Chapter 2 first act

In the early autumn of 1898 (1898), the reform movement by Kang Liang and others failed.half a day early. Location Beijing, Yutai Teahouse. Characters Wang Lifa Liu Mazi Pang Eunuch Tang Tiezui Kang Six Little Niuer Second Master Song Huang Fatty Song Enzi Chang Fourth Master Qin Zhongyi Wu Xiangzi Old Li San B, C, Ding, one or two in the waiter room of Ma Wuye, a chick [Curtain opening: This kind of big teahouse has disappeared now.A few decades ago, every city had at least one.Tea is sold here, as well as simple snacks and rice dishes.People who play birds come here to rest their legs, drink tea, and let the birds perform and sing after they have had enough of thrushes and yellow birds.Those who discuss matters and those who talk about matchmaking also come here.In those years, there were often gang fights, but there was always a friend who came forward to mediate between the two sides; the thirty or fifty thugs, after the mediator talked about it, they all drank a bowl of tea and ate a bowl of rotten meat noodles (a special food in the big teahouse). , the price is cheap, and it is quick to make), you can turn hostility into friendship.In short, this is a very important place on the day, and you can come and sit for a long time if you have nothing to do. [Here, you can hear the most absurd news, such as how a big spider somewhere became a spirit and was struck by lightning.Strange opinions can also be heard here, such as building a large wall on the seashore, which is enough to prevent foreign soldiers from coming ashore.Here you can also hear what tunes a certain Peking opera actor has recently created, and the best way to suffer from opium smoke.Here you can also see someone's new treasure - an unearthed jade fan pendant, or a three-color snuff bottle.This is really an important place, almost a place of cultural exchange.

[We are about to see such a teahouse now. [As soon as you enter the door, there is a counter and a stove—to save trouble, we don’t need a stove on our stage; the sound of some pots and spoons in the back is enough.The room is very tall, with long tables and square tables, benches and small stools, all of which are tea seats.The backyard can be seen through the window, with a pergola set up high, and there is also a teahouse under the shed.There are places to hang birdcages inside the house and under the pergola.Notes "Don't talk about state affairs" are posted everywhere. [There are two tea guests, whose names I don't know, who are squinting, shaking their heads, clapping their hands and singing in a low voice.Two or three tea drinkers, whose names were unknown, were raptly admiring the crickets in the crock.Two men in gray shirts, Song Enzi and Wu Xiangzi, were talking in low voices. It seemed that they were the case handlers (detectives) of the North Yamen. [Today there was another group fight, it is said that it was for a domestic pigeon, causing a dispute that must be resolved by force.If there was a real fight, people would have to be killed, because the hired thugs included buddies who were good at battling camps and Kubing, and they were all very skilled.Fortunately, there can't be a real fight, because before the two sides have agreed on the thugs, someone has already stepped forward to mediate -- and now the two sides are meeting here.Thugs in twos and threes, all with raised eyebrows and short clothes, came in at any time and went to the backyard. [Ma Wuye sits drinking tea alone in an unobtrusive corner. [Wang Lifa sits tall at the counter.

[Tang Tiezui pulls on his shoes, wears a very long and very dirty cloth shirt, and comes in with a few small pieces of paper clipped between his ears. Mr. Wang Lifa, Mr. Tang, take a stroll outside! Tang Tiezui (laughing bitterly) Shopkeeper Wang, give Tang Tiezui a big hug!Bring me a bowl of tea, and I'll meet you first!Palmistry gift, do not take a penny! (Don't say anything, take Wang Lifa's hand) This year is the twenty-fourth year of Guangxu, the Reform Movement of 1898.You Guigeng are... Wang Lifa (takes back his hand) Forget it, I'll give you a bowl of tea to drink, so you don't have to sell that business!There is no need to meet each other, since we are in the rivers and lakes, we are all hard-working people! (Goes out from the counter and asks Tang Tiezui to sit down) Sit down!Let me tell you, if you don't quit smoking, you will never be lucky!This is my physiognomy, more effective than yours!

