The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

At the beginning of November, nothing important happened. On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, Chen Heng visited Hu Ji's library again with four new works from Liaozhai.

Hu Yuan was very happy about his arrival and directly invited Chen Heng and Xue Biao to the tea room in the back hall, leaving only the waiter in front to take care of them alone.

As soon as the three of them sat down in the tea room, Hu Yuan couldn't wait to read his new work. Chen Heng ignored him. He was listening to Xue Biao explaining to him the Yangzhou Maojian in the cup.

The three of them were busy with their own things. After a while, Hu Yuan put down the manuscript and coughed lightly, Brother Chen.

Brother Hu, what do you think? Chen Heng smiled and turned his head. There was a pagoda-shaped incense burner between him and Hu Yuan. A few strands of sandalwood rose slightly, an inch away from the top of the tower, and scattered in the air.

The tea room is elegant and quiet, with paintings and calligraphy hanging around. The treatment this time here is not a bit better than last time. Chen Heng saw this and only smiled secretly in his heart.

I am not qualified to comment on Mr. Yuan He's masterpiece. Hu Yuan joked enthusiastically, with a friendly tone without being overly flattering, Brother Chen, I'm afraid you don't know that your reputation in Yangzhou is not as great as that of a thunderous one. To the extent that it can be called a household name.

Chen Heng smiled and accepted Hu Yuan's compliment calmly. He must be more aware than Hu Yuan of the impact of Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio on fantasy novels.

Even from now on, Chen Heng disappeared from everyone and became another injury to Zhongyong. Hundreds of years later, descendants of this time and space will also remember his names, Hu Yuan, and Hu Ji Shulou because of this book.

Otherwise, how can we live up to the comment that Liao Zhai comes to the world, and the legends and legends come back to the world for thousands of years, and the brilliance conquers the end.

But Chen Heng definitely didn't come here to hear a few compliments. He and Hu Yuan wanted to formally calculate the royalties for this book. They only mentioned this when they first met last month.

First, Chen Heng wanted Hu Yuan to personally feel the influence of Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio. Secondly, he also held the idea of ​​​​waiting for a price to sell.

So the two of them agreed at that time to discuss the matter in detail when the manuscript was submitted for the second time. And this is also the reason why Xue Biao is sitting here today.

The second room of the Xue family owns a printing shop, and its business has been mediocre in recent years. Xue Ai's mind has never been on this, and the manager who runs it is not a capable person.

Xue Biao has obtained a printing shop from his father in the past few days, and plans to use Chen Heng's relationship to publish Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio with Hu Ji Bookstore. I want to see if I can take advantage of the east wind to make the printing shop's business pick up.

The negotiation process went very smoothly, and Hu Yuan did not deliberately lower the price just because it was Chen Heng's first time writing a storybook.

Booksellers in the Great Yong Dynasty generally had two methods for dealing with newcomers like Chen Heng.

One is to directly set a dead price, and the bookseller will take away the work, pay for it himself, and be responsible for the profits and losses. If you happen to like it, leave the author’s name. When encountering someone with a bad heart, even his name is replaced by his own library.

The other method is the method Hu Yuan is giving Chen Heng now. Chen Heng invested in the book with a shareholding of 1.50%. The Xue family's printing shop occupies 3.5%, and the remaining 50% belongs to Hu Ji's library.

Xue Biao had already told Chen Heng the inside story of this business, and Hu Yuan’s price was very fair. A normal bookseller who can give a 10% dividend can already be regarded as the conscience of the world.

Hu Yuan did this not only because he was optimistic about the prospects of Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio, but also because he hoped to make Chen Heng a friend.

Chen Heng was naturally willing, and he was glad that he had not misjudged the person. He was willing to choose Hu Yuan because the other party left a way for him to copy books, and now he is reciprocating the favor.

After discussing the most important things, the three of them turned to the topic of book sales. Because of the example of the storyteller, Hu Yuan did not underestimate Chen Heng's thoughts, but asked the other party's opinion seriously.

Chen Heng also had this intention. He told the other party his views on Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio. The more Hu Yuan listened, the more surprised he became, saying: Brother Chen, are you planning to sell books in four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter?

Chen Heng nodded. He saw Hu Yuan's hesitation and quickly explained his thoughts to the other party, Brother Hu, you can also see that the content of Liao Zhai is simple and short. Such a storybook is better than a long and flowing story. . However, it is extremely easy for people to imitate and fabricate it.

We have walked the path of a storyteller once. If you continue to rely on them to build your reputation, I'm afraid it will be half the effort and a waste of manpower and financial resources.

Seeing Hu Yuan nod, Chen Heng continued: In this case, why don't we take advantage of our current reputation to make Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio thinner and smaller, with a lower price. We stipulate that one volume will be released every season so that everyone can enjoy it. If you can afford it, you can carry it with you.

