9 I am a dandy prince
◎Not a great writer◎
Ever since he took the initiative to ask the emperor for permission to take on this task, Zhao Xiyan did not dare to delay for even a moment, as this was a job that could gain him a good reputation in front of His Majesty.
It was still dawn when he led his people out of Songzhu Academy.
Tang's Bookstore is the largest and most formal bookstore in the entire capital, with many branches. This one is the closest to Songzhu Academy, and it is also the store that several of his disciples frequent most.
As soon as he entered the door, Zhao Xiyan saw several of his disciples following the craftsman and observing the production process.
He is unkempt and unkempt, and doesn't look like a scholar at all!
"Cough cough cough." Zhao Xiyan deliberately coughed to remind everyone of his arrival.
Unexpectedly, no one responded to him.
Seeing this, Zhao Xiyan became even angrier, and he coughed even louder than before: "Cough cough cough cough."
Everyone remained unmoved, except for one disciple who seemed impatient and said, "Xiao Zhu, there are guests coming. Come and greet them quickly."
After saying this casually, he continued to immerse himself in the handicraft in front of him. Because this opportunity is rare.
A few days ago, because he was busy with printing works, he and two of his senior brothers went to this bookstore every day. Perhaps because they were so diligent, they became familiar with several masters in the store.
Just yesterday, I heard a piece of news that a new type of ink would be tested today. Books printed with this ink would not only have clear handwriting and bright colors, but also have a faint fragrance.
They became interested as soon as they heard about it, and after several days of negotiation, the craftsman agreed to let them come and observe this morning.
At this time, a servant came running over from a distance and said, "Excuse me, sir, for keeping you waiting for so long. Are you here to print? To buy books? Or to visit?"
Zhao Xiyan shook his head and said, "Ask your boss to come over and tell him that Zhao Xiyan wants to discuss something with him again."
The servant was stunned for a moment, then quickly responded: "Okay, sir, please wait a moment." After saying that, he got up and left.
One of the disciples happened to look up at this time and saw the servant walking away. He asked, "Xiao Zhu, what are you doing in such a hurry?"
"Senior Brother Song, I'm sorry to chat with you for too long. There are guests waiting for us." After saying that, he continued walking forward.
"Guest? When will you arrive..." As he said this, he turned around and saw that the person standing behind him was none other than his teacher Zhao Xiyan.
"Master, why are you here?" He stood up quickly and poked several fellow disciples beside him, signaling them to stand up.
"Song Ziming! What are you doing..." Several people stood up angrily and questioned Song Ziming.
Before they finished speaking, they found that teacher Zhao Xiyan was standing behind them, staring at them.
Several people quickly stood up and bowed.
Seeing that the atmosphere was a little awkward, Song Ziming took the initiative to speak: "Ha...haha...teacher, um...have you eaten?" As soon as he finished speaking, Song Ziming regretted it. It would have been better if he had not asked this question.
After hearing this, Zhao Xiyan could only smile helplessly. From a distance, he saw the servant bringing the boss over. He said to his disciples sternly, "Okay, I'm not here for you today. We'll settle your affairs when we get back to Songzhu Academy."
Without waiting for the two to come over, Zhao Xiyan couldn't wait to greet them. He bowed and said, "Boss Tang, it's been a long time since we last met. You are still as elegant as ever."
"Oh, isn't this Dean Zhao? What luck brought you here today? You really bring honor to my humble home." The middle-aged woman smiled, covering her mouth with her hand.
"Boss Tang, you are joking. I have come here to discuss something important. Please..." Looking around, Zhao Xiyan gestured.
"Xiao Zhu, go put up the closing sign. We are closed today." He turned to Zhao Xiyan and said, "President Zhao, please."
Tea stems were floating in the yellowish tea. The edge of the white porcelain lid slid gently over and pushed the stems aside.
"Hoo—" After taking a sip of tea, Zhao Xiyan continued to speak: "Boss Tang, do you have any questions?"
"I basically understand this matter, that is, Your Majesty wants to print and publish a book. However, I am curious about the content of this book. Can you let me take a look now?" said Boss Tang.
"How difficult is that?" Zhao Xiyan handed the letter over.
After taking the book from Zhao Xiyan, Boss Tang began to read it attentively.
Zhao Xiyan had nothing to do for the time being, so he opened the door and went out for a walk.
When he arrived at the main hall, he found that several of his disciples had not left yet. They were sitting at the tea table, drinking tea and eating snacks.
The group of people stood up quickly when they saw Zhao Xiyan coming.
"Ziming, what's going on? Didn't I tell you to go back first?" Zhao Xiyan asked.
"Teacher, you didn't mention this." Song Ziming scratched his head in confusion, with some snack crumbs hanging from the corner of his mouth.
"You've also learned to talk back, haven't you?"
"Okay, follow me in."
