recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Shang Xirui beats Jiang Dengbao

## Synopsis

La Yuehong gets humiliated and beaten by Deng Bao. When Shang Xirui finds out, he does the same to Deng Bao. Ning Jiulang secretly helps Shang Xirui, and Shang Xirui finally knows the moves for his performance. Three seniors of the Shuiyun troupe leave after they get angry with Xirui, as he gave a chance to juniors.

## Plot

Shang Xirui holds auditions to choose someone for the role of Zhao Fei Yan. He also says that the juniors will be given a chance, and this angers the seniors in the troupe. Shang Xirui is impressed by La Yuehong, and wants to give the role to him. The seniors have a heated debated with Du Qi and Xirui, because they feel left out.

The audience is introduced to two new characters; Master Qi and Ning Jiulang. Master Qi asks Jiulang if he feels at ease now, because the newspapers say that Shang Xirui is afe now. Even though Ning Jiulang doesn't say it, but he still cares about Xirui because he taught him opera. Xiang'er and ChaCha'er have an argument, because XIang'er doesn't want her to attend school. However, while Fengtai doesn't say anything in front of his wife, he tells his sister later that he will send her to school. He believes in the education of women, and they shouldn't be too dependent on their husbands after marriage.

Deng Bao meets La Yuehong on the streets, and feels offended that Yuehong didn't greet him. He gets his men to beat him, strips him, and writes something on his back to further humiliate him. When Shang Xirui gets the wind of this, he rescues Yuehong, grabs Deng Bao by his hair, beats him up and do the same to him. Rong Shou tells Chen Rexiang that he will teach him fairy footwork, for his competition with Shang Xirui.

Shang Xirui feels like he doesn't know which dance moves to choose for his performance, and Ning Jiulang secretly helps him. He stays up all night practicing, and Du Qi is finally happy with his performance. The three seniors who fought with Shang Xirui over not getting the lead roles, leave the troupe because Deng Bao bribed them to do so.
Yu Qing

Yu Qing 俞青 is an dan opera performer who catches the eyes of Shang Xirui when she attends a gathering of opera performers. She was Yuan Xiaodi's apprentice; he taught her opera, but after he got married, they stopped working together. Shang Xirui was very impressed with her performance, and asks her to perform with him in "Records of the Dragon". In this opera, Shang Xirui plays the male role, and Yu Qing plays the female role. However, their collaboration is short lived. As soon as Yuan Xiaodi's third wife learns that Yu Qing is back, she starts to insult her in front of everyone, and even tries to beat her.

Yu Qing is very much in love with Yuan Xiaodi, and so is he. However, he didn't marry her, and never stood up for her even when his wife was insulting Yu Qing. Yu Qing tells Shang Xirui that she doesn't want to be an opera performer anymore. The only reason she felt the soul of opera, was because she performed with Yuan Xiaodi. Yu Qing leaves Beiping after pawning all her stuff, most of which Shang Xirui buys. She leaves Beiping, and joins her scholar friends to run a newspaper, in order to support her country. She sends a picture and a letter to Shang Xirui, when she settles in her new place.

Yu Qing is a heartbroken woman, who doesn't know what opera means without her mentor, Yuan Xiaodi. However, she is one of the very few people who Shang Xirui admires as a performer, and she doesn't disappoint the audience or Shang Xirui when she performs with him. She is played by actor Gao Yu'er 高雨儿.

In the novel, Yu Qing comes from a scholar family, but was cut off from them when she decided to pursue opera. Yuqing was originally her personal name, but when she left her family she made Yu her family name and Qing her personal name. She and Shang Xirui were old friends and there were often false rumors that they were together. As in the drama, Yu Qing and Yuan Xiaodi were in love and Yuan Xiaodi's jealous third wife had Yu Qing beaten. Unlike in the drama, Yu Qing does not retire from opera completely, but she does leave Beiping for Shanghai after the attack.
Chen Renxiang

Chen Renxiang 陈纫香 is a famous dan opera performer. He makes his first appearance in Episode 11. The reporters are all gathered around him, while girls cheer for him. He had previously performed successfully in front of the Emperor. Jiang Dengbao comes to get Chen Renxiang, because Chen Renxiang is like an adopted nephew for his father Jiang Rongshou. He feels jealous over the attention that Chen Renxiang is getting from everyone. Chen Renxiang right away remembers how the Jiang family took in his mother and him when he was a child, and if it wasn't for Jiang Rongshou, they would have had a difficult life.

When Chen Renxiang meets with Jiang Rongshou, he learns that his uncle doesn't like Shang Xirui, because of the way he is changing opera scripts. He then tells Chen Renxiang to challenge Shang Xirui to an opera competition, and when Chen Renxiang does that, Shang Xirui accepts. The deal is that whoever loses will shave their head and will not perform opera for one year. Jiang Rongshou teaches Chen Renxiang the secret of his fairy footwork especially for the competition. Chen Renxiang performs well but still loses. His defeat results in Shang Xirui and Chen Renxiang becoming friends. Chen Renxiang takes Shang Xirui to Nanjing, and there Liu Hanyun adopts Shang Xirui as his foster son.

Shang Xirui and Chen Renxiang don't meet again until Shang Xirui goes to Shanghai. Chen Renxiang is depressed, because when he was eloping with his girlfriend, he got caught and his leg was broken. Shang Xirui helps Chen Renxiang get back to the stage, but when Chen Renxiang learns that the woman he loves the most won't be coming to see him, he commits suicide on stage. Shang Xirui is devastated.

Chen Renxiang is very different from Jiang Rongshou and JIang Dengbao. Even though he feels indebted to them, because they looked after him and his mother, he doesn't hold the same grudge against Shang Xirui, as they do. He loves his girlfriend very much, and he values his friendship with Shang Xirui. However, he is not able to forget the love of his life, and take his life on the same stage, which he loved at some point.

