Red Mansion Reader

Chapter 76
At the beginning of November, nothing important happened.Only on the sixth day of the sixth day, Chen Heng brought four new works of Liaozhai, and went to the Huji Bookstore as a guest.

Hu Yuan was very happy with his arrival, and directly invited Chen Heng and Xue Biao to the tea room in the back hall, leaving only the waiter to take care of him alone.

As soon as the three sat down in the tea room, Hu Yuan couldn't wait to look at the new work.Chen Heng ignored him, he was listening to Xue Biao explaining to him the Yangzhou Maojian in the cup.

The three of them were busy with their own affairs. After a while, Hu Yuan put down the paper and coughed lightly, "Brother Chen."

"Brother Hu, what do you think?" Chen Heng turned his head with a smile. There was a pagoda-shaped incense burner between him and Hu Yuan. A few wisps of sandalwood rose slightly, an inch away from the top of the tower, and then drifted into the air.

The tea room is elegant and quiet, and there are calligraphy and paintings hanging around. The treatment this time is not a bit better than the last time.Chen Heng saw it in his eyes, and only smiled secretly in his heart.

"I am qualified to comment on Mr. Yuanhe's masterpiece." Hu Yuan joked enthusiastically, his tone was friendly without being overly obsequious, "Brother Chen probably doesn't know, but your reputation in Yangzhou is not as famous as thunder, but you can still be called a household name."

Chen Heng smiled, accepting Hu Yuan's compliment calmly. He must be more aware than Hu Yuan of the achievement and influence of "Strange Tales from a Liaozhai Studio" on strange novels.

Even from then on, Chen Heng disappeared from everyone and became another hurt Zhongyong.Hundreds of years later, descendants of this time and space will also remember the names of him, Hu Yuan, and Hu Ji Shulou because of this book.

Otherwise, how can you be right about the evaluation of the sentence "Liaozhai came to the world, and the thousand-year-old culture of Zhiguai will be able to return to the light, and the end will be brilliant".

However, Chen Heng's visit this time was definitely not to hear a few compliments.He and Hu Yuan wanted to formally calculate the manuscript fee for this book, which was only mentioned once when they first met last month.

First, Chen Heng wanted Hu Yuan to feel the influence of "Strange Tales from a Liaozhai Studio" for himself.Secondly, he also held the idea of ​​​​selling it for a price.

So the two people at that time agreed to discuss this matter in detail when the manuscript was submitted for the second time.And this is why Xue Biao is sitting here today.

The second room of their Xue family has a printing shop, and their business has been mediocre in recent years.Xue Zhen's mind has never been on this, and the shopkeeper who runs it is not a capable person.

In the past few days, Xue Biao has brought the printing shop from his father, planning to use Chen Heng's relationship to publish "Strange Tales from a Liaozhai Studio" with Hu Jishulou.I want to see if I can take advantage of the east wind to improve the business of the printing shop.

The negotiation process went smoothly, and Hu Yuan didn't deliberately lower the price just because Chen Heng was writing the script for the first time.

Booksellers in the Yong Dynasty generally had two methods for newcomers like Chen Heng.

One is to directly set a dead price, and the bookseller takes away the work, and pays for it by himself, and is responsible for the profit and loss.If you like it, leave the author's name.When it comes to those who have a bad heart, even the name is replaced by my own library.

The other is the method Hu Yuan gave Chen Heng now.Chen Heng bought shares with books, accounting for [-]%.Xue's printing shop occupies [-]%, and the remaining [-]% belongs to Huji Bookstore.

Xue Biao had already told Chen Heng about the inside story of this business, and Hu Yuan's price was very fair.A normal bookseller can give a [-]% bonus, which can already be called a conscience of heaven and earth.

Hu Yuan did this because he was optimistic about the prospect of "Strange Tales from a Liaozhai Studio" and also hoped to make Chen Heng a friend.

Chen Heng was naturally willing, and he was glad that he saw the right person.He was willing to choose Hu Yuan at the beginning because the other party left him a way to copy books, and now he is reciprocating.

After discussing the most important thing, the three of them turned the topic on book sales.Because of the example of Mr. Storyteller, Hu Yuan did not underestimate Chen Heng's thoughts, but asked the other party's opinion very seriously.

Chen Heng also had this intention. He told the other party his views on "Strange Tales from a Liaozhai Studio". Hu Yuan became more and more surprised when he heard it, and said, "Brother Chen, are you going to sell books in four seasons in the future?"

Chen Heng nodded, he saw Hu Yuan's hesitation, and quickly explained his thoughts to the other party, "Brother Hu, you can also see that the content of "Liao Zhai" is simple and short. Such a story is better than a long stream. But it is very easy to be imitated and fabricated.

The storyteller's path, we have gone through it once.If you want to rely on them to gain fame, I'm afraid it will be half the effort and waste manpower and money. "

Seeing Hu Yuan nodding, Chen Heng continued: "In this case, why don't we take advantage of our current reputation to make "Strange Tales from a Liaozhai Studio" thinner and smaller, and the price lower. It is stipulated that a volume will be released every season, so that everyone can afford it and carry it with them.

