The door was electric, and it seemed very particular to open two or one door. They were greeted by both doors being fully opened, and there were several men and women who looked like servants lined up on both sides of the door.
The Earl and Lady Snowdon were standing guard in front of a two-story building. Their attire was not particularly formal, but they were also neatly dressed.
The countess came forward first and pulled Jin Xishan out of the car and said something in his ear.
The Earl of Snowdon looked less than forty years old and wore a typical British appearance, but the cigar held between his fingers showed a homely leisure.
"Mr. Liu and Miss Jin really have the kind of scandalous relationship as rumored?"
Unexpectedly, the seemingly dignified and orthodox male host revealed his gossipy nature as soon as he opened his mouth, but it might also be intentional to create an atmosphere.
Liu Qingshan bowed obviously and then explained with a chuckle: "The scandal is true, but in my eyes it is an ordinary love relationship. It was just to avoid a lot of unnecessary trouble that I never announced it publicly!"
"I understand," Earl Snowdon said, leaning aside to guide him. "That's the bad thing about your entertainment industry. You can't hide any secrets. Your private space is squeezed out to a pitiful extent!"
The countess is called Sophia, which is said to be because of her European royal ancestry.
While she was greeting Liu Qingshan, the personal assistant Thompson she had met in China before also appeared.
He said: "I rushed back on the flight before Mr. Liu. Because of some work matters, I couldn't rush to the airport to greet him!"
While talking, they had already entered the room, and Chen Zuming and others were invited to other villas.
Sure enough, as soon as we sat down, a waiter came forward pushing a three-story cart. On top of the cart was a three-story tower filled with food.
The first floor of the three-story tower houses various salty sandwiches, such as ham, cheese and other flavors. However, these sandwiches are not made by the pastry chef, but by another sandwich chef.
The English muffins placed on the second level are a must-have for English afternoon tea. They are paired with cream and jam, which the chef can mix as he pleases.
The desserts on the third level were cakes and fruit tarts, and the aroma of fruits instantly filled the entire living room.
They were sitting on a retro sofa set with dark red background and gold carvings. Every piece of furniture and design in sight revealed traces of the times.
A bar in the Victorian architectural style stands on the left, with an ivory white background, quiet, elegant, noble and ancient.
I didn’t say a few words before turning to the main topic.
Earl Snowdon first said: "Thank you Mr. Liu for bringing my grandfather's famous deeds to the big screen. In the eyes of our family, the future "The King's Speech" is not just a movie, but a depiction of the unity of the royal family." A symbol of harmony and beauty! My maternal grandmother, Elizabeth, the wife of George VI, was sophisticated and perseverant. She was her husband's loyal and reliable support. This queen epitomized the "never complain and never shirk" attitude that the British people at that time admired. Outlook on life.”
Sophia on the side explained to Jin Xishan in a low voice: "Mr. Liu's script was widely circulated in the royal family. At first, they didn't know it was written by an oriental, until the mystery was revealed at another family gathering. , many people’s jaws dropped, this is the real reason why the count invited you.”
At this time, Earl Snowdon was still gushing, "Since the coronation of Queen Victoria in the 19th century, the British royal family has maintained a strict and restrained attitude in terms of moral conduct, financial expenditures and relations with political parties. Queen Victoria herself has even The image of the head of state who faithfully performs his duties and the image of a good wife in a perfect marriage are imprinted in the hearts of the people together with the glorious era of Britain. Today, Queen Elizabeth II still strictly requires members of her royal family to become moral models. Since the passage of the Bill of Rights in 1689 Since the 1980s, although the power of the British monarch has been greatly weakened, the throne has been preserved. First, because the royal family still plays a certain role in mediating between the two domestic parties in power and on the international political stage. Second, it embodies and carries the people's support for the country. The recognition and attachment of the royal family as part of traditional culture.”
This person's tirade is more like giving a speech than talking about the historical background in the script, but when compared with the inside story of the script, it feels a bit like parroting.
Even the Countess was aware of this.
So she immediately reminded the count with a smile: "My dear, we are entertaining guests from afar, at home. No one questions your interest in speaking, but it seems that the occasion is not right!"
Amidst the burst of laughter, Earl Snowdon did not feel embarrassed, "The reason why I say so much is to prove how Mr. Liu's creation is in line with that era and accurately restore the grand occasion of the time! These are not just me perspective, with a lot of my grandmother’s words in it.”
"The Queen was indeed very excited when she saw it. She also drank some red wine and talked a lot. I haven't seen her as happy as she was that day in many years! Her thinking was quick and clear. It felt like what happened so many years ago In front of you."
This is Thompson telling the people present what he saw that day. Being able to speak on such an occasion clearly shows that this person has a high status in this family.