He is a very likable and amusing character. Even though he doesn't appear in many episodes, he still manages to leave a good impression in the mind of the audience. When he performs in Episode 14 against Shang Xirui, the audience will be mesmerized by his white costume, and his amazing performance. He is played by actor Tan Jianci 檀健次

The character of Chen Renxiang was invented for the drama and does not exist in the novel.
Er Ye launches Anti Japanese action

## **Synopsis**

Cheng Fengtai leaves for Mountain Lao Zi. Gu Dali gives birth to a boy, and gives the baby to Cheng Fengtai, who takes him to Cao Guixiu. Shang Xirui doesn’t want to play Biography of Fengxian until Fengtai comes back. Fengtai is successful in taking Kujyo Yuma to the cave, and barely escapes.

## **Plot**

While strolling, Shang Xirui tells Cheng Fengtai that when he is on stage, he doesn’t care about those who abuse him. He then sings in the middle of the street:

***Who knows my feelings***

***I have to be shy and follow the rules***

While he is singing, Fengtai sees the Japanese patrolling, and they run away together. The next day, Cheng Fengtai leaves for Mountain Lao Zi. Gu Dali says she wants to take revenge from the Japanese, who killed her men. She tells Fengtai that after she gives birth, he should take the baby to Cao Guixiu and tell him that Gu Dali is ready. She gives birth to a baby boy, and Fengtai leaves with the baby. Giuxiu is very happy to see his baby, while Lieutenant Sun holds him. Gu Dali has named the child, Gu Tiger. Gixiu and Fengtai go over their plan one last time, as Giuxiu tells him that he has to lure Kujyo Yuma to the cave.

Shang Xirui is worried that they can’t perform Biography of Fengxian, if there are no costumes. Fan Lian comes to Xirui and suggests that his fiancé is a designer, Sheng Ziqing, and she can help him make costumes for the new opera. When Fan Lian says that he can’t tell her about Fengyi, Xirui gets angry and tells him to leave. Xiang’er encourages Fan Lian to tell her about Fengyi, and he does. His fiancé accepts Fengyi, and even says she will look after the child when they get married. Xirui feels surprised and satisfied; he accepts the designs that she shows him.

Zhouzi comes to Shang Xirui after some time has passed, to ask him when they are going perform Fengxian. Xirui doesn’t want to perform until Cheng Fengtai comes back. Cheng Fengtai is sick, and he soon reaches Kujyo’s barrack. However, Fengtai faints, and when the Japanese doctors check him, they observe that he had a cold on his journey and that hasn’t gone away yet. As soon as Cheng Fengtai wakes up, there is a bomb explosion outside the barracks. The Japanese take Fengtai and run away to the Kujyo Yuma, and he asks Fengtai for advice on which route they should take. Fengtai doesn’t recommend Cave Liuxian, baiting Kujyo Yuma and he takes the bait.

They reach the cave, and as they pass through it, Gu Dali is already waiting with her men to fight the Japanese. As soon as Kujyo is inside the cave, Giuxiu’s men start putting up explosives and as a fight takes place in the background, Fengtai barely makes an escape.
Er Ye asks everyone of Shuiyunlou to stay in Beiping

## Synopsis

Cheng Fengtai has a talk with Yangshi Lei about repairing the Luixin Cave, and he agrees to it. All Yangshi Lei wants in return is to restore the Grand Hall of the Palace and wants Fengtai to talk to Commander Cao, to which he agrees. Cheng Fengtai stops Shang Xirui and his troupe from leaving, and becomes the shareholder of Shuiyun House.

## Plot

The conversation between Cheng Fengtai and Shang Xirui in this episode shows that Fengtai values Shang Xirui's friendship. However, Shang Xirui feels that it is wrong to mix their friendship with money. In reply of this, Fengtai quotes a play, where a person pays thousand pieces of gold for a true confidant, and now that the confidant is in distress, he can't be a spectator. Fengtai tells him that:
***If you are a Fan Juqing, then you need a Zhang Yuanbo.***
Shang Xirui stays, and his troupe is very happy. The next morning, DuQi, a friend of Shang Xirui who also writes operas for him, comes to Shuiyun house. It appears that DuQi sees Shang Xirui as the only talent in Beiping Opera, and he doesn't like Cheng Fengtai because he left 'Susanna' behind ( a woman Fengtai used to date in college). Later, Cheng Fengtai and Shang Xirui have dinner with the troupe, and Xirui mentions contracts for every troupe member, and how there are going to be rules now that they have to follow.

When Cheng Fengtai goes through the accounting book of Shuiyun House, he is amazed to learn that people could take as much money as they pleased, and Xirui has zero control over finances. He intends to take matters into his own hands, and change them. Later, Cheng Fengtai meets Fan Lian's girlfriend, Ceng Ai Yu, who hits on Fengtai but he doesn't respond.
Cheng Fengtai looks for the architect family, Lei's descendants

## Synopsis

The troupe tries to get Xirui out of the trunk, where he is sulking after finding out that his inheritance has been stolen. Shi Jui gives a whole speech, threatening Xirui that she will leave, which finally gets him out of the trunk. On the other hand, Fengtai meets a German engineer to discuss the reinforcement of Liuxian Cave, and with the help of Lao Xian, finds an architecture who built the house Fengtai lives in. Yangshi Lei is a new character introduced in this episode, who is a talented architecture.

