Chapter 86 Could it be that her talent point isn't just being a gossip...?
On the first day of the release of "Jade Hairpin", although there was a little unpleasant incident in the middle, it has generally exceeded Shen Lingyue's expectations.
The five hundred books brought to the event were all sold out. In the end, some readers who arrived late couldn't buy any even with their money in hand. They clung to the shopkeeper who had been temporarily transferred by Shen Lingyue and wouldn't let go until the shopkeeper promised that new books would definitely be available the next day.
As for the rumors fabricated by the rogue idler whom the Young Master Xiaoxiang bribed, they were all exposed the moment Dong Lanyi stepped forward to admit her identity.
Firstly, the young ladies and wives of each family did not want to or were unwilling to let their beloved scholar be associated with any woman, and they disdained to spread such vulgar rumors.
Secondly, considering the Changning Marquis's Mansion behind Dong Lanyi, who would be so foolish as to want to go against the Pei family?
Shen Lingyue also tasted the benefits of this event. The location and customer traffic of Fenglelou were simply incomparable to the small Langhuan Pavilion in the back alley of the Imperial College.
She asked Pei Jinghuai to find a way to use his connections, and through persistent persuasion, he booked a private room at Fenglelou along the street. He then hung up a sign that read "Langhuan Pavilion Branch" next to the window facing the street and arranged a row of new books along the windowsill, which was very eye-catching.
In later times, this place would be equivalent to Beijing SKP, Shanghai IFC, or Nanjing Deji Plaza.
If you can set up a counter here to sell Dong Lanyi's books, it's hard not to become popular!
Perhaps it was my cousin's good fortune; just a few days after her new book was released, the opera troupe that was the first to rehearse the new play "Yu Tang Chai" was summoned by the eunuchs and, on the orders of Consort Gao, performed in the palace for three consecutive days.
This little-known opera troupe from Jiangling Prefecture suddenly became the first folk opera troupe in the capital to perform in the palace, instantly gaining fame and becoming a sensation throughout the city.
Even the wealthy and powerful families who didn't like reading and weren't very familiar with "The Jade Hairpin" became interested when they learned that the play had won the favor of a concubine in the palace. They all sent their stewards to the troupe leader to book performances.
The new play "Yu Tang Chai" became a huge hit, and Dong Lanyi's new book also became hard to find. Every day, it sold out instantly as soon as it hit the shelves. Even the Shu father and son, along with a group of skilled craftsmen, worked day and night to print the book, but they couldn't keep up with the sales speed. In just a few days, they were almost exhausted.
This couldn't go on, so Shen Lingyue had to have the Fenglelou branch post a notice that "Yutangchai" would be limited to twenty copies per day, on a first-come, first-served basis. This finally gave the Lian family father and son a breather.
On the other hand, the troupe leader was so busy collecting deposits that his hands were sore, and his performances for the next three months were fully booked, except for the ninth day of the fifth lunar month.
Because it was the birthday of Madam Pei.
The troupe leader knew that their troupe from a small southern town had become an instant sensation in the capital thanks entirely to the new scripts sent by the second son of the Marquis's mansion. Therefore, no matter how high the prices offered by other troupes, he dared not forget his roots and insisted on performing at the Marquis's mansion on this particular day.
...
The Grand Madam's birthday is the most important event for the entire Marquis's mansion recently. While Shen Lingyue and Yan Yi were selling books with Dong Lanyi, Meng Wanyin and Mama Qi had also made proper arrangements for the birthday banquet in advance.
The old lady celebrates her birthday every year. Meng Wanyin has been married into the family for twenty years and is already very familiar with the process, so it doesn't take her much effort.
But this year is a little different. First, she has two more daughters-in-law—although they didn't help much, they provided some emotional support.
Secondly, because Dong Lanyi's new book sold very well, and it seemed that she had also won the favor of the imperial concubine in the palace, many families who were not very familiar with the Changning Marquis's mansion sent their capable stewards to send visiting cards, openly or secretly wanting an invitation to the birthday banquet.
After consulting with Pei Xian, Meng Wanyin and Pei Xian spent several days selecting some families they could befriend and sent them invitations.
With the sudden increase in guests, many previous arrangements had to be rearranged, leaving Meng Wanyin exhausted. She simply grabbed her two daughters-in-law and niece to help out.
This was the first time Dong Lanyi had been allowed to participate in the management of the Marquis's household. Previously, she knew nothing about these matters and was somewhat apprehensive, unsure of what she could do.
