The Book of All Things: Born for Joy

As professional singers, Liu Xueqi and Li Jiawei, under the repeated corrections and adjustments of Li Zichun and other masters, naturally possess a unique charm in their singing.

After the song ended, the two looked at each other and smiled, completely forgetting the awkwardness they had just experienced.

The host, Li Fei, stepped forward and said, "You two sang so beautifully, like beauties who stepped out of a painting. One was sweet and refreshing, and the other was gentle and affectionate. It was a feast for the eyes."

Thanks to Li Zichun's encouragement, the two regained their confidence and performed a short catwalk for the audience and netizens, along with a few classical dance moves while holding fans.

The audience cheered, and netizens also praised it as "stunningly beautiful."

"Compared to Li Zichun, he's still lacking something."

"Yes, I agree with the comment above."

Don't compare people to monsters.

"If he were a woman, I would definitely be loyal to him for life."

"You can do it too, even if you're a man."

"Hmm, I can consider it."

"You guys upstairs have really heavy tastes, but I like it too (slurred speech)..."

After Liu Xueqi and Li Jiawei finished their presentation, they finally received instructions from Xu Songlin, who asked with a smile, "Was it good? There are even better ones to come."

The crowd cheered, and the atmosphere was electric.

The music of "Folding Willow Branches" played in the background, and the program titled "[Viewing the Tang Dynasty] Reappearance of Ancient Costume Art" appeared on the screen.

The large screen behind them displayed murals from the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, and a series of models, unlike those in the mainstream, appeared one after another from both sides.

They each had their own unique style, and appeared one after another in colorful costumes.

As one of the most exciting segments of the second season of "National Treasure," Li Zichun was naturally very confident about the show. In his previous life, he and his wife and daughter would spend their free time studying the elements of the program, watching it countless times. Now, with Jin Dili and the aunties and grandmothers organizing the costume design and production team as a guarantee, Gu Quan in charge of finding models, Fan Liwen's team in charge of stage design and lighting, and him in charge of the overall program, adjusting everyone's demeanor and working with national music masters to create music, the effect presented by such a team is naturally almost 100% accurate.

Exquisite and colorful costumes, dignified and elegant women, gentle and modest men—they seem to have stepped out of the murals, walking step by step into reality.

A magnificent, confident, inclusive, and open dynasty.

The audience was so surprised they forgot to speak, only exclaiming "Oh~" and "Wow~" as they all raised their phones to take pictures of the stage.

Who has ever seen a painting come to life? Now I have, and I've truly broadened my horizons in this lifetime.

Gu Quan was quite surprised when he first heard the idea. After all, a fashion show at a new song concert seemed rather absurd, and as a mural from a thousand years ago, many parts were already badly damaged, with faded and worn-out. The authorities had considered restoration years ago, but differing opinions led to its shelving. When he saw Li Zichun's restoration drawing, he wanted to pry open Li Zichun's head! How could he so accurately pinpoint the colors, patterns, and designs he wanted?! Was this guy definitely not someone who traveled from ancient times?

Just as he was hesitating, he received a call from Yi Ziqiang, the leader of the propaganda department of the Great Zhou Kingdom: "Xiao Gu, did you arrange this fashion show? We can help promote it."

Gu Quan nodded quickly and said, "Okay, boss, I'll edit each segment right away and send it to you in a bit."

Yi Ziqiang laughed and said, "I've never seen you put this much effort into the National Day Gala. We were already a little critical of you, but this live broadcast is just in time for the end of the seven-day holiday, and you did such a great job sharing the joy with the people, so we won't hold you accountable. Tell Xiao Fan that she can expect praise from the higher-ups at the end of the year."

Gu Quan smiled and nodded. After chatting for a few minutes, he hung up the phone. He had put in so much effort, so why wasn't he praised? Sigh, what can he do when he's in the Ministry of Culture? It's all his duty. It seems he still needs to keep innovating to gain a foothold.

Amidst cheers from the audience, Li Fei stepped forward and had each of the models turn around to appear on stage. After a series of actions, he received instructions from Xu Songlin before having them gracefully exit the stage.

The stage dimmed, and the lights shone on Li Fei's face: "After this special interlude of the Tang Dynasty costume exhibition, we return to our theme of traditional Chinese music. Now it's time for our third song today. The curtain rises, let's wait and see."

On the rising stage, Li Zichun slowly turned around and smiled, then slowly sang: "Love and hate are just a moment away / Raising a cup to the moon, my feelings are as vast as the sky / Love and hate are both boundless / When will you fall in love again..."

Li Zichun, with her exquisite imperial concubine makeup, vividly embodies the meaning of captivating beauty, a natural charm that cannot be concealed. As the only one among the Four Beauties with complete and verifiable historical records as a second-generation official, her vision, temperament, and other qualities are naturally incomparable to those of village girls like Xi Shi, Wang Zhaojun, and Diao Chan. Li Zichun brings out all the CEO-like demeanor from her previous life, deeply understanding that only men understand what men like to see, and what kind of woman is a beauty that both men and women love.

