Chapter 104 Humiliating Fans vs. Data-Driven Fans
Huh? What's going on? Someone's asking about him, and they've even tracked him down to his actual identity.
Fusu blinked.
He quickly gave the two people on his left and right a look, signaling them not to make a sound. He then raised his voice slightly and asked in a childish tone, "Is there something wrong with this newspaper? But I find it very interesting."
Wang Anshi nodded slightly: "No, there's nothing wrong with it."
He didn't have time to listen to the entire newspaper, but he already knew the true quality of the "Seeking Knowledge Daily." That a single article could ignite such public outrage, prompting both sides to engage in thoughtful debate in an attempt to persuade the other, was already a remarkable achievement.
This was precisely why Wang Anshi wanted to find out—because the newspaper was so well-edited. So why was he transferred back to the capital from his secret mission at the border to serve as deputy editor-in-chief? Clearly, it made no difference whether he was there or not.
Serving the country is a noble cause, but privately, Wang Anshi preferred to linger on the frontier, engaging in a battle of wits and courage with the Liao people while each side gained what they needed. Not only was life more exciting, but it also allowed him to glimpse the hope for the Song Dynasty.
However, the young boy could not understand the reasons behind this. Wang Anshi also did not intend to discuss it with Fusu. Seeing that his first attempt to elicit information had failed, he stroked his beard and asked gently, "That article that was just read in the shop, did you read it before?"
Fusu nodded obediently.
"Who wrote it? What is your relationship with that person?"
As soon as Wang Anshi finished speaking, he noticed that the person next to Fusu was trembling, his knuckles white as he gripped the cup. He immediately reflected on his own actions: had his tone been too harsh, frightening these children?
He coughed lightly, intending to soften his tone further, but found that Fusu's fair face showed no change. Not only that, he calmly took a sip of his drink: "It's me."
"..."
A vein throbbed on Wang Anshi's forehead: "Young friend, I was not joking."
Fusu: "I don't have any either."
"Hahahahahahahahahaha!" Su Shi, who had just been misunderstood as "terrified," couldn't hold back his laughter and collapsed onto the table: "Zhao Xiaolang, he doesn't believe it! He actually doesn't believe it!"
Upon hearing that someone didn't believe Su'er's words, Miaowu immediately became anxious and stopped drinking her perilla tea: "Do you perhaps know who my younger brother is? He is—"
Fusu's heart jumped into his throat.
It was too late to remind him then, so he could only frantically pray for divine intervention: Don't say that, Miaowu, don't say it!
"He'll be the top scholar in the imperial examination this year!" Miaowu exclaimed, his round, doe-like eyes wide. "It's just writing an article and running a newspaper, what's the big deal?"
She was unaware of the previous events and assumed that the newspaper, like every other novelty that appeared in her field of vision, was within the reasonable scope of her brother's talent. Anyone who had read the official gazette, whether it was the emperor or Fan Zhongyan, was speechless the moment they saw it, astonished by the ambition to educate the people reflected on the paper.
This also includes Wang Anshi.
He tremblingly raised his finger: "Could it be that you, you are..."
Fusu belatedly realized something was amiss. Among the top-tier scholars in Beijing, there were practically no ones who didn't recognize him. And why was this person so eager to find out who the editor-in-chief was? Uh, no way. It seemed only that person fit the description.
"Could it be that your surname is Wang? If I'm wrong, it would be my rudeness and I apologize for any offense."
Wang Anshi's already pale face grew even more solemn. Fusu's words were tantamount to confirming his identity and revealing his true nature in a single sentence.
How did he figure that out? Or is this the reason behind Sanyuan's extraordinary talent?
Wang Anshi gasped: "Hiss, this boy is terrifying."
He immediately stood up and gave a proper bow: "Wang Anshi greets Your Excellency."
“Oh dear, we’ll be colleagues from now on, what’s the point of all this bowing?” Su Shi tugged at Wang Anshi’s sleeve. They were in a corner of the drink shop, not very noticeable amidst the noise, but a few people still glanced over. After all, it was quite a sight to see an adult bowing to a child: “If we disturb others and they find out your identity, that wouldn’t be good.”
Fusu coldly retorted, "I think it's you who doesn't want to pay your respects to Lord Wang, isn't it?"
Su Shi's official rank was only seventh grade. This was the standard for newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations). However, most people dared not underestimate him. He had a friend who achieved the highest rank in all three imperial examinations, a father who was a second-place scholar in the examinations, and he himself was a child prodigy. Who knew if one day he might catch the eye of the emperor and rise rapidly through the ranks?
He didn't deny it at all, and said with a grin, "Don't expose me, Zhao Xiaolang."