Having received Pei Xian's instructions, Meng Wanyin was even more enthusiastic towards her than before, and held her hand with a smile, saying, "Aunt knows that you have never liked to get involved in these trivial matters, but this time it is your maternal grandmother's birthday, and many families have come for you. How to deal with these guests is a lesson you will have to learn sooner or later."
The Marquis said that Pei Yuzhen used to be ambitious, either wanting to interfere in the management of the Marquis's household or trying her best to help her daughter marry into a higher social class. He didn't want to spoil her, so he rarely paid attention to his niece's upbringing.
Now it seems that Dong Lanyi has changed her ways. She no longer thinks about becoming Pei Jingyi's concubine. Instead, she is quite ambitious and has written a new play and story that even the Imperial Concubine likes. She has obviously grown up and become more sensible.
“You’re a young woman now. When you get married and take charge of a household in the future, you can’t be completely clueless and get tricked by the servants below.”
Meng Wanyin taught her how to organize a banquet from scratch, how to calculate the costs of each expense, and how to tell whether the servants below were embezzling or using inferior goods.
Dong Lanyi was drowsy listening to this and clearly showed some resistance.
Instead of wasting time learning these things, she'd rather go back and continue writing the next volume of her new book...
Shen Lingyue rolled her eyes and leaned close to her ear: "Cousin, just think of it as gathering material for your new book. Being a steward is actually quite similar to being an official. If you want to write about how Miss Xie survives in the officialdom and how she deals with her colleagues, you can use these examples."
Dong Lanyi immediately perked up, her face showing an eagerness to learn new knowledge, "Please teach me more, Aunt."
Meng Wanyin: ...
This... this works too?
Having succeeded in her scheme, Shen Lingyue returned to Yan Yi's side and winked at her.
Yay! Another new person is helping with the housework! ^_^
...
On the day of the Dowager Lady's birthday banquet, the Marquis's mansion opened its main gate wide, and guests arrived in an endless stream, making it a very lively place.
Shen Lingyue and the others arrived at Songhe Hall early in the morning to accompany the old man who was receiving guests. They were so sleepy that they kept yawning and covered their mouths with handkerchiefs to hide it. They whispered to Yan Yi, "I suspect that they all failed to get a performance by the Shuangxi Troupe and came here to listen to the show."
Yan Yi maintained a dignified posture, always wearing a slight, polite smile, and nodded gently to the guests.
As she turned to adjust her clothes, she whispered, "Guests are guests, so it doesn't matter why they're here. As long as they make Grandmother happy, that's all that matters."
The Dowager was indeed very happy today. She took Dong Lanyi with her and showed her off to everyone she met.
Seeing that several ladies from prominent families were praising their granddaughter incessantly, they were subtly hinting at the possibility of a marriage alliance.
Pei Yuzhen was very tempted as she listened. There were several ladies among them who had politely declined her last year, but now they were all eagerly coming to propose marriage.
She was about to agree in a moment of impulse, but the next second she received a cold, sharp glare from the old lady.
These opportunistic families may not genuinely value Lan Yi. The more so, the more they should maintain a high and mighty attitude and choose carefully.
The old lady deftly deflected all the probing questions and took the initiative to bring up a new topic, "Have you all seen the new play written by my granddaughter? If not, that's perfect, the Shuangxi Troupe is coming to perform today, so please join me in the fun."
Everyone quickly echoed, and the atmosphere in the hall was filled with laughter and joy.
The old lady patted Dong Lanyi's hand affectionately, "Good child, it's too awkward for you to talk to us here. Go with your two sisters-in-law to the waterside pavilion over there to entertain the younger generation."
Dong Lanyi felt as if she had been granted a pardon and quickly got up to take her leave.
Even after she stepped out of the house, she could still hear the ladies behind her showering her with compliments, so exaggerated that it gave her goosebumps, and she quickly quickened her pace.
To get to the waterside pavilion, one had to walk through a path in the garden. With no one around, she couldn't help but complain to the two of them, "When I used to visit other people's homes with my mother, they were never this hospitable to me."
“Things are different now,” Shen Lingyue said dramatically. “Cousin, you’re a big star now. Don’t forget us when you become successful.”
Dong Lanyi was startled and waved her hands repeatedly, "No, I owe my success today to the great help of my two sisters-in-law. I am by no means an ungrateful person, otherwise I would..."
“No need for that,” Yan Yi interrupted with a smile. “You just need to keep writing good stories, and leave everything else to us.”
