Chapter 70 Negotiation

Chapter 70: Negotiation

Meng Wan held the letter in his hand, which bore only a few unevenly written large characters:

"Left Changping, fate may reunite us, do not worry.—Rong"

Meng Wan: ???

What does this mean?

The letters he had sent to the Zhu family had gone unanswered, and he had assumed Young Master Fang had already left the Zhu residence. Had he only just left? Then why had there been no news at all?

Now that he was finally sending a message, why were there only these few words, as if written in haste?

Meng Wan stopped the newspaper boy who had delivered the letter. "This letter... this note—who gave it to you to deliver to me?"

The newspaper boy replied, "A young gentleman in a veiled hat gave it to me. He seemed to be in a hurry, said a quick sentence before leaving."

The newspaper boy then recalled something else, "Oh, and there was a handsome man waiting for him nearby. They left together on horseback."

Meng Wan asked further, "Was the man waiting for him very tall, with skin as white as snow?"

The newspaper boy nodded eagerly, "Yes, yes! That man was even fairer than the girls and young men."

Meng Wan understood. So he had left with Ge Quan. But Young Master Fang had come to stay with relatives, so why did it seem like he was fleeing from someone?

Soon, Meng Wan found out the reason, as the entire Changping Prefecture began to buzz with news. Whether knowledgeable or not, everyone talked about the prominent salt merchant Zhu family of Changping, and how a concubine-born son of the second branch had been killed.

The Zhu family's salt shops in the prefectural city were now managed by Second Master Zhu, and even Prefect Wu had to show him some courtesy. With the death of his concubine-born son, the entire Changping was turned upside down by the Zhu family's search, yet no reward was publicly offered—only a relentless search for someone.

"Are you Meng Wan?"

Meng Wan was busy up front selling fried dough, while Xue Sheng, who still moved stiffly, tended the frying, and Lu Chunfang bustled back and forth, either picking up the fried dough or washing dishes in the back while Meng Wan and the others tidied the shop upfront.

Meng Wan looked up at the group before him. They wore identical servant's attire, with a leader who seemed to be a steward, staring at him with ill intent.

Meng Wan looked left and right in confusion. "Big brother, who are you calling? There's no one by that name in our little shop."

The steward's eyes went blank. No one named Meng Wan?

He incredulously called a servant from behind, "Didn't you say that this breakfast shop was opened by Song Fulang, née Meng, from Guyang County?"

The servant was also bewildered. "We've been asking around for days and even spent money at the tax bureau to inquire. This eatery is registered under the name of Song Tingzhou's mother. Meng Wan is the daughter-in-law of Madam Chang. This should be their shop!"

The steward and servant looked at each other, suddenly unsure of their target just as they were about to cause trouble.

Just then, a smiling shopkeeper approached and politely cupped his hands at Meng Wan. "Song Fulang, it has been a while."

Meng Wan looked at the shopkeeper from Panshi Studio before him and gave a wry smile. "Shopkeeper, your timing is truly impeccable."

This shopkeeper being able to find him here likely meant he had thoroughly investigated his background. But the timing was bad, coinciding with someone picking a fight.

Sure enough, the steward nearby erupted, "Fine! You little xiaoge dare to deceive us!"

The servant chimed in, "Exactly! Your husband's surname is clearly Song, and you still dare to lie recklessly. Do you think our Zhu family is someone you can offend? Your guts are too bold!"

The shopkeeper from Panshi Studio used his weight to shove the steward aside. "Song Fulang, where did you provoke these jackals? They must be bothering you. How about we step aside and talk?"

Lu Chunfang and Chang Jinhua had already taken over Meng Wan's work. It was still early morning, and Song Tingzhou had just gone to school. Two groups of people blocking the shop entrance wasn't ideal, so Meng Wan had to step out to talk with them.

The Zhu family's steward and servants came with hostile intent, and Meng Wan was still puzzled. He halfheartedly chatted with the shopkeeper to stall while thinking of a countermeasure.

Although it was early morning, there were still many passersby on the main street, and carriages and horses stopped in front of the breakfast shop.

"It seems I've come at an inopportune time. Song Fulang's place is quite lively."

A scholar from Kongmo Bookshop descended from his carriage, his tone betraying no surprise—clearly he, too, had learned of Meng Wan's background.

It was because his family and shop were small. Now that Song Tingzhou had become a scholar-official, he had some standing among common folks, but against these wealthy tycoons, he was still a small figure.

Meng Wan knew the situation well. He could play some clever tricks now, but he must not be boastful.

He respectfully bowed to the scholar. "I didn't expect Teacher Nie to come in person. It's a real honor to have you here."

"Oh? You know me." Teacher Nie was surprised. With the Nie family's influence, finding a xiaoge was easy, but how did this xiaoge know his identity?

Meng Wan had been very honest before Teacher Nie last time, and he was the same now. He did not dare to play tricks and answered frankly, "The Kongmo Bookshop is backed by the imperial merchant Nie family. That was easy to find out. Among the three masters of the Nie family, I've heard that Second Master Nie holds an official title and has been invited as a lecturer at the prefectural school. Sir, you have an air of righteousness, so you must be Second Master Nie. My husband is only in the scholar class, and I'm afraid he hasn't had the chance to attend your lectures."

