The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

Chapter 1085: Chapter 1060: Honor Amidst Chaos 128

The steward of the courtyard got along quite well with Lv Changhe, who was in charge of the actors.

After sending off Princess Fengyang, he went to find Lv Changhe.

These days, the stewards in the palace are not having an easy time.

Actually, their days were not easy before either, but at least they had some local supplies to get by. Now, they won’t starve, but hoping for a particularly good life is unrealistic.

They were also thinking of finding a way into the palace to serve, but there are too many crafty people inside the palace. It’s almost impossible to squeeze them out.

Without a choice, they decided to take good care of the people under them, waiting for the masters to select someone. If by chance someone is favored, they too could get some rewards, preparing for the future.

Lv Changhe was having a headache at the moment.

The people under him were different; he managed actors, both men and women. These actors not only performed well but were also particularly good-looking, naturally attracting the attention of nobles.

Especially that child named Qi Nanxue, whose looks were extraordinary, catching the eye of several young men in Suzhou City who want to have him.

But Qi Nanxue had dignity, and he wasn’t the type to submit easily. He even threatened to die several times because of it.

A while back, Qi Nanxue went out and helped a scholar.

Lately, that scholar, named Wang Qi, often visited Qi Nanxue, occasionally bringing some items.

If it was just a scholar, Lv Changhe wouldn’t worry.

After all, a mere scholar couldn’t protect Qi Nanxue.

But coincidentally, this scholar was under the protection of the Mei Family.

And what kind of people are the Mei Family?

Mr. Mei is a great scholar of the age and also the Empress’s Master. Even Your Majesty has to call him uncle; even the Princes and Princesses respect Mr. Mei greatly.

With Wang Qi under their protection, Lv Changhe dared not offend him, and could only watch as Wang Qi grew closer to Qi Nanxue, becoming unhappy with several young men over Qi Nanxue.

And now, Wang Qi came by to deliver some items again, but he didn’t stay long. After delivering them and sitting for a while, he left.

Qi Nanxue received the items, among which were some medicines, and he took them to prepare the medicine.

Lv Changhe then approached.

He sat on a small stool, watching Qi Nanxue prepare the medicine, and advised, ”Nanxue, since Mr. Wang is a good man, why don’t you let him find a way to take you and your mother out? That way, those young men won’t bother you anymore.”

Qi Nanxue’s face was indifferent, his eyelids drooped, hiding a trace of anger in his eyes: ”Steward Lv, Mr. Wang’s care for me is out of his goodwill; he expects nothing in return, only pity. I can’t be ungrateful and impose on Mr. Wang. Besides, Steward Lv, you know me. I’m an actor, yes, and I often play the Dan role, but I am truly a man and will never submit to others just to survive.”

Lv Changhe was stunned for a moment, then sighed deeply, ”So be it, so be it. Just talk to Mr. Wang more, let him protect you as long as he can. When he can no longer protect you...”

Qi Nanxue looked up, ”When he can no longer protect me, then death shall be my end, Steward Lv, rest assured, I won’t implicate you all.”

What else could Lv Changhe say?

He also felt pity for Qi Nanxue.

He patted Qi Nanxue on the shoulder, ”Take care of yourself.”

Just at that moment, the steward of the courtyard came looking for him.

When Lv Changhe saw him, he smiled and said, ”Old Gu, what brings you here with the wind?”

Housekeeper Gu laughed, ”Great news, great news! Today, Princess Fengyang and Princess Chuyang came looking for someone to serve them. They inquired about your place. Princess Fengyang plans to hold a flower appreciation banquet at the imperial manor in a few days. By then, she’ll need many people to serve, sing, and perform, so she wants you to visit the palace tomorrow, saying she has something to ask you.”

Lv Changhe also smiled with joy upon hearing this, ”Really? Do we finally have a chance to shine?”

Housekeeper Gu nodded, ”Absolutely true, Old Lv. You must seize this opportunity. By then, pick the best performers. If you can earn praise from the Empress and the Princess, you won’t have to worry about the future, and no one will dare to cause trouble for you anymore.”

Lv Changhe agreed, then glanced at Qi Nanxue again, ”If one of us makes it, for old times’ sake, they might protect us a bit.”

Qi Nanxue crouched there, preparing medicine, and felt a bit happy upon hearing this.

He was excellent at performing, top-notch here, but the past couple of years were chaotic. Now that things were stable, the Emperor and Empress of the Jing Dynasty were not ones to indulge in pleasures. Since Emperor Jianyuan ascended to the throne, there hadn’t been any performances, making them useless and easy targets for trouble.

Now that Princess Fengyang wanted to hear performances, they had to do their best to serve. If the Princess enjoyed it, the benefits would be significant for them.

After preparing the medicine, Qi Nanxue took it to see his mother and also shared the good news with her.

After his initial excitement, Lv Changhe started inquiring about Princess Fengyang’s temperament and preferences. He rummaged through his belongings to find the most decent clothes and had water prepared for a proper bath. Meeting the master required him to be clean and tidy, not leaving a bad impression.

Meanwhile, Wang Qi returned from East Street and as soon as he entered, he saw Mrs. Wang sitting in the courtyard with a broom waiting.

”Mother.”

Wang Qi entered with a flattering smile towards Mrs. Wang.

Mrs. Wang, with a cold face, said, ”Kneel.”

Without a word, Wang Qi kneeled down.

Mrs. Wang spoke coldly, ”Do you still remember what you said? You promised to study hard and earn an imperial decree for me. And now? How far have you gone with your studies? You... you... actually went to meet an actor, you really make me...”

Wang Qi saw how angry Mrs. Wang was and kneeled forward, embracing her leg gently, ”Mother, I didn’t... I genuinely have no improper thoughts, it’s just that Brother Qi helped me. And seeing that he is ambitious yet truly pitiable, I wanted to offer some help. Mother, Brother Qi was also brought up by his mother alone, without a father. His mother is unwell, and he can’t even afford medicine, so I couldn’t bear it and offered some help.”

Wang Qi carefully explained to Mrs. Wang.

After listening to him, Mrs. Wang’s anger subsided by half.

She bent down and helped Wang Qi up, ”Son, if you have no improper intentions, you should have told me. Don’t let me worry.”

Wang Qi quickly apologized, ”It’s my fault, for making you worry. I won’t keep anything from you in the future.”

Only then did a slight smile appear on Mrs. Wang’s face, ”Good, that’s good. By the way, have you been to the Mei Mansion these past few days? I heard Mr. Mei is ill, you must visit and pay your respects.”

”Yes, I’ve been.”

Wang Qi nodded in agreement.

Mrs. Wang sighed, ”We’re fortunate to have this opportunity, thanks to the Empress. Both the Emperor and Empress hope you will succeed, don’t let them down.”