The ups and downs of the auction that Zhang Fei had originally expected suddenly turned into a boring, seniority-based sale.
It's really the same book, same price.
There were no ups and downs.
One hundred limited edition collector's editions were bought by the scholars on the first floor.
It was so dull that it made Zhang Fei feel sick. He really wanted to pee on the spot and leave a stain on this "warm" scene. It was too bullying.
"It looks like it's over! Lord Fu, Lord Wen, and I.!"
Sima Guang stood up and prepared to leave, when he suddenly saw Fu Bi, Wen Yanbo and others sitting there reading a collector's edition each, and he couldn't help but feel puzzled.
How is this collection of poems?
They had basically all read Yan Shu's poems, after all, he was the top figure in the literary world at that time, especially Fu Bi, who knew him very well.
There is no need to rush, you can go home and look at it later.
...
...
When he looked up, he saw Wang Anshi.
They were the only two freeloaders standing at the table. If they looked up, they would definitely see each other because everyone else had bought tickets and were sitting there reading, and they were the only two who were in a hurry to leave.
Neither of them liked the extravagant atmosphere of Baifan Building.
If they completely put aside their political ideas, they would definitely become close friends because their personalities are so similar.
"Mr. Fu!"
Sima Guang coughed, then bowed and shouted to Fu Bi.
Fu Bi was startled and looked up. "What's the matter?"
Sima Guang wanted to say goodbye, but he couldn't help asking, "Is this book so wonderful?"
Fu Bi hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said approvingly, "Just like the opera just now, it is unique."
Wang Anshi asked curiously, "Isn't it just a collection of poems? How can it be called unique?"
Wen Yanbo raised his head and said, "This is not an ordinary collection of poems. It can be said to be another genre, similar to a biography, but it is very vivid, colorful and touching."
"Yeah?"
Wang Anshi looked at Sima Guang again and felt a little regretful. He thought that one tael was not a lot of money, so why not buy a copy?
Han Jiang handed the book to Wang Anshi, "Jiefu will know it at a glance."
On the other side, Wen Yanbo also handed his books to Sima Guang.
I got it for free immediately.
The two sat back.
Like them, other scholars and officials did not rush to leave, but sat at the table and watched.
The performance just now simply turned Yan Shu's poems into a drama and showed it to everyone. It did not involve Yan Shu himself, but the book used Yan Shu's poems to tell the story of Yan Shu's mental journey.
It can be said that this is a personal biography, but it is different from the current biography. It is presented in the form of a story.
In addition, different fonts are used for printing, which is staggered, clear and concise, and very relaxing and pleasant to read.
It is a very novel genre.
Of course, the novel style alone is not enough to make literary masters such as Wang Anshi and Wen Yanbo sit down and read it. The key still lies in Yan Jidao's literary talent.
Like Yan Shu, Yan Jidao was very good at writing poems with delicate emotions, although Zhang Fei asked him to make his poems more popular and not too elegant.
But genius is something that cannot be explained. He did lower his own standards, but he wrote in another very unique style. He used a very popular writing style to show Yan Shu's mental journey vividly and vividly, making people feel as if they were there, as if they were watching the scenes with their own eyes, making people unable to help but read on.
Especially for people like Fu Bi and Wen Yanbo who knew Yan Shu very well, for them, this is a story as well as a memory.
Those young talents saw this scene and scratched their cheeks anxiously. Is this poetry collection so good? These scholars started reading it on the spot.
So, they went to see if they could get a copy, under the pretext of congratulating Yan Ji, and to find out when the collection of poems would be available for sale.
Fan Zheng and Zhang Fei were immediately pushed out of the door. They looked at each other helplessly and went to sit in a private room next to them.
"Third brother's idea is really worth a thousand gold!"
Fan Zheng praised: "In the future, this opera may replace the previous song and dance performances."
Zhang Fei said: "This is exaggerated. Opera and songs are just different ways of performing. It's just that this brand new opera has just come out and is popular. Songs and dances are still popular. This is irreplaceable."
Fan Zheng said again in embarrassment: "But not many people can choreograph this kind of opera, and Mr. Yan is only doing this for his father..."
He knew very well that the reason why the first performance was so successful was entirely due to Yan Jidao's artistic talent, and the reason why Yan Jidao participated was for Yan Gong.
He is not a professional, so Baifanlou cannot hire him even if they want to.
