Meng Xiaodong: the glory and loneliness of the winter emperor in Liyuan

First, Li Yuan was born in a noble family.

In the thirty-fourth year of Guangxu, Meng Xiaodong was born at noon on a snowy cold winter. With the approaching of the winter solstice, her family named her "Xiaodong"-a simple and clear name, which gradually released huge energy in the long years to come, resounded through the China Theatre, stunning the stage of the pear garden, making thousands of opera fans in Qian Qian crazy and intoxicated, and making the world still remember the old dream of the pear garden.

Xiaodong Meng's grandfather Meng and his father Meng Hongqun were both famous dramatists in the theater at that time, and several uncles and cousins of Xiaodong Meng were also dramatists. Therefore, Meng Xiaodong was surrounded by a strong Peking Opera atmosphere when he was born. The three generations of Meng family produced nine famous Peking Opera actors, which can be called Liyuan family. Meng Xiaodong grew up in such an environment, and naturally became close to the water tower from an early age, and forged an indissoluble bond with "drama" in a subtle way.

Second, learn from teachers in childhood.

Meng Xiaodong's teacher Meng Kai is her uncle Qiu Yuexiang. In the fourth year of the Republic of China, Meng Xiaodong's father, Master Meng, had an accidental stroke while singing in class. Although he was treated in time, he was still physically inconvenient and unable to move. Master Meng is the source of income for the whole family. It's really sad that I can't act now, but I need medical advice. In desperation, the Meng family wrote the then nine-year-old Meng Xiaodong to the old musician Qiu Yuexiang as an apprentice and signed a three-year contract. After the contract expires, I will work for the teacher for three years, that is, during the three-year performance period, all the income will go to the master, and in the fourth year, I can give half to my family. From the fifth year, it can be used to support the family.

Nine-year-old Meng Xiaodong left school and began a formal apprenticeship. Because Qiu Yuexiang is her uncle, the two relatives have a harmonious relationship, and Meng Xiaodong hasn't been beaten much, but the master is also very strict in teaching drama. Every morning, he takes Meng Xiaodong out for a walk and shouts loudly. Meng Xiaodong, at an early age, is clever and serious in learning drama, but he feels sweet but not bitter. With diligent study and unique talent, Meng Xiaodong's opera skills have made rapid progress. At the same time, the complicated drama world in front of her not only amazed her, but also exhausted her. During that time, under the guidance of Master, Meng Xiaodong hardly sang, and even sang all the time.

Third, girlhood began to show its edge.

Meng Xiaodong's three-year contract with Master Qiu Yuexiang was short-lived, and Meng Xiaodong also grew into a slim girl of 12 years old, and ushered in her first official stage performance opportunity. At that time, Wuxi New World was recruiting an old student to take the stage, and Qiu Yuexiang decided to let Meng Xiaodong, a fledgling student, give it a try. When the manager of the new world saw Meng Xiaodong, he was short, weak and childlike, and he felt that he had lost confidence. However, Qiu Yuexiang vowed to him: "I have studied with me for many years. It's not my grandmother who sells melons. I will go on stage! " Then, he asked Meng Xiaodong to sing xiaoyaojin to the manager. When Meng Xiaodong spoke, he made the manager sit up and take notice. Her voice is clear and high-pitched, pure in tone, high-pitched and wide, and her voice is smooth. At the end of the song, the manager repeatedly praised: "Nizi is not simple! Really well-deserved! " And made a decision on the spot: Wuxi sang "xiaoyaojin" on the first day of sex!

Meng Xiaodong's debut in Wuxi New World was a great success. Although she is only twelve years old, her singing skills should not be underestimated. Her voice is wide and bright, and she can't recognize the girl's inherent female voice at all. After the performance that day, the whole theater applauded warmly and was packed. The next day, Tin Pao commented:

"At the age of twelve, Wang Bo wrote Epang Palace Fu, which has been a genius since ancient times. Meng Xiaodong can sing Tan Liu Ge at the age of twelve, and he is also a genius. "

The success of this first show is not only the embodiment of Meng Xiaodong's super talent, but also the sweet harvest of her efforts since childhood. It is precisely because she worked hard day and night in the previous three years that she was able to shine when the opportunity came and let people see the bright face of a new star in the pear garden.

