recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Shang Xirui's suspicion of being pro Japanese leads to controversy

## Synopsis

Cheng Fengtai tells Shang Xirui about a story in ‘Opera Pornography’ which claims that Xirui slept with a woman. Sakata rushes Cheng Fengtai to transport his goods. Xirui’s brother shows up in Beiping, Shang Longsheng, who has also read the ‘Shang Flirt in Tavern’ story. Hou Yukui passes away. Deng Bao gets hold of Xirui’s pictures, in Japanese costume.

## Plot

Shang Xirui is angry at Mr. Niu, who didn’t tell him that operas like Battle in Jinshan are banned. Niu tells him that a notice was released yesterday, and he didn’t know about it. Xiang’er tells Fengtai not to mix with the Japanese, and they should leave Beiping. Fengtai tells her that he only does business with the Americans and British. She also tells him about her conversation with Cao Guixiu.  Later, Fan Lian and Fengtai discuss about Cao and his troops, and the Japanese who came to him for transportation of goods.

Cheng Fengtai opens the opera pornography booklet, and there is a story about ‘Shang Flirt in Tavern’. Fengtai asks Xirui to tell him about Ms. Lily, a Japanese girl, and Xirui is clueless at first. The booklet basically says that when Shang Xirui met Xue Zhicheng, there was someone named Lily and he slept with her. However, Xirui denies ever doing that, and is disgusted by the idea.

Sakata asks Cheng Fengtai why he hasn’t set off with his good yet, and Fengtai says that it is a big deal, and he is preparing for it. Fengtai tells him that after he is done with the transportation, he would like to settle abroad with his family, because of Cao SiLing and Cao Guixiu. Later, Fengtai comes drunk and sleeps at the Shuiyun House.

Xirui is teaching Zhouzi, when his elder brother Shang Longsheng arrives. Xirui is very happy to see him, and his brother right away asks him for a spar, to see how Xirui has progressed in ‘Shang Stick Moves’. From the spar, it is apparent that both are very skilled. When Fengtai wakes up and sees this spar, he is worried that Xirui might get hurt. Shang Longsheng wins from Xirui, and Xirui gracefully accepts defeat. Later, when the three are alone, Longsheng tries to beat Xirui harshly because he read the ‘Opera pornography’ booklet as well; Fengtai saves Xirui from his brother.

Deng Bao somehow gets hold of Xirui’s pictures, where he is in Japanese clothing. Rong Shou receives news that Hou Yukui is dying and later, Xirui gets news of his passing. He attends Hou Yukui’s funeral with his whole troupe, and gives him the best performer plaque that Ning Jiulang gave him. Rong Shou and Shang Xirui again exchanged heated words, where Xirui makes it clear that he doesn’t care about the Chairman of Opera title.
Xue Zhicheng

Kujo Kazuma 九条和马 (better known by his Chinese name, Xue Zhicheng 雪之丞) is a Japanese artist and later member of the military. He is a fan of Shang Xirui's opera performances, and Du Qi introduces them. Pictures are taken of Shang Xirui in Japanese dress at dinner with Xue Zhicheng. These pictures and Shang Xirui's association with Xue Zhicheng become a liability when the Japanese military occupies Beiping. Xue Zhicheng's older brother is the high-ranking General Kujo, and he pressures Xue Zhicheng to join the military like the rest of their family. Eventually Xue Zhicheng is forced to join the military, but he still assists Shang Xirui.
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* Featured On The Show

## Shang Xirui's Repertoire in Winter Begonia

### 贵妃醉酒 / 百花亭 The Drunken Beauty (Concubine) / Hundred Flowers Pavilion

京剧 Peking Opera

Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 42

    Video: https://youtu.be/gQfdUyVYdxc & https://youtu.be/Frsk8OMEOLM

### 霸王别姬 The Conqueror Bids Farewell to His Favourite Concubine

京剧 Peking Opera

Episode 1, Episode 3

    Video: https://youtu.be/m4lDWc2xCZY

### 开山府 "Kaishan Mansion" from 打严嵩 Beatin Yan Song

京剧 Peking Opera

Episode 2

    Video: https://youtu.be/jZY9KfXUsDI

### 救风尘

昆曲 Kun Opera

Episode 4

    Video: https://youtu.be/K5dCCxcLUWg

### 晴雯撕扇 "Qingwen tearing a fan" from 红楼梦 Dream of the Red Chamber

京剧 Peking Opera

Episode 5

    Video: https://youtu.be/b-FXDJLlpgg

### 长生殿 The Palace of Eternal Life

昆曲 Kun Opera

Episode 5

    Video: https://youtu.be/eLTAaXbGeTk

### 思春 from 战宛城

京剧 Peking Opera

Episode 10

Video: https://youtu.be/5Spse-0Vfpw

### 赵飞燕 Zhao Feiyan

Original Winter Begonia Opera

Episode 14

    Video: https://youtu.be/\_vu21mhqCe0

### 武家坡 "Wu Family Slope" from 红鬃烈马 The Red Maine Horse

京剧 Peking Opera

Episode 20, 31, 36

Video: https://youtu.be/QUZzEysSBUw

### 潜龙记 Records of the Dragon

Original Winter Begonia Opera

Episode 24

    Video: https://youtu.be/UJBtfDw0uH4

### 战金山 "Battle of Jinshan" from 擂鼓 Beating Drums at the Battle of Jinshan

京剧 Peking Opera

Episode 30

### 断桥 "The Broken Bridge" from 白蛇传 Legend of the White Snake

昆曲 Kun Opera

Episode 25, 32

Video: https://youtu.be/YjOTuJTVYUw & https://youtu.be/YaA\_n9N05LY

### 苏三起解 Susan send off under guard, also known as 女起解 Woman send off under guard

京剧 Peking Opera

Episode 34, 39

    Video: https://youtu.be/K81-IRyO4Ew & https://youtu.be/hw-Uh5EJGoQ

### 红楼二尤 also known as 鸳鸯剑

京剧 Peking Opera

Episode 40

Video: https://youtu.be/0kPSaPQn4MQ

### 大登殿

京剧 Peking Opera

Episode 43

Video: https://youtu.be/1uuLqXRSUKg

### 风仙传

Original Winter Begonia Opera

Episode 45, 49

Video: https://youtu.be/q7dysl6M57o

## Performance by other Opera Actors

translated by Alanasteria (Twitter: @Mei\_AnRui)
Shang Xirui invites Liu Hanyun to attend the Opera

