Chapter 46: Literacy

Chapter 46: Literacy

Yu Jianli discovered that he had been increasingly busy lately.

Not only did he have to persist in his studies and make lanterns at night, but he also had to think about the plot of his novel before bed and find time to watch Ming Zhiyan's polo training.

There was also one thing he hadn't put aside—making dowry for his sister.

Fortunately, this wasn't urgent. Crafting was like entertainment for him, akin to his love for building Lego sets before transmigrating. He found it quite enjoyable.

On another day off, Yu Jianli went to the market to replenish materials and made a special trip to Liu Song's shop.

He already had an outline for his novel's content and had written the first half previously.

Later, he changed the names of the characters and rewrote the earlier parts. After finishing the ending, he sent it to Liu Song for review.

He thought this might be his rough draft, and Liu Song, the experienced boss with ample knowledge on novels, would surely suggest revisions. He would then go back and continue refining it.

Since he was being paid, he intended to take it seriously.

To his surprise, the first draft moved Liu Song to tears, leaving him with a vacant stare as he sat in his chair, unable to snap out of it for a long time.

Feeling at a loss, Yu Jianli didn't know how to comfort him and called out, "Brother Liu Song..."

"Why can't lovers end up together?" Liu Song lamented.

"It's just a novel; don't take it too seriously."

Liu Song wasn't consoled and instead sighed deeply, "Sigh..."

Still, Yu Jianli asked, "Brother Liu Song, does the manuscript need any revisions?"

Unexpectedly, Liu Song's eyes lit up as he asked, "Do you want to change the ending?"

Yu Jianli hurriedly explained, "No, I'm asking if there are any issues with the text. Are there any parts that need revision?"

"Oh..." Liu Song came to his senses, picked up the manuscript for another read, then placed it on the table. He took out ten taels of silver from his money pouch and set it in front of Yu Jianli.

Seeing Yu Jianli's puzzled expression, he explained, "Your manuscript flows smoothly, like pearls spilling from a jade mouth, and is both broad and unrestrained. Our pointers would only detract from its brilliance. These ten taels of silver are an advance payment for the next two novels."

Yu Jianli took the ten taels of silver, even weighing them in his hand, fearing he might have misunderstood. He asked, "Why an advance payment? Isn't this the full payment for two manuscripts?"

"Once your novel hits the market, it will definitely sell well. Its quality surpasses many so-called masters in the market. The previous five taels of silver are certainly not enough. If others offer a higher price, they could poach you away.

"Now, five taels of silver is only enough for an advance payment. Afterward, depending on how well the novel sells, I'll decide how much more silver to give you. How about that?"

Yu Jianli knew that once a writer gained fame, their royalties would naturally rise.

Liu Song's honesty in not deceiving him was aimed at establishing a long-term partnership. This greatly touched Yu Jianli.

In reality, he was merely a novice in front of Liu Song. Whatever Liu Song said was law, yet Liu Song still went out of his way to find materials for him, voluntarily increased the payment, and wouldn't mistreat him. Such actions were very suitable for Yu Jianli.

Even if someone else offered him a large sum of money later, considering the current bond, he wouldn't easily switch patrons.

"Alright! I'll definitely work hard on the next story," Yu Jianli said as he accepted the silver, then apologized, "This time, making the lantern delayed me. I'm grateful that you're willing to wait. Once I finish the lantern, I can quickly complete two stories."

"It's fine. The Imperial Academy is quite busy, so you don't have to rush too much." Clearly, Liu Song was already aware of his identity.

Yu Jianli's appearance, coupled with his acquaintance with Ming Zhiyan and others, seemed to make his identity obvious.

"Mm-hmm, the quality of the article is most important. I understand!" Yu Jianli earnestly assured him.

After Yu Jianli left, Liu Song picked up the manuscript again and reread it.

Upon rereading, he gained new insights and felt even sadder.

Within half an hour, he left the shop, leaving the clerk alone, as he was heartbroken by the story.

