Tang Dynasty Little Godfather

Chapter 87 Another storm
Now everyone knows that the emperor simply loved the opera, rather than actually agreeing with Li Qiao's theories of civil administration and military achievements.

As for those officials who fawned over Li Qiao, they were actually just after the emperor's preferences and wanted to profit from it.

In fact, Li Qiao himself thought so too, but he hoped to promote and develop this opera.

Firstly, it could satisfy the emperor's preferences.

Secondly, and most importantly, it was to suppress the arrogance of the Wu family.

The previous drama was merely a successful defense, ensuring his own survival, but it had no impact on the Wu family. This time, the plan is to take the initiative and inflict damage on the Wu family.

As the saying goes, it is impolite not to reciprocate.

The point of attack is to steal the limelight from the singing competition.

So far, from the imperial court to the literati, the focus has been on educational reforms in poetry and prose.

However, to Li Qiao's utter surprise, the nameless academy had already influenced the singing competition.

The reason was that those spoiled brats were making a ruckus everywhere in order to prepare for the subject-specific exams, turning the East Market and Pingkang Ward into disaster zones, causing endless suffering for everyone.

Those literati usually put on their writings, composed poems and essays, in these two places, because these are the places where they can best show off.

How can one compose poems and essays now?

As a result, the popularity of Wuming Academy has continued to rise.

Although most of the attention is negative, negative attention is still attention, and quite a few people are already paying attention to the subject-specific exams at Wuming Academy.

Even before any moves have been made, this has already given the Wu family a real headache.

At noon that day, Wu Xin arrived at a small tavern in the East Market. Although the tavern was in the East Market, it was a very small tavern with very old-fashioned decor. Business was usually so-so. They mainly served large restaurants. If those large restaurants were doing too well, they would help prepare some food and drinks. But at this moment, the tavern was packed with people.

Wu Xin looked around, seemingly searching for something, when suddenly his gaze locked onto a small table in the corner.

At this moment, the only bartender in the store came forward, panting. Wu Xin waved his hand, indicating that he should leave him alone, and then walked straight to the small table.

Approaching the table, he bowed respectfully, saying, "Master Zhang."

Zhang Shuo was sitting at this table.

"It's the Martial Master."

Zhang looked up and saw that it was Wu Xin. He was a little puzzled. He had no dealings with him. He looked around and quickly said, "If there are no other seats, Wu Jijiu, you may sit here with me."

"Thank you! Thank you."

Wu Xin didn't stand on ceremony and sat down directly, then asked, "Why did you come here to dine, Master Zhang?"

Zhang simply said casually, "Didn't the Martial Chancellor also come?"

Wu Xin feigned a sigh: "These days, all the big taverns outside are filled with howling and wailing; it's unbearable."

Zhang just chuckled.

That shout was so loud it was enough to drive them crazy; they couldn't stand it at all and preferred to stay in the tavern for some peace and quiet.

These days, Zhang Baishou's shop is full of spoiled brats.

Zhang Huai was helpless. After all, these playboys had all paid money, and he didn't dare to kick them out. What was even more frustrating was that their parents all supported them and were very proud of it. They would stuff money into their hands every day to make them practice, so he had to hire courtesans to lead the singing. If he didn't hire them, those playboys would cause trouble.

Based on the theory that bad money drives out good, all the literati, scholars, and high-ranking officials left.

Wu Xin glanced at Zhang Shuo secretly and said, "Although that nameless gentleman acts strangely, one has to admit that he does have unique methods for disciplining those unruly students, which is admirable, but..."

He hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Zhang smiled slightly and said, "Please speak freely, Martial Master."

Wu Xin said, "Minister Zhang should also know that His Majesty has entrusted me with the task of educational reform, so I asked the Imperial Academy to organize a singing competition. At first, everyone was very enthusiastic, but recently everyone has been talking about that nameless academy, and I'm afraid this will jeopardize His Majesty's important plans."

Zhang stroked his beard and said, "Master Wu, don't worry. The Nameless Academy only attracts some spoiled brats. Although it has a big reputation, it's not very useful."

Singing competitions, however, are different; they can allow many students to study at the Imperial Academy and even come to the attention of the imperial court.

Everyone can tell which is more important. In addition, I will soon issue some regulations concerning poetry and prose, hoping that scholars will compose more poems and prose reflecting the spirit of our Great Tang Dynasty.

At that time, the operas of the nameless academy will be reduced to the lowest of the low, merely for everyone's amusement.

Wu Xin quickly cupped his hands and said, "If that's the case, then that would be wonderful."

Just then, a loud bang was heard.

Then came a reprimand: "What's wrong with you, bartender? Can't you see where you're going?"

"Oh dear! I'm so sorry, so sorry, please forgive me, esteemed guest, I really didn't mean it."

Zhang looked up and saw that a bartender had accidentally bumped into a customer who had just come in while clearing the dishes.

This little shop only has one bartender; how can he possibly manage everything?

Then another person said, "Brother Xu, don't blame him. It's so crowded here, some bumping into each other is inevitable."

"Alas, that nameless academy is truly a scourge. Shouldn't we memorize our lessons at the academy? Why would we come to a restaurant to memorize them?"

Hearing this, Zhang frowned slightly and said, "However, the actions of the Nameless Academy have indeed caused some trouble. I will send someone to give them a warning, so as not to cause chaos in the entire Chang'an City."

He wants to reshape the Tang Dynasty's image, but before he's even started, you've already created chaos and disorder. How can that be acceptable?

Wu Xin was overjoyed and immediately said, "With Prime Minister Zhang personally taking action, Wuming Academy will definitely restrain itself."

