Chapter 70
Chapter 70
“So, Father-in-law, you won’t oppose my publishing this book, then.”
“I won’t. But why must you mix such filth into an otherwise outstanding work?”
“The erotica written in it is for artistic necessity.”
The Count learned a new word from Shen Lang. Erotica—an apt term indeed.
“That’s not what I’m talking about. I won’t stop you from publishing this book, but you must remove the parts about Xu Guangyun and Xu Qianqian.”
“Father-in-law, you could tell?”
The Count answered with silence. Even an idiot could tell, with names that were so similar.
“An outstanding work should be pure. How can you insert your personal grudges into it? Besides, to seek revenge in such a crude manner… it’s better to delete that content.”
“Absolutely not. Father-in-law, the entire reason I wrote this book was for revenge against Xu Guangyun and Xu Qianqian. We can’t get our priorities mixed up. I cannot sacrifice my crucial objective of vengeance for the sake of literary pursuit.”
His father-in-law was speechless. How could the heavens grant such remarkable talent to someone so shameless? Was this not utterly unfair?
“You mean to say that achieving timeless fame is less important than getting revenge on the Xu father and daughter?”
“Of course. A man who doesn’t avenge his grievances is no better than salted fish.”
The Count’s hands began to itch again. He took a step back to maintain a safe distance from Shen Lang. Otherwise, he might not be able to stop himself from slapping him. The Count spoke in an earnest, meaningful tone.
“Lang’er, if you wish to tarnish the reputations of Xu Qianqian and Xu Guangyun, don’t be so direct. Be a little more subtle. Look at what you’ve written. ‘Ximen Qing, courtesy name Guangyun.’ How is that even a hint?”
It was the equivalent of pointing at a monk and calling him baldhead.
“Understood. I’ll make it a bit more ambiguous. But I’ll ensure that anyone who reads this book will immediately think of Xu Qianqian and Xu Guangyun.”
*When they see the illustration of a naked woman who looks just like Xu Qianqian, everyone will make the connection.*
“And one more thing. It’s obvious you wrote this book yourself. Why did you drag Jin Mucong into it?”
Hearing the Count use his son's full name, it was clear how little affection he had for the fatty.
“Father-in-law, do you want to hear the truth, or a lie?”
The Count frowned.
*Shen Lang, are you trying to pick a fight with me? To speak to me in such a way.*
“The lie is that since this book is for revenge against Xu Qianqian, I wanted to avoid suspicion that I wrote it. If people knew I wrote it alone, they would think me incredibly petty.”
His father-in-law said nothing.
*Is there anyone in this world pettier than you, Shen Lang? Ah, there was one. Though you already drove him to his death.*
“Then what is the truth?”
Shen Lang's expression turned serious.
“It’s foreshadowing for a major event to come.”
“What major event?”
“The conflict over Gold Mountain Island.”
The Count stared at Shen Lang, shocked and incredulous. After a moment of thought, he understood Shen Lang's meaning and realized the connection between spreading Jin Mucong's name and the Gold Mountain Island dispute.
*His wisdom is truly monstrous.*
Shen Lang truly saw three steps ahead with every one he took. The conflict over Gold Mountain Island hadn't even begun, yet he was already planning every move. It was a blessing from the heavens to have such a son-in-law.
The Count was inwardly stirred, but he didn't show it. He silently bowed to Shen Lang in his mind, expressing his gratitude. But he would never reveal his true feelings to Shen Lang. He knew his son-in-law too well. Give him an inch, and he'd take a mile. If the Count were to bow and thank him, the scoundrel would probably throw an arm around his shoulders and call him brother.
“Father-in-law, do you think this book will be popular?”
“Popular? It will shake the world!”
The Count believed that any person with literary taste would find this book marvelous, would slam their table and shout its praises. It was bound to be a masterpiece, the kind that appears only once in decades. Shen Lang was overjoyed. With this, the reputations of that dog-like father and daughter, Xu Guangyun and Xu Qianqian, would be dragged through the mud, their infamy soaring.
