Chapter 64 The Drum of Appeal Sounds
"Would Mr. Wen like to play another round?" Song Yan asked.
"Of course, since I've been invited by you today, I'll certainly have to go all out. You wouldn't refuse, would you?" Wen Zhong asked with a smile.
He had only met this young friend Song twice at the bookstore and played a few games of chess with him. He had never introduced himself and only treated him as a chess friend. However, he happened to run into him on his way home from work yesterday, and Song invited him to play chess at the bookstore today.
Upon arriving, he encountered a yamen runner from the Jingzhao Prefecture. It seemed that inviting him to play chess was a pretense; his real intention was to get him to solve the bookstore's troubles.
Wen Zhong wasn't angry. After all, he was an imperial censor. If it were any other matter, he would let it go, but he still had to take charge of this matter.
Song Yan put the chess pieces back into the chess jar one by one and said readily, "I'll gladly oblige."
Because Wen Zhong kept talking to the onlookers, they played a little slower in this round. Song Yan wasn't in a hurry and listened patiently.
"Has something happened in the capital these past two days? The government officials have started closing down bookstores?" Wen Chong asked casually after placing a piece on the board.
The one who spoke was a young man who looked like a scholar, only seventeen or eighteen years old. His tone was full of complaints: "It's all because of storybooks. I don't know what powerful person the author of that storybook offended, but all the bookstores that sold storybooks have been shut down these past two days. I had to run to three different neighborhoods just to buy a couple of reams of paper."
"This young man looks like he's always studying hard and doesn't have time for leisure reading," a well-to-do middle-aged man next to him said with a smile. "Now everyone's saying that the storybook is a satire of the Duke of Song's mansion. That's the Duke himself. He said he'd shut down the bookstore. Who would dare to object?"
Song Yan listened quietly, and after Wen Chong made his move, he immediately followed suit with a move of his own.
"What are your thoughts on this matter, young friend Song?" Wen Zhong asked Song Yan.
"I am but a commoner, and I dare not speak carelessly."
"Please feel free to speak."
Song Yan shook his head again: "Mr. Wen, do you know that you have been punished for your words? Today you can shut down the bookstore and arrest the owner. In the future, those who talk about it at will will probably not be able to escape punishment either. It is better to be cautious."
Wen Zhong chuckled, understanding the unspoken meaning in the other's words: "Oh, I see, young friend Song is quite dissatisfied with this matter."
Song Yan lowered his eyes: "I just think it's just a storybook, and it doesn't name anyone. Why make such a fuss? It's one thing to shut down the book, but to arrest someone is another. Anyone who doesn't know better would think the person is some heinous villain. Unless... that storybook touched a nerve with someone."
"That's not necessarily true. Perhaps the Duke of Song is just narrow-minded," Wen Zhong said.
Those around him laughed when they heard his words. Song Yan was taken aback at first, but then he laughed too.
Perhaps because they had just mocked the high-ranking officials of the court together, everyone had become more talkative. Although they were all common people and were talking about trivial matters, they were all in high spirits. Wen Zhong listened while playing chess and occasionally offered his comments, which made the area outside the bookstore filled with laughter and chatter.
After another game of chess was finished, the sunlight outside grew increasingly intense, and the two finally packed up the chessboard and carried the table, chairs, and benches back to the bookstore.
Inside the bookstore, two seasoned fans of the revenge story were still complaining.
Achan: "I seriously doubt that Mr. Baomu wrote the plot wrong. The one who was replaced back then might even have been the brain of the Duke of Song!"
Mr. Xu: "Who says otherwise? A duke, spending his days doing nothing but meddling in other people's reading. He must be incredibly bored."
Achan: "If we can't see the second volume of the Revenge Chronicles, the entire Song State Duke's Mansion is responsible."
"Sigh!" Mr. Xu sighed. "It seems there's no hope for a second volume now. I just hope Mr. Baomu doesn't get arrested."
Wen Zhong and Song Yan, who entered one after the other, both overheard the conversation. Wen Zhong thought to himself, "His Majesty only sees the grievances of the Duke of Song; perhaps he should also listen to the grievances of the common people. It seems he should also take a look at that revenge story."
Seeing the indignant expressions of the two people in the shop, Song Yan, who was behind them, had a smile in his eyes.
When Mr. Xu saw someone enter, he stopped chatting with Ah Chan and stood up to greet them, "Mr. Wen and Young Master Song have finished their game of chess?"
"I haven't had enough yet, but it's too sunny outside, so I came in to rest for a bit," Wen Zhong said, putting down the chessboard and chess set.
"Please have a seat, I'll get you some herbal tea right away."
Boss Xu went to the back to get tea, and Wen Zhongcai spoke to Achan: "Miss Ji, we meet again."
Achan stood up: "Greetings, Mr. Wen. I heard you'd like to buy some incense pills?"
"Yes, it's been hot lately and there are more mosquitoes. Your fragrant pills are really useful, so I'd like to buy two more."
“My shop will reopen in five or six days. If Mr. Wen is not in a hurry, you can come back then,” Achan suggested.
“Alright,” Wen Zhong readily agreed.
