"Shuang'er, if he hesitates out of consideration for our friendship, I would look down on him even more. A true man, serving his country and people, what is there to fear even if the world condemns him? Perhaps he holds the same belief. If he has good national policies suitable for Da Gan, I will certainly propose their implementation."
Xiao Qing nodded obediently.
So, of the three gentlemen from the two countries, she hadn't misjudged any of them!
To achieve great things yet be timid about one's reputation, could that be called a gentleman?
Liang Xiao and Qin Feng were not the sort to cherish empty fame. It was no wonder they had become half-confidantes!
After a moment of clarity, Xiao Qing hummed, "Even so, Brother Xiao is still more formidable than their Marquis of Defending the Nation!"
Liang Xiao chuckled, speechless for a moment, then said, "I dare not speak for other things, but there is one aspect where he is absolutely inferior to me."
"Which aspect?" Xiao Qing asked anxiously.
"I have Little Shuangzi; he does not!" Liang Xiao declared, bursting into laughter.
Xiao Qing's heart bloomed with joy, "That's true~"
"No! What about your Shuang'er?" Xiao Qing couldn't help but pout again.
Liang Xiao smiled and nodded, "Of course, there's Shuang'er too!"
But in his heart, Liang Xiao grew more perplexed. "And Shuang'er... have I truly been worrying unnecessarily?"
That night, Xiao Qing nestled in Liang Xiao's embrace, listening to him retell the story of Journey to the West. She was so engrossed that she almost lost track of time.
It was only when Ning Xuejun reminded her from outside the door, "Your Highness Princess, it is time to return," that Xiao Qing reluctantly pulled away from Liang Xiao's embrace.
"Brother Xiao must tell Shuang'er more stories in the future. Shuang'er wants to be the first fan to 'follow the updates,' or at the very least, know before Sister Qingxue and the others!"
Liang Xiao smiled and nodded, "You, a young lady, dare to enter my room at night, how could I bear to refuse?"
"Ah?" Only then did Xiao Qing realize the implication, her pretty face flushing instantly.
She had gotten accustomed to entering Liang Xiao's room as Little Shuangzi, without considering this point...
"Since it's already like this, why not stay the night here?" Liang Xiao raised an eyebrow.
Xiao Qing's delicate body trembled violently, and she lowered her head, not daring to look at Liang Xiao.
"Alright, I won't tease my Shuang'er anymore." Liang Xiao chuckled and patted Xiao Qing's head.
Only then did Xiao Qing muster the courage, mumbling, "After we get married, as long as it makes Brother Xiao happy, Brother Xiao can do anything he wants to Shuang'er..."
Liang Xiao blinked in surprise. Xiao Qing had already fled in embarrassment, "That wasn't me just now!"
Hearing Liang Xiao's reply of "Alright!" from inside the room, Xiao Qing covered her flushed pretty face and urged Ning Xuejun by her side to quickly take her away.
Liang Xiao did not head to Jiangnan immediately. Instead, he remained in the capital to personally oversee the soon-to-be-opened bookstore and impart some knowledge to Luo Qingxue to facilitate her management.
With Liang Mingyu, the captain of the shadow guards, providing close protection for Luo Qingxue, Liang Xiao was not worried about her safety.
Apart from Liang Xiao and Liang Qing, no one knew exactly how much printing paper, ink, and movable type Liang Xiao had stockpiled.
"That Liang Xiao is still hoarding materials. What exactly is he trying to do? Make materials scarce so he can resell them?"
Ouyang Ji and others in their secret chamber at home were increasingly bewildered by Liang Xiao.
The Four Books and Five Classics? Ouyang Family's bookstore already specialized in printing these; it was unlikely to face competition.
Other classics and miscellaneous books? As long as a book could make money, their bookstore hadn't missed any, printing them all!
Furthermore, Liang Xiao's bookstore had workers sign confidentiality agreements. Once signed, they were guarded by security, with wages advanced and accommodation provided, prohibiting them from leaving. This prevented workers from leaking secrets or running off without permission.
This made it impossible for them to infiltrate spies, as even if a spy went in, they couldn't come out temporarily.
By the time the spies could emerge, it would mean Liang Xiao believed his secrets were no longer significant!
"The Ministry of Works only knows that 'movable type printing' is about to be promoted, but apart from Huang Xing and Zhang Yang, no one else has had the chance to learn about it!" Ouyang Ping said, his face ashen, his fingers unconsciously tightening, tearing the mink on the armrest of his chair.