[Second Master Song and Fourth Master Chang both come in with birdcages, and Wang Lifa greets them.They hung up the cage first and found a place to sit down.Second Master Song is eloquent, carrying a small yellow birdcage; Fourth Master Chang is arrogant, carrying a large and tall thrush cage.The waiter Li San hurried over and made a bowl of tea.They bring their own tea.After the tea was brewed, Second Master Song and Fourth Master Chang gave way to the nearby teahouse. Song Er Ye Fourth Master Chang, drink this! (Then, looking into the backyard) Second Master Song seems to be in trouble again?

Fourth Master Chang couldn't fight anyway!If you really want to make a call, you should have gone outside the city; what are you doing in the teahouse? [Er Dezi, a thug, just came in and heard Chang Siye's words.Er Dezi (coming closer) Who are you gossiping about?Fourth Master Chang (refusing to show weakness) What are you asking me?Spend money to drink tea, who should be in charge? Second Master Song (looking at Er Dezi for a while) Let me tell you, sir, you are an errand in the camp, right?Come, sit down and have a drink, we are all outsiders too.Er Dezi, you don't care if I'm on duty or not!

Fourth Master Chang wants to show off his prestige and fight with foreigners. Foreigners are powerful!The British and French allied forces burned the Old Summer Palace, and the Zun family was living on official pay, but I didn't see you charge and fight!Er Dezi don't say that you won't hit foreigners, I'll discipline you first! (Hands to go) [The other tea drinkers are still going about their own business.Wang Lifa hurried over. Wang Lifa's buddies are all friends on the street, and they have something to say.Master De, sit at the back! [Er Dezi doesn't listen to Wang Liyou's words, and suddenly throws a tureen off the table and smashes it into pieces.He turned his hands to grab Fourth Master Chang's neck.

Fourth Master Chang (flashing) What are you going to do? What's wrong with Er Dezi?I can't touch foreigners, can't I touch you?Ma Wuye (does not stand up) Er Dezi, you are so majestic!Er Dezi (looks around and sees Fifth Master Ma) drink, Fifth Master Ma, where are you?I'm so blind that I didn't see you! (past please) If Ma Wuye has something to say, why do you always talk about beating?Er Dezi*∧Auyu∥Yejiao*head to sit down.Li San, I'm waiting for the tea money here! (go back) Fourth Master Chang (comes over to complain about Fifth Master Ma) My master, you are a wise man, please judge!

Ma Wuye (stands up) I still have something to do, bye! (Going out) Fourth Master Chang (to Wang Lifa) Evil!This is a weirdo!Wang Lifa, don't you know that this is Fifth Master Ma?No wonder you offended him too!Fourth Master Chang, did I offend him too?I didn't pick a good day to go out today!Wang Lifa (in a low voice) What you said about foreigners just now, he eats foreign food.Believe in foreign religions, speak foreign dialects, and if you have anything to do, you can always go to the county magistrate in Wanping County, or you won't even mess with him officially!Fourth Master Chang (walks to the original place) Huh, I don't admire people who eat foreign food!Wang Lifa (tilts his head towards Song Enzi and Wu Xiangzi, in a low voice) Please be careful when you speak! (Loudly) Li San, make another bowl here! (Picks up the broken disk on the ground)

How much is Song Erye's cover bowl?I pay!Outsiders don't do old lady things!Wang Lifa is not busy, let's do it later! (Goes away) [Liu Mazi with thin hands leads Kang Liu in.Liu Mazi first greeted Second Master Song and Fourth Master Chang. Liu Mazi, you two work really early! (Takes out a snuffbox and pours out the smoke) Try this!Just packed, authentic British made, thin and pure! Fourth Master Chang!Even the snuff has to come from abroad!How much money has to flow out!Liu Mazi, our country in the Qing Dynasty has mountains of gold and silver, which can never be spent!Sit down, I'll do something small! (Ling Kang Liu finds a seat)

[Li San brings a bowl of tea. Liu Mazi tell me, is ten taels of silver okay?You said simply!I'm busy, I don't have time to serve you! Kang Liu Lord Liu!Is a fifteen-year-old girl worth ten taels of silver?If Liu Mazi sold it to a kiln, he might get a tael or eight more, but you refused!Kang Liu is my own daughter!I can... Liu Mazi has a daughter, but you can't afford to support her, who is to blame?Isn't it because Kang Liu has nothing to do with farmers in the countryside?If the whole family can eat porridge a day, if I still want to sell my daughter, I am not human! Liu Mazi, that's your country's business, I don't care.I was entrusted by you to teach you not to lose money, and to teach your daughter a place to eat and drink, isn't that good?