In June165438+1October of the same year, Xiaodong Meng joined the Gankun Dajing class in Shanghai World Playground on the recommendation of his sixth uncle Meng Hongmao. For Meng Xiaodong's drama career, this is undoubtedly another great leap in stages. In the next few years, Xiaodong Meng traveled all the way and performed in Fujian, Nanjing, Jinan and other places, all of which aroused enthusiastic response in the local area. Meng Xiaodong's unique and bright voice and singing have been recognized and valued by more and more audiences and professionals, and the beautiful melody is unforgettable everywhere she walks.

Fourth, the famous earthquake capital is beautiful and beautiful.

In the 14th year of the Republic of China (1925), Meng Xiaodong, aged 18, once again ushered in a full house of drama career. Accompanied by Master, Meng Xiaodong sang opera in the north this year. The prosperity and excitement of the capital make Meng Xiaodong in his prime nervous and full of longing.

This year, Meng Xiaodong made a successful debut in Beijing with a film "Shiro Visiting Mother", which became an instant hit and can be said to be a blockbuster. From then on, a Meng Xiaodong spread like wildfire in Beijing and soon spread all over Beijing. As a result, Meng Xiaodong was invited endlessly in Beijing, and his beautiful appearance and excellent temperament also attracted many people. But at the same time, there were many famous actresses in Beijing, and the competition was fierce. If Meng Xiaodong is complacent and neglects to practice, he will soon be forgotten. If Meng Xiaodong wants to stand out and gain a firm foothold, he must work harder and pay more sweat and effort. Meng Xiaodong knew that he was lucky and needed to seize the opportunity. She is arrogant and impetuous, riveting her strength, playing during the day, playing at night, running around, playing double, like a high-speed spinning top for an instant.

This year, something happened that Meng Xiaodong will never forget, and it was also a difficult turning point in her life track-performing on the same stage with Mei Lanfang. At that time, Mei Lanfang was already a world-renowned king of music, and Meng Xiaodong was also a rising star and a famous actress in Beijing, so the first cooperation between two talented people can be said to have attracted national attention.

The first meeting between Meng Xiaodong and Mei Lanfang was a luncheon arranged by Feng Gengguang accompanied by Master Qiu Yuexiang. Feng Gengguang was then the governor of China Bank and a close friend of Mei Lanfang. The luncheon arranged this time is also to meet Mei Meng and talk about the rehearsal. After both of them were present, President Feng came forward to introduce Mei Meng. Meng Xiaodong bowed respectfully to Mei Lanfang and casually called "Uncle Mei!" Mei Lanfang, who had just turned 30 at that time, was known as the "Oriental Beauty Man". Now I am called "Grandpa" by a girl of 18 years old, and everyone present can't help laughing. Mei Lanfang also reciprocated: "Miss Xiaodong, don't mention it!" Feng Gengguang came over to Meng Xiaodong and said, "We will meet often in the future. Let's call him Mr. May. "

Eighteen-year-old Meng Xiaodong first met Mei Lanfang, the first drama master in music. Now she has met the top idol she worships in her career. How can she not be nervous or even incoherent? In the face of this personable gentleman, Mingzhen Liyuan, it is hard for Meng Xiaodong to imagine that the fate and extinction between her and Mei Lanfang began at this time.

Five, the golden age and plum combination

The combination of Meng Xiaodong and Mei Lanfang is both unexpected and reasonable, and it is indeed a perfect match in talent and talent. In fact, the combination of Mei and Meng benefited from the matchmaking of Mei Lanfang's friends, that is, the enthusiasm of Mei Party. Feng Gengguang mentioned above also played an important role. When he saw some friends in the stands, Mei Meng cooperated closely, and he also intended to help Mei Meng get married for a hundred years in the audience, he formally entrusted Qi Rushan and Li Shizhen as matchmakers and asked Mei Meng what they thought.