Zhang Fei whispered: "So we have to find a way to dig Mr. Yan over to our side."
Fan Zheng asked excitedly: "Is this possible?"
"Why not? As long as the hoe is used well, there is no corner that cannot be dug down." Zhang Fei glanced into the house again and said, "Being an official in the court does not give you such treatment."
Fan Zheng also took a look and nodded, not quite understanding what he was saying.
After chatting for a while, Zhang Fei happened to meet Xu Lingxiao, so he got up and said goodbye.
Inside the carriage.
Xu Lingxiao asked: "Sister-in-law, when can I buy this collection of poems?"
He is a book lover and now he is itching to read some books!
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "I have prepared more than a dozen collector's editions and more than a dozen regular editions for you, big brother."
"A dozen?"
Xu Lingxiao couldn't help but open his eyes wide, and waved his hands in fear, "No need for so many, no need for so many, an ordinary one will do."
Zhang Fei said: "Brother, you can give it as a favor to your friends."
Xu Lingxiao didn't expect Zhang Fei to be so thoughtful, and he felt extremely embarrassed, "How can this be so embarrassing!"
Zhang Fei chuckled and said, "In their eyes, this may be very precious, but to me, it's just a few hundred coins, not worth mentioning."
Xu Lingxiao hurriedly said: "Brother-in-law, the value of this book cannot be measured by money."
Zhang Fei smiled and nodded.
After Zhang Fei acquired the genuine bookstore, the front store had been closed for a long time. This was because it was forced by major restaurants to not sell newspapers and magazines to the public, thus forming a kind of bound sales. The bartenders had been waiting at the back door to receive newspapers and magazines.
This morning, the door of this genuine bookstore was crowded with people. Compared with the bartenders before, the people standing here were scholars, young men, and talented people.
On one hand, they were staring eagerly at the closed shop door, and on the other hand, they were talking about yesterday's opera performance.
Yesterday’s opera performance was really unsatisfying. Coupled with the performances of the prime ministers and literati yesterday, everyone was curious about what was so magical about this book.
After another half an hour, the shop door opened.
Brand new books were placed on the counter.
Everyone immediately rushed forward because they didn't know how many books there were and they had to grab them!
"How much?"
A scholar who was squeezed to the front put his purse on the counter and asked while panting.
The shopkeeper said, "One hundred coins per copy."
"One hundred coins?"
A scholar exclaimed.
You have to know that nowadays, unless books are monopolized by the imperial court, the price of private sellers is about thirty cents. The price has increased three or four times, which is a bit too much.
These scholars and talented men were relatively rational. When they heard the price, they immediately started complaining.
The shopkeeper said in a loud voice: "Gentlemen, please be patient and listen to what I have to say. The reason why it is sold at such a high price is because it is the genuine product."
"What's the difference?"
"The difference is that we have to pay a large sum of money to Mr. Yan to purchase the copyright of his poems. Our host, Zhang Sanlang, also said that we should respect the fruits of scholars' labor as we respect the fruits of farmers' labor. Stealing and selling other people's poems is not only immoral, but also like stealing farmers' food. It is a very hateful and illegal act. Scholars should also get corresponding rewards."
After these words, the voices of complaints immediately turned into words of praise.
Because those who come to buy are all scholars.
Putting respect aside, if Yan Gong’s poems can be sold for so much money today, then our poems tomorrow...
In the final analysis, it is the butt that determines the head!
In the restaurant opposite the bookstore, there were two young men sitting there. They were Zhang Fei and Yan Jidao.
"Mr. Yan didn't sleep well yesterday?"
Zhang Fei saw that Yan Jidao's eyes were red and swollen, and bloodshot, and couldn't help but ask.
"I had a few drinks with some good friends yesterday." Yan Jidao smiled awkwardly.
Yesterday he was forced to hold a celebration banquet in Baifan Building. Too many good friends came to congratulate him. Fan Zheng also wanted to win over Yan Jidao, so he gave him a banquet.
Yan Jidao was once a playboy in a brothel and hardly slept.
"I see." Zhang Fei nodded and said, "In my opinion, the reason why Mr. Yan's poetry collection is so popular is mainly because the stories he wrote are very touching."
"No."
Yan Jidao hurriedly said: "This is mainly because father's poems are popular, and Sanlang's ideas are also popular. I am just helping a little."