Brother Hu might as well think about how many business tourists there are in Yangzhou every year who spend a few taels of silver to buy the complete version of Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio. They may feel sorry for the money. But you can spend dozens of coins to buy a booklet, which you can take with you on the road to relieve your boredom. When your companions ask, you can tell others about it and gain face.

When these people help us put up the signboard, everyone in the world will know Yangzhou's Liao Zhai Zhiyi and know that Hu Ji Shulou's Liao Zhai is the real thing. For us, won't we get twice the result with half the effort and enjoy the success?

Hu Yuan was stunned for a moment after hearing this. Chen Heng's idea really opened his eyes. Is it possible to sell books like this?

This way of selling books alone is worth thousands of dollars to Hu Yuan. He is not an ignorant person. There are few stupid people in business. When he thinks about it, he knows how big Hu Ji's Bookstore will be in it. of cheap.

Brother Chen, I don't know what to say at the moment. Hu Yuan stood up, bowed and saluted, and said movedly, I can only thank Brother Chen for your kindness first, and I will surely repay you generously in the future.

Chen Heng smiled and turned sideways. He was willing to say this because Hu Yuan did not lower the price and bullied students when he saw that he was young. He has always behaved in a way that if you respect me one point, I will return the other three points to you.

The two of them had a good chat, and finally agreed that Chen Heng would write fifteen stories per season, and that all other matters would be handled by the Hu and Xue families.

Once the work was done, Chen Heng didn't stay much longer. He declined Hu Yuan's invitation to stay for dinner, and returned to the academy with Xue Biao with the thirty-two manuscript fees he paid to himself in advance.

Chen Heng originally had no intention of accepting the money, but Hu Yuan gave him the money with the sentence: The Chinese New Year is coming soon. Brother Chen will inevitably write at home. With these thirty taels, your family will not say anything to you when they see it. Convinced.

Chen Heng thought about it himself. He would also deduct it from the dividends in the future. With this money first, he could also subsidize his family.

On the way back, Xue Biao was silent. After Chen Heng continued to ask, he said with emotion: Brother Heng, have you ever thought that maybe your talent for business is even higher than studying? Woolen cloth?

If you have ideas and capital, you need someone, Brother Xue. Chen Heng smiled and pushed him, You said, Brother Hu is so sincere and kind to me. Is it possible that it's because you, the young master of the Xue family, are also present? .”

Xue Biao thought about it, then shook his head and said: No matter how you say it, it is my shop that has to accept your favor.

Okay, there's no need to talk about this between you and me. Chen Heng held the money in his pocket and said generously, Let's make an agreement first. Next time we take a break, it's my turn to invite you out for a meal.

After more than half a year of hard work, Chen Heng finally turned around and felt comfortable. Thinking about the good days ahead, he was in a pretty good mood.

Now is the time when Chen Heng is happy. Naturally, Xue Biao will not be disappointed and directly smiles: Then I have to think about what to eat.

Before the rich man pretended to be addicted enough, Chen Heng took the initiative and quickly raised his hands to beg for mercy, Hold on, let's make a deal first, let me leave some money to go home for the New Year.

Hahaha, you, you, don't worry, brother knows what's going on.

…………

…………

On the 16th, the academy was closed for bathing again, and Chen Heng made an appointment with Dayou, Yuan Bai, Xue Biao, and Su Zhao to go to a restaurant in the city for dinner. These people all knew that their classmate had made a fortune, and they couldn't help but joke about it at the table.

Chen Heng also accepted everyone with a smile. He just yelled for everyone to eat more, but don't be polite to him. After eating this meal, I don’t know when the next meal will be.

It's okay, Brother Heng can't let me wait until I'm seventy. Jiang Yuanbai imitated Pei Huaizhen's walking posture, which made everyone laugh.

After everyone had eaten, it was still early. Chen Heng led them out of the city to visit his second uncle. Chen Huaijin's corvee service this year has ended, and he is packing his things to go home these days.

Chen Huaijin was very happy to see his nephew and his classmates come to him. I grabbed a few boys and chatted for a long time.

The second uncle has no airs and talks in a humorous manner. He often goes to market places and likes to tell strange rumors, which is very popular with Jiang Yuanbai and others.

Chen Heng stayed outside the city until evening, then took his classmates back to the school.

The days that followed were all ordinary trivial matters in life. It was only in December that his classmates began to sit still, and even Chen Heng began to think about going home.

The students, who had been away from home for so long for the first time, counted the days and finally waited until the 15th day of the holiday.

As soon as the classes on the 15th were over, Chen Qi walked into the school with many elders and servants of his classmates and helped Chen Heng pack the luggage he brought home.

It was rare for Xue Ai to appear in person today. When she saw Chen Qi, she even chatted with him for a while. The person who came to Xin Suzhao's house was a guard whom he had met several times. Jiang Yuanbai's father was a dark-skinned farmer. As soon as he entered the house, he distributed the fruits he brought to everyone.

