My book friend Long Aotian

Chapter 139: ０ Wen is a good bookstore

Today, the ０文 bookstore opened, and all the humble writers and readers were delighted and praised it.

At the scene, Huazhou Tongwen Governor Li Bailong, on behalf of the governor and the co-governor, delivered an important speech.

In his speech, the governor highly praised Huazhou’s prosperous cultural heritage and rich reader culture.

He said that Huazhou is an important practice base for literary education in the new era of Da Qi, and should continue to demonstrate vigorous creativity and strong influence, and play a greater role in serving Da Qi's cultural strategy.

He pointed out that the fundamental task of writing is to carry the truth and spread positive energy through literature. The Huazhou literary community should continue to integrate excellent resources, optimize writing models, not stick to the same genre, give more benefits to authors, promote the flourishing of a hundred flowers and inclusiveness, jointly compose hymns of loyalty, educate the people, sing praises to the country, and dedicate their hearts to the Great Qi and His Majesty.

He emphasized that the establishment of ０文书局 is not only a cultural innovation of Mr. Chen Botang's courage to start a business and expand the cultural context, but also a pilot project vigorously promoted by the Tongwen Bureau. Therefore, he called on colleagues in Huazhou to actively invest in porcelain, to have healthy competition instead of malicious commercial war, and also hoped that bookstores would speak human words and do human things from now on, and not always think about putting readers' money in their arms, but remember to keep the authors' lives in their hearts.

“That’s all bullshit.”

Boss Ye lowered his voice and said, "I only heard four words between the lines."

——Collusion between officials and businessmen.

Damn! This is what we were doing!

Zheng Xiuyuan looked to one side and saw that the arrogant editors of major newspapers were now bending over like dogs on the stage, desperately writing down the governor's speech.

His flattery makes people laugh.

He even saw a familiar figure, a certain editor named Hu was also among the shorthand. Chairman Zheng remembered what this guy looked like when he was drunk before - this guy once boasted proudly: "I am not an editor, but a censor."

These dogs who make a living by writing are usually very proud and arrogant. They form an offensive and defensive alliance. If anyone disrespects the editor, they will attack him in newspapers, guide public opinion, play with the Spring and Autumn style of writing, and make the person involved lose face. Even officials and businessmen are a little afraid of them.

Who would have thought that after Li Bailong suppressed the Huazhou officialdom, he held the seals of the three officials and formed an alliance with the Tongpan and the teacher. He first established a newspaper office in the Tongwen Bureau and promulgated a newspaper censorship system. Then he used his power to severely suppress the freedom of the press in the state... and this guy really dared to do it!

Within just a few days, several editors who did not understand the situation and refused to obey the rules continued to satirize Director Li in the newspapers for taking revenge and fabricating charges. As a result, evidence was found of them accepting bribes and attacking their peers on behalf of businessmen. They were exiled a thousand miles away and sent to the labor camp of the Lingyu faction to farm.

The affiliated newspapers were also ordered to suspend operations and rectify the situation.

There was a boss who refused to believe in evil and insisted on continuing his business secretly. As a result, he met with disaster. He was detained for half a month, fined, and most importantly, his business was closed for three months.

——If your newspaper stops operating for three months, who will buy it?
This is a serious blow to the newspaper owners.

As a result, their legs and feet instantly became nimble.

After Director Li made an example of someone to scare the monkeys, he delivered another heavy blow.

He introduced the heinous licensing system.

He had notified all major newspapers in Huazhou the day before yesterday, granting them a one-month probation period to examine the value and significance of the news content published in each newspaper within that month.

For example, whether they have correct guidance and sound values, whether they are closely united around the governor, whether they vigorously promote and guide the idea of ​​loyalty to the emperor and patriotism, whether they are loyal, and whether they are very spirited.

One month later, all major publications and newspapers will be inspected and reviewed.

Only newspapers that are positive enough and can guide healthy public opinion and sound values ​​can be granted a news license by the Tongwen Bureau... This is the basic proof of whether one is qualified to start a newspaper.

As for those who can’t get a license…

Rectification! Self-examination! Reexamination!

You lick so badly and you still want to make the news?
With the three seals in hand, no one in Huazhou can stop Li Bailong, and he can really do whatever he wants.

The practitioners in the Huazhou news industry have been domineering for many years. This is the first time they have encountered such an experienced official. They were stunned and never dreamed that such an operation could be carried out!
Because this process does not involve any money or power transactions!
Moreover, every request made by Governor Li is so reasonable!

Even if you run to the capital and beat the drum to file a complaint, the officials in the Dali Temple will investigate the whole cause and effect, and they will have to write a letter to commend Governor Li, and also order a beating for you, a troublemaker who is making trouble out of nothing!
"These guys who are usually decent have been trained like dogs by Li Bailong..."

Boss Ye also felt horrified: "If this guy does the same thing and uses that stupid license system to control us, what can we do?"

