Mo Sang – CH 237

Chapter 237. Arguing Makes Money

With Zou Wang and Zaohua providing on-site guidance throughout Hongzhou, the first, exceptionally thick Evening Post was delivered to each delivery station. The shopkeepers, upon opening their mailbags and seeing the unusually thick paper, hurriedly called to their sons, daughters, husbands, and wives to quickly copy the poster template left by the head shopkeeper, Zaohua, and erect it at their doorways.

Before the Evening Post officially went on sale, huge notices with thirty large coins and twenty characters each were already posted at the entrances of each delivery station.

The scholars and idlers of Hongzhou, still excited and curious about the genuine Evening Post, were immediately met with a barrage of sarcastic remarks. In their anger, they looked closer and realized they could actually talk back! This was unbearable.

Some simply wanted to explain that the authors of the three articles were unknown figures in Hongzhou, people they had never even heard of, and that they also thought the writing was terrible and looked down on them. They asked that no one be implicated. Some who knew offered further explanations: of these three, only one had passed the preliminary imperial examination; the other two were commoners. How could these three be qualified to represent the literature of Hongzhou? Please criticize them; it did not generalize to the scholars of Hongzhou. Hongzhou was known for its literary talent and refined taste.

Others questioned this “Meiling Hermit,” arguing that he was definitely not from Hongzhou. They claimed he was using the name “Meiling” to mislead people into thinking he was from Hongzhou, using this to stir up trouble and humiliate the scholars of Hongzhou—it was a conspiracy!

Furthermore, some offered lengthy explanations: the Tengwang Pavilion was still under renovation, and the person responsible for the renovation was a woman who resembled a bandit. The money was likely ill-gotten. No discerning person in Hongzhou would participate in such a spectacle. Those who wrote articles to join in were uncultured and lacked talent; how could their writing be considered the work of Hongzhou scholars?

And then some vehemently criticized the three ranked first, second, and third, asking if they did not know their writing was utter garbage. Would they really throw away their shame for a little money? This was truly a disgrace to the people of Hongzhou! These three people were not even from Hongzhou!

Some were simply speaking from the heart; if you said something bad about Hongzhou, they did not care what you said; they would just hurl insults back.

Of course, most were simply provoked by a single sentence or two in a harsh article, or simply could not stand it, feeling stifled. Since they had money, they’d fight back.

By noon or evening, when scholars and intellectuals gathered, this matter was inevitable. When they got together, their emotions would run high, and in the heat of the moment, some would pay others to write articles, launching a long, scathing attack. Some impatient ones would even knock on delivery doors in the middle of the night, urging, “Hurry up!”

As for the three who came out on top, their humiliation was indescribable. Of the three, Zhou Pei was the most severely criticized; after all, his poem had a rhyme scheme wrong, a major taboo.

Zhou Pei had not even finished reading one page of the commentary when he was filled with shame and indignation, so angry he felt like vomiting blood. His poetry was not great, but his writing was excellent, and his scholarship was above average for his age. He had caught the eye of Master Dong in his teens and had become Master Dong’s student!

He was clearly a talented man; how could they portray him as a complete idiot?

Besides, he was very handsome; he was not ugly at all. He was not just being difficult because he was ugly!

Hearing he could make a retort, Zhou Pei immediately sat down and wrote a very long self-introduction, detailing how he was a child prodigy, how formidable Master Dong was, how he became Master Dong’s disciple in his early teens, how he was deeply favored by Master Dong, and how he had not paid attention that day, how he had written so carelessly, and so on. He then grabbed his favorite pieces of writing and stormed to the delivery shop. Staring at the huge sign at the entrance, gazing at the price tag of thirty coins for twenty characters, looking at the thick stack of papers in his hand, and feeling his empty wallet, he had no choice but to turn back.

His family was well-off, but he just could not afford to argue for thirty coins for twenty characters; he could only manage a few hundred words at most.

Zhou Pei returned home, pacing back and forth like a caged beast for what seemed like forever. From his numerous articles and poems, he chose his favorite, counted the words, wrote a few lines of self-introduction, delivered it to the delivery shop, counted out a large sum of money, and handed it over.

The next day’s Gossip Evening Post was more than twice as thick as the previous day’s.

After all, only the areas around Jianle City could receive and print reviews on the same day; for prefectures and counties that could be reached on the same day, the reach would be much wider by the next day.

This day’s Gossip Evening Post thoughtfully explained the time required for receiving and printing reviews from various counties and reiterated several requirements for reviews, such as no vulgar language.

A few days later, the three articles from the second ten-day review were also printed in the Gossip Evening Post. This time, there were no effusive praises; only a few brief comments from Wen Cheng followed each article, quite objective. Yet, the next day’s Gossip Evening Post was still noticeably thicker.

