Jing Zhe was very pleased to hear Zhang Xiaoyu's agreement.
Next, he began to explain his plan.
Although the newspapers sold very well, the target audience was very clear: only a few thousand people in Jingzhou City who could read and write. Beyond these people were many who were not literate enough to read the newspapers on their own, or who were illiterate at all.
How do these people read newspapers?
The enthusiastic response to Bailu's lecture last night inspired Jing Zhe. He plans to recruit several storytellers to thoroughly understand the newspapers and have them interpret them at Wenxiangju every afternoon during meal breaks, which can be considered a benefit for those who cannot buy newspapers.
Of course, you can't listen for free; the admission ticket costs ten coins.
Hearing such a low price, Zhang Xiaoyu asked curiously, "Young master, newspapers are selling for a hundred coins, but audiobooks only cost ten coins. Aren't you afraid that no one will buy newspapers anymore and everyone will just listen to audiobooks?"
"I'm not afraid."
Jing Zhe smiled and shook his head: "There is a big difference between listening to the newspaper and reading it yourself. Some people like to buy the newspaper and go home to read it in a quiet place, while others like to listen and discuss it with others in a crowded and lively place."
Furthermore, once they entered the Fragrant Pavilion, weren't they allowed to drink tea while listening to the stories? Weren't they allowed to eat some fruits and vegetables while drinking tea? And if the stories continued until mealtime, weren't they allowed to stay for a meal? And weren't they allowed to drink some strong liquor while eating? So, all things considered, although they only spent ten coins to listen to the stories, in the end, with additional expenses, it far exceeded the one hundred coins of a newspaper!
Jing Zhe was telling the truth. Just like in his time, although there were movie theaters, some people still preferred to watch movies alone, locking the door or crawling into bed for... well, you know...
After hearing this, Zhang Xiaoyu's eyes lit up: "Young Master is truly amazing!"
"Um."
Jing Zhe nodded proudly, "I have many amazing skills. You'll find out as long as Xiaoyu spends more time with me!"
Zhang Xiaoyu nodded vigorously, "Then Young Master should come and teach Xiaoyu more often in the future..."
Jing Zhe smiled and said, "Alright, let's call it a day. We can't get into Wenxiangju right now, there are too many people. The crowd will be much smaller tomorrow, so I'll take you there tomorrow and let them all see you as the new manager!"
Zhang Xiaoyu smiled and shook her head, "With you here, young master, I wouldn't dare say I'm the manager..."
"At most, she's the shopkeeper's wife," Zhang Xiaoyu imagined.
After giving her a few more instructions, Jing Zhe left.
...
Jing Zhe arrived at the Prime Minister's residence alone first.
Hanhan had been to the newspaper office so many times with Jing Zhe that he had become familiar with the people there. He had drunk a bit too much when they left the newspaper office and went to the wine shop. Xiong San and the others had pulled him away, so he didn't come along.
The security guards all recognized Jing Zhe and let him in directly.
Because it was just past noon, everyone was probably taking a nap, and the courtyard was exceptionally quiet.
Jing Zhe easily crossed the corridor and arrived at Zhu Xinning's courtyard. He saw Zhu Xinning lying in the courtyard, seemingly asleep.
He tiptoed in and found Zhu Xinning still holding a newspaper in her hand. The open page was the poem he had written for her, "My Love Is Across Mountains and Seas." She was clutching it tightly, and the corners of her mouth were turned up.
Seeing such a heartwarming scene, Jing Zhe couldn't bear to break it. Just then, Xiang Ru came out of the house, carrying a small blanket. Seeing that Jing Zhe was about to speak, Jing Zhe quickly made a shushing gesture to her.
He then went over and took the blanket from her hands.
She came to Zhu Xinning and prepared to cover him up.
They tried to move the newspaper away so that her hands would hang down by her sides more comfortably, but Zhu Xinning, in her sleep, seemed to realize that someone was trying to take her things, and gripped them even tighter.
Jing Zhe shook his head and smiled, then gently laid the blanket on her before getting up and leaving.
"Young master, aren't you staying?"
Xiangru chased after her, then blinked her big eyes: "Miss has been staring at the newspaper and giggling since she came back! And she kept glancing at the door, asking if Young Master had returned yet. She finally fell asleep after sitting outside for so long! If Miss could see Young Master as soon as she opened her eyes, she would be overjoyed!"
"I just wanted to come and see my second sister. Since she's asleep, let's talk about it tonight. I have something important to do right now!"
"Young Master, are you going to return to the newspaper?"
Xiangru also knew that the most popular newspaper in the city right now was the Da'an Newspaper, published by Jing Zhe. If there was anything more important than Zhu Xinning, it must be there, right?
Jing Zhe didn't think much of it and subconsciously shook his head, saying, "No, I just came from the newspaper office not long ago. I even gave them all the day off. I won't be going today. I'm leaving now."
He then turned and left.
Xiangru tilted her head and watched Jing Zhe's tall figure grow longer and longer in the warm sun before disappearing from sight. She frowned and thought: Since it's not a matter for the newspaper, who is more important than my young lady?
Suddenly, she remembered that some time ago, when Liu Jinghong was around, she had been asked to secretly follow Jing Zhe. At that time, they went to the blacksmith shop, and she had praised Jing Zhe in front of the two young ladies, saying that he was a virtuous man. At the time, Liu Jinghong did not believe her...
In that instant, Xiangru suddenly became alert, tilted her head to look at the sleeping Zhu Xinning, pondered for a moment, and then quietly followed her out.
...
Jing Zhe's initial plan was to visit Zhu Xinning first.
The newspaper is out, and before long, everyone in the city will know about the poem he wrote for Zhu Xinning. With such a fierce offensive, Zhu Xinning must feel it even more directly, right?
At this point, he felt he should take the initiative and further develop his relationship with her…
Although he had basically won over Liu Jinghong, the fifth sister, Liu Jinghong and Zhu Xinning gave him very different feelings.
According to the memories left to him by the original owner, he and Liu Jinghong were childhood sweethearts. Given their close contact, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that they were mutually attracted to each other. Therefore, Jing Zhe easily broke through the thin veil between them.
But Zhu Xinning is different.
From a young age, Zhu Xinning had given Jing Zhe a much stricter impression, so in Jing Zhe's view, winning over Zhu Xinning was more challenging, more difficult, and more exciting.
Therefore, when facing Zhu Xinning, his approach was much gentler and slower. He had laid so much groundwork beforehand, and with this love poem, Zhu Xinning, being so intelligent, understood everything. Today, he was going to test her, and the effect was sure to be good.
Unfortunately, Zhu Xinning was asleep.
After hesitating for a while, he decided to go out anyway.
After all, it's broad daylight now. If they stay here in broad daylight, even if Zhu Xinning has some ideas, she probably won't be so bold. It's better to wait until nightfall, take her back to the Jing family, and then go to the room, turn off the lights, and it'll be dark...
Just imagining what was about to happen, Jing Zhe chuckled to himself…
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