I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 16 Bet
Xue Xiang had almost finished his tea when the steward came to report that Master Dong had returned and invited him over.

When Xue Xiang met Dong Jiacun, he was wearing a black fur robe and standing by the pond feeding the fish.

Every time a handful of fish food is scattered, the red arowanas in the pond create a splash of red.

Xue Xiang bowed respectfully, and Dong Jiacun handed the fish food to the butler, then stepped forward, grabbed Xue Xiang's arm, and said affectionately, "Director Xue, even if you hadn't come to find me, I would have gone to look for you."

As he spoke, he took out a palm-sized brocade box and handed it to Xue Xiang.

Xue Xiang opened the brocade box, inside which was a red pill.

"This is a Phoenix Five Pill, which has a miraculous effect on treating injuries. Chief Xue has helped me a lot. This is just a small gift and not much to express my respect."

Dong Jiacun smiled and said.

Xue Xiang quickly closed the brocade box and handed it back, saying, "No, I can't accept this."

Dong Jiacun laughed and said, "Yes, yes, Director Xue probably doesn't know yet, but thanks to your planning, my Jiahe Trading Company sponsored the Red Lantern Opera Boat."

Nowadays, wherever the red lantern parade boats pass by, my Jiahe Trading Company's reputation is soaring, and business has improved considerably this month.

As the saying goes, "When you drink water, you shouldn't forget the well-digger." Director Xue, please don't refuse Mr. Dong's small token of appreciation.

Xue Xiangdao said, "Helping Jiahe Trading Company expand its reputation is a way to promote business prosperity, and it is also the duty of my Seventh Academy."

Furthermore, Xue is a public servant, and therefore must be even more careful to abide by the law.

Therefore, please be sure to accept this generous gift, Mr. Dong.

"Very well, Chief Xue's noble character is admirable, and I will respectfully accept your offer."

Dong Jiacun put the brocade box back, pointed to the pavilion not far away, and invited him to talk over there.

The two entered the pavilion, where a brazier was burning brightly. After the steward served tea and left, Xue Xiang got straight to the point, "Old Dong, we made an agreement before."

If Mr. Xue can expand the reputation of Jiahe Trading Company to the entire Canaan County within a year, Jiahe will no longer seek to relocate.

I wonder if Elder Dong will still keep his promise?

Dong Jiacun laughed heartily, "I am a businessman, and naturally I keep my word."

I know why you've come; you must have heard about my land grabbing in Yong'an City.

If someone else asked, Mr. Dong would not bother to answer.

But now that you, Director Xue, have come, Dong will tell the truth: Dong is indeed making preparations for the relocation of the town.

Of course, Mr. Dong still complied with the one-year deadline.

A cold wind blew, and the fire in the stove flickered. Xue Xiang reached out to warm his hands by the fire. "So, Elder Dong doesn't believe that I, a junior, can do it?"

Dong Jiacun nodded. "Chief Xue's reliance should be the Yunmeng Newspaper, right?"

Xue Xiang was startled. Although the Yunmeng Newspaper had been established, it had not yet been officially published.

"If you're hoping that the newspapers will spread the word about Jiahe Trading Company, frankly, I have no hope at all."

Dong Jiacun held his teacup, his smile undiminished. "However, if Director Xue were to start a newspaper, I would be willing to spend money to purchase space to promote Jiahe."

Xue Xiang picked up the teapot and poured a cup of tea for Dong Jiacun. "Yunmeng Times is about to be released, but without circulation support, it has not opened up advertising space."

"Advertisement? To spread the word widely, that's a good name."

Dong Jiacun asked, "Director Xue, what do you think the circulation of the Yunmeng Times will be?"

Xue Xiang said, "This is exactly what I wanted to discuss with Elder Dong. Back then, I promised to help Jiahe Trading Company expand its reputation to Canaan County."

The circulation of the Yunmeng Times will become a benchmark.

Mr. Dong believed that the circulation of the Yunmeng Times needed to reach a certain level to help Jiahe Trading Company's reputation expand throughout Canaan County.

Dong Jiacun laughed heartily, "Director Xue, are you serious?"

"a man of his words."

"Alright, once the Yunmeng Times is published, the circulation should reach two thousand copies. Old Dong, whatever he says, you have to agree."

A voice came from behind.