"Let's wait! Your father wants to see what tricks he's up to. At worst, we'll spend some money to start a price war, crush his bookstore, and let the world know: the Ouyang family's bookstore's status is absolutely unshakable!"
Unlike the Ouyang family, who felt as if a great enemy was at their gates, Liang Xiao, besides checking the bookstore's progress daily, would return to the backyard to tell the girls stories of Journey to the West, listen to Jian Qinwan play the zither, and then send the chapters recorded by Zhen Mi to the palace for Xiao Shuang to enjoy.
As he was not required to report for duty daily, the affairs of the Assistant Minister of Works were jointly managed by Huang Xing and Zhang Yang. Liang Xiao's life was thus leisurely and happy.
Working? It was better to let a certain Mr. Zhang, the victim, exercise and prepare for his future promotion and important undertakings!
This was Liang Xiao's form of care...
The chapters of Journey to the West copied by the mansion's servants were also urgently sent by Liang Xiao's men to Yanzhou, where a meeting had been arranged before Liang Xiao's return to the capital.
In a teahouse, a handsome young man in a grey robe sat in a corner, quietly sipping tea and listening to the patrons chat about Liang Xiao and the Ouyang family's bookstore.
"He's offended so many aristocratic families, even competing with the Ouyang family in business. Is this person truly not afraid of courting his own destruction?" the grey-robed youth mused.
Since the Great Zhou Dynasty centuries ago, aristocratic families had been awe-inspiring existences, sometimes even surpassing imperial power!
"Sir is still here?"
A familiar voice sounded in the grey-robed youth's ear. He turned to see a man, radiating energy, striding towards him and sitting down.
It was Lin Xiu, whom Liang Xiao had brought from the East Sea to the capital and introduced to Chancellor Wang Canghai!
"I have nothing to do, so I'm enjoying some tea." The grey-robed youth smiled and nodded.
Lin Xiu sat down, his expression solemn. "I didn't expect you to be the one who truly understands Marquis Anguo's national policies. I have conveyed all your detailed suggestions regarding land cultivation to the Chancellor, and he has approved them!"
"It was a mere trifle." The grey-robed youth smiled indifferently.
"I understand your great talent, sir. Why don't you come with me to meet our Chancellor? Your future achievements will surely surpass mine!" Lin Xiu suggested.
The grey-robed youth shook his head. "I beg your pardon, but I am accustomed to being a free spirit and have no intention of entering officialdom for now."
Lin Xiu simply smiled and nodded, not forcing the issue. He then asked, "Sir calls himself 'Master of Yunxiu Studio.' May I know your surname and given name?"
The grey-robed youth, Master of Yunxiu Studio, said with a serene expression, "I have long forgotten my past affairs and am immersed in the mountains and waters. My former name and surname are of no consequence."
Lin Xiu couldn't help but sigh with regret, handing over his business card. "Such great talent hidden away in the wilderness is a pity! I reside at the Chancellor's residence. If you ever change your mind, you can come to the Chancellor's residence to find me, and I will introduce you to the Chancellor."
Master of Yunxiu Studio smiled his thanks. Watching Lin Xiu's hurried departure, his calm expression returned.
He was waiting.
Two days later, Liang Xiao's bookstore finally opened, presided over by Liang Xiao's third brother, Liang Yun.
Families from all walks of life sent people to watch the spectacle, including many servants from aristocratic families.
Under the gaze of everyone, Liang Yun, standing on the high platform, finally announced loudly, "On behalf of my second brother, Marquis Anguo, I, Liang Yun, declare the bookstore officially open! From today onwards, we will first sell the Four Books and Five Classics, as well as books like 'Shi Zhou Pian' and 'Cang Jie'!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a wave of boos erupted from below.
The Four Books and Five Classics were common books for scholars, while 'Shi Zhou Pian' and the like were books for children to learn characters!
"Aren't these the same books our Ouyang Family's bookstore sells? I thought your bookstore would have some new ideas or new books!" the Ouyang family's servant scoffed mockingly.
The common people also looked disappointed.
Liang Yun's expression remained unperturbed, and he announced loudly, "The price for each book will be capped at a maximum of one hundred and fifty wen!"
This announcement was like a thunderclap from a clear sky, followed by a clamor that engulfed the entire venue!
The Ouyang family monopolized bookstores nationwide, keeping book prices excessively high, with the most expensive books even being resold for one thousand five hundred wen, the same price as handwritten copies!
Liang Xiao's bookstore's books would be sold for at most one-tenth of that price?!