Merchants all scrambled to become imperial merchants, not only for the backing of the royal family but also for the few quotas that allowed family members to enter officialdom through imperial examinations.

The current head of the Nie family, the eldest master, was Second Master Nie's full brother. He secured quotas for his younger brother and his son, as well as for talented family members.

Teacher Nie stroked his beard approvingly. "Good. Although your husband hasn't attended my classes, I have read his essays. He can try the autumn provincial examination this year."

Song Tingzhou had delayed a few years for the prefectural examination but managed to become the Top Scholar, proving his accumulated strength. Yet Teacher Nie said he could try the autumn examination this year—clearly he had high regard for him.

Meng Wan's heart filled with joy. These words pleased him more than the purpose of the other's visit.

"Thank you for your praise, sir. The shop is too small. How about I invite you to Ruifeng Tower for some tea?"

He also gave a polite word to the Panshi Studio shopkeeper, "If the shopkeeper doesn't mind, please join us."

The Panshi Studio shopkeeper had already stepped aside when Teacher Nie appeared. There was a class difference between them. If the Master had come in person today, it would have been fine, but as a mere shopkeeper, he was not in a position to stand before Teacher Nie.

"I have to go to the prefectural school to give lectures, so I cannot stay long. Besides delivering the dividend to Song Fulang today, I also need to inform you that if you write the next volume, Kongmo Bookshop is still willing to follow the previous contract and give you an additional ten percent for the second volume. But there's one condition: Kongmo Bookshop must have the right to sell it one day earlier than other bookstores."

That would be forty percent. Kongmo Bookshop covered the cost of typesetting and printing, and the contract's profit share was calculated after deducting those expenses. Even so, forty percent was far more than a novice writer like him deserved.

Speaking of which, the thirty percent from last time was only obtained by chance when he ran into Teacher Nie. If Meng Wan had taken his book to Kongmo Bookshop without that encounter, the result would likely have been similar to Panshi Studio.

So this forty percent made Meng Wan both flattered and hesitant, even a bit afraid to accept.

Teacher Nie perceived his apprehension and felt even more admiration for Meng Wan. "The dividend from last month is here. There's no rush to sign the contract. Song Fulang can take his time to consider."

With that, Teacher Nie boarded his carriage, and his attendant handed him a cloth bundle.

Meng Wan took the heavy bundle, he was delighted—it seemed much more than he had expected.

"Sir, go slowly." Meng Wan watched the carriage disappear around the street corner before turning to the Panshi Studio shopkeeper. "Shopkeeper, please."

"Stop!" Meng Wan and the Panshi Studio shopkeeper both turned back. The Zhu family's steward lowered his voice. "Ahem... our Second Master requests your presence."

Both families were imperial merchants from Changping Prefecture. The Zhu family's steward recognized Second Master Nie, and as the century-old Panshi Studio was a Changping institution, the steward also recognized the shopkeeper.

Assuming it was just a matter of bringing an ordinary scholar's husband back to the manor, who would have thought this young man would be getting tangled up with these two as well? Now things are tricky.

Meng Wan's tone was flat. "The Zhu family is a prestigious household in Changping. I am of low status and have never had any dealings with the Zhu family. May I ask what business Second Master Zhu has with me?"

The steward was momentarily at a loss for words, unable to speak of the Second Master's orders to keep the matter quiet, and now afraid to forcefully take Meng Wan back to the Zhu residence.

From afar, Meng Wan saw another carriage rushing toward his doorstep. Sensing something, he suddenly broke into a smile. "Second Master Zhu's kind invitation should prompt an immediate visit, but Teacher Nie has just left, and it seems another honored guest is arriving at my home. I am truly unable to attend to both. Please report back to your master that I will visit with my husband another day."

The carriage stopped in front of the breakfast shop, blocking customers who were buying fried dough sticks. The crowd dared not complain, seeing the carriage's splendor, and could only squeeze through gaps.

The man in the carriage had heard Meng Wan's words.

"What a fine day! I didn't expect Song Fulang's place to draw so many guests. Has Second Master Nie just left?"

The steward of Panshi Studio silently cursed. Kongmo Bookshop was bad enough, but now Baojin Studio had also sent someone.

The Zhu family steward was even more discomforted. Everyone else seemed to be there for business, while the Zhu family was only there to cause trouble.

Moreover, these stewards and servants were lowly servants caught in the middle, suffering greatly as one group left and another arrived.

Hearing Meng Wan's words, the steward jumped in, his tone much more polite. "Since Song Fulang has special guests to attend to, we shall not linger. Please do not forget the Second Master's invitation."

Good, it had turned into an invitation.

The Zhu family left, and Meng Wan got back to business.

"This shop is too cramped to entertain properly. Would the two of you care to join me for tea at Ruifeng Tower?"