Mei Lanfang was very happy to hear that. After several times of cooperation on the same stage, he has long been impressed by Meng Xiaodong's extraordinary talent. He thinks Meng Xiaodong is a rare old talent in Kun, a beautiful girl without losing her aura. If she can combine with it, she will naturally be happy. But at that time, Mei Lanfang had two wives. The first wife, Mrs. Wang, was ill in bed for a long time, so there would be no objection, but the second wife, Mrs. Fu Zhifang, was strong-willed and certainly would not be smooth sailing. At that time, Li Shizhen proposed to Mei Lanfang a plan of "hiding beautiful houses". Mei thought about it and nodded in agreement.

On the other hand, Meng Xiaodong flew into a rage after listening to the matchmaker. She thought: The word "Mei Lanfang" is known to women and children all over the country. How many rich and powerful ladies have fallen in love with him, and I am just a girl who has the honor to perform on the same stage many times. I never dreamed that I would have such a great blessing to entrust myself to him. Meng Xiaodong feels dreamy more and more. According to today's statement, she is equivalent to marrying her beloved bean.

After Mei Meng's affair was settled, Meng Xiaodong's first task was to end the mentoring contract with Master Qiu Yuexiang. After learning about this, Qiu Yuexiang sighed: "What a big girl! In recent years, he has taken me everywhere, sang a lot of plays and made a lot of money. It's just that I'm in Beijing now, and I'm afraid Mei Lanfang won't let you show up to sing. As the saying goes, never leave your mouth. If you don't practice for a year or so, I'm afraid all your efforts will be in vain. "

Meng Xiaodong was anxious when he heard it. He said loudly, "Who said no!" In fact, Meng Xiaodong thought about it before. If we can combine with Mei Lanfang and act on the same stage day and night, it will definitely be of great artistic benefit. How can you stop singing as soon as you get married, as Master said? Why can't I sing after I get married? Can I make an exception? Meng Xiaodong made up his mind not only to continue singing, but also to sing better. For Meng Xiaodong, singing opera has become a part of her life and blended into her flesh and blood.

Mei Lanfang and Meng Xiaodong, as the best "partners" in the pear garden, enjoyed each other's fake play through several cooperation and pairing on the stage. This golden wedding is indeed an eternal story in the history of modern drama in China. After marriage, Meimei lived a very happy and carefree life. Their new house was first set in Feng Gengguang's mansion, and then secretly moved to a mansion in an alley. Every day, close friends get together for leisure and romance, which is greatly satisfied both materially and spiritually.

Sixth, hide in the golden house to study and practice.

The combination of Meng Xiaodong and Mei Lanfang was still closed at that time, so the outside world knew almost nothing about it. Meng Xiaodong was hidden in the deep house compound. Mei Lanfang goes out to sing opera every day, and kills time when she has time. This carefree but monotonous life gradually made Meng Xiaodong feel empty. She suddenly realized that what Master said before marriage was not unreasonable: once she married Mei, it would probably mean the end of stage life. Meng Xiaodong left the stage of dreams, just like a fish out of water, sad and thirsty. To this end, Meng Xiaodong told Mei Lanfang several times that he wanted to return to the stage, but Mei Lanfang refused: "I wish you were free now, with men outside and women inside." If I go out to sing a play, my friends will laugh at me. Mei Lanfang can't even keep his wife. Where do you want me to put my face? " Meng Xiaodong could not disobey Mei Lanfang, so he had to submit to humiliation and stay at home as his wife.

However, Meng Xiaodong, who is diligent and studious, doesn't want to waste his time like this. She settled for the second best and asked Mei Lanfang to ask the teacher to teach her drama, so as not to be unfamiliar. Mei Lanfang met Meng Xiaodong's requirements and hired a famous teacher, Mr. Bao Jixiang, to teach her. Since then, Meng Xiaodong's heart has finally settled down, living in seclusion in the house and studying hard.

While continuing to study opera, she also began to study culture classes. Because Meng Xiaodong dropped out of school at the age of nine to learn from his teacher, his cultural literacy is actually very low, and Meng Xiaodong has a clear understanding of this. She is unwilling to be a performer who can only sing. She wants to write good paintings like Mei Lanfang, Cheng, etc. Determined to make progress, she used this spare time to cram for cultural classes. She learned Chinese characters at the window on time every day, and watched plays and vernacular novels. Mei Lanfang also taught her to draw Mei Zhu Lan's plays, or tell the story of the pear garden, or scrutinize the rhyme of the script, which was enjoyable. Since then, Meng Xiaodong specially invited a Chinese teacher to study calligraphy, so later, she wrote a good hand and a good article, which was the solid foundation laid at this time.

