Chapter 637 - 637: Rehearsals

Translator: Endless?antasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Another passerby said, “That’s right. We’ve never seen a troupe perform, but I heard it’s fun. Can we watch from afar even if we can’t afford to buy seats?

“Yeah, we won’t disturb those in front, either. Since the New Year is almost here, my children will be thrilled to watch a play.”

Everyone rushed to ask questions, looking at him expectantly.

Su Zhengde was busy setting up the stage and told every passerby about the play. Although he thought he had clarified things, he did not expect everyone to think they could not watch the play.

“Binglan said the play is for everyone to watch,” Su Zhengde explained, “Everyone can come to the market to shop in the morning and watch the play in the afternoon. It’ll be free for everyone to watch since the place can accommodate many people.”

Everyone became even more excited.

“R-Really?!,

“That’s great!

“Miss Su is always so good to us and considers everyone in everything she does.’

“I’m glad we get to watch the play too! It’s so exciting. I might even bring my own chair.’

“Yes, let’s hurry home and tell everyone about it, including our distant relatives. They haven’t seen a play and don’t even know what it is, either.”

“We don’t have to worry about what play it is since Miss Su is in charge.”

Everyone hurried home while talking. Some even went to share the exciting news with their neighbors. Everyone in Su Teng Village and surrounding villagers heard about the play before the afternoon arrived.

Although the villagers knew there would be a play, they did not know what it would be about. They only knew how big the stage was and that everyone could watch the play for free.

They knew the play would be good since Su Binglan had written it. Typically, villagers could not afford to watch a play, so the news excited them even more.

After all, there were no entertainment programs in this era, like TVs and the Internet. Everyone could not wait to watch the play and join in the fun.

Although some lived far from Su Teng Village, they were eager to go there after hearing the news.

“I’ll go to Su ‘I’eng Market for breakfast and watch the play in the afternoon.”

“That sounds like an excellent plan. We should go there in the morning since the play is in the afternoon. We should see if there will be anything affordable we can buy at the market while we’re there.”

“Oh, we should buy firecrackers. My family and I only bought one string for the New Year.’

“You should also see if you need anything else and buy them while you’re there.’

“Since there will be a play, many more people will be at the market. You should ask your uncle if he wants to visit Su Teng Village. Then you can take the oxcart there.’

“Your uncle loves lively atmospheres, so he’ll be willing to go. Plus, Miss Su is the one who wrote the play.”

Later that night, Su Binglan looked at her performers and said, “Let’s have a simple rehearsal tonight. We’ll go through the script for tomorrow’s performance. ”

Everyone was familiar with the script but became nervous when they saw the stage. Yang Xiaoxun had the most lines and practiced daily, from morning to night. She even recited her lines backward.

However, she felt tense when she saw the stage, costumes, and props Su Binglan had prepared for everyone. Yang Xiaoxun’s heart pounded as she had never felt this nervous before.

She also knew many people would visit the market tomorrow for the play because her grandmother had told her about it. People who went to their shop for pancakes said they would bring their families to watch tomorrow’s play.

Some even heard Old Madam Yangs granddaughter would play a significant part in the play, and they were excited to see her. However, the older woman did not comment on that and feigned ignorance.

Su Binglan looked at her dozen or so performers, and they looked back at her with admiration. Their eyes were so wide that Su Binglan could not help but laugh, “Everyone, relax.”

Some of these people were street performers who Su Binglan had observed. Since they had good character and excellent skills, she recruited them to join her play.

Everyone felt at ease because Su Binglan was in charge. They were shocked when they realized she was teaching them the lines and songs. They thought the Legendary Miss Su was versatile and could do anything.

Her talents impressed them, especially when she demonstrated the play. Everyone studied her moves seriously.

Su Binglan also recruited some from declining families who were good people with some talent. Although these people were not proficient in performing, she felt she could nurture them well.

These people never imagined working for someone so kind. Su Binglan fed them and patiently taught them how to perform. They felt touched and did not know how to repay Su Binglan’s kindness.

Everyone studied their lines and tunes daily. They had never seen such a play before or heard such a tune. Still, they thought it was amazing. They could not help but hum along, even when they went to sleep at night.

The performers wanted to perform well to repay Su Binglan’s kindness.

She said, “Don’t be nervous and perform as you’ve practiced. You’ll do well.”

She consoled everyone and brought them through the script during rehearsals.

Yang Xiaoxun was still excited when she returned to the dormitory. Old Madam Yang noticed her bright eyes and knew she had left her dark past behind. The older woman felt gratified to see her granddaughter so happy.

“Grandma, Miss Su has reserved a seat for you in the front row to watch my performance tomorrow.”

Old Madam Yang said smilingly, “Since we’ll have plenty of visitors tomorrow,

I plan to open the shop and sell pancakes.”

Although business was booming, she wanted to earn as much as possible for her granddaughter.

“You’ll sell out by the afternoon, and then you can watch my performance.” Yang Xiaoxun was eager to make her grandmother proud and for her to watch the show.

“Miss Su says she’ll pay me and the performance monthly salaries and bonuses. She plans to send us on tours and charge people viewing fees. She’ll give us bonuses when we’re on the right track.”

Although Yang Xiaoxun did not understand most of these things, she knew she could support her grandmother soon. She did not want her grandmother to continue working.

Old Madam Yang looked at the young lady’s excited expression.. After some thought, the older woman said, “Why don’t I push our cart around and sell pancakes while watching your performance?”