nucmednet Chapter 216 Ancient Etiquette in the Film Crew
Chapter 216 Ancient Etiquette in the Film Crew
On a bright and sunny day, Liu Yixin held Xiaoxuan's hand as they stood at the entrance of a quaint film and television shooting base. Colorful flags fluttered in the breeze, and various ancient buildings were arranged in a harmonious and orderly fashion, as if transporting one back a thousand years. Liu Yixin's eyes lit up with excitement as she said to Xiaoxuan, "Honey, today we're going to broaden our horizons! We're going to go to your second brother-in-law's film set and see how people in ancient times bowed and made greetings!"
Xiaoxuan was so excited that she jumped up and down, her mind filled with images of elegant young men and women in ancient costumes from TV dramas.
After asking around, the two finally found the filming location where Fu Yu was. A group of people were gathered in a circle, with a tall and handsome figure standing in the center – none other than Liu Yixin's husband, Fu Yu. At that moment, Fu Yu was dressed in elegant ancient costume, holding a folding fan, exuding the air of a refined scholar from antiquity.
"Everyone, watch carefully!" Fu Yu cleared his throat and said in a loud voice, "There are many rules to the cupped-hand salute from the Han Dynasty. The right hand is clenched into a fist, and the left hand is outside. This is called 'auspicious bow,' while the opposite is 'inauspicious bow.' Don't get them mixed up, or the audience will laugh their heads off when it's filmed!" As he spoke, he demonstrated, his movements were smooth and standard.
Liu Yixin and Xiao Xuan quietly crept to the back of the crowd, watching intently. Xiao Xuan couldn't help but whisper, "Wow, my brother-in-law is amazing, like a knight-errant!"
Liu Yixin laughed and covered her mouth: "Shh, don't make a sound, just watch."
At this moment, a young male actor raised his hand and asked, "Teacher Fu, is there a requirement for the height of this cupped-hand salute? I can never get it right."
Fu Yu walked over and patiently explained, "Generally speaking, when you cup your hands, you should raise them below your forehead, bend slightly at the waist, look straight ahead, and have a solemn expression. You can't be joking around, otherwise it won't feel right. Come on, let me demonstrate it for you again." As he spoke, he demonstrated it several more times and even pulled the male actor to teach him step by step.
Xiao Xuan was so engrossed in watching that she suddenly shouted, "Brother-in-law, you're awesome!" This shout was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, and everyone's eyes turned to them.
Fu Yu was taken aback at first, then walked over with a smile: "Why are you here? You didn't even tell me beforehand."
Liu Yixin joked with a smile, "What, you don't welcome us to come and observe your great director's class?"
Fu Yu quickly waved his hand, "No way, we're too happy to welcome you. Come, let me introduce you." With that, he pulled Liu Yixin and Xiao Xuan in front of everyone, "This is my wife Liu Yixin, and this cute little girl is Xiao Xuan."
Everyone greeted her, but Xiao Xuan was still a little shy, hiding behind Liu Yixin and only showing her big eyes as she curiously looked at everyone.
“Teacher Fu, since your sister-in-law and Xiaoxuan are here, why don’t we let them experience Han Dynasty etiquette as well?” an actress suggested.
Upon hearing this, everyone agreed, thinking it was a good idea.
Fu Yu looked at Liu Yixin and Xiao Xuan: "Do you two want to give it a try?"
Liu Yixin became interested: "Great! It's a good opportunity for Xiaoxuan to learn too. Maybe she can use it for a performance at school in the future." Xiaoxuan nodded vigorously.
So, Fu Yu began to teach Liu Yixin and Xiao Xuan the cupped-hand salute. Liu Yixin learned it quite well, but Xiao Xuan's little hands were always not clenched correctly. Sometimes her right hand was outside, and sometimes her left hand was loosely clenched into a fist.
Fu Yu patiently corrected her from the side: "Xiao Xuan, make sure your right hand is clenched tightly, like this, then cover it with your left hand, yes, that's it, great!"
Xiao Xuan tried her best to learn, her face turning red, and her serious expression made everyone laugh.
