The steward of the Lin family had no choice but to leave the Zhang family with the items in hand. Once they left, neighbors gathered around to ask Old Zhang why he refused the offerings. Old Zhang couldn’t say the real reason, so he made up a vague excuse: “My son, Fourlang, often says it would be shameful to accept things without merit; he has warned me not to casually accept gifts from others. Scholars care deeply about their reputation and integrity. I imagine you may not fully understand this.”
The neighbors were speechless. Yes, they hadn’t been educated, so they didn’t understand! But they couldn’t help but feel Zhang’s family was foolish, especially Fourlang! They had money but wouldn’t accept gifts! What kind of education was that? It seemed like Zhang Fourlang wanted to be an incorruptible official!
Thinking this, someone sarcastically said, “Old Zhang, if your son Fourlang can become a successful scholar and later an official, he will surely be an upright official!”
Old Zhang nodded earnestly, telling them, “I see that Fourlang wants to be an official; he must be an honest one! If he became a corrupt official, wouldn’t it bring shame to our ancestors and the Zhang family?”
Seeing no point in lingering, the neighbors dispersed to their own homes.
As for Zhang Fang, upon arriving at the state capital, he found a tavern to rest at. He delivered the manuscript he had written earlier to the tavern to be narrated. The tavern owner, Wang, was overjoyed and treated Zhang Fang like a noble guest, waiving all fees and even planning to give him a share of the profits based on the audience size!
Zhang Fang aimed to make a name for himself in the whole Jiangzhou before the provincial exams began! So, he wrote several letters. One was addressed to Steward Wei, sending over the manuscript for the first volume and urging the bookstore to publish it soon. Another letter was for Mu Qing, starting a friendship with him and informing him that he arrived at the state capital early to prepare for the exams.
The third letter was written for his family. Knowing that no one in the Zhang family could read, he wrote the letter for Lin Zheng to see. He was aware that Lin Zheng would soon send someone to Zhang’s house to inquire about his situation. The purpose of this letter was to let Lin Zheng know he was focused on studying for the exams, so that Lin Zheng would not trouble Zhang’s family during this time.
After staying at the tavern for five days, Zhang Fang’s tavern was always fully booked. Many people came specifically to listen to the storytelling.
Wang treated Zhang Fang with deep respect, as if he were a god of wealth. Every day, he would give Zhang Fang a share of ten taels of silver! He even requested Zhang Fang to take the stage for introductions and paid him an additional ten taels of appearance fee! The room Zhang Fang resided in was the best suite in the tavern! The staff were instructed to make sure Zhang Fang was as comfortable as possible!
To increase his own fame, Zhang Fang organized a charitable event with a porridge shop, initiating a ‘Zhang Fourlang Charity Meal’ for street children to enjoy free meals and drinks.
By the time Mu Qing and others arrived at the state capital, the streets were buzzing with discussions about Zhang Fang. They didn’t expect that his reputation would spread this far!
What do scholars care about the most? Of course, it is their reputation! With a good name, no matter how poor, ugly, or down-and-out one might be, they could still earn respect from cultured people everywhere!
Mu Qing and his companions had changed their view of Zhang Fang. They were even more determined to befriend him.
When they sought out the tavern where Zhang Fang was staying, they were told there were no available rooms! With just about ten days left before the provincial exams, and considering this tavern wasn’t near the exam site, it was an inconvenient location. The tavern owner explained that they were fully booked, and they were skeptical of that!
Wang, with an apologetic face, explained, “I’m truly sorry! We’ve had a talented scholar stay in the tavern! So many people have come to befriend Scholar Zhang, and that’s why we are fully booked. If our guests do not check out, we simply cannot accommodate anyone else.”
Zhang Fang hadn’t just written a good story that attracted a hefty audience; he also performed good deeds, and thus his good name spread everywhere. Coupled with his handsome appearance and youthful charm, it left the daughters of the state capital particularly smitten with admiration.
Most of the guests hogging the rooms were female, while a small number were local scholars eager to befriend Zhang Fang. Outsiders like Mu Qing had no hope of finding a room!
Mu Qing fell silent, initially intending to seek accommodation at nearby inns. Wang took the opportunity to remind him: “All inns on the three streets nearby are fully booked!”
Wang lamented! Zhang Fang was indeed a treasure! One person brought liveliness to these few streets! Originally struggling shops that faced closure revived! Some were even bought at high prices to open new inns quickly!
To win Zhang Fang over, Wang increased his dividend offer to fifty taels a day! He even covered all of Zhang Fang’s living expenses! Recognizing Zhang Fang’s influence, Wang aimed to leverage this for the long run. He decided to join in Zhang Fang’s charitable meal effort, spending an additional three taels a day on food for those street children outside.
Even if Zhang Fang decided to leave later, Wang could continue to utilize Zhang Fang’s name for publicity and maintain the popularity and business of the tavern!
One must say, Wang was truly sharp-eyed. After observing for a few days, Zhang Fang noticed Wang took his responsibilities seriously when he entrusted others to manage the distribution of meal donations, and he intended to have Wang take full charge.
After some time out and about, Zhang Fang reached cooperation agreements with several merchants. When he returned, he happened to run into Mu Qing and the others leaving.
“Classmate Mu!” Zhang Fang approached warmly, joyfully recognizing a familiar face.
Mu Qing and the others expressed surprise, happy to converse with Zhang Fang.
Learning they were looking for lodging, he led them directly to his quarters. “Here are three guest rooms; if you don’t mind squeezing in, we can all fit together!” Zhang Fang said graciously, introducing his friends to Wang.
Wang beamed and warmly welcomed Mu Qing and his companions.
Feeling embarrassed to take advantage of Zhang Fang, Mu Qing and the other three classmates offered to pay for their stay. Zhang Fang refused them outright.
“We’re fellow scholars here! Let’s not stand on ceremony with each other!” Then suddenly remembering something, Zhang Fang turned to Wang and said, “Five days later, all the bookstores in Jiangzhou will be releasing my book. I’d like to borrow your place to hold a new book launch. I wonder if that would be convenient?”