The Celebrated Chef and the Famous Amateur 名厨名票

Description:

In the first year of the Republic, Hai Ba-Xian, a former imperial chef of the sixth rank, was the finest in all of Beijing, yet he was obsessed with opera. To watch the best performances of famous actors, he was often invited to the Zhongnanhai presidential residence to arrange banquets.
Hai Ba-Xian called himself a famous amateur of the Jin school, but in the "Big Wine Jar" eatery a street performer named Gai Shao-Shan mocked him for being timid in his singing. After a quarrel, they grew fond of each other and became master and disciple. Gai Shao-Shan's daughter, Ya-Niang, was young and beautiful, a virtuoso of the qin. Hai Ba-Xian fell deeply in love with her, sent a matchmaker and lavish betrothal gifts. Only later did he learn that Ya-Niang was mute. Hai Ba-Xian furiously broke off the engagement, but Gai Shao-Shan, who spent vast sums on opium, could no longer return the gifts.
Gai Shao-Shan resolved to repay the debt but fell ill and took to his bed. His daughter Ya-Niang performed in her father's place, and Hai Ba-Xian felt deep sympathy and love for her. He again proposed marriage and wished to take the bride home. Unexpectedly, Gai Shao-Shan refused. Only after three immortals revealed their wondrous trick did Hai Ba-Xian win the beauty as his wife. Yuan Shi-Kai ascended the throne and held a great feast for his ministers. The chief steward of the residence seized Hai Ba-Xian to take charge of the stove, but Hai Ba-Xian was gravely ill and could not fulfill the banquet duty. The chief steward then threw him into prison on the charge of opposing the monarchy...
After Hai Ba-Xian was imprisoned, Ya-Niang fell into despair and drank to the last drop the medicinal liquor he had brewed to nurture his voice, taking not a sip of water for three days and nights. When Hai Ba-Xian left prison and saw his wife unconscious, he embraced her and sang in grief — and his singing awakened her. Yuan Shi-Kai died, and Hai Ba-Xian was released from prison for his merit in opposing the monarchy.