He used to hate cross-dressing, thinking, "Why should a perfectly good man dress up as a woman?" But after learning more, he gradually came to understand the charm of Peking Opera. Thinking about this, he couldn't help but laugh. He'd already entered the entertainment industry, but he was just a mere actor. Naturally, he had to play whatever roles were required; he had no choice.

The teachers of the erhu, guzheng, xiao, pipa and other instruments on the side were all masters that Gu Quan had found. He originally did not approve of this kind of adaptation, but he was still amazed when he saw the finished product. It was a perfect combination of classical culture and modern pop music, fashionable and novel.

Li Zichun retained his original "double voice" singing style and started dancing with water embroidery and long silk ribbons. He almost worked himself to death these days by secretly practicing these things.

They're really risking their lives for immortality.

Zhao Qianfan and the others, who had changed backstage and were waiting to go on stage, were also stunned. They thought that someone would sing for them and that they would just perform a few moves, but they did not expect that the singer would perform with his own voice. The whole performance was beautiful and ethereal.

The audience and people in the live stream were stunned by its beauty; it turns out that the quality of art has never been related to gender.

As the song ended and they were about to leave, a loud "Bravo!" broke the applause, and a group of soldiers dressed in island nation uniforms appeared on stage.

"Why did you all disperse as soon as our Japanese officer arrived? Someone, play another song, no, start another grand opera."

"Oh, it's the official! Don't worry, don't worry, we're here. Since you're so eager to hear music, then let me put on this grand performance for you! Ahhhhhh~"

Li Zichun's soft "Ah~" sent shivers down the spines of the audience. The intonation of her voice was so powerful that it evoked strong reactions, much like the women from the old-time kiln streets.

Is this supposed to be a performance or a fling? These actors are truly heartless, performing for the Japanese! What kind of show is this? It's disgusting! They can't even perform a proper play properly! What a mess! They've ruined all the good traditions of Chinese culture.

The internet was immediately filled with insults and boos, but the number of viewers was approaching 50 million, most of whom were invited in and their families joined in the cursing.

We've secured the top spot in live viewership; the question is whether you can hold on.

The audience was in an uproar, wondering why Japanese goods had been brought into a traditional Chinese performance. Although they knew it was a show, many people stood up, looking resentful and ready to sabotage the performance if it went well, so they thought it was better if the performance was bad and ruined their own reputation.

Li Zichun was completely unafraid. He took the fan from Zhao Qianfan and said softly, "I'm going to perform for the Japanese commander. You men, step back!"

The crowd on and off the stage looked disgusted, helpless, and angry at their incompetence. They walked from the stage to the audience seats, leaving only Li Zichun and a group of Japanese soldiers and traitors on the stage. He smiled and said, "Gentlemen, watch closely, the show is about to begin!"

Li Zichun smiled effusively, a gesture that seemed to slam shut the door. Screens on either side displayed the image of a closed door. Below the screens, the guards were covered in the mouths and noses by Zhao Qianfan and Uncle Qi, collapsing to the ground. Li Jiawei, Liu Xueqi, and the others seized the opportunity to grab guns, then locked the door from the outside. With solemn expressions, they bowed three times to those inside, cleaned themselves up, and withdrew from the scene.

On stage, Li Zichun continued to sing elegantly, winning thunderous applause. Every smile and gesture exuded gentleness and charm.

The officer nodded in satisfaction: "I'll take this girl, tonight." The colonel and the eunuch beside him nodded in agreement.

Li Zichun glanced at the audience from her seat, then at the red cloth covering the stage, turned back with a smile, and softly began to sing: "Listen up, everyone, I am about to begin my song~"

Li Zichun sat up and glanced at the audience, then at the red cloth fluttering above the stage. He turned back with a smile and softly recited: "Deep affection regrets being taken so seriously, all that remains is an illusion, who is there on the other side..."

After speaking, he turned around and knocked over the candlesticks standing on either side. The kerosene hidden under the floor tiles hissed and burst into flames. The fire quickly spread from the entire stage to the entire theater. The curtain was lowered, and white smoke billowed from behind, leaving only the small screens on either side.

Many viewers were already moved to tears, and netizens and audiences were thrilled, realizing why.

The stage was instantly engulfed in flames, but Li Zichun continued to sing and laugh with captivating charm, as if the fire itself were a grand baptism. Her face flushed in the firelight, she smiled as she watched the panicked crowd below, banging on doors and creating chaos.

"A scene unfolds, sleeves rise and fall / Singing of joys and sorrows, of partings and reunions, but it has nothing to do with me / Fans open and close, drums sound and then fall silent / Love within the play, people outside the play, who can say..."

The audience and netizens fell silent for a moment, while many of the masters backstage burst into tears. Although many of them had not experienced that era, their grandmasters and teachers had. That time had never gone far away; it had simply been submerged by the torrent of progress.

Under the firelight, Li Zichun on the stage appeared even more dignified and elegant, her beauty beyond compare.

"You finish your song and I take the stage / Don't mock the romantic drama, don't laugh at people's absurdity / I have also asked about the rise and fall of dynasties, and I have also sung the praises of rise and fall / Is the Way heartless, or is the Way full of feeling? How can one ponder this? Is the Way heartless, or is the Way full of feeling? It requires much thought."

