Chapter 35: What a Buffoon

Chapter 35: What a Character

"Teacher Chen Ping, could I take a photo with you?"

"Of course."

After the makeup session concluded, the makeup artist surprisingly asked to take a photo with Chen Ping. Though caught off guard, Chen Ping did not refuse.

"Thank you, Teacher Chen Ping. I believe the Han Xin you portray will undoubtedly be the most brilliant one." The makeup artist said this with genuine excitement. It was certainly not flattery. After finishing Chen Ping’s makeup, he felt that this particular look possessed a depth and artistic resonance unlike anything he had ever achieved in his career. He couldn't quite put into words what that quality was, but when Chen Ping arrived at the plaza to join the cast for the opening ceremony group photo, many eyes were immediately drawn to him.

Chen Ping’s presence seemed to effortlessly overshadow the other actors. It wasn’t that his temperament was overbearing or flashy; rather, he carried the aura of a youth who had just stepped out of a village—filled with a rustic innocence, yet harboring a profound yearning for the world. One glance was enough to spark a thought in everyone’s mind: this young man was destined to stir the world.

Someone who recognized him couldn't help but exclaim, "What a perfect Han Xin!"

Director Gao Xixi was also struck. He had high expectations for Chen Ping from the start, but the actor had exceeded them. Before a single line was delivered, the role of Han Xin seemed to have been tailor-made for him.

"Alright, everyone, stand still."
"Say cheese!"
"Okay..."

The opening photo session ended. That afternoon, the crew shot a few symbolic scenes before calling it a day. That evening, the official character stills for *Legend of Chu and Han* were released to the major media outlets. Given the status of the director and the star-studded cast, this historical epic had already attracted a massive following. Naturally, fans rushed to see the photos the moment they were posted.

"Chen Daoming is truly incredible; his performance as the Emperor is the most anticipated part."
"Absolutely. When it comes to playing an emperor, Teacher Chen Daoming is my favorite."
"Hahaha, Teacher Yang Lixin as Xiao He is also fantastic."
"They are all seasoned veterans, absolutely top-notch."
"He Rundong as Xiang Yu looks so imposing."
"Wait, who is this? Holy..."

Initially, everyone’s attention was naturally fixed on established stars like Chen Daoming and He Rundong. However, when they saw Chen Ping as Han Xin, the audience was inexplicably captivated.

"Damn, so this is Han Xin."
"He has such a unique presence. I love it."
"This is the Han Xin of my imagination—not arrogant, not overbearing, but possessing that youthful, dragon-slaying conviction."
"A youth slaying a dragon—well said. Isn't that exactly what Han Xin was?"
"It’s a pity... that he ended up with such a fate."
"Forget the ending. Everyone knows the history of the Chu-Han Contention. What we want to see is a different kind of Han Xin."

The show was a hit before it even aired. Thanks to its grand scale, renowned director, and A-list stars, it had instantly grabbed the public’s attention. Simultaneously, the unknown Chen Ping, cast as Han Xin, also earned the viewers' praise. However, with the production just beginning, no one knew how the final product would turn out. Despite the positive momentum, Director Gao Xixi remained famously strict.

The next day, the crew fully immersed themselves in filming. Chen Ping had no scenes in the early stages, so he was relatively free. Despite his downtime, he spent most of his time on set. Watching established actors like Chen Daoming, He Rundong, and Yang Lixin perform in person was an invaluable learning opportunity.

In fact, Chen Ping was secretly impressed by Chen Daoming the moment he stepped on set. Despite being a major star and a household name, he didn't act like a diva at all. He followed the director’s instructions to the letter. Much like Liu Bang in *Legend of Chu and Han*, he was capable of both yielding and standing firm—he could be the founding Emperor of the Han Dynasty, yet just as easily portray a cunning, petty man.

For seven days, Chen Ping observed the filming. On the eighth day, his turn finally came. Compared to the previous scenes, his initial ones were relatively simple, consisting mostly of dialogue. Yet, Gao Xixi didn't find them simple at all. Although Han Xin didn’t have much screen time early on, he was a linchpin of the entire Chu-Han Contention. One could even say that for the first fifty episodes, the Han side was essentially waiting for one person: Han Xin. Without him, the Han forces were scattered like sand, Liu Bang was merely an ordinary man, and the entire history of the Han Dynasty might have lacked its significance.

Chen Ping’s first scene depicted the young Han Xin as indulgent, idle, and struggling to make ends meet. A local magistrate, who appreciated him, asked him one day what his plans were for the future while Han Xin was scavenging a meal.

"Chen Ping, are you ready?"
"Yes, I'm ready."
"Action!"

As the clapperboard snapped, Chen Ping’s first scene officially began.

Magistrate: "So, what are your plans for the future?"
Chen Ping: "I’ve already thought it through."

Chen Ping, carrying a three-foot sword, sat to the right of the magistrate. As he spoke of his future, he offered a faint smile: "Our Huaiyin County is short on horses. There’s only one stable within a hundred miles, and they can barely supply the government. I plan to import breeding horses from the North. I’ll start with six mares and two stallions. It takes three months to travel from the North to Huaiyin, so I’ll start the breeding process on the road. By the time I arrive, I’ll have twelve horses. I’ll sell one or two to cover my expenses, and keep breeding the rest. It won’t be long before I own a massive stud farm."

Magistrate: "When you put it that way, it sounds like a good business. What are you waiting for? Get started."

Han Xin shook his head: "I have no capital."

Magistrate: "You’re a descendant of nobility; why not borrow some money from your noble friends?"

Han Xin shook his head again: "They wouldn’t lend it to me."

After a pause, he added with a straight face: "Besides, the main problem is, once I reach the North, where am I supposed to find the mares?"

Yes. The Han Xin portrayed by Chen Ping was preparing to spout nonsense with a completely straight face. The other actors watching from the sidelines had expected to hear some profound business wisdom, but when Chen Ping asked, "Where am I supposed to find the mares?" they were doubled over in laughter. After all that buildup, it was just pure nonsense.

But that was exactly the effect Chen Ping wanted. People usually associated Han Xin with military genius, but was the real Han Xin constantly at war? Clearly not. When he wasn't fighting—especially during his destitute years—no drama had ever truly captured what kind of person he was. Some portrayed him as having grand ambitions, but without achievements to his name, those claims sounded like jokes.

So, when Chen Ping played Han Xin, he infused the character with a youthful innocence, yet ensured he didn't come across as frivolous. Even while talking nonsense, he maintained an air of absolute sincerity. This created a striking visual impact. With just this single scene, the persona of Han Xin was firmly established.