Brother Hu may wish to think about how many businessmen and tourists in Yangzhou spend a few taels of silver to buy the full version of "Strange Tales from a Liaozhai Studio". They may feel distressed about money.But it costs tens of pennies to buy a booklet, which can relieve boredom on the road, and when asked by a companion, it will save face if it is spoken out.

When these people help us stand up the signboard, people all over the world will know Yangzhou's "Strange Tales from a Liaozhai Studio", and that "Liaozhai" from Huji Bookstore is the real thing. "

Hu Yuan was taken aback when he heard this, the way Chen Heng was thinking really opened his eyes.Is it possible to sell books like this?
This way of selling books alone is already worth a thousand dollars to Hu Yuan. He is not an ignorant owner, and few people in business are stupid. When he thinks about it, he knows how much advantage Hu Jishulou will take in it.

"Brother Chen, I don't know what to say at the moment." Hu Yuan stood up and saluted, moved, "I can only thank Brother Chen for your kindness in advance, and there will be rich rewards in the future."

Chen Heng smiled and turned his body. He was willing to say this because Hu Yuan didn't lower the price, and he cheated when he saw himself young.He behaves like a man, and he always respects me one point, and I return three points of his temper.

The two chatted happily, and finally agreed that Chen Heng would write fifteen stories each season, and Hu and Xue would be responsible for all other matters.

As soon as the work was over, Chen Heng didn't stay longer, declined Hu Yuan's invitation to stay for a meal, and returned to the academy with Xue Biao with the 30 taels of manuscript fee he had paid to himself in advance.

Chen Heng didn't intend to take the money, but Hu Yuan persuaded him by saying, "The Chinese New Year is coming soon, and Brother Chen will inevitably write at home. With these 30 taels, his family won't say anything about you."

Chen Heng himself thought about it, and he would also deduct it from the dividends in the future. With this money first, he can also subsidize his family one or two.

On the way back, Xue Biao was in a rare silence. Under Chen Heng's constant questioning, he said with emotion: "Brother Heng, have you ever thought that maybe your talent in business is higher than that in reading?"

"If you have ideas and capital, you need someone, Brother Xue." Chen Heng smiled and pushed him away, "You said, Brother Hu is so sincere and generous to me. Is it possible that you, the young master of the Xue family, are also present."

Xue Biao thought about it, but still shook his head and said, "No matter what you say, it is my shop that owes your favor."

"Okay, between you and me, there's no need to talk about this." Chen Heng held the money in his pocket, and said with rare generosity: "Let's say it first, next time I will take you out for dinner."

After more than half a year of bitter life, Chen Heng finally turned around and felt comfortable.Thinking of the good days ahead, he was also in a pretty good mood.

Now is the time when Chen Heng is happy, Xue Biao naturally won't disappoint, and just smiled and said: "Then I have to think about what to eat."

Before the rich man pretended to be addicted to it, Chen Heng broke his merits first, and hurriedly raised his hand to beg for mercy, "Hold on, let's make an agreement first, let me save some money and go home for the New Year."

"Hahaha, you, you, don't worry, brother knows it well."

…………

…………

On the [-]th, the academy was closed again, and Chen Heng asked Dayou, Yuan Bai, Xue Bian, and Su Zhao to go to a restaurant in the city for dinner.These people all knew that their classmates had made a fortune, so they couldn't help joking about it at the table.

Chen Heng didn't refuse anyone who came, and he responded with a smile.Just shouting for everyone to eat more, don't be polite to him.Once you have eaten this meal, you don't know when the next meal will be.

"It's okay, Brother Heng can't let me wait until I'm 70." Jiang Yuanbai imitated Pei Huaizhen's walking posture, which made everyone laugh.

After everyone had eaten, it was still early.Chen Heng led them out of the city together to visit his second uncle.Chen Huaijin's corvee work for this year has ended, and he is about to pack his things and prepare to go home these few days.

Chen Huaijin was very happy to see his nephew bringing his classmates to find him.Pulled a few boys and talked gossip for a long time.

The second uncle has no airs and speaks humorously.He often goes to and from the marketplace, and likes to tell strange rumors, which is very popular with Jiang Yuanbai and others.

Chen Heng stayed outside the city until evening before he took his classmates back to the academy.

The following days are all ordinary life chores.It was only in December that the students in the academy couldn't sit still, and even Chen Heng began to think about going home.

For the students who left home for such a long time for the first time, they counted the days and finally waited until the [-]th day for the holiday.

As soon as the class on the [-]th was over, Chen Qi walked into the academy with many elders and servants of his classmates, and helped Chen Heng pack the luggage he brought home.

It was also rare for Xue Zhen to come out in person today, and even chatted with Chen Qi for a while when he saw Chen Qi.The people from Xin Suzhao's house were guards who had met several times.Jiang Yuanbai's father was a dark-skinned farmer. As soon as he entered the house, he distributed the fruits he brought to everyone.