## Synopsis

Lin Hanyun comes to the city, and Cao Guixiu tries to welcome him. Cao Guixiu has a talk with his father, and Cheng Fengtai lets him know that Lin Hanyun might dig deeper into his warehouses. Xiao Zhouzi gets over his stage fright, and sings for the first time on stage. Shang Xirui is impressed with Zhouzi.

## Plot

As Shang Xirui and Xiao Zhouzi are eating, Xirui gets up, talks to the restaurant owner, and leaves without paying. When Xiao Zhouzi is done eating, the owner asks him for money and when he hears that Xiao Zhouzi doesn’t have any money, he threatens to beat him. However, he gives him another way to pay for his food, and that is to sing opera outside the restaurant. After some hesitation, as the crowd gathers around him, Xiao Zhouzi begins to sing and people start giving him money. This was Shang Xirui’s way of getting rid of Xiao Zhouzi‘s stage fright. When he is doing well, Deng Bao appears and tries to beat him up, but Shang Xirui saves him.

Cao Guixiu is waiting to welcome Lin Hanyun, when he sees Gu Dali and immediately knows something is up. She is there to assassinate Lin Hanyun, for what he did to the bandits, but Cao Guixiui stops her and reminds her that she is pregnant. When Cao Guixiu gets out to welcome the Commissioner Liu, he is not in the car. Instead, Secretary Wang informs him that Liu Hanyun is already out there, attending to his duties. Lin Hanyun makes an observation to a Beijing official that, the smuggling operation is going smoothly because the key players are being protected by the army. Even though the economy is good, the mountain region has bandits, killing the civilians. Lin Hanyun wanted to hang the bandits in public; the ones that he caught.

Cheng Fengtai informs Cao Guixiu that Lin Hanyun has taken away several of his warehouses, where ammunition is hidden, and the others aren’t safe either. Cao Guixiu, after some hesitation, tells Fentgai that he’ll do something about it. Cao Guixiu has a short meeting with Cao Siling, and the Japanese doctors tries to eavesdrop. Cao Guixiu, later, asks Cheng Fengtai to set up a meeting between him and Lin Hanyun.

Shang Xirui and Liu Hanyun meet at the Royal Theater, where Xirui went to invite Lady Fujin. Later, Cheng Fengtai and Xirui go out for late night snacks. Shang Xirui arrives in style at the theater for his new play, and sees Yuan Xiaodi helping Yu Qing with her makeup. Lin Hanyun also arrives at the theater to watch his godson perform. Xiao Zhouzi performs for the first time on the stage, and impresses Shang Xirui.
Shang Xirui meets Chen Renxiang by chance in Shanghai

## Synopsis

Lin Danqiu tells Shang Xirui that he consider Ceng Aiyu as his real sister, and didn’t know she would go to such lengths to get money for him. Ceng Aiyu and Lin Danqiu leave together. Shang Xirui meets a depressed Chen Rexiang, who didn’t get to elope with his girlfriend. Shang Xirui helps him get on his feet, but that doesn’t help Chen much.

## Plot

Lin Danqiu tells Shang Xirui that even though at first he only wanted to pay his debts, but later he decided that he will always remain Ceng Aiyu’s brother, even if they are not related by blood. However, he cries because he didn’t know she would act as Fan Lian’s mistress, just to pay off his debts. Cheng Fengtai comes to the station to find Xirui, and takes Ceng Aiyu’s picture for when Fengyi grows up. He gives her a picture of Xirui holding Fengyi in his arms. Danqiu and Xirui comes out from the rest room, and Xirui doesn’t tell Ceng Aiyu anything. Shang Xirui gave his part of the pendent to Danqiu, who shows it to Ceng Aiyu on their way, and she is very happy to see it.

On his way back, he is very sad, which is why Fengtai gives Xirui a picture of Ceng Aiyu that he can keep with him and he becomes happy. The next morning, Fengtai and Xirui are taking a stroll, and Fengtai is praising Xirui’s performance and him as a performer. Xirui becomes emotional, because he likes when Fengtai praises him. On their way, they see three men harassing a woman and save her from them. That woman, Yue Lin, knows Shang Xirui, and takes him to Chen Rexiang, who is at home with a broken leg, drinking in the dark. When Shang Xirui asks him why he is like this, he talks about his girlfriend who he eloped with. However, his girlfriend’s family found about them, stopped the elopement and broke his leg.

After that, Shang Xirui helps Chen Rexiang get back in shape. With the help of Yue Lin and Cheng Fengtai, his broken leg heals. While healing, Chen Rexiang and Xirui talk about Rong Shou and how he taught Chen; as he is a cripple, Jiang’s fairy footwork will most likely die. Chen has a tough time healing, and has dreams about the time he was separated from his girlfriend. When Chen can perform, he and Shang Xirui have a performance together at Tianchan Theater. Chen receives a letter from his girlfriend that he was waiting for, right before his performance. He does his own makeup, goes on stage with a sword, and kills himself in front of everyone.

