The Golden Sparrow in the House

Magu's Birthday

Dong, dong, dong... clang. The drummer set the rhythm on stage, signaling the beginning of the opera.

The troupe leader approached Mrs. Bai with a respectful bow, saying, "Madam, the first performance, Magu's Birthday, will be led by a young man named Ji Nanshu."

"Have you heard of him before?" Mrs. Bai asked, turning to Bai Yunxi.

Leaning closer, Bai Yunxi explained, "Grandmother, please listen closely. He's Xu Qiushui's apprentice. Anyone who dares to perform here must have some talent."

Magu, dressed in ornate, photogenic attire, approached the drums, his sleeves flowing as his eyes swept across the stage. His gaze briefly lingered on Bai Yunxi before shifting away.

"Yaochi followed the Holy Mother's command, turned around to fetch a wine bottle, and respectfully poured out the precious nectar," Magu sang. "Drink one cup to add years to life, another to extend vitality. May the immortal aunt live ten thousand years, with blessings as boundless as the stars of the Antarctic. As the wine pours, so too do I wish for eternal prosperity."

The audience burst into applause. Madam Bai, an opera enthusiast, could appreciate the skill in the performance, and she clapped delightedly, her face lighting up with joy. "Qianfan Theater certainly lives up to its reputation! With a voice like that, he's bound to be successful."

Despite being surprised, the troupe leader was pleased. She knew Ji Nanshu had a remarkable voice but hadn't expected him to perform on par with her renowned teacher, Xu Qiushui.

Shang Wengong, pleased as well, leaned forward and said, "Who knew he had such hidden talent? No wonder he dared to take on Xu Qiushui's role. Perhaps he's long wanted to step into the limelight."

Bai Yunxi nodded slightly, her thick eyelashes casting soft shadows beneath her eyes. Ji Nanshu's straightforward gaze revealed little, yet Bai Yunxi, watching closely, caught a glimpse of his intentions.

The opera continued beneath the moonlight, with Mrs. Bai enjoying every moment. Gradually, various prominent merchants took the opportunity to present their birthday gifts with each is a rare treasure. More than the gifts, many sought to gauge Bai Yunxi's reaction, aware of her close bond with Mrs. Bai.

It was well known that Mrs. Bai cherished Bai Yunxi, especially after Bai Yunxi's mother, against immense pressure during the Great Depression, had worked with Mrs. Bai to stabilize prices in Peiping, saving countless lives and preserving local businesses.

The Bai family had risked nearly all of their capital but gained a sterling reputation. The central government formally commended them, granting the family special recognition.

As merchants, the Bai family had thrived near the imperial city for over a century, adept at navigating government policies while upholding their integrity.

The most striking gift was presented by the Peiping Boat Club. Four tall attendants held their breath as they carried a large object wrapped in black velvet on a bamboo pole toward Mrs. Bai. The object was about half the height of a person, but its contents were mysterious.

As the Boat Club president, the Shang family had naturally led this initiative. Bai Yunxi's dark eyes flicked toward Shang Wengong, who stepped forward with a warm smile to address the gathering.

"In honor of Grandma Bai's birthday, and to express our gratitude for the Bai family's support of the Peiping Boat Club, we have commissioned a gold statue of a crane standing on a black tortoise, symbolizing long life, good fortune, and health for the Madam."

With that, Shang Wengong lifted the black velvet cover, and a dazzling golden light flooded the courtyard, momentarily blinding everyone.

The statue was indeed stunning: a pure gold crane perched gracefully on the back of a black tortoise. The craftsmanship was exquisite, each detail so lifelike it seemed the crane might spread its wings at any moment.