As they spoke, the three arrived at the waterside pavilion. As soon as they entered, a fragrant breeze wafted in, accompanied by the chirping of birds. Upon closer listening, they realized that the conversation was entirely about "The Jade Hairpin".
"Sister Lan Jun is here!"
Someone shouted, and the next second Dong Lanyi was surrounded by people who eagerly started discussing the plot with her.
Some people even brought the new books they had managed to snag with them when they went out today, and asked Dong Lanyi to sign them on the spot.
Dong Lanyi took out a high-quality chicken-blood stone seal from her pouch, with the words "Lan Jun" engraved on it, and solemnly stamped it on the title page.
My cousin carved this for her a few days ago to congratulate her on finally finding a career and path she truly loves.
Knowing that she had caused Pei Jingyi and his wife a lot of trouble in the past, Dong Lanyi was so excited to receive this precious gift full of her brother's thoughtfulness that she couldn't sleep all night and made a point of carrying the seal with her at all times.
She was surrounded by young ladies discussing the plot. Everyone chimed in with their own opinions, but not everyone could accept every viewpoint. Soon, disagreements arose, and the discussion turned into a heated debate where no one would back down.
Some people say that if Miss Xie refuses to become the princess's husband, she will hurt the princess's heart and will find it difficult to move forward in the court in the future.
Some people say that Miss Xie should make the best of a bad situation and confess her feelings to the princess on her wedding night. With the princess's tolerance and kindness, she would surely help her keep the secret.
Some people said that this would make the princess live a life of widowhood in her prime. Miss Xie can't be so selfish.
Some people worry that if Miss Xie disguises herself as a man for a long time, she might end up alone and destitute.
Finally, everyone turned to look at Dong Lanyi.
"Ms. Dong/Ms. Lan, who do you think is right?"
Dong Lanyi: ...
Her mind was a complete mess, and she was at a loss because of their buzzing. She could only look to Shen Lingyue for help.
Second sister-in-law, help!
Yan Yi whispered a few words in Shen Lingyue's ear, and Shen Lingyue understood, raising her voice: "Everyone, please listen to me—"
She shouted as she squeezed into the crowd, shielding Dong Lanyi behind her and giving her a moment to catch her breath.
Shen Lingyue smiled and said, "First of all, I'm very happy that everyone likes this story. Your enthusiasm is the motivation for my cousin to continue creating. But as the saying goes, everyone has a different perspective. Everyone will have different opinions on the same story. We should seek common ground while reserving differences and respect each other, right?"
She snapped her fingers. "How about this: each of you can write down your thoughts and comments on 'The Jade Hairpin,' and have someone deliver them to the Langhuan Pavilion in the back alley of the Imperial College. Once we've collected a certain number of articles, we'll compile them into a book and sell it publicly. You can then buy it and read other people's opinions carefully. If you want to write an article in response or a rebuttal, you can continue to write new articles and send them to the Langhuan Pavilion..."
The young ladies and wives present were all well-read, otherwise they wouldn't have gathered together to discuss the plot. They immediately understood what Shen Lingyue meant, looked at each other in disbelief.
Someone tentatively asked, "I've heard that the Imperial Academy and Bailu Academy both copy and print the best essays of their students for other classmates and scholars to read. Does Madam Shen mean that our personal reflections and thoughts, as women, can also be compiled into books for others to see?"
“Of course!” Shen Lingyue nodded firmly. “Although we can’t conduct scientific expeditions and don’t need to write those ornate and elaborate articles, as long as it’s done with genuine feelings, it still has value for discussion and sharing.”
At this point, she didn't forget to promote Langhuan Pavilion, saying, "I know that many of you are talented women, whose literary minds and intelligence are no less than those of men. If you want to publish your own collection of poems and essays, you are welcome to choose our Langhuan Pavilion. Mentioning my name will get you a discount."
As soon as this bombshell news came out, everyone forgot about arguing with each other and began to rack their brains to figure out what kind of article they should write so that they would have a chance to be published in the anthology.
One impatient maid grabbed a servant girl from the Marquis's residence and said, "Quickly, get me a set of paper and pen. I'm going to forget it if I don't write it down soon."
With her taking the lead, several other young ladies also expressed their willingness to write articles on the spot.
The once bustling waterside pavilion suddenly fell silent, as if one had mistakenly wandered into a provincial examination hall.
And those girlfriends who usually compete with each other are now putting in even more effort to outdo each other in writing.
Dong Lanyi hadn't expected Shen Lingyue to resolve their argument in this way. She tugged at Shen Lingyue's sleeve and whispered, "Second sister-in-law, will this work? Won't it make Langhuan Pavilion lose money...?"