## Plot

As Shang Xirui figures out how to finance his troupe, Cheng Fengtai's whole focus is on the reinforcement of Liuxian Cave. He first meets a German engineer, and then Yangshi Lei, a talented engineer, to figure out how to handle the cave. Back at Shuiyun House, Shang Xirui's troupe members are getting impatient, saying that they don't have money. He gives an impressive and emotional speech about the past of his troupe, and how he didn't know anything about forming and leading a troupe. He wants to give his troupe members the chance to leave, but he also asks for ideas as to how to finance and keep the troupe running. He burns down the indenture notes of his troupe members, but there are many who still choose to stay with him. Shang Xirui decides to return to Pingyang.

As they throw things away, pawn them or keep them while packing for Pingyang, Xirui holds the ring that Fengtai gave him earlier, and reminisces about the fact that they just met, and Xirui is running away. Even though Xiao Lai suggests that Xirui should ask Fengtai for money, Xirui turns down the idea.
Nosferatu

**Epic Content**
This page contains content only available after completing the Main Quest, and thus contains spoilers. Read at your own risk.

The **Nosferatu** is a **Tier 5** dark spawn found in the Imperial Mausoleum. A powerful, bloodthirsty vampire out for your essence, these bloodsuckers can single-handedly end players.

A Nosferatu accompanies the Heart Simulacrum during its Boss Fight.

**Combat Proficiency**

Nefarious and numerous in the mausoleum, the Nosferatu is the most dangerous user of **Dark Blessing** as its damage can increase to drain huge chunks of your health on a crit. Its defenses will go up massively as well, which in conjuction with its passive soul-stealing effect makes the Nosferatu a nightmarish killing machine against the unprepared.

For mages, Immolation is your garlic, and the numerous debuff spells you should have (Soul Rend, Confusion) will season it enough to wipe these vampires off the floor of the mausoleum. Dark Blessing also adds a status effect icon, which more or less makes the vampire jump from the frying pan into the fire. However, you are at extreme risk of a disabling chain from the Lamia, which will often accompany Nosferatus.

For melee fighters, grab your best anti-dark weapon and Flurry away, then make sure it can't dice you back up with stunning tools.

Finally, if you can use the Seed of Oblivion first turn, you won't have to deal with dark blessing for the fight. However, if there are two, you need to play with extra caution, as their attack without dark blessing can still pack a punch.

  **Damage:** 11-14
  **Critical:** 18%

**Ability**

**Passive Ability**
Episode 6-10

Lyrics

(not performed by Shang Xirui)

I gradually stand up
I am determined to visit Beiping to find my husband
He is found in Beiping, but refused to recognize me
My tears ruin the dress
I am as shocked and miserable as Cai Bojie"
 5-6
My country and home were destroyed
But I would never abandon you
However clamorous the others, I turn a deaf ear to them
It's always my mistake, Now I leave
A tender flower in the heavy storms at the end of the world
You are withering in the sands
Your Majesty
Although I owe you a debt of gratitude
but in this situation there is no way out
If you are still reluctant to leave
And if we were all lost, my sins would be greater
I beg you to sacrifice me to save the nation
Your Majesty
Her ladyship is willing to sacrifice herself
Never Mind!
This peer tree will be is where I, Yang Yuhuan, come to my fruition
Aiyah, Your Majesty!
Your Consort, Yang Yuhuan
Will bow to thank your grace
From now on, we can't meet again"
Cha Cha'er

Cha Cha'er 察察儿 is the youngest half-sibling of Cheng Meixin and Cheng Fengtai. In the novel she is the third sibling; the youngest is an infant girl named Cheng Meiyin. Cha Cha'er's mother was their father's third wife. In the novel, her mother was a member of a different ethnic group besides Han Chinese. This may explain why her name is different from that of her two sisters in not having the "mei" character. After the deaths of their parents, Cha Cha'er lives with her older brother Cheng Fengtai and her sister-in-law Fan Xiang'er. Fan Xiang'er basically raises the young Cha Cha'er. Fan Xiang'er is more conservative and believes that Cha Cha'er should stay at home, while Cha Cha'er herself wants to go to a modern-style school. Eventually Cheng Fengtai manages to talk Fan Xiang'er into allowing Cha Cha'er to go to school.

Cha Cha'er is often caught in the middle of her brother's political and business activities. She is attacked by Gu Dali's uncle and Cheng Fengtai uses her to kidnap a classmate who is the grandson of a rival businessman. Cha Cha'er is exposed to patriotic ideals at school and becomes increasingly upset with what she sees as Cheng Fengtai's collaboration with the Japanese occupation. This leads her to confront him with a gun to try to prevent him from delivering goods for the Japanese. While Cheng Fengtai is gone on that trip, Cha Cha'er runs away to join the Chinese Communist Party at Yan'an.

In the novel, when Fan Xiang'er temporarily kicks Cheng Fengtai out of the house, Cha Cha'er goes with him. This is when she starts school. During this time she lives at the modern townhouse with Cheng Fengtai and Shang Xirui. When Cheng Fengtai moves back to Cheng Manor she returns with him.
Cao Guixiu attacks Jiang's father and son

## Synopsis

Cao Gui Xiu sleeps with Gu Dali, and takes Cheng Fengtai back to his house. He then threatens Rong Shou to tell the truth about whether Shang Xirui did take advantage or insulted the deceased founding member, or not. Cheng Fengtai prepares a jewel for XiangEr, after hearing how well she did on behalf of him. Liu Hanyun invites Chen to perform opera in front of him.

## Plot

Cheng Fengtai convinces Cao Gui Xiu to sleep with Gu Dali, and teaches her how to dress properly and smile when she meets Cao Gui Xiu. As Cheng Fengtai finally leaves the mountain with Cao Gui Xiu, he learns that Gu Dali broke his tooth in a night of passion. As he returns home, his family is very happy to see him, but he first sees Shi Jiu, who tells him what happened with Shang Xirui while Fengtai was away.

