WK Chapter 72.2

After the two of them left Nian’an Bookstore.

 

Xi Zixing still stood in front of the painting, reaching out to touch it for a moment.

 

The shopkeeper came in, “Young master, who were those people just now?”

 

Xi Zixing: “I couldn’t tell about the small one, but I’ve heard of the big one. He’s General Xia Hong’s son.”

 

“That one.”

 

The shopkeeper stroked his beard, “But young master, what about this painting?”

 

Xi Zixing turned the painting upside down again, “It’s nothing. You may go. Calculate how much paper we have stockpiled in the warehouse.”

 

“Yes.”

 

After the shopkeeper left, the room became quiet again.

 

Xi Zixing sat by the window, his gaze falling vaguely on the scroll.

 

His thoughts drifted back to about three years ago, the day before his mother died, when he excitedly told her:

 

In this life, if he were to study, he must know why he studied; if he were to be a minister, he must find a worthy ruler whom he would willingly follow unto death.

 

Otherwise, it would be better not to study at all, to be a leisurely wealthy gentleman, and to live this life in peace.

 

“I thought I would only turn this painting upside down when I met the person my heart acknowledged,” Xi Zixing smiled slightly.

 

“Unexpectedly, today I met a kindred spirit, and it’s a young master…”

 

–

 

Nian’an Bookstore and Cangwen Bookstore joined forces.

 

Xia Fuyang and Xi Zixing rushed around together, going to several other markets to buy paper.

 

The quality of the paper was much lower, but the content was clear, and their prices dropped significantly.

 

Following Xi Zixing’s suggestion, they dispersed their bookstores. In the east, west, south, and north markets, people hung signs for “Nian’an” and “Cangwen” bookstores, pushing book stalls to sell.

 

With novel storybooks and low prices, storytellers who had been paid rushed about, quickly suppressing the storybook business of other bookstores in the capital to a half-dead state.

 

When only “Even in Death, the Fragrance of Chivalry Remains” was famous, other bookstores’ storybooks could still sell. Now, with so many storybooks forming a new fashion trend, their “outdated” goods were all stuck in their hands.

 

Pirated versions couldn’t even be produced fast enough, and since pirated versions relied on low prices, they were squeezed out of existence by the extremely affordable genuine books, so no one wanted to pursue that line of business anymore.

 

The shopkeeper of Nian’an Bookstore was so happy his eyes disappeared when he smiled.

 

“Young master, we’ve earned quite a bit.”

 

Xi Zixing folded the letter he had just received and said: “This is only possible in the capital. In less prosperous places, there aren’t many literate people, let alone those who buy books.”

 

“This is the second letter requesting a meeting, still in the afternoon, at Ruyi Tower’s Heaven Room Number One.”

 

Xia Fuyang: “As merchants, win-win cooperation is much better than a fight to the death.”

 

Xi Zixing nodded, “Why don’t I see your brother? What they value should be the authorization of the storybooks. All the storybooks we sell are provided by your brother.”

 

“My brother?” Xia Fuyang suddenly realized, “Oh, oh, he went home, went home to eat, um… probably has a lot of schoolwork too.”

 

Having skipped school for so many days, one can imagine how much schoolwork had piled up to be made up.

 

“Will he come?”

 

“If he can make it, he probably will.”

 

Xi Zixing pondered thoughtfully.

 

–

 

Zichen Palace.

 

Qu Dubian was burying his head in his food, his chopsticks moving so fast they left afterimages.

 

Emperor Chongzhao: “You’ve been out of the palace for so long, I thought you weren’t coming back.”

 

“But I’m back now,” Qu Dubian swallowed his food and wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, “I was busy with important matters outside.”

 

Emperor Chongzhao laughed: “Important matters?”

 

Qu Dubian: “Yes, yes, busy making money. I also found partners, that annoying fellow Xia Fuyang, and a small bookstore owner. We’re selling books to make money.”

 

“I heard you got into a fight with Xia Fuyang at your eldest brother’s residence. If you dislike him so much, why cooperate with him?”

 

Emperor Chongzhao didn’t take his talk of making money seriously. Just a couple of shops in the capital—whether they made money or lost money, in his eyes, it was like children playing house.