After speaking with Wen Zhong, A Chan turned to Song Yan: "Has Young Master Song finished writing the inscription on the plaque?"
Song Yan hurriedly replied, "It's all written. I didn't know when the young lady would arrive, so I handed it all over to Manager Xu."
After serving the tea, Boss Xu went back to the back and retrieved a bundle of paper scrolls. Ah Chan opened them one by one and found that they were indeed as they had agreed, and the large characters looked quite impressive.
Ah Chan was very satisfied and couldn't help but praise, "Young Master Song's calligraphy is really good."
Wen Zhong, who had just come over to admire the calligraphy, nodded and said, "Young friend Song not only has superb chess skills, but his calligraphy also has the style of a master. It is indeed very good."
After learning Mr. Wen's identity and hearing him praise Song Yan, A Chan immediately felt that she had hit the jackpot.
Not to be outdone, Mr. Xu interjected, "Young Master Song's painting skills are no less than his calligraphy."
"With such great talent, young friend Song, have you ever thought about taking the imperial examinations?" Wen Zhong asked.
Although playing the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting are not the same path as the imperial examinations, the fact that Song Yan could excel in all three shows that he was exceptionally talented. If he had focused his efforts on the imperial examinations, with his intelligence, he might very well have achieved success.
Song Yan said with a hint of regret, "I tried to take the imperial examinations in my early years, but I failed them one after another. Later, I thought that it was better to travel ten thousand miles than to read ten thousand books, so I came all the way from my hometown to the capital. As a result, I have seen many different things. If I have the opportunity in the future, I will try the imperial examinations again."
“That’s fine too.” Wen Zhong said with the attitude of someone who had been through it all. “It’s okay to take the imperial examination later. If you are too ambitious when you are young and want to enter the court as an official early, it’s really not a good thing.”
Ah Chan and Boss Xu exchanged a glance. This kind of trouble could probably only be experienced by Mr. Wen, who became the top scholar before he was even twenty years old.
Song Yan took a sip of cold tea, then turned to look at the blinding sunlight outside the bookstore. The imperial examinations…
Unfortunately, he couldn't take the exam.
After chatting with the group for a while, Achan gave the remaining silver to Song Yan before leaving with her stack of plaques inscribed with calligraphy.
She also needed to go with Hui Niang to order a signboard, lest it be too late and they miss the opening of the new store in a few days.
Regardless, she was relieved to see that Mr. Xu was alright today.
As she climbed into the carriage, she thought again, "I overheard Young Master Song and Mr. Wen talking about storybooks. I wonder if Mr. Wen has taken it to heart? If only I could submit one of Duke Song's stories tomorrow."
The next morning, while Achan was still fast asleep, the morning assembly had already begun. She had no idea that a casual thought she'd had yesterday had actually come true that morning.
An hour later, as the court officials finished their meeting and were about to leave, Wen Zhong stepped forward.
Looking down from the throne, all the court officials turned their heads in unison toward Wen Zhong.
The emperor spoke up: "Minister Wen, do you have anything else to say?"
"Your Majesty, I wish to impeach the Duke of Song." Wen Zhong spoke clearly, making it impossible for the emperor to pretend he hadn't heard him.
"Oh, what mistake has the Duke of Song made recently? Why not take the initiative to admit it?"
The Duke of Song immediately stepped forward: "Your Majesty, I have not committed any wrongdoing. I do not know why the Imperial Censor Wen is impeaching me?"
"Recently, the Duke of Song, taking advantage of being slandered, has drastically banned bookstores in various districts, which has not only seriously disrupted the lives of the people, but also caused a very bad influence."
The Duke of Song immediately retorted, "I have already consulted His Majesty on this matter."
"Is that so? Then, Duke Song, would you dare tell His Majesty how many bookstores you coerced the Prefect of the Capital to shut down? Of the 108 wards and markets in the capital, more than 80 shops were shut down in just two days. The high price of paper in the capital is all thanks to Duke Song. I wonder if Duke Song has colluded with the paper mills?"
"Lord Wen, please be careful with your words. There is a reason for this. All the bookstores that were shut down were selling banned books. Once the Jingzhao Prefecture has investigated and clarified the matter, the bookstores will naturally reopen."
"Coincidentally, I also read this so-called forbidden book yesterday. I am very curious, did the author of this book state in any sentence that the content of the book originated from the Duke of Song's mansion?"
Wen Zhong pressed on relentlessly, and the Duke of Song, looking annoyed, couldn't help but say, "I am not as eloquent as Lord Wen, but the contents of his book are clearly intended to smear and discredit my Duke of Song's mansion."
“Then this matter is very serious.” Unexpectedly, Wen Zhong suddenly changed the subject and said to the emperor, “Your Majesty, I think that banning the bookstore is not advisable, but the innocence of the Duke of Song’s mansion is also very important. In that case, I ask Your Majesty to immediately issue an order to thoroughly investigate whether the record in the book that the Duke of Song’s heir committed murder is true.”
Duke Song hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, the content of that story is completely fictitious. My son did not kill anyone."
