amaotonovel Chapter 188 Madness
Chapter 188 Madness
Wen Zongji and Pei Rujing were both used to taking a nap after lunch, and they would take a short rest after finishing their lunch.
Pei Shirong and the others did not have this habit.
They went up to the deck together, looking at the scenery on both sides of the Sucheon River and feeling the wind blowing in their faces.
"I thought only elderly people took afternoon naps, but I didn't expect that the county princess and Lord Wen also have this habit."
Since neither of them were around, Zuo Mingxuan made her comments very casually.
Pei Shirong said, "My younger sister didn't have this habit before. She must have been influenced by her husband after getting married."
"Lord Wen is so young, this habit is quite surprising."
Fang Sichu said, "Third Brother Wen looks like a mature and steady person. My brother knew that I was going on a boat trip with Third Brother Wen, so he specifically told me not to embarrass myself in front of him."
"My brother is so devoted to his official duties that he practically lives in the yamen. The fact that he would give me such advice shows how much he values Brother Wen."
Mei Yilan also said, "I heard from my father that Lord Wen is very popular both inside and outside the court. It seems that several government departments want to recruit him."
Hearing their conversation, Pei Shirong, the brother-in-law, scratched his head: "You mean my brother-in-law? How come I didn't know he was so capable?"
Fang Sichu was taken aback: "Second Brother Pei doesn't know about the Beijing Gazette?"
"I know, so what?"
"The Beijing Daily has become a must-read for the people of Beijing. The previous incident involving Zhou Zhou and his nephew, the head steward, has shown everyone the influence of the Beijing Daily on the people."
"It can be said that the Beijing Daily has reached the point where its words can determine life and death."
"And with something so influential in Wen Sange's hands, does Pei Erge think the officials in the court would feel comfortable entrusting such an important weapon to him? It's certain that Wen Sange will leave the Capital Gazette Bureau; it's just a matter of time."
"But the Beijing Gazette was founded by Brother Wen, and its current success is all thanks to him. Brother Wen's abilities are undeniable, which is why several government departments are vying for his services. Who wouldn't want a capable subordinate?"
Pei Shirong understood after listening: "So my brother-in-law is that capable... But Fang Er, you've explained it so clearly, isn't it? Do you have any ambitions to become an official?"
Fang Sichu said, "I've already thought it through. After I come of age, I'll take a sinecure under my father's protection. It won't interfere with my eating, drinking and having fun, but it won't make me a commoner and bring shame to the Marquis of Yong'an's mansion."
Pei Shirong: "...You've got a good idea."
Fang Sichu smiled and said, "It's because I have a good older brother that my parents don't have many demands on me."
Pei Shirong was furious at his smug look and turned to Zuo Mingxuan: "Can Miss Zuo tolerate him like this?"
Zuo Mingxuan shrugged: "Whether I can accept it or not, we're already engaged."
Pei Shirong: "..."
As it turns out, Pei Shirong couldn't win the argument by himself.
Fortunately, Mei Yilan remembered that the two were already engaged and spoke up to help him out: "The county princess and the others are taking a rest, what are we doing?"
Zuo Mingxuan looked around and said, "There's nothing particularly fun on the ship. Let's enjoy the scenery for a while, then go back to the third floor to play mahjong, how about that?"
"Can."
……
While Pei Rujing, Wen Zongji, and the others were on the pleasure boat, the capital city was already in an uproar due to the publication of the sixth issue of the Beijing Daily.
"Have you read the sixth issue of the Beijing Daily? The Beijing Daily Bureau is actually going to open up the qualification for bookstores in surrounding counties to sell the Beijing Daily. In other words, bookstores in counties around the capital can also sell the Beijing Daily in the future, so that people in other counties can easily buy the Beijing Daily."
"Where is it? I've looked at it twice and still can't find it?"
"It's in the gap in the middle. The first person to discover this gap is really amazing. I never paid attention to whether there was any writing in the gap in the middle of the Beijing Daily before."
"you do not say."
For a time, the topic of this matter was being discussed everywhere in the capital, from restaurants and teahouses to the streets and alleys.
This demonstrates the influence of the Beijing Daily.
Compared to the ordinary people who remained indifferent, the people in the surrounding counties were more excited.
Almost immediately after learning of this, they told their relatives and friends, trying to spread the news as soon as possible, hoping that the bookstores in their county would buy the quota for selling the Beijing Daily.
The Beijing Gazette clearly stated that each spot cost 500 taels of silver. Although it sounded expensive, anyone who had heard about the previous auction would not think the price was high; on the contrary, they would think it was a fair price.
But compared to the common people, the most excited were naturally the bookstore owners in the surrounding counties.
They had long envied how many bookstores in the capital were thriving because selling the Beijing Daily boosted sales of other books in their shops.
They are always concerned about when this good thing will happen to them.
It's finally here.
Almost all the bookstore owners from the surrounding counties who received the news rushed to Ruijintang immediately.
It has been agreed that Mao Zheng is Wen Zongji's spokesperson among the people.
Since the merchants couldn't see Wen Zongji, they could only try to find a way through Mao Zheng.
The shop assistants at Ruijintang were completely bewildered as they watched Mao Zheng readily accept the gifts from the various shopkeepers and then send them off with a smile.
"Shopkeeper, you've accepted all the gifts, but there aren't that many slots available."
Mao Zheng calmly replied, "I never said I would definitely help them solve it."
"what?"
Mao Zheng didn't say anything.
He naturally wouldn't tell his assistant that Wen Zongji told him to accept the gifts without worry, and to ignore the rest.
Since the sixth issue of the Beijing Daily was published, Ruijintang has become a highly sought-after place, with a constant stream of visitors.
From daylight to sunset, and only when Ruijintang is locked up, does this grand spectacle cease.
The waiter trembled at the sight: "With so many people, I'm afraid they might do something inappropriate in the heat of the moment."
Mao Zheng laughed heartily: "They're hoping I'll put in a good word for them with their boss. Whatever they're thinking, they have to keep it to themselves."
……
At this time, Wen Zongji and the others, who had been playing outside all day, returned to the capital. They parted ways at the city gate and then went back to their respective residences.
Back to Yunguangyuan
Granny Feng said, "Young master, Ruijintang sent someone to deliver a message today, saying that there are a lot of people asking Manager Mao about purchasing quotas for the imperial examinations."
Wen Zongji was not surprised: "I understand."
After showering and drying his hair in the bathroom, Wen Zongji returned to the inner room wearing a white undergarment.
At this moment, Pei Rujing had already tidied up and was waiting for him.
The two lay in bed, not yet sleepy, chatting casually.
"They wouldn't even go fishing when offered the chance, but when it came to eating the fish, not a single one of them was considerate."
Wen Zongji put his arm around her and laughed, "We originally said we'd let everyone do what they want to do."
Pei Rujing snorted coldly and changed the subject: "What did you think of their interaction today?"
Wen Zongji said, "That's good. They each have their own way of getting along."
Pei Rujing trusted Wen Zongji's judgment: "That's good."