Cheng Fengtai tells Shang Xirui that he should make a film of his performance, but Xirui insists that film cannot truly capture the movements of an opera performer. Xiang’er visits Shuiyun House, where the troupe is trying to become more disciplined for her. When she sees Fengyi, she feels like the child is not being looked after.
Fan Lian

Fàn Lián 范涟 is Cheng Fengtai's brother-in-law, and has a pretty close relationship with him. He always relies on his sister Fan Xiang'er and Cheng Fengtai to get things done. Whenever there is a personal problem or a professional problem, he always looks for Cheng Fengtai. Zeng Aiyu is Fan Lian's mistress for a long time, and when he finds out about her pregnancy, he freaks out. He doesn't play any part in Zeng Aiyu's life after that, and doesn't even come to see her when she is leaving Beiping.

While he wants to connect with his newly born daughter, Fengyi, he fails to do so. Cheng Fengtai makes him the manager of Shuiyun Troupe, and he looks after promoting Shang Xirui. Fan Lian is an amusing character, who always gets into arguments with Du Qi. He is the one who accompanies Cheng Fengtai to most of Shang Xirui's opera performances. Fan Lian, despite his silly and foolish attitude at times, cares about the people around him. When he is finally able to find a girl that he loves, and gets engaged to, he accepts Fengyi's responsibility.

In the drama, Fan Lian is known as Fan si-ye 范四爷 or si-ye 四爷, aka fourth master. In the novel he is Fan er-ye 范二爷 or er-ye二爷, aka second master. This may have been changed for the drama to reduced confusion since Cheng Fengtai is also known as er-ye.
Episode 29-35

lyrics

Seeing the Jade Rabbit on the Moon
 31
Kun Opera
 32
昆曲 Kun Opera

 33
Do not believe all the rumors
Even if I had mouths all over my body, I can't say enough to defend myself
I will not renounce the marriage agreement
I've been a pure jade waiting for you
The influential people of Ningguo's government hold a discussion
Such a pity that innocence and guilt cannot be differentiated
I give you back the sword with a sorrowful sigh
 34
I now come up to the main street
I haven't uttered a word as I feel a deep sorrow
The past gentlemen listen to me
Anyone going to Nanjing?
Please help me pass a letter to my Third Master
Just say that Su San will lose her life
In the next life, I shall be reborn as a horse or dog to repay his grace
Hey, Su San, you walked and walked and stopped
Are you kneeling here to worship Heaven and Earth
Or are you begging for travel money ?
I am not worshipping Heaven and Earth
Nor am I begging for travel money
Why are you kneeling here then?
Please ask around, if anyone is going to Nanjing?"
Hou Yukui

Hou Yukui 侯玉魁 is a sheng opera performer. Along with Ning Jiulang, Jiang Rongshou, and Shang Juzhen, Hou Yukui was one of the opera stars of the previous generation. He is one of Shang Xirui's favorite opera performers. He performs with Shang Xirui in Episode 5, in the opera "Palace of Eternal Life". Shang Xirui admires Hou Yukui and looks up to him. Hou Yukui is addicted to opium, and his health continues to fail multiple times in the show. When Fujin wants to see opera in the Palace, Shang Xirui and Hou Yukui perform together; the name of the performance is "Wu Family Slope" 《武家坡》 from 红鬃烈马 The Red Maine Horse.

Hou Yukui shares secrets of the palace with Shang Xirui, and tells him why Fujin gets so distressed at times. While he doesn't appear many times in the show, his character is further put in the spotlight when the Japanese army takes control of Beiping. They arrest his son and threaten Hou Yukui with his life, telling him to perform on stage. Even though it is apparent that his health isn't good, Hou Yukui continues to perform. However, when he stays true to the real words of opera, he offends the Japanese army and they shoot his son in the leg.

Hou Yukui passes away soon after that performance, and Shang Xirui puts up the plaque on his funeral that Ning Jiulang gave him. Apart from Shang Xirui, Jiang Rongshou and JIang Dengbao were at the funeral as well, because they respected Yukui too, and felt that he was brave in front of the Japanese in his last performance.

In the novel, Hou Yukui died of natural causes prior to the Japanese invasion.
Shang Xirui and Cheng Fengtai become reconciled

## Synopsis

When the three seniors of Xirui’s troupe leave, Fengtai helps him by getting three good performers. The two men reconcile, and share several moments together. DuQi brings out a drum, to make Xirui’s performance extra special.

## Plot

As Shang Xirui solves the problem of his dance moves, another problem arises. The three seniors who quit held the roles of Prime Minister, Emperor Dowager, and Grand General. Fan Lian tells Cheng Fengtai everything, and Shang Xirui is unable to find replacements for the people who left. Xiao Lai and Shi Jiu encourage Shang Xirui to go to Fengtai and ask him for help, but he doesn’t want to. However, later that night, Fengtai comes to Shang Xirui and brings three senior performers with him, who Shang Xirui knows well about. Somehow, Cheng Fengtai had convinced the three to perform with Shang Xirui, and Xirui feels grateful. At that moment, Xirui is unable to express anything to Cheng Fengtai, so he starts bringing him food every day, and then leaving immediately. Cheng Fengtai is touched by these gestures, and they finally reconcile. They go out for lunch, and Cheng Fengtai sees the number of fans that Xirui has, even when he is not performing. DuQi brings a big drum for Xirui, so that he can perform and show his footwork on stage.
Crack pairings

**CHENG FENGTAI AND FAN LIAN**

Wherever you see Cheng Fengtai, Fan Lian follows him like a shadow. Before Shang Xirui came along, it was Fan Lian and Cheng Fengtai. It might seem like Cheng Fengtai is annoyed with Fan Lian all the time, but he does help him throughout the show. He helps him come to terms with being a father of Fengyi. Cheng Fengtai, when Fan Lian comes asking for help, helps him without any second thought. Fan Lian is the one who has the same love for opera, that Cheng Fengtai has; he is also a fan of Shang Xirui, and deeply understands the bond that Shang Xirui and Cheng Fengtai have. He is a pure soul, who perhaps, is really in love with his brother-in-law.