Meng Xiaodong married Mei Lanfang in the golden age of his career, and then lived a leisurely and happy life in the Kim family. Compared with the hard work of the past few years, these days are a little empty, but they are also stable and relaxed, and there is no need to rush around like in the past. Meng Xiaodong studied drama at the age of nine, then rose to perfection step by step, and finally shelved his beloved drama stage for love. But the cold reality soon shattered Meng Xiaodong's beautiful fantasy, and this famous match made in heaven did not end well.

Seven, Lao Yan flew back to the stage.

Mei and Meng's marriage lasted for more than four years, and finally parted ways and made their own living, and they never met again. There are many reasons for the weakening and breakdown of their relationship, including the unofficial birthright given to Meng Xiaodong by the Mei family, the rivalry of Mei Lanfang's second wife, Fu Zhifang, the scandal of public opinion, the personality conflict between Mei Meng and so on. It is not a sudden collapse, but the accumulated contradictions can't be reconciled in the end. Mr. Zhao Rongchen, a performing artist of Peking Opera School, said in the book "After seeing the Hanlin in the Pear Garden": "Two good actors can be a good match in art, but they may not form a perfect family; Who can be condescending in every corner? There will be a storm for a long time. " Mei Lanfang and Meng Xiaodong are both stage celebrities loved by millions of people. They are worshipped and sought after by people in the audience, and their nature is inevitably lofty and conceited. In this way, when there is some friction, both sides are unwilling to bow their heads and admit their mistakes. Coupled with the intrusion and intervention of various external factors, they are exhausted.

Meng Xiaodong became famous at a young age. Her extraordinary talent and beautiful face make her stand at a commanding height and accept public praise and admiration. At the same time, she is under the pressure of competition and hard work, so it is inevitable that she will be arrogant and competitive. When Mei Lanfang was still in a dilemma between her and Fu Zhifang, Meng Xiaodong decided to break up: "Long pain is better than short pain. Instead of dragging on like this, it is better to cut the gordian knot! " Mei Lanfang said, "I still hope you will calm down. Life is like a chess piece. It's not wrong at all. " "I just took a wrong step and lost the game." Mei Lanfang wanted to keep her, but Meng Xiaodong made up his mind: "I can't stay in such a sad and heartbreaking place any longer!" " Mei Lanfang tried to give Meng Xiaodong some money, but Meng Xiaodong refused and said categorically to Mei Lanfang, "Don't worry, I don't want your money. I will either stop singing in the future, and I can't sing worse than you. If you don't marry in the future, remarriage will not be worse than you! "

The breakdown of Meimei's marriage occurred around 1930, when the New Culture Movement was in full swing and the voice of advocating women's liberation became louder and louder. Meng Xiaodong's determination echoed the theme of women's resistance in that era. Meng Xiaodong not only struggled in drama career, but also dared to love, hate and leave in love and marriage. When she was madly in love, she married the person she desperately loved, and when her love was disillusioned, she resolutely turned and left. She wants freedom, self-esteem and self-respect.

After this short marriage, Meng Xiaodong, who came home again, was also sad and painful. After all, this is her first precious feeling, and she and Mei Lanfang really have too many beautiful and warm memories. Thinking of all the emptiness in an instant, I am as tough as Meng Xiaodong, and I am inevitably saddened. She even once converted to Buddhism, trying to regain peace and tranquility in the face of faith. After a period of precipitation and reflection, Meng Xiaodong gradually regained her love and obsession with drama art. She realized that she should not give up a half-life drama for a failed love, which ruined her talent and skill of practicing for many years. She is Meng Xiaodong, a famous actress who once filled the theater with enthusiasm. 1933, Meng Xiaodong decided not to escape from reality. In response to the malicious rumors about Mei Meng's divorce in the society at that time, she made an "urgent notice". When referring to her emotional entanglement with Mei, she only said, "Dongzi lamented his life experience and was hit again, so he broke away from family relations resolutely. I'm the one who took the blame? Restrain others from me? The world has its own public opinion, not waiting for winter rumors. " In September of that year, Meng Xiaodong finally returned to the stage.

