Zeng Zhui said quickly, "If that's the case, then I'll definitely choose the official one."

Yuan Zuzhi shook his head and said, "If it is selected for engraving by an official, then this book will no longer belong to Shopkeeper Xu. Both the original manuscript and the engraved plates must be submitted to the court. Moreover, without the court's permission, it cannot be privately printed, let alone used for profit. Violators will be severely punished."

Zeng Zhui then remembered that there was such a law. It was just that his family had been in decline for too long. Over the generations, all the family books had been sold out and no one had ever printed them again, so he had forgotten about this matter.

"It would be better to supervise the engraving."

When a prominent family of the day produced a virtuous individual, the books and theories he or she wrote would be kept by the family, thereby enhancing the family's reputation and status. Even for an ordinary family, producing such a person or book would not only enhance their reputation and status, but also earn them property and wealth, allowing them to live a prosperous life and provide protection for their descendants.

Only when the family is strong and prosperous can the descendants be protected from bullying. Zeng Zhui couldn't help but wonder, if this book came from his family, why would he worry about not being able to restore the family? Why would he be willing to hand it over to the court?

Not to mention Xu Jiang's business, where profit is everything. If Xu Jiang chose to supervise the engraving of this book and publish it in her own bookshop, it would only be a matter of time before it became famous. The fame, status, and wealth that Xu Jiang's bookshop would gain would be immeasurable. Moreover, if she got married and had children in the future, these would be the support for her descendants.

What's more, this is Master Xu Jiang's relic. Given her feelings for Xu Yuan, how can she give it up?

Zeng Zhui sighed deeply. Only then did he understand what his teacher meant by giving up his name, his wealth, and his books.

Du Hui said in a deep voice: "If you ask me, I will let you choose the seal supervisor." Since Xu Yuan left this book to Xu Jiang, he had the intention of protecting it, which coincided with his intention.

Yuan Zuzhi also agreed and said, "I second the motion."

Li Tongxue also seconded the motion.

Ji Shan and Deng Yuechuan also agreed. Ji Shan said, "Brother Zhe Yun has passed away. Although the official engraving can make his name immortal for generations to come, it is just an empty reputation to him. It is better to let you live a good life."

Deng Yuechuan also said, "Besides, the timing for supervising the printing is perfect now. If you choose an official to print it, wouldn't all your previous planning be in vain?"

What everyone said made sense, but Xu Jiang didn't agree immediately in her heart.

"I suggest official engraving." Lou Jing suddenly spoke, causing everyone to look at him in surprise.

Du Hui raised his eyebrows when he heard this and said angrily, "Don't give me such stupid advice."

Yuan Zuzhi also frowned.

Lou Jing, however, changed his usual casual demeanor and became serious, "I didn't give any random advice."

Xu Jiang was also very surprised. She thought Lou Jing would support the seal supervision. She immediately bowed and said, "I would like to hear the details."

Lou Jing did not explain immediately, but asked: "Why do you want to have this book officially engraved?"

Xu Jiang was silent for a moment, then said, "I want all scholars in the world to know him, and I want future generations to remember him. I want his articles to be passed down through the ages so that more people can benefit from them. Although supervising the printing and engraving of books can make my master famous, it is only temporary. It can make me profit, but the profit is endless."

Then she smiled bitterly and said, "I am only an ordinary person. Fame and fortune are hard to resist. Moreover, this set of books is a legacy left to me by my master. I can't bear to part with it. That's why I am so conflicted. I would like to ask for your advice, gentlemen."

Du Hui continued, "I don't agree with the official engraving. You've finally established yourself in the capital. This book can help you with your future and become your foundation and support. If your master is still alive, he would surely wish you the best in the future." He paused, then added, "You don't have to live such a hard life now."

Xu Jiang's eyes welled up when she heard this. Du Hui was using her master as a metaphor to express his concern. He was always sharp-tongued but soft-hearted. She suppressed her emotion and soothed him, saying, "I don't feel tired at all. Instead, I feel at ease. If you want me to be idle, I'll feel uncomfortable."

This is the truth. Fame and fortune are not as reliable to Xu Jiang as her own ability. Looking back, countless noble families in ancient times have pursued fame and fortune, but fame and fortune are like flowing water, changing from one boat to another in a blink of an eye.

With this thought, Xu Jiang's confusion cleared, and she felt at peace. She then looked at Lou Jing, and after seeing the support in his eyes, she made a decision. She then bowed to Lou Jing and said, "Thank you, sir."

I thought about how she had smiled and thanked Hong Xing. She already had the answer in her heart, but she still wanted to ask for her opinion. It seemed that I was the same. All she wanted was a reason and an affirmation.

Lou Jing gave her this reason.

She said to the crowd, "I chose the official edition of 'Tracing the Origins of Cultural Heritage'."

Du Hui was furious and said to Lou Jing, "Why are you causing trouble? Don't you know the whole capital? If this book is given to the court, who will she rely on?"

Lou Jing, however, refused to give in, his tone sounding genuinely angry. "Xu Jiang makes a living by her own abilities. I believe she could have found a foothold in the capital even without publishing this set of books. Besides, why bother writing a book if it's not to be passed down? In my opinion, when Xu Yuan wrote his book, he wasn't thinking about gaining fame and fortune for himself and future generations, but rather harboring higher aspirations and ideals. To let fame and fortune sap his ambitions is an insult to him."

These words touched Xu Jiang's heart, and she nodded immediately.

Du Hui was furious. "Why are you nodding? I don't agree."

Zeng Zhui hurriedly comforted him, "Teacher, calm down, calm down." Then he couldn't help but persuade him, "Actually, I think what Lord Lou said makes sense." The reasons given by Lou Jing convinced him almost instantly, and he immediately changed sides.

Du Hui slapped him on the back, "Which side are you from?"

"Ouch." Zeng Zhui succumbed to the tyranny. "On your side, I don't agree with the official engraving either!"

Lou Jing continued to add fuel to the fire, "If you don't agree, then don't agree. As long as she agrees, leave this matter to me."

My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!