Volume One: River City Chapter Seven: Sweeping the Entire County

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In the height of June’s sweltering summer, the oppressive heat was unbearable. Cicadas incessantly chirped in the trees, disturbing many students at Jiangcheng County Academy, making it impossible for them to concentrate on their studies. To pass the time, various diversions were devised. At this moment, Qi Qing took out a portable chess set and approached his classmate and close friend Wen Wening with a smile. “Zining, it’s this time already; no need to overwork yourself. The next provincial exam is still more than a year away. Come, let’s play a few rounds of chess to relax.”

Wen Wening, who had been absorbed in his book, looked up and smiled as well. “Do you think I’m reading a classic text?”

“Not so?”

“No, it’s a newly published spoken-story novel from last month. It’s truly fascinating and gripping.”

“But didn’t you say before that those spoken-story novels nowadays were all the same, and you wouldn’t buy or read them anymore?” Qi Qing, who had never had much interest in novels, was puzzled by his friend’s earlier stance.

“This ‘Investiture of the Gods’ is very different from other spoken-story novels. It has none of the clichéd tales of talented scholars and beautiful maidens or the usual quests for immortality. It’s exceptionally exciting,” Wen Wening replied with a smile. Truly, regardless of era, no one can resist the allure of a good story.

“Is that so? But you should stop reading for now and play two rounds of chess with me first.”

Seeing Qi Qing’s insistence, Wen Wening nodded, putting down his scroll, but murmured, “Do you think there really exists a beauty like Daji, who could captivate a whole kingdom and make its ruler sacrifice everything for her? If such a woman exists, I’d really like to see her.” Well, not only had this friend succumbed to temptation, but he was quite the romantic.

Just as Qi Qing set up the chess pieces, ready for an intense match, another classmate, Tian Gang, hurried in clutching a brand-new scroll. He hurried to Wen Wening, who had just lifted a chess piece, and said, “Zining, the second volume of ‘Investiture of the Gods’ has already been published. Many have rushed to the bookstore to buy it. You’d better go quickly before it sells out.”

“What? That fast? The author, known as Xiaoyaozi, must really have divine inspiration. Only half a month, and a new volume is out,” Wen Wening said in surprise. Tossing a chess piece aside carelessly, he cupped his fist to Qi Qing. “Brother Qi, I’ll go buy the book first and then we can play. Such a good book cannot be missed.” Without waiting for a reply, he hurried out.

Qi Qing watched his friend leave, then turned to see another friend engrossed in the new book. He was speechless. After a moment of silence, he reached for Wen Wening’s copy of ‘Investiture of the Gods’ and casually began to read. To his surprise, he found himself captivated as well.

Some time later, Tian Gang let out a soft laugh. “Haha, this is truly interesting. Nezha has become a lotus incarnation and is called the ‘Lotus Tyrant.’ On reflection, that’s quite fitting…”

…

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Under the blazing sun, Wen Wening raced to the bookstore nearest the county academy. To his surprise, the usually quiet shop was surrounded by dozens of people, all shouting “Investiture of the Gods.” From afar, he could hear the excitement. The scorching heat couldn’t deter these avid readers.

The shopkeeper’s eyes were nearly closed in a smile as he briskly took payments and handed books to customers, soothing the crowd, “Rest assured, we have stocked over a hundred copies of ‘Investiture of the Gods’ this time. There’s enough for everyone; no one will miss out.”

Relieved, Wen Wening took a moment to observe the varied crowd—there were not only young men like himself but also many middle-aged and elderly, and even two women were pushing through the crowd eager to buy the book. This showed just how widely beloved the novel had become.

Finally reaching the counter, Wen Wening jingled his money pouch. “Please give me one copy of the second volume of ‘Investiture of the Gods.’”

“That’ll be three taels and two mace,” the shopkeeper said promptly, handing him a volume.

“Why the price hike? The first volume was only two taels and eight mace,” Wen Wening, though a scholar from a modestly wealthy family, was sensitive to such changes.

“That’s the price set by the Gu family publishing house. I’m making as little profit as possible. If you think it’s too expensive, you can wait a while to see if the price drops…”

“If you don’t want it, I’ll take it,” a voice from behind said opportunely. This reminder made Wen Wening notice that only a few copies remained on the shelf behind the shopkeeper. Once sold out, there would be no more.

