Cheng Mo stepped forward and began to play the qin, Chinese Zither, singing.
"With a hearty laugh from the vast sea,
The tides surge on both shores..."
More voices joined in, singing along together.
The straightforward yet unrestrained rhythm and music drew Huo Changlin, the second young master of the Huo family, who had changed into casual attire similar to Cheng Mo's silver robe and jade crown. Holding a sword, he stepped into the circle and began to perform a set of sword techniques in time with the music. His sleeves fluttered, and the sword shimmered, creating a mesmerizing scene under the moonlight. The static and dynamic figures of Cheng Mo and Huo Changlin etched into Xiang Bei's heart, making her feel as if she were watching a scene from a TV drama on a film set.
"Madam, Princess, Miss Bei, Xiang Bei!"
"Huh, what? Are you calling me, Cheng Dian? Why are you shouting so loudly? You almost scared me to death." Xiang Bei was startled by Cheng Dian's loud voice and patted her chest to calm herself.
"I've called you several times. Uncle Zhong asked me to tell you that Master Butterfly has arrived. He doesn't have any special talents, so if it's his turn, can he demonstrate how to prepare fish sashimi?"
"Of course, that's fine. All crafts and skills deserve recognition and demonstration. Just make sure to pass the ball to Master Butterfly in about ten more rounds," Xiang Bei said, suddenly inspired by her previous discussion with Cheng Mo about elevating the status of craftsmen. "But Cheng Dian, I have to ask, where did your master learn that song? How come so many people know it?"
"Didn't you teach the Lord yourself? When you weren't around, he would play and sing it alone at night. We heard it often and learned it, then spread it secretly. The Lord was amused when he found out. Once, he even asked me, 'Isn't she brilliant?'"
"Enough with your cheekiness. You're risking punishment for making fun of your master." Xiang Bei stopped him cause of embarrassment.
"The lady would never tell on me. The Lord often boasts about you behind your back. Aren't you curious to know?"
"Know what?" Cheng Mo, who had returned with Huo Changlin to rejoin the gathering, naturally sat beside Xiang Bei and asked.
"Know what Master Butterfly will perform? The lady made a good point, and I'll make arrangements right away." Cheng Dian nearly choked on his drink, quickly bowed to his master, and fled.
Xiang Bei watched him run off with a smile and then continued discussing the idea of having craftsmen demonstrate their skills and feature talented individuals in the neighborhood gossip (a local newsletter). Huo Changlin listened and expressed his agreement repeatedly.
Several soldiers who received the ball stepped forward to perform, showcasing talents ranging from musical performances to weapon demonstrations and displays of physical strength. Not a single participant opted to forfeit and drink the penalty wine, indicating the enthusiasm and camaraderie in the air. The drumbeats continued to drive the game, and the ball was gradually passed toward the section where civilian volunteers were seated.
After another sword performance concluded, Cheng Dian and Duo'er, dressed in dynamic attire, approached the center drum platform.
"I am Cheng Dian. Thank you, General Mingcheng, for your invigorating drum performance! It was truly inspiring! General, please return to your seat to enjoy food and drink. Duo'er and I will now present an Eastern Shore drum dance to entertain our esteemed army guests."
"Haha, wonderful! The southern frontier military and civilians are indeed considerate. Thank you both! And to the brothers who pushed me out here—enjoy the feast while I watch! I'll be back, Huo Mingcheng!" The crowd laughed heartily as they welcomed Mingcheng back, offering him meat and wine. This was the camaraderie of the military.
Cheng Dian and Duo'er performed a passionate and energetic drum dance, vividly expressing the confidence and boldness of the southeastern people. The performance transitioned seamlessly between fast and slow tempos, showcasing their fearless love and hate.
When the ball stopped again, it landed among the somewhat shy yet bold women inspired by Duo'er. They stepped forward to play the zither, sing, or perform flute pieces, with one even using a leaf to call a young man from her village to join her in song. Applause and cheers erupted from the audience repeatedly.
Finally, as the drumbeat paused once more, the ball, adorned with ribbons, landed steadily in Master Butterfly's hands.
Immediately, a long table and water buckets, prepared in advance, were brought up. Xiang Bei silently went on stage to prepare the seasonings for Master Butterfly, discreetly swapping the fish in the bucket with the fat fish from her space and personally tying the Fuhai Pavilion chef's apron on him.
"I am the fish slicing chef from Fuhai Pavilion, honored to be called Master D. Unable to think of any other talent, I have been slicing fish for decades and can only offer my knife skills today. I will perform with the apprentice craftsmen from Dongbin New School, showcasing this everyday skill for everyone."
As Master D announced, "Let's Start," the specially set up biogas lamps illuminated dozens of long tables, where fifty volunteer apprentices began to dissect and slice fish under his lead. The scene was filled with the flash of knives.
Tong Chen and his team continuously brought carts of fresh fish to Xiang Bei, who then handed them to the masters, now replaced with the plump and crispy grass carp from her space. Each person had ten fish, and within a quarter of an hour, everyone had completed their task beautifully.
Cheng Mo stepped down and invited Xiang Bei to join him on stage. "I'd like to introduce Miss Tong, the owner of Tongcheng, the Same City Traveler Lodges. The apprentices presenting the sliced fish today all come from her managed New School Workshops. From bamboo art, vine weaving, oil crafting, to construction... in every trade, mastering the craft with sincerity can turn it into an art."
Xiang Bei smiled, looked around the audience, and bowed slightly to everyone in appreciation.