The Golden Sparrow in the House

Ji Nanshu

Qianfan Theater was alive with excitement, the entire hall reverberating slightly with cheers. The theatergoers with their cheeks flushed with enthusiasm, applauded eagerly. No matter how beautiful the play was, they all looked forward to Xu Qiushui's song.

Even Naofumi Gong couldn't resist clapping during the thrilling scenes. Meanwhile, Bai Yunxi, who her sipping tea with a calm composure, seemed to be in a world of her own.

"You're too indifferent," Shang Wen Gong said, narrowing his eyes and tapping the table with her knuckles. "I haven’t seen you show a single hint of expression since we got here. Don’t tell me Xu Qiushui’s singing doesn’t move you. It's embarrassing not to react; you're chilling my heart."

"Xu Qiushui has the skill; he sings well," Bai Yunxi replied. "It’s just a show, though, easy enough to get distracted."

Hexagonal palace lanterns hung on either side of the room, their warm yellow glow resembling the white glaze on Baiyun River, finally adding a touch of warmth to the scene.

Shang Wen Gong propped up her chin, watching her without concealment, and sighed after a moment, "Now I understand why Mrs. Bai worries about your marriage. With such a detached attitude, what young man would willingly spend time with you?"

Bai Yunxi smiled slightly. Many sought entry into the Bai family, but those who cherished their children were reluctant to betroth them to Bai Yunxi. The sole reason, it seemed, was that Bai Yunxi’s emotions were always enigmatic. Who would dare to take her as a daughter-in-law, knowing they’d have to interpret her mood each day with trepidation?

Red lanterns hung high in the theater, and young girls bustled around with kettles, diligently refilling tea and water. Some vendors slipped in, stealthily producing packs of Daqianmen brand cigarettes from their pockets to sell.

Qing'er, the main performer, exited the stage, bringing the atmosphere to a peak. Everyone knew that Xu Qiushui had won Wu Er's favor with his song "Dragon and Phoenix Presenting Good Luck," earning his current position through both connections and talent.

On stage, Sun Shangxiang bid farewell to Wu Guotai with tear-filled eyes. She clutched her sword with her sleeves folded in mourning. "Orders of the state hold more weight than a three-foot sword. My brother's orders may be strict, but my mother's are unbreakable."

Shang Wen Gong got up from her seat and went to the railing, applauding and cheering. "A wonderful performance!" she exclaimed. The theatre kid grinned with excitement, bowing respectfully before going downstairs to tell the class teacher about the compliment.

After taking a cup of tea, Bai Yunxi raised her gaze, blew away the floating tea leaves, and took another sip. "It's a gift," she mumbled. "How could I give it in my name? Twenty flower baskets wouldn't suffice."

"Mrs. Bai’s birthday is approaching," Shang Wen Gong replied, clutching her chest in a mock display of wounded feelings. "Why not invite the theater troupe for the celebration? I'm only trying to help you to win favor with Xu Qiushui. Otherwise, you might not be able to invite him."

Bai Yunxi did not commit to inviting him. Instead, she lightly fingered the prayer beads on her wrist, commenting, "Wu Er is quite the miser, isn’t she?"

Shang Wen Gong, always keen to stir up trouble, smirked, her lips painted a bold red. "How about a wager? Let’s see how Xu Qiushui chooses."

When the doors opened, the theater was filled with flower baskets, inside and out. Among them, the largest number came from an unknown sender, the banners on them displaying various names to disguise the true admirer.

Performers like Xu Qiushui had their own dressing rooms. As Bai Yunxi and Shang Wen Gong were led backstage, the actors and stagehands removing their makeup paused to observe the distinguished guests. Bai Yunxi and Shang Wen Gong, both with an air of nobility, stood out immediately. Observers could guess their social status just from their attire, and, noting the direction they were headed, many surmised they sought Xu Qiushui.