The clerk also read the story in the shop and cried for the entire afternoon. When customers arrived, he hastily wiped away his tears to greet them.

The next day, rumors spread that something had happened in the bookstore owner's family, and those who had good relations with him in the past would come to console him.

Liu Song was perplexed and could only endure everyone's consolation.

In the days that followed, he stopped all other novels and focused solely on producing the one written by Yu Jianli. He invested a tremendous amount, seemingly having great confidence in the story, which stirred the entire publishing industry.

After mass-producing the novel, Liu Song returned to his hometown.

The clerk in the shop was so busy that his feet barely touched the ground, yet he remained tight-lipped about whom they had contracted for the manuscript.

As a result, when the novel became a bestseller in the capital, the entire publishing industry was asking who this "famous author" was and how Liu Song managed to secure their cooperation. However, no one knew the answer.

*

Still studying within the Imperial Academy and immersed in making lanterns whenever he emerged, Yu Jianli was unaware of the turmoil in the publishing industry.

All he knew was that his lantern was nearing completion. He repeatedly tested it in the Lu family's secondary residence and confirmed that it was finished.

Mission accomplished!

He slumped in a chair, gazing at the sky, laughing foolishly for a while, feeling incredibly relieved.

At this moment, Huang Qi peeked out from behind a tree and shouted to Yu Jianli, "Master Yu, this is the most incredible and beautiful lantern I've ever seen in my life."

Feeling relaxed, Yu Jianli was in a rather good mood and was willing to chat with him. "You've just returned from the border and don't know the exquisite craftsmanship of artisans or the wisdom passed down through generations. If I stand out, it's because of the innovative design, not because I'm extraordinary."

Huang Qi insisted, "How could that be? I think yours is excellent."

"Several skilled craftsmen spend a year to create a single exquisite lantern. Mine was made during my spare time. How could it compare?"

"Anyway...I think you're amazing."

Yu Jianli knew Huang Qi was complimenting him and smiled brightly. "Thank you for your recognition. I'm very happy."

"Do you need me to help you clean up?" Huang Qi asked.

"No need for anything else. Just help me move it inside."

"Alright, I'll be careful."

Huang Qi jumped down and watched as Yu Jianli extinguished the lantern. Under his guidance, they moved the lantern into the house.

After ensuring it was securely placed, Huang Qi walked out. Just as he was about to climb the tree again, he heard Yu Jianli say, "Huang Qi, can you ask your young general if he has time to have dinner with me these few days? In a few days, I won't be able to come out at night."

"I'll send a signal." Huang Qi said as he entered the house, skillfully fetching ink and brush for Yu Jianli. "I can't write."

"You should start learning to write. How can someone your age not know how to write?" Yu Jianli worried about Huang Qi as he wrote.

"Our young master isn't much better than me. At first, he even called you Qian Zhanli!"

Yu Jianli paused for a moment as he wrote, looking up at him in surprise. "Really?"

"Mm!"

"What about Tan Hui?"

"He knows more words than me, but...not much more."

Yu Jianli pondered for a moment with the brush in hand, quickly changing the content of the note. Then, he handed the note to Huang Qi.

Huang Qi somehow found a homing pigeon and soon sent the message out. It seemed this was their method of communication.

After the homing pigeon left, Yu Jianli lit the lamps in the secondary residence and personally brewed tea.

By the time Ji Yanbai and Tan Hui arrived at the secondary residence, Yu Jianli had already prepared tea and arranged chairs for them.

Ji Yanbai arrived somewhat hurriedly and asked upon entering, "You specifically sought me out. Is there an emergency?"

After all, Yu Jianli wasn't someone who casually invited him over.

Yu Jianli looked at him and smiled. "Nothing major. I just want to teach you guys how to read."

"...". Ji Yanbai fell silent, almost unable to recover from the shock.

Huang Qi, squatting in the tree and keeping watch, couldn't help but laugh out loud at the sight, somewhat gloating.

