Although Nian Jiaojiao had repeatedly explained that she was not from a powerful family, and could even be considered "a commoner."
Li Jing, however, wore a "I understand, I understand" expression.
This left Nian Jiaojiao feeling powerless. Finally, she said, "Anyway, I've stated my case beforehand. If you find out it's not the case in the end, don't blame me..."
Li Jing nodded repeatedly, clearly not taking her words to heart.
Nian Jiaojiao: ...
...
Returning home, Nian Jiaojiao saw unexpected people.
"Tong Fu? Tong Ziyao? Why are you here..."
Before Nian Jiaojiao could finish speaking, Tong Fu rushed over and gave her a bear hug.
"Jiaojiao, I've missed you so much!"
Nian Jiaojiao was also a little happy.
After Tong Fu let go, she couldn't help but ask with doubt:
"Is it a holiday from the academy? No, it shouldn't be. It would take at least ten days just for you to come here, and holidays aren't that long."
Tong Fu directly provided an explanation:
"Third Brother doesn't want to marry that Fengyinpi, and I don't want to study anymore. So, my Third Brother and I have come to Qingzhou to seek refuge with you! You won't welcome us, will you?"
Nian Jiaojiao's face was full of question marks.
How did Fengyinpi get involved again?
Although she had doubts, she immediately said:
"Of course not. Stay as long as you like, you're always welcome. My house has a side courtyard that no one is using, which is perfect for you to stay in, though it's not as good as yours..."
"That's great! It's settled then!"
Tong Fu jumped up with joy, happily accepting Nian Jiaojiao's arrangement.
Tong Ziyao also nodded to Nian Jiaojiao: "Thank you for the trouble."
...
With guests tonight, the Nian family's dinner was also more abundant.
Tong Ziyao spoke at this moment:
"Fu'er and I will likely be bothering you for some time. Please consider this money as payment for room and board."
Saying this, Tong Ziyao placed the silver on the table.
Tong Fu, who was diligently eating her rice, also looked up and quickly said:
"Yes, I almost forgot. Jiaojiao, my Third Brother and I can't just eat and live here for free."
Nian Jiaojiao, however, frowned:
"Saying that makes us strangers. The rooms are empty anyway. As for the meals, it's just a matter of adding two pairs of chopsticks. We're friends, and you saying this makes us feel distant."
At this moment, Yu Chuan also said:
"My wife is right. If we really accepted your money, it would make us uncomfortable."
The other husbands also nodded in agreement.
Seeing this, Tong Ziyao could only take back the silver.
It was fine. He would buy more food and things for everyone later. Even though they were acquaintances, he couldn't let others bear the costs for free.
"By the way, Xiao Fu, what do you plan to do now that you're not studying?" Nian Jiaojiao asked.
Tong Fu thought for a moment and then said:
"As long as I don't have to study, I'm willing to do anything."
Tong Ziyao followed up her words:
"Don't you want to start a business?"
Nian Jiaojiao raised an eyebrow:
"That's right. Your family is in business, and you've been exposed to it since childhood, so it should be easy for you to get started."
Tong Fu smiled a little shyly, staring at the rice in her bowl:
"I do have that idea, but I don't know what to sell or what business to start, especially since I'm unfamiliar with Qingzhou..."
Seeing Tong Fu's lack of confidence, Nian Jiaojiao opened her mouth, unsure how to comfort her.
"Wife, have you finalized any bookshops these past few days?" Nan Qing suddenly asked.
Nian Jiaojiao didn't understand why he asked this suddenly, but she still replied, "No..."
Nan Qing said lightly:
"A bookshop costs less than a book publishing house, you only need to rent a shop. And a bookshop doesn't require any connections; people generally choose books from nearby. Lastly and most importantly, for a bookshop to have sales, it relies on good works and famous literati for support."
After speaking, Nan Qing picked up the soup in front of him and drank it.
Nian Jiaojiao carefully considered Nan Qing's words and immediately realized:
"That's right!"
She turned to Tong Fu and said:
"Xiao Fu, I think you should open a bookshop!"
"A bookshop?"
Tong Fu was a little confused.
Tong Ziyao also said:
"Although opening a bookshop doesn't require connections, we don't know any literati who are particularly good at writing poetry collections or novels."
Xing Yun could no longer hold back and said proudly:
"You have one right in front of you!"
The Tong siblings exchanged glances, looking puzzled.
Xing Yun continued:
"Do you know Qinglian Jushi? That's our wife!"
Tong Fu exclaimed in disbelief, confirming:
"Qinglian Jushi! The Qinglian Jushi who wrote 'Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai'!?"
The Nian family's husbands all nodded.
Nan Qing then added:
"Wife's previous books were sold to San Chi Publishing House on a commission basis, but it was limited to places where San Chi Publishing House was located. There is no San Chi Publishing House in Qingzhou, so selling here does not violate the agreement."
Xing Yun seconded:
"That's right! And Wife has written a new book, which is guaranteed to be as exciting as the last one!"
Tong Fu was overjoyed. Her Jiaojiao was truly a treasure:
"That's wonderful! It's decided then, I'm going to open a bookshop!"
At this moment, Nian Jiaojiao casually asked:
"Do you have enough money with you for leaving home this time? I can..."
"It should be enough for now, I brought over eight thousand taels."
Nian Jiaojiao: ...
She was about to offer to invest fifty taels, but decided against it...
The four husbands: !!!
They had never seen so much money before.
After the meal, Nian Jiaojiao prepared to return to her room. At this moment, Tong Ziyao approached her, looking somewhat hesitant.
"Is there anything inconvenient? Please feel free to say," Nian Jiaojiao said.
This was the first time she had seen this man wear such an expression.
Tong Ziyao hesitated for a moment before saying:
"That book Xing Yun mentioned, could I see it first?"
After speaking, his face flushed slightly.
Nian Jiaojiao suddenly understood. She thought it was some trivial matter and, after saying "Wait a moment," turned and went back to her room to get the manuscript.
Tong Ziyao watched Nian Jiaojiao's retreating figure, silently murmuring in his heart:
Qinglian Jushi...
...
The next day.
After breakfast, everyone began their own tasks.
Nian Jiaojiao went to the academy.
Tong Fu went to look for a storefront for the bookshop.
Tong Ziyao continued to read "Strange Tales of a Man of Integrity" from last night.
Yu Chuan and Xing Yun went out to buy food.
Nan Qing and Xuan Yi worked at home.
Bai Chuan Academy.
"Nian Mei, you can't find an excuse to not go out with us today."
As soon as she entered the classroom, Li Jing approached her.
Nian Jiaojiao thought that since she didn't need to find a publishing house to discuss cooperation, her time was now free. Moreover, through social interaction, she could integrate into the academy faster and understand Qingzhou.
So, she nodded in agreement.
Seeing that Nian Jiaojiao had finally agreed, Li Jing showed a satisfied smile.
"If that's the case, it's a deal. We'll leave together after class."
"Got it, Sister Li."
After Li Jing left, Chen Liangyu, who was next to her, seemed to be talking to herself, but in a volume that Nian Jiaojiao could hear clearly, she said:
"Hmph, licentious people are ashamed to associate with."
After saying this, she began to flip through her books diligently with a look of self-righteousness.
Nian Jiaojiao: ...
Are you perhaps suffering from a serious illness...