Who is Kang Liu for? As soon as I tell Liu Mazi, you will be happy with it from the bottom of your heart!A servant in the government!Who wants a country girl for the servants in the Sixth Palace of Kang?Mazi Liu, isn't that your daughter's life, okay? Who is Kang Liu? Liu Mazi, Manager Pang!You've also heard of Mr. Pang, right?Serving the queen mother, she is so popular that even the vinegar bottle at home is made of agate!Kang Liu, Uncle Liu, how can I be worthy of giving my daughter to an eunuch as a wife?Liu Mazi sold his daughter, no matter how he sold it, he would be sorry for her!You are stupid!You see, when a girl walks through the door, she eats delicacies and wears silk and satin. Isn't this good luck?What, shaking your head doesn't count as nodding, let's do it straight! Since ancient times, how could Kang Liu... just give him ten taels of silver?Liu Mazi has searched all over your village, but can't find ten taels of silver?In the countryside, five catties of white flour can be exchanged for a child, you don't know that!Kang Liu me, alas!I have to discuss it with the girl!Liu Mazi tells you that there is no such shop after passing this village, so don't blame me if you delay things!Go and come! Kang Liu alas!I'll be right back! Mazi Liu, I'm waiting for you here! Kang Liu (walking out slowly) Liu Mazi (comes to Second Master Song and Fourth Master Chang) It's really difficult for country people to do things, and there will never be a happy one! Second Master Song's business is not small, right? Liu Mazi couldn't be sweeter, so if it's done, earn a fortune!What happened to Fourth Master Chang in the countryside?It will make such a prostitute!Mazi Liu, who knows!Anyway, even a dog has to be born in the city of Beijing! Fourth Master Chang, Master Liu, you really have the guts to win over this business!If I don't distract Liu Mazi, they might not be able to find a buyer! (Cross talk) Erye Song, (takes out the hour watch) Look at this!Second Lord Song (takes the watch) What a decent little watch! Listen to Liu Mazi, the sound of rattling rattling! Second Master Song (listen) How much does it cost? Do you love Mazi Liu?I'll leave it to you!In a word, five taels of silver!You have played enough, if you don't like it anymore, I will refund the money according to the amount!The stuff is really authentic, a family heirloom! Fourth Master Chang, I'm just getting a taste of this here: how many foreign things we have on our bodies!Old Liu, just put it on you: foreign snuff, foreign watches, foreign satin overcoat, foreign cloth trousers and jacket... Liu Mazi's foreign things are so beautiful!If I wear homemade cloth and look like a country head, who cares about me! Fourth Master Chang, I always think our big satin, Sichuan silk, is more decent!Second Master Liu Mazisong, please keep this watch. Wearing such a good foreign watch in this day and age will make people look at it differently!Did you say that, where are you?Second Master Song (really loves watches, but thinks they are too expensive) I...Liu Mazi, please wear them for two days first, and then pay for them later! [Fatty Huang enters. Fatty Huang (severe trachoma, can't see clearly, please greet me when you enter the door) Guys, look at me!I greet you!They are all my brothers, don't hurt your peace!Wang Lifa, this is not them, they are in the backyard!Fatty Huang, I can't see clearly!Shopkeeper, prepare rotten meat noodles.With me, Fatty Huang, no one can fight! (go inside) Er Dezi (comes out to meet him) The two sides have met, come quickly! [Er Dezi and Fatty Huang enter. [The waiters deliver tea to the back again and again.The old man came in, took some small things like toothpicks, beard combs, ear picks, etc., and walked slowly by the teahouse with his head down; no one bought his things.He wanted to go to the backyard, but was stopped by Li San. Mr. Li San, you go out for a stroll!In the backyard, people are talking about making peace, and no one is buying your things! (passing a bowl of leftover