"That means they won't give us a way out." Zheng Xiuyuan was also a decisive person, "Then we will just surrender to Jiang Shangren... They just want to make money from us, which is much better than Li Bailong!"

"Just do it!"

Boss Ye nodded and said, "Let's discuss it when we get back. Have the people below secretly guide the readers to attack "Legend of the Imperial Battle Heaven". That book has too many poison points... We can't stop scolding him!"

"Wait a minute..."

Zheng Xiuyuan pondered and said, "Li Bailong is very careful in his work and can always anticipate the enemy's actions. When we fight against officials, the most important thing is to stand firm. In this way, even if this guy uses his power to force us, he can still speak for us when his backers bring up this matter in the future..."

"What do you mean?"

"It means that we guide readers to attack the book, but we can't do it too obviously."

Boss Zheng whispered, "A group of people who haven't even read the book have gathered together to insult the book. Chen Baitang will soon realize the problem and know where the problem lies. When he finds out about this, he will go to Li Bailong to complain, and Li Bailong will find an opportunity to criticize us."

"But if readers buy books normally, think books are not good, and criticize books normally, then this is their natural and legitimate right. Even if he takes this opportunity to vent his anger, there is nothing to say... Readers have paid to read books! Can you arrest them all?"

"Great job, Old Zheng!"

Boss Ye praised him and glanced at Chen Botang from a distance: "It's just a bargain for this guy."

"It's not cheap... you'll have to spit it out sooner or later."

Zheng Xiuyuan smiled grimly: "We are targeting the 0wen Bookstore, or even just the book "Legend of the Imperial Battle Heaven". Li Bailong may not be willing to stand up for Chen Botang immediately, and may even think that this country bumpkin can't even do such a small thing... How can they beat us in playing with public opinion?"

Director Li, who was not far away, was still answering reporters' questions.

"Is the official partner designated by Tongwen Bureau to publish the tribute works 0wen? Not necessarily. This matter still depends on the objective situation. Although I am the governor of Tongwen Bureau, I can't feel arbitrary. After all, there are so many excellent booksellers in Huazhou. I think Yunjiang Bookstore is also very good..."

Pooh.

Who doesn't know that Yunjiang Bookstore will soon be in your pocket?

The bosses cursed inwardly, thinking that Director Li was just putting on an act.

Suddenly, Zheng Xiuyuan's heart was shaken, and he cried out in a low voice: "Not good!"

Everyone was stunned: "What?"

Chairman Zheng suddenly raised his head and looked at Director Li on the stage: "...Yunjiang Bookstore!" At this time, an editor asked loudly: "I heard that Yunjiang Bookstore is about to be acquired by the Tongwen Bureau, which means that Governor Li will become the owner of Yunjiang Bookstore..."

"Hey, editor, I have to interrupt you for a moment. There is a mistake here."

Li Zhishi said tactfully, "You said that it was the Tongwen Bureau that bought the bookstore, which means that Yunjiang Bookstore will become a 'government-owned enterprise' instead of my private property. At best, I am only a temporary decision-maker of Yunjiang Bookstore during my tenure, and there is a difference."

The editor followed suit and changed the topic, saying, "Governor Li will be the temporary decision maker of Yunjiang Bookstore. You are also the famous Mr. Mo Feng. So, what impact will these two special identities of official and author have on your future decision-making for Yunjiang Bookstore?"

Director Li smiled but did not answer, just looked at the other person.

The editor was startled at first, then suddenly realized what was going on and broke out in a cold sweat.

——It’s bad, I just said it out of turn! I didn’t follow the script!

Last night, a clerk from the Tongwen Bureau came to our house and assigned them today's interview tasks. All script issues had to be reviewed in advance... Oh my God, what have I done!
He hurriedly added, "There has been a lot of talk in Huazhou these past two days, saying that the profits from the sale of tribute works will be shared with the original authors as royalties. It is said that the authors in this city were in disbelief when they heard this, and they clapped their hands in celebration, praising you as the Lord of Heaven and the reincarnation of the Bodhisattva. I would like to ask, after you take charge of Yunjiang Bookstore, will you also promote and adopt a new royalty sharing system in the daily management of ordinary works?"

Governor Li looked at him for a few seconds until the poor reporter recalled last night's script three or four times, then he let him go with a gentle smile.

"As everyone knows, I am also one of the authors of Huazhou. One day, while typing and reading books, I suddenly became the director of the Tongwen Bureau! From an author to an official, my fate is really unpredictable..."

"I have always felt that the current buyout system in Huazhou is very unreasonable. I also feel that it is very hard for Jimei to write books. They earn very little money and it is very hard. I have always wanted to do something for my colleagues."

"So this time, I'm determined to split the profits with the authors, despite everyone's opposition..."

Hearing this, the bosses cursed in their hearts.