Cao Gui Xiu pays a visit to Rong Shou and Deng Bao, along with DuQi, at the theater. Cao Gui Xiu threatens Rong Shou and asks him to tell in front of everyone if Shang Xirui did take advantage of the deceased founder teacher, and Rong Shou says no. With that, Shang Xirui’s reputation is restored. Later, Cao Gui Xiu states that his father is working with the Japanese, and Meixin thinks that he is saying it out of jealousy.

Back in Shanghai, Shang Xirui sings on the boat, and Liu Hanyun, a very powerful politician hears him. His assistant tells him that the boat belongs to Chen Renxiang. Liu Hanyun then invites Chen to sing for him, and Chen gives him a book so that he can choose his opera. However, Hanyun doesn’t like the list that Chen gives him, and asks him to sing Chao Yuan song from Qin Tiao, which is from Kunqu opera. Chen hasn’t sang it for some time, which is why he doesn’t remember the words perfectly. Liu Hanyun tells him to take his time, and he’ll wait until Chen can perfect it.
Fan Xiang'er

Fan Xiang'er (范湘儿) is not just a housewife, even though she would love to stick to her position in the house; she is much more than that. Throughout the show, the audience gets to see the many roles that she plays. She is a devoted wife, who loves her husband and would wait for him even when he is late. She looks after him, worries about him, and is even willing to compromise when she thinks he is having an affair with someone in the troupe.

She is an intelligent woman, coming from a rich family. She shows several times in Winter Begonia that she can handle business affairs very well, in the absence of Cheng Fengtai. She stops Shang Xirui from committing murder when Xiao Lai dies, and her words are very powerful. The only time she looses her cool is when she thinks Cheng Fengtai got a woman pregnant. She doesn't trust him when he says he didn't and burns the letter his mother sent him, thinking it is from his mistress. However, she finds his mother for him, something he didn't succeed at doing for years, and gives him much needed closure.

Her confidant in this show is Cheng Fengtai's sister, Cheng Meixin, who is pretty much with her in every scene. Cheng Meixin encourages her to act like a rich husband's wife, but it is clear that Fan Xiang'er holds onto traditional values. She doesn't want Chacha'er to go to school, and thinks that she should be home schooled and then married. In the novel it is mentioned that Fan Xiang'er has bound feet, further emphasizing her position as a "traditional“ woman.

Fan Xiang'er's younger brother is Fan Lian. Their family is from northeastern China outside the Great Wall, and her family was very wealthy prior to her marriage to Cheng Fengtai.

In the end, she understands the bond that Shang Xirui and Cheng Fengtai have. She knows that both men would do anything for each other, and their bond goes beyond opera. She sees how Shang Xirui looks after Cheng Fengtai when he is in a coma, and she even tries to wake up Cheng Fengtai by telling him to protect Shang Xirui. Fan Xiang'er's character is not just a side character, but she makes a difference in the life of many people.
Sorrow Manifestation

The **Sorrow Manifestation** is a **Tier 3** Psyche Manifestation that can appear while between **Character Levels 12 and 23**.

**Combat Proficiency**

Sorrow is the Tier 3 version of Fear, but with a significant level of armor. Dealing with this manifestation with physical damage will be rather difficult.

  **Damage:** 5-6
  **Critical:** 14%

**Ability**
Si Xi'er

Si Xi'er 四喜儿 is a dan perfomer. He is the gossip queen of the Peking Opera society. The first time the audience sees Si Xi'er is during an event when all the Peking Opera performers have gathered, for a farewell party. Yuan Xiaodi is leaving Peking Opera, and he is a well known name in the industry. There, Yuan Xiaodi's apprentice, Yu Qing also makes an appearance. Si Xi'er has a fair idea about the feelings that the master and disciple have for each other, and pushes them to perform on stage. When Yuan Xiaodi's wife comes and insults Yu Qing, Si Xi'er enjoys the whole commotion.

Zhou Xiangyun (then known as Little Zhou) was a member of Si Xi'er's troupe. Si Xi'er knows he is talented but he tries to suppress that talent by not letting him perform. He gets angry when Shang Xirui tries to include the boy in his troupe, with the help of Gu Dali. He tortures the boy, but with the help of Liu Hanyun, Zhou Xiangyun leaves Si Xi'er's troupe to join the Shuiyun Troupe.

The end of Si Xi'er is not a good one. Even though he always insulted Shang Xirui, every chance he got, Shang Xirui was kind to him in his last days. Si Xi'er dies a terrible death because he couldn't afford medicine for his syphilis as the prices had skyrocketed under the Japanese occupation. Si Xi'er doesn't perform in Winter Begonia, and the audience usually sees him in a negative light. He is played by actor Sun Di 孙迪.
Finnley Jackatown

**Finnley Jackatown**, Brother of **Merv Jackatown** is an important character in the game as he tells you about **messagerestoretool.xyz** which let's you read the messages between **Jay Walker** and **Maya Smith**. He also helped **Matt Darnagom** with **Sparkle** and is currently the **Manager** there.
Er Ye and Cao Guixiu cooperate to fight against Japan

## Synopsis

Cao Guixiu and Fengtai make a plan to bomb Cave Liuxian when Kujyo Yuma passes from it. Shang Xirui tries to perform at the theater, but his hearing problem increases. Cheng Fengtai returns home. Cha Cha’er doubts that he is working for the Japanese. Cheng Fengtai and Shang Xirui have a heart to heart talk, when Fengtai learns that he can’t hear and perform anymore.

## Plot

Cao Guixiu tells Fengtai that soon Sakata will know about Cave Liuxian, and will use it to transport good. Fengtai says that he will blow it so no one can use it, and Guixiu says that he should do that when Kujyo Yuma passes through it. They agree to collaborate with each other.