**CHENG MEIXIN AND FAN XIANGER**

Cheng Meixin and Fan Xianger are each other's support, through and through. When Xiang'er feels that Cheng Fengtai has been captured by the bandits, she turns to Meixin. When Cheng Fengtai leaves the house, after Xiang'er rips his mother's letter, it is Meixin who consoles Xiang'er. While Cheng Fengtai is very much involved with Shang Xirui, Cao SiLing doesn't have time for Meixin either. Thus, these two ladies spend a lot of time with each other, sharing their sorrows, and having each others' backs.

**FAN LIAN AND DU QI**

From the very start, it may feel like that they both hate each other, but if you dig deeper, there is another side of the story. They are both Shang Xirui's fans and support him. Whether it is about a critique of an opera performance, or supporting Shang Xirui in the election, these two stuck together and became a power team. Du Qi might seem like he hates everyone, but he has a soft side to him as well. He might be glaring at Fan Lian all the time, but they also have good time with each other due to opera (and ofcourse, the chemistry).
Cheng Fengtai & Shang Xirui

Cheng Fengtai and Shang Xirui are the main couple of Winter Begonia. Calling them a simple 'couple' would be underestimating their relationship. They are soulmates, who meet by chance but stay together through thick and thin, by choice. Cheng Fengtai is married to Fan Xiang'er, and has a son with her. He is a businessman, responsible for transporting goods. Shang Xirui got separated from his parents when he was young, was sold to a troupe, and had an abusive step father. He grows up leading a troupe, and becoming famous in Beijing. The two men are entirely different from each other, and this is why they say "Opposites attract".

Shang Xirui and Cheng Fengtai meet for the first time, when Cheng Fengtai comes to the opera theatre. He has heard a lot about Shang Xirui, and Shang Xirui is also one of his customers. Cheng Fengtai is mesmerized by Shang Xirui's performance; his costume and style remind Cheng Fengtai about his mother. The two later meet again at a baquet, where Fengtai goes to play cards. He was unaware about Shang Xirui's attendace, but it is where they first have a friendly conversation. Fengtai invites him to sing at his son's birthday, but due to some conflict with Jiang Mengping, Xirui's performance is not what Fengtai wished it would be. This leads to them having a heart to heart talk, where Xirui confides in him a little about his past.

Like two magnets, they are drawn to each other. Cheng Fengtai becomes very involved in Shuiyun House, and even buys an opera place for Shang Xirui. He helps Xirui financially and emotionally, and they become a permanent part of each other's life. This relationship is shown very beautifully; Cheng Fengtai is someone who fully accommodates every need of Shang Xirui. Shang Xirui, on the other hand, values his friendship with Fengtai and he proves it until the end. The relationship between them is pretty clear; they both consider each other soulmates.

Cheng Fengtai always emphasizes how he wants Shang Xirui to be happy, and perform Peking opera. He sees a passion in Xirui, which he only saw in his mother. Both support each other through thick and thin, and can't even think about separating because of their unique relationship. While it might not be clear in the drama, Shang Xirui does reach the train station on time, and they smile at each other.

**This relationship is beautifully portrayed, where both are ready to give their life for the other.**
Jiang Dengbao

Jiang Dengbao 姜登宝 is the only son of Jiang Rongshou. Like his father and like Shang Xirui and Chen Renxiang, JIang Dengbao is a dan performer, but is not considered as talented as them. Jiang Dengbao, from the very start of the show, likes to make trouble for Shang Xirui. The audience never sees Jiang Dengbao perform, but his own father admits indirectly that, Dengbao doesn't have talent. When Chen Renxiang comes to Beiping, Jiang Rongshou chooses him to compete against Shang Xirui, and not his own son.

Jiang Dengbao several times tries to make trouble for Shang Xirui. First, he pays one of Shang Xirui's troupe members to break his fan so that Shang Xirui will be embarrassed in front of the audience. Then he tries to find out what Shang Xirui is doing in his performance against Chen Renxiang, and buys three seniors of the troupe to leave at the last moment. He humiliates Shang Xirui and his troupe members every chance he gets. Before Cheng Fengtai starts helping Shang Xirui, he makes sure that he has the best dressing room, and the theater stage at good hours. The thing that scares him the most was his father signing the letter of intent, which the Japanese wanted every opera troupe leader to sign.

He continues to make plans against Shang Xirui, but near the end of the show, is killed by La Yue Hong. He had earlier humiliated La Yue Hong and had him beaten when La Yue Hong was a member of Shuiyun troupe. His death devastated Jiang Rongshou. In the novel he was a minor character and did not die.

He is played by actor Wang Xichao 汪汐潮
Locations

## Chinese Cities during the Republican Era

Winter Begonia is mainly set in Beiping (Beijing) during the Republican era (1912-1949). However Shang Xirui also travels to Nanjing as well as Shanghai in the drama. So we get a glimpse of those cities, too. During the Republican Era, these three cities were equally important but each of those had a completely distinctive character. While Beiping evolved from the imperial capital city to the centre of Chinese Culture, Nanjing gained a new status as a capital city of the Republic of China. Meanwhile, Shanghai was already famous as the cosmopolitan city with the largest concentration of urban employees in China. The drama depicts these three cities vividly.

Various types of buildings in the drama also fascinate the viewers. These reflect different lifestyles of protagonists and also their characters. Actors of Shuiyun House live together in the relatively simple courtyard House. It contrasts Cheng Fentai's grandeur former princely residence. Cheng's western style Mansion in Shanghai is another vivid example, which embodies Shanghai, but also Cheng Fengtai as an europeanized modern gentleman. The traditional Beijing Opera Houses look very enchanting, which distinguish itself from the little bit blunt and modern theater in Shanghai in the drama.