Wen Zhong said gently, “Duke Song, there is no need to worry. I also believe that the heir did not kill anyone. However, for the sake of your family’s reputation and the heir’s innocence, it is still best to investigate thoroughly. Otherwise, the people will easily believe the contents of the storybook. Once the truth is found, we can give the people an explanation.”
"Your Majesty, I feel this matter is inappropriate." At this moment, the Minister of Rites stepped forward. "If we were to thoroughly investigate every book written by just anyone that alludes to court officials, we might not have enough manpower in the future. What do you think, Minister Wen?"
"In my opinion, if just anyone who writes a book is accused of alluding to court officials and even wanted by the authorities, then a thorough investigation is necessary. Who knows whether he is genuinely slandering court officials without cause, or whether he is forced into this situation and has no choice but to use storytelling to appeal to the court for justice?"
"If there is a genuine injustice, one can appeal to the yamen (government office)." The Minister of Rites was very dissatisfied with this behavior.
"Has Your Excellency ever heard the saying, 'Why don't they eat meat porridge?'"
"Hmph, Lord Wen has misused those words. It seems you didn't seek a thorough understanding when you were studying."
Wen Zhong smiled and said, "You get the idea. I was very rigorous when I took the imperial examinations, as you know, Minister."
The Minister of Rites rolled his eyes, regretting that he hadn't appreciated Wen Zhong's writing so much more than a decade ago.
As a result, more than ten years later, when they served in the same court, he still had to watch him stir up trouble in the court, never having a moment of peace.
Seeing that the two were about to start talking, the emperor rubbed his temples and said, "Order the Prefect of the Capital to release the arrested people immediately and withdraw the arrest warrant for the author of the storybook. It is a good thing for the people to become more knowledgeable, but the content of the storybook must be strictly reviewed in the future."
"Your Majesty is wise."
Only the Duke of Song expressed some dissatisfaction: "Your Majesty, you clearly promised me..."
The emperor's voice was cold: "For the sake of the reputation of the Duke of Song's mansion, I promised you to ban this book, but you, Duke of Song, have done many unnecessary things in my name."
"Your Majesty, I am filled with trepidation." The Duke of Song immediately knelt down.
The emperor waved his hand: "Considering that you are the aggrieved party, I will not pursue this matter further today. There is no need to discuss this matter any more."
Wen Zhong didn't press the matter further; he already knew that His Majesty wouldn't agree to an investigation.
One reason, as the Minister of Rites said, is that the content of the storybooks is not credible, and the court would not investigate the Duke's heir based on a storybook.
Secondly, there is still the matter of the Duke of Song's family. At present, the stability of Xiling is the most important thing. Without solid evidence, His Majesty will not easily recall him.
His purpose today was simply to bring this matter to light, to get His Majesty to give a clear stance in court, and to quell the matter.
Now that the goal has been achieved, nothing else matters.
On the day the emperor issued the order, many of the arrested bookstore clerks and managers were released, and the bookstores reopened for business. Their only loss was the first volume of the revenge story.
The imperial court has made it clear that this book will be banned, and it will not be allowed to be printed privately in the future.
The bookstore owners sighed and went back to reprint the "Hundred Battles Divine Generals Record," thinking that with this incident, many people would want to read Mr. Baomu's masterpiece.
This is someone who can write banned books; his works are certainly worth studying.
A few days later, Achan's house was finally ready for her to move into.
Two days in advance, Hui Niang hired people to clean every room and courtyard. The newly ordered furniture and decorations had been put in, and the signboard had been hung up and covered with a red cloth, all in preparation for the day of reopening.
Achan packed her bags almost overnight and urged Chen Hui to move back to Changpingfang the next day. Once in her new house in Changpingfang, Achan finally felt comfortable; she definitely preferred it here.
On the day the shop opened, firecrackers went off. Achan tore off the red cloth from the signboard, revealing the two characters "香铺" (fragrant shop) written in seal script. The seal script had an ancient feel to it, making Achan feel that her shop had become more elegant.
Many familiar shop owners from the neighborhood came to offer their congratulations, and regular customers also came to buy incense after hearing the news.
During this period, Achan prepared many kinds of incense at home, and also made a new calming incense and a jasmine powder for styling clothes. Although the mosquito repellent incense balls sold the best, the other incenses also sold quite a lot.
Throughout the morning, Achan counted the silver several times, her eyes crinkling with delight. Indeed, the feeling of inheriting wealth and earning it herself were completely different.
After noon, the weather grew hotter and hotter, and no guests came. Ah Chan sat in the shade of the backyard to rest. She had just eaten noodles with shredded chicken and cucumber, which was very refreshing.
Hui Niang also bought a watermelon, which is currently placed in the well. A Chan keeps peeking into the well; she's so hot and wants to eat the watermelon.
Just then, the sound of drums suddenly rang out from afar. She stood up, somewhat puzzled. It wasn't curfew yet, so why was there a drum sound?
She lifted the curtain and went to the front, where she saw Chen Hui also looking out from the doorway. She couldn't help but go over and ask, "Hui Niang, what kind of drum sound is that?"
Chen Hui said, "It's the sound of the petition drum; someone must have filed a complaint."
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