"To be honest, sir, Xu Yuan was my master, and these books are his legacy. I would be very reluctant to sell them."
"Your master? I can understand that, but..." It would be fine if I hadn't seen the original, but even if I had seen it, how could I be willing to just copy it?
Xu Jiang understood what he was thinking and said, "How about this? I'll make a copy of each of these books first. After you've reviewed them, you can decide whether to keep them or not. Is that okay?"
She had to copy it anyway, and even if the old man didn't want it, she could keep it and sell it elsewhere.
"Okay." The old man asked, "When can you finish copying?"
"Copying and binding will take at least seven or eight days." Xu Jiang thought for a moment and said, "If it's convenient for you, sir, please leave your address. I'll send someone to let you know as soon as the copying is completed."
"Okay, the Ji family in Lanlingfang is good at Ji. You'll know once you ask them."
"Xu Jiang has made note of it."
"Xu Jiang, I've made note of this." Ji Shan took a sip of tea, stood up and said, "Goodbye."
Xu Jiang escorted the person out the door.
Before leaving, Ji Shan asked unwillingly, "Are you really not selling the original?"
Xu Jiang looked at him apologetically, but thought to herself: If Ji Shan still doesn't give up after a few more attempts, then she will reluctantly give up the book, give it to him, and keep a copy for herself.
After seeing Ji Shan off, Xu Jiang couldn't help but sigh. In the end, he came empty-handed and returned empty-handed.
She returned to the shop and cut a piece of the best white rattan paper. White rattan paper is delicate, flexible, and does not absorb ink, making it most suitable for copying precious books.
Xu Jiang ground the ink and moistened the brush, burned a furnace of rosin, and began to copy the book.
She comforted herself: Seeing how reluctant Ji Shan was to leave, this deal will be done sooner or later, so today's transaction is not a wasted one.
During a break from copying, Xu Jiang sipped tea and pondered: These books can't just be sold quietly. Before putting them on the shelves, I need to invite Master Lin, Du Hui, and Lou Jing to appraise them first to avoid any complaints. If they find any that they like, I can sell them to them and feel at ease.
How about hosting a book appreciation party?
Since arriving in the capital, I have received much help from you gentlemen, and I have yet to properly thank you. I would like to take this opportunity to treat you gentlemen to a meal and drink to repay your kindness.
Xu Jiang took note of this matter and would work it out in detail later. When everything was arranged, she would take advantage of the Lantern Festival to send gifts to the gentlemen, negotiate a good date with them, and then send out invitations.
She stroked the words left by her master and secretly vowed in her heart that she must carry forward the principles and theories of her master.
Don't let her efforts stop at her selfishness and desires.
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