Rebirth: The Time-locked Girl
Chapter 315: Sister Lan Invites a Big Shot, Carefree King Yan Shunhua! [1 update]

Chapter 315: Sister Lan Invites a Big Shot, Carefree King Yan Shunhua! [1 update]

Kunqu opera is one of Shenzhou’s representative works earliest listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and it is also known as the "Ancestor of All Dramas," with extremely high historical and cultural value.

The origins of Kunqu opera can be traced back to the Shun Dynasty, it gained some scale during the Yong Dynasty, and entered its golden age in the Ning Dynasty.

The opera festivals each year were one of the liveliest times during the Ning Dynasty.

If it weren’t for the great war three hundred years ago that destroyed its lineage, Kunqu opera would not have fallen into such decline.

Moreover, today’s entertainment options are increasing, and the number of people interested in Kunqu opera is gradually decreasing.

Shen Yeqiu just happened to like these classical cultures; otherwise, he wouldn’t have taken the initiative to contact the "Treasures of The Divine Land" program team.

He had listened to several Kunqu operas but, sadly, had never had the chance to witness the true grace of Kunqu opera, which inevitably left him with some regrets.

Now, hearing Ye Wanlan utter these four characters, Shen Yeqiu was rather confused, "What does Miss Ye mean?"

Ye Wanlan gave a slight smile, "Is the person Teacher Shen refers to Elder Yan?"

"Exactly, she’s the former Vice President of the Yunjing Art Association, Yan Tingyue, Elder Yan." The director nodded, "Not only is she the descendant of the Master of Melody, but she is also the progeny of the Carefree King Yan Shunhua. It’s just a pity that even the people of the Yunjing Art Association don’t know where she is living in seclusion."

Among the Four Directions Nobility, only under Carefree King Yan Shunhua there was no army.

His persona, just like his title, was carefree and uninvolved with worldly affairs.

The Carefree King himself, true to his name, had a beauty like Yan Shunhua, unmatched and the admiration of countless women.

However, it seems the historical records never mentioned his family and direct descendants, so Yan Tingyue was perhaps just a collateral relative of the Carefree King.

Apart from King Yan He Jia and Prince Xiang Qingtian of Chu who were members of the Xiang Imperial Family, King Qin Hua Yingyue and Carefree King Yan Shunhua were kings of different surnames.

To be ranked among the Four Directions Nobility with a different surname, the Carefree King certainly wasn’t only about leading a life of leisure.

Apart from his not insignificant martial arts skills, he was also quick-witted, able to sing and dance, and excelled in Zither, Go, Calligraphy, and Painting. The Master of Melody even claimed that his talent in drama was unmatched.

Ye Wanlan remembered that in her previous life when she went to look for King Qin Hua Yingyue, it happened that the Carefree King was in Qin City, and she was fortunate enough to hear this noble sing a song for them.

And in South City of the Jiangnan region—that was where the Carefree King often stayed.

His temporary palace was located near South City.

"The program team came to South City this time not only to film some intangible cultural heritage artisans but also to specifically look for the historical traces left by the Carefree King." The director jested with a smile, "With our antique detector, Miss Ye, here, we won’t worry about not finding anything."

Ye Wanlan smiled faintly, "However, history records that the whereabouts of the Carefree King have always been mysterious, I’m not sure if I can be of any help."

Also, because he never held a significant military, the records about the Carefree King from the great war three hundred years ago are far too scarce.

She scoured through the major history books, only to find a single sentence—

The Carefree King passed away.

But how exactly Yan Shunhua died or what he experienced, even the unofficial histories couldn’t concoct a reasonable story.

If possible, she hoped to find artifacts related to Yan Shunhua and listen to the voice of history.

"Historical texts always claimed that the Carefree King had a visage fairer than peach blossoms, more beautiful than a woman." Xu Qingyu also spoke with a smile, "I really wonder what he looked like, I’m quite curious."

Ye Wanlan reflected on this for a moment, her eyebrow arching slightly.

She had to admit that after Yan Shunhua dressed up in stage costume and portrayed a woman, he truly appeared even more beautiful by threefold.

"I’ve heard that many painters made portraits of him, but to this day not a single one has been found." Professor Shen shook his head, "I hope there will be new discoveries this time."

**

The sunset beyond the western mountains, where water meets the sky.

Flocks of birds landed on the sandy beach, and when the tide receded, they soared up again, as if a grand dance was coming to an end.

Both South City and Fengyuan are ancient cities, but one is in the south, the other in the north, each bestowing a different classical ambiance.

South City has more water, with drizzling mists.

Fengyuan has more mountains, under a vast sky.

There are craftsmen selling sugar figurines and paintings by the old streets. Ye Wanlan bent down, gave the craftsman a banknote, and received a sugar bunny holding a lantern in return.

She slowly took a bite of the sugar painting, and the sweetness unfolded on her tongue, making her taste buds dance.

"It’s been a long time since I last came to South City." Beside her, Xie Linyuan stretched lazily, "I used to love sitting by the sea, watching the sunrise and sunset, for days on end."

Three hundred years later, South City does not entirely resemble the town in his memory, yet many similar traces can still be captured.

