He wanted to go out and bask in the sun! Enjoy a refreshing bath!
After receiving so much money, Zhao the jailer was still very excited. Even if the money wasn’t for him, it was nice to have the thrill of handling it!
“Just wait, I’ll contact over there right away.”
Not only did Zhao the jailer contact the steward of the brothel, but he also brought the person to meet County Magistrate Lin Zheng.
This twenty taels of silver was said to be compensation for the brothel, but in reality, Lin Zheng would be able to take half of the money for himself!
He didn’t expect that the scholar could raise twenty taels of silver in such a short time. Lin Zheng’s mind raced as he asked Zhao the jailer, “Wasn’t this Zhang Fang unable to come up with money before? How could he suddenly produce so much? This money couldn’t possibly come from illegal sources, could it?”
Lin Zheng wanted to probe into Zhang Fang’s financial background, hoping to squeeze every last coin out of him!
Zhao the jailer had no choice but to inform Lin Zheng about Zhang Fang’s plan to publish a book.
After hearing the full story, Lin Zheng had to give up on the idea of oppressing Zhang Fang. Previously, Zhang Fang was just a poor scholar from a farming family with no connections. Now that he had written a good story, he was gaining an audience. Even if Zhang Fang still lacked power and prestige, he was becoming well-known. Someone with a reputation should not be easily offended!
Thus, Lin Zheng waved his hand and agreed to release Zhang Fang.
Although Du Jiuniang from the brothel didn’t go to the teahouse to listen to storytelling the day before, she had heard many guests discussing the story of the mortal cultivating immortality while entertaining guests last night. Twisting her handkerchief, she spoke to Lin Zheng, “County Magistrate, I don’t want to accept this compensation anymore. I plan to have Zhang Fang write out the story and tell it exclusively in our brothel from now on!”
Zhao the jailer frowned and looked at her.
Lin Zheng squinted his eyes, stroked his chin, and revealed a cunning expression. He then asked Zhao the jailer, “Do people outside know who wrote this story?”
Taken aback, Zhao the jailer didn’t understand why Lin Zheng was asking this question. Zhang Fang hadn’t officially published his book yet, and even if he submitted the manuscript to the teahouse, Old Cai hadn’t mentioned the author’s identity during storytelling, right?
Seeing Zhao the jailer remain silent, Lin Zheng impatiently asked, “You don’t know either?”
Zhao the jailer shook his head, admitting he truly didn’t know. After all, he delivered the manuscript to the teahouse and left, without staying to listen to the story.
Lin Zheng disdainfully scolded, “How could you call yourself a veteran jailer? You’re supposed to manage the prison, yet you don’t even know what’s been done to the prisoners! What use is keeping a useless waste like you!”
Zhao the jailer lowered his head, silently enduring the scolding.
Du Jiuniang was still waiting for Lin Zheng’s reply. Although ten taels of silver was a lot, securing the story could attract many customers and get them to visit the brothel every night! Even if they didn’t engage with the women, they could still enjoy the storytelling! The prices for tea at the brothel were much higher than those at the teahouse, meaning that with more customers, the profits from tea alone would be substantial! Exchanging ten taels of silver for the potential of high profits was an incredibly good deal!
“Lin County Magistrate…” Du Jiuniang called sweetly, her voice soft and sweet.
Lin Zheng turned to her, saying bluntly, “We agreed on the compensation in court. Now that Zhang Fang has offered the money to compensate the brothel, you want to swap it again? What do you think this court is? What do you think I am?”
Du Jiuniang: …
Her heavily made-up face slightly stiffened as she awkwardly replied, “I should have considered this more carefully. I thought that if there were many people who liked listening to stories, they would come to the brothel to hear them, and I could also give more respect to the County Magistrate.”
Lin Zheng planned to first release Zhang Fang, allowing him a couple of days to rest before inviting him to his residence, where Zhang Fang could give a chance for recognition to his son! He would tell everyone that the book was written by his son, Lin Yi! In this way, his son would surely gain fame! Who knows, this father might even get promoted!
Therefore, considering the future of both father and son, Lin Zheng could only reject Du Jiuniang.
“Enough! Take the money and go back! This matter should not be brought up again!” After speaking, Lin Zheng ignored Du Jiuniang further, intending to investigate just how popular Zhang Fang’s story truly was.
Du Jiuniang bit her lip, her expression filled with reluctance, and could only leave with the money. However, she turned back and went outside the prison.
Since Lin Zheng was unwilling to help, she would have to personally discuss the matter with Zhang Fang.
Zhao the jailer, seeing Du Jiuniang follow him, had already guessed her intentions.
As soon as he opened the prison door, Du Jiuniang leaned forward and said to Zhao the jailer, “I want to go in and have a word with Zhang Xueshi.”
Since they were discussing matters with Zhang Fang, it would be better for her to meet him directly inside rather than wait for him to come out.
“He’s about to be released. You should wait here!” Zhao the jailer sensed Du Jiuniang’s ulterior motives and intended to warn Zhang Fang to be cautious.
Rejected by a jailer, Du Jiuniang felt a bit displeased and could only wait outside.
“Brother Zhang! County Magistrate Lin has ordered your release!” Zhao the jailer was genuinely happy for Zhang Fang.
Zhang Fang remained calm, showing no excitement as he asked, “Did Lin County Magistrate not find it curious why I could come up with so much money?”
“Lin County Magistrate did ask about this. After I told him about your writing, Du Jiuniang from the brothel immediately changed her mind. She no longer wants your compensation but instead wants you to write the story and deliver it to the brothel! Be careful; she’s waiting for you outside and surely came for this matter!” Zhao the jailer informed Zhang Fang.
Zhang Fang pondered this, gratefully clasping his hands to Zhao the jailer, “Thank you, Zhao Dage, for your care these days! Once I achieve my ambition, I will not forget you!”
Zhao the jailer waved his hand with a grin, “As long as you write the story well and finish it, I’ll be satisfied.”
Initially, he was only looking for a return for his kindness, but after reading Zhang Fang’s novel, Zhao the jailer became an avid fan and now eagerly anticipated the continuation of the story, looking forward to Zhang Fang finishing it soon!