Chapter 4: The Storyteller

The Imperial Academy was the revered sanctuary in the hearts of all scholars; more than half of the officials in Greater Xia had emerged from its halls. Naturally, Chen Hao longed to enter it. When he heard that the Academy would be selecting candidates here, he had begun preparing in every way possible six months prior.

If the Academy’s representatives heard the rumors about him harassing his sister-in-law, they would surely reject him. In Greater Xia, personal reputation was paramount. If that happened, not only would he fail to gain entry to the Academy, but he would also be barred from the imperial examinations. All those years of study would have been in vain.

“Chen Fan, don’t act rashly. You and Hao’er are cousins who grew up together. You can’t just disregard brotherly bonds!”
“Chen Fan, we’re all family. This is just a misunderstanding.”

Chen Hao’s parents anxiously stepped forward, fully aware of the stakes. After speaking, they led others away. Although the grandmother was unwilling, she could do nothing but concede.

Watching the Chen family’s feeble retreat, disdain flickered in Chen Fan’s eyes.

The two sisters immediately burst into joyful cheers.
“My husband is amazing! We were truly terrified just now. Who would have thought that with just a few words, you could resolve the crisis?” they said, smiling.

Chen Fan cast a mischievous grin at the sisters. “Later, your husband will be even more impressive.”

The sisters understood the implication instantly, their cheeks flushing a seductive crimson.

Unable to resist any longer, Chen Fan embraced the sisters and retreated to the room. As the door closed, soft, enchanting sounds soon drifted out.

...

By afternoon, Chen Fan watched the two sisters beside him, their cheeks still flushed and their bodies exhausted in sleep, and a smug smile played upon his lips. Dressing quickly, he stepped out.

His intent was simple: to earn money, or else the sisters would go hungry.

Before long, Chen Fan arrived at the bustling Eastyang County town. The streets teemed with people, lively and vibrant. He glanced left and right, secretly searching for a chance to make money.

He refused to believe that a battle-hardened soldier like himself, having crossed over from another world, couldn’t find a way to earn a living.

After wandering, Chen Fan stopped before a teahouse, where a crowd had gathered. Inside, a storyteller was vividly narrating tales.

His gaunt lips moved ceaselessly, weaving one vivid story after another. His fingers danced in the air as if painting invisible scenes, sketching captivating plots that stirred the imagination.

When the storyteller reached a thrilling moment, the listeners seemed to hold their breath, time itself seeming to freeze.

When he narrated something humorous, the teahouse erupted in laughter, like spring rain nourishing the earth.

“Mr. Guo Hua truly lives up to being Greater Xia’s most renowned storyteller! No one can match that voice and manner!” the crowd exclaimed in admiration.

Chen Fan had to admit that Guo Hua’s linguistic prowess was formidable; even he felt as if transported into the scenes. Yet, the stories held no appeal for him. The people of Greater Xia, however, listened with rapt attention, generously rewarding the storyteller.

A single session could earn dozens of taels of silver, a considerable sum in Greater Xia.

Suddenly, Chen Fan’s eyes lit up as an idea struck him.

“Ladies and gentlemen, to know what happens next, your old servant will take a short break and then continue,” Guo Hua announced at a pivotal moment, abruptly pausing.

The crowd erupted in curses of frustration but none left, eagerly awaiting the continuation.

Seizing the moment when the crowd’s attention was diverted, Chen Fan approached Guo Hua.

“Sir, your storytelling was truly magnificent!” Chen Fan flattered immediately.

Guo Hua’s face lit up with pride, but upon noticing Chen Fan’s patched clothing, a hint of coldness shadowed his expression.

“Wait outside! I’ll continue later,” the storyteller said, sipping his tea and refusing to meet Chen Fan’s gaze, knowing the poor man couldn’t afford to tip him.

Undeterred, Chen Fan smiled and said, “Sir, your stories are well told, but the tales themselves are dull and fail to captivate me.”

At this, Guo Hua slammed down his teacup, glaring furiously.

“What did you say? My stories aren’t captivating? Since childhood, I have studied Greater Xia’s official and unofficial histories, folk legends, writings of scholars and poets. Many of our most popular tales come from my mouth! You dare say my stories don’t attract? You’re clearly provoking me. Get lost, or I’ll have you thrown out!”

“Please calm down, sir. Let me tell you a story and see whose tales are better,” Chen Fan said confidently.

Guo Hua scoffed, not believing Chen Fan could tell a good story. To compare Chen Fan with him was an insult.

“You’re not worthy—” he began, but before he could finish, Chen Fan interrupted.

“Once upon a time, a monkey sprang from a stone.”

Hearing the first sentence, Guo Hua was immediately intrigued and fell silent. Chen Fan went on to recount the story of Sun Wukong wreaking havoc in Heaven.

Guo Hua listened with rapt attention, much like the audience had listened to him earlier.

...

Guo Hua was amazed by this wondrous tale.

“Go on! After Sun Wukong declared himself the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, what did the Jade Emperor do? Why did you stop? Continue, please!”

Chen Fan paused at a crucial moment, making Guo Hua itch with anticipation.

Seeing Guo Hua’s eager expression, Chen Fan smiled smugly. His storytelling skills might not match Guo Hua’s, but the depth and excitement of his story could not be rivaled.

After all, these were stories passed down through five thousand years of civilization.

“How about a deal?” Chen Fan proposed.

“What deal?” Guo Hua asked, puzzled.

“I’ll tell you the story, and you perform it on stage. We split the tips fifty-fifty,” Chen Fan explained.

Guo Hua pondered for a moment.

“No, at most a 70-30 split, with me getting seventy,” Guo Hua bargained.

Chen Fan immediately stood to leave.

“Wait!” Guo Hua called out.

Chen Fan smiled.

“All right, I’ll take the loss. Half each,” Guo Hua conceded reluctantly.

Chen Fan then shared the next part of the story, though he deliberately withheld some details, ending where Sun Wukong was trapped beneath the Five Finger Mountain.

After hearing this, Guo Hua eagerly mounted the storytelling platform.

The crowd quieted instantly, all eyes fixated as if a spotlight shone upon him.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I won’t repeat the previous story. Instead, I’ll tell you a new one,” Guo Hua announced.

The audience immediately protested.

“How can you not continue? The best part isn’t told yet! How am I supposed to sleep tonight like this?”
“What’s so good about a new story? Continue the last one!”

Though the crowd voiced their displeasure, Guo Hua remained calm. After composing himself, he began:

“In ancient times, a monkey sprang from a stone…”

At these words, the once noisy and restless listeners fell silent.