Shen Lingyue pulled her aside and whispered, "The cost of printing the book isn't important; what's important is maintaining the level of discussion surrounding 'Yu Tang Chai'."
My cousin's book writing isn't a one-off project; Miss Xie's story is clearly a long, serialized novel.
As long as everyone continues to have a desire to discuss the plot, even if it's just writing articles and arguing with each other, it's a way to maintain the buzz.
Otherwise, why do celebrities in later generations always trend on social media? Whether it's positive or negative publicity, being famous is still being famous.
Shen Lingyue chuckled, stroking her chin. If there's no WeChat, Douyin, or Xiaohongshu, then they can just create their own platform for arguing.
...
With the incident at the waterside pavilion resolved, it was soon time to begin the banquet.
Zhao Lan and Shen Yuanjia also came today at the invitation. The mother and daughter had not seen each other for a long time and sat together chatting.
Shen Yuanjia, holding a newly published book, "Jade Hall Hairpin," laughed and said, "These days, when you go out as a guest, if you don't know Miss Xie's story, you can't even join the conversation."
It is true that when superiors have certain preferences, subordinates will inevitably follow suit.
Zhao Lan curled her lips slightly, "Your little sister is such a troublemaker. She even dragged Ming An and Wen Yuan along to fill in. She's really gone to great lengths for this cousin of the Pei family."
The novel "Yu Tang Chai" is so popular now that even Shen Hang sent someone to buy a copy. After reading it, he looked at it with disdain and said that it was just a bunch of flowery writings, purely a work for young women to play with.
Meanwhile, at the dinner table, she complained sourly to Shen Ming'an, "Have you and Yue'er forgotten that you still have me, the Vice Minister, as your father? Why didn't you think of asking me to write a preface..."
Zhao Lan was almost disgusted to the point of bursting. She put down her chopsticks and said sarcastically, "Does the master think he'll sell better than Jiang Tanhua?"
Shen Hang: ...Superficial!
...
Shen Yuanjia: "I see that the old lady of the Marquis's mansion is quite fond of this granddaughter. After this incident, not only will Miss Dong's future marriage go smoothly, but my younger sister will also have made a great contribution to the Pei family."
Zhao Lan couldn't help but mutter, "If she could give me a grandson sooner, that would be a real contribution to the Pei family."
Shen Yuanjia's face darkened, and he lowered his head without saying a word.
Zhao Lan realized what she had said only after she finished speaking, and secretly blamed herself, "Jia'er, I wasn't talking about you. Your situation is still different from Yue'er's..."
Shen Yuanjia forced a smile: "I understand. At least I already have Heng'er. Mother, you don't know, but since she entered Yunshao Girls' School, she has become more and more reasonable and sensible. She even dared to talk back to her grandmother for my sake."
Zhao Lan hadn't seen her granddaughter in a long time, so she quickly changed the subject and asked her about it.
While chatting, Shen Yuanjia looked up and glanced around, asking in confusion, "The banquet is about to start, why hasn't my little sister taken her seat yet?"
Zhao Lan glanced over casually, "That girl is clever and mischievous, she must have come up with some new and interesting thing again..."
As soon as she finished speaking, Shen Lingyue and Yan Yi pushed a small cart with wheels into the room. On it was a strange three-tiered pastry, with a trembling pink peach on top. It looked light and fluffy like a cloud, and those who were close could smell the rich sweet fragrance emanating from it.
The matriarch, seated at the top, was immediately captivated and couldn't help but ask, "What is this?"
Shen Lingyue smiled smugly and cleared her throat, "Grandmother, this is a longevity peach cake that my sister-in-law and I specially prepared for you. We wish you boundless happiness and longevity!"
Yan Yi softly replied, "Like the constant sun, like the rising moon, like the flourishing pine and cypress, may you be the one to receive blessings."
The grand entrance of the three-tiered cake instantly became the most dazzling focus of the birthday banquet.
The old lady gently scooped out a piece of longevity peach with a small spoon. It melted in her mouth, sweet and soft, even sweeter and happier than the best dessert she had ever eaten.
She quickly asked her two granddaughters-in-law to make the decision and share a small piece with each of the older women at the table. Hearing their endless praise, she felt incredibly happy.
"Ah, I'm just lucky. When I was young, my husband and I were very loving, and now I have a house full of children and grandchildren, all of whom are successful. Even my granddaughter-in-law is beautiful and intelligent!"