tea to the old man) Second Master Song (in a low voice) Li San! (pointing to the backyard) Why on earth did they want to use knives and sticks like this? Li San (in a low voice) I heard it was for a pigeon.The pigeons from Zhang's house flew to Li's house, but Li's house refused to return it... Well, let's talk less, (asking the old man) How old are you, old man? The old man (drinking tea) Thank you!Eighty-two, no one cares!These days, people are not as good as a dove!well! (walk out slowly) [Qin Zhongyi, well dressed, walks in with a happy face.Wang Lifa Ouch!Qin Erye, why are you so idle, you will think of coming to the teahouse?Didn't bring anyone under him? Qin Zhongyi, come and see if you young man can do business!Wang Lifa, let's learn while doing it, and eat by pointing at this.Who told my father to die early, I can't do it!Fortunately, the caretaker is an old friend of my father. If I am not thoughtful, I am willing to forgive, and it will pass with my eyes closed.Popularity is the most important thing in eating on the street.I follow the old method left by my father, say more good things, say hello more, and please everyone, so there will be no big troubles!Sit down, I'll make you a bowl of small leaf tea! Qin Zhongyi, I don't drink!Don't sit down either! Wang Lifa sit down!With you sitting here, my face is bright!Qin Zhongyi is fine too! (sitting) But, no need to flatter me!Wang Lifa Li San, make a bowl of tall ones!Second Master, how is the family doing?Are things going your way? Qin Zhongyi is not very nice! Wang Lifa What are you afraid of?With so many transactions, your little finger is thicker than my waist! Tang Tiezui (coming closer) This gentleman is so good-looking, the heavens are full, the courts are round, and although he does not have the power of a prime minister, he is as rich as Tao Zhu! Qin Zhongyi avoid me!go! Mr. Wang Lifa, you've had enough tea, it's time to go outside for some activities! (gently pushes Tang Tiezui away) Tang Tiezui! (hangs head and walks out) Mr. Qin Zhongyi, do we have to raise the rent here?The rent money your father gave me was not enough for my tea!Second Master Wang Lifa, you are right, so right!However, you don't need to be distracted by this trivial matter. You can send the manager to come and I will discuss with him how much the rent should be increased, and I will definitely do it!yes! ** Qin Zhongyi, you kid, you are more slippery than your father!Hmph, just wait, sooner or later I will take the house back! Wang Lifa, don't scare me to play, I know how much you take care of me and love me, you will never ask me to carry a big teapot and sell hot tea on the street!Qin Zhongyi, just wait and see! [The village woman brings a ten-year-old girl in.There is a straw stick in the girl's head.Li San wanted to not allow them to go forward, but he felt sad and didn't care.The two of them walked in slowly.The tea guests suddenly stopped joking and looked at them. Chick (walks to the middle of the room, stops) Mom, I'm hungry!I'm hungry! [The country woman stares blankly at the little girl, suddenly her legs give way, she sits on the ground, covering her face and weeping. Qin Zhongyi (to Wang Lifa) Get out! Wang Lifa is!Get out, you can't sit still here! Which country woman can do me a favor?Want this child, two taels of silver!Fourth Master Chang, Li San, wants two rotten meat noodles, take them outside to eat!Li San is it! (Going to the village woman) Get up, wait at the door, I'll serve you noodles! The country woman (stands up, wipes her tears and walks out, as if she has forgotten the child; after taking two steps, she turns around again, hugs the chick and kisses her) Baby!baby!Hurry up, Wang Lifa! [The country woman and the chick go out.Li San then brought out two bowls of noodles.Wang Lifa (come here) Fourth Master Chang, you have done good deeds and rewarded them with noodles!But, let me tell you: there are too many things on this road, too many!No one can control it! (to Qin Zhongyi) Er Ye, do you