Chapter 44 – Printing Books

At the banquet, everyone took turns speaking, and it was decided that the name of the charity school would be Weixian Academy, chosen from the Thousand Character Classic for its reference to “noble deeds and wise men,” which makes it easily understandable for children. They then moved on to discuss the location, agreeing that since the main target students were orphans from the Foundling Home, the site should be conveniently located near the west city, close to the Foundling Home. In the end, Xie Fei offered to approach the governor of Jingzhao to find an official land plot nearby for the use of the charity school.

After that, they finally reached the crucial topic of fundraising. Zhang Wenzheng took the lead once again: “I will donate ten thousand taels. Little Prince, there’s no need for you to be polite.”

Xie Fei chuckled. “Brother Shouzhi.” He addressed Zhang Wenzheng by his courtesy name affectionately. “Your public spirit and readiness to help others is something I admire greatly, but you shouldn’t have all the glory to yourself. Let’s first list out the expenses required for setting up the printing house and calculate the total cost. Then we can pool our resources together. There’s no rush to settle this matter privately. However, I’ve invited someone to oversee the process, to ensure impartiality and that every penny goes to the public good. This way, those who donate can rest assured.”

Fan Mukun laughed. “Brother Fei doesn’t need to say it; I’ve already guessed. You must have invited Sir Li Meiyao, whose reputation for integrity is known far and wide. He’s always been close to you, so he wouldn’t miss out on such a benevolent act.”

Xie Fei confirmed, “Indeed. Sir Li has just returned from disaster relief, but due to the complexity of matters at hand, he couldn’t make it today. Upon hearing about this charitable deed, he highly praised it and agreed to participate. The top scholar, who’s unwell and couldn’t come, has already entrusted someone to deliver a bank note worth one thousand taels to me, saying it’s merely a token of his heart. Later, I’ll trouble Su Linyu to act as the accounting officer. Everyone, please report the amount of silver you’re donating. No matter how much, it’s a gesture of goodwill.”

Xu Chun had been sitting there slowly sipping tea the whole time. Xu Gu dared not speak up beside him, feeling rather uneasy. Having just been adopted into the main branch, how could he ask his legitimate mother, Bai Shi, for money? Where could he get a thousand taels to donate? Not even a hundred taels!

But letting his younger brother bear the financial burden again was something he couldn’t bring himself to do, especially after being mocked earlier. Yet, putting on a brave face when he was truly embarrassed was also difficult. Being caught between a rock and a hard place, he suffered. He wondered why his younger brother, who used to be so generous, hadn’t spoken up yet. During past banquets, he would always take the initiative to contribute or offer donations on such occasions.

He watched as Su Linyu smiled and said, “How could I refuse such an order? But I’m not very proficient in arithmetic. I was thinking of recommending someone to assist me.”

Xie Fei smiled knowingly. “I know who you’re referring to.” He looked at Xu Chun warmly. “When it comes to mathematics, apart from Brother Siyuan, there’s no one else in the Imperial Academy. I wonder if Brother Siyuan is willing to lend us a helping hand?”

Xu Chun replied with a smile, “Such a virtuous and benevolent act, and to be recognized by Brother Fei, how could I not spare no effort? Keeping accounts is a minor matter. Big Brother Su is being modest. I was just thinking that with Brother Fei leading the way and the three top scholars generously donating, how could I, a mere nobody, dare to hog the limelight? But for such a significant cause, I cannot help but contribute my humble efforts.”

“My family business happens to have a printing house. Since it’s a charity school, it will surely require textbooks, paper, ink, and writing brushes. Why don’t we, the Duke of Jing’s Mansion, take on the responsibility of providing all the textbooks, paper, ink, and writing brushes needed by the students of the charity school? What do you think?”

This proposal came as somewhat unexpected. Xie Fei was slightly surprised before smiling. “Brother Siyuan’s consideration is indeed thorough. That sounds great.”