The old lady was so happy that both of them had another large gold bracelet on their wrists.
The other women, listening to her endless boasting, felt both envious and jealous, and when they got home, they picked a fight and gave their children and grandchildren a good scolding.
—Didn't everyone say they wanted to give me gifts? When it's my birthday, I want to eat that Pei family's longevity peach cake too!
...
The Changning Marquis's residence has been making quite a splash lately. Whether it's Dong Lanyi's new book or the unique and novel snacks at the birthday banquet, they have all become topics of conversation among everyone.
Pei Xian was probably the only one in the family who hadn't been fooled by the glamorous facade. He urgently convened a family meeting and instructed everyone to keep a low profile recently.
"Lan Yi, don't go out for a while. Your new book is selling very well, so rest at home for a while and slowly come up with the plot for the next volume."
Pei Xian gently instructed his niece, but then turned to Pei Yuzhen with a cold expression, "Recently, many families have come to propose marriage for Lan Yi. Don't be foolish and agree to anything. Her marriage is a major event, and both my mother and I must approve it before it's considered a marriage."
Pei Yuzhen was a little unconvinced and wanted to say that she was Dong Lanyi's biological mother, but after all, she had lived in the Marquis's mansion for ten years and had been cheated out of a large dowry last year, so she was inevitably not confident and obediently nodded in agreement.
Dong Lanyi suddenly spoke up: "Uncle, I want to..."
"What's wrong?"
She glanced quickly at Pei Yuzhen, mustered her courage and said, "I'm only eighteen this year. Both of my sisters-in-law were twenty when they married into the family. I don't want to get married so early. Could you give me a few more years? I want to focus on writing the story of 'Yu Tang Chai'."
Pei Xian readily agreed, "Don't worry, even if your maternal grandmother and I want to arrange a marriage for you, we will definitely ask about your own plans first. We won't marry you off haphazardly."
Dong Lanyi smiled, thanked her uncle, and then secretly glanced at Yan Yi.
She remembered what her eldest cousin-in-law had said: it wouldn't matter if she never married and lived in the Marquis's mansion.
I wonder if it still counts now?
...
In the days that followed, the daily sales of "Jade Hairpin" steadily increased until they gradually stabilized. The existing inventory of Langhuan Pavilion was sufficient to meet demand, and even the Shu father and son could breathe a sigh of relief...
Yeah, right.
The day after the Grand Madam's birthday banquet ended, a quick-witted young lady wrote an article and had her maid deliver it to Langhuan Pavilion. She even gave herself a new pen name, just like Dong Lanyi.
Articles poured in like snowflakes, and Lian Shu selected the best ones, compiled them into a book, and then began the printing and publishing process without stopping.
Once published, "A Collection of Comments on Jade Hairpins (Volume 1)" was once again scrambled for by young ladies from various families, who wanted to know if their articles had been selected and to see other people's opinions.
This led to another surge in sales of "Yu Tang Chai," which was already nearing saturation. It also attracted booksellers from other regions who wanted to sign exclusive supply contracts with Langhuan Pavilion, allowing them to sell the books in other areas, which would bring in another considerable income.
At the end of the month, Shen Lingyue took the accountant to Langhuan Pavilion to check the accounts and was shocked by the results.
"You actually made that much money?"
No wonder she saw potential in this blue ocean market!
She thought to herself with delight: Could it be that my talent isn't in eating melons, but in making money?
Turning her head to face Lian Shu, who was full of resentment and looked as if she could support ten evil sword immortals, she chuckled twice and said, "Little Manager Lian, you've had a hard time lately."
She wasn't a stingy person, and immediately set aside 10% of the month's net profit as "your and Uncle Lian's share of the profits. I told you I wouldn't treat you unfairly if we made money, right?"
"It's not hard work at all. Business is so good because of Miss Dong's good story."
The warm silver notes touched Lian Shu's heart, and he asked hesitantly, "I wonder if the second volume of 'Jade Hall Hairpin' is finished yet? Will I have a chance to see it in advance?"
Shen Lingyue saw through his thoughts and coughed twice: "My cousin is still in seclusion writing. I'll ask her when I get home. If she's finished, I'll send it to you."
"good!"
Even Shu was not discouraged. Although he could not see Dong Lanyi, her stories kept him company. Seeing so many readers writing letters to discuss the plot every day gave him a lot of motivation, and he did not feel tired at all.
-----------------------
Author's Note: [Moon Child: Little Lian, you're doomed! You've fallen in love~~]
Extra chapter tonight! [Let me see!][Let me see!]
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