Zhou Youde obviously underestimated the influence of public opinion.
Once things started to ferment, they were completely out of control. Coupled with Shen Mingchen's fame as a talented scholar from the south of the Yangtze River, the satirical poem quickly spread throughout the streets and alleys of Hangzhou.
Along with that domineering sentence "I have never seen such a shameless person."
Countless angry citizens took the counterfeit manuscripts written by Zhouji Bookstore and demanded an explanation, demanding that the Zhou family return their money. Some even went to the county government to file a complaint against Zhouji for fraud.
Faced with this situation, Zhou Youde was deeply shocked and fell ill. Every day, apart from drinking some medicine and eating some porridge, he stayed in bed to recuperate. He didn't even have the mood to listen to his favorite "The Story of the Sword".
Although the Zhou family is wealthy, they cannot withstand such turmoil.
There has been no income for several days, the employees still have to be paid, and many old customers have to be refunded. I really can't afford to delay it any longer.
Finally, after recuperating for a few days and being able to get out of bed, Zhou Youde decided to shamelessly apologize to Xu Yan, the young master of the Xu family.
He found out that Xu Yan lived in Santai Mountain, so he took a boat there.
Apology must be sincere, and Zhou Youde's sincerity is the steward Zhou Dafu.
He had already decided to put all the blame on Zhou Dafu in order to clear himself.
Poor Zhou family manager was tied up, his mouth was stuffed with rags, and a cloth bag was covered on his head.
When the ship docked at the pier, Zhou Youde ordered two servants to carry Zhou Dafu away.
Facing him was a graceful two-story bamboo building. Zhou Youde thought this must be the place.
He was extremely weak after recovering from a serious illness and was out of breath after taking just a few steps.
I couldn't help but sigh in my heart, what kind of sin is this?
By now he had understood everything.
This was a trap set by the Xu family, and he foolishly jumped into it.
Now, only by getting the Xu family's forgiveness can Zhouji Bookstore continue to survive.
Otherwise, based on the reputation he would have after this incident, he would never be able to recover.
After finally getting close to the small building, Zhou Youde was stopped by someone.
He put on a smile, explained his purpose, and then waited quietly, not daring to take another step forward.
There is no way out. The situation is not favorable to us, so we can only keep a low profile and behave ourselves.
Xu Yan was playing chess with Shen Mingchen when Shuangxi reported that Zhou Youde had arrived. He smiled at Shen Mingchen and said, "Jia Ze, what did the master say? This old man can't stand it anymore."
Shen Mingchen praised repeatedly, "My dear teacher, you are truly a wise and resourceful young Zhuge Liang."
Xu Yan felt a little comfortable with this flattery. He stretched and said, "He wants to see me, but I don't want to see him. Tell him to go back."
Shuangxi nodded and trotted downstairs.
"My young master said he doesn't want to see you, please go back."
Zhou Youde was stunned.
Isn't that too direct? No excuse at all?
Before he came, he never thought that Xu Yan would refuse to see him, and he was a little confused for a moment.
"Please inform me once again that I have come here specifically to apologize to Master Xu."
The little servant shook his head and said, "You are such a strange person. The young master has already said that he doesn't want to see you, so why are you so shameless to approach him?"
Zhou Youde's cheeks turned red with embarrassment and he really didn't know what to say.
"Come on, drag that guy to the ground and beat him up!"
He thought that Xu Yan was deliberately trying to intimidate him, so he didn't care about his face anymore.
The two strong servants immediately kicked Zhou Dafu to the ground and beat him up with punches and kicks.
Poor Manager Zhou had his mouth blocked and could only utter low whimpers.
Shuangxi was soft-hearted after all, and he hated to see this kind of scene, so he frowned and said, "Tell them to stop beating me, I'll go ask the young master again."
After saying that, he turned around and went back to the bamboo building.
Shuangxi went upstairs and told Xu Yan everything he had seen. He sighed and said, "Master, that man is really pitiful. They were so cruel. I'm afraid someone might die."
Xu Yan also felt that Zhou Youde was almost out in the cold, so he said to Shuangxi, "Let's ask him to come up."
Shen Mingchen, upon seeing this, tactfully bowed and said, "Master, I will step aside for a moment."
After saying that, he stood up and walked behind the screen.
There was a flurry of footsteps, and Shuangxi was the first to ascend the stairs. Behind him was Zhou Youde, followed by two of the Zhou family's strong servants. As for Zhou Dafu, he was carried up by them.
As soon as they reached the second floor, the two servants of the Zhou family threw Zhou Dafu out as roughly as unloading grain at the dock.
But there was a dull thud and Zhou Dafu rolled over in pain.
Xu Yan frowned. Who would be responsible if the floor of his villa was damaged?
"I am Zhou Youde, the head of the Zhou family. I have come here to apologize to Master Xu."
Zhou Youde simply swallowed his pride and bowed to Xu Yan.
Xu Yan asked knowingly, "What does Mr. Zhou mean by that?"
Although Zhou Youde's teeth itched with hatred, he pretended to be remorseful and pointed at Zhou Dafu lying on the ground, saying, "This man is Zhou Dafu, the steward of my mansion. This bastard had previously tried to steal the manuscript of 'Journey to the West: The Evil' behind my back. After failing, he ordered someone to write a fake manuscript. This is a violation of the rules of the profession and an unforgivable crime. I was not strict in my discipline and was also at fault for my negligence. I have brought this man here to be dealt with by Master Xu. I hope Master Xu will show some mercy."
Xu Yan thought to himself that this old dog changed his expression faster than turning the pages of a book. Was he trying to pass the blame to his subordinates?
"Mr. Zhou, I don't understand what you said."
Xu Yan smiled faintly and said, "From what I hear, this is all done by Zhou Dafu alone?"
"Exactly."
Zhou Youde forced a smile and said, "I know this incident has had a significant impact on your store, and I'm willing to compensate you."
After saying that, he took out a stack of banknotes from his sleeve and handed it to the little servant.
Shuangxi took the banknote, stepped forward and handed it to the young master.
Xu Yan took a glance and saw that Zhou Youde was really willing to spend five thousand taels of silver.
"Mr. Zhou is so understanding and righteous. I admire him."
Why not take the money that’s delivered to your door?
Xu Yan accepted the banknote without saying a word, as if nothing had happened.
"So, Master Xu has forgiven me?"
Zhou Youde looked delighted.
"Since Mr. Xu had no prior knowledge of this matter, what crime has he committed?"
Xu Yan smiled and said, "It seems this is a misunderstanding. As for this person..."
Zhou Youde hurriedly said, "Master Xu, please teach him a lesson."
"In that case, let's do this." Xu Yan paused and said, "Show the guest away."
Zhou Youde thanked him profusely before taking his leave.
After the Zhou family left, Shen Mingchen walked out from behind the screen.
"Master, is this matter over?"
Xu Yan sneered and said, "Of course I can't just let this go. Since Zhou Youde has sent the witnesses here, wouldn't it be a shame if I didn't report it to the authorities?"
...
...
ps: Here he comes, he really comes, wave after wave~
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com