Xu Chun gave a faint smile. Selling ink, paper, and brushes was his regular business. He bought in bulk from Minzhou, and the paper and ink used by young students didn’t have high requirements. Even if they used them freely, how much could they possibly consume?

However, printing books, especially textbooks like the Five Classics and their commentary, history books, medical texts, and the “Sayings and Interpretations,” was not allowed to be done privately. Permission from the Imperial College was necessary, along with official woodblocks provided by the Imperial College, and there was a limited quota each year that wasn’t easily obtained.

The printing factory he had acquired previously was barely profitable and mainly existed to print books he wanted to read. It usually took on jobs like private books, poetry collections, Buddhist scriptures, rubbings of stele inscriptions, etc., which weren’t profitable. He hadn’t planned on specifically asking for favors to obtain permission for this purpose, as debts of gratitude were hard to repay.

Now, this was the perfect opportunity. With Xie Fei and the three top scholars taking the lead and the establishment of a charity school as a virtuous deed, the Imperial College would naturally grant permission and provide official woodblocks. Once he obtained this, the larger the charity school grew, the more business it would attract from other academies. Not to mention he had his own bookshop to sell products. Best-sellers like imperial examination questions and interpretations of classics would undoubtedly be profitable. This business was viable, a good deed, and would improve his reputation—there was no loss.

Xu Gu glanced at him gratefully from the side. If Xu Chun had donated cash, regardless of whether he was included or not, he would have been put on the spot. By donating ink, paper, and brushes under the name of the Duke of Jing’s Mansion, it was both practical and elegant, and it indirectly included him. Regardless of the outcome, he could leave this gathering without losing face today.

At first glance, the donation of ink, paper, and brushes might seem small, but promising long-term supply would accumulate a significant amount over time. Although these people were all noble sons, they might not have the authority to make such decisions on behalf of their families. Moreover, dealing with the tedious task of printing textbooks was easier than purchasing them externally when a printing house was available. Now that Xu Chun was willing to provide a long-term supply and had capable managers to handle it, it saved a lot of trouble.

Even Xie Fei couldn’t find fault with this arrangement. Everyone present praised him and toasted, then engaged in poetry and painting as they passed the day.

Once they left the villa and got back into the carriage, Xu Gu, having drunk quite a bit, looked at Xu Chun with a slight buzz. Today, Xu Chun wore nothing as extravagant as before. He was simply dressed in a dark purple robe, devoid of any embroidery or patterns. The only adornment on his body was a white jade pendant hanging from his waist to press down the robe. Yet, his aura was no less impressive than that of the royal princes and scholars present. Watching him talk confidently, without a hint of timidity, Xu Gu suddenly realized that his younger brother, who had always been a dandy in his eyes, had somehow grown into a person he no longer recognized. Could the Imperial Academy truly transform a person so profoundly?

If his biological father, Xu Anfeng, were still alive, as the only eldest son of the main branch, he would have had the same opportunity to enter the Imperial College, where he could have networked with high officials and nobles. Would he…have interacted with princes and nobles as smoothly and gracefully as his younger brother, without a trace of inferiority?

Moreover, everyone knew that the Duke of Jing’s Mansion was wealthy. If Xu Chun hadn’t donated silver today, would it not invite ridicule when word got out? Now that he had escaped the situation of being grilled, he now felt uneasy recalling it.

Xu Chun sensed his older brother looking at him and raised his eyes to ask, “What’s wrong, Brother?”

Xu Gu asked, “If we don’t donate silver, will they spread the word that the Duke of Jing’s Mansion is stingy?”

Xu Chun dismissed the concern. “Stingy, so what? Best if they don’t invite us next time, isn’t it? Anyway, you’ll be leaving the capital soon. What’s there to fear—the three top scholars look impressive now, but within a month, the top scholar was demoted. Who knows where they’ll be when you return. New top scholars will emerge every three years…We study history, and few renowned officials have been among the top scholars.”

Xu Gu still seemed uneasy.

