The Qian family's errand boy, after arriving at the Hongde Opera Troupe and announcing his arrival, was quickly led to Feng Baizhao.
Those Qian Yuanbao brought with him were all trusted confidantes. As confidantes, their primary duty was to understand their master's thoughts. Their master appeared to be a casual person, but under the old madam's strict supervision, he was quite proper. For years, besides the Young Master, there had been no one else. Now, even an actor was harboring intentions towards their master. Did they really think a good appearance was enough to covet their master? They should look at their own status, how could they compare to the Young Master?
Upon seeing the errand boy accompanying Qian Yuanbao, Feng Baizhao felt a surge of joy. "Did that rascal send you?"
His voice was melodious, his eyes shy and coquettish. The errand boy felt goosebumps all over his body. He was a man, why such behavior? If he liked men, he liked men, but there was no need to be so disgusting. Look at their master and the Young Master, how pleasing to the eye?
"This is from my young master. You understand what it means, right? Stop acting from now on. This money is enough for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life." The errand boy handed the stack of banknotes to Feng Baizhao.
He understood, of course, he understood. That rascal truly had him in his heart, otherwise, why would he send so much money? And he specifically instructed him to stop acting, meaning he disliked him performing on stage and wished for him to be his alone.
"Go back and tell that rascal that I understand. It's kind of him to go to such lengths. I will remember his kindness." Feng Baizhao's voice was so soft it could drip water.
The errand boy shivered. An actor was indeed an actor. His master was drawing a clear line with this actor. He hadn't seen any sign of sadness from him; instead, he was happy to receive the stack of banknotes. This showed that his previous display of deep affection for their master was all an act.
"My young master is naturally good, no need for you to say it. He is good." The errand boy reiterated, not paying any more attention to Feng Baizhao, and left the Hongde Opera Troupe directly.
Not long after the Qian family's errand boy left, the troupe leader arrived. "What did Young Master Qian's man say?"
Feng Baizhao leaned leisurely on the couch, his phoenix eyes raised, his gaze flowing. He waved the stack of banknotes in his hand. "That rascal doesn't want me to perform on stage anymore. So, he specifically sent money."
The troupe leader's eyes widened at the thick stack of banknotes. Although the opera troupe was highly praised by various families in the capital, the troupe leader knew that it was all because of Feng Baizhao. This young man, though effeminate, was a true master of acting. In their industry's terms, he was born for this. A good voice, a good physique, no matter how high the notes or how intricate the melodies, he could do it all. And his movements, he performed them better than others. If he stopped performing, the opera troupe would be ruined. There were dozens of people, what would they do?
"Baizhao, what is your intention? You grew up in the opera troupe since you were a child, this is your root!" the troupe leader said earnestly.
"Please rest assured, I remember all your kindness. I won't perform anymore, but I don't plan to leave the opera troupe. Those few youngsters have decent talent, I can guide them more. When they are ready, they can naturally uphold the troupe's reputation. Here are a few bills for you, troupe leader, as my thanks for your care over the years." Feng Baizhao generously pulled out two banknotes. A mere two hundred taels of silver was nothing to him, as he was backed by the future head of the Qian family, and money was never a shortage.
The troupe leader took the banknotes, still looking worried. Decent talent still required time for training, it wasn't something that could be achieved with just a few pointers. There had been wealthy patrons who fancied Feng Baizhao before, but they liked his acting style. Unlike this young master of the Qian family, who even had the intention of preventing him from performing. What was worse, Feng Baizhao had agreed. Did he truly fancy the young master of the Qian family?
Although he hadn't been in the capital for very long, he had heard most of the rumors. How could someone like the young master of the Qian family stop for a mere actor from the lower classes? After all, respectable families disdained their profession. Those stories in novels about young ladies of noble families falling for actors and refusing to marry anyone else were all nonsense, just for entertainment.
"Baizhao, are you saying that Young Master Qian is serious? Didn't you tell me earlier that he backed out at the last minute?" the troupe leader asked, unwilling to give up.
Feng Baizhao's slender fingers formed a graceful gesture. "I know what men are like. That rascal has a hurdle in his heart, and once he gets past it, it will be fine. Besides, that Young Master is nothing special, I don't see him as better than me! Men are fickle, if not, why would he be so eager to send someone over?"
With his words, the troupe leader felt uncertain. He could only ponder how to negotiate with Feng Baizhao again, at least to have him perform until the end of the year.
Meanwhile, the Qian family's errand boy happily returned to report to Qian Yuanbao.
"Everything has been explained," the errand boy said, patting his chest. "That Feng actor was very happy to receive the money and said he would listen to you, my young master. That stack of banknotes you gave him is enough to buy dozens of opera troupes! He's really gotten lucky!"
"Well done. I knew you were clever. Your marriage is on me." Having resolved the hidden danger, Qian Yuanbao was very pleased and naturally wouldn't mistreat his subordinates. Bai Fu, this kid, always had his eyes fixed on Yanxia, the maid by his grandmother's side, whenever they went to the old madam's. How could he not know his intentions?
Bai Fu's mouth stretched all the way to his ears. "My young master, are you serious? You're not tricking this servant, are you? Someone like me, would Yanxia look favorably upon me? Alas, I've been by your side since I was young, how come I haven't benefited from you, young master, to have a handsome appearance?"
"Do you think you can grow this appearance just by saying it?" Qian Yuanbao glanced at him sideways. "Don't worry, as long as you don't compare yourself to me, you're still somewhat presentable. Yanxia is a capable person by the old madam's side. The old madam told me she doesn't want to mistreat her. You've been with me for years and have handled many matters. When I get married, I'll need you to help manage the businesses outside, which is considered a successful future and won't bury Yanxia."
Bai Fu was very excited, even more excited than resolving the matter with the Feng actor. His own master had planned a future for him. A manager of the Qian family's businesses was a glorious position.
"My young master, please rest assured. I guarantee that I will handle the matters you've entrusted to me perfectly." Bai Fu expressed his resolve, so happy he wanted to jump up and down on the spot.
"On my side, stop with that glib talk. This young master has another task to attend to. If it's handled well, when I get married, I'll have my wife personally arrange your wedding." After speaking, he carefully explained his objective to Bai Fu. Bai Fu's eyes darted around. "My young master, just watch. These are all minor matters."