Liu Qingshan had actually anticipated a similar situation. In "The King's Speech", he always described the great king in a very positive way.
Moreover, the events that occurred within the royal family at that time are all faithfully restored and are true records in relevant historical materials.
The entire content, as Earl Snowdon said, is more than just a movie shown to the audience.
The depictions of no complaining, no prevarication, prudence, humility, fearlessness in the face of danger, perseverance, nobility, love between husband and wife, family harmony, etc., condensed the moral norms of the British and even human society at that time, and attached themselves to the royal family. Self-explanatory.
There are certainly parts of the movie that are acted out, such as the conflict and friendship between the king and the healer, and they are using it to reflect the beauty of humanity across social classes.
However, the main plot is still intended to point out the cautious and humble king, who showed a kingly demeanor that was not afraid of danger in the face of the raging war ignited by the Nazis.
He overcame his stuttering with great difficulty and delivered a fluent and firm Christmas speech to the British people, which greatly boosted the morale of the people.
The king's stuttering was not only a "personal issue" but also a "national dignity issue". During the special period of World War II, it was an issue that could affect the war situation.
With the cooperation of a glorious king and an ordinary therapist, the famous speech was brilliantly completed, which is the theme of the entire film.
Or it can be understood that this movie is a historical drama with the purpose of praising virtues. It restores part of the historical truth, creates an inspirational king and the unity of the royal family, and inspires the national morale through a Christmas speech. Just another interpretation.
However, the movie itself is a kind of popular culture. No matter which country the audience is, they are always willing to protect those things with beautiful meanings. All elegance, frugality, and non-dreary promotion methods will have a positive social impact.
For the British royal family, it is also an excellent opportunity to borrow movies to skillfully use soft power to expand their influence. This is the real reason why they value Liu Qingshan.
During the following afternoon tea time, Earl Snowdon's mental state was always in a state of excitement. This mood was understandable.
Fortunately, this person calmed down during the actual tea tasting time, and his attention returned to the guest.
It must be said that afternoon tea in the royal family is a comprehensive art, simple but not shabby, gorgeous but not vulgar.
Although the tea time and the pure British snacks are the most important part of the orthodox British afternoon tea, without good tea, porcelain, music, and even a good mood, afternoon tea will seem to be a fly in the ointment.
Obviously, Earl Snowdon's state change has a lot to do with these. Today's afternoon tea is Darjeeling and Earl Gray tea. Both tea leaves are brewed directly, and then the tea residue is filtered out with a tea strainer before pouring into the cup. drink.
Transparent crystal teapot, when hot water is poured down, you can see the tips of the tea leaves slowly blooming in the water.
The most beautiful thing is the rose tea. Watching the small rose petals dancing in the water makes your mood dance.
The combination of black tea and milk is like an elegant aristocrat meeting a celebrity gentleman. Whether it is a small sip or a hearty drink, in the wet and cold weather, the piping hot milk tea is undoubtedly a warm secret recipe that instantly slips smoothly from the tip of the tongue. After reaching the stomach wall, after a long time, there is still a faint sweetness in the mouth, which makes people aftertaste.
Liu Qingshan's feeling was average, but Jin Xishan obviously preferred this kind of food and method, and he was very interested in treating it as milk tea.
This kind of milk tea can also be paired with any afternoon snack, whether it is rich cheesecake, sweet and glutinous chocolate muffins, or casual thick toast, simple pineapple buns, both Chinese and Western, milk tea can be happily paired with it .
In fact, the countess was very approachable. After Jin Xishan took a bite of the chocolate muffin, she saw a little residue left in the corner of his mouth. She even took the initiative to lift up her little finger and help Jin Xishan wipe it off thoughtfully.
Accompanied by the subtle piano sound coming from the antique record player, the atmosphere in the living room was quiet and peaceful for a while, giving it a rare sense of comfort.
"Many relatives in the royal family have read the script and have a good impression of Mr. Liu. There will be a weekend party at my cousin's manor tomorrow. They have also invited you and Miss Jin. Do you have time?"
Earl Snowdon handed Liu Qingshan a cigar and said at the same time.
"The Earl's cousin must be directly related to the royal family, right? Sister Xishan and I are just actors. Is it appropriate to attend a party of that size?"
Of course Liu Qingshan wants to go. The cousin of Earl Snowdon will only be the Queen's immediate family member, and his status is very distinguished. No public figure would not care about being squeezed into that kind of circle.
Even famous people in the United States, such as Bill Gates and Angelina Jolie, attach great importance to receiving an honorary knighthood from the British.
Especially those countries or regions that are British or formerly British are more positive about the appearance of this kind of honorary title. Several famous tycoons in Hong Kong, such as Li Ka-shing, have titles.