Then, he immediately shifted the blame, pointing to the tumultuous crowd outside, which was on the verge of erupting into a fight: "Look at them, they're about to start arguing. Aren't you going to do anything about it?"
Then, deliberately speaking loudly, he said, "After all, it was you who caused this trouble!"
This guy!
Fusu glared at him angrily: "So what if I exposed his shortcomings in front of others? You're already retaliating? How petty."
But Su Shi was right; he was the real culprit. Fusu had no choice but to jump off the chair and squeeze into the crowded throng. By the time he reached the middle of the crowd like an eel, his hair had become slightly loose.
He cleared his throat and said in a childish voice, "Quiet down, quiet down, everyone, let me say a few words first."
In this place where even a dog would get a scolding if it passed by, there was a sudden, eerie silence. Where did a child come from? Upon closer inspection, hey, he's actually quite good-looking. Fair-skinned and clean, like a piece of baby cake. Many of the curses that were stuck in their throats vanished.
"Whose child is this? Parents, come and take him home quickly, lest he get lost!"
After all, Hanako loves kids like that the most.
"Hey!" Fusu raised his hand: "I can leave, but please stop arguing. Where are the people reading the newspaper? Turn the page, turn the page to the next one."
He tried to sound like a four-year-old, using a high-pitched voice. What he thought was affected mannerisms appeared only childishly cute to outsiders. Someone noticed something amiss in his voice and teased him, "You can actually read this newspaper? You know what's written at the back?"
"Of course I know. You'll see when you see it."
"How could that be? We can't read."
Fusu said with absolute certainty, "You'll see when you see it."
The crowd's curiosity grew even stronger. Under everyone's gaze, the accountant-like man holding the newspaper turned a page, then his eyes widened in astonishment.
"this……"
He took a breath: "It teaches people how to read."
"What?"
"How could that be!"
Exclamations of surprise rose and fell, almost as if they were rivaling the earlier shouting match. It's no wonder people were astonished; literacy? That was something taught in schools, where you had to pay taxes—how could it possibly appear in a two-cash newspaper?
Some people immediately expressed disbelief.
The scholar reluctantly spread out the newspaper and displayed it to everyone: "Why would I lie to you?"
He was unlucky; he had bought a newspaper and was reading it carefully at a beverage shop. Unconsciously, after reciting the article aloud, the words "Zhuge Liang" and "Sima Yi" immediately attracted a crowd of onlookers.
Fusu chimed in, "It's true. It shows how to write the characters 'snow,' 'flower,' and 'soldier,' all of which appear in stories about Zhuge Liang. They're very simple; any normal person could recognize them at a glance."
"Young man, are you telling the truth?"
"Of course!" Fusu replied decisively.
He seemed to have returned to the days when he sold sugar paintings and was a top salesman. Few would admit to being "smart," but few would consider themselves abnormal.
Immediately, he heard many people muttering: "Only two coins, and you can read. Maybe I should buy one too."
Even if you don't understand it yourself, you can leave it to your children.
Fu Su curled his lips slightly and pressed his advantage: "It also says where the northernmost, southernmost, easternmost, and westernmost points of the Great Song Dynasty are. It is said that the southernmost point is on an island thousands of miles away, where it is summer all year round."
As he spoke, he secretly glared at Su Shi. Unfortunately, the latter was completely oblivious to this time-traveling, hellish joke and returned his gaze with a grimac.
Fusu wrinkled his nose, feeling embarrassed, and went back to making up his impromptu sales pitch.
Wang Anshi was already slightly lost in thought as he listened. The northernmost scenery described by Sanyuanlang was almost identical to what he had seen and heard at the border. His eyes were vacant, as if he were recalling the thrilling events of a few months ago.
What finally brought him back to his senses was a childish, innocent "Lord Wang—"
Su Shi, ever the friendly type, leaned closer and asked, "Sir, don't you have any questions for Sanyuan himself?"
Wang Anshi paused for a moment.
How could there be none? There are many, far too many.
He glanced at Xiao Fusu, who was skillfully manipulating the crowd and calming those who were about to quarrel. Xiao Fusu's tiny figure gradually blurred and became a mystery: "...What exactly do you mean by the culprit you just mentioned who caused the conflict among the crowd?"
I clearly didn't see Sanyuanlang instigating a fight just now.
Miaowu also leaned over with interest, pricking up her ears to listen carefully: she also wanted to know just how amazing Su'er was!
"Oh, that? My lord, you may not know this, but in fact, besides being the editor-in-chief, Sanyuan also served as an official once, as the fifth-rank agricultural commissioner personally appointed by His Majesty..."
After Fusu slipped out of the crowd and returned to his seat, he saw Wang Anshi, whom he neither understood nor respected, and who held him in high esteem.
He immediately guessed who the culprit was and turned to ask, "What did you say to him?"
