The Comeback of the Cannon-Fodder Supporting Actress

Chapter 1091: Chapter 1065: Honor Amidst Chaos 133

After the opera was over, Madam Mei said to Anning, ”That little girl who sang ’The Dream Interrupted’ was quite good.”

Princess Fengyang, puffing with indignation, said, ”Old Madam, you are mistaken, that is a young man.”

Oh?

Madam Mei chuckled, ”I truly couldn’t tell, that child’s features are so refined. Poor thing, how did he become so thin? Is he not getting enough to eat? Empress, these children are quite pitiful. You should see to it that they are well provided for.”

Anning then smiled, ”Indeed, you are right, these children truly are pitiable. How about this—since Fengyang has nothing else to do lately, I’ll leave it to her. These children are talented singers, but idling away isn’t good for them. With so few people in the palace, we only hear opera a few times a year. It’s unreasonable to keep them waiting for orders. Better to establish a theater and have them perform from time to time. Good opera troupes can also make an appearance. Firstly, it helps these children maintain their skills, and secondly, it provides entertainment for the people of Suzhou.”

Fengyang replied, ”Mother, you are right. I will take care of it.”

Mrs. Mei, hearing this from the side, said, ”In that case, we must frequently attend and lend our support. Truthfully, the child who sang ’The Dream Interrupted’ was remarkably good.”

Princess Duan also said, ”Had Fengyang not mentioned it, I would have thought he was a pretty girl too.”

Anning thought for a moment, then called over Chun Xing, ”Go and tell Lv Changhe that the child who sang ’The Dream Interrupted’ should come after removing his makeup. He sang well, and I want to reward him.”

Chun Xing smiled and went downstairs.

Lv Changhe was busy directing the troupe on removing their makeup and packing up their costumes when he saw Chun Xing approaching. He quickly greeted her with a smile, ”Greetings, Sister Chun Xing. What’s the occasion?”

Chun Xing said, ”Madam Mei praised the child who sang ’The Dream Interrupted’. The Lady said he sang well, and wants him to come to receive a reward after removing his makeup.”

Upon hearing this, Lv Changhe was overjoyed, ”Great, great! Thank you, Sister Chun Xing, for your efforts.”

Chun Xing waved her hand, ”Tell him to be quick so the Lady does not grow tired of waiting.”

Lv Changhe hurriedly ran back inside.

Qi Nanxue was in the middle of removing his makeup, having already taken off his headpiece and other accessories, and was cleaning the paint off his face.

Lv Changhe immediately said, ”Nanxue, hurry up and move quickly. The Lady praised your singing and wants you to go and receive a reward.”

Qi Nanxue paused as he wiped off the makeup.

He felt a mix of nervousness and anticipation.

Nervous because he didn’t know what kind of person the Lady was—whether she would like him or not, and whether she had a good temper.

He was hopeful, wondering if, by going to receive a reward, he might see Princess Fengyang again.

After finishing removing his makeup and changing clothes, Qi Nanxue followed Lv Changhe to the small building opposite the theater, where he found Fengyang and Zhaoyang speaking quietly, with Anning and Princess Duan talking about something unknown.

When Qi Nanxue came up, several of the ladies directed their attention at him.

Madam Mei smiled, ”Indeed, a young man, and a graceful one at that.”

Mrs. Mei added, ”The child’s features are striking. In women’s attire, he’s a beautiful maiden, and in men’s clothing, a handsome lad.”

Anning smiled and beckoned Qi Nanxue, ”Come closer.”

Qi Nanxue clenched his fists, taking steps forward.

The moment he ascended, he caught sight of Princess Fengyang seated beside Anning, smiling brightly. He dared not look twice, afraid of offending the princess.

He lowered his head as he approached Anning, intending to kneel, but Anning raised her hand, ”Just reply as you are.”

Qi Nanxue then bent forward and stood there.

Anning asked him gently, ”How old are you?”

”Your reply, Lady, I am fifteen.”

Qi Nanxue’s voice was a bit different from when he was singing; it was slightly raspy, but with a cool undertone.

”Fifteen,” Anning nodded, ”still just a child.”

She softly asked Qi Nanxue, ”You need not be afraid. I called you over to ask if you would like to perform in the theater that Princess Fengyang will be establishing in Suzhou in the coming days?”

Had it been any other request, Qi Nanxue might have been hesitant, although he wouldn’t have refused.

But since it was a matter Princess Fengyang was involved in, Qi Nanxue was wholeheartedly willing.

”I am willing.”

Qi Nanxue dared not lower his head, fearing that Anning would see his joyful eyes.

”Good.”

Anning’s face was bright with a smile, ”Chun Xing, bring the rewards.”

Chun Xing responded promptly, soon bringing a tray over. On it lay a rolled-up script, several gold ingots, and a pair of Jade Ruyi.

Anning pointed to the rolled-up script, ”This is a script I wrote in my spare time. Take it and see if you can perform it. Stage it well and if you find it suitable, once the theater is built, you can perform it there.”

Hearing this, Qi Nanxue immediately knelt to express gratitude, ”Thank you, Lady, for your favor.”

This child seemed quite perceptive.

Anning nodded in satisfaction, ”Rise.”

Qi Nanxue stood, and with Anning’s gesture, he accepted the reward and exited.

Descending from the small building, Qi Nanxue’s heart pounded faster.

His joy was almost overwhelming.

It wasn’t from meeting the Empress or due to the Jade Ruyi or gold ingots. Instead, it was the script presented by the Empress. With this script, he no longer feared harassment. He could live openly and with dignity, and in the entire Suzhou City, no one dared to coerce him.

After all, Qi Nanxue was someone praised by the Empress and given a script by her. Even as a lowly actor, he was not someone people could trample upon. Despite his humble origins, he was now sheltered by the Empress.

At this moment, Qi Nanxue felt he could stand tall and firm.

”Mother,”

Fengyang also cast a grateful glance at Anning and whispered, ”Thank you, Mother.”

Anning patted her hand, ”There’s no need to thank me. As your mother, every mother under the heavens would give her heart for her children, and still feel it’s not enough.”

Such words nearly brought tears to Fengyang’s eyes.

Anning had been so busy, yet despite that, she had taken the time to invite these people to see the opera for her and even stayed up all night writing the script for Fengyang. All this just because she had taken a liking to Qi Nanxue, and Anning wanted to protect him discreetly.

Back at the backstage area, Qi Nanxue stored his rewards safely. Lv Changhe, seeing his return, beamed and said, ”Nanxue, you are truly fortunate. From now on, Uncle Lv will rely on you.”

Qi Nanxue smiled and said, ”You’ve always taken care of us, Uncle. I will definitely repay you in the future.”

Lv Changhe patted Qi Nanxue on the shoulder, ”Alright, pack up and go home. Tell your mother, I believe she’ll be very happy.”

Once inside, Qi Nanxue secured his rewards, then those who were close to him came over to congratulate him, with some suggesting he should treat them. Qi Nanxue agreed with a smile.

Before he had time to do anything else upon returning home, people from the palace arrived. They specifically named Qi Nanxue and those who performed that day, instructing them to temporarily move to the imperial manor. Additionally, gifts awarded by Princess Fengyang were distributed, with nearly everyone receiving a share.