She hadn’t finished speaking when Zheng Xiaolong understood and chuckled, “Indeed. Jiang Yulei becoming a film emperor owes much to my recommendation back then. He’s always remembered this favor, and it might come in handy now.”
Wang Xiaoping chimed in with a laugh, “Then what are we waiting for? Make the call quickly!”
...
Unaware of the Zheng Xiaolong couple’s thoughts, Jiang Ling had arrived at the Hall of Eternal Spring, one of the Six Western Palaces within the Ming and Qing Palace Garden.
She gazed up at the plaque of the Hall of Eternal Spring, trying her best to immerse herself in the role of Consort Qi.
Many viewers who loved "Chun Yuan Musk Legend" in her past life knew that the female lead resided in Yongshou Palace, Concubine Hua in Yikun Palace, and Xiao Niao An in Yanxi Palace.
They were unaware that the screenwriter’s arrangement for Consort Qi to live in the Hall of Eternal Spring held deep meaning.
The ‘Chun’ in Changchun, meaning Eternal Spring, referred to the Emperor’s favor.
The Hall of Eternal Spring symbolized enduring favor and unwaning affection.
Furthermore, the character ‘Chun’ also alluded to a woman’s youth. Eternal Spring thus signified everlasting youth and ageless beauty.
Alas, the mistress of this palace, having long lost favor, was once mocked by the Emperor for wearing a pink dress, “You’re so delicate in pink, how old are you now?”
Therefore, the Hall of Eternal Spring served as a double mockery of Consort Qi, a tragic figure, for her lost favor and faded beauty.
To portray a character well, one must fully explore their inner world.
Looking at the plaque of the Hall of Eternal Spring, Jiang Ling seemed to glimpse Consort Qi’s heart.
Alas, a pitiful soul!
Just then, Sister Sa hurried over, “Lingzi, Lingzi, this is bad! The director is scolding someone!”
Jiang Ling snapped back to reality and asked in confusion, “What happened?”
“I don’t really know how to explain it, but… you should go and see.”
Jiang Ling knew Sister Sa wouldn’t come looking for her without reason if the director was scolding someone else. The fact that she was rushing to find her meant the scolding was surely related to her.
“Did An Qiuyan arrive?”
Having been repeatedly annoyed by An Qiuyan before, Jiang Ling’s first thought was of her.
"Chun Yuan Musk Legend" was a classic masterpiece, with both the lead and supporting roles played by seasoned actors. With An Qiuyan’s acting skills, she could at most play a palace maid.
It was possible this woman was overestimating herself and trying to challenge other roles, and got scolded for performing poorly.
Sister Sa shook her head, “No, after the big fuss before, An Qiuyan is keeping a low profile and wouldn’t dare come to the set again. It’s Jiang Yushuang. Jiang Yushuang is being scolded.”
“Jiang Yushuang? Why her?”
Jiang Ling was surprised and felt something was amiss.
Jiang Yushuang and Jian Fan’s marital relationship had already been revealed. With her status as the young madam of the Jian family, who would dare scold her? Were they not seeking trouble?
Zheng Xiaolong, who could produce such a masterpiece as "Chun Yuan Musk Legend," was clearly not an unintelligent man.
But why…
Jiang Ling quickly asked, “When you saw Director Zheng scolding Jiang Yushuang, what was she wearing? Was she wearing a kingfisher-inlaid phoenix coronet and a rose-red Qing Dynasty costume?”
“That’s right!” Sister Sa looked at Jiang Ling in surprise. “How did you know?”
Jiang Ling’s thoughts raced, and she understood. She smiled, “I don’t need to see to guess. Come on, let’s go watch the show!”
“Watch the show?”
Sister Sa was even more bewildered by her cryptic remark.
What did she mean by that? Could someone translate it for her?
Consort Qi’s Hall of Eternal Spring was adjacent to Concubine Hua’s Yikun Palace, separated only by a street.
Jiang Ling turned a corner and arrived at the main gate of Yikun Palace.
Before even entering, she saw Zheng Xiaolong holding a microphone, shouting at Jiang Yushuang.