Upon hearing this, everyone was secretly amazed. Both poems had their merits, but when compared, the superiority of Liu Shan's "Ode to Money" was obvious.

Yin Nantian commented, "Liu Shan's poems are undoubtedly exquisite in their diction, but what is even more remarkable is his profound knowledge. How many people know about the title 'Marquis of Wealth and People' these days?"

Wu Xianshi continued, "That's right. The title of Marquis of Fumin was established by the founding emperor of this dynasty. It only existed during the reign of the founding emperor. The founding emperor used this title to express his concern for the people."

Liu Shan was stunned. He was prepared to face the questions and make up an explanation for the origin of the title "Marquis of Fumin" but he did not expect that the Xia Dynasty would have such a title.

He sighed inwardly, "The three characters 'Fumin Hou' unexpectedly became the finishing touch to my poem; it was truly an unexpected stroke of luck."

At this moment, Zheng Xianshi added, "What is even more remarkable is that Liu Shan possesses the courage and boldness to 'petition the emperor,' which I truly admire. This young man is truly formidable!"

As the three explained, the crowd gradually showed expressions of sudden realization, and only now did they understand a bit more.

Zhao Bochao was resentful, especially since Liu Shan was a son-in-law, which made him extremely unhappy. He simply could not accept that he had been defeated by a son-in-law.

This was an immense humiliation for him!

Moreover, he had once been in love with Li Wanqing, and now old and new grudges had piled up...

Zhao Bochao stood up angrily, but was immediately pressed back into his seat by two large hands.

The left hand belongs to my second brother, Zhao Zhongchao, and the right hand belongs to a stranger.

Under his gaze, the man said softly, "I am Fang Hao. Brother Zhao, please do not act rashly, otherwise you will only offend the three judges."

Zhao Bochao gritted his teeth and whispered, "But I really can't swallow this!"

Nevertheless, Zhao Bochao ultimately endured it.

"Brother Zhao, believe me. There's plenty of time. We'll have plenty of opportunities in the future," Fang Hao said, gently fanning himself with his folding fan.

Zhao Tingxiao sat behind them, a strange glint in his eyes, and he began to take notice of Fang Hao.

In the end, Liu Shan stood out and won the championship, gaining fame and a private audience with Princess Changning.

Although it was said to be a private meeting, Princess Changning was accompanied by two guards, two maids, and a somewhat fierce and mysterious old man.

The old man stared intently at Liu Shan, his eyes wide like copper bells.

Princess Changning leaned back comfortably in her chair and smiled, "Your poetry has surprised and delighted me. I will grant you one request, as long as it is not excessive."

After a moment of contemplation, Liu Shan realized that what he needed most urgently was money.

Of course, he couldn't directly ask for money; that would seem too vulgar, and it would be a one-off deal—once he got it, he wouldn't be able to ask again.

So Liu Shan said, "Princess, I am planning to open a bookstore. The shop, the staff, and the novel stories are all ready, but I still lack the money to recruit craftsmen, carve and engrave, and print and bind the books. I wonder if the princess would be willing to run it together?"

Princess Changning frowned slightly. "Open a bookstore? A joint venture? You want me to invest in it, don't you?"

Liu Shan nodded repeatedly, "Exactly, this is a business that can guarantee a profit."

Princess Changning was somewhat skeptical. This man was neither a literary giant nor from a scholarly family. How could he guarantee that the bookstore would make money?

Liu Shan was clearly prepared, as he took out the book "Painted Skin" from his pocket and presented it to the princess.

Princess Changning initially paid no attention, casually flipping through the pages. But the more she read, the more expectant she became, and the more interested she grew. Unfortunately—

"This story is really good, but it's a bit short. Is there a sequel?" Princess Changning asked excitedly.

Liu Shan shook his head, and just as the princess looked disappointed, he suddenly said, "But I still have quite a few good stories like 'Painted Skin' in my inventory."

Liu Shan pointed to his head, which certainly whetted Princess Changning's appetite.

Princess Changning stood up in surprise, her mouth slightly agape, and said incredulously, "You have so many ingenious ideas? Then what are we waiting for? I'll offer five thousand taels of silver!"

Liu Shan pondered that five thousand taels of silver would be enough for him to open a bookstore on Pear Blossom Street, but since he had brought the princess into the business, would it be a bit stingy to open only one bookstore?

A broader perspective is needed! We must broaden our horizons!

Liu Shan coughed lightly and said, "Princess, if you can contribute ten thousand taels of silver, I am willing to split the profits with you fifty-fifty."

Princess Changning said calmly, "Ten thousand taels is nothing to me, but a 50/50 split... Do you think I'm the kind of person who's short of that little bit of money?"

Liu Shan's heart tightened. Had he broken a taboo?

Isn't it?

He hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "Of course you don't lack money, I was just being presumptuous."

Princess Changning thought for a moment and said, "How about this, I will contribute 20,000 taels of silver, but I want to be the first to read all the stories."

Liu Shan slapped his thigh, "Deal! From now on, you're a VIP at Bookstore, enjoying priority access to all the stories!"

Princess Changning was taken aback for a moment, then asked, "What fart?"

Liu Shan subtly wiped his forehead, and in his excitement, he blurted out the English. There are no foreigners in this world, so naturally there is no English.

He hurriedly explained, "This is a term I saw in a fragment of an ancient book. It translates to 'a very important person,' or simply 'member.'"

Liu Shan then explained the membership system.

Princess Changning smiled and said, "That's right, this system is very interesting."

Seeing that it was almost time, Liu Shan asked, "Princess, do you have any occasions that require poetry recently? I can write a poem to add to the festivities."

"Write a poem to add to the festivities?" Princess Changning seemed interested. "Next month, my father will be holding a grand banquet at Pingle Garden, where many generals will be in attendance. Do you plan to compose a poem on the spot at the banquet?"

A banquet? What a coincidence?

Liu Shan quickly replied, "I can write it now."

"Oh? Bring me pen and ink. If you write well, this princess will reward you handsomely!"

Princess Changning originally thought that Liu Shan had guessed the poem topic correctly, that it was just a lucky guess and that he had just prepared a poem about money.

But after reading the wonderful story of "Painted Skin," her eyes lit up, and she even looked forward to the poems he was about to write.

"Alright~" Liu Shan said with a smile, "Princess, just you wait and see."

Not long after, a slightly revised version of "Bring in the Wine" appeared on the page.

"Have you not seen the waters of the Cangjiang River come from the sky, rushing to the sea never to return?"

See you, Gaotangmingjing has white hair in sorrow, and the morning is like blue silk and snow in the evening.

Life is full of joy, so that the gold is empty for the moon.

I am born to be useful, and come back when my wealth is gone.

Cooking sheep and slaughtering cows is fun, and you will have to drink three hundred cups.

Let's drink! Don't stop drinking.

A song with Junge, please listen to me.

Bells, drums, and jade are not expensive, but I hope I won’t wake up after being drunk.

In ancient times, the saints and sages were lonely, and only the drinkers kept their names.

King Kang once feasted at Ping Le Palace, drinking ten thousand cups of wine and indulging in merriment.

What is the master's word for less money, you have to sell to the king.

I will call my son to exchange the five-colored horse and the fur worth thousands of gold for the fine wine, so that we can share the eternal sorrow together. "

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