From the very beginning, Manager Wang knew that Zhang Fang was going to publish a book, so his aim was to stabilize Zhang Fang and earn some quick money. Now that Zhang Fang was going to hold events at his inn, it was undoubtedly going to increase the inn’s reputation! What a good opportunity; Manager Wang would have been foolish to refuse! He happily agreed and respectfully asked Zhang Fang if he had any instructions.
Zhang Fang briefly mentioned a few requirements: “The event will be held outdoors, with a stage set up outside the inn, as there will be many attendees. I have also invited some merchants to cooperate, and we will have a lottery to give away books, bookmarks, and other merchandise. I would appreciate it if Manager Wang could maintain order during the event, ensuring that no one disrupts the activities.”
Upon hearing this was a major event, Manager Wang was even more excited and eagerly nodded in agreement with Zhang Fang’s words. He planned to negotiate with the escort agency in advance to hire people for security on the day, ensuring safety at the venue!
Mu Qing and the others stood off to the side, once again shocked by Zhang Fang’s influence. They had thought Zhang Fang was already quite remarkable in Dou County; little did they know that was merely his starting point! Now, with his reputation soaring, numerous fans of his books, and still uncertain what glory awaited him after passing his examinations, how remarkable would be?
After chatting with Manager Wang, Zhang Fang apologetically turned to Mu Qing, “Sorry, I got so caught up in discussing my plans that I forgot to treat you, my friend. Please, come inside and sit down!”
“You are too kind, Zhang. We are immensely grateful that you have allowed us to stay here,” Mu Qing replied, conveying a cautious respect in his attitude towards Zhang Fang.
As soon as they entered the room and Zhang Fang took a seat, a waiter rushed in to pour tea for them.
Mu Qing initiated a conversation, smiling as he said, “Zhang, your reputation has spread widely! We have heard people discussing you all along the way here.”
Zhang Fang shook his head, displaying a humble demeanor. “It’s merely because I wrote a story that has garnered the audience’s affection.”
“I heard that since arriving here, you have been generous and even organized a free meal for beggars?” Someone expressed curiosity about this matter.
Zhang Fang explained, “When poor, one should focus on self-cultivation; when prosperous, one should help others. Although I, Zhang Fang, have not yet reached a level where I can aid many, I believe that with some ability, one should provide assistance. With the money I earned from writing, I decided to do some good and provide meals for the beggars.”
Mu Qing and the others looked at him with admiration, feeling his image growing more impressive. They regretted not meeting him sooner.
“However, relying solely on providing meals isn’t a long-term solution. Thus, I want to cultivate them, giving them the means to support themselves. Today, I visited various shops and reached agreements with some merchants to collaborate. Once the new books arrive, I plan to hold a book club. At the event, we will sell associated merchandise,” Zhang Fang said as he picked up his teacup, leisurely sipping his tea.
Mu Qing and the others did not fully understand and humbly asked for clarification, “What do you mean by affiliated merchandise?”
“With my authorization, Tao Ni Fang can produce figurines of the characters from my book. The costume shop will also create outfits based on the descriptions in my writing. Additionally, the stamp shop will be licensed to make character stamps. Beyond that, various shops collaborating with me can receive my autograph,” Zhang Fang elaborated.
After hearing Zhang Fang’s explanation, although they still didn’t completely grasp the concept, the four felt it was quite prestigious!
Zhang Fang continued, “My requirement for cooperation with these shops is that I bring them benefits. They should accept the beggars on the street and give them skills to support themselves.”
Mu Qing and the others looked at Zhang Fang with growing admiration, praising him for his noble intentions and high aspirations!
Afterward, they were willing to pitch in and help organize the event!
Zhang Fang smiled gratefully, pulling out a plan and distributing tasks among them.
Recently, Xu Chang, the governor of Jiangzhou, had been paying attention to Zhang Fang. Learning that Zhang Fang was a scholar coming to the state capital for examinations, he thought that Zhang Fang would try to curry favor with him. Yet, Zhang Fang had already been in the capital for ten days without seeking an audience.
Xu Chang had people investigate Zhang Fang’s situation. Upon digging, they discovered that he participated in the exams each year and consistently performed well! However, Xu Chang had specifically switched Zhang Fang’s paper with that of another candidate. This led to repeated failures for Zhang Fang in the examinations.
Who would have thought this peasant scholar would attain such fame? This made Xu Chang feel unease.
Knowing Zhang Fang was going to host an event outdoors in two days, Xu Chang dispatched officers to obstruct it, forbidding them from setting up a stage outside.
This left Manager Wang and Mu Qing anxious! News had already spread; what if they couldn’t hold this event?
Moreover, those merchants who had reached cooperation agreements with Zhang Fang were also paying attention to this matter. They suggested that if they couldn’t set up a stage in the city, they should do it outside the city. Regardless, this event must go on!
Because there were too many supporters on Zhang Fang’s side, Xu Chang couldn’t continue to make things difficult. If he persisted, it would raise suspicions. Given Zhang Fang’s current influence, Xu Chang didn’t want to offend him. Thus, he could only let it go!
The day before the event, Manager Wei personally led a team to deliver one thousand copies of the book. These books were published according to Zhang Fang’s specifications, with the cover designed by Zhang Fang himself. Inside, he even included several character sketches as illustrations—truly a masterpiece! Manager Wei had high hopes for this book! Unfortunately, due to the rush, they could only publish one thousand copies in recent days.
When the books arrived at the inn, Manager Wang immediately wanted to buy five hundred copies!
Manager Wei almost decided to sell them to him! Fortunately, Zhang Fang intervened.
Zhang Fang politely refused Manager Wang, saying, “The first edition has limited copies, and if I sell half of them to you, how will I hold my book club tomorrow?”
Manager Wang could only awkwardly back down. The first edition! If he managed to get his hands on it, he could earn enough to buy an inn! What a pity that he was refused by Zhang Fang!
As the books were moved into Zhang Fang’s courtyard, Manager Wei curiously asked, “Since Manager Wang wanted to buy earlier, why not sell to him?”
“These books, if you sell to him at one hundred coins each, he can resell them for one or two silver coins each.” Zhang Fang already anticipated the situation and knew there would be people speculating and inflating the value of the first edition.