Vol 21 Chapter 8 (2/2)
The strong servant arrogantly said, “My na’s deputy You can just call me Brother Shan I hear that you kno to use the sword Let me see your sword!”
Although Xiang Shaolong wasn’t willing, he had no choice, and could only pull out the sword and offer it
Who would’ve thought that Kun Shan’s expression would turn ugly He shouted, “Is your other hand broken?”
Xiang Shaolong almost let him have it with a punch He could only lift up the sith both hands and offer it
Most of the swords, and Kun Shan naturally was not an exception But compared to this precious sword ‘Blood Wave’, they of course were far inferior
As soon as Kun Shan saw the sword, his eyes immediately lit up
Xiang Shaolong knew that he was feeling greedy Not letting the other speak, he immediately said, “This is a precious sword passed down to me by my ancestors If the sword remains, the man remains If the sword dies, the man dies as well”
He took the first step to prevent the other fro
A look of utter envy on Kun Shan’s face, Kun Shan played with it for a longStiffening his face, he said, “Master Zhang wants to see you Come with me”
Xiang Shaolong thought to himself that even the most senior of officials didn’t put on airs like these people did Laughing bitterly inside, he followed the man to the uppermost deck
This vessel was over three hundred feet long Cos’, it was nearly twice as long That’s because this shi+p was only used to carry freight It didn’t need to be nimble, it only had to be stable
The hull of the shi+p was slender and merely twenty feet across Its head and its tail pointed upwards, and two archingwith another at the aft
Between these two mast sections was the cabin, which was divided into three layers The top layer was built on top of the deck, while the bottom layer was built beneath it
Feng Fei and a group of song and dance courtesans with status naturally would stay on the upperers and serving girls would stay on the second cabin People like Xiang Shaolong, with the lowest status, would naturally stay in the lowest, nastiest bottom cabin
When accounting for the sailors, this shi+p had at least a hundred people on it,for a uniquely raucous, lively atmosphere
By this era, water-borne transportation is already very widespread and developed Sayings such as Cannot go on for a single day if the oars are neglected” were already in existence [Translator's note: Referring to countries which are heavily dependent on maritime trade]
Especially in the southern provinces, so full of rivers and strea been the primary form of transport In times of constant warfare, a navy is absolutely essential, and even civilian shi+ps are very popular
In the past, whenever Xiang Shaolong was in a boat, he ‘proudly sat on top’ This was his first ti one of the ‘little people’
At the ainst a railing on a terrace By his side, he had two uards He looked very pretentious
Xiang Shaolong approached Zhang Quan and saluted hi Quan was indifferent and did not even spare a glance at hi the winter breeze
Xiang Shaolong was aant behavior has been picked up by his followers as well
Froeneral understanding of the Song and Dance Troupe
The top hierarchy naturally goes to the Head of the Three Courtesans, Feng Fei
The next in authority would be twelve other courtesans who are Feng Fei’s regular singing and dancing companions All twelve ladies are nu Shuzen, who is also known as Second Mistress, helroup
Dong Shuzen is able to stand out from the other courtesans because she is the only other courtesan other than Feng Fei who is able to write songs and compose lyrics
Troupe Manager Zhang Quan and assistant Manager Sa Li are leaders too in their own capacity They are responsible for all affairs pertaining to the Troupe In addition, Sa Li does recruitment for chariot drivers, food supplies and kitchen helpers In this instance when Zhang Quan personally recruited Feng Fei’s chariot driver, he is opening overriding Sa Li’s authority and starting a power tussle between them
Below the courtesans are the talentedFei and the twelve courtesans, they do not hold any appointments but wield considerable authority
The , who is a retired courtesan She conducts training for new courtesans and is held in the highest regard by Feng Fei Therefore, no one dares to make trouble for her
A’er and Dong Shuzen’s personalhasand the prettyDue to their ive in to the wishes of the two maids
Since the establishment of the Zhou Clan(?自周室立邦后),to a thriving industry for Song and Dance Troupes such as these These troupes often tour the different States and even have annual performances They are wildly popular and welco Fei’s, they are treated with the same pleasantries that Lords and Marquises are expected to receive These dance troupes remain neutral politically and are not affected by the State wars
After keeping Xiang Shaolong painfully waiting for an extended period, Zhang Quan questioned, “I heard Gu Ming and his guys gave you trouble on several occasions, is it true?”
Not knowing his true intentions, Xiang Shaolong replied, “They are truly not the friendliest people around but I can still take their crap”
Zhang Quan turned around in one swift ht you were a martial arts expert? This kind of trouble should be familiar to you You were kicked in the butt and yet did not retaliate - what kind of hero are you?”