The kindness was hard to turn down, so Chen Qi had no choice but to accept it brazenly, thinking to himself, why didn't he think of this.Next time you come here, you must bring something with you.

Chen Heng didn't know what his father was thinking, he just smiled and said hello to the elders of his classmates, and said goodbye to everyone.

After the father and son left the academy, they rushed to the post station. Today there happened to be a motorcade going to Taixing County.Chen Heng has made some money this year, and he doesn't want to be crowded in the same carriage with other travelers as in the past.

Regardless of his father's persuasion, he spent some extra money and hired a donkey cart in the caravan.The father and son shared a spacious space alone, so Chen Heng had the opportunity to ask his father about the family situation.

"What? My mother gave birth to a younger brother?" Chen Heng was surprised and delighted.

In fact, according to the date of birth, it may be born at the end of the next year or in January.However, Mrs. Gu didn't know where her leisurely mind came from, so she couldn't sit still at home.Move left, move right.This shocked the child in his stomach, and when Gu's was working, he started to mobilize.

I heard from the midwife who delivered the baby that it was fortunate that it started early, the baby was born very heavy, and if it was going to be full-term, Gu's might not be able to bear it, and it was a blessing in disguise.

It's also because the old Chen's family has gotten better and better over the years. Ever since Chen Heng came to Leyi Academy, he has found a job of copying books.Although there is not much money, it can barely make ends meet.In the academy, there are no other expenses, and the food and clothing should be saved as much as possible.

In addition, the county waived a lot of taxes for the old Chen family, and it saved the old Chen family a lot of money.How could Mrs. Zhou be able to bear it this time? With a wave of his hand, he spent all the money on Mrs. Gu, which made the child so heavy when he was born.

"It would be great if it was a daughter, and you can have more younger sisters." Chen Qi giggled, "What nickname do you think should be given to your younger brother?"

When Chen Heng heard this, his eyes widened on the donkey cart returning home, "Father, what do you think, I am his brother, can I take my brother's name?!"

"Didn't you read the book, let you help me think about it, it's not like this." Chen Qi curled his lips.

Chen Heng couldn't help but smirked and said: "Since my mother started it while feeding the chickens, and it's the smallest, why not call it Yaoji."

"As a brother, you can really figure it out." Chen Qi rolled his eyes and fell sideways on the car.

Although he is an ordinary farmer, he has sons and daughters now.The eldest daughter, Chen Qing, is sensible and well-behaved, and the second son, Chen Heng, is motivated in studies, and his life is very proud.

When a person is proud, he has many ideas.Suddenly a flash of inspiration flashed in his mind, he half propped himself up, and happily said, "Why don't we just call it Ruyi."

Chen Heng was a little surprised. Isn't his father's brain very useful? Chen Heng couldn't help but darken his face and said angrily: "Father, what did you think of when you named me Ergou?"

"I didn't get it." Chen Qi shook his head, sighing, "It was your grandpa who got it for you. At that time, your second uncle's child was always sick, so your grandpa thought it was because the name was too good to hold back."

It's grandpa, that's fine.Chen Heng also had no choice but to lie down beside Chen Qi, "Is my brother good-looking?"

"The newborns are so ugly, they are ugly and dark." Chen Qi couldn't help touching his face, "It's all bad on me. Fortunately, you and your sister are more like your mother."

"Hahahaha." Chen Heng couldn't help laughing, and asked again, "How is grandpa?"

"Your grandfather's bad temper, how can you not know? You didn't say it, and no one listened to it. As soon as he recovered, he rushed to work in the field and said he would save money for you to make clothes."

"Why do you make clothes properly?" Chen Heng was very puzzled.

"Silly son, don't you even know that your sleeves are short?" Chen Qi raised his hand and was about to take a picture, when he suddenly thought that this brain is different from his own, so don't break it.Halfway through it changed to a lighter one, and said, "Don't you think you've grown taller?"

Chen Heng raised his hand in mid-air, pulled up his sleeve and gestured to his wrist, and it turned out to be a bit shorter, "The room is full of people of the same age, who is not growing, how can I usually see it."

When Chen Qi thought about it, it was also the same reason. "Anyway, your grandma and your second aunt have already bought needles and threads, and are waiting for you to go back this time to make some clothes for you."

"it is good."

Chen Heng replied sweetly.Perhaps because of the bumpy journey, Chen Heng gradually became sleepy.

Chen Qi saw it, pulled him back with his hand, and said: "Sleep when you're sleepy, with daddy here, you can't lose your things."

"it is good."

Chen Heng nodded.

Unfortunately, he didn't sleep for long when he was woken up by Chen Qi's snoring.Looking at his father who slept more familiarly than him, Chen Heng couldn't laugh or cry.

I got up and opened the wooden window of the donkey cart. Under the sunset, Taixing County, bathed in red light, was close at hand.

　One more tonight.After explaining the Chen family's affairs, I will start to wrap up and open the third volume, hahahahahaha
　　
　
(End of this chapter)