He has a rather proud temperament, so this is by no means a humble statement on his part. In his opinion, he really didn't put much effort into it. He just wrote casually according to Zhang Fei's ideas. It's not like he was going to write some timeless quatrain.
How difficult can it be.
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "But in my opinion, it's the same poem by Yan Gong, and it's also my idea, but if someone else writes it, it may not be so popular."
Yan Jidao said embarrassedly: "Sanlang, you are too kind to praise me. I am ashamed to accept it."
Zhang Fei said, "If Mr. Yan is not worthy of the title, then this matter will be difficult to handle."
Yan Jidao was surprised and asked, "What do you mean?"
Zhang Fei said: "If this kind of thing can bring both fame and fortune, many people will definitely follow suit, so... So I still hope that Mr. Yan can continue to help."
Yan Jidao glanced at him and said nothing.
Zhang Fei said: "I can give you 20% of the shares of the genuine bookstore in return. Please ask Mr. Yan to come to the genuine bookstore to help."
“It’s not about the money.”
Yan Jidao said hurriedly: "It's just that I am an official of the imperial court, this is really inappropriate."
I am an official, and you ask me to resign and come here to work. Any smart person would not do this!
Zhang Fei asked with a smile: "Mr. Yan, do you know why I was able to become an official?"
Yan Jidao was stunned, "Of course it's because of Sanlang's ability to argue."
Zhang Fei nodded and said, "But if I had entered the court directly through my father-in-law's relationship, do you think I would have achieved what I have today, Mr. Yan?"
Yan Jidao was slightly startled.
Zhang Fei asked himself and answered, "I think it will definitely not be as good as today, because I don't know what position will be assigned to me. Maybe it's something I'm not good at, or even if I do well, I won't be noticed like I am now.
It was others who first recognized my ability and then recommended me to be an official, so my career was smooth sailing. The same is true for Mr. Yan. In his current position, Mr. Yan has no opportunity to display his talents. Obviously, writing books and arranging operas are more able to reflect Mr. Yan's talents.
When Mr. Yan becomes more famous, the career he expects will come naturally. Many things are not achieved if you force them. "
This speech was like a revelation to Yan Jidao, and he immediately stood up and bowed, "Sanlang's speech has made me suddenly enlightened. Thank you very much, thank you very much."
The reason for being frustrated is often that your current platform is unable to showcase your talents. Changing careers at this time and doing what you are good at and interested in may lead to a better career.
Of course, the prerequisite is that you really have the ability.
Zhang Fei quickly bowed in return and asked, "What does Mr. Yan mean?"
Yan Jidao hesitated for a moment and said, "I still need to discuss this with my family."
The implication is that I am willing.
Zhang Fei smiled and said, "Then I will wait for good news."
Speaking of family, Yan Jidao suddenly asked, "By the way! I have a question that I would like to ask Sanlang."
Zhang Fei hurriedly said, "Mr. Yan, please speak."
Yan Jidao said: "My father's poems should not belong to me alone. I should give some money to my brothers, but I am not good at handling these things. How much do you think I should give to my brothers?"
Zhang Fei thought about it and said, "From the perspective of Erbi, I think 30% is enough."
"Thirty percent?" Yan Jidao said, "That's a little too little."
Zhang Fei said: "Although it is a collection of poems by Lord Yan, Mr. Yan's articles actually account for a larger proportion, which is also one of the main reasons for its popularity. If Mr. Yan takes out one-third of the profits to distribute to the other brothers, even if we go to court, I can guarantee that Mr. Yan will not lose."
After all, he was a writer, and he made this issue clear in the contract. The author of this collection of poems was not Yan Shu, but Yan Jidao.
If Yan Jidao's family were to sue, he would definitely not lose.
"How can I go to court with my brother?"
Yan Jidao was so scared that he kept shaking his head. Although such lawsuits were common in the Northern Song Dynasty because there were laws, for a family like theirs, this could never happen. After thinking for a while, he said, "If you take out 70% and divide it among your brothers, will they be dissatisfied?"
Zhang Fei scratched his head and said, "I don't know about this, but is 70% a bit too much?"
"how?"
Yan Jidao nodded and said, "If you think it's too much, then my brothers shouldn't have any objections."
Zhang Fei just smiled slightly.
He was talking about legal issues, but Yan Jidao was asking about family issues. It was difficult for a judge to judge family affairs, so he didn't want to say much.
(End of this chapter)
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