“Zhang Xuezi wants to first see the reception of the story after it’s told. If it pleases many, he will continue writing it. Please arrange for the storytelling, and then I will meet you at the prison,” Zhao the jailer said, following Zhang Fang’s instructions as he left.
That afternoon, Old Cai vividly recounted the story to everyone present. The tea patrons were hooked, but to their astonishment, Old Cai suddenly stopped reading. The crowd became restless, urging him anxiously to continue the story.
Old Cai, feeling helpless, told them, “To be honest, everyone, this story has only been written up to this point. The storyteller means that if you all enjoy it, he will write more.”
“Love it! This story is fantastic! Who wrote it? Is it a local talent?”
Old Cai didn’t know Zhang Fang or his current predicament at all, feeling awkward and regretting that he hadn’t asked Zhao the jailer more questions. As a result, he couldn’t answer any of their queries now.
“Tomorrow, I will meet with the writer and convey your thoughts,” said Old Cai, responding to the audience.
Having only heard the exciting beginning of such a gripping story left everyone itching for more—how frustrating!
Weishanggui spent the whole day in his study. When he returned home to have dinner with his family, he noticed his wife looking unwell and inquired with concern, “Is something wrong, my lady?”
Weishanggui’s wife shook her head and replied sadly, “I heard a marvelous story today at the tea house, but unfortunately, the writer has only written the beginning.”
Both of them enjoyed reading and listening to stories. Weishanggui smiled and said, “I also received a great story today, although it’s just the beginning. Would you like to hear it?”
Weishanggui’s wife nodded, but she said, “Your story won’t be as exciting as the one I heard!”
Weishanggui grinned confidently and replied, “Not necessarily! The story I’m going to share is quite unique. It’s about a young boy who suffers hardships from a young age, experiences the ups and downs of life, yet remains kind-hearted and gentle. Due to a chance rescue, he unexpectedly acquires a manual for cultivating immortality…”
“Isn’t that the story I heard this afternoon at the tea house?” Weishanggui’s wife exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement as she grabbed his hand.
Weishanggui’s smile vanished. His expression turned serious as he asked, “Is that true?”
Seeing her husband’s disbelief, Weishanggui’s wife became slightly annoyed, responding defiantly, “Why would I lie to you? After Old Cai finished reading the story this afternoon, many people clamored for him to urge the writer to quickly pen more of the story!”
Weishanggui frowned, finally understanding why Zhang Fang wanted the manuscript back! Could it be that Zhang Fang intended to collaborate with the storyteller at the tea house? If the tea house had a good story, it would undoubtedly attract many customers! They would certainly hold on tightly to Zhang Fang, their cash tree!
He had truly underestimated the situation!
Feeling a strong sense of urgency, Weishanggui prepared twenty-five taels of silver in cash that same evening.
The next morning, Weishanggui brought the money to the prison gate, where he ran into Old Cai.
Since Weishanggui’s wife liked going to the tea house, he would occasionally accompany her, so he naturally recognized Old Cai. He was alert but greeted him with a smile, “What brings Mr. Cai here today, not at the tea house?”
Upon seeing Weishanggui, Old Cai immediately guessed that he was here to sign a deal with Zhang Fang. He quickly replied, “I presume Weishanggui has also heard that yesterday, a wonderful story was shared at the tea house. That talented Zhang intends to write regularly for the tea house.”
Regardless of Zhang Fang’s true intentions, Old Cai needed to present it this way to drive Weishanggui away.
Even if they didn’t fully understand the concept of exclusive rights, it was clear that monopolizing the story would yield the greatest profit. The tea house could exclusively serialize it, and everyone who loved the tale would rush there to consume and listen. If the story was published, the first patrons to leave would be those who could read. They would surely rush off to buy the book instead of coming to the tea house to listen!
Weishanggui maintained his composure and responded with a smile, “What a coincidence! Yesterday, Zhang Fang also expressed interest in collaborating with my bookshop. Why don’t we go in together and let him respond to us directly?”
To secure Zhang Fang, Weishanggui had specifically prepared twenty-five taels of cash. Twenty taels could buy Zhang Fang’s freedom, and the remaining five taels would serve as an advance for his writing. This sum was enough to move a poor scholar!
Seeing Old Cai come to meet Zhang Fang empty-handed today, not even bringing a gift, was quite amusing! How could he compete with Weishanggui?
When Zhao the jailer arrived at his shift early in the morning, he saw the two outside the prison gate. He quickly greeted them with a smile and opened the door to let them in.
Old Cai had thought that Zhang Fang was a relative of Zhao the jailer who would take him to meet Zhang Fang. To his surprise, Zhang Fang was actually in prison! He had difficulty accepting it. A person capable of writing such an engaging story had to be an exceptionally talented scholar! Little did he expect the author to be a criminal! His image of the author shattered in an instant, leaving Old Cai feeling disheartened.
Noticing Old Cai’s dazed reaction, Weishanggui smiled warmly and spoke to Zhang Fang, “To resolve your predicament, I have brought twenty-five taels of silver today. This is all advance payment for you, Zhang Xuezi!”
Any ordinary person, upon hearing such a substantial amount, would be utterly shocked. Zhao the jailer and Old Cai stared in disbelief, not expecting Weishanggui to be so generous!
Old Cai felt a wave of disappointment wash over him! Weishanggui had come prepared! How could he compete with that?
Before Zhang Fang could respond, Weishanggui cast a sidelong glance at Old Cai’s reaction and continued speaking to Zhang Fang, “Was the ink and writing brush delivered yesterday suitable for you? If they’re not to your liking, I can take you to choose more comfortable ones myself.”
Old Cai:…
Look at this! Yesterday, he brought presents, and today, he brought money. Meanwhile, I arrived empty-handed just to visit the author, without any gifts whatsoever! Relying solely on words, Old Cai realized he couldn’t offer Zhang Fang anything close to what Weishanggui just put on the table. He felt utterly defeated. What does it mean to die before your mission? This was it!