Eight, become attached to Du Yuming.

After his comeback, Meng Xiaodong was once again a great success, and the audience's enthusiasm for Meng Xiaodong who reappeared in the field of vision continued unabated. On the day of the performance, many people were empty. Celebrities booked boxes and presented flower baskets, and there was a lot of traffic outside the theater. Meng Xiaodong became famous again. At the same time, Meng Xiaodong also changed the workaholic state of "desperate Saburo" before. But after acting, learn classical Chinese, study calligraphy and painting diligently, and travel with three or two friends.

1 937 On May1day, Meng Xiaodong was invited to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony of the Golden Grand Theatre in Baxianqiao, downtown Shanghai. Meng Xiaodong came to Shanghai at the invitation of his sister and Du's fourth aunt, and lived in Yao's house. Du is also an opera fan, who has admired Meng Xiaodong for a long time. Meng Xiaodong has excellent singing skills, extraordinary temperament and good looks. This time Meng Xiaodong came to Shanghai and lived next door to her fourth aunt's house. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Du, and he is willing to fix it. So under the arrangement, Du made a confession to Meng Xiaodong. Xiaodong Meng believes that Du has been taken care of by him in recent years, and Du is also a good man. Here, Meng Xiaodong became the mistress of green gang tycoon Du.

Yu Shuyan was a master of drama at that time, and his singing was first-class. At that time, due to old age and infirmity, Yu Shuyan didn't intend to accept any more professorial apprentices, but Meng Xiaodong insisted on worshipping this respected opera master out of his obsession with improving his drama skills and studying hard, so that he could go to by going up one flight of stairs. Learning from teachers is not always easy. Yu Shuyan refused Meng Xiaodong face to face, and Meng Xiaodong was nasty directly. He said sincerely, "If you don't accept me as a disciple, I will commit suicide!" " When Yu Shuyan saw Meng Xiaodong's resolute eyes and expression, he was shocked and didn't know what to do. In addition, his friend intervened from the side, and Yu Shuyan could not shirk it. He said helplessly, "If I accept it, I will accept it. As long as I have the spirit, I will talk about the play. "

Meng Xiaodong finally got his wish and went to Yumen. Today, he is equivalent to a high flyers who continues to study for a doctorate with a famous teacher. Yu Shuyan's teaching is quite strict, but Meng Xiaodong grew up under the strict guidance of teachers. Even if the door is harsh, he can stand it. Meng Xiaodong is determined to study hard and never back down. In order to concentrate on his studies, he resolutely gave up his immediate interests, declined the stage, and eagerly studied the rest of the art day and night.

Xiaodong Meng studied in Yumen for five years with superhuman perseverance and hard-working quality, and learned nearly thirty plays. Meng Xiaodong is the person who has studied drama for the longest time and won the most Biography. Xiaodong Meng's traditional opera skills, which used to be transcendent and refined, have now reached perfection and become the outstanding successor of Yu Yibo.

Nine, Guangling swan song moved to Hong Kong with Du.

1947 August 30th is Du Fu's 60th birthday. At that time, floods occurred in some parts of China, and Du decided to hold a birthday benefit performance to help the disaster, that is, all the proceeds from the performance were used for disaster relief. Meng Xiaodong, who has already debuted, was invited to participate in this charity performance. Meng Xiaodong gave two performances of "Seeking and Saving Orphans", which was a complete success and received warm applause from the audience. A famous drama of Henan School was sung almost flawless by Meng Xiaodong, and received rave reviews both inside and outside the industry. But unfortunately, this was the last time Meng Xiaodong performed on the stage. After that, she refused all invitations and meditated. It is speculated that her weakness may be the reason why she stopped going on stage. She once said to her disciples, "A scene consumes too much energy, and it is impossible for the body to win."

During the War of Liberation, from 65438 to 0949, Xiaodong Meng lived in Du's home in Shanghai. Later, the situation became tense. Due to special political factors, Du had to flee to Hong Kong. Although Xiaodong Meng was not the official Du family at that time, going to Hong Kong also meant separation from his family and friends. He made a decision: "Follow Lao Du!" Meng Xiaodong is determined to share life and death with his present lover Du.