Xue Xiang looked in the direction of the sound and saw a young man in white robes walking towards him. He was fair-skinned and beardless, about twenty-three or twenty-four years old, with sharp features. Despite the cold weather, he was carrying a paper fan and fanning himself as he walked.

"Come, come, let me introduce you."

Dong Jiacun grabbed Xue Xiang's wrist and stepped forward, "This is Li Shaobai, the head of the Canaan Morning Post."

"He's here in Yunmeng to oversee the distribution of the Canaan Morning Post there." He then introduced Xue Xiang to Li Shaobai.

Xue Xiang knew perfectly well that Li Shaobai must have been recruited by Dong Jiacun, and that Li couldn't refuse him, since the man surnamed Li probably wanted something from him too.

Both newspapers had something to gain, making it a perfect opportunity for the two to fight.

"Brother Xue, in what year did you enter school?"

Li Shaobai's sharp chin was held high, large enough to hang a clothes hanger.

Brother Xue cupped his hands and said, "I have not yet begun my studies."

Li Shaobai chuckled and raised his chin even higher. "I am not very talented, but I passed the county examination in the Bingchen year and ranked thirty-third."

"So you are Lord Junsheng, my apologies for my disrespect."

Xue Xiang bowed again.

"Incredible! Prince Junsheng comes from a prestigious family and passed the imperial examination at a young age. His future is limitless."

Dong Jiacun also clasped his hands in praise.

People value fame and official rank in those days. No matter how rich a merchant is, it is not as good as having a title and official rank to rely on.

Li Shaobai waved his hand dismissively, "Being a mere county student is nothing. When you pass the imperial examination and are listed on the bronze list, that will be a truly exhilarating experience, like ascending to heaven."

Alright, enough of the small talk.

Old Dong, I have no other requests. The Canaan Morning Post's development in Yunmeng wouldn't have been possible without your help.

Instead of wasting time betting on a doomed Yunmeng Times, why not bet on us? Two pages, sixty spirit stones, 20% off, fifty will do.

Dong Jiacun said, "Buying the advertising space is easy, but I promised Director Xue first."

Besides, the circulation of the Yunmeng Times might very well exceed two thousand; perhaps we should wait and see.

Li Shaobai chuckled, "What are we waiting for?"

His eyes were like an eagle's as he glared at Xue Xiang. "What's your name again? You don't actually think your Yunmeng Times can actually be published."
That's absurd. Our Canaan Morning Post has the support of the government and the assistance of major merchant groups, yet our current daily circulation is only seven thousand copies.

Even so, the company was still operating at a loss.

Your Yunmeng Times is a small, insignificant publication; what makes you think you can maintain such a high circulation?

You're completely hindering Old Dong's path to wealth. I advise you to leave now and switch careers as soon as possible.

"Let's do as Manager Li says."

"what?"

Li Shaobai was stunned; he hadn't expected Xue Xiang to be so obedient.

"Just one month. If the circulation of the Yunmeng Times is less than two thousand copies after one month, I will close it down myself. If it exceeds two thousand copies, Elder Dong, the matter of relocating the town will not be mentioned for three years."

"It's a word."

Dong Jiacun loudly agreed.

"That's a joke."

Li Shaobai sneered, "If your lousy newspaper has a monthly circulation of two thousand copies, Old Dong, I won't even mention those two pages. You can buy them from that guy surnamed Xue."

"But if it doesn't reach two thousand, I'll personally come and take down the signboard of the Yunmeng Times."

"Please wait patiently for good news."

Xue Xiang bowed and strode away.

………………

December 25th, Fuyun Teahouse, main hall.

The fire roared, the aroma of tea filled the air, and the air was filled with the lively sounds of people.

In the northwest corner, storyteller Li Baoku dominated the area, surrounded by more than ten people.

Then he slammed his gavel, and his voice, as loud as a gong, began, “The poem says: Willow leaves rustle in the dense green, lotus blossoms glow red in the setting sun. Thirty-six ponds of spring water, I long to see Jiangnan when I’m old.”

The legendary story of scholar Xu Yi begins in a thatched hut by Huiyin Mountain. It is said that this young master Zhou was originally the son of a servant in the Xu family…

I hope you will all vote for me. During the new book release period, please don't give up reading it, otherwise the book might fail. This book is a slow burn, so please don't leave it unread.

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(End of this chapter)