Three Kingdoms King of the North

On the day before the opening, Ju Shou also personally came to ask Han Zhan for instructions: "My lord, the theater will open tomorrow. I don't know how to charge the fee."

"Tickets in the opera garden are divided into three classes, A, B, C." Han Zhan stretched out three fingers and said, "C tickets are ten yuan, and you can sit on the bench in the back to watch the show; You can enjoy tea and pastries; with a ticket, you can sit on the second floor and watch a play, and you can enjoy tea, pastries, wine and meat."

After the construction of the opera garden was completed, Han Zhan ordered Jushou to set up eight square tables in the hall on the ground floor, near the stage, and divided them into two rows with four square tables in each row. There was a bench around each square table. There are five rows of benches near the door, six benches in each row, and each bench can seat four people; the seats upstairs are designed according to the standard of four people per table. Ten tables.

Jushou calculated silently for a while, and found that the income for one performance was more than 70 yuan. If there were three performances a day, then the income would be more than 200 yuan.In the long run, Jizhou's annual income will be more than 7 yuan, and it will be able to raise a lot more soldiers and horses.From this point of view, it is indeed a good business with huge profits to set up a theater publicly.

"Nowadays there are only four operas, each of which is performed for three days, and then the next one is replaced." Regardless of the Huangmei opera he composed, Han Xiandi and Chaozhong Wu both liked it, but whether the dignitaries and common people in the capital would buy it, Han Zhan was still unsure No bottom line: "After half a month of watching, if you see that the show is popular, you can increase the performance time, and temporarily withdraw the unpopular one."

In this way, on the first day of the theater's opening, there were huge crowds of people watching the excitement outside.They were all asking what the Huangmei Opera was, and whether it was similar to the Baixi Opera in the past.

However, these people are ordinary people, how could they easily see the Huangmei Opera, they chatted for a long time, but they didn't understand what was going on.They sneered at those who paid ten yuan to go to the theater to listen to the opera: "When you watch a hundred operas, you don't give it away. Nowadays, if you go to some theater to watch an opera, you have to pay ten yuan. It's a prodigal."

Seeing that the play was about to start, a hundred soldiers sent by Jushou to maintain order drove the spectators to both sides of the road, so that those dignitaries who came by car could enter the theater smoothly.

The people who bought tickets for the square table on the ground floor were basically all officials. After meeting each other, they all bowed their hands and saluted each other.A Xiaolian surnamed Li frowned when he saw the ordinary people sitting on the long bench in the back row, and said to his colleagues: "It's really unreasonable, how can we sit with ordinary people and watch a theater together?" ? The owner of the theater should drive these people out."

The official who invited him to see the play quickly said to him: "Brother Li, be careful, be careful. This theater was opened by the Marquis of Anyang. If your words are leaked out, I'm afraid there will be trouble. Please don't tell me again." Mention this matter. If Brother Li doesn't want to sit with these ordinary people and watch a play, he can sit on the second floor next time."

Li Xiaolian looked up to the second floor, and saw that most of the people sitting on it were wealthy businessmen with their families.Then I thought that if it wasn't for the invitation from my friends, I probably wouldn't even be able to afford a [-] yuan theater ticket, let alone a [-] yuan second-floor ticket.He made up his mind in his heart that if the Huangmei Opera didn't sound good later on, even if he offended his friends, he would get up and leave.

The troupe girls in the backstage cleaned up early, and silently recited the operas that they have been familiar with for a long time.Even though they have performed many times, this is the first time they have acted in a theater. I don't know if the songs I sang will be loved by the guests who are here today.

When the sound of musical instruments came from the stage, everyone knew that the performance had begun. The theater garden, which was as lively as a vegetable market, suddenly became silent, and only the sounds of various musical instruments came from behind the curtain.

As a woman with crescent eyebrows and pink hair appeared on the stage, all the audience had a feeling of brightening their eyes.As soon as the girl opened her mouth, the singing was melodious and clear like a nightingale, making everyone mesmerized by it.

Even Li Xiaolian, who just didn't want to listen to the opera with ordinary people, shook his head when he heard it, and the feather fan in his right hand beat the palm of his left hand rhythmically.At this moment, his eyes are only on the girls singing opera on the stage, so he doesn't care about whether watching the opera with ordinary people will damage his filial and honest status.