—— Damn it! Huazhou is almost becoming a place where you have the final say! What kind of opinions are you trying to overcome?
"Although the process is difficult and there are great obstacles, after all, the tribute essay contest is an official activity initiated by the Tongwen Bureau. I can shoulder the responsibility and forcefully promote this matter. Even if the Tongwen Bureau will find it difficult to make a profit, I will make up for the losses myself and will definitely not let my colleagues in Jimei suffer any losses..."

Zheng Xiuyuan took good care of himself and had good eyesight. He could see that an editor nearby had written in a notebook: "This is where we need to emphasize the importance of the governor, so that people know how hard the governor works. We urge readers to buy more tribute works so that the governor doesn't lose money..."

Damn it! These people are worse than chickens! Chickens cost money!
The president was angry, and then he heard Director Li continue to say: "As for whether the daily works that are not collected will adopt the profit-sharing system... Alas..."

Hearing this sigh, the bosses felt creepy.

They looked up in a hurry, and saw Director Li also looking over, his eyes filled with sighs, pleading and even weakness, but gradually turned into confusion, loneliness and determination.

"Huazhou has a long tradition of cultural creation. I want to promote it, but there is great resistance..."

Director Li said quietly, "We need to think about this matter carefully. Let's discuss it with everyone..."

The editor wrote furiously: "The governor wants to do great things, but is blocked by greedy businessmen. He is worried day and night, looking around at a loss, and all he sees are enemies. He can only move forward alone. I feel sorry for Brother Mo Feng."

——What a dog!
Faced with gazes from all directions, Zheng Xiuyuan and others could only show awkward but polite smiles.

Fortunately, Li Bailong did not take the opportunity to cause trouble and embarrass them on the spot.

While he breathed a sigh of relief, Zheng Xiuyuan became even more alert.

Finally, the ceremony was over. The adults respected their status and left happily. Before leaving, at the sincere invitation of Director Li, everyone bought several books including "Legend of Huangji Zhantian".

Governor Li even played the role of a waiter and sold the products to them one by one.

As a result, all the important figures such as high-ranking officials and wealthy businessmen from Huazhou who were invited to the event bought a copy of "Legend of Huangji Zhantian", and even the bookstore owners were pulled over to buy a few copies.

"Buy it, buy it! This is a book written by my fellow countryman and sold by my fellow countryman. If you want to curry favor with me, come buy this book now!" Governor Li shouted frankly, "You must read it after you buy it. After reading this book, you will be in my eyes!"

After hearing this, everyone burst into laughter.

Just for fun, they took out money and bought the emperor's book.

Until the crowd dispersed, Chen Botang officially opened for business, and the bookstore owners said goodbye and left. They all had a copy of "Legend of Huangji Zhantian" in their hands, and they just felt extremely unhappy.

"What should we do? Li Bailong is blackmailing us." Boss Ye said angrily, "His meaning is very clear. If we don't behave, he will let Yunjiang Bookstore directly push forward the profit-sharing contract!"

By then, the hearts of the women in Huazhou will surely be in turmoil!

"In the current situation, even if I surrender, he will only push me further... I still have to fight!"

Zheng Xiuyuan said decisively: "Fight! First, beat Chen Botang so that he can't open the door, then beat Li Bailong so that he can't postpone the essay contest... Then go to his house and talk to him about it. Everyone should take a step back!"

"The people of Jiangshang extended an olive branch to us, which shows that they respect us and are aware of our abilities and influence. Li Bailong hasn't realized it yet, so let him see the fruits of our hard work in Huazhou!"

Zheng Xiuyuan still had some things to hide.

The letter from his son had pointed out a way out for him. If Bao Li's greed was insatiable, he could surrender to a new master, which would also pave the way for his eldest son's official career.

However, if you want to sell yourself at a good price, you have to demonstrate your value.

and so……

"Try to hinder Li Bailong as much as possible. Father, don't worry about King Zhao. There are many people in the court who don't want him to succeed."

At the same time, at the Yunjiang Wharf, a passenger ship of the Lingyu Sect had already docked. Groups of people with shivered eyes and thin bodies stepped off the board in a daze, looking at the prosperous city, stunned for a moment.

On the shore, Xiong Jingyan stood with his hands behind his back: "Today is the opening of Boss Chen's bookstore. Has the gift money been sent?"

The assistant beside him nodded and said, "Yes."

"A new batch of temporary workers has arrived..." Senior Brother Xiong showed a trace of confusion on his face, "But these people can't carry anything, they can't lift anything, and they can only recognize a few words. What's the use?"

He talked to himself and his assistant did not respond.

"Forget it. Since Junior Brother Li said so, it must be useful..."

Just then, a man in black came hurriedly from the distance.

"Mr. Bear."

The officer in the Tongwen Bureau uniform stepped forward and saluted, saying in a deep voice: "Tianhe Division of the Tongwen Bureau has been ordered to lead the navy into the formation!"

The last chapter was sanctioned! I changed it back to ０文, just so you know what that is.

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(End of this chapter)