*Hahahaha! Heh heh heh...*
Seeing his son-in-law reveling in the pleasure of retaliating against his enemies, the Count's moment of heartfelt emotion shattered.
*Sigh! The heavens are truly unfair, to grant such outstanding talent to a scoundrel like this.*
He sighed and turned to leave the room, so as not to disturb his shameless son-in-law from indulging in his petty emotions.
The next morning, Shen Lang and Jin Mucong hurried out of the Count's estate to take care of important business.
***
Under pressure from his father-in-law, Shen Lang made some revisions to *Boundless Wind and Moon*. For example, Ximen Qing's courtesy name was no longer Guangyun, and Ximen Qianqian's name was changed to Ximen Xianxian. This way, readers wouldn't immediately associate the name with 'Qianqian', but some would still think of Xu Qianqian. Moreover, the illustration of the naked woman was drawn so realistically that anyone who saw it would instinctively think she resembled Xu Qianqian.
***
Shen Lang and Jin Mucong took a carriage and headed for Orchid Mountain City, over a hundred li away. Orchid Mountain City was renowned as a sanctuary of literature. It was not under the jurisdiction of Nu River Commandery but belonged to Yangwu Commandery, though it was geographically very close to Xuanwu City.
Books published there could cover the surrounding five commanderies and more than twenty cities. Books were the calling card of Orchid Mountain City. Just as Xuanwu City was famous for its silk, Orchid Mountain City was famous for its books. To achieve a major promotional effect, publishing a book in Orchid Mountain City was the best choice.
Jin Mucong asked in amazement.
“Father didn't hit you, Brother-in-law?”
Shen Lang narrowed his eyes.
“You're disappointed that he didn't hit me, aren't you?”
Jin Mucong shook his head frantically.
“No, no. How could a loyal person like me think such a thing? But… he didn't tear up the manuscript either?”
Shen Lang couldn't be bothered to answer his childish questions anymore.
*Not only did he not tear it up, something even more exciting than you could imagine happened.*
“Brother-in-law, this book is going to be a huge hit! If a stickler like my father didn't tear it up, it's bound to be a sensation.”
Count Xuanwu was a reader who appreciated novels with solid plots and structures. Novels could generally be divided into two types: those with strong plots and structures, and those that were light reads with little substance or depth. Usually, if the Count praised the former type, the readership that preferred light entertainment would surely dislike it. But barring any exceptions, Shen Lang's book would be able to capture both audiences. No, to be precise, its popularity would soar to the heavens.
***
Four hours later, the carriage carrying Shen Lang and Jin Mucong arrived at Orchid Mountain City. Here, too, was an old noble family, the Zhu Clan of the Viscount of Orchid Mountain's estate. However, the Zhu Clan was also famous for its cunning, having surrendered before the Prefect of Yangwu Commandery could bring the blade of the new government down on their necks.
They had voluntarily relinquished their fiefdom and military authority, even earning praise from the King of Yue for being like the nation's "valiant generals." Pleased by this act, the King not only commended them but also bestowed a large sum of money on the Viscount of Orchid Mountain's estate, meaning the viscounty had actually profited handsomely.
But to the old aristocracy, the conduct of the Viscount of Orchid Mountain was seen as nothing but a great humiliation and disgrace.
Count Xuanwu himself had fiercely condemned the Viscount's shamelessness on several occasions, saying that such spineless behavior brought shame upon all the old noble families.
In terms of currency circulation or the wealth of its noble houses, Orchid Mountain City might be inferior to Xuanwu City, but as Shen Lang observed its streets, he found it was actually more bustling and had a much livelier atmosphere than Xuanwu City. So this was a city renowned for its literature?
Bookstores lined the streets of Orchid Mountain City, and there were many stalls selling books, making it seem as if the scent of ink hung in the air. Most of the books sold in the dozen or so surrounding cities came from here. Passing by rows of similar-looking bookstores, Shen Lang saw a very large sign.
“In 16 days, the second volume of *Mandarin Duck Dream* will be released!”