That said, all of these locations and buildings in the drama have their own characters. In this category, we explore the locations in order to deepen our understanding of Winter Begonia's world.

## Literature:

ESHERICK, Joseph W.: Modernity and Nation in the Chinese City, in: ESHERICK, Joseph W. (ed.): Remaking the Chinese City. Modernity and National Identity, 1900-1950, University of Hawai'i Press 1999, 1-16.

MUSGROVE, Charles D.: Building a Dream. Constructing a National Capital in Nanjing, 1927-1937, in: ESHERICK, Joseph W. (ed.): Remaking the Chinese City, 139-157.
Shang Xirui catches Second Master Gu

## Synopsis

Shang Xirui helps Cheng Fengtai, get rid of Minister Zheng as Chairman of Chamber of Commerce, once and for all. Meixin attends to Cao Si Ling, and finds out that a Japanese doctor has been treating him for several diseases. Fengtai and Xirui go to the palace, to attend Marchioness An's birthday. They explore the palace theater together. Fujin asks Shang Xirui to sing with Hou YuKui.

## Plot

DuQi convinces Shang Xirui to not sing Kun opera in the palace. Fengtai comes to Xirui and asks him to perform for him. He wants Xirui to dress as a 'whore' and visit Second Old Gu, so that he can trap him. Sure enough, when Second Old Gu hears that Shang Xirui's feminine voice, he can't help himself but open the door. Lao Ge goes to pick Cha Cha er, and gives Minister Zheng's grandson a lift as well. Cheng Fengtai and Shang Xirui visit Minister Zheng; Xirui is disguised as Fengtai's assistant. Cheng Fengtai wants to make things clear once and for all, which is why he tells the Minister Zheng to retire as Chairman of Chamber of Commerce, or else he would have to loose a grandson. The Chairman agrees, after Lao Ge holds a gun to his grandson's head. Xirui finds the whole scenario very entertaining.

Cha Cha Er refuses to speak to Cheng Fengtai, even when XiangEr tries to reason with her. Shang Xirui and Cheng Fengtai go to the palace, and see the theater where royals used to see opera. Shang Xirui even expresses interest in performing at that theater. Even though Shang Xirui isn't there to sing, Fujin still wants him to sing with Hou Yukui. However, Yukui is reluctant to do so at first, but agrees later.
La Yuehong leaves Shuiyunlou

## Synopsis

Shang Xirui is dragged to Shuiyun House by Cheng Fengtai, because he had a fight with Zhixin. Cheng Fengtai learns that this time, Shang Xirui reacted to harshly because of what Zhixin said about his and Xirui's friendship. La Yuehong leaves Shuiyun House and his troupe, and joins the army. Liu Hanyun rescues Xiao Zhouzi for Shang Xirui, and sends him to Shuiyun House.

## Plot

Shang Xirui is not happy with Chang Zhixin's presence, and continues to throw daggers at him, while drinking. Cao SiLing, Cao Guixiu and Liu Hanyun have a talk, which ends up in Cao SiLing giving his position to his son, and retiring to Nanjing. Cheng Fengtai goes to drop Cao SiLing, leaving a very drunk and angry Shang Xirui behind. He overhears Chang Zhixin telling Fan Lian, that he doesn't understand what Fengtai sees in Xirui, and Xirui will someday bring Fengtai down. Xirui gets angry and says that years earlier, Zhixin took away Mengping and now he wants to do the same to Cheng Fengtai. They get in a fight, and Fengtai drags Xirui away from Zhixin. They fight in the car, with Xirui beating him and ripping his hair apart and they reach Shuiyun House in the same condition, surprising everyone. There, Xirui stops and then gives Fengtai an ointment to put on the bite marks on his hand, without telling him what Zhixin said.

When La Yuehong sees Cao Guixiu at the banquet, he shows the desire to become a soldier and leave his troupe. When Meixin learns that Cao SiLing would be leaving for Nanjing, she threatens to kill herself if he doesn't take her with him, and after some confession of how she can't live without him, he agrees. Cao Guixiu implies that just because Cao Sr. has left, doesn't mean Fengtai can't transport goods anymore. On the other hand, Liu Hanyun is hanging the bandits publicly, when La Yuehong sees Gu Dali trying to assassinate him, and warns everyone. Gu Dali escapes with the help of Cao Guixiu. Later, when Liu Hanyun asks what reward La Yuehong wants, he expresses his desire to join the army and leaves the troupe, much to the disappointment of Shang Xirui. Shang Xirui feels sad and depressed, but the next morning Liu Hanyun sends over Xiao Zhouzi, who is not in great condition.

Cheng Fengtai goes to meet Zhixin and Mengping, because Zhixin got injured when he and Xirui were fighting. There, he learns that this time, Xirui didn't react so harshly because of Mengping, but because of what Zhixin said about Cheng Fengtai. Fengtai is really touched because of this information. The episode ends with Yuan Xiaodi visiting Shuiyun House.
Beiping chamber of commerce secretly makes trouble

## Synopsis

Chen Renxiang and Shang Xirui go to Shanghai together, to have a good time. Cao Gui Xiu rescues Cheng Fengtai, and Gu Dali expresses interest in him. XiangEr handles the troubles caused by the Chamber of Commerce, in the absence of Cheng Fengtai. Cao Gui Xiu reminds Cheng Fengtai that he now owes him a favor.

## Plot

Chen Renxiang convinces Shang Xirui to go to Shanghai with him. Chen tells him that he has to see his girlfriend, and it might get boring for Shang Xirui during the New Year, so he should come with him. Shang Xirui agrees. DuQi goes to a newspaper office and objects that his article has been stopped. There, he meets Xue Qianshan who is the CEO of the newspaper. Xue Qianshan reads the article that DuQi wrote, clearing Shang Xirui’s name, and states that the audience won’t be interested in what he has written.