"Brother Li," seeing that Li Xiaolian was so absorbed in watching, the officials at the side asked tentatively, "I don't know if today's Huangmei Opera may fall into your eyes?"

Li Xiaolian nodded and said earnestly: "Not bad, it's really good. I want to ask, is this Huangmei Opera only sung today, or is it always there?"

"There are three performances every day." The official replied: "It is said that there are four Huangmei operas, each of which is sung for three days. Today's one is called Numa, and the next one is called Tianxianpei. If Brother Li likes it, we You can come back in three days”

"It's so good, it's so good!" Li Xiaolian said yes repeatedly, he had long forgotten in his heart that not long ago, he kept saying that he didn't want to go to the theater with ordinary people, and even planned to leave Huangmei Opera when he found that Huangmei Opera was not good.He even thought in his heart that if he could listen to operas here every day, he would be fine even sitting on the bench behind him.

In order to find out whether the people of this era would like dramas of later generations like Huangmei Opera, Han Zhan even sent someone to check in the theater garden.He began to think that if Huangmei Opera could become a hit among the people, then the counties and counties controlled by Jizhou could send people here to learn Huangmei Opera, and strive to build opera gardens in all parts of Jizhou within half a year to a year. If you have these pastimes, you won't be idle every day.

In addition to Han Zhan, there are also many Wu from Jizhou who are concerned about the news of the opening of the theater.Although they had seen Huangmei Opera in the state pastoral mansion long ago, and even sent their own singers to study, whether Huangmei Opera would be liked by many people in the capital, everyone was uncertain.

When he learned that the first performance of the theater was full of seats and all the tickets were sold out within three days, Xun Yu seemed to see a way to make money.He knew very well in his heart that if there were more profitable projects like this, Jizhou's strength would become stronger day by day. By then, let alone one or two princes, no matter how many princes united, they would be able to deal with it easily.

Chapter 527

The first batch of high-ranking officials and dignitaries who went to the theater to watch a play brought a few attendants.Out of cost considerations, these attendants sat on the benches on the first floor and watched the Huangmei Opera from beginning to end.

Huangmei Opera's unique singing voice and different appearances not only conquered the dignitaries who watched the opera, but also made their entourage more knowledgeable.After the play was over, when the attendants were preparing carriages for their masters outside, they would take the initiative to explain to them what the Huangmei Opera was all about when they met those curious people.

By the early morning of the next day, most of Yecheng knew that the Marquis of Anyang had launched a novelty called "Huangmei Opera".In this way, the number of people watching at the gate of the theater has increased.

Jushou, who came here for inspection, saw that there were countless people watching in the early morning, so he had an idea and decided to add one game at noon, increasing the number from the original three to four.

When Bagu learned that Jushou had increased the number of performances, she hurriedly came to see Jushou and reminded him, "Master Supervisor, the girls have already worked very hard to sing three times a day. If it is increased to four performances, I am worried that the lead singer will be the top singer." Girls can't take it."

Unexpectedly, Jushou was unmoved after hearing this.However, for Rob's sake, he was still polite to Bagu: "Bagu, the play garden established by the master is a rare cash cow. To tell you the truth, if it wasn't for worrying that the girls in the troupe would not be able to bear it, I would I still want to sing six times a day."

"But four shows are still a bit too much." Hearing what Jushou said, Ba Gu realized that the other party's temporary proposal to increase the original three shows a day to four was a way to save herself, but she did it for the sake of the troupe. For the sake of practical benefits, she still said unwillingly: "Especially Zhang Xiang'er, she basically sang from beginning to end. If there were four performances a day, it might take a few days, and I'm afraid her voice would be useless."

Hearing what Ba Gu said, Ju Shou seemed a little hesitant. Increasing the number of performances from three to four would indeed increase income, but if Zhang Xiang'er's voice was really hoarse, if Han Zhan blamed it, I'm afraid he would be the one too. Can't afford to eat.

But if such a good opportunity in front of him was let go, Ju Shou would be unwilling.After pondering for a long time, he said to Ba Gu: "Ba Gu, I think it's better to cultivate another girl who can replace Zhang Xiang'er. In this way, even if Zhang Xiang'er has something to do and can't be on stage, someone will take over her role."

