"You'll have to pay for the medicine after you've hacked someone." Su Jinli didn't even look up, her fingers rapidly counting copper coins on the account book, mentally formulating a plan. After a moment, she said, "Go, help me post notices at the gates of every neighborhood: 'The Oil Seller's first chapter is out, on sale tomorrow at noon, one tael of silver per chapter. Answer the riddle at the end and you can buy the next chapter for half price.'"
The young man scratched his head and asked in confusion, "What's the puzzle?"
"Just ask..." Su Jinli paused, the image of Jiang Yan's serious and focused look while he was doing the accounts during the day emerged in her mind. The corners of her mouth curled up slightly, "Ask what color the courtesan's embroidered shoes are."
The snow outside the window was falling harder and harder, fluttering down like goose feathers, covering the entire world in a blanket of white. Jiang Yan silently walked over to Su Jinli and gently handed her the heater. His fingertips accidentally brushed against the back of her frozen hand. That instant of touch was like an electric current, warming Su Jinli's heart.
Su Jinli looked at the densely packed copper coins in the account book, and her thoughts drifted back to her past life. Back then, she was bedridden, lonely and helpless, unable to even get a sip of hot soup. Her life was filled with despair and helplessness. But now, looking at the bustling bookstore before her, thinking about the upcoming serialization project, a confident and determined smile curled her lips. She picked up the wolf-hair brush and wrote heavily on the rice paper. The ink words glowed warmly under the light - she wanted to scoop up the honey of this life, spoonful by spoonful, and write her own sweet life.
As time passed, Su Jinli's meticulously planned serialization plan was about to begin, and the entire capital seemed to be shrouded in a mysterious anticipation. People on the streets and alleys were talking about the upcoming serialization of "The Oil Seller" by Jinyun Bookstore, and were full of curiosity about the suspenseful subsequent plot.
Su Jinli and Jiang Yan were busy making final preparations inside the bookstore. Jiang Yan carefully checked each manuscript, ensuring the text was correct, while Su Jinli carefully considered every word on the notice, striving to explain the rules clearly.
The night before the serialization began, a long line formed outside Jinyun Bookstore. People, some wrapped in thick cotton-padded clothes, some holding lanterns, waited patiently in the cold winter night. Among them was a bearded man, stamping his feet and rubbing his hands, muttering, "I don't know what happened to Yue Niang and Ah Qi. I must read this chapter."
In Jinxiu Pavilion, the girls gathered together, enthusiastically discussing the plot of "The Oil Seller." "I bet the courtesan will definitely marry the oil seller, given their deep affection," one girl said. "But who knows, there might be some unexpected twists and turns. After all, this story is full of surprises," another girl replied. As they speculated on the plot, they anxiously waited for Jinyun Bookstore to open.
Su Jinli stood in the bookstore, looking out the window at the long line outside, feeling a surge of emotion. She knew this wasn't just a simple business venture, but a crucial step toward changing her destiny and realizing her dreams.
Finally, the hour of Chen struck, and the doors of Jinyun Bookstore slowly opened. Su Jinli stepped forward, cleared her throat, and said, "Sorry for the wait, everyone! The first chapter of 'The Oil Seller' is now on sale. I hope you enjoy this story, and I hope you'll actively participate in our puzzle activities."
People flocked to the bookstore, eager to buy the first chapter. Su Jinli and Jiang Yan busily collected money and handed out books, their faces filled with joyful smiles.
The first reader who bought the book immediately opened it and began reading. He was absorbed in the fascinating plot, sometimes frowning, sometimes smiling. When he saw the puzzle at the end of the book, he fell into deep thought: "What color is the courtesan's embroidered shoes? I think it was mentioned in the text, maybe..."
Meanwhile, Young Marquis Su was posting notices at the gates of various neighborhoods, attracting crowds. "Answer the riddle and you can buy the next chapter for half price! How interesting," said a scholar-like figure. "I'll have to go back and study the previous chapters carefully. Maybe I can get the answer right," said an old man, stroking his beard.
As time went on, more and more people joined the serialization campaign. Jinyun Bookstore was bustling with activity. Su Jinli, amidst her busy schedule, constantly observed readers' reactions and collected feedback to adjust and optimize subsequent installments.
That night, Su Jinli sat in the bookstore's study, looking at the ever-increasing income in the account book, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Jiang Yan walked over, gently shook her hand, and said, "Jinli, you are really amazing. This plan will definitely succeed." Su Jinli looked at him with a smile and said, "This is all thanks to everyone's support and your help behind the scenes."
The snow still fell outside, but the house was filled with warmth and hope. Su Jinli knew that a new chapter had begun in her life, and that Jinyun Bookstore, thanks to her efforts, would be poised for an even brighter future. She would continue to bravely pursue her dreams, writing her own legend with wisdom and courage, and adding a touch of splendor to the cultural landscape of Beijing.
As the serialization of "The Oil Seller" progressed, a craze swept the capital. From the mansions of high-ranking officials to the homes of ordinary people, the story was a hot topic. Children played in the streets, imitating the story of the oil seller and the courtesan, while elderly people drank tea in teahouses and enthusiastically discussed the story's development.
Business at Jinyun Bookstore is booming, with a constant stream of people coming daily to purchase the serialized chapters. Based on reader feedback, Su Jinli has cleverly adjusted the story's rhythm and plot, making it even more engaging. Each chapter's puzzles are meticulously designed, both relevant to the story and challenging, stimulating reader engagement.
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
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