Xu Chang: …
Who could have imagined that Zhang Silang, with his good looks and charm that captivated countless women, would turn out to be nothing more than an empty shell! If this gets out, it would definitely tarnish Zhang Fang’s reputation!
Upon realizing this, Xu Chang felt a surge of satisfaction. It seemed he had grasped Zhang Fang’s weakness. In the future, if Zhang Fang refused to listen to him and they fell out, Xu Chang could spread the word about Zhang Fang’s shortcomings! Let him fall from grace and become the target of disdain!
“A man should prioritize his career! How can he be distracted by romantic entanglements?” Xu Chang earnestly educated Zhang Fang, urging him to take a seat.
“Teacher is right! I think the same,” Zhang Fang replied awkwardly, his face displaying both embarrassment and distress.
Xu Chang chatted with Zhang Fang about various topics, intentionally revealing several pieces of information. For example, he mentioned how his former students had gone to the capital to take on official positions or had become officials elsewhere. In any case, those who studied under him typically found success!
Zhang Fang listened with envy, constantly pouring tea for Xu Chang, his attitude particularly flattering, and he uttered quite a few compliments that nearly made Xu Chang giddy with pride. Xu Chang was extremely pleased with Zhang Fang.
After drinking so much tea, Xu Chang’s stomach felt bloated, but he didn’t want to relieve himself at the tavern. So he said he had official duties to attend to and left the inn first.
Zhang Fang accompanied him to the door, respectfully helping him into the carriage and softly saying, “I will prepare a generous gift to visit the teacher tomorrow!”
Though they had just become acquainted and Zhang Fang seemed like a decent person, Xu Chang still remained somewhat cautious. He firmly rejected Zhang Fang’s offer of a generous gift at first.
“Just your presence is enough. If you come bearing gifts, it might lead others to misunderstand that we are accepting bribes.”
Zhang Fang was momentarily taken aback and could only amend, “I was being inconsiderate. It’s the teacher who is thoughtful!”
Xu Chang nodded and waved at Zhang Fang as he got into the carriage.
Taking a few steps back, Zhang Fang watched the carriage leave. It wasn’t until it vanished around the corner that he straightened his posture, and the smile vanished from his face.
Manager Wei clearly saw Zhang Fang’s change in demeanor and, surprised, leaned in to ask quietly, “Young Master Zhang, who was that esteemed person just now?”
“Xu Zhizhou,” Zhang Fang replied as he turned to head back inside.
Manager Wei expressed his astonishment as he followed closely behind, continuing, “Did Xu Zhizhou come personally to seek you out? Could it be for a request regarding a book?”
Zhang Fang shot him a sideways glance but did not respond.
Once inside, Zhang Fang immediately got down to business. He instructed Manager Wei to promptly open a shop in the capital specifically for registration and pre-sales. He also ordered action in other regions to establish shops simultaneously.
This was a significant matter! Manager Wei quickly put aside the news of Xu Chang’s visit and took out paper, ink, and a brush, meticulously noting down everything Zhang Fang said. He planned to message the head office shortly, as Manager Wei’s capabilities were limited and he needed approval from the headquarters to open shops in various locations.
As dusk approached, Manager Wang and the others finally returned to the inn.
After a tiring day, they felt exhausted, their throats sore, yet their spirits burned with excitement.
A large group of partner merchants had all reported record sales that day. There were many inquiries from businesses wanting to cooperate with Zhang Fang.
Zhang Fang instructed Manager Wang to put up a notice to hold a recruitment and cooperation meeting after the provincial examination ended.
Having been busy all day, Manager Wang felt too restless to rest, even though his body ached. After today, Zhang Fang would be renowned far and wide, and Manager Wang wanted to hire a few bodyguards to ensure Zhang Fang’s safety. He also needed to strengthen personnel management at the inn to prevent unruly individuals from bothering Zhang Fang.
After a good night’s sleep, Zhang Fang left early the next morning. First, he sent someone to deliver news to his family, then asked Manager Wang to issue an announcement. He widely publicized that he would be establishing the “Zhang Silang Charitable Foundation.” From now on, all royalties from book sales and related merchandise would be channeled into this foundation. The charitable organization would promote the spirit of patriotism, love for the people, rescuing the distressed, and upholding kindness and righteousness.
Upon seeing the announcement, people’s admiration for Zhang Fang soared to new heights.
“As expected of the Zhang Lang I admire!”
“Truly living up to the saying ‘A man of means benefits the world!’ Zhang Lang is indeed a noble and heroic gentleman!”
“I must buy more works related to Zhang Lang! I heard these shops allow for membership. The more you buy, the higher your membership points, and you can upgrade to become a bone ash fan of Zhang Lang!”
“There’s such a thing! I didn’t know! Can someone explain in detail?”
“I heard that Manager Wei from the study room mentioned Zhang Lang’s fan levels. There are a total of twenty levels. The highest is the bone ash level, which offers a chance to correspond with Zhang Lang about stories and plots!”
“I want to become a bone ash fan of Zhang Lang! I’m going to shop right now!”
Since Zhang Fang mentioned visiting him today, Xu Chang remained at home, waiting impatiently, but by noon, Zhang Fang still hadn’t appeared. Xu Chang grew restless and sent someone to inquire about Zhang Fang’s whereabouts. He learned that Zhang Fang was being talked about in every corner of the streets, causing shops to be crowded with people eager to purchase merchandise related to him.
Zhang Fang’s influence had already become significant, which made Xu Chang feel a sense of dread. Even if he was annoyed, he had to keep waiting patiently for Zhang Fang’s appearance.
In the afternoon, Zhang Fang finally arrived late, looking apologetic as he approached Xu Chang.
“I’m truly sorry! I had too many matters to handle today! I was so busy that I could only come to visit the teacher now! Please forgive me!”
Xu Chang feigned indifference and smiled warmly, inviting Zhang Fang to sit down and have tea. He asked kindly what Zhang Fang had been busy with that day.
Knowing that Xu Chang must have someone watching him, Zhang Fang decided to be candid. So he detailed everything he did that morning without leaving anything out.
Seeing that Zhang Fang was honest and clear about his agenda, Xu Chang felt relieved. Upon finding out that Zhang Fang hadn’t eaten, he instructed the kitchen to prepare a meal.
After they had finished a meal, Xu Chang took Zhang Fang on a stroll around the estate, casually assessing his academic progress. He bluntly stated, “With your talent and knowledge, passing the imperial examination should be a piece of cake.”