He bit his lip. “I’ll take it. Three taels and two mace it is.” He fumbled out some silver and handed it over.

The shopkeeper weighed the coins in his hand then, satisfied, passed the book to Wen Wening. Opening it immediately, Wen Wening found a map of the Shang dynasty on the first page, showing locations such as Chaoge. The slightly higher price was justified by the inclusion of this map, which soothed his earlier displeasure. Turning to leave, he studied the map carefully.

Though there is a saying that a scholar need not leave home to know all under heaven, Wen Wening, who had never left Hengzhou Prefecture, was unfamiliar with much geography. Now, studying the map revealed many insights. He admired the vast knowledge and broad vision of the author, Xiaoyaozi, whom he imagined as a learned scholar well-versed in astronomy, geography, and history.

As he walked away, many disappointed voices arose behind him outside the bookstore. “I’ve waited so long, and the books are sold out?”

“I didn’t expect the second volume to be so popular. The hundred copies sold out in just half a day…” The shopkeeper looked bewildered but said, “If you’re interested, come back tomorrow. I’ll send someone to the publishing house to request a new batch.”

As some nodded, he quickly added, “Fugui, you go to the Gu family publishing house and get fifty more copies of the second volume and thirty of the first.”

The young assistant agreed reluctantly, setting down his half-read volume before hurrying out.

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But their hopes were clearly dashed, for even at the Gu family publishing house, the newly printed second volume had already sold out. In front of Gu Yuezi stood representatives from several bookstores demanding more copies.

“Please understand, I didn’t expect demand for the second volume to far exceed the first. We only prepared eight hundred copies; the rest aren’t finished yet. The earliest new stock will be available the day after tomorrow. I ask for your patience; I will notify you as soon as they arrive,” Gu Yuezi apologized, though his face was alight with joy, his smile stretching to his ears.

Indeed, he was pleased. The first volume had already brought the publishing house significant profit. After word spread, the second volume’s release caused a buying frenzy. This one batch alone netted a pure profit of one or two hundred taels of silver—the most lucrative book aside from the Four Books and Five Classics.

After finally dispersing the bookstore representatives, Gu Yuezi returned to the back, sipping tea contentedly, his excitement barely concealed.

At that moment, the shop manager approached, genuinely impressed. “It seems you have a keen eye for talent, boss. This Mr. Li is truly a gifted novelist. Only two volumes out, and the entire Jiangcheng County is captivated. If he publishes more, our bookstore may overcome its current difficulties.”

“Heh, yes. I didn’t expect it either. Li writes as if inspired by the gods—fast and exceptionally engaging. Compared to his works, others’ novels are hardly worth mentioning,” Gu Yuezi said, his eyes shining brightly. “Such a great book should not be confined to Jiangcheng alone. Once this difficulty passes, I’ll help sell his books in Hengzhou’s prefectural city, and even in the capital Luoyang. Perhaps his novels will find a place there as well!”

He then recalled something. “Manager, give me twenty taels more from the counter. I want to use it to visit Mr. Li. Looking back, giving him only thirty taels for the first volume was unfair; we should pay him the same price as for the second volume. As for the third volume, once we’re steadied, we can increase his pay. After all, maintaining good relations with such talent is paramount.”

The manager, an astute man, nodded with a smile. “Boss is right. Such talent may become a great master one day. It’s wise to cultivate good relations now.” He left unsaid that if the Wan family publishing house came to recruit Li, they would be in trouble.

Though it was getting late, Gu Yuezi paid no mind. He took a shop assistant and headed straight to the address Li Ling had left him. Half an hour later, at dusk, the two arrived at a quiet, somewhat dilapidated alley.

Unlike other places aglow with light, this alley where Li Ling lived was unusually silent, as if no one else was home. Seeing this, Gu Yuezi recalled what he knew of Li Ling’s past misfortunes and sighed softly.

Just as they entered the alley, a sharp scream shattered the stillness: “Thief! Help!” The sudden cry startled Gu Yuezi and his companion. They saw a man stumble out from a courtyard, followed closely by a burly figure wielding a stick aimed at his head.

“Stop!” Gu Yuezi shouted urgently. To his shock, the courtyard was none other than Li Ling’s…