As soon as I entered the door, I saw that Boss Tang had finished reading the book.
"How is it, Boss Tang?" Zhao Xiyan asked.
"Your Majesty's vision is worthy of this, a brilliant work!" Boss Tang said excitedly.
Several disciples followed in and saw that a book had excited Boss Tang so much. Song Ziming couldn't help but ask, "Teacher, what book is it?"
"This was written by Zheng Qiuren's new disciple. You happen to be here, so you might as well take a look. Try to learn from him and see how talented this disciple is..." He was interrupted before he could finish his words.
"Teacher, we will study hard. Please go ahead and do your work. Boss Tang is waiting for you."
Zhao Xiyan reached out and tapped his disciple on the head, saying, "You are becoming more and more disrespectful."
"Boss Tang, I'm sorry to make you laugh."
"No, no, Dean Zhao's disciples are all people of character." He reached out and poured a cup of tea and handed it to Zhao Xiyan, "Dean Zhao, there is no problem with the publication of this book, but the name..."
"It's too common. I have also thought about this question. In Mr. Tang's opinion, is there any good question?" Zhao Xiyan said.
"I dare not give you a good title. Your Majesty wants to teach people to understand reason, so it would be better to call this book "Warning Words to the World"."
"'Warning Words'... what a great name! It has both popular and literary qualities, worthy of being called Boss Tang." Zhao Xiyan said with a smile.
"President Zhao, you are over the top. Your Songzhu Academy is the real deal. Now you have a big shot!"
After the two of them declined, Zhao Xiyan said seriously, "Please take care of the printing and publishing, Mr. Tang."
"Please rest assured, President Zhao. This is the will of His Majesty. How dare we be indecisive?" After expressing his feelings, Boss Tang continued, "I have recently developed a new type of ink. Not only does it make the handwriting clearer, but it also leaves a light fragrance after printing books, which lasts for a long time."
"Well, use it. Price is not an issue."
"No, no, no, President Zhao, we can't charge you for this!"
"I..." Zhao Xiyan was about to speak when he was interrupted by his disciples. Song Ziming said loudly, "Teacher, we are leaving first. I have put the book on your table."
"Let's go and meet Yi Baiyu."
"Yes, yes, he wrote it very well, much better than our book."
"He has no ambition. We are going to challenge him." The voice came from outside, gradually becoming smaller and finally inaudible.
He stroked his beard and smiled helplessly at Boss Tang, saying, "Excuse me."
Then, he continued with the previous topic and said, "I think..."
Boss Tang shook his head in disapproval and started arguing with him.
Just like that, a book titled "Warning Words to the World" was published in this bookstore.
No one at that time, including the emperor, had imagined that this book would cause such a terrible frenzy. For a time, it became a hot commodity in the capital.
After much consideration, later generations have listed three main reasons:
One is the celebrity effect, as the book was personally recommended by the emperor of the time, which made people at that time curious about what kind of book could lead to the emperor's fate.
The second reason was that it was something new. When Tang Shi made the book, he used their newly developed scented ink to print this book. Although it is not uncommon for us now, it was a luxury at that time.
Third, the author, no matter how he markets it, still has to rely on the content to speak. The fact that "Warning Words" can trigger a craze shows that the content must be good.
It is a pity that such a wonderful book has not been passed down, and we can only get a glimpse of its former glory through its name.
Some people disagree with the above statement. They believe that this book caused a series of reputational scandals due to some political factors.
If you study the Yi Dynasty carefully, you will find that at that time, about half of the people in the court were graduates of Songzhu Academy, and they were dissatisfied with the emperor.
But soon the two sides seemed to have reached an agreement and lived in peace again.
There is no doubt that Yi Baiyu, who is the son of Anping Marquis and the disciple of Zheng Qiuren, serves as a link between the two parties.
Neither side was willing to give in, and a new round of online verbal abuse began.
Back to the present, our much-talked-about protagonist Yi Baiyu is still happily enjoying the sweetness of his dream, even though it is already past noon.
"Bang, bang, bang--" There was a rapid knock on the door from outside, which made Bai Yu roll over on the bed and then burrow into the quilt again.
"Bang, bang, bang—" The door continued to be knocked, and Bai Yu was finally woken up. He got out of bed angrily and opened the door.
"What's the matter?" He yawned and leaned lazily against the door frame, his white body emitting low-pitched energy.
"Mr. Yi, the dean invites you." The servant boy replied.
Dean? Why did he want to see me? Why are so many people looking for me recently? Bai Yu pondered.
"Okay, got it. I'll go over later." Bai Yu waved his hand, yawned, closed the door, entered the room, and went straight to the big bed, trying to fall asleep again.
Not long after he lay down, the door rang again.
“Bang, bang, bang—”
Ahhhh, it comes again! Bai Yu stood up devastated and went to open the door.
【Author’s words】
Good afternoon!
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