After Manager Song left the yamen, Li Haoyun sent two more constables to follow him. Although he allowed it, it didn't mean he trusted them.
After everyone left, Li Haoyun smiled and cupped his hands to Jing Zhe, saying, "I must thank you again, President Jing. If it weren't for you, it would have taken a lot more effort just to interrogate them!"
"Haha, let's help each other out!"
After exchanging a few more polite words with Li Haoyun, Jing Zhe left the prefectural office and headed straight for Wenxiangju.
By this time, Manager Song must have finished explaining things to the staff, and he was ready to go over and take over, and then make some arrangements.
By this time, it was past noon, and there were no more customers in Wenxiangju.
A group of men gathered in the hall, their faces filled with worry.
Upon seeing Jing Zhe enter, the waiter at the outermost door immediately stood up and said, "Young master, our restaurant is already closed—"
"etc!"
Just then, a short but shrewd-looking waiter ran out from inside. "This must be President Jing, right?"
Upon hearing "President Jing," all the staff stood up, extremely nervous, because Manager Song had just told them that President Jing was the one who took over Wenxiangju!
"Yes, that's right. What's your name?"
Jing Zhe was quite impressed that the short guy recognized him.
“President Jing, my name is Shi San. They usually call me Shi Tou.”
"A stone? Not bad. How did you recognize me?"
"I saw President Jing and Manager Song going up and down the stairs and going out together just now."
Jing Zhe chuckled and patted the shrewd stone, saying, "As you all probably know, Manager Song has now transferred Wenxiangju to me, and I'll be your new boss from now on. But don't worry, Wenxiangju will only get better and better, and as long as you work hard, your monthly wages will increase!"
"President Jing, is this true?"
Stone said somewhat uncertainly.
These young men weren't too concerned about who was in charge; they only cared about how much money they could earn each month.
"Of course it's true. I've seen your accounts. The monthly wages have been reduced again and again because too many people are coming to Wenxiangju on credit, which has led to Wenxiangju being unable to make ends meet, so they have no choice but to cut your monthly wages."
Upon hearing this, the men nodded repeatedly.
"But don't worry, I am the president of Da'an Newspaper and also an official appointed by the imperial court. I will collect all the debts owed by those rich young masters, one by one, and I will also make up for the monthly wages that I owed everyone before!"
Upon hearing this, the guys got excited.
Jing Zhe then poured cold water on the situation, saying, "But let me make this clear: you all have to do your job properly. If anyone tries to cheat or act arrogantly like before, I will not let them off easily once I find out!"
"Yes, President Jing!"
As long as they can earn more money, the guys are ultimately willing to do it.
Next, Jing Zhe recounted what had happened that night, and the other workers were all amazed.
Bai Lu—even if they hadn't seen her, they had heard of her; she was the one in charge of Wuxian Garden recently! Why would she come to their restaurant to tell stories?
Jing Zhe didn't explain to them. He then had Shi Tou find someone to move a small table in front of all the tables, gave him a few more instructions, and then left with peace of mind.
...
Back at the newspaper office, the final draft from the Lifestyle Department was completed and was now ready for printing.
After gathering everyone together and explaining his publicity strategy for Wuxian Garden and Wenxiang Residence, Jing Zhe said, "So your task tonight is to split into two groups and prepare to create momentum."
After listening, the crowd discussed among themselves, clearly still having only a vague understanding of how to create momentum.
Chen Jiannan understood and laughed, "That's simple. When Master Wang and Miss Bailu are promoting us, we just need to lead the others in cheering and creating a lively atmosphere..."
After he finished speaking, everyone understood.
Then they started assigning locations for the "promotional campaign." Most people wanted to go to Wuxian Garden, which was understandable. Later, Jing Zhe assigned locations randomly and told them that they could eat for free at Wenxiangju. Those who were assigned to Wenxiangju felt more comfortable.
After arranging everything, Jing Zhe went upstairs to rest for a while, waiting for nightfall.
...
As usual, Wuxian Garden was bustling with activity and lively at night.
However, those who frequently visited the garden were surprised to find that Bai Lu, the girl in charge, had not shown up recently, which disappointed many people.
Suddenly, the sound of a guzheng came from the second floor, and everyone stopped and listened carefully.
"The winding path by the pond, few walk it in autumn..."
Immediately afterwards, Wang Yingqiu's soft and beautiful voice came from upstairs. Everyone held their breath, and some people recognized that it was Wang Yingqiu's voice and became even more excited.
The poem's beautiful imagery, combined with Wang Yingqiu's unique singing style and gentle voice, added even more to the experience. Everyone was immersed in it until they heard the last line, "Those I love are separated by mountains and seas, but mountains and seas can be leveled," at which point the atmosphere in Wuxian Garden reached its climax.
"What kind of poem is this? Why have I never heard of it before?"
"The imagery in this poem is so beautiful, it's truly captivating!"
"Especially the last two lines, this is a love poem!"
"Alas, it's a pity I can't write such poetry, otherwise, why am I still unable to marry a wife today?"
"..."
Upon hearing this, the unmarried people around fell silent.
At this moment, Wang Yingqiu, who had not appeared for a long time, walked downstairs leisurely.
Everyone was overjoyed at the sight.
Hearing Wang Yingqiu's singing voice at Wuxian Garden was already beyond many people's expectations, but to actually meet her in person was even more exciting.
"Gentlemen, were you all satisfied with the performance just now?"
Wang Yingqiu stood in the middle of the stairs, holding onto the railing, and smiled.
"satisfy!"
Everyone answered in unison, and then someone asked curiously, "I've never heard of this poem by Master Wang before, and it's clear from the sound that it wasn't written by an ordinary person. I hope Master Wang can tell me!"
The others also looked up, waiting for an answer.
Wang Yingqiu smiled, "This poem is newly written, so naturally none of you have heard it before. I only just saw it through an acquaintance. I liked it so much after just one glance, so I sang it for you. As for who wrote it..."
After a pause and glancing at everyone, Wang Yingqiu continued, "I can't tell you this yet. All I can tell you is that this poem was written for Zhu Sheren!"
Is this a letter to Zhu Sheren?
These words instantly ignited the entire audience.
Within Jingzhou City, scholars might not know Wang Yingqiu, but they certainly wouldn't be unaware of Zhu Xinning, the former top female scholar of Jingzhou and now the top female civil official of Anguo!
For the scholars of Jingzhou, Zhu Xinning was always someone they could only look up to but never reach. Of course, they wouldn't have too many unrealistic expectations. After all, even Song Jimao, the number one talent in Jingzhou, didn't have a chance, so how could they?
————
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