Xu Chun comforted Xu Gu. “If someone doesn’t want to give you face, they can find fault with anything. Whether I donate or not, or how much I donate, they’ll find ways to criticize me either for being stingy or for showing off my wealth and fame. Remember what happened last time when I hosted a feast? Giving or not giving face depends on the person. If they don’t give me face, why should I give them face? It’s enough to maintain a decent appearance.”

“Didn’t you say that my friends are only interested in my money? If I stop spending, won’t the number of people coming for money decrease? It will save you from being ridiculed by association.”

Xu Gu fell silent for a moment. What had seemed like a major issue back then, now, after several months, with Li Meiyao returning from disaster relief, Xu Chun entering the Imperial Academy, and Xie Fei and other noble sons still including Xu Chun in their activities, the Duke of Jing’s Mansion remained unscathed. Who still talked about Xu Chun’s extravagant feasts?

Thinking about it, his mood calmed slightly, and his expression relaxed.

Seeing him like this, Xu Chun was initially puzzled. Previously, Xu Gu had prided himself on his talent, but now it seemed he was timid in such social settings. Perhaps his failure in the palace examination and being immediately criticized by Zhang Wenzheng had humbled him.

Thinking about it, Xu Chun suddenly understood that if he hadn’t met Ninth Brother, he would probably have been in the same position. Initially mocked by Zhang Wenzheng, he would have lost his confidence. Later, he would have inevitably donated silver to surpass Zhang Wenzheng in order to regain his pride. Afterward, he might have worried repeatedly about whether his words during the banquet were appropriate and whether the amount of silver he donated was sufficient, exerting himself financially for Xie Fei’s charity school.

In the end, Xie Fei would have taken all the credit…while he would still bear the bad reputation. The more money he spent, the more people would be attracted to him, calculating their own gains.

Ninth Brother was right. After the incident with Li Meiyao, Xie Fei still condescended to befriend him and treated him kindly. In the past, he would have been grateful and overjoyed. Feeling unworthy as a playboy unable to excel in studies, how could he stand tall in front of them? He would probably have kept sending them silver to prove his usefulness.

Ninth Brother…is the one who truly cares for me. He praised my intelligence, complimented my clear voice, taught me how to respond to those who insulted me, and carefully instructed me on the principles of life and learning. Ninth Brother is a righteous person. Every student in the hall today still looks down on me.

To earn respect, I must stand on my own two feet and possess genuine abilities.

Warmth filled Xu Chun’s heart. Though he was still in the carriage, his thoughts had already drifted far away. He wondered what Ninth Brother was doing at the moment. He must be busy.

Ninth Brother, Ninth Brother.

A pang of sadness struck Xu Chun’s heart. Since Ninth Brother wasn’t Lord Helan, he must have been married at this age, perhaps even with children, but just hadn’t mentioned it to him.

With this thought, his heart churned uncontrollably. Suddenly, life seemed long, and he feared he might never meet anyone as good as Ninth Brother again in his lifetime.

Upon returning to the Duke of Jing’s Mansion, he and Xu Gu reported to the elders. The matriarch asked in detail, “Brother Chun’s idea isn’t bad, but it still lacks consideration. How can we keep supplying indefinitely? A period of three to five years should be enough. Our family’s private academy has never received such a good supply.”

Xu Chun smiled slightly. “Grandmother is right. But at that time, the three top scholars were all present. The second-place scholar directly donated ten thousand taels. Even the top scholar, who is said to be from a poor family, contributed one thousand taels. When the gathering dispersed, I saw Fan Tanshi donate five thousand taels.”

Madam Bai laughed. “Brother Chun is still young and inexperienced. Forget about the second-place scholar, Mr. Zhang, who comes from a wealthy Jiangnan clan. As for the top scholar’s one thousand taels, it definitely wasn’t his own money. He only needed to lend his name. Most likely, the money came from Little Prince Xie himself, who found it from somewhere. Regardless, at this stage, even if the three top scholars didn’t contribute a single copper coin, as long as they were willing to lend their names to the Prince of Shun’s heir, it was enough. This was just a show to impress you. Of course, the Fan family is still a prominent clan, although declining. They could still afford to donate five thousand taels.”

