How did I, a mere son-in-law lying down, become a "Fenglang Juxu" (a legendary martial art

Sun Wangang nodded in agreement, his eyes filled with admiration: "Your Excellency has great foresight. I will certainly do my best to help."

Liu Shan nodded slightly, secretly calculating in his heart that if he could take this opportunity to consolidate the foundation of the pharmacy, he could then focus on other matters with peace of mind in the future.

The two discussed some details, and then Liu Shan got up and walked out of the pharmacy accompanied by Sun Wangang.

The hustle and bustle of the riverside street reached his ears, and Liu Shan couldn't help but stop in his tracks. His gaze swept over the busy market, and a surge of pride welled up in his heart.

However, he soon had his mind on the bookstore matter again, and walked briskly toward the Prince Kang's residence.

After being reported through the ranks, Liu Shan finally met Princess Changning.

At this moment, Princess Changning was sitting upright in her study, holding an ancient book in her hand, her brows furrowed with concentration.

Seeing this, Liu Shan didn't dare to disturb them and quietly walked to the side to wait.

To their surprise, they waited for half an hour.

Liu Shan's legs went numb from standing, but he dared not utter a single complaint.

After a short while, Princess Changning finally put down her book, looked up at Liu Shan, and was slightly taken aback. She asked, "Liu Shan, how long have you been here? Why didn't you send someone to announce your arrival?"

Liu Shan bowed and smiled, "Princess is focused on her studies, so I dared not disturb her. I have come today to present you with the latest storybook. The stories incorporate folk tales and are quite interesting; perhaps they can help entertain you."

Princess Changning frowned. "Stop with the empty talk. Let me ask you this: how many times have I sent people to urge you? Why have you been delaying until now?"

Liu Shan lowered his head, his tone sincere: "Princess, please calm your anger. It's only because I strive for perfection..."

Princess Changning interrupted, "Stop talking nonsense. You have time to investigate cases, but no time to write books?"

Liu Shan could only smile wryly: "Your Highness is wise. Investigating cases is my duty, and I dare not slack off. I have done my best to perfect the manuscript and have no intention of delaying it."

Princess Changning's tone softened slightly: "A person's energy is limited, and it's impossible to do everything perfectly, but it's also necessary to distinguish between primary and secondary tasks. Let me ask you, what is primary? What is secondary?"

A fatal question?

Cold sweat trickled down Liu Shan's forehead. If he didn't answer well, or if he failed to satisfy the princess, he might anger her and affect future cooperation.

If he were a sycophant, like Yan Song or Heshen, he would have flattered them without hesitation at this moment.

However, he was not a sycophant.

If he were a loyal minister, like Wei Zheng or Lin Zexu, he should speak frankly and honestly, and teach the princess a lesson.

However, he was not a loyal minister.

Liu Shan took a deep breath and carefully chose his words: "Princess, investigating the case is of paramount importance to the safety of the nation and is therefore the most urgent task; while writing stories and novels, though a refined pursuit, is secondary. However, both are important, and I will strive to balance them and not neglect either. I am sure Your Highness will understand my predicament. Although the novels are delayed, I will strive for excellence and hope Your Highness will forgive me."

Upon hearing this, Princess Changning's eyes flickered slightly. After a moment of silence, she finally sighed softly, "Fine, since that's the case, I'll spare you this time. I hope what you said is true, and that the storybook can indeed help me relieve my boredom."

Liu Shan felt relieved and quickly presented the storybook in his hand.

“Lotus Fragrance?” Princess Changning took the book, casually flipped through a few pages, and a smile gradually appeared on her lips: “Hmm, there are some novel ideas between the lines, and it did not disappoint me.”

Seeing that the princess was satisfied, Liu Shan finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Although he had confidence in Pu Songling's "Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio", he was still uneasy because it concerned his life and future.

