“What is this thing?” Xin Zhanting asked, somewhat curious.
“It is a magical treasure of Palace Master Si.” Yue Honghai quickly pulled Xin Zhanting aside.
“Palace Master Si?” Xin Zhanting was a little confused. He still knew nothing of Si Lingxi’s affairs in Tonglin County.
“She is Old Yue’s other principal lady, the very powerful one from the southern borders.” Yue Honghai winked meaningfully at Xin Zhanting.
“Oh, oh!” Xin Zhanting understood now.
In truth, he had never even heard of Si Lingxi of Phoenix Mountain in the southern borders, but since she was Lu Zheng’s wife, there could be no issue.
A moment later, everyone sat neatly as if watching a stage play, facing the projection screen. On the low tables beside them were various prepared snacks, pastries, wines, and beverages.
Ning Zhiqi could not help asking Yi Xiaoqian, “Is Brother Lu planning to paint on this white cloth?”
Yi Xiaoqian had seen the playback on the camera and could roughly guess what was happening. She quickly whispered back, “No, no. It is The Song of Everlasting Sorrow and Liang Zhu performed by Immortal Lady Shen, Sister Liu, and the others. You have not seen them before, so this time you are in for a treat.”
“They performed them?” Zhu Yushan overheard the conversation and asked curiously. Then he noticed the ladies from Wuxiu Manor taking their seats and felt somewhat puzzled. “It does not look like it?”
Old Steward Wang asked nothing at all. He simply sat comfortably in his chair, eating a few pastries, sipping hot tea, and waiting peacefully.
At that moment, seeing everyone seated, Shen Ying stood up and waved her hand. In the next instant, a cloud of peach-blossom pink mist enveloped the entire manor, blocking the sunlight from the sky.
Lu Zheng stepped forward, fiddled with the fully charged projector for a while, and suddenly an image appeared on the screen in front of everyone. The pictures changed rapidly, all scenic shots from Liang Zhu. It was the opening sequence Lu Zheng had made.
“Wow!”
“Good heavens!”
“What is this?”
If Lu Zheng claimed that the Great Jing had no treasures for playback or 3D projection, he would not believe it himself. Even Si Lingxi’s phoenix divine fire could record scenes and replay them. Presumably, the Imperial Astronomical Bureau and the top great powers all had similar things.
However, such treasures and arts in the Great Jing were extremely high-end items. Not everyone knew of them or possessed them, let alone used them as tools for entertainment.
After a few scenes, words appeared on the screen.
First came Liang Shanbo in scholar’s robes, accompanied by the text “Bi Xinyu – as – Liang Shanbo”. Then came Liu Qingyan in long robes, disguised as a man, “Liu Qingyan – as – Zhu Yingtai”.
For the sake of filming and presentation, this performance had not been limited to Shen Ying illusioning individual plot scenes. She had created many full panoramic views for shooting. After all, the films and television dramas she had watched these past days had not been in vain.
Thus, after the main cast members flashed by one by one, the screen went black for two seconds. When it brightened again, the camera showed a grand and luxurious mansion. A long tracking shot entered from the mansion’s gate plaque, passed through garden paths, and arrived at the main hall in the rear, where Shen Ying as Master Zhu was acting opposite Liu Qingyan as Zhu Yingtai.
This projection equipment was not the blurry, colour-washed sort found in neighbourhood streets. It was cinema-grade equipment Lu Zheng had bought at great expense. The picture was sharp, the colours vivid, and with surround sound, the audiovisual experience was no less than a modern cinema.
Therefore, this set of equipment and the cinema-level performances gave the crowd, watching a film for the first time, an unprecedented shock.
“Wow!”
“So beautiful!”
“It is Sister Shen and Sister Liu!”
Liu Qingquan tugged at Liu Qingyan while turning back to shout at her, “Sister, Sister! It is you, it is you!”
“It is me, it is me.” Liu Qingyan smiled. “Do you think Sister performed well?”
Liu Qingquan nodded vigorously. “Very well! Sister, may I invite Ao Qian to come home and watch this recorded shadow?”
“Of course you may.” Liu Qingyan smiled. “After we spend New Year at Tushan this year, we shall go to the Eastern Sea to play with Ao Qian. We can invite her to stay at our home again for two months.”
Something as strangely styled as a projector could pass muster with ordinary people thanks to Si Lingxi’s endorsement, but whether it would fool the Jade Dragon King was uncertain. Therefore, Liu Qingyan had no intention of taking it to the Eastern Sea Jade Dragon Palace for screening.
It was not that she was afraid. With Si Lingxi presiding, anyone with ideas would have to tread carefully. Still, such a secret should not be lightly shown to others.
…
The film continued. Lu Zheng had chosen a ninety-minute cinematic version of Liang Zhu. As the story progressed, with appropriate detail and omission, some classmate anecdotes and supporting roles were suitably cut. Though not comprehensive, the pace was faster, the climaxes constant, and the viewing experience superior.
“Wow!”
“Wow!”
“Wow!”
Watching these experts with centuries of cultivation exclaim loudly in astonishment at a mere film, Lin Wan, sitting beside Lu Zheng, felt an overwhelming sense of achievement.
“This is too much fun!”
“It is mainly because it is their first time.” Lu Zheng smiled. “And with Lingxi’s reputation backing it.”
Lin Wan nodded repeatedly, then continued watching the film. Though it was not her first viewing, Liang Zhu was called a film but was more like a stage play. The visuals, acting, and music were artistic delights one could enjoy many times without tiring.
By noon, Liang Zhu finished. Everyone had lunch, rested briefly in the afternoon, then continued with The Song of Everlasting Sorrow.
Compared to Liang Zhu, a pure love story, The Song of Everlasting Sorrow mixed in court intrigue, war, and immortal realms. The scenes were grander, the music more moving. One performance of “Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Robe Dance” by Hu Caina, with its accompanying dance, drew every gaze.
“Wow!”
“Wow!”
“Wow!”
Another string of exclamations. The staging of The Song of Everlasting Sorrow was a notch higher than Liang Zhu, especially the palace scenes and battle scenes, all personally cast by Si Lingxi. Since she had witnessed those very scenes in person long ago, they were extraordinarily realistic.
In particular, the grand battle sequences left Xin Zhanting’s blood boiling, as if he had returned to the northern domain, fighting fiercely against the many tribes of the three northern kingdoms.
…
After two films in one day, everyone felt lingering enjoyment. In the remaining time they discussed and savoured it enthusiastically, and lavished praise on this set of magical treasures refined by Si Lingxi.
What? This thing has no mana fluctuations and does not look like a magical treasure?
Do you perhaps misunderstand Si Lingxi’s status, position, strength, and cultivation? Do you think she would deceive people? If you cannot understand it, it only proves your strength is insufficient!
A perfect closed loop of logic. Even if the Jade Dragon King came, he would say the same!
