportunity to stroll leisurely through the streets of Bianjing, watching street performances and hawking his wares, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the capital, and relaxing a bit.

While strolling around, Shen Zhong'an made a special detour to his usual bookstore and bought several rolls of bamboo paper specifically for the daily office work of the clerks under the Chief Clerk's Office; he then moved to a pastry shop and bought several boxes of long-lasting pastries and sugar cakes so that everyone could have a snack while on duty.

As he prepared to return to the inn, pack his things, and head back to the yamen, Shen Zhong'an hesitated for a moment before stepping back into the East Market.

The success of the drought relief and seedling protection efforts in Chenliu was entirely due to the concerted efforts of all the officials and villagers, who worked tirelessly day and night, leaving them all looking pale, thin, and exhausted.

In public, they were fulfilling their duties and assisting in disaster relief; in private, they were all sincerely helping me implement my plans. This kindness should not be betrayed.

However, he was only acting as the registrar. If he were to hold a grand banquet and entertain guests in public, it would be too ostentatious and attract criticism. Furthermore, it would not be in line with the duties of a county official.

However, giving a small gift privately as a token of goodwill is a feasible approach.

Having made up his mind, Shen Zhong'an went straight to the butcher shops, taverns, and paper shops in the city.

He prepared a pound of dried meat, a jug of fine wine, and two sheets of fine stationery for each of the county clerks and other officials in charge of the yamen. These were all respectable and practical items.

As for ordinary officials and villagers who participated in disaster relief, there were too many of them to prepare supplies for each one individually.

However, considering that during the drought relief period, everyone worked in the fields day and night under the scorching sun and in the rain, it was inevitable that many people would catch a cold or suffer from overwork.

However, under the pretext of showing compassion for the wounded and sick officials and commoners, one could go to a well-regarded pharmacy in the city and ask the shopkeeper to prepare a large quantity of medicines to relieve colds and fatigue, pack them properly, and then bring them back to Chenliu to distribute to those in need.

After this round of shopping, Shen Zhong'an had several times more things around him than when he arrived.

Although a carriage to Chenliu had been hired in advance and a driver was on the way, all the belongings still had to be carried on and off the carriage by themselves.

Looking at this pile of bundles, Shen Zhong'an genuinely wished for the first time to have a personal servant to help him.

Ordinary servants are easy to find, but he has many private affairs to attend to and needs to find someone who is discreet, meticulous, trustworthy, and reliable. Otherwise, it would be easy to leak secrets and suffer losses. After thinking it over again and again, Shen Zhong'an finally gave up the idea.

He paid a few coins to the innkeeper to load the bundle onto the carriage; after the carriage arrived at the Chenliu County government office, he rewarded the driver and asked him to help carry the bundle to the corridor.

The driver agreed, quickly unloaded the goods, took the tip, and drove away.

Fortunately, there was a bailiff on duty; otherwise, Shen Zhong'an alone would have been exhausted and covered in sweat.