Beyond the skyscrapers, there still are small bridges over flowing water and long ancient streets.

Swordsmen once debated here, and scholars and writers also left behind one ink treasure after another.

Perhaps, this is why Shenzhou civilization has never faced a break in continuity.

Because there are always the smallest of traces that allow a glimpse into the grand history of Shenzhou.

Ye Wanlan gently responded, "Hmm, I remember there was a Martial Arts Conference held here, right?"

"Indeed, there was one, but I can’t recall the exact year," Xie Linyuan shrugged his shoulders, "Apart from the Six Great Sects each guarding their own territories, it’s the sects in this Jiangnan area that are the most numerous, so most Martial Arts Conferences are held here."

Ye Wanlan smiled, "It’s a pity, I’ve never seen what a grand sight the Martial Arts Conference is."

Jianghu is vast and equally complex.

Because she was unable to condense Inner Strength, He Jia did not allow her to appear where martial artists gathered, to prevent assassination.

The Martial Arts Conference, held once every five years, gathered heroes from all over, with over a hundred Jianghu Sects, and was also the time when the pinnacle of Shenzhou Martial Arts clashed.

At that moment, the Divine Strategy Military, Musicians of Heavenly Sound, Penglai Immortals, and Beiming Mystic Practitioners would all clash with each other.

She had heard about it countless times from others, yet had never witnessed it, which was indeed regrettable.

"There’s not much to see at the Martial Arts Conference." Xie Linyuan raised his eyebrows, "Just some interesting fights, but unfortunately, ever since my junior fellow martial brother took the position of Martial Arts Alliance Hierarch, no one has ever defeated him."

The Master of Highest Heaven Tower had unified the Jianghu at the age of sixteen, unmatched by anyone.

For eleven years, he had steadfastly maintained his position as the number one person in Jianghu, unshaken by anyone.

"What’s this?" Xie Linyuan suddenly caught sight of a familiar term, his curiosity piqued as he crouched down by a street stall, only to see a dazzling array of book titles—

"Unveiling the Unknown Love and Hatred Between Princess Yongning and the Master of Highest Heaven Tower"

"The Tale of Princess Yongning’s Husband Selection"

"Shocking! The Former Martial Arts Alliance Hierarch Has Become the East Palace’s Son-in-Law"

Xie Linyuan: "..."

A question mark slowly formed on his forehead.

He began to wonder if the history he had lived through was the false one, otherwise how could he not understand the names of these books?

In his memory, the Master of Highest Heaven Tower and Princess Yongning had never even met.

"Fan fiction based on unofficial histories," Ye Wanlan was quite calm as she crouched down and flipped through the books on the stall, "Some are quite interesting and can be read for entertainment."

As she spoke, she pulled out several bills and handed them over, picking out a few books with particularly eye-catching titles to buy.

Xie Linyuan looked helplessly at the book in Ye Wanlan’s hands titled, "The One Hundred and Eight Untold Secrets Between Princess Yongning and the Master of Highest Heaven Tower": "..."

Three seconds later, he spoke with some difficulty, "You like reading these?"

"For leisure and entertainment, why not?" Ye Wanlan replied with ease, "If our senior brother is interested, you can read some fan fiction about you and Fanyin. You two are now the official pairing, and many people write about you."

Xie Linyuan flatly refused, "I won’t read them."

As if he would read such articles—

He was a true gentleman!

However, ten minutes later, Xie Linyuan couldn’t resist anymore, and for the first time, he awkwardly asked, "Little Junior Sister, could you give me a place to read these?"

...

After informing Xie Linyuan where to read the fan fiction, Ye Wanlan parted ways with him and went to visit Yan Tingyue.

Also, because Yan Tingyue had just been troubled yesterday, Yan Tingfeng specifically had Bing He and Tie Ma protect her here to prevent similar incidents.

"Miss Ye," Bing He was puffing and panting while tilling the land, "Elder Yan is inside."

Ye Wanlan nodded her head, "Thank you for your hard work."

"Ah Lan, come on in." Yan Tingyue drew back the curtain, "I’ve been thinking you would come, and here you are."

"Teacher, I need to ask you for a favor," Ye Wanlan said thoughtfully, "The production team I’m with needs to film Kunqu opera, and I was wondering if you could have a meal with us first."

"No problem," Yan Tingyue laughed, "Even if it wasn’t you asking, if the production team came to me, I would certainly go."

She had always wanted to promote and preserve Kunqu opera, but no matter what, she could not hand it over to the people of the Global Center.

She feared that if one day in the far future, Kunqu opera was truly plundered, how could she face her ancestors?

"Thank you, teacher," Ye Wanlan said, "I’ve been worried these days that those people might trouble you again. If you are by my side, I will feel more at ease."

Yan Tingyue patted her hand, "I feel reassured with you around."

They spoke as they walked outside.

Just before reaching the restaurant, Ye Wanlan contacted the production team.

"Producer Liu, Miss Ye said she will bring a guest later," the director told Producer Liu, "We need to add another place setting."

"Add it," said Producer Liu, "And a few more dishes."

One more guest, simply sharing a homely meal together—nothing to fuss over.