It was hard to refuse such kindness, so Chen Qi had no choice but to accept it shamelessly, thinking to himself, why didn't he think of this? Next time you come here, be sure to bring something with you.

Chen Heng didn't know what his father was thinking, so he just smiled and said hello to the elders of his classmates, and said goodbye to everyone one by one.

The father and son left the academy and rushed to the inn. There happened to be a convoy going to Taixing County today. Chen Heng has made some money this year and does not want to be crowded into the same carriage with other travelers as in the past.

Ignoring his father's advice, he spent more money and rented a donkey cart from the caravan. The father and son had a spacious space to themselves, and Chen Heng had the opportunity to ask his father about the situation at home.

What? My mother gave birth to a younger brother? Chen Heng was surprised and happy.

In fact, depending on the delivery date, the baby may be born at the end of the next year or in January. But Gu didn't know where to find her leisure, and couldn't sit still at home. Move left, move right. This startled the child in his belly, and he started to move while Gu was working.

The midwife who delivered the baby said that luckily it started early. The baby was very heavy when he was born. If it had to be carried to full term, Mrs. Gu might not be able to bear it, so it was a blessing in disguise.

It is also the life of the old Chen family that has been getting better and better these years. Ever since Chen Heng came to Leyi Academy, he has found a job copying books. Although the money is not much, I can barely break even. In the academy, there are no other expenses. Food and clothing can be saved as much as possible.

In addition, the county exempted the old Chen family from a lot of taxes, which saved the old Chen family a lot of money. How could Mrs. Zhou hold back this time? With a wave of her hand, she spent all her money on Mrs. Gu, which was why the child was so heavy just after birth.

It would be great if it's a daughter. You can have more sisters. Chen Qi giggled, What nickname would you give your brother?

When Chen Heng heard this, his eyes widened on the donkey cart returning home, Dad, what do you think, I am his brother, can I take my brother's name?!

Didn't you read the book? I asked you to help me think about it. This is not the case. Chen Qi curled his lips.

Chen Heng couldn't help but said with a bad smile: Since my mother started it when she was feeding the chickens, and she is the youngest, why not call me chicken?

As a brother, you really can imagine it. Chen Qi rolled his eyes and fell sideways in the car.

Although he is an ordinary farmer, he now has children. The eldest daughter Chen Qing is sensible and well-behaved, while the second son Chen Heng is well-educated and motivated. They are very proud of their lives.

When people are proud, they have many ideas. Suddenly an idea flashed in his mind, he half-propped himself up, and said happily: Why don't we call it Ruyi.

Chen Heng was a little surprised. His father's brain was quite useful. Chen Heng couldn't help but darken his face and said angrily: Dad, what did you think of naming me Ergou?

I didn't get it. Chen Qi shook his head and sighed, It was your grandpa who got it for you. At that time, your second uncle's child was always sick, so your grandpa felt that the name was too good to suppress.

It's grandpa, so forget it. Chen Heng was helpless and lay beside Chen Qi, Is my brother good-looking?

A newborn baby can't see well, it's ugly and ugly. Chen Qi couldn't help but touch his face, It's all my fault. Fortunately, you and your sister are more like your mother.

Hahahaha. Chen Heng couldn't help laughing and asked, How is grandpa doing?

Do you still know about your grandfather's bad temper? It's not what you said, and he won't listen to anyone else's words. As soon as he got better, he rushed to work in the fields, saying that he would save money to make clothes for you.

Why do you want to make clothes properly? Chen Heng was very puzzled.

Silly son, don't you even know your sleeves are short? Chen Qi raised his hand and was about to pat it down, when he suddenly thought that this brain is different from his own, so don't break it. Halfway through, he changed his tone to softer and said, Don't you feel like you've grown taller?

Chen Heng raised his hand in the air, pulled up his sleeves and gestured to his wrist. Sure enough, it was a bit shorter. There are all people of the same age in the room, and no one is getting taller. I can't tell where I am on weekdays.

Chen Qi thought that this was also the case. Anyway, your grandma and your second aunt have already bought sewing and thread, and are waiting for you to go back this time to make a few sets of clothes for you.

good.

Chen Heng responded sweetly. Perhaps due to the bumpy journey, Chen Heng gradually became sleepy.

Chen Qi saw this and pulled him over with his hand, saying, Go to sleep when you're sleepy. Dad is here, so you can't lose your things.

good.

Chen Heng nodded.

Unfortunately, he didn't sleep long before he was woken up by Chen Qi's snoring. Looking at his father who was sleeping more maturely than him, Chen Heng couldn't laugh or cry either.

I stood up and opened the wooden window of the donkey cart. Under the sunset, Taixing County bathed in red light was already in front of me.

There will be another update tonight. After explaining the affairs of the Chen family, I started to wrap up and open the third volume, hahahahahaha