Chapter 581 Conferred the title of Sixth-Rank Official
There's never a shortage of interesting things happening in Beijing.
In recent days, the reading room has once again become the main topic of conversation among people during their leisure time.
"I heard that the women's library in the reading room has published a storybook called something like 'The Pear Blossom Romance.' There are only ten copies available, and people who want to read it are already on the waiting list for three months."
"From what I understand, there are ten books in total. Only eight are available for loan, and the other two are left in the library for members to see. However, there are just too many people looking for them, so you have to go early to get a copy."
"What story is it that's so popular with women?"
"It is said to be the story of a young lady from a prominent family and a young man. It is very moving, and I must go and read it if I have the chance."
"..."
Manager Yu was almost frantic with work. Many young ladies from prominent families came to borrow books, but they had all been borrowed long ago. They had to register and wait in line, which meant waiting for four or five months.
The two books left in the reading room specifically for members were constantly being read from the time the room opened in the morning until it closed.
Originally, 98 percent of the members of the reading room were men. However, due to the immense popularity of "The Pear Blossom Romance," many women from prominent families also became members, bringing the total number of members to 800. Fortunately, women generally do not stay in the reading room for long periods of time to read and write, otherwise the courtyard would have to be expanded immediately.
At the same time, booksellers from the capital also came to our door.
Shopkeeper Yu knew that women would like this book, but he never expected it to become so popular. Even the wives and daughters of high-ranking officials came to borrow it, which was beyond his imagination.
After a busy day, Manager Yu immediately went to report to Cheng Wanwan: "Three booksellers have come to discuss cooperation. They all want to take advantage of the book's popularity to print a batch for sale. What do you think, Sui'an people?"
Cheng Wanwan already had the intention to work in printing.
Although the reading room is currently booming, the income is still too low. Therefore, they must find ways to increase revenue. The money earned is divided into five parts: one for each of the three leaders, one for the daily operation of the reading room, and the last part will be used as a scholarship to help poor students once a certain amount is reached.
Printing and selling books can be considered an important part of the reading room in the future.
"You should contact these three booksellers and choose one as a long-term partner. As for the profits, we must take 70%, or we won't discuss it further," Cheng Wanwan said after thinking for a moment. "Also, we'll be printing black and white versions. If you want to see a color version, you'll have to come to our reading room."
Shopkeeper Yu nodded: "And what about pricing?"
“Let the booksellers decide on that,” Cheng Wanwan smiled. “They are businessmen who deal in books and know the ways of business. They certainly won’t lose money. Go ahead and do it.”
Manager Yu nodded and immediately went to handle the matter.
Cheng Wanwan continued to ponder new stories. She had a ton of these melodramatic love stories in her head. She would write an outline and then have Manager Yu find someone to fill in the details, just like the business model of "Pear Blossom Romance". Even if it didn't become a huge hit, it shouldn't lose money.
When conceiving the story, she avoided vulgarity and added elegance, and tried to avoid real place names and official titles to prevent people from identifying with the characters.
Before we knew it, it was mid-July, and the weather was getting hotter and hotter.
Cheng Wanwan was confined to her home for nearly a month. At first, she felt comfortable and carefree, but if this continued, she would get moldy.
Before "The Pear Blossom Romance" was printed and published, Asab's envoy finally arrived in the capital.
In addition to Asab, the envoys who came to the capital this time also included envoys from the Kingdom of Laki. Two long caravans entered the capital city.
The envoy from the Kingdom of Laki would come to the capital every three years. Moreover, because the Kingdom of Laki was very close to the Kingdom of Dayu, the people of the two countries looked quite similar, and even some of their writing systems were similar. So, most of the people were not curious and focused their attention on the face of the envoy from Asab.
The Asab Kingdom is located to the north of the Dayu Kingdom, separated by the Yuezhi tribe. The journey is very long, and the two countries rarely interact. This is the first time the Asab Kingdom has visited the Dayu Kingdom.
The Assab people riding on big horses have very white skin, golden hair, blue or green eyes, and a lot of beards.
"The Assab people look a bit scary, they even have this color of eyes."
"You're making a fuss over nothing. Some people in Serso also have green eyes. You'll get used to it."
“Look at the necks of each of them, they’re all covered in jewels and gems. Are these things common in Assab?”
"It is said that Asab is full of jewels and gold, otherwise why would our Great Yu Dynasty have made such a grand gesture to invite their envoy to visit us?"
"..."
Zhao Sidan also went to the street to watch the excitement, and when he came back, he told Cheng Wanwan the story vividly.
Cheng Wanwan stretched and said, "It seems my stay-at-home order is finally going to be lifted."
It's already mid-July, and I should be able to finish this busy period around the end of July and head back in August. If it gets any later, the weather will get colder, and the journey home will be much more difficult.
Cheng Wanwan's premonitions had never been wrong, and sure enough, just after noon, the imperial edict from the palace arrived.
The person who came to deliver the imperial decree was Eunuch Ming, who walked in with a smile on his face: "This servant greets the people of Sui'an. People of Sui'an, kneel down and listen to the decree."
Cheng Wanwan took the lead and knelt down, followed by a chorus of servants kneeling on the ground behind her.
"The Emperor, by the Mandate of Heaven, decrees that an envoy from Assab has arrived in Beijing. To promote friendly relations between the two countries, the Great Yu Kingdom has specially prepared a state banquet in the Imperial Garden... I have heard that the sixth-rank Sui'an native, Kun Yi, is talented and proficient in the classics and the Assab language. I appoint him as the sixth-rank assistant guest of the Honglu Temple and bestow upon him the sixth-rank official robes of a sixth-rank assistant guest. I decree this!"
Cheng Wanwan was startled.
She thought it was an imperial edict lifting her confinement and allowing her to attend a banquet in the palace. Unexpectedly, she was given a proper official position.
Although a sixth-rank lady was a court lady, she had no real power and could not participate in important court affairs.
The sixth-rank official in charge of foreign affairs was different. He was a proper court official who was required to participate in court discussions. Whenever foreign guests came to the capital, he had to attend banquets to receive them.
Seeing that Cheng Wanwan didn't accept the order, Eunuch Ming smiled and said, "The emperor offended many court officials in order to confer this official position on Sui'an. After all, Sui'an is the first female court official since the founding of the Dayu Dynasty. Although she is only a sixth-rank official, she is the first in history, so her status is extremely important."
Cheng Wanwan certainly wouldn't refuse such a good offer, but she had to make some things clear. She said hesitantly, "But I have to return to Dahe Village sooner or later. I'm afraid I'll disappoint the emperor's kindness..."
"Hahaha!" Eunuch Ming laughed. "Sui'an is truly worthy of being called Sui'an. He has such a great honor, yet he always remembers his title. Since he is from Sui, he must be concerned about farming and the welfare of the people. The emperor has said that Sui'an's position as a sixth-rank official is only a part-time position. After Sui'an returns to Dahe Village, he can only help translate letters every now and then. He doesn't need to do anything special."
Cheng Wanwan was overjoyed and immediately kowtowed: "Your Majesty, I obey your decree! Long live the Emperor!"
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