In the absence of Cheng Fengtai, some sellers come to the freight shop and try to extort money. However, XiangEr intervenes at the right time, and handles the situation very well. Those people were actually sent by the head of the Chamber of Commerce, who is still angry that Fengtai wants more compensation for them using the east road.

Cheng Fengtai meets Gu Dali, who says that she wants to have sex with Cheng Fengtai, because she wants a son. However, he is saved at that very moment by Cao Gui Xiu. As soon as Gu Dali looks at Cao Gui Xiu, she is convinced that he should be the father of her child.

Shang Xirui is having a good time in Shanghai with Chen Renxiang, as they listen to opera. They also spend some time on a boat, talking about Beiping opera scene, and drinking wine.
Ning Jiulang

Ning Jiulang (宁九郎) is a retired dan opera performer, who lives in the Qi Palace, with Lord Qi. In the novel, Lord Qi and Ning Jiulang are a long-standing couple. Ning Jiulang performed for the Empress Dowager Cixi before the Qing Dynasty fell. He lived at the palace where he met Lord Qi and Liu Hanyun. Shang Xirui credits him with raising the level of respect accorded to dan performers. While Lord Qi spends his time growing vegetables in the garden, Ning Jiulang keeps tabs on Shang Xirui without him knowing. When Shang Xirui is bullied by Jiang Rongshou, but saved by Cao Guixiu, Ning Jiulang feel relieved. He performs with Shang Xirui once, during a banquet thrown in honor for Liu Hanyun, whose life he once saved.

Ning Jiulang values the relationship he has with Shang Xirui. He considers Shang Xirui a very outstanding performer, and thinks that he can't teach him anymore. When Shang Xirui wins the Leader of Opera World Competition, it is Ning Jiulang's final vote that makes his success possible. He even personally delivers a plaque to Shang Xirui, which states "Golden Stage Leader".

Ning Jiulang is a well wisher of Shang Xirui, and has a very good friendship with Lord Qi. In the novel, this relationship between Lord Qi and Ning Jiulang is explicitly a romantic relationship. When the Japanese try to force him to become the Chairman of Opera Society, Ning Jiulang becomes a monk. The last the audience sees him, is sitting inside his room in the Qi Palace, while Lord Qi leaves. Ning Jiulang is a very warm character, who Shang Xirui respects a great deal. Even though he retired from opera, he never said no to performing with Shang Xirui.

He is played by the actor Lei Han 雷汉.
Cheng Fengtai falls in love with Opera

## Synopsis

Cheng Fengtai is hypnotized by Shang Xirui's performance, and he remembers the time he had to return home when his father passed away, and take over his business. He feels like Shang Xirui is speaking to him, through his performance. He leaves the theater, in a daze, without speaking to Shang Xirui, and remains under a trance that he himself can't explain for the next few days. He continues to listen to opera, and falls in love with it.

## Plot

While Cheng Fengtai is absolutely spell bounded by Shang Xirui's performance, the person at Huibin theater tells Shang Xirui that he has to give up his place, once Mr. Lui recovers. However, he is still facing Commander Cao's reaction towards his performance, and things are getting difficult for the troupe. On his way out, Cheng Fengtai picks up Shang Xirui for their first lunch together, and they discuss Xirui's performance. Fengtai is very curious about the details of the opera that Xirui sang, and Xirui patiently describes everything to him. For Fengtai, Xirui is very unique when he is performing, unlike others. Shang Xirui takes Fengtai to Shuiyun house, and there, they spend the night drinking and talking. When Lao Ge comes to pick Fengtai up, he is shooed away by the troupe members who think that Xirui is asking Fengtai for financial assistance, when Xirui mentions nothing of that sort. Early next morning, the two go out for breakfast, where a thief tries to steal Fengtai's wallet, and Xirui beats the thief. This is where Fengtai gets to know that Xirui knows how to fight.
Cheng Fengtai takes delivery again

## Synopsis

Cheng Fengtai is sad about Cha Cha’er. Sakata wants Fengtai to deliver good for the Japanese again. Cheng Fengtai asks Xirui to come to Shanghai with him. Xirui pawns his valuables and gives money to Longsheng, who then leaves. Shang Xirui performs only for Cheng Fengtai.

## Plot

When Shang Xirui returns to Shuiyun House, he sees Cheng Fengtai in his sleeping place, covered with a blanket. He is worried about Cha Cha’er, and that she hasn’t been found yet. Lao Ge comes rushing in and tells them that the Japanese have caught some girls, and one of them fits the profile of Cha Cha’er. However, when Fengtai goes there, Cha Cha’er is not amongst them. The girls beg Xirui and Fengtai to save them, and when Xirui tries to do so, Fengtai gets hurt and is admitted to the hospital.

There, Xiuri looks after him, and Cheng Fengtai says that he is going to stop looking for his sister. When Cheng Fengtai gets better, he finds out that Xirui is pawning his valuables because he wants to give money to his Shang Longsheng. There, Cheng Fengtai stumbles on a contract of when Xirui was sold to the troupe. Fengtai keeps the contract in his pocket, and asks Xirui to make a new one for him. Xirui takes a stamp, and puts a thumb print on Fengtai’s palm.

Fengtai then tells Xirui that Cha Cha’er went to Yan’an. He also tells him that when he is done with his current business (blowing up the cave) he will go to Shanghai, and then Hong Kong or maybe directly Britain, before March. Xirui feels regret again about playing Battle in Jinshan, because of which Fengtai now has to do this. Fengtai asks Xirui to join him, but Xirui says “Everything must come to an end”. Xirui jokingly offers Fengtai all the money he has, and they both have a half hearted laugh.