Liu Shan cautiously said, "Princess, the bookstores on Pear Blossom Street are not enough to meet the purchasing needs of the people. I would like to open a few more bookstores so that we can meet the needs of more people and increase our profits. Is that alright?"

Princess Changning raised an eyebrow. "If you want to open a business, then open one. Why ask me? Do you not have enough capital? Twenty thousand taels of silver may not be a lot, but you've squandered it all so quickly?"

As she spoke, Princess Changning's tone turned somewhat cold.

Liu Shan hurriedly explained, "Your Highness misunderstands. It's not that we lack funds, but rather that we need Your Highness's support so that the bookstore can open smoothly and benefit more people."

Princess Changning chuckled and said, "You certainly have a silver tongue. Tell me, how do you need my support?"

Liu Shan asked, "Princess, the bookstore is currently located on Pear Blossom Street. I wonder where would be a suitable location for a newly opened bookstore?"

Princess Changning countered, "What are your thoughts?"

Liu Shan spoke eloquently: "There are four bustling streets in Cangzhou City: Lihua Street in the south of the city, Gulou Street in the east of the city, Wenchang Street connecting the west and north of the city, and Yanjiang Street along the Cangjiang River. Among them, Lihua Street is bustling with people, Gulou Street is full of merchants, Wenchang Street is a gathering place for literati, and Yanjiang Street is scenic and has its own characteristics."

“Now, there are already bookstores on Pear Blossom Street. If a new bookstore is to be opened, Drum Tower Street would be the most suitable, as there are many merchants and book buyers; the next best choice would be Wenchang Street, where scholars and literati gather, which would be conducive to dissemination; although the scenery along the river is beautiful, the flow of customers is slightly less. What does the Princess think?”

Princess Changning waved her hand and said boldly, "As you say, open one shop each on Gulou Street, Wenchang Street, and Yanjiang Street."

Liu Shan was taken aback. That was not what he meant at all. He only wanted to choose one of Gulou Street or Wenchang Street to open a bookstore.

However, since Princess Changning is so generous, what else can he say?

He quickly bowed and said, "I will obey the princess's orders and will certainly live up to her expectations, but..."

Princess Changning asked, "But what?"

"However, these three streets are all quite bustling, so it may be difficult to find a suitable shop."

Princess Changning laughed and said, "What's so difficult about that? The entire Cangzhou is my father's fiefdom. With just a word from me, someone will arrange everything for you."

Liu Shan was overjoyed and repeatedly expressed his gratitude: "Thank you for your great help, Princess. I will do my best to make the bookstore thrive and repay your kindness."

Princess Changning nodded slightly, a hint of expectation in her eyes: "It's not really about repaying a debt of gratitude. The best way to repay you is to write some interesting stories for me to read."

Liu Shan hurriedly assured her, "Princess, rest assured, I will select the finest works to live up to your expectations."

Princess Changning nodded, then frowned. "However, I can't wait too long this time. I need to set a timeframe... a month would be just right."

Liu Shan never expected that after transmigrating, he would actually be urged to update his story.

So, were all the novelists in my past life so humble and tragic?

He mustered his courage and said, "Princess, I think..."

Princess Changning interrupted her directly, asking, "What do you think of the government prison?"

Liu Shan took a deep breath and abruptly changed his words, saying, "I think... the princess is wise!"

Princess Changning flipped through "Lotus Fragrance" and said without looking up, "You may leave."

Liu Shan bowed and slowly withdrew.

"and many more!"

Princess Changning suddenly called out to Liu Shan.

"Please give your orders, Princess."

Princess Changning said softly, "I heard that you encountered danger in Jinhua County a few days ago. I grant you permission to form a five-person guard team to ensure your safety."

Liu Shan felt a warmth in his heart and quickly bowed, saying, "Thank you for your concern, Princess! Thank you for your concern, Princess!"

Princess Changning said calmly, "No need to thank me. I just don't want you to be delayed by an accident from writing my story."