22: Acting opposite the best actor, full of aura

Inside the rehearsal venue, the lighting had been adjusted, and several cameras were aimed at the center of the stage.

Director Zheng Guofeng sat behind the monitor, his expression serious, his eyes sharp. Qin Ya and two scriptwriters sat beside him, their expressions focused.

Other actors and crew members who were not needed for this rehearsal quietly gathered around, wanting to witness the scene between the Best Actor Chen Daoming and this “mysterious newcomer” Lin Da.

Wei Zhongxian, played by Lin Da, stood hunched over, hands at his sides, on one side of the stage. He seemed completely immersed in his character's world, as if all the surrounding noise had nothing to do with him.

Meanwhile, Teacher Chen, playing Emperor Yongle, stood in the center of the stage, dressed in a dragon-patterned casual robe that resembled everyday attire. Although he had not uttered a word, the imposing aura of an emperor, majestic without anger, had already permeated the entire venue, causing the atmosphere to solidify.

“All departments, prepare!” the assistant director shouted loudly. “'the chronicles of the great ming dynasty' Group A, Scene 32, Take 1, First Rehearsal! Ready—Action!”

As the clapperboard fell, the rehearsal officially began.

In this scene, Emperor Yongle summoned Wei Zhongxian late at night to inquire about the recent situations of the Crown Prince and several vassal kings, with his words full of probing and subtle warnings.

Emperor Yongle, played by Chen Daoming, slowly turned around, his gaze like a torch, falling upon Wei Zhongxian, played by Lin Da.

“Wei Banban,” his voice was not loud, but it carried a penetrating power that seemed to see into people’s hearts.

Wei Zhongxian, played by Lin Da, trembled slightly, then immediately took small, quick steps forward, stopping three steps away from Emperor Yongle, respectfully kneeling on the ground, his forehead lightly touching the floor.

“Your humble servant, greets Your Majesty,” his voice was hoarse and humble, perfectly showcasing the awe and trepidation of an old eunuch facing the supreme ruler.

Just a kneeling motion, a detail of kowtowing, made many people present nod secretly. This newcomer had a very solid foundation.

“Rise and speak,” Emperor Yongle said indifferently, his tone revealing no emotion.

“Thank Your Majesty,” Wei Zhongxian kowtowed again, then cautiously stood up, still maintaining a slight bow, his head lowered, not daring to look directly at the Emperor’s face.

“I heard that the Crown Prince has been frequenting the advisors of several Han Prince’s residences recently?” Emperor Yongle asked casually, yet his gaze was like a sharp knife, scraping across Wei Zhongxian’s face.

Wei Zhongxian’s heart tightened, and fine beads of sweat seeped onto his forehead. He knew this was the Emperor’s warning and a test. Answering this question even slightly incorrectly could lead to a fatal disaster.

He paused for a moment, seemingly organizing his thoughts, then replied in an even more humble and cautious tone: “Replying to Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is benevolent and has always been on good terms with the various princes. I imagine... I imagine it’s merely deep brotherly affection, with no other intentions. Your humble servant is dull, I dare not comment on court affairs, nor presume to guess Your Majesty’s thoughts.”

This reply was flawless. It clarified the relationship between the Crown Prince and the vassal kings, while also completely absolving himself, and subtly flattering the Emperor at the same time.

Lin Da portrayed Wei Zhongxian’s cautiousness and ability to read people, crucial for survival in the cracks of power, with profound accuracy. Although his gaze was lowered, the occasional glint in his eyes when he looked up hinted that this old eunuch was not as simple as he appeared on the surface.

Teacher Chen, standing opposite him, showed a subtle hint of surprise in his eyes.

This young man had something special.

He had initially thought that a new actor, in front of his powerful aura, would show some nervousness and timidity. But Lin Da, in front of him, not only showed no signs of panic but was able to accurately respond to his performance, and even in subtle details, display the complexity and inner workings of the character.

This was not something that could be achieved by talent alone; behind it, there must have been unimaginable effort and accumulation.

“Oh? Deep brotherly affection?” Emperor Yongle sneered, a hint of mockery in his tone. “I think some people’s wings have grown hard, and they wish to share my burdens prematurely?”

The emperor’s oppressive aura, like a tangible force, pressed down on Wei Zhongxian.

Wei Zhongxian, played by Lin Da, trembled uncontrollably again, cold sweat trickling down his temples. He knelt down with a thud, his voice tearful: “Your Majesty, calm your anger! Please calm your anger, Your Majesty! The Crown Prince is loyal to you and has no ulterior motives! Your humble servant... Your humble servant is willing to guarantee it with his own head!”

His head heavily knocked against the ground, emitting a dull thud.

This kneel, this kowtow, was full of despair and fear, and also full of protection for the Crown Prince and reverence for imperial power.

Director Zheng Guofeng, behind the monitor, nodded repeatedly.

Lin Da’s performance was well-controlled and layered. He did not deliberately try to steal the scene, nor was he completely suppressed by Teacher Chen’s powerful aura. Instead, within his character’s scope, he fully displayed the inner world of Wei Zhongxian.

Especially his loyalty in protecting the Crown Prince even under extreme fear, and the sense of helplessness, were precisely conveyed through subtle expressions and body language.

Qin Ya, who was observing from the side, watched with shining eyes. She knew that this time, she had truly struck gold.

And those young actors who had previously harbored doubts, or even a hint of hostility, towards Lin Da were now silent.

They had to admit that Lin Da indeed had some serious skills. Just those few moments were enough to leave them far behind.

The rehearsal continued.

Emperor Yongle did not immediately let Wei Zhongxian rise, but instead, with a scrutinizing gaze, lingered on him for a long time.

The air seemed to solidify.

Lin Da remained motionless on the ground, only his slightly rising and falling back indicating his inner turmoil.

Finally, Emperor Yongle slowly spoke, his voice carrying a sigh of unknown meaning: “Rise. I am tired, you may withdraw.”

“Your humble servant… obeys,” Wei Zhongxian felt as if he had received a great pardon, shakily rising and backing away from the stage.

The moment he turned, a complex emotion flashed in Lin Da’s eyes. There was relief, lingering fear, and a hint of… deep-seated worry.

This gaze perfectly brought the scene to a meaningful close.

“Cut!” Director Zheng Guofeng’s voice finally sounded.

He stood up from behind the monitor, a long-awaited smile appearing on his face.

“Good! Very good!” He did not stint on his praise. “Teacher Chen, Lin Da, your scene just now was full of sparks and tension! Especially Lin Da, your understanding and control of the character Wei Zhongxian have improved a lot!”

Receiving such direct praise from Director Zheng Guofeng, Lin Da felt a surge of excitement, but he remained humble: “Thank you, Director Zheng, it’s mainly because Teacher Chen guided me so well.”

Teacher Chen also smiled and nodded, a genuine appreciation in his eyes as he looked at Lin Da: “Young man, well done. Solid fundamentals, Reiki, and you’re willing to put in the effort. Keep acting well, your future is limitless.”

This phrase, “future is limitless,” coming from the Best Actor Chen Daoming, carried immense weight.

The surrounding crew and actors’ gazes towards Lin Da had completely changed.

If anyone had previously suspected he got the role by luck or something else, now everyone was impressed by his strength.

Just then, an untimely voice softly echoed from the crowd:

“The acting is indeed good, but I wonder… can he keep being this ‘lucky’?”