Shang Longsheng leaves with the money. Shang Xirui invites Fengtai to Shuiyun Theater, saying that he’ll only sing for him. No one in Fengtai’s family is happy about him leaving to deliver Japanese goods.  When Shang Xirui starts to sing ‘Phoenix Fairy’ for Fengtai, everyone praises his performance. However, when it is time for Cai E to say goodbye to the General, Xirui stops, grabs Fengtai’s hand, and runs away saying that he is hungry.

They eat, take a stroll on the streets, and talk about opera.
Shang Xirui starts a performance and the audience makes trouble

## Synopsis

Xue Qianshan tells Fengtai about Xirui's pictures in Japanese costume. Xirui and Fengtai confront Du Qi. Xirui's performance is disrupted by people who think that he is on the side of the Japanese. Xirui becomes severely ill and looks for Fengtai. Fengtai reaches the mountains to transport Japanese goods.

## Plot

Xue Qianshan receives photos of Xirui in Japanese costume, but refuses to print them; his wife, however, sees the pictures in his hand. Cheng Fengtai is going to Gu Dali at the mountain, with Japanese firearms where Cao Guixiu would be waiting for him. Xue Qianshan shows Fengtai the pictures.

Fengtai confronts Xirui and asks him about the pictures. He also asks him if he knows Kuyjo Kazuma. When Xirui tells him that he wore Japanese clothes, Fengtai tries hard to stop himself from hitting him. Xirui doesn’t know what he did wrong. They both ask Du Qi to meet them, and then about Xue Zhicheng and Kuyjo Kazuma. Du Qi and Fengtai both argue about the consequences of Xirui’s pictures getting out.

Secretary Wang comes to Xirui and talks to him about the picture and ‘opera pornography’. Shang Longsheng asks him to leave Beiping, saying that he won’t have a good life here anymore, but Xirui refuses. Xirui’s brother asks him how much money he has.

During Xirui’s performance, when the audience sees his pictures, they start throwing things at him. A few men drag him down and beat him, which results in Xirui becoming very ill. While Xiao Zhouzi tries to look after Xirui, Xirui doesn’t feel well. Du Qi comes to visit Xirui, but he is unable to get out of bed. Du Qi blames himself for whatever happened. Xirui goes to the nearest shop and tries to call Fan Lian, but he doesn’t get an answer. He continues to reach Fengtai, but as Fengtai isn’t home, Xirui is not able to talk to him.

Fengtai reaches the mountain, and is able to fool the Japanese men with him, that they are under the attack of bandits. Cao Guixiu also reaches the mountain, and he tells Fengtai to continue to transport the goods. Cao points out that this is a test from Sakata, and Fengtai shouldn’t fail.
Shang Xirui is removed from his school

## Synopsis

Cheng Fengtai meets Gu Dali, the new master of the Mountain. Shang Xirui is expelled from the opera circle, because the members think that his performances are not according to the traditional rules. Chen Ren Xiang comes to meet Shang Xirui, and Meixin asks  Cao Gui Xiu for help.

## Plot

Cheng Fengtai used to give Lao Lei arms and ammunition, but he was defeated by Second Old Gu. However, soon after Cheng Fengtai’s capture, Gu Dali comes to the Mountain to take back what originally belonged to her father. When she meets Fengtai, she tells him that the toll will increase by 20%, as now she is the master of the Mountain. However, Fengtai doesn’t agree, and she threatens to kill him. Meixin goes to Cao Gui Xiu to ask for his help in rescuing Fengtai.

DuQi accompanies Shang Xirui to where everyone from the Beiping opera industry has gathered. It is less about paying respects to Grand Master Zhang, and more about grilling Shang Xirui about his performance. DuQi points out to Jiang Rong Shou, that he is bitter about LongChun Troupe losing business because of Shang Xirui. DuQi continues to praise Shang Xirui, which angers Jiang Deng Bao; he reminds DuQi that his father is ill and hasn’t left his bed since winter started. DuQi gets angry and leaves the hall. Shang Xirui is blamed for cheating in the performance, and Rong Shou is angry that he won’t bow to the founder of Peking opera and ask for forgiveness. He is also criticized for the dress that he wore in the opera, as people consider it indecent. Even though Chen Renxiang defends him in front of everybody, the others are still against the new ways Shang Xirui uses in his performances. A fight starts, which ends in Shang Xirui being expelled as an opera member.
Alliance 4 AOE Team Values

We have come together to enjoy Dominations Game.

We welcome new team members to join our team and our main goal is to enjoy the team and to have a good time.

We understand that team members may have different objectives, different work and personal life schedules, different amounts of time they are able or willing to spent with Dominations.

***Every one must earn and maintain their spot in the AOE 4 Alliance. Inactive members will be warned before being kicked.***

As common denominators, we ask our team members to contribute their "fair share" to the team. Main contributions are:

- participation in war

- donating troops to other team members

- donating troops to war bases

- donating resources to Parliament

- participating in chats

- reading chats, specifically if they relate to war participation

We do understand that not everybody can contribute and donate at the same level and at the same level all the time. That is okay. Please use common sense to decide what a "fair share" is for you. If in doubt, please ask. As mentioned before, we strive to have a fun, enjoyable, and stress free environment.

We understand that donations and contribution levels differ for everybody based on where they are in their base/age/level of the game. As we use English as a common language in our Alliances, we also understand that chat contribution can be influenced by how comfortable you are with the English language.

We love diversity and invite you to join even if you feel that your English is not perfect. We already have team members from many continents and countries that call our five Alliances their Dominations family.

We do value a fair and safe environment. We do not appreciate nor tolerate foul or offensive language. We adopt a zero tolerance approach to cheaters. Cheaters will be kicked out if the Alliance and they will be reported to Customer Service without exception!