think what I said is right?Fourth Master Chang (to Second Master Song) Second Master, I see, the Qing Dynasty is coming to an end!Qin Zhongyi (old-fashioned) couldn't finish it, and didn't care if someone gave the poor a bowl of noodles.Xiao Wang, to be honest, I really want to take back the house here!Wang Lifa, don't do that, Second Lord! Qin Zhongyi, I not only took back the house, but also sold the land in the countryside and the business in the city! Wang Lifa, why? Qin Zhongyi pooled his capital and opened a factory!Wang Lifa opened a factory? Qin Zhongyi, yes, the biggest factory!Only then can the poor be saved, only then can foreign goods be boycotted, and only then can the country be saved! (Speaking to Wang Lifa and looking at Fourth Master Chang) Oh, why am I telling you this, you don't understand!Wang Lifa, are you selling all your property for others, regardless of yourself?Qin Zhongyi, you don't understand!Only by doing so can the country be prosperous and strong!Well, I should go.I saw it with my own eyes, your business is doing well, don't be a rogue anymore, don't pay more for your house! Wang Lifa, wait, I'll call you a car! Qin Zhongyi doesn't need it, I'm willing to take a stroll! [Qin Zhongyi goes out, Wang Li sends. (Xiao Niu'er walks in with Eunuch Pang.The little cow is carrying a hookah.Eunuch Pang!Second Master Qin! Qin Zhongyi, Master Pang!Have you settled down these two days?Eunuch Pang, do you need to say that?The world is peaceful, and Tan Sitong will be executed when the imperial decree comes down!Let me tell you, whoever dares to change the constitution of the ancestors will lose his head!I knew Qin Zhongyi a long time ago! [The tea guests suddenly become silent, almost holding their breath and listening.Eunuch Pang, you are smart, Second Master, otherwise how would you get rich!Qin Zhongyi, my little property is not worth mentioning! Eunuch Pang is too polite, isn't he?Look, everyone in Beijing doesn't know Second Master Qin!You are better than an official!I heard that many rich men talk about reformation!Qin Zhongyi can't say that, I can't show my prestige in front of you!Hahaha! Eunuch Pang said it well, let's let the Eight Immortals cross the sea and each show his abilities!Hahaha!Qin Zhongyi will go over to greet you another day, goodbye! (below) Eunuch Pang (talking to himself) Hmph, with such a small rich man daring to tease me, the times have really changed! (Ask Wang Lifa) Where is Liu Mazi here?Director Wang Lifa, please rest inside! [Liu Mazi has already seen Eunuch Pang, but he dare not approach, for fear of disturbing the conversation between Eunuch Pang and Qin Zhongyi. Liu Mazi drink, my old man!You are lucky!I have been waiting for you for a long time! (Accompanies eunuch Pang to go inside) [Song Enzi and Wu Xiangzi come to greet them, Eunuch Pang whispers to them. [After the tea guests were silent for a while, they began to discuss.Who is tea guest Jia Tan Sitong? Tea guest B seems to have heard of it!Anyway, he committed a serious crime, otherwise, how could he be executed!Tea guest C has been in the past two or three months. Some officials and students are messing around, how can we know what the hell they are doing! Tea guest Ding De!Anyway, my hardcore crop is back!The surname Tan, and that Kang Youwei, didn't they tell the banner soldiers to fend for themselves without paying any money?What a poisonous mind! Tea guest C was asked to deduct more than half of his share of money and food, and we are also in a difficult situation!Tea guest Ding Na is better than nothing!It's better to die than to live, tell me to make a living by myself, I must die! Wang Lifa, all customers, let's not talk about state affairs! [Everyone quiets down and talks about their own things again. Eunuch Pang (sitting down) What do you say?A country girl wants two hundred silver?Liu Mazi (stands by) is a countryman, so handsome!Bring it into the city, dress it up and train it well, and you will be sure to look good and behave!I do