*Advertising a book's release date? Just how popular is this novel, *Mandarin Duck Dream*?*
*Mandarin Duck Dream* wasn't just popular; it was explosively popular. The sales of the first volume had surpassed all other novels in Orchid Mountain City, and countless people had been eagerly awaiting the second volume for half a year. That was why so many bookstores were busy promoting it with a countdown to the release date. Thanks to this, the book's author had become widely known as a great talent and was regarded as the dream lover of many a maiden.
***
Orchid Mountain City had five major publishing houses. These houses not only sold books but also printed them and had branches in several surrounding cities. In Earth terms, they were large book publishing chains. Among the five, the two largest were the Ink Scent Pavilion and the Jade Pavilion. The former's name suggested a very prim and proper place, while the latter had a more popular and sensual feel. So, without a moment's hesitation, Shen Lang and Jin Mucong went to the Jade Pavilion.
When Shen Lang entered the Jade Pavilion, his eyes immediately fell upon a young master of a rare and handsome appearance. While handsome men might have something in common, when they came face to face, they usually regarded each other as natural enemies. A manager immediately greeted them.
“What kind of books are you two young masters looking for? Ah, we just recently got *Mandarin Duck Dream* in stock. Its subtle and well-crafted story is a masterpiece, and countless young masters and ladies are captivated by it. I'm sure you two won't be disappointed either.”
*Mandarin Duck Dream* again. Shen Lang was sick of seeing the name and tired of hearing it.
*Might as well call it *The Mandarin Duck and Butterfly Dream*.
A smirk played on Shen Lang's lips. Just from the title, he could tell it was a cliché, low-brow novel. It was undoubtedly the kind of book that preyed on the hearts of naive young girls to swindle them out of their pocket money.
As soon as he chuckled, Shen Lang felt a hostile gaze on him. The handsome young master in silk robes shot him a fierce glare and asked in a cold voice.
“What is it? Do you find that book amusing?”
His features were also quite handsome, but he fell a little short when compared to Shen Lang. However, dressed in silk robes embroidered with gold and silver thread, he looked considerably more opulent than Shen Lang.
“And who might you be?”
“Zhu Wenhua of Orchid Mountain.”
*Zhu Wenhua? So it's you. The shame of the old aristocracy. Your father is a real piece of work. Because you lot voluntarily gave up your fiefdom and military authority, the fallout hit the Count of Xuanwu's Estate as well.*
This Zhu Wenhua was the second son of the Viscount of Orchid Mountain.
“*Mandarin Duck Dream* is my humble work. Do you have some instruction to offer?”
*So you're the one who's been making a name for himself as a great talent across dozens of cities.*
Zhu Wenhua's reputation was formidable. He was not only an idol to many scholars but also the man countless women dreamed of. Despite being born the son of a noble, he did not live idly. Instead, he proactively studied literature and martial arts, passing the provincial examinations at the mere age of sixteen.
But it takes one to know one. While ordinary people might have found it hard to grasp what kind of person he was, Shen Lang could tell instantly just by hearing the rumors.
The Viscount of Orchid Mountain had meekly surrendered his fiefdom and military authority a few years ago, and as the Viscount's second son, Zhu Wenhua could not inherit the title. So what was he to do? Naturally, he had to find his own path. That's why he took the civil service exams and worked so hard to spread his fame.
Furthermore, though Shen Lang did not yet know it, another reason Zhu Wenhua was building his reputation was that he had his sights set on Zhang Chunhua, the daughter of Prefect Zhang Chong of Nu River Commandery. Zhang Chunhua was famed as one of Xuanwu City's foremost beauties and a talented lady, in no way inferior to the treasure of the Count of Xuanwu's Estate, Jin Mulan.
Zhu Wenhua's reason for pursuing Zhang Chunhua was simple. Once Zhang Chong defeated the Count of Xuanwu's Estate, his power would skyrocket, and it was obvious to anyone that he would later enter the heart of the Yue court and become a minister who wielded power for a generation. For Zhu Wenhua, whose future was uncertain, what better prize could there be?