Unexpectedly, Yu Jianli beckoned him over. "You and your brothers come down. I'll teach you all together."

Huang Qi: "..."

No more giggling.

Yu Jianli had them sit down and took out a piece of white paper, writing out several large characters while muttering, "You are all talented military officers of the country, fighting for the nation. How can you not know how to read? What if something happens and no one is around to help? What if you see a letter but don't recognize the words and misunderstand the message?"

A group of warriors who dominated the battlefield, who didn't bat an eye at killing, faced Yu Jianli's reprimand without a single word of rebuttal.

Seeing their silence, Yu Jianli didn't stop. Pointing to a character, he said, "This character is pronounced 'ren.'"

Ji Yanbai's expression was somewhat unpleasant. "I know this character."

"Then write it."

Ji Yanbai was handed a writing brush by Yu Jianli and asked to copy this character.

This put Ji Yanbai in an awkward position, but seeing Yu Jianli's serious expression, he ultimately wrote the character carefully.

At this moment, Ji Yanbai was even contemplating why Yu Jianli suddenly acted this way. Was it because he disliked him?

It shouldn't be. Yu Jianli wasn't that kind of person.

Yu Jianli must be concerned about his and his soldiers' literacy levels.

He was certain that Yu Jianli hadn't taught Ming Zhiyan to read with such dedication.

Thinking about this, Ji Yanbai's mood strangely improved.

After taking a glance at the character Ji Yanbai wrote, Yu Jianli commented, "You write characters with fewer strokes quite well."

Huang Qi chimed in with praise, "Hey, our young general's handwriting is really handsome!"

Ji Yanbai: "..."

Being praised by Huang Qi wasn't something to be proud of.

Yu Jianli continued teaching other characters. Ji Yanbai's level was higher than the others, and he recognized them all.

Yu Jianli appropriately praised him, "Indeed, you're the young general. You're still quite impressive."

Today, he was teaching simple characters, mainly to educate Huang Qi and the others. For Ji Yanbai, the requirement was to practice writing these characters, trying not to scribble them into a mess.

Seeing that Ji Yanbai's grip on the brush was incorrect, Yu Jianli stood behind him and leaned forward, using his fingers to adjust his posture.

Yu Jianli's fingertips were as cool as ever.

This was Ji Yanbai's first impression.

He was still looking at the fair fingers covering his own fingertips when Yu Jianli's gentle voice sounded in his ear, "Don't press down too hard when you write."

As he spoke, he lifted the brush slightly, "Write like this, using the tip of the brush. Try to view the brush as a sword, carving the words with the tip of the sword. Can you grasp it faster this way?"

Ji Yanbai obediently continued practicing according to what Yu Jianli said.

Yu Jianli taught earnestly, and the students' attitudes were decent enough, but they all learned with furrowed brows and sullen faces. The fierce men didn't make things difficult for Yu Jianli.

Indeed, as martial artists, they couldn't muster the anger to scold such a gentle and slender man.

Especially since Yu Jianli was overly patient in his teaching, treating them like a group of children, making it even harder for them to lash out.

After learning for two full hours, Yu Jianli decided to end today's lesson.

Everyone heaved a simultaneous sigh of relief. Huang Qi slumped into a chair. "I'm more exhausted than after a day of martial arts training."

Yu Jianli suddenly complimented him. "The word 'exhausted' is well used."

"Eh..." Huang Qi was taken aback at first, then became somewhat embarrassed. "Well, it's alright, ha ha ha. If I hadn't practiced martial arts, I might have been suited for studying."

"Mm, you learned quickly today."

"Haha, right?" Huang Qi instantly became insufferably proud.

Tan Hui rolled his eyes; if Yu Jianli wanted to tease Huang Qi, it would be as easy as playing with a dog.

Ji Yanbai got up, ready to take Tan Hui back to the Imperial Academy.

Their lightness skills were excellent, so even if they left and returned to the academy, they wouldn't be discovered.

