Huang Kai waved a hand. "All right, all right. Let me go bathe and change. Long Bo was a rare hero of ancient times. How could we listen to his story dressed so carelessly? Go, have the others bathe and change too, and tidy themselves up. Don't make us look ridiculous."
Huang Cheng said, "I've already sent the order. The generals know the Great King's refined tastes and made their preparations long ago."
Huang Kai's delight grew, and he laughed heartily as he headed into the rear hall.
Before long, he returned to the hall. The civil and military officials had already taken their seats in two rows on either side. Once he was seated, they started to bow, but he waved them off.
"Watch the play, watch the play."
Huang Kai had changed into a white robe, lightly scented with incense, and sat upright with a landscape fan in hand.
Huang Cheng, standing at his side, clapped softly. A troupe of performers entered, trembling with fear. Huang Cheng said coldly, "Do your best. If you perform well, you'll be rewarded. If you don't, you'll still be allowed to leave."
He was afraid that speaking too harshly would only make the troupe even more nervous, turning what should have been a pleasant occasion sour.
King Huang of Fengqi Mountain was famous far and wide, and the troupe had heard of him. Whatever else could be said, he kept his word.
At once, the performers set their minds at ease, quickly got into character, and began their show.
Long Bo had been a famous knight-errant many years ago, renowned throughout the land. Since the play was dramatized, it inevitably contained plenty of exaggeration, but it was still quite entertaining.
Seated high above, Huang Kai was easily swept up in the play.