Wei, the manager, opened his mouth wide in disbelief. After a moment, he tentatively asked, “So, should we price the books at one tael of silver each?”
“If that’s the case, many people won’t be able to afford to buy the books and will just go to the teahouses to listen to stories,” Zhang Fang reminded him.
Wei shook his head helplessly but then thought, “Why don’t we give half of the books to Manager Wang to sell for us?”
“Only the first batch of books has value. A thousand taels business is different from countless thousand-taels businesses. Which one does Wei want to pursue?” Zhang Fang reminded the manager not to lose big over small profits.
Wei’s expression was somewhat awkward and he could only change the topic, picking up a book to show Zhang Fang: “Zhang, this is the book produced according to your request.”
Zhang Fang opened the book and carefully flipped through its contents. After finishing one book, he pointed at the large pile of remaining books and asked, “Have all the books been checked one by one?”
“Yes, they have been checked!” Wei felt that Zhang Fang was quite demanding.
Zhang Fang once again earnestly asked, “It’s not that I don’t trust Manager Wei, but there will be many book lovers present tomorrow. If there’s any quality issue with the books, I will have to publicly reveal the parts where the bookshop is negligent.”
Wei’s eyelids twitched slightly. He believed Zhang Fang could indeed cause such a stir. He could only change his approach and said, “I’ll have someone check them again overnight!”
“From now on, for every new book, I hope the bookshop can treat it with rigor. If the books haven’t arrived but their contents are leaked in advance, affecting sales, I reserve the right to terminate our partnership.” Piracy has always existed. Zhang Fang couldn’t stop people from pirating but could only remind the bookshop to pay attention to this aspect.
The ease with which Wei came had now turned into a huge pressure. Previously, he looked forward to Zhang Fang writing the books with the bookshop handling publication and profits, but now he faced many unexpected responsibilities!
Wei promised to meet each of Zhang Fang’s requirements and took people to meticulously check the thousand books overnight.
Mu Qing and the others wanted to see the contents in advance, but seeing Wei’s cautious demeanor, they had to give up on that idea. After all, they had a big event to organize the next day, so they needed to rest early.
On that day, the weather was clear and bright. Before the shift change for the city guards and laborers, many people from inside the city had already gathered at the city gates, waiting for them to open.
“What’s going on here?”
When the incoming guards and laborers arrived at the city gate and saw so many people, they felt it wasn’t good.
Before they could ask why these people were rushing to leave the city, the crowd hastily urged them to open the gates.
The guards and laborers could not withstand the pressure from the crowd and could only open the city gates.
As the drawbridge was laid down, a swarm of people rushed out. The guards felt something was off and hurried to report to the authorities.
The report escalated up to the governor Xuchang, who frowned as he already had his suspicions.
Although he knew Zhang Fang’s stories were very popular, he never expected them to attract such a huge crowd. Over a thousand people were leaving the city to attend Zhang Fang’s book fair! This showed just how influential he had become!
Xuchang knew that this person either needed to be brought into his circle or eliminated. Otherwise, if Zhang Fang became renowned, it would definitely draw attention from the capital. If he was recognized by nobility, and they found out about the tampering of his civil examination papers over the past few years, Zhang Fang might create a significant uproar!
With a solemn face, he contemplated for a moment and decided to try to bring Zhang Fang into his camp. If the young man was sensible, that would be ideal. If not, then he would have to eliminate him!
Therefore, he sent someone to deliver a message to invite Zhang Fang to visit the governor’s mansion.
Approaching the hour of the si, Zhang Fang walked out of the courtyard.
Everyone was waiting for him. When they saw Zhang Fang wearing a uniquely styled sky-blue outfit and his long, sleek black hair held back with an exquisite white jade hairpin, styled with a slightly fragmented fringe, he seemed to emanate an otherworldly glow.
Mu Qing and the others were left speechless. His attire was simply too handsome and ethereal! Especially with Zhang Fang’s good looks, it was no exaggeration to call him a celestial being! Who said men don’t care about their looks! Seeing Zhang Fang like this, they all wished to dress similarly to elevate their own grace and charm!
Wei had worked until the early hours, making his eyes slightly puffy. He had some small grievances against Zhang Fang, thinking that if the book fair was unsuccessful today, he would surely take the opportunity to criticize Zhang Fang. However, upon seeing Zhang Fang’s celestial appearance, all his grievances vanished. He felt content and proud. Such a beautiful youth was the author he had signed! Just Zhang Fang’s looks alone were the best publicity! With his appearance, he would surely captivate everyone!
Manager Wang approached with the reverence of seeing a deity, smilingly inquired about Zhang Fang, “Just now, when I saw Zhang talented gentleman come out, it was like seeing a celestial being. This outfit is truly beautiful! I’ve never seen such a uniquely splendid garment. May I ask which shop made it?”
This was a business opportunity! If he could find that tailor shop to collaborate and sell their clothing, he could definitely earn a good profit!
Zhang Fang replied with a gentle smile, “This was custom-made a few days ago in collaboration with the Wan Sha Fang in the east of the city. I provided the design, and Wan Sha Fang took care of the production. They have signed a cooperation agreement with me to sell my co-branded clothing.”
Manager Wang felt a pang of envy. He was green with jealousy! He envied Wan Sha Fang for being able to collaborate with Zhang Fang, felt jealous that they would make a fortune, and hated that he only had a guesthouse and wouldn’t be able to share in the profits!
Upon hearing this, Mu Qing and the others’ eyes lit up. They planned to rush to Wan Sha Fang to buy a set of clothing identical to Zhang Fang’s after finishing their work today!
“It’s almost time, let’s head out! I’ll rely on everyone today! After the book fair, I will surely reward you all generously!” Zhang Fang wouldn’t let these people work without compensation.
“You’re too kind, Talented Zhang!” Manager Wang immediately led Zhang Fang out the door.
They prepared a total of seven carts, one for books and the others shared among several people, with Zhang Fang riding alone in one cart.