His two bodyguards and Kun Shan, as standing behind began to snigger in agreement and to flatter their boss
Perplexed, Xiang Shaolong explained, “I am concerned that I should not create trouble since I a (Quan) too If Master Zhang thinks that it is fine to retaliate, I will kno to act the next time”
In fact, only Xiang Shaolong knows about his personal dileet the attention of Feng Fei and be identified, blowing his cover However, it will be really ideal if Sa Li can give him the sack instead when he causes trouble and he can leave the troupe at the next landing
Despite Dan Mei, the human heart is difficult to fathom and no one can indeed tell for sure
He has finally escaped countless struggles, hardshi+ps and his pursuers There is no way he will risk returning back to his fugitive lifestyle
Hearing his words, Zhang Quan calmed down
On his left, the tall bodyguard hinted, “Master Zhang (Quan) considers you worthy and has given you such a good position You must prove yourself and not make him lose face”
Since he caan his journey initially with Tao Fang, Xiang Shaolong has spent every day in a power tussle Understanding the hint, he secretly acknowledged Zhang Quan’s prowess This is a brilliant plan to reap rewards without sowing
His eer froo out of hand, Zhang Quan can report to the courtesans that Sa Li is discriainst newconify his faults
Sa Li is on the other shi+p and has no chance to defend himself This is definitely an invincible blow to Sa Li
With just a se to all the other troupe workers that Zhang Quan is the most capable around
It is aer conspiracy, the power grabbing tactics in the Song and Dance Troupe
The lifespan of a Song and Dance Troupe is liet ood side, there are generous retrenchment benefits to all the workers when a troupe disbands According to Fang Sheng, that is his biggest drea till disbandment to receive a windfall
Behind hi as you are not the one who started the fight, Master Zhang (Quan) will stand up for you, understand?”
Speechless, Xiang Shaolong nodded his head with resignation
Zhang Quan’s voice beca as you are loyal toQuan, will not treat you shabbily Look at your skinny frame and yellow skin I am sure you have had your fair share of trouble over the past two years Just do your best! Since you have served Wei Wuji (Prince Xinling) before, you should understand my intentions”
Xiang Shaolong suddenly realized that his appearance has drastically changed since he has been on the run Besides his new beard, he has sli Fei or Little Ping’er once again, they could hardly identify him
During their initial hts are di Given the present circuhly possible to evade their recognition
With this new thought, he felt his happiness surging
After Zhang Quan left hi but discovered that Fang Sheng is no longer around He headed towards the shi+p’s hull to look for him and chanced upon the shi+p’s cabins He entered a narrow corridor along the cabin doors when so tell you about the rules? Workers are not allowed to cohten the ladies, you will be in for a good time”
Xiang Shaolong had a shock and looked further ahead He saw a poutish and yet cute serving e almond-shaped eyes Her fierce stare and her arress
Xiang Shaolong hurriedly apologized and turned back He retreated back to the shi+p’s lower bunk and fell into a deep sleep
He woke up toFei and the courtesans rehearsing their performances
The afternoon sun shone in through a small cabinHe was alone in the bunk
Xiang Shaolong sat upright with his blanket still snug around hi about the lunch service he hadcah with green vegetables Offering hi very soundly and do not wish to interrupt your sleep So I prepare a bowl for you especially”
Touched, Xiang Shaolong ate two ) have any relatives?”
Fang Sheng sat down beside him and was quiet for a few seconds He then simply announced: “They were all killed in battle!”
Fros were
Fang Sheng has a fine bearing and behaves with a certain class He could well be the son of a nobleman When the country is devastated, he was forced to flee for his life and ended up joining Feng Fei’s Song and Dance Troupe as a chef
Fang Sheng continued, “I have no other ambitions I just want to make some money, find a quiet place to build a house, buy some fields and becoain”
Xiang Shaolong observed his haggard features and estie to be about the same as his own However, they bore scars of numerous toils and hardshi+ps In a sudden burst of syots as a present to Fang Sheng, fulfilling his drea his attention back to his meal
Fang Sheng suggested, “At sunset, the shi+p will dock at Gu City and will raise anchor only tomorrow Why don’t we enter the city and find so Shaolong) is broke, I can always lend you the money first”
Xiang Shaolong was taken aback, “I thought you are saving for your house and your farmland?”
Fang Sheng reasoned, “Some money is meant to be saved, sos like usQuan and other rich o for top courtesans WeI noticed hi to his family warriors earlier and overheard your name They may find trouble with you”
Infuriated, Xiang Shaolong gave a cold snort and maintained his silence He secretly swore to teach theet Otherwise, he will always be at their mercy
He checked hihts
If he do not use this golden opportunity toidiot