Xirui hasn’t recovered, and can’t perform; Xiao Zhouzi is trying to hold things together, but the audience wants to see Xirui perform. Shang Xirui goes to his usual eating place, but the people there keep on staring at him, and even the owner is not happy to see him. The people there ask him to justify his position, but at that moment, Shang Xirui starts to have problem hearing. However, he still tells them that they are at war with Japanese, and he isn’t foolish enough to do something like this.

He leaves, and goes back to Shuiyun House, where Du Qi and Lord An are waiting for him. He tells him to get out, much to Lord An’s surprise, and tells Du Qi that he has problem hearing.
Xirui tells Du Qi he will perform in a few days; “Love-bird Swords”, which is a romantic opera. There is a large audience at the theater, but before and during the performance, Xirui still faces hearing problems, and is unable to perform till the end. Fengtai comes back, and tries to disgust Sakata by first hugging him, and then eating cake like he hasn’t eaten for days.

When he goes back home, nobody right away tells him about Shang Xirui, and what happened to him. Fan Lian has a new girlfriend, and Cha Cha’er talks directly to Fengtai about whether he is working for the Japanese, and he denies doing so.

Fengtai visits Shuiyun House, but he finds out about Shang Xirui and that he is in a brothel. When he enters the room where Xirui is, he right away tries to beat Du Qi and punish him; Du Qi leaves cursing Fengtai. Shang Xirui and Cheng Fengtai have a heart to heart talk. Shang Xirui tells him that, if he hadn’t been a performer, he would never have met Cheng Fengtai.
Novel

## Bin Bian Bu Shi Hai Tang Hong (鬓边不是海棠红: Bìn biān búshì hǎitáng hóng)

\*literal translation of the title: Temple sides are not crabapple (Malus) flower red

**by Shui Ru Tian'er (水如天儿 Shuǐ rú tiān'er)**

Publisher: 中国致公出版社 (2019-12)

ISBN: 9787514510836

more Infos on Douban: https://book.douban.com/subject/34921004/

### Online Version in Chinese

爱奇艺文学: https://wenxue.iqiyi.com/book/detail-18l2hvtj7t.html

### English Translation

Chapter 1-Chapter 73 by mianmian2020 on Wattpad

Chapter 74- by Ksymcc on Wattpad

Chapter1 - Chapter 131 (Final) by Foxaholic, Nottegram and Nastriumden on Asia Novel

### Traduções Portuguesas (Portuguese Translation)

10yuehong on Wattpad

JeonJimin147 on Wattpad
Jiang Rongshou frames Shang Xirui

### **Synopsis**

Cheng Fengtai learns that Shang Xirui is definitely not a damsel in distress when he showcases his musical talents in front of Minister Jin. Later on, the opera performer gets mired in a situation with the corrupt minister when he brings out how the donation will be use, embarrassing the Minister. With the help of Cheng Fengtai, they help expose the corrupt politician, leading to his downfall, but Shang Xirui are not over, due to an event in his past.

### **Plot**

This episode opens with the audience waiting on our little divo.  Minister Jin asks Boss Niu whether SXR has found a replacement for the violinist.  If not, he will make good on his threat. Weasel Dengbao repeats what Minister Jin said to his dad, like the man was not sitting right next to the corrupt politician.  The father replies if that is not exactly what he wants, to which Asian Crispin Glover bemoans that he is not that cruel.
Episode 23-28

Lyrics

After 15 years, he has finally revealed the truth
He was actually a general from the Yang family, and he changed his name
He has been missing his homeland, and the family he cannot reunite with
I walk forward to greet him formally
 23
He thinks he will be a bridegroom today
Madam's order is like a general's command
Just like rushing to comply with the Emperor's decree without waiting for the carriage to be ready
I am not usually a sympathetic person
 24
Original Winter Begonia Opera

Defend the country against invaders
I miss my royal son
Thinking of him often
Longhutai is high so you can feel the fall weather
The green trees look like the Hanlin Academy
Heaven treats the mountain and sea as moat
Humans treat the rosy clouds as silk clothes
The seat of the crown Prince is empty
It is not good to the country
The son of King Zhong
I have met him before
He looks upstanding
The family has been loyal and honest for generations
Your Majesty, why don't you adopt him as godson?
First of all, there will be a heir to the throne
Your Majesty will be at ease
Secondly, it can solve the current urgency
So, that the barbarian invaders will not take the advantage of our having no successor
This..
Your Majesty, the invaders have taken Donghua Gate
You should quickly disguise your looks
We will protect Your Majesty to leave the city
then make further plans
I have been defeated
Where can I escape to?
My fierce hatred has not been resolved
There is no one to help during the calamity
How many have enjoyed riches and royal blessings
I don't see anyone showing loyalty
I would rather die for the country than survive by surrendering to the enemy
If I take your advice to escape from the palace, how can I face the ancestor spirits?
Come! Follow me to the top of the city gate!
I want to go to the battle and kill the enemy myself
Eventually, when the bandits are vanquished, and Great Qi is restored
It will all depend on you
Your servant accepts the decree
Holding the treasured sword with moon light on the Emperor's gown
Will only come to a bad end
In the chaos, loyal courtiers deceived the treasured sword
Marching to the South, battling in the North
In such a hurry, it ended
Reporting
Your Majesty, the enemies are coming from all directions
Consort Chen is so full of sorrow that she has committed suicide to honor the country
 25
from 白蛇传 Legend of the White Snakee
昆曲 Kun Opera

All of a sudden
Your Royal Highness
A couple is separated
 25
So detestable, little bandit
How dare you intrude into the dragon's lair?
He is looking so sad while shedding tears
I shall capture the bandit alive
It seems that the giant bird can't fly even with the wings spread
You can't escape from the halberd even if you are capable
Kill him so he can't escape and his blood gets on the horse
Chop the remaining soldiers that are alive
I will make him die without a piece of armor left
He will die as mud"
Shang Xirui is interested in prodigy Xiaozhouzi

## Synopsis

Shang Xirui and Cheng Fengtai go to a banquet, thrown in the retirement party of Yuan Xiaodi. Fan Lian discovers Xiao Zhouzi, and Shang Xirui sees his talent. Yu Qing and Shang Xirui agree to perform together in Du Qi’s new opera, where Yu Qing would play the role of Consort.

