The Peasant Wife: The Prime Minister's Beloved

After saying that, he picked up his bag and strode out of the room.

Fang Wenfu did not ask any further questions. He just lay on the bed, savoring the soft bread and sipping tea leisurely.

Not long after, Xie Tianyi appeared in front of the bookstore in the town.

"Boss, are you buying used books here?" He stepped into the bookstore and asked politely.

The shopkeeper looked up at him and replied, "Yes, but the price depends on the quality and content of the book."

In this era without modern printing technology, every book was copied by hand, so its value was naturally very high.

"Then how about you take a look at these three books?" Xie Tianyi said as he took out a few yellowed but well-preserved ancient books from the package.

Xie Tianyi gently untied the string that wrapped the things, and as the cloth slowly unfolded, three quaint books came into view: one was the classic "Three Character Classic", the cover of which showed slight signs of time; one was "Thousand Character Classic", the binding was simple but exuded a calm atmosphere; and the last one was particularly different, with no inscription on the cover, only an elegant landscape painting, which was carefully compiled based on the gripping stories told by Chen Xi.

He gently placed the three books on the counter. The shopkeeper's eyes were immediately drawn to them and his fingers gently stroked the spines of the books.

"The handwriting is neat. I am willing to pay five taels of silver for these two traditional classics," the shopkeeper said with a hint of certainty in his voice. "As for this last one, the story is novel and unique, and the plot is full of ups and downs. If it is written by you, young master, I am afraid it will cause a sensation in the market."

Xie Tianyi was secretly calculating in his mind, he knew that the value of this last book was far more than that.

"To be honest, the creator of these stories is someone else, and I am fortunate to know him. Although I can't guarantee it, I may be able to contact him to see if there are more works available."

When the shopkeeper heard this, a trace of regret flashed in his eyes. He stroked his gray beard, as if he was weighing something.

"Then, sir, can you introduce me to that talented friend? My Moyue Bookstore is willing to purchase his works at a high price."

Xie Tianyi shook his head apologetically, "This matter still needs the other party's consent. I can't make the decision alone, and I'm afraid it will be inconvenient."

A trace of disappointment flashed across the shopkeeper's face, but he quickly regained his businessman's shrewdness.

"In that case, I am willing to pay fifty taels of silver for this book. I hope you can come to our shop more often in the future. Perhaps we will have a chance to cooperate again."

Xie Tianyi responded with a smile, his tone relaxed, "Of course, I trust the reputation of Moyue Bookstore."

The shopkeeper moved quickly, counting out sixty taels of silver from the cash box and handing it to Xie Tianyi, obviously as an extra sign of sincerity.

"Sir, this is your reward, and in addition..."

"Shopkeeper, please give me some more paper. Ordinary paper will do." Xie Tianyi suddenly made the request, causing the shopkeeper to mistakenly believe that he wanted to continue his creation, and he quickly ordered the waiter to fetch him some fine rice paper.

"Sir, this is the best paper in our store. Please take a look."

Xie Tianyi was slightly startled, then looked up at the shopkeeper, his eyes full of confusion.

"I appreciate your kindness, but I can just use ordinary paper."

The shopkeeper waved his hand and smiled, "No, no, no, these papers are specially prepared for you. Your talent should be matched with the best tools. Besides, good works go with good paper, and future books will surely sell for a better price."

Xie Tianyi nodded gratefully and was about to leave, but the shopkeeper stopped him again.

"Sir, I have a suggestion. How about we make a deal? I will provide you with paper, and when you finish your work, you can directly hand it over to Moyue Bookstore for exclusive publication. Each copy will be priced at two hundred taels."

Xie Tianyi hesitated for a moment and declined, "I appreciate your kindness, boss, but I won't stay here for long, so I'm afraid I can't agree to it."

The shopkeeper quickly explained: "Young Master, you may not know that our Mo Yue Bookstore has branches in all major cities. No matter where you go, you can find us."

Xie Tianyi's mind moved, and he asked back: "The shopkeeper means that you want to buy out the copyright of these books at the price of one hundred taels per book?"

"That's right, sir. These stories are not only brilliant in writing, but also contain profound meanings. I hope to own them exclusively." The shopkeeper said bluntly.

Xie Tianyi smiled and didn't answer immediately, but his eyes said it all.

The shopkeeper understood what he meant, gritted his teeth, and proposed a new number: "Three... No, five hundred taels. I am willing to buy out the copyright at this price."

Xie Tianyi nodded and made his final request, "Okay, then please give me another 450 taels, and we'll make a deal."

"You are really good at business, okay, 450 taels is 450 taels, but from now on, the ownership of these books belongs to our bookstore, and we have the right to copy and sell them."

Xie Tianyi accepted this and said that once the transaction was completed, the subsequent matters of the book would have nothing to do with him.

Although the shopkeeper felt sorry for the money, he still took out the money when he saw Xie Tianyi agreed.

Thinking that these books could bring huge profits to Moyue Bookstore, the shopkeeper gradually felt relieved.

Before leaving, he did not forget to remind Xie Tianyi again, hoping that he could create more excellent works.

After returning home, Xie Tianyi looked at the silver in his hand and couldn't help feeling deeply moved.

He once made a living by copying ancient books, but he never imagined that the stories he created could bring such rich rewards.

He knows very well that this is not just a financial gain, but also a recognition of his talent.

Although Xie Tianyi is knowledgeable, he never rejects material wealth, especially when he thinks of Chen Xi working day and night for the family's livelihood, he feels even more guilty.

He decided to use the money to lighten Chen Xi's burden.

During this period, Xie Tianyi gradually discovered that in addition to his love for food, Chen Xi also had an unusual love for money.

This made him more determined to make Chen Xi live a carefree life through his own efforts.

Imagining the joy flashing in Chen Xi's bright eyes, Xie Tianyi felt an unprecedented determination in his heart.

He secretly vowed that for the smile that was about to appear, he would spare no effort to make every penny in his hand become the cornerstone to his dream.

Chen Xi, a girl who seldom sets foot in the store, decided to visit Fang Wenfu and Xie Tianyi today because they were staying overnight here for the first time.

After passing through the front hall and exchanging brief greetings with Chen Ping'an, who always greeted her with a smile, and Su Ersao, who was gentle and virtuous, she tiptoed into the back room, fearing to disturb their busy and orderly daily life.

"Master, Xie Tianyi, are you guys adapting to life here?" Chen Xi pushed the door open and walked in.

Inside the house, the flickering candlelight illuminated the warm figures of three people.

Fang Wenfu smiled heartily upon hearing this, and gently pointed his finger at the various pastries and freshly baked bread piled on the table, his brows full of satisfaction: "Don't worry, Xi girl, we are living a comfortable life. Look, your third brother and second sister-in-law are so thoughtful, they prepared so many delicious foods, I am almost spoiled."