 

He was more concerned that if they lost money, this child would fall ill from anger.

 

Qu Dubian: “His money is more important than he is.”

 

Emperor Chongzhao was truly puzzled: “The things you’ve taken from me, and the treasures that Concubine Xuan, the elderly imperial consorts, the Empress, and other consorts have openly and secretly given you over the years—you could buy ten or twenty good shops in the capital without any problem. Why are you still so greedy for money?”

 

This little one’s private treasury, if calculated, was probably more than his several brothers combined.

 

His studies showed no progress, but his abacus clicked away noisily.

 

He pondered: “Is it the Deputy Director of the Astrology Bureau who has corrupted you?”

 

Qu Dubian choked, waving his hands repeatedly: “Of course not.”

 

Zhang Chansi was teaching him arithmetic properly, and he diligently solved problems to increase her favorability. This stable and peaceful relationship absolutely could not be disrupted by his cheap father.

 

“Concubine Xuan said I should have something to strive for as a hobby. I thought about it, and making money seems good.”

 

Emperor Chongzhao had a headache: “So in the future, you only plan to delve into the way of commerce? That’s a lesser path.”

 

Qu Dubian asked curiously: “Of course not. A person can’t have just one hobby.”

 

Emperor Chongzhao’s expression softened a bit: “What else, then?”

 

Qu Dubian clenched his fist and said determinedly: “Become a martial arts master, and then farm!”

 

He lowered his head and continued eating his rice.

 

Emperor Chongzhao: “…”

 

This must be Concubine Xuan’s influence, it must be.

 

After a long while, he finally remembered what he had initially wanted to say, “Xia Fuyang is Xia Hong’s son. His father is stationed at the northern border. Your small conflicts with him don’t matter, but don’t let them escalate, or it will be difficult for me to handle.”

 

“He has trained in martial arts since childhood. He must have been letting you get away with biting him. You can be willful around me, but restrain yourself outside. Don’t always bully others.”

 

Qu Dubian: “I also practice martial arts. I’m very good now.”

 

Emperor Chongzhao didn’t believe it at all and still wanted to lecture: “You…”

 

Qu Dubian: “Besides, his father isn’t as powerful as my father, so it’s fine to bully him a bit.”

 

The Emperor’s lecture got stuck in his throat, and he couldn’t suppress the curve of his lips, laughing and scolding: “You little rascal, talking nonsense.”

 

After dinner, Qu Dubian tugged at his sleeve, pleading: “Father Emperor, I need to go out again after eating. It’s a critical time. I’ll earn lots of money to buy you gifts, okay?”

 

“Two days at most, and you must take the schoolwork assigned by your tutors.”

 

Qu Dubian’s little face fell.

 

“Fine, Your Majesty.”

 

–

 

Qu Dubian made a trip back to Shunning Palace and took all the homework that Zhiyi had collected for him from school.

 

Last time he didn’t bring Da Hei. He led the dog, Ye Xiaoyuan carried his small schoolbag, and the two of them walked toward the North Gate.

 

After passing through the North Gate, they exchanged smiles. The small schoolbag on Ye Xiaoyuan had already disappeared, and the two of them, feeling completely unburdened, got into a carriage.

 

Inspection and Transport Office.

 

Wen Xiaochun hurriedly walked into a room, carrying something in his hand.

 

Someone greeted him along the way: “Good day, Superintendent.”

 

Wen Xiaochun only nodded slightly before quickly entering the room and shutting the doors and windows.

 

“Why is the Superintendent walking so fast?”

 

“No idea, strange.”

 

Inside the room.

 

Wen Xiaochun uncovered the cloth hiding what he was carrying—it was none other than Qu Dubian’s small schoolbag.

 

He skillfully pulled out the homework inside, looking at the stack of exercises and the large characters that needed to be written.

 

There was also a small note inside that read: “Xiaochun, Xiaochun, try to mimic my handwriting a bit! I’m too busy to write it myself. Please, please take care of this homework for me!”

 

At the end of the note was a drawing of a little dog bowing with clasped paws.

 

The Superintendent smiled helplessly, sighed, rolled up his sleeves, and began grinding ink.

 

—

 

Ruyi Tower.

 

Heaven Room Number One.

 

Xue Letian handed over a draft contract.