After listening to Jushou's words, Bagu was stunned for a long time, then clapped her hands vigorously, and said excitedly: "It's still Ju Jianjun who thought carefully, why did the slaves never think about this matter? If someone can take over Zhang Xiang'er's role as the leading role, let alone a day Singing four, even five, is not a problem at all."

But she was only happy for a moment, and her expression darkened again.To cultivate a role that can take the lead, it cannot be done overnight.Now Jushou wants to change the originally scheduled three shows a day to four a day, Bagu is very worried about Zhang Xianger, maybe after a few days, her voice will be completely useless, and there will be no suitable person to replace her in the leading role. The performance of Huangmei Opera can only be stopped.

"Big Gu," Ju Shou decided to give it a try after thinking it over and over again, and said to Ba Gu: "My lord set the rule of three games a day that day, because of the intensity of the performance, the girls in the troupe won't What kind of damage is caused? Even if it is changed to four performances a day, the impact on the girls is limited. I am afraid that the supervisory army does not let them sing four performances a day, but because our Huangmei Opera has just been launched, and the people in the capital still need a certain amount of music. The most important thing is to get familiar with and understand it. Therefore, the supervisory army intends to use three days as a boundary, and perform four performances every day during these three days, and after three days, resume the rhythm of three performances a day."

Bagu knew very well in her heart that since Jushou had already said so much, if she evaded it again, she might anger the other party.Now I promise myself that I only need to perform four shows in one day, and after three days, I will resume the rhythm of three shows a day.So she could only bite the bullet and replied: "Since the supervisor has already spoken, then the servants will obey."

Back at the opera garden, Ba Gu called the girls of the troupe together and announced to them that the three performances scheduled for a day would be changed to four performances a day.As soon as Bagu finished speaking, the girls immediately exploded: "My God, there are four performances a day, how can I bear it?"

There are also girls who fight against Zhang Xianger: "Bagu, Zhang Xianger is singing Feng Suzhen, and it takes about an hour to sing each performance. Three performances a day are extremely reluctant. If there should be four performances, I am afraid it will take less than two days. Xiang'er's voice It's all paid for."

When the girls were talking, Ba Gu didn't speak, but just listened quietly to what they said.After they all shut up, Bagu said: "Girls, you all understand the truth, don't I know? But this is an order issued by the Ju Supervisor Army, we can only follow it."

"Bagu," just after Bagu finished speaking, a girl said cautiously: "Do you think we should report this matter to the lord, and see what kind of decision he will make."

"It's useless." Bagu shook her head like a rattle and said, "Since my lord has entrusted Ju Jianjun with the matter of Xi Yuanzi, it means that he will not intervene in this matter. Even if I went to find my lord personally, Maybe he will still transfer this matter to the Ju Supervisor Army, and we will not get it done, but offend the Ju Supervisor Army, I am afraid I will have a hard time in the future."

"Bagu," Zhang Xiang'er stood up and said to Bagu, "My lord is kind to us, not to mention just singing, even if Xiang'er goes through fire and water, Xiang'er will not complain at all."

Seeing that Zhang Xiang'er stood up and expressed her opinion, the rest of the girls couldn't say anything more.Seeing that everyone was silent, Bagu went on to say: "Ju Jianjun assured me that because the Huangmei Opera had just been performed in the capital, in order to satisfy the curiosity of the people, an extra show was added every day. After three days, there will be Resuming three games a day.

But this incident reminded me that the troupe still needs to train two more characters, so that when it is inconvenient for Xianger to appear on stage, they can replace her in the performance.If anyone thinks they are competent, they can come to me in private.If I think you are suitable, I will start to train you slowly. "

Hearing that Ba Gu said that new roles should be cultivated, the girls couldn't help but be moved, and began to discuss in low voices, saying that if Ba Gu can really cultivate new people, when several people can take turns singing the leading role, let alone sing four times a day , Even if you sing five or six games, it's not a problem.

Chapter 528 The Origin of Dumplings

Since the opening of the opera garden, the common people have had one more recreational activity.On weekdays, they talk about the mountains, talking about what new theaters have been released recently, and where a new theater has opened in the city.Among the many girls who sing operas nowadays, who is the biggest actor, etc., it is difficult to hear any criticism of Jizhou.