Zhang simply smiled faintly.

This is also a subtle message to Wu Xin: this isn't about helping you, but about the facts, so don't flatter me here.

He was driven out by Wu Zetian in the first place, so how could he like the Wu family?

at dusk.

"Oh! It's Young Master Wang! Please come in, please come in quickly."

Bai Siyong, who was just about to close up shop, saw Wang Xi suddenly arrive and quickly went up to welcome him to the back room.

At this moment, Bai Ningsu also walked in. "Why are you here?"

"Check the accounts," Wang Xi said.

"Check the accounts?"

The father and daughter were taken aback.

Wang Xi asked in confusion, "Can't we investigate?"

Bai Siyong hurriedly said, "Of course not, of course not."

Bai Ningsu asked curiously, "But why did you suddenly come to check the accounts?"

"If the audit isn't sudden, how will we even be able to find the accounts?" Wang Xi couldn't help but laugh.

"Yes Yes Yes."

Bai Siyong nodded repeatedly and said, "Young master, please sit for a while. I will go and get the account book right away."

After Bai Siyong left, Bai Ningsu whispered, "I helped you a lot last time."

Wang Xi nodded and said, "I remember."

Bai Ningsu asked anxiously, "You won't repay kindness with enmity, will you?"

Wang Xi rolled his eyes and said, "Of course not. This is purely business. As a partner, it's perfectly reasonable for me to check the accounts."

Bai Ningsu said, "If it really is an audit, then of course it's possible."

"That's fine then," Wang Xi said with a smile.

Soon, Bai Siyong brought over the account book. "This is the account book for this month. Please take a look, young master."

Wang Xi took it and flipped through it.

Seeing him put on such an air of maturity, Bai Ningsu couldn't help but ask, "Do you really understand?"

Wang Xi simply smiled and did not argue with her. After a while, he shook his head and said, "You haven't made much progress, and you've even regressed quite a bit."

Bai Siyong hurriedly said, "I remember when we settled the accounts last time, I told Shaolang that it definitely wouldn't be as good as the first month. That month, many people were just curious and rushed to drink it, so..."

“That’s not an excuse,” Wang Xi shook his head and said, “It’s that you haven’t tried hard enough.”

Bai Ningsu said, "We originally planned to go to the outskirts to sell wine, but you told us to wait for the master's new wine."

Wang Xi said, "So you're just hoping to sell wine in the suburbs? Have you ever thought about how few people are on the road in winter? How much money can you make? It's a thankless task. Can't you think of any other way?"

Bai Ningsu's fair face flushed slightly, which only enhanced her beauty. She said, "You're smart, so you should think of a way."

Wang Xi's expression changed, and he said in a serious tone, "I have seen your accounts, and most of the expenses are concentrated at noon."

Bai Ningsu asked in surprise, "How did you know? The time wasn't written on the account."

Wang Xi said, "You're still not convinced when I say you're stupid. Do you even need to look at this? Everyone eats at noon."

Bai Ningsu then realized what was happening and said angrily, "If that's the case, then what's there to say?"

Wang Xi said, "There's nothing to say about them coming to eat at noon, but when they leave is another matter. You can try to extend the time customers spend eating. The longer they stay, the more they will naturally spend. This principle is not hard to understand, is it?"

Bai Ningsu wasn't stupid, and immediately said, "You don't mean to have courtesans perform here, do you?"

Wang Xi laughed and said, "With the size of your shop, hiring famous courtesans would definitely result in a loss, but lesser-known ones wouldn't attract customers."

"So what are your plans?" Bai Ningsu asked again.

Wang Xi said, "Sir, you have recently come up with a new type of opera, which is somewhat similar to the military opera, but not limited to it. It is basically a story told by two people."

"tell a story."

"Correct."

Wang Xi said, "Don't worry, sir's story will definitely be very captivating."

Bai Ningsu asked anxiously, "Did the master send you?"

Wang Xi said, "Of course, do you think I'm here to check the accounts because I have nothing better to do?"

"Why didn't you say so earlier!"

Bai Ningsu was immediately furious and muttered, "Still pretending to check the accounts."

Wang Xi said smugly, "This is my own idea, just so that you can deeply understand the teacher's intentions."

"Of course, this terrible idea was yours," Bai Ningsu said. "I can tell."

Bai Siyong hurriedly said, "What merit or ability do I have to deserve such painstaking efforts from you, young master?"

Wang Xi rubbed his hands and said, "I've been acting lately, so I'll just treat it as practice to hone my acting skills, haha. Besides, I'm not acting for free; you'll have to pay me."

"Do I still need to pay?"

The father and daughter said in unison.

Their tone made Wang Xi feel like he was being exploited. "What's wrong with that?"

Bai Siyong said with difficulty, "Young master, with the business of my small shop, how can I afford to invite you young masters to perform? No, no."

Wang Xi said, "Wow, Lao Bai, when it comes to money, you're really stingy, even more so than Xiao Bai. Don't worry, we won't let you lose money. We'll definitely help you attract more customers and get them to spend more."

Bai Ningsu asked curiously, "Are you all that short of money?"

Wang Xi said, "It was the master who instructed us to do good deeds. All the money we earn will be donated to the poor people."

"Doing good deeds?"

"Ah."

Wang Xi nodded.

Bai Siyong hurriedly said, "Sir, you are a man of great benevolence and righteousness. Even if it means losing money, we must support you."

Wang Xi laughed and said, "Don't worry, you won't lose money. We won't ask you for much money either. After all, we're just throwing out an idea to get the ball rolling, and you're just the bricks."

(End of this chapter)