Yu Jianli caught up with Ji Yanbai and whispered by his side, "General Ji, which day do you have time these few days? Can you have a meal with Qian Zhanli? It's time for Qian Zhanli to treat you."

Ji Yanbai thought of something, looked up at Huang Qi, and then laughed in frustration. "Alright, this is easier to accept than having me practice calligraphy."

"I also thought that inviting you should be done in person for sincerity, so I asked you over first. Shall I arrange the meal?"

"Fine."

*

Imperial Palace.

Lu Huaiqing was still in the palace, his face showing signs of worry.

After being reminded by Ming Zhiyan, Lu Huaiqing didn't startle the snake.

On one hand, he arranged for people to investigate Lin Ting and Zhu Mingyi, and on the other, he called his younger brother to his room, first asking about his studies, then punishing him, interspersed with questions about Lin Ting.

Learning that Lu Huaijing's interactions with Lin Ting weren't particularly frequent and had been timely stopped by Yu Jianli, he finally felt relieved.

The investigation results came out quickly.

Lin Ting indeed knew Zhu Mingyi, and they had corresponded through letters before, though the contents were unknown.

Despite this, it was enough for Lu Huaiqing to take seriously.

Lin Ting knowing Zhu Mingyi didn't necessarily mean Lin Ting had defected to the Third Prince.

But Lu Huaiqing still handled the matter with caution and proactively informed the Crown Prince.

Together with his trusted strategist, they were in deliberation when someone came to report.

"Uncle Xiao went to the Lu family's secondary residence to find Master Yu, not long after returning from the National University dormitory."

The Crown Prince, who had been grim-faced, raised his brows and smiled lightly upon hearing this: "Uncle Xiao sought out Yu Jianli alone at night?"

It sounded intriguing, and his eyes held a hint of ambiguity.

Unexpectedly, the person reporting added: "Yes, for two hours. Uncle Xiao is surrounded by experts, we didn't dare approach. We could only send pastries through people close to Young Master Lu, and they saw Master Yu teaching Uncle Xiao how to read in the courtyard."

The Crown Prince's smile gradually faded, his expression turning somewhat rigid. After a moment, he asked: "After meeting alone... he taught him to read?"

"Yes, for two hours, and Uncle Xiao wasn't impatient at all."

The Crown Prince couldn't help but confirm again: "In the quiet secondary residence at night, without anyone else around, they met for two hours, just to teach him to read?"

"Not exactly," the person replied.

Finally, the Crown Prince felt that things were making more sense. However, after waiting, he received an unexpected answer: "He was teaching Uncle Xiao and his guards, five people in total, how to read. The content included the characters for 'man', 'great', 'heaven'..."

The Crown Prince waved his hand, and the person immediately stopped.

The Crown Prince rubbed his forehead, even frowning, unable to comprehend the situation.

Was it not as he had thought?

He had assumed that Uncle Xiao, who showed no interest in women, had a special regard for Yu Jianli, possibly taking a fancy to him.

If it were just Yu Jianli, he wouldn't have cared, but Yu Jianli was close to Ming Zhiyan, whom he hadn't fully trusted yet, so he had to consider more.

Yet... this relationship was truly perplexing.

Lu Huaiqing was quicker to accept the reality, unable to suppress a light laugh, saying: "Perhaps we've overcomplicated these two individuals? They seem to be having a great time."

"Primarily... we've reached such levels of intrigue and rivalry, yet these two spend their days like children at play, truly unacceptable."

"This Yu Jianli is quite interesting. He doesn't seem interested in getting involved in too many matters, nor does he seek attention, yet events always revolve around him. I'll continue to keep an eye on him."

"Mm." The Crown Prince responded, then followed with a laugh, "It's not bad for my little uncle to learn a few more words; my mother will be pleased."

"Indeed, the Duke has scolded and beaten him for years to no avail, yet Yu Jianli managed to discipline him in such a short time."

"True enough."