== Plot ==

Shang Xirui holds auditions in his troupe, to find out someone who can play the role of Consort in DuQi’s new play. However, he isn’t satisfied with anyone’s performance. Master Niu comes to Shang Xirui, and invites him to a ceremony being held for Yuan Xiaodi, as he is retiring. Cheng Fengtai tries to talk to Cha Cha’er, but she doesn’t to listen to his reasoning.

Cheng Fengtai accompanies Xirui to the banquet, thrown for Yuan Xiaodi. There, the audience meets a new character, **Si Xi’er** from Yunsi Troupe. He has a very complacent personality, and Shang Xirui doesn’t like him. Si Xi’er brings **Xiao Zhouzi** with him, who loves opera and can sing it very well. However, Si Xi’er treats him as his ‘help’, and doesn’t encourage his singing. Xiao Zhouzi knows about Shang Xirui, and is very happy to see him in the banquet.

Next, **Yu Qing** comes to the banquet; she used to perform with Yuan Xiaodi, and she immediately catches the eyes of everyone in the hall.

Backstage, Fan Lian hears Xiao Zhouzi singing to someone, and he is very impressed with his voice. Shang Xirui doesn’t want to deal with Si Xi’er anymore, and pretends to be drunk. When Shang Xirui and Cheng Fengtai go to a secluded place, Yuan Xiaodi and Yu Qing perform together one last time as master and apprentice. Shang Xirui is very impressed with Yu Qing’s voice. He tells Fengati that for the role of the Consort in “Tale of the Hidden Dragon”, he wants to ask Yu Qing to perform with him. Yuan Xiaodi’s wife comes to the stage and creates a scene, stating that Yu Qing is Xiaodi’s mistress. Shang Xirui and Yu Qing perform together, after which Xirui offers her the role of Consort, and she accepts. Shang Xirui is very happy and he gossips with Cheng Fengtai about the relationship between Yu Qing and Yuan Xiaodi.

Fan Lian takes Shang Xirui to see Xiao Zhouzi, and when he sings, Xirui is impressed. Fengtai promises that he will bring Xiao Zhouzi to the troupe, in the future.
Cheng Meixin

Chéng Měixīn 程美心 is a very shallow and complicated character. In the novel she sold herself to a friend of her dead father's, and considered selling Cheng Fengtai, but got him to agree to his arranged marriage with Fan Xiang'er instead. She tried to sell her sister so that they could pay their debts. When that didn't work, she forced Cheng Fengtai to marry Fan Xiang'er, so that they could have a good financial standing in the society. While she has romantic feelings for Cao Guixiu, she marries his father, Commander Cao, because he is the head of the military. She even admits that the reason she married Cao Guixiu's father is because he has power, and Cao Guixiu doesn't.

Though she has a step mother relationship with Cao Guixiu, she keeps trying to get favors from him, by flaunting her eyes and making him think that she is still interested in him. She cares about her sister in law, Fan Xiang'er, but that is because she doesn't want her family to lose the wealth and business that they finally have. She keeps on acting as a mediator between Fan Xiang'er and Cheng Fengtai, whenever they have a fight, but that is because she knows that if they separate, then they will not have the same financial standing that they have now.

She lies to [[Shang Xirui]] after Cheng Fengtai's injury incident that he has died, because she doesn't like Shang Xirui from the very start. She uses her looks, and personal connections to get things done. She is someone who is more interested in partying and socializing, than staying home like Fan Xiang'er. While she does show her love for Commander Cao, her character is too complex to call those feelings real. She is not a very likable character, even though she does care for her brother. However, her past actions and hate towards Shang Xirui, makes it hard to like her.
Steel Ingot

The Steel Ingot is a raw material and the processed form of Steel Ore, used in the Blacksmith for base stat upgrades and crafting the Orb of All-Seeing.

**Stats**

 10

**Acquitsition**
Steel Ingots can be bought in Various Assortments and the Merchant Caravan dungeon event, dropped by Enemies, and be given as a reward from other dungeon events. They are also craftable in the Boiling Cauldron using two pieces of Steel Ore.

In the Dig Site dungeon event, a Steel Ingot can be obtained if you inspect the excavation site and succeed.

**Tips**
Steel ingots are always inferior to Omnium Crystals and Dark Essence in all factors except for availability and cost. Since cost can be a real issue early on and it is unlikely to find other alternatives, steel ingots are best used before reaching The Tear, using only a limited amount so that you can maximise the critical and evasion chances from Omnium Crystals later on.

**Crafting**

**Trivia**
* Despite the Steel Armor having "Steel" in its name, it is not craftable using Steel Ingots.
Shang Xirui carries out the film project

## Synopsis

Shang Xirui introduces his troupe members to the theater audience. Si xi’er’s health becomes worse. Shang Xirui asks Rong Shou to teach him Sage Footwork. Cha Cha’er threatens to shoot Cheng Fengtai, because she thinks he is working with the Japanese.

## Plot

Shang Xirui trains his troupe to sing better. When he goes back to Shuiyun House, people are talking about how Si xi’er has lost his mind. However, Shang Xirui shows empathy, and gives him food. As per Xirui, there might come a moment in his life when he would turn out like Si xi’er. Cheng Fengtai gets angry and says unless and until he is alive, nothing like this is ever going to happen to Xirui.