This day’s thicker review did not criticize the three authors as much; instead, it extended its criticism to the entire Hongzhou, shifting its focus:

“Oh dear, so this is the kind of talented people that the so-called Jiangnan region, known for its rich literary tradition, and Hongzhou, known for its abundance of talented individuals, produce! If we follow the logic of Hongzhou’s talented people, then in our certain place, talented people are everywhere; you could throw a stick and hit a whole bunch of them!”

This day, the frighteningly thick appendix of the Gossip Evening Post contained the Hongzhou scholars’ defenses, rebuttals, and counter-attacks, as well as their unwitting accusations against Meiling Hermit and Zhou Pei and the other two.

This day’s Gossip Evening Post was so thick and so chaotic that the commotion even reached Gu Jin’s Qingning Palace.

Discussing the matter, Gu Jin rubbed his temples, pointing to the thick, unmissable tabloid on his desk. Before he could speak, everyone from Minister Wu onwards gave a dry laugh.

These past few days, they’d witnessed a daily barrage of increasingly sarcastic remarks.

“These articles are indeed rather poor,” Minister Pan said with a forced laugh.

“It’s not about the articles themselves; it is about the scholars of Yuzhang City offending that Big Boss. She’s the one who orchestrated this,” Gu Jin sighed.

“The Tengwang Pavilion, is that not what the Big Boss is building? And this essay judging, I heard, was also arranged by the Big Boss. Why would those scholars from Yuzhang City offend her?” Privy Councilor Pang, being more straightforward, did not quite understand the intricacies of the situation.

The Big Boss was building the Tengwang Pavilion and distributing silver; those scholars should be thanking her. Why would they offend her?

“I vaguely remember, in Jianle City, which scholarly family originated from Yuzhang?” Gu Jin asked, frowning.

“It’s the Wei family.

The Wei family has four branches. Two branches followed the Taizu Emperor and moved to Jianle City; one branch moved to Hangzhou a hundred years ago, and the third branch originally remained in Yuzhang City, but later, they also gradually moved to Hangzhou. Now, the last branch to move away only has their ancestral graves and ancestral hall still in Yuzhang City.”

“My fourth daughter-in-law is from the Wei family,” Prime Minister Wu hurriedly bowed and answered.

Gu Jin gave a soft “Oh,” remembering the spirited Wei family daughter on the platform years ago.

“I remember you said that your fourth daughter-in-law is very learned and skilled in writing?” Gu Jin asked with a smile.

“Yes, she often writes articles for the Evening Post.” Prime Minister Wu did not stand on ceremony; after all, the Wei family’s scholarship and writing were well-known.

“Well, that’s perfect. Tell her to write an article carefully about the Wei family, the literary atmosphere of Hongzhou, the talented scholars who have emerged from there, and which families in Jianle City today originated from Hongzhou, and so on.

Do not overdo it; this is a piece to soften the blow,” Gu Jin added.

“Yes,” Minister Wu quickly bowed in agreement.

“This is not a bad thing either,” Minister Du said with a smile, bowing slightly. “Firstly, the path of learning becomes clearer through debate. Secondly, it is a good opportunity to see if the scholars of Hongzhou can produce a few decent articles. These six in a row are rather unacceptable.

If they really cannot produce any,” Minister Du chuckled and continued, “the scholars are probably eager to prove themselves, and those who dare to do so must be truly promising talents from Hongzhou.

But the Boss has set a rule that these articles must be written in person. That means he has to go to the Tengwang Pavilion first, write them down, submit them, and then they will be judged. That makes it difficult to keep them closed to the public.”

“That Boss probably thinks exactly what you are thinking, humph!” Gu Jin sneered. “She spent money to buy these low-quality articles; how can she tolerate this?

Putting these articles in this Gossip Evening Post is like putting them on display for all to see. It is forcing the scholars of Hongzhou to either be criticized or produce good articles.

But what will happen if this leads to an argument? Will anything go wrong? She does not care!” Gu Jin wanted to slam his fist on the table, but held back.

“Fortunately, they all come and go through Jianle City,” Minister Wu said, bowing slightly.

“Hmm, for the next while, you all need to dedicate some time to watching this matter,” Gu Jin instructed helplessly.

Everyone quickly bowed in agreement.

……………………

After the article from Tengwang Pavilion was printed in the Evening Post, the next day, the covered walkway outside Tengwang Pavilion was so crowded that it was impossible to squeeze in.

Without Li Sangrou’s permission, Nanny Zhang quickly grabbed Jia Wendao, found a suitable spot, and extended the covered walkway outwards, making a bend. The craftsmen worked all night, extending the walkway to two or three times its original length.

In and around Yuzhang City, self-proclaimed talented scholars, disregarding the late twelfth lunar month, racked their brains, meticulously crafting their essays and poems, traveling dozens or even hundreds of li to the Tengwang Pavilion construction site to personally write down their carefully prepared articles and poems.

They were not doing it for themselves, nor for money; they were there to restore face for the scholars of Hongzhou—this could be considered the spirit of scholars!