However, it was not long before Hong Kong settled down. 1950 In late autumn, Du intends to flee to France for refuge again. At that time, he announced this in front of the whole family. Meng Xiaodong suddenly said, "I'll go with you. What's the maid?" Still a girlfriend? "Meng Xiaodong want to ask this sentence for a long time. At the beginning, she came to Shanghai from Beiping and then to Hong Kong from Shanghai, in order to repay Du's kindness in meeting him. After more than a year in Hong Kong, she worked hard for Du's illness all day and took care of him like a maid, regardless of her birthright. This is completely different from Meng Xiaodong who was arrogant when he was young. Since Du came to Hong Kong, her illness has become more and more serious. She worked tirelessly for him, but she always looked like an outsider in front of Du's family. As a woman, she is also eager for formal recognition. She was even more depressed when she remembered her first failed marriage. Fortunately, a word awakened the dreamer, and Du now decided to make up with Meng Xiaodong.

Du, 63, and Meng Xiaodong, 42, held a late wedding with dignity and selectivity. Mei Lanfang, who Meng Xiaodong pursued all his life, failed to give her a birthright, and finally got her wish and became the fifth wife of legendary tycoon Du. For Meng Xiaodong, who enjoys a high reputation in the whole country, this may be her final compromise on fate and her helpless reconciliation.

Taiwan Province writers have the following description in Du Chuan:

"Meng Xiaodong, with her unique skills, is alone. She stood proudly in glory all her life and suffered numerous blows. The word "through many vicissitudes" is used as her portrayal. Since Du entered the door at the age of 60, she has been with the open-hearth medicine jar for a long time. Did she share Du Yuesheng's wealth and glory one day? Did she get a moment's pity and love from Du Yuesheng? Therefore, the more serious Du's illness is, the more she feels that she has really failed Meng Xiaodong's affection. It is really cruel to let Meng Xiaodong, an outstanding strange girl, step into a chaotic and complicated environment like Dufu, and accompany an old man who has been ill for a long time like a candle in the wind. "

Whether in the first marriage with Mei Lanfang or in the second marriage, she tried to be Du's concubine. Meng Xiaodong has always been loyal to her heart emotionally, and the people she loves have done their best to have no regrets, just like her persistence in her career. Meng Xiaodong is such a detached woman, independent and clear-headed. Although her fate is ups and downs, she is also calm.

Worked as an apprentice in Taipei, Hong Kong for ten years.

195 1 year, Du died in Hong Kong at the age of 64, and Du's family fell apart. Meng Xiaodong also moved out of Du Mansion and lived alone in an apartment, living in seclusion. Then, with the help of friends, Xiaodong Meng began to accept apprentices and teach opera. Just like his teachers, Yu Shuyan and Meng Xiaodong, the requirements for apprentices are extremely strict, which makes many rules for his disciples. This is precisely because of Meng Xiaodong's loyalty and love for art, and it is precisely because of this sincerity that she hopes that her apprentice will have a sense of awe and belief when learning drama, practice and learn drama with meticulous attitude, and treat drama with loyalty, awe and sincerity, just as Meng Xiaodong has done all his life.

1967, Meng Xiaodong left Hong Kong and settled in Taipei. Life in Taipei is leisurely and carefree. Meng Xiaodong reads paintings and poems, recites scriptures and meditates every day. However, illness was Xiaodong Meng's greatest rival in his later years. When he was young, Xiaodong Meng was too tired and weak, and even sicker in his later years. Meng Xiaodong's last ten years in Taipei, as her disciple Mr. Li You said, "During the ten years in Taipei, I was sick most of the time."

1976, a generation of drama legend Meng Xiaodong died at the age of 70.

Tail:

The title of "Winter Emperor" was put on Meng Xiaodong's head and originated from Tianjin Shabao in 1928. At that time, a critic, Sha Dafeng, was whimsical and called Meng Xiaodong "Winter Emperor" in his article. Later, a jingle circulated for a while: "Sha dialect is good, and the scenery in the amusement park is very fresh." Long live my emperor's good prayers, and the wind blows a little winter. " Since then, the title of "Winter Emperor of Liyuan" has spread like this. At that time, Meng Xiaodong was less than 20 years old, which was a great opportunity to become famous and be proud of his youth.