When Shang Xirui goes on stage next time, he introduces Zhouzi and Shi Jiu to the audience, and asks them to support their talent. Xirui tells Fengtai that he wants to film his operas, because he doesn’t want Peking opera to be forgotten. Cheng Fengtai films Shang Xirui himself. Shang Xirui goes to Rong Shou, and asks him to teach the Sage’s Footwork, so it remains a memory in Peking opera; Rong Shou agrees. Xue Zhicheng comes to Shuiyun House to see Xirui.

Cha Cha’er keeps on questioning Fengtai’s alliance with the Japanese, and tries to shoot him when he is leaving for the mountain.
Lord Qi

Lord Qi 齐王爷 is a former Manchu royal. His first appearance in the drama is episode 12. In the novel, he is in a long-term relationship with retired opera star Ning Jiulang. They met when Ning Jiulang performed in the palace for the empress dowager, and after the fall of the Qing dynasty he moved in with Lord Qi. Lord Qi and Ning Jiulang live together, in Tianjin in the novel and in Beiping in the drama. When Shang Xirui is looking for inspiration, Ning Jiulang sends him a sutra that Lord Qi was gifted from the palace.

In the novel, others compare Cheng Fengtai's manner of being a fan of an opera star to the way Lord Qi chased Ning Jiulang. Instead of buying a box seat and watching Ning Jiulang perform, Lord Qi liked to play a background character (跑龙套) in Ning Jiulang's performances.

In the novel, Cheng Fengtai's manor house used to belong to Lord Qi. He sold it to Cheng Fengtai when Cheng Fengtai moved to Beiping. The house was very expensive, and Cheng Fengtai often expresses a bittersweet feeling at the cost and grandeur of the house. Lord Qi tells Cheng Fengtai that his mother committed suicide by jumping in the well of the house. He once visited to pay his respects and burn spirit money for his mother at the well.

Lord Qi likes to farm at his house with Ning Jiulang. He is upset by the forming of the Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo under the former Manchu emperor. In the novel, he and Ning Jiulang leave the country when the Japanese invade.
Er NaiNai takes the initiative to go to the theatre

## Synopsis

Ceng Ai Yu suddenly gets sick; Fan Lian and Cheng Fengtai rush her to the hospital. There, they find that she is pregnant. Back at home, Meixin thinks about Cao Gui Xiu and Cao Si Ling; she was romantically involved with Cao Gui Xiu, before she married his father. With the help of Meixin, Cheng Fengtai meets Cao Gui Xiu to convince the soldier to release the shipment, which he stopped earlier. Later, XiangEr goes to the theater to find out what is so special about Shang Xirui, and Xirui after noticing her presence, tries to give his best performance.

## Plot

Ceng Ai Yu cries before Cheng Fengtai, telling him that she needs money to save her family. Cheng Fengtai, out of the goodness of his heart, promises to help her. Cheng Fengtai impresses Cao Gui Xiu with his shooting skills, after which Gui Xiu tells him about the warehouse where Fengtai's goods are kept. He also states that he would like to collaborate with Fengtai in the future. When Shang Xirui spots XiangEr at the theater, he comments that she looks very elegant and must be at the theater to watch him perform, after what Fengtai told her. He tells everyone to be extra loud in the next performance.

Shang Xirui performs Zhang Wancheng, which means Fighting at Wan City. As Shang Xirui starts performing, XiangEr comments that he looks very pretty and more feminine than her or her maid. Shang Xirui plays the character of Mistress Zou, and this is a very seductive performance, as he plays with a handkerchief. XiangEr's expressions change right away, and she comments that the character Xirui is portraying is not very decent, and this is not how widows behave at night.
Zhou Xiangyun assumes a heavy responsibility and Shuiyunlou starts a performance again

## Synopsis

Shang Xirui gives Shuiyun House's seal to Xiao Zhouzi. Cheng Fengtai doesn't seem to get better, and needs penicillin. Shang Xirui attacks Sakata and is thrown in jail. Xue Zhicheng tries to save Xirui, but fails. Xirui is interrogated.

## Plot

Xue Qianshan visits Du Qi when he is in a brothel, and tells him that when the Japanese establish a cultural exchange, they’ll invite Du Qi. Du Qi says he is leaving Beiping, and then passes out drunk.

Shang Xirui doesn’t leave Cheng Fengtai’s side, even when Zhouzi asks him to come look after the troupe. He gives Zhouzi the seal of Shuiyun House, and tells him to look after it, because he was the same age as Zhouzi, when he had to run his own troupe. While the others in the troupe try to take away the seal from Zhouzi, he fights and doesn’t give it to them; many agree to follow him.

Xue Qianshan’s wives have a fight, and accuse his Japanese wife, Mrs Chiyo, of being a sex spy. Xue Qianshan tries to protect his wives, and sends them with Du Qi outside Beiping.

While Shang Xirui continues to look after Cheng Fengtai, there is improvement in his health. Even Xiang’er is losing hope, and getting impatient with Shang Xirui’s tactics. The doctor comes and checks Cheng Fengtai; he tells Xiang’er that they need penicillin daily to control the inflammation in Fengtai’s leg.

Sakata visits Cheng Fengtai to ask about his health, and when Shang Xirui sees him, he attacks him with a sharp object. However, Sakata and his men arrest him, and put him in a jail. Right next to where Xirui is kept, Lao Xie’er is kept as well. When Shang Xirui cries because he wants to give Cheng Fengtai medicine, Lao Xie’er sings opera, calming Xirui down, and takes his last breath. Xirui sings as well and the other people in the prison all praise him.