 

“I didn’t expect you to be so young—truly a hero among youth. Here’s a draft contract for negotiating cooperation. You two may take a look.”

 

Xia Fuyang glanced at the window-side position, where there was a screen behind which someone was seated.

 

He pointed toward the screen: “Are you the one in charge? Who’s behind the screen?”

 

Xue Letian chuckled: “A partner of mine. He’s unwell and not fit to meet people. But to show sincerity, he still came in person.”

 

“Oh…”

 

Xia Fuyang nodded and didn’t press further.

 

Xi Zixing carefully examined the contract and frowned slightly: “After authorization, you earn profits with a 90/10 split? We get 10%, you get 90%?”

 

Xue Letian: “If you’re not satisfied, it’s negotiable.”

 

Behind the screen.

 

Xu Tingfeng felt disappointed as he held his teacup and gazed out the window.

 

After investigating that Cangwen Bookstore was run by Xia Fuyang, he had thought that Xia Fuyang’s partner might be his little nephew… After all, his aunt had said that his little nephew was close to Xia Fuyang.

 

That’s why he had come to observe today’s negotiation.

 

Unexpectedly, Xia Fuyang’s partner turned out to be Xi Zixing, son of Minister Xi Shiqiu from the Ministry of Justice.

 

A wasted trip.

 

Xi Zixing calmly said: “Change it to a 70/30 split—we get 70%, you get 30%. And we’ll only authorize profits from book sales; no authorization for merchandise or peripherals.”

 

Xue Letian laughed: “Young master, paper prices have risen—we’re not unable to bear it; we just believe harmony brings wealth. Changing from 90/10 to 70/30 is quite harsh. Plus, you’re keeping all the profits from merchandise while leaving us with just a small share. We’d still have to deal with piracy and increase promotions for you.”

 

Xi Zixing smiled: “Isn’t piracy your doing?”

 

Xue Letian shrugged: “We don’t stoop to such lowly tactics—at most, we add fuel to the fire. You’ve offended too many bookstores.”

 

Xi Zixing sipped his tea: “A 90/10 split contract is no different from robbery.”

 

Suddenly, the door opened, and Qu Dubian entered wearing a bamboo hat and leading Da Hei. “So lively! Brother Xiaoyuan, it seems we’re a bit late.”

 

Ye Xiaoyuan smiled warmly: “Not too late at all.”

 

Behind the screen, Xu Tingfeng’s fingers froze mid-motion.

 

Xia Fuyang exhaled heavily: “You finally came—they’ve been arguing forever.”

 

Qu Dubian patted Da Hei’s head, climbed onto a chair, crossed his legs, and picked up the contract for a look.

 

It was an overly tricky contract with plenty of hidden traps.

 

The battle wouldn’t be easy. Qu Dubian took a sip of water and prepared for combat by pulling out a charcoal pencil from his small pocket.

 

“Your contract doesn’t show your sincerity,” he glanced at the signature, “Master Xue. In proper business negotiations, we usually start with a 50/50 split—”

 

From behind the screen: “Acceptable.”

 

Qu Dubian paused.

 

Xue Letian turned his head and said: “Didn’t we agree you wouldn’t interfere?”

 

Qu Dubian continued: “A 50/50 split is just the starting point, to show your sincerity, since we hold all the books. As our little Xi said, a 70/30 split—”

 

From behind the screen: “Acceptable.”

 

Qu Dubian paused again.

 

Xue Letian: “?”

 

Xia Fuyang and Xi Zixing exchanged glances, both pairs of eyes filled with confusion.

 

Qu Dubian cleared his throat: “We’re already conceding a lot with a 70/30 split. What about an 80/20 split…?”

 

From behind the screen: “Also acceptable.”

 

The elegant room fell into silence. Xue Letian’s face had begun to contort.

 

After a while, Qu Dubian cleared his throat again, folded his small arms, leaned back in his chair, and declared with complete conviction: “But now I think a 90/10 split would be even better.”

 

A teacup was gently placed on the table, making a soft click.

 

A few seconds later.

 

A light laugh came from behind the screen, somewhat tender, somewhat indulgent:

 

“Mm, all acceptable.”

 

---

 

(advanced chapters available on kofi)