The man in the carriage declined. "No need for tea. Last time you visited my Baojin Studio, my subordinates were inconsiderate and turned down your extraordinary book. I have come first to apologize, asking for your forgiveness and hoping you will not hold it against those fools. Second, I wish to discuss the matter of the book's publication. Would you still be willing to cooperate with my Baojin Studio?"

His words were polite apologies, but his attitude was arrogant. He did not even show his face. If not for the presence of other wealthy guests, he would also have come with ill intent.

After all, "Human-Demon Romance" was now being read by everyone in the city, with a sizable readership. Among the three major bookshops, only Baojin Studio had missed out on this pie, and even sales of other books had lagged behind the other two. How could he not be angry?

Those in power do not reflect on their own faults; they only blame others for being clueless.

Meng Wan was displeased but dared not offend Baojin Studio. He could only smile and find a way to earn some humiliating money.

"Your bookshop is one of the top establishments in the city. I would be delighted to cooperate with you. However, Panshi Studio and Kongmo Bookshop were the first to work with me. I must first discuss matters with them before visiting your esteemed shop."

"Hmph, in that case, I won't stay long. I only hope that next time you visit, I'll be at Baojin Studio." If his shop had taken this book from the start, the other two bookshops would have had no share. Now he had to pick up someone else's scraps.

That said, when Meng Wan and the steward of Panshi Studio sat down in a private room at Ruifeng Tower, the head steward of Baojin Studio showed up uninvited.

The three sat in the private room, but since Meng Wan was a young man, the door was left open for conversation.

The Baojin Studio steward wore a smiling face. "Brother Shi, you arrived early. No wonder you are younger than me—your legs are swift."

Manager Shi of Panshi Studio returned the smile with a clasped-hand salute. "Brother Jin, you are not slow either. I suspect you have been waiting behind the master."

The two old foxes traded barbs, but Manager Shi had some inside information about Meng Wan's profit-sharing with Kongmo Bookshop.

"Song Fulang, we have cooperated once before. Today, I came to ask for a definite answer about the second volume of 'Human-Demon Romance'…"

Meng Wan was blunt. "It's already written, only needing a final revision."

Manager Jin felt frustrated. His shop hadn't even secured the first volume. To get a share of this profit, he would have to negotiate for both volumes. It was inconvenient for him to interrupt, so he watched to see what terms Panshi Studio would offer.

After hearing this, Manager Shi took a sip of tea, pulled a piece of paper from his pocket, and slid it to Meng Wan. "This is the sincerity of my Panshi Studio. Please take a look."

Meng Wan glanced at it. This time, Manager Shi was more straightforward than before, offering a thirty percent share right off the bat, which was Meng Wan's ideal expectation. He had no objections.

"Manager Shi treats me sincerely, so I will not speak falsely. These terms are acceptable. But you have heard Teacher Nie's words. Kongmo Bookshop offered ten percent more, with the condition that they release the book a day earlier. Can your bookshop accept that?"

"What? An additional ten percent!" Manager Shi had thought he had it in the bag, resolved to match Kongmo Bookshop's offer and keep Baojin Studio at bay. He never expected Teacher Nie to be so generous, offering a forty percent share. Truly a bookworm, ignorant of the market, recklessly disrupting the market.

Even without consulting his master, Manager Shi knew that a forty percent share was impossible. If Manager Jin hadn't come, he could have gone back to discuss with his master. But now, if he stepped out, Baojin Studio would snatch the deal, and he might end up even worse off.

After much deliberation, he gritted his teeth and agreed. "Fine. One day later is fine. I didn't bring the contract. Please come with me to Panshi Studio to sign."

Manager Jin's face turned green. He hadn't heard any useful intel, and the other two had already reached an agreement and were about to leave?

"Song Fulang, wait." Afraid that Meng Wan would leave with Manager Shi, he quickly called out.

"May I ask what terms you agreed upon? My Baojin Studio is willing to add another ten percent."

Such a statement put him at a disadvantage in the negotiation. Meng Wan and Manager Shi stared at him, not expecting him to be so rash.

Manager Shi suddenly smiled. "Baojin Studio is indeed generous, offering a forty percent share without a second thought. Panshi Studio cannot compete."

Manager Jin exclaimed in shock, "Forty percent! What forty percent? I never said that!"

Damn it, Panshi Studio was so willing, directly offering thirty percent! And it seemed Kongmo Bookshop had given forty percent. They were all mad—how could they do business like this!

Manager Shi was certain that Manager Jin would not part with forty percent, at most matching Panshi Studio's thirty percent. But Panshi Studio had been selling this book for over a month and had a fixed audience. Even if both sold the second volume simultaneously, it wouldn't outsell his shop.

Manager Jin was anxious. Last time, he hadn't even met Meng Wan before his undiscerning subordinates had driven him away. After "Human-Demon Romance" became popular, the master sent people to investigate. They learned that Meng Wan's first stop had been Baojin Studio, but they failed to keep the book. The master gave him a severe scolding. Now, with several shops competing for the second volume, Baojin Studio must not fall behind.