Xiang’er tries to wake up Cheng Fengtai by telling him that Xirui stabbed the Japanese, and he needs to save him, but there is no positive news about his health.

Even though Xue Zhicheng tries to free Shang Xirui by talking to Sakata, there is nothing he can do. He then goes to meet Shang Xirui in jail, who thinks that Zhicheng has come to take him out. However, he is disappointed that he can’t leave and go to Cheng Fengtai. Sakata interrogates Shang Xirui, and asks who ordered Xirui to attack him. Shang Xirui says that he only avenged Cheng Fengtai, and that Sakata deserves to die. He then orders Shang Xirui to be taken to his office.
Xue Qianshan

Xue Qianshan薛千山 is the CEO of Beiping Times, and makes his first appearance when Du Qi goes to his office. Du Qi feels that the Beiping Times is not praising Shang Xirui enough, and Xue Qianshan tells him that is not what the audience wants to read. Xue Qianshan hires Du Qi to write for his newspaper, knowing very well that he is always going to write about Shang Xirui. Xue Qianshan is the only one who can have a conversation with Du Qi, and he has a 'friendship' like relationship with him.

Xue Qianshan has many wives (10 in the novel), and they all don't like his Japanese wife. To protect them from the Japanese, he asks Du Qi to take them all to Hong Kong, and he does. They communicate through letters, as shown at the end of the drama. Xue Qianshan is a kind person, who cares about Du Qi, and the people around him. As soon as he learned about Shang Xirui's picture in Japanese dress, he told Cheng Fengtai. When Du Qi asked Xue Qianshan to help Shang Xirui to see Cheng Fengtai when he was injured and unconscious, he helped Du Qi without a second thought.

When his Japanese wife told him that Du Qi needs to come for the China-Japan culture cooperation event, he warned Du Qi. He was Du Qi's confidant, and was the only person that Du Qi could stand, other than Shang Xirui.
Lao Ge

Lao Ge is Cheng family's faithful driver, who remains in the show from the start till the end. Lao Ge is very loyal towards Cheng Fengtai. He is a humble character, and a witness to ChengShang's growing relationship. He accompanies Cheng Fengtai everywhere, and he doesn't leave his side; he is last seen leaving with Fengtai to Hong Kong. The most memorable scene of Lao Ge is when ChengShang get into a fight in the car, and how he handles the situation. He is almost in every episode in Winter Begonia, and is a very likable character.
La Yuehong

La Yue Hong 腊月红 is a sheng performer in Shiyun troupe. He is a talented opera singer, who was preferred by Shang Xirui to perform in "Zhao Feiyan", making the seniors of Shuiyun House angry. La Yue Hong has a senior that he treats as a sister (shijie), Liu Yue Hong, and at the start of the show she decides to become Xue Qianshan's concubine, as she is already pregnant by him. However, she is humiliated by the troupe, because they didn't expect her to leave. La Yue Hong takes her to her new husband, and always keeps the two bracelets that she gave him.

La Yue Hong is beaten by Shang Xirui once, because he met Cha Cha'er secretly. Even though he didn't have any ill intentions, he was misunderstood. However, when Jiang Deng Bao tied him up to a pole and humiliated him in public, Shang Xirui took revenge for him. Even though La Yue Hong was good at opera, he wanted to do something more for his life. When he saw Cao Guixiu in a uniform, he felt the urge to join the military and leave the troupe. When he saves Liu Hanyun's life, Liu Hanyun fulfills his wish, but instead of enlisting him in the military, keeps him by his side.

In the later episodes, when Shang Xirui is accused of being a Japanophile, Liu Hanyun discusses with La Yue Hong, whether Shang Xirui can do something like this or not. La Yue Hong but he still shoots Shang Xirui when he is performing on the stage, accusing him of being a traitor and unpatriotic. Later, he kills Jiang Dengbao out of revenge, and then goes to kill Xue Qianshan. However, he finds his shijie there who defends her husband. She ends up killing La Yue Hong.

In the novel, La Yue Hong enlists in the army under Cao Guixiu. Cheng Fengtai takes La Yue Hong with him to Cao Guixiu's camp where Cao Guixiu gives him the new name Cao Simei 曹四梅. The last we see at him in the novel he is working as Cao Guixiu's assistant. He does not return to Beiping.

La Yue Hong is someone who doesn't feel that Shuiyun House is his home. He wanted a different life than that of an opera performer.
Shang Xirui is in trouble

## Synopsis

The newspaper prints that Commander Cao is angry with Shang Xirui. The landlord comes to Shuiyin House asking for rent Wan, a troupe member of Shang Xirui, takes money from Jiang Deng Bao and tears up the fan that Xirui uses during his performance. Xirui learns a new 'sleeves' technique. When Cheng Fengtai comes to see him at Huibin Tower, Shang Xirui performs "Palace Eternal of Life".

## Plot

Cheng Fengtai has a cold, because he stayed all night in the snow with Shang Xirui. He refuses to get out of bed, until he hears about the news printed about Commander Cao being angry at Shang Xirui. When the landlord appears to Shuiyun house for rent, the troupe members don't have anything to give him. However, later Shang Xirui returns with money and Xiao Lai reveals that Xirui has sold his costumes for money. Cheng Fengtai, after trying to find out Shang Xirui, meets him at Huibin Tower where he is going to perform. When Xirui is putting on his costume, Fengtai asks him if he is playing Consort Yang again. Xirui tells him that he will be performing 'Palace Eternal of Life' today, and Fengtai says that even if he knows the story, he doesn't understand the show. The episode ends with Fengtai totally mesmerized by Xirui's performance; he is overwhelmed with emotions. The new character in this episode is Hou Yu Kui, who performs the opera with Xirui.