One day, on the first page of the Evening Post’s supplement, an article began with the line “Jiangnan literary spirit, Hongzhou article,” followed by a continuous “ha ha ha ha ha,” which lasted for half a page. This half-sheet of paper, with its mock laughter, propelled the spirits of the people of Hongzhou to a new level. The scholars of Hongzhou were so enraged that they pounded tables and kicked benches, vowing to write a masterpiece to refute those who laughed and to restore the honor of Hongzhou scholars!

Li Sangrou watched the spectacle with great pleasure. Meanwhile, the money collected from various delivery shops in Hongzhou for buying calligraphy was exchanged for silver ingots, which were brought in box after box. Li Sangrou counted the silver boxes with satisfaction.

After another month or two of arguing after the New Year, she would have enough money to buy the calligraphy!

Poor Wen Cheng, the various Hanlin scholars, Pacification Commissioner Luo, and anyone with even a modicum of literary talent who could read calligraphy were all dragged away by Wen Cheng and forced to read until their eyes were practically black with exhaustion.

……………………

Amidst the lively chaos of various scholars’ group battles and internal and external conflicts, Da Chang, along with the idle old Yunmeng Guards, prepared an unprecedented amount of New Year’s goods.

After all, this year, besides them and their leader, nearly a hundred people, including Meng Yanqing and his group, would be celebrating the New Year together.

Li Sangrou watched the lively scene, counting her money and happily inspecting the New Year’s goods prepared by Da Chang. She occasionally offered a few words of advice; she was in a good mood this year!

The day before the Kitchen God Festival, Gu Xi invited Li Sangrou, Da Chang, Meng Yanqing, and others to celebrate the New Year together at the camp.

Li Sangrou thought for a moment and then agreed.

She did not know how Meng Yanqing and his group usually celebrated the New Year, but she felt that they would be very happy to spend it in the military camp. After all, they were all soldiers with only comrades-in-arms; no matter what, the military was their home.

The important tradition of wearing new clothes from head to toe for the New Year was extended to Meng Yanqing and his group by Da Chang, who had new clothes made for nearly a hundred people early on.

By New Year’s Eve, the courtyard was spotless and brightly lit. Li Sangrou carefully and solemnly pasted Spring Festival couplets and replaced the peach wood charms in this temporary home.

Da Chang and Hei Ma carried firecrackers, making a crackling sound as they walked around. Everyone had an early lunch, dressed in their newest clothes, and headed towards the main camp next to the garrison commander’s office.

A long procession of people, dressed in new clothes and hats, chatted and laughed as they entered the camp gate.

Ru-Yi’s servant greeted them and led them to the training ground.

This year, the Commander-in-Chief and all the generals and soldiers celebrated the New Year together. All officials above the rank of commander, as well as the Hanlin scholars and other civil officials of the seventh rank and above accompanying the army, except those on duty, were already present.

This gathering for the New Year was arranged by Ru-Yi. Wen Cheng was busy reading articles and poems and had no time to spare. Even now, the Hanlin scholars were still reading their articles.

The entire training ground was covered with tall reed sheds, under which rows of long tables were set up in the center.

Gu Xi and Wen Cheng were not there; they had gone outside the city to offer sacrifices to the fallen soldiers and the various deities of Yuzhang City.

From a distance, Li Sangrou spotted many familiar faces. She quickly signaled to a servant, then slipped away and rushed into the adjacent kitchen courtyard.

The kitchen courtyard was bustling with activity, preparing for a large New Year’s Eve dinner with seven dishes and eight bowls.

Everyone was busy, and no one noticed her. Li Sangrou found a secluded spot, sat on a stone drum stool, took out some melon seeds, ate them, and watched the swiftly wielding knives to cut and prepare the food, and the robust chef busily setting out pots for steaming and braising.

When Gu Xi returned from the sacrifice, changed into auspicious clothes, and followed the servant’s directions, he found Li Sangrou. Li Sangrou was beside the chef, listening enthusiastically to him explain the intricacies of dipping noodles. “He’s from Fufeng County. People from Fufeng learn to cook by making belt noodles first. When he has some free time, I will have him make belt noodles for us,” Li Sangrou said with a smile, taking two steps forward to greet Gu Xi.

The busy chefs and helpers around them froze, heads bowed.

The chef, who was happily talking, suddenly saw Gu Xi in his rough-looking clothes, his eyes widening, and he knelt with a thud.

“Hey, come on, come on; this is not a place for you,” Li Sangrou said, smiling and nudging Gu Xi.

“Everyone’s worked hard; double the reward,” Gu Xi said, looking around and smiling.

Emerging from the kitchen courtyard, Gu Xi took a few steps and smiled. “What kind of belt noodles do you want? Have them make them now; no need to wait.”

“They’ve been busy since midnight, and they will be busy until midnight today. After everyone has eaten dumplings, they still have to clean up and wash. Where will they find the energy to make belt noodles?

Even if they did make them, they definitely would not be chewy enough. Besides, today is not the time for noodles. Let’s do it another time,” Li Sangrou said with a smile.