After Li Zichun finished singing, he cupped his hands towards the crowd below the stage who were rolling and climbing in the fire, and said with a smile, "The actor Pei respectfully invites you all to your deaths."

Then his figure was also engulfed in the raging fire, never to be seen again.

Faced with the greater good of the nation, actors, though of lowly status, are equally concerned about the country. On the screens on either side, a line of text appears: "Everyone says actors are heartless, but who knows that actors also have hearts."

This song came to him when he sang "The Peach Blossom Fan" with Zhao Qianfan. It tells the story of Pei Yanzhi burning down a theater in Anyuan County, Jiangxi Province during the Republic of China era. He was deeply moved when he heard it in his previous life.

Even though other traditions on this parallel planet have been interrupted, traditional opera has been preserved from generation to generation through strange means such as oral transmission. Although many plays have also been lost, this does not affect its complete performance and stylized performance.

But even such a play has inevitably become desolate today, from being packed with guests to now being almost deserted. He decided to lend a helping hand if he could.

Li Zichun's figure was finally engulfed in the thick sea of ​​fire. Some audience members cried, and cheers and applause resounded throughout the theater. Many people stood up and applauded.

The atmosphere reached its peak; the curtain remained open, and the applause continued unabated. Many examinees even had tears in their eyes and refused to stop clapping even when their hands ached.

After the applause subsided, host Li Fei slowly came up to take charge of the situation. The main issue was that the backstage firefighting and cleanup would take time, and many people objected to using a fake one. However, Li Zichun directly rejected this suggestion. Although the screens on both sides showed pre-recorded footage, the fire he ignited by knocking over the candlesticks before the curtain was turned off was real. The smell of smoke on set couldn't be faked, so everyone was willing to wait.

Li Fei waited until everyone calmed down before introducing the next program.

Uncle Qi and Liu Xueqi walked towards the center of the stage from under the screens on both sides. One was handsome and gentle in ancient costume, and the other was graceful and delicate. With each step, they recited: "People are separated by two places and cannot be together, but the moon shines in the sky. My heart is bright towards the bright moon, but the bright moon is not the same as the string."

Upon reaching the center of the stage, the large screen behind them split into red and blue sections, separating the two. The song "The Willow Catkins Have Fallen, the Cuckoo Cries," adapted from "Hearing of Wang Changling's Demotion to Longbiao, I Send This Poem from Afar," began: "The willow catkins have fallen, the cuckoo cries / I hear you've passed the Five Streams to Longbiao / I send my sorrowful heart to the bright moon / To follow the wind all the way to Yelang in the west / If we meet again, we will part / A thousand miles apart, with no end in sight / When will we meet again here..."

Because the previous stage performance was so amazing, Li Zichun originally wanted to find someone to dance, but it was too difficult to find a dancer who could quickly grasp the meaning of his performance. He couldn't find a suitable one for the time being, so he decided to let them fill in for now.

Uncle Qi and Liu Xueqi's performance has indeed improved significantly, fully conveying the sense of desolation and sorrow expressed in the lyrics and melody. This parallel planet doesn't have Li Bai, so even if this song isn't famous, it could still be included in textbooks based on just the first four lines.

Beautiful lyrics, beautiful music, beautiful people, beautiful scenery—that's enough.

After the two finished singing, the audience applauded continuously, but the reaction was not as intense as the previous performances. Netizens were also indignant and spoke out against it. Alas, it seems that following a freak like this is a disadvantage!

The host, Li Fei, stepped in to smooth things over. The two of them pouted and responded, looking like wronged little devils, saying that they had been taken advantage of and would never accept his performances again. They were really too strong.

The audience and online burst into laughter. They were really getting a good deal and then acting innocent. Many people want to sing but can't even get a song to perform.

PS: Data is from the internet.

"Breaking the Willow Branch" was composed by Guan Dazhou, arranged by Lin Yihang, with pipa played by Sun Ying, flute and xiao played by Ding Xiaokui, piano played by Guan Dazhou, and mixing by Ma Li.

【Viewing the Tang Dynasty】Ancient Costume Art Recreated, Costume Art Director: Chu Yan, Makeup and Styling Director: Yang Shuyun, Performance Director: Fang Yuan, Academic Support: Dunhuang Academy, Xi'an Museum, Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, Tang Brocade Research Institute.

"The New Drunken Concubine" is a song sung by Li Yugang, with lyrics and music by Hu Li. It is a popular Peking Opera song adapted from Peking Opera and included in the album of the same name, "The New Drunken Concubine," released on December 28, 2010.

"Red-Clad Heroine" is sung by the ancient-style singer HITA, with lyrics by Qingyan, music by Li Jianheng, and arrangement by He Tiancheng. It was released on September 27, 2018.

"The Willow Catkins Have All Fallen and the Cuckoo Is Crying" is a song with lyrics by Li Bai and Zuo Muxiu (Tang Dynasty), music by G2er and Wu Lian, and sung by Huang Shifu and G2er.