Chapter 109 The Turmoil

Chapter 109 The Turmoil

The rumors grew more intense, and the streets were filled with the smell of burning paper. There were even reports of fires breaking out due to someone burning books.

Shopkeeper Hu wore a worried expression. "Madam, if these rumors continue to spread, what will happen to our bookstore?"

Compared to Shopkeeper Hu's anxiety, Xin You was much calmer. "Don't worry, Shopkeeper. At worst, *Painted Skin* might not sell well, and we'll just earn less money."

"Such a popular story! How much money will we lose!" Shopkeeper Hu subconsciously counted on an abacus, looking relieved. "Fortunately, *Painted Skin* has already sold out by today, and there's no ongoing printing, so we've avoided significant losses—"

Xin You noticed a sudden change in Shopkeeper Hu's expression and called out, "Shopkeeper?"

Shopkeeper Hu suddenly came back to his senses, momentarily forgetting the propriety between genders, and grabbed Xin You's wrist. "Madam, you, you—"

"What is it?"

Shopkeeper Hu took a deep breath and spoke more clearly. "How did you know this would happen today!"

If they had continued printing day and night as before, the losses would have been much greater.

Xin You patted the old shopkeeper's arm and smiled. "I didn't know this would happen. A few days ago, I observed that everyone at the bookstore had signs of financial loss. Thinking about it, the only thing that could cause such a consistent loss for everyone was the currently popular *Painted Skin*. To be safe, I asked the printing house to stop."

Shopkeeper Hu slapped his forehead in frustration. "How could I forget Madam's abilities!"

After his frustration, he became excited.

"Madam, do you think we can get through this turmoil smoothly?"

"All things are constantly changing; it's hard to say. We've done what we can, and we'll deal with whatever comes," Xin You said lightly, though she didn't believe the turmoil would end easily.

The Imperial Academy had experienced a murder, and even if it wasn't related to Consort Shu, the other party might still use it against them. Of course, they might also choose not to interfere, in which case the bookstore would merely suffer some financial losses. They had made a substantial profit from *Painted Skin* over the past few days, so even if business slowed down for a while, she could handle the losses.

Xin You always knew her true goal: it was never to run a highly profitable bookstore but to use the bookstore to bring justice to those who harmed her mother.

"Shopkeeper."

"Yes."

"Tally up the accounts for this month and distribute the bonuses to everyone at the bookstore. Don't forget those working in the eastern courtyard."

Shopkeeper Hu quickly agreed.

Due to the rumors, the bookstore had become quiet. Liu Zhou went outside to gather information and suddenly saw many people heading their way. He hurried back to report, "Madam, quite a few people seem to be coming towards our bookstore. I'm not sure if they're here to cause trouble!"

Xin You walked to the door and glanced outside, then instructed Shitou, "Stay at the back door of the book hall. If the people coming are causing trouble, immediately summon some men from the printing house."

While the book hall usually had only one shopkeeper and two assistants, the printing house had dozens of strong men. Ordinary troublemakers wouldn't gain any advantage.

Xin You's calmness helped everyone in the book hall stay composed. As the group approached, Liu Zhou greeted them with a smile.

"Welcome, esteemed guests. What books are you interested in?"

One of them replied, "We want to buy *Painted Skin*."

The young man's polite smile faltered.

He had prepared himself for a confrontation, but why were they here to buy books?

Wait, don't let your guard down too soon. They must be using buying books as an excuse to find a reason to start trouble.

"I'm sorry, but we've sold out of *Painted Skin*," Liu Zhou said politely, thinking that this was their chance!

"Sold out?"

"Yes."

The group exchanged glances, all showing disappointment.

Someone muttered, "How could it be sold out? Didn't they say the ghosts in this book can come out and scare people into burning books?"

Xin You had been observing them since they entered and now realized they weren't there to cause trouble. She smiled and interjected, "It just sold out. Would you like to look at something else?"

The first person asked reluctantly, "Will you reprint it?"

Xin You looked helpless. "With the rumors spreading like this, who would buy it if we reprinted it?"

"Why wouldn't anyone buy it? We want to buy it."

Seeing Xin You's confusion, the person smiled awkwardly. "We heard the rumors and wanted to see for ourselves."

Xin You looked at their young faces and understood.

Indeed, there were people who enjoyed novelty and excitement, mostly teenage boys.

"Forget it, we're here anyway. Let's browse around."

So the group of young men casually browsed, bought a random book, and left in a grand procession.

Liu Zhou breathed a sigh of relief. "They really came to buy books."

Shopkeeper Hu recalled how Madam had earlier comforted him by saying that once *Painted Skin* sold out, customers might buy other books. His emotions were complex.

"Liu Zhou, go outside and gather more information about the case or any other news."

The gruesome death immediately reminded people of *Painted Skin*, ensuring that Qingsong Bookstore would be embroiled in the rumors. As the owner of the bookstore, Xin You had to pay attention to the developments of the murder case.

Liu Zhou went out for a while and returned with the latest information.

"Madam, the victim wasn't a student at the Imperial Academy!" This news clearly surprised the young assistant, and his excitement was evident. "They've checked everyone at the Imperial Academy over the past few days, and the missing students and teachers have been accounted for. The victim isn't among any of them."

Xin You's face remained calm as she nodded. "You've worked hard. Have a drink of water and rest for a bit."

Liu Zhou was puzzled. "Madam, aren't you surprised?"

Xin You smiled gently. "Many things cannot be judged by their surface appearance."

This truth had become clear to her during the time she lived in Shaoqing Mansion as Kou Qingqing.

The following days at the bookstore were peaceful. After all, young people who enjoyed taking risks or courting death were in the minority. After finishing the accounts, Manager Hu distributed the rewards, and everyone's faces lit up with genuine joy, dispelling the gloom that had hung over the bookstore due to the rumors.

This happiness lasted until the next morning when it was shattered by the arrival of a group of soldiers.

"Bring out someone who can make decisions for your bookstore!" the leading officer shouted.

In the book hall, Manager Hu, his face pale, tried to persuade Xin You. "These soldiers don't come with good intentions. You should stay back. If there's trouble, go to Shaoqing Mansion first. I'll deal with them."

Xin You patted Manager Hu's arm reassuringly and walked out boldly.

"Are you the one in charge?" the leading officer scrutinized the girl who emerged.

Xin You also sized him up, speaking calmly. "I am the owner of Qingsong Bookstore. May I ask which government office you belong to?"

The leading officer replied coldly. "We are from East City Military Commandery. Since you're in charge, have your people gather all copies of *Painted Skin*. It will save us the trouble."