"Heavens, I'm so wronged!" Su Shi covered his mouth and said gloatingly, "I just recounted all your glorious deeds. Isn't it enough to praise you?"
But his purpose was definitely not just to praise me; he probably wanted to see me make a fool of myself, even though he knows I'm not good at being praised to my face!
Fusu tried to salvage the situation: "Um, Mr. Jiefu, don't listen to Su Xiaolang's nonsense."
“No.” Wang Anshi’s face hardened. He was not particularly kind to begin with, and his unsmiling demeanor made him even more intimidating: “I finally understand why the Emperor summoned me to Bianjing.”
So they came here to learn.
If Zhao Xiaosanyuan's words are true, and he edits all the newspaper's content, does that mean he'll only remain as a mere editor-in-chief? No. There are many more things worthy of his attention. So, what will become of the newspaper then?
...Then I'll have to rely on myself as the deputy editor-in-chief.
Wang Anshi, as expected of someone who rose through the ranks to become a prime minister, accurately guessed the emperor's, or more precisely, Fusu's, thoughts. He could no longer resist the appointment. To play even a small role in educating the people and benefiting the world would be enough to ensure eternal fame.
As he pondered, he bowed deeply to Fusu, saying, "I humbly request that the top scholar teach me—"
Fusu's eyes widened suddenly: "Huh?"
"Wait, Lord Wang, please don't do this! I can't accept it!"
——
Chuigong Hall.
Emperor Renzong, Fan Zhongyan, Fu Bi, and others gathered together. It was not unusual for the emperor and the prime minister to discuss matters. What was unusual was that they were together in silence, their breathing even slightly shallow, as if they were waiting for someone or some news.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps broke the temporary peace.
The official immediately put down his pen, which had been merely for decoration, stood up from his chair, and asked the servant, "How did it go? How many copies of the 'Seeking Knowledge Daily' have been sold?"
"Your Majesty, the people at the Imperial Academy's printing press said they printed 20,000 copies, but only about 6,000 remain. Judging from the rate of consumption, the inventory is about to run out, and they are preparing to print more."
"Twenty thousand, six thousand, that's thirteen thousand." The Emperor muttered to himself, calculating, "The population of Bianjing is..."
“Five hundred thousand, that’s an average of one newspaper for every thirty-odd people.” Fan Zhongyan calculated the answer in an instant and cupped his hands in greeting to the emperor: “Congratulations, Your Majesty, this number is quite impressive.”
"Yes," the others agreed in unison.
The most cost-effective approach for ordinary people is for each person to buy a newspaper and share it with multiple people. This means that the number of people in Bianjing City reached by the *Seeking Knowledge* newspaper is far more than 13,000, and it is still increasing.
They all breathed a sigh of relief, looked at each other, and then laughed knowingly.
If Fusu knew that his own father, master, and lord were all his data fans, he would probably be both touched and ashamed.
Ouyang Xiu said, "Now no one in the court has anything to say."
"Speaking of this," the Emperor paused subtly, "don't you all think there's a bit too much hostility towards Su'er in the court?"
Fu Bi, Fan Zhongyan, and the others looked at each other without saying a word.
What should I say?
Those who dislike His Highness Prince Cheng are mostly his political enemies. To speak out would be seen as using this opportunity to smear him, something their moral character and integrity would not allow them to do.
"This can't go on any longer."
Fan Zhongyan paused, then said, "Your Majesty, what you mean is..."
Emperor Renzong said, "They have only had a few disagreements with Su'er so far, and it has not yet developed into a deep-seated hatred. If they develop a deep-seated hatred in the future, and Su'er reveals her identity again, they will only look at Su'er with displeasure and try to trip her up."
“I do not wish for such a thing to happen. I want to leave Su’er a more peaceful court where he can be properly listened to.”
Everyone who heard these words was deeply moved by Emperor Renzong's compassionate fatherly heart. Factional struggles were a means for the emperor to control his ministers, and when necessary, princes were also a key element in the power struggle.
Throughout history, which ruler has ever disregarded his own power and paved the way for his son like this emperor? Even during his own reign, he allowed Prince Cheng to run rampant in the court and do whatever he wanted.
As for why these words were spoken only to them, did they seem to be regarded as regents entrusted with the care of the young emperor? But the emperor's health...
The thought flashed through his mind for only a moment before he heard the Emperor speak: "Therefore, I wish to find an opportunity to reveal Su'er's true identity to the world."
What do you all think?
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Author's note: Su Shi is an insult to Zhui [dog head holding a rose] (? Although, who is a good person who can use real achievements to insult Zhui?)
Emperor Renzong and his prime ministers were data enthusiasts; if the data wasn't good, they'd publicly pressure sales officials during the morning court session [eye roll].
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