The matriarch commented, “These people are eager to gain fame in the capital. We don’t need to compete for the top spot.” She glanced at Xu Gu. “If Brother Gu were to stay in the capital, I would be willing to cover the expenses myself to boost your reputation. Unfortunately, you’re determined to serve outside the capital, so there’s no need to vie for temporary advantage.”

Xu Gu lowered his head without speaking.

The meeting eventually dispersed. Xu Chun went to see his parents. Xu Anlin had just returned and made a big fuss over trivial matters, claiming exhaustion and retiring early. Lady Sheng asked about Qing Qian’s settlement and let it go at that.

Xu Chun seized the opportunity to slip away to the Bamboo Branch Workshop. He meticulously wrote about the events of the day to Ninth Brother and added a comment: “In the past, I thought scholars were noble and dignified, but now I realize they still view me as a fat sheep. My so-called friends want me to foot the bill and flatter me in return. Now they want me to donate real silver, setting me up to be roasted like a lamb. Alas, if all the officials in the court are like this, it’s tragic. I heard that the top scholar was demoted. Ninth Brother, being an official isn’t all fun and games.”

“Also, if there’s anything you can’t conveniently print outside, Brother can handle it for you. Rest assured, it won’t leak out.”

Xie Yi smiled as he read the letter. The cautious suspicion in Xu Chun’s tone, questioning whether he wanted to print some banned book, and his courage to offer to help, was endearing.

Xu Chun handled the matter of the charity school donation well. Indeed, he was teachable. However, he was secretly pleased and delighted over obtaining permission to print from the Imperial College. Why didn’t he just ask Shen Mengzhen?

Xie Yi picked up his brush to reply. “Certainly, the imperial court is full of people skilled in scheming, but they do so for profit and fame. Among scholars, there are also those who are pragmatic and upright, but they won’t associate for personal gain. Finding a true friend who understands you is as rare as water flowing uphill, let alone a companion you can entrust your life to. One or two such friends in a lifetime are enough. As for the rest, they are mere passersby, coming and going hastily. There’s no need to dwell on whether they’re sincere or not. If you need to work together, either motivate them with fame and profit, suppress them with power, or use their weaknesses against them…”

He paused, then ultimately took the short paper cutter from the desk and cut off the last line starting with “if you need to work together.”

This child was honest-hearted. He didn’t want to scare him.

As for printing things, it was good to give him something to do, so he wouldn’t be constantly on Xie Fei’s mind. Thinking of the word “fat sheep,” he couldn’t help but chuckle.

He pondered for a moment and instructed Su Huan, “Go to the Imperial Library and fetch several sets of books. One set of “Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” one set of “Dragon Case Files,” and another set consisting of “Compendium of Materia Medica,” “Treatise on Pestilence,” “Treatise on Cold Damage,” “Record of Differentiation and Symptomatology,” and “Tripartite Collection.” Also include “Arithmetic Classic” and “Horse Treatise.”

After some contemplation, he added, “That should be enough for now. Seal the boxes and send them to the Bamboo Branch Workshop. Tell him these are rare, out-of-print books for him to print and sell. They must not be lost. Return the woodblocks after printing. If he can include exquisite illustrations, herbal medicine pictures, and abacus diagrams, it would be even better. Send me a few copies after printing.”

Su Huan acknowledged, “Yes.” He thought to himself, “Goodness, these are all precious, unique copies stored within the palace. Many Hanlin scholars would have to borrow them one by one if they wanted to read them. This little duke is taking them to print and sell them. Incredible!”

Xie Yi muttered to himself, “This should keep him occupied for a while.” It would also prevent him from spending his days with a group of fox friends and wolf companions, constantly surrounded by tigers and wolves.