After teaching them the cupped-hand salute, Fu Yu began teaching them the hand gesture. "When you bow, your body should lean slightly forward, and your hands should move up and down in front of you. Don't make the movements too big; the movements should be natural and smooth," Fu Yu explained while demonstrating.
After following along a few times, Liu Yixin grasped the essentials and jokingly bowed to Fu Yu, saying, "My lord, this humble woman greets you."
Fu Yu returned the greeting politely, saying, "You're too kind, Madam."
It made everyone laugh so hard they were doubled over.
Xiaoxuan encountered a problem: she couldn't control her balance well, and when she bowed, she would either fall forward or lean backward. "Oh dear, why can't I do it right?" Xiaoxuan said somewhat dejectedly.
Liu Yixin went over to comfort her, "Don't worry, Xiaoxuan, practice slowly. Look, it took me several tries to get it right too."
Fu Yu also encouraged her, "Yes, Xiao Xuan, you've done very well. Try again, you'll definitely succeed."
Encouraged by everyone, Xiaoxuan mustered her courage and started practicing again. After several attempts, she finally succeeded in completing a standard bow. "I did it! I did it!" Xiaoxuan jumped up excitedly, like a happy little rabbit.
Everyone applauded, praising Xiaoxuan for learning so quickly.
At this moment, one of the male actors suddenly had a brilliant idea: "Teacher Fu, how about we have a little etiquette competition? Let's see who learns the fastest and best, and the loser has to perform a talent." This suggestion was unanimously approved. Thus, a unique etiquette competition began.
The participants were divided into groups and took turns demonstrating the Han Dynasty etiquette they had just learned. Liu Yixin and Xiao Xuan were in a group; their teamwork was excellent, and their movements were precise, earning them a lot of applause. The other groups were not to be outdone, each showcasing their own style. During the competition, many mishaps occurred; some people reversed the gesture of the cupped-hand salute, and some forgot to bend over when bowing, causing everyone to laugh continuously.
Finally, after a fierce competition, Liu Yixin and Xiao Xuan's team emerged victorious. "Wow, we won!" Xiao Xuan jumped for joy. The losing team, as agreed, performed a show. Some boys performed a hilarious ancient costume dance, with exaggerated movements and comical expressions that made everyone laugh until they almost cried; some girls recited an ancient poem, their voices trembling slightly, yet still possessing a unique charm.
After the competition, Fu Yu checked the time and said to everyone, "Alright, that's enough for today's etiquette lesson. Everyone's tired, take a break." The group dispersed to find places to rest. Liu Yixin and Fu Yu found a quiet corner to sit down, while Xiao Xuan went to play with some of the other child actors.
"It's been so interesting coming here today," Liu Yixin said, leaning on Fu Yu's shoulder. "I never imagined that there were so many intricacies to ancient etiquette."
Fu Yu said with a smile, "Yes, these etiquettes are cultural treasures left by our ancestors. We can't be careless when filming. We have to let the audience see the most authentic ancient etiquettes."
As the two were talking, Xiaoxuan ran over, holding an ancient-style headdress in her hand, and said excitedly, "Sister, brother-in-law, do you think this looks good?"
Liu Yixin took the headdress and looked at it carefully: "It's so pretty. Xiaoxuan will definitely look like a little princess wearing it. Here, let me put it on you." As she spoke, she helped Xiaoxuan put the headdress on her head.
Xiaoxuan looked at herself in the mirror and happily twirled around a few times: "Am I pretty?"
Fu Yu and Liu Yixin said in unison, "She looks beautiful. Our Xiaoxuan is a little beauty from ancient times."
After resting for a while, Fu Yu had to get back to filming. Liu Yixin and Xiao Xuan also prepared to leave. "Did you have fun today, Xiao Xuan?" Liu Yixin asked.
Xiaoxuan nodded vigorously: "I'm so happy! I've learned so many ancient etiquette rules. I'm going to perform them for my mom when I get back."
Fu Yu smiled and patted Xiao Xuan's head: "I'll bring you guys to play again next time we have the chance."
Liu Yixin and Xiao Xuan bid farewell to Fu Yu and the crew, and left the filming location. The afterglow of the setting sun cast long shadows on them. Today's ancient etiquette adventure on set brought them joy and knowledge, becoming an unforgettable and beautiful memory.