Please do not hesitate to ask questions. If you share our values, come and join us. We would love to welcome you to our family!
Shang Xirui shows his integrity by singing wrong plays

## Synopsis

Xue Zhicheng saves Shang Xirui from the Japanese soldier. Rong Shou signs the letter of intent. Hou Yukui is on his death bed. Shang Xirui plays Battle in Jinshan. Cheng Fengtai agrees to transport goods for Sakata.

## Plot

As Shang Xirui gets into a scuffle with the Japanese soldier, Xue Zhicheng intervenes. He is with the Japanese army, as one of his elder’s are in the army; he doesn’t like war, but if he doesn’t take part in the conflict, he gets beaten. Rong Shou signs the letter of intent that the Japanese ordered him to. When the leader of a troupe refuses to sign, he is shot dead in the theater.

Just then Hou Yukui comes out, but he is not playing the character he used to. The Japanese soldiers sitting around his son doesn’t like the aggressiveness in his voice, or what he singing; they shoot his son in the leg. At that moment, Hou Yukui spills blood and loses consciousness.

Later, Cheng Fengtai tries to comfort Shang Xirui; he says, “I just hope you happily perform opera, without many concerns.” At the day of Xirui’s performance, Xirui messes with the floorboards, where the Japanese soldiers are to sit.

Rong Shou goes to Sakata’s office, and gives him a list of operas that are going to be performed. Sakata asks him to talk about different operas, and stops him at Battle in Jinshan opera. He looks interested in Cheng Fengtai, and later pays his house a visit where Xiang’er and Meixin are also present. When Fengtai comes to the house, he tells Fengtai that he would like his cooperation in maintaining the peace of Beiping. However, Fengtai doesn’t sound very cooperative.

Later, as per Sakata’s wish, Fengtai takes him to the theater where Shang Xirui is performing. While Shang Xirui is advised to change the play from Battle in Jinshan to something else, he says that the costumes are ready and it is too late to change. Battle in Jinshan is something Sakata finds very offensive, and he threatens to chop Xirui’s head off, until Fengtai transport goods for him.

While Fengtai is reluctant at first, but he wants to save Xirui’s life and agrees. Later, he comes to the makeup room, and is very angry at Shang Xirui. They have a verbal fight, after which DuQi drags Fengtai away. He then hands Fengtai a book called ‘Opera Pornography’.
Audio Drama

The drama is produced by 729 Voice Factory and released on Manbo app.

Cheng Fengtai 程凤台：Wei Chao 魏超

Fan Lian 范涟：Gu Jiangshan 谷江山

曾爱玉：张碧玉

盛子云：孙路路

范游：徐佳琦

小来：聂曦映

沅兰：蔡海婷

老葛：关帅

小程凤台：许景睿

春杏：李雪娇

xiyaza (Shing Xirui)：Chen Liangjun 沈良骏

Tang Minghuang：Tang Shuiyu 汤水雨

Mrs. Liu：Zhao Yitong 赵熠彤

Zhao Laoban：Yang Mo 杨默

王靖扬、蔡海婷、吕思衡

Guang Shuai 关帅, Ya Jie 亚捷, Zhao Shuang 赵爽, Nie Xiying 聂曦映, Xing Chao 星潮, Lu Lu 路路, Yang Kaiqi 杨凯祺, Chen Linling 陈麟灵, Cai Haiting 蔡海婷, Song Xinkai 宋昕凯, Zhang Wenpu 张文朴, 王靖扬, 蔡海婷, 吕思衡

《百花亭》performed by Mou Yuandi 牟元笛

### Crew

presented by：田田、紫堂宿

director：杨天翔

producer：李秀梅

written by：渝州、水如天儿, 久任

后期：大虾、马红岩、刘奇峰

original music composed by：王慧江

illustrator：eteru

poster design：展颜

recorded by：狮子、张吉轩、孙磊

Peking Opera Part consulted by：尹俊

video production：苏卿白

subtitled by：拾音字幕组

## Release Info

The first episode was premiered on 12 December. A new episode is released each Sunday. There is no English Subtitles yet.

### Updates

For more Information, check the Weibo Account of 729 Voice Factory as well as Jiuren (one of three scriptwriters of the Voice Drama)

### further Links

Trailer on Weibo, Youtube

BTS on Weibo, Youtube
Shang Xirui's ancestral property is stolen

## Synopsis

Shang Xirui shows Cheng Fengtai a temple that was built by the palace eunuchs. Fengtai thinks that Xirui wants him to buy this place, but Xirui makes it clear that he is going to do it himself, by using his inheritance. However, when he opens the locked trunk, he finds out that much of the stuff has been stolen. This episode revolves around Shang Xirui's heartbreak, as he realizes that people in his troupe have been stealing from him, and there are some who think the troupe won't last long. He also gets to know about Liu Ye and Xue Qianshan's marriage.

## Plot

Shang Xirui has an eventful morning with Cheng Fengtai, as he shows him where he wants to built his stage for performing. When he goes back to Shuyuin house, his troupe members are fighting. Shi Jui tells him that Liu Ye has received a betrothal gift, and that she is getting married to Xue Qianshan, even though he has other wives. Xirui offers Liu Ye protection, but she is already pregnant. Xirui forbids her to return if she doesn't get rid of the child, and her brother takes her away. Shang Xirui gets another shock when he finds out that all his ancestral possessions, which he was saving for a rainy day, are gone. He is extremely sad to hear that those who stole from him, would rather go to jail, then stay in the the troupe. While Xiang'Er gets suspicious about Fengtai having an affair and inquires from Lao Ge about his whereabouts, Shang Xirui has a nightmare about his abusive childhood. Xirui climbs inside the trunk, and closes the lid. On the other hand, Fengtai invites a German engineer, to discuss the **Liuxian Cave.**