Autumn goes to winter, and after winter, everyone puts on thick winter clothes.Seeing that the winter solstice was approaching, Han Zhan suddenly had a whim and wanted to go to the military camp for inspection.But he didn't expect that the temperature outside was very low, and just as he came out of the house to the street, a gust of cold wind blew in, and he couldn't help shivering.

Han Zhan turned to Chen Dao and Rob who were following behind him: "In a few days, it will be the winter solstice. I wonder if the army is going to drink mutton soup or eat dumplings?" The reason why he asked this question was because the winter solstice was celebrated in the north and the south The customs are different, some eat dumplings, some eat glutinous rice balls, and some drink mutton soup.

Unexpectedly, when Chen Dao and Luo Bu heard Han Zhan's question, they looked at each other in blank dismay. Their eyes met, and they both saw doubts in each other's eyes.

Seeing that the two of them did not speak for a long time, Han Zhan felt unhappy, so he raised his voice and asked, "Why did you ignore me when I asked you two?"

"Back to the lord," Chen Dao saw Han Zhan's displeasure, and quickly replied, "Mutton soup, my subordinates often drink it. But what this dumpling is, my subordinates have never heard of it."

Chen Dao's answer surprised Han Zhan secretly, he thought to himself: Are dumplings, like steamed stuffed buns, never invented?When he was thinking about how to popularize science with the two of them, he suddenly remembered that the invention of dumplings seemed to be related to Zhang Zhongjing, so he told Rob: "Rob, go and invite Dr. Zhang to the barracks. I have something to ask him."

"My lord." Hearing Han Zhan's order, Rob asked with some puzzlement: "Why did you call Miracle Doctor Zhang to the barracks? Could it be that there is an epidemic in the camp, and do you need to call Miracle Doctor Hua together?"

"No, you only need to call Miracle Doctor Zhang alone." After Han Zhan finished speaking, he urged Rob to say, "What are you doing still in a daze, why don't you go find Miracle Doctor Zhang quickly."

On the way to the military camp on horseback, Han Zhan was trying hard to recall the invention of dumplings in his mind: Zhang Zhongjing, who was the prefect of Changsha, resigned and returned to his hometown in the severe winter.Seeing that the people on both sides of the Baihe River were yellow and emaciated, suffering from hunger and cold, many people's ears were rotten from the cold.zhang zhongjing asked his disciples to pitch a medical shed and put up a cauldron in dongguan, nanyang, to make "jiaoer soup" for dispelling cold on the winter solstice day to cure chilblain for the common people.

He boiled the mutton and some anti-cold medicinal materials in a pot, then fished out the mutton and the medicinal materials, chopped them up, and wrapped them in flour into ear-like "Jiao ears". Only "jiaoer", a big bowl of broth.People ate "Jiaoer" and drank "Quhan Decoction", and they felt warm all over, their ears became hot, and their frostbite gradually improved.Later generations imitated the appearance of "Jiao Er" and wrapped them into food, also called "dumplings" or "flat food".

When the group arrived at the barracks, Zhao Yun, who had heard the news a long time ago, greeted them outside the barracks gate with a group of subordinates wearing helmets and armour.After taking Han Zhan to his barracks, Zhao Yun asked curiously, "Second brother, why do you want to come to the barracks for inspection today? Could it be that some prince is just about to make a move?"

"It's winter now, even if there are princes who are going to be unfavorable to our Jizhou, they still need to wait until the beginning of spring." Han Zhan explained to Zhao Yun: "The younger brother saw the cold weather recently and was worried that the soldiers would be frozen in the barracks, so he came here on purpose. came to inspect."

After figuring out Han Zhan's reason for coming, Zhao Yun's heart suddenly became more at ease. He smiled and said, "Second brother, worry too much. Now there are heating kangs in the barracks. No matter how cold it is outside, as soon as the soldiers return to the barracks, they will be ready to go." You can feel warm. This warm kang is really a good thing, with it, no matter how cold the weather is, you don’t have to worry about soldiers being frozen to death or frostbite while sleeping.”