things for you with more dedication than I do for my own father, and I can't be sloppy at all! [Tang Tiezui is back again. Wang Lifa ironed his mouth, why are you back again? Tang Tiezui Street is in chaos, I don't know what's going on!Can Eunuch Pang not search Tan Sitong's remnants?Tang Tiezui, don't worry, no one will catch you! Tang Tiezui*芄埽苌送One Father Baybodi银鸡执送harmonious squid⒘playing* [Several tea guests seem to have a premonition of some disaster, and slip out one by one.Second Master Song, let's go too!It's getting late!Chang Siye*∽Glycoside Mulberry* [Two men in gray clothes - Song Enzi and Wu Xiangzi come over.Song Enzi, wait! What's the matter with Fourth Master Chang? Song Enzi just now you said "The Qing Dynasty is about to end"? Fourth Master Chang, I love the Qing Dynasty, and I am afraid it will end!Wu Xiangzi (to Second Master Song) Did you hear that?Is that what he said?Brother Song Er, we drink tea here every day.Shopkeeper Wang knows: We are all good people! Wu Xiangzi asked, did you hear that? Second Master Song, you have something to say, please sit down, both of you! If you don't tell Song Enzi, even you will be locked away!When he said "The Qing Dynasty is about to end", he was in the same party as Tan Si! Second Master Song, I heard, he said... Song Enzi (to Fourth Master Chang) Let's go! Where is fourth master Chang?Things need to be clarified!Song Enzi, do you still want to resist arrest?I can bring the "law of the king" here! (Takes out the iron chain from his waist) Fourth Master Chang tells you, I am a banner man! Wu Xiangzi's bannerman is a traitor, and the crime is aggravated!Lock him up!Don't lock the fourth master Chang, I can't escape! Even if Song Enzi measures you, you won't be able to run away! (To Second Master Song) You also go there and tell the truth in the hall, it's none of your business! [Fatty Huang and three or five others come from the backyard. Fatty Huang, it's over, the clouds cleared up one day, so I didn't run errands in vain!Song Er Ye Huang Ye!Lord Huang! Fatty Huang (rubs his eyes) Who is it? Master Song Er, me!Matsuji!Come here and say something nice!Fatty Huang (see clearly) Yo, Mr. Song, Mr. Wu, are you two handling the case?please!Song Er Ye Huang Ye, please help me and give me some good words!I will take care of things that Fatty Huang's government can't handle!I can't talk too much about things that the government can handle! (Ask everyone) Is that right? Public*《Yu* [Song Enzi and Wu Xiangzi take Fourth Master Chang and Second Master Song out. Song Erye (to Wang Lifa) Look at our birdcage!Wang Lifa, don't worry, I'll send it home! [Exit Fourth Master Chang, Second Master Song, Song Enzi, and Wu Xiangzi.Fatty Huang (Tang Tiezui told Eunuch Pang that he was here) Hey, where is the master here?I heard that you want to settle down at home, let me congratulate you first! Eunuch Pang is waiting for a happy meal! Fatty Huang, you appreciate the face!Thank you! (Down) [The village woman comes in with an empty bowl and puts it on the cabinet.The chick followed.Mommy girl!I'm still hungry! Oh, Wang Lifa!get out! Let's go, country woman, good boy! Chicks don't sell girls?mom!Not selling anymore?mom!Good country woman! (crying, bring the chick down) [Kang Liu brings Kang Shunzi in and stands in front of the counter.Miss Kang Six!Shunzi!Dad is not a human being, but a beast!But what do you ask me to do?You don't find a place to eat, you starve to death!If I don't get a few taels of silver, I'll have my boss beat me to death!You, Shunzi, accept your fate and accumulate virtue! Kang Shunzi, I, I... (speechless) Liu Mazi (runs over): Are you back?Nodding?it is good!Come meet the steward!Kowtow to the steward! Kang Shunzi, I... (about to faint) Kang Liu (supporting his daughter) Shunzi!Shunzi! What's the matter with Mazi Liu? Kang Liu was hungry and angry, and passed out!Shunzi!Shunzi!Eunuch Pang wants to live, but not to die! [Silence. Tea guest A (playing chess with B) will!You are done! -- the curtain falls