They say merchants love befriending scholars—and this one clearly had good eyes.
Examination results mattered little to ordinary people. But merchants with ambition always kept tabs; they’d try to meet top-ranked scholars, knowing that once someone became a Juren, their value would far surpass what it was now.
The wild mushroom business could also be profitable. With all the details settled, the rest of the meal was mostly the group sitting around Xie Yan, talking.
Lu Yang encouraged drinking once, then they switched to tea, continuing their conversation with Xie Yan.
Lu Yang propped his chin on his hand, ears listening to every word, occasionally picking up a bite of food.
Compared to the dishes, he enjoyed watching his “scholar-in-training” more. Despite growing more mature, Xie Yan still struggled with flattery.
Talking about essays and exams, Xie Yan spoke confidently. But bring up business or future trade, and he stammered, constantly looking to Lu Yang for help with his eyes. Lu Yang simply smiled, not answering for him.
He had grown, at least enough to realize that these merchants weren’t there to discuss literature or exams. They spoke simply and concisely, letting the conversation end naturally.
But literary topics required detail for clarity, so Xie Yan elaborated more.
Merchants wanting to expand business and befriend scholars were themselves literate and could read. Seeing Xie Yan’s humility, they shifted the conversation to building rapport, eventually touching on familiar topics—like educating children.
The day ended with everyone pleased, everything going smoothly.
Upon leaving the High Tower, Yu even gifted Xie Yan two pounds of premium Maojian tea.
Earlier, when Xie Yan mentioned bringing Lu Yang to the meal, they had enjoyed tea so much that they barely ate. Watching them, Lu Yang reflected on why Wu Pingzhi often said money didn’t matter.
Among the four classes—scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants—merchants ranked last. To navigate society, social engagements were essential.
People’s hearts were unpredictable; sometimes, even obviously unprofitable trades were undertaken for goodwill.
Xie Yan was still just a scholar.
Compared to this, his past experiences in Shangxi Village were shocking. Who would have thought he had once been bullied by ignorant villagers to such an extent?
Returning home from the High Tower, the three of them chatted some more.
The Wu family ran a cloth shop, avoiding silk. In a county town, they had grown the business but only dared to open a small storefront in the prefectural city, doing minor trade. They tested the market at the dock, gradually increasing stock to ensure their weavers had steady work.
To Lu Yang, the Wu family seemed like wealthy, influential merchants. Yet Wu Pingzhi described themselves as small-time.
He explained, “To expand, you need backing. Backing isn’t easy to find, and hard to choose. Often it’s beyond our control. My father never dared to grow the business for that reason.”
To become a major merchant, almost all prominent ones served a benefactor. Benefactors provided convenience and protection; in return, the merchant grew wealthier, facilitating the benefactor’s endeavors.
Lu Yang frowned. “Isn’t that just being someone’s head clerk?”
Wu Pingzhi sighed. “Exactly. Compared to holding office, silver really doesn’t matter at all.”
They say wealth shouldn’t be flaunted—carrying a money pouch outside makes you a target for thieves, let alone flaunting it openly in a city full of wealthy targets.
Look around; the best shops and businesses in prime areas all had powerful patrons behind them.
Xie Yan didn’t understand. “So Yu had no reason to treat me so well?”
Wu Pingzhi chuckled at his naivety. “He wanted the goods anyway, and you had value. A few tables of wine, a few pounds of tea, a few kind words—what’s that to him? Who ever complains about having few friends?”
Xie Yan finally understood.
It was like reading many books—finding a truly good one made all previous effort worthwhile. Yu’s gesture was an educated gamble on a scholar.
Lu Yang listened silently for a while.
No wonder Old Master Wu insisted he see the prefectural city—to witness its prosperity, see how trade worked, and observe merchants’ attitudes toward scholars. It clarified the path ahead.
Once this matter was concluded, they could pack up and return to Sanshui County.
Before leaving, they stayed two more days, visiting the city’s bookshops.
Xie Yan promised Li Feng he’d buy some books on soups to have printed and earn money. Printing books was profitable, and Xie Yan intended to buy more.
Lu Yang also hoped his younger brother would move to the county soon; more books bought, more printed and sold, more savings for moving.
Outside, they overheard some old news.
It had been circulating for days, but they were busy. At the bookshop, they heard scholars whispering that Xie Yan had become famous in the prefectural city.
Examinees from Sanshui County brought a book called Imperial Exam Answer Manual, eye-catching and scarce during exams. Those who couldn’t get it were frantic. Local bookshops had none. This made Sanshui County students proud.
Yuan Ji and others hadn’t expected Xie Yan to gain fame in the city. They schemed to exaggerate his talents, claiming he had a perfect memory and would top the exams, citing officials’ previous words that “if he fails, our county will have no successful candidate.”
Scholars often underestimated each other, and many had been looking for Xie Yan, spreading his name.
Now, every bookshop had heard of him and the Answer Manual, and seeing his top exam score, all wanted to find him and buy his books.
Xie Yan couldn’t hide his grin, looking like a silly boy.
Hehe, exams were done—time to earn big!
The talented yet thrifty scholar followed Lu Yang to browse books.
He flipped quickly, only reading what he liked. He’d only pay for a book if it contained several articles he enjoyed.
To let him see more good works, Lu Yang shamelessly asked the shop assistant where the picture books were.
While selecting, the assistant grew impatient. “You’ve read everything—how am I supposed to sell?”
Their recent expenses came from Wu Pingzhi; Lu Yang had barely spent anything. He handed the assistant two taels of silver: “Bear with us. We’re from out of town. I’m buying books to read at home. I’m serious about picking what I like.”
The assistant, satisfied with the genuine intent, let him take his time.
Watching from the counter, the assistant thought, “This scholar is not serious. Who goes to a bookshop for picture books? Pushing his husband forward—that’s bold.”
Xie Yan, focused on picking books, didn’t notice the assistant’s glances. Lu Yang mischievously told him, making Xie Yan blush.
When Lu Yang suggested buying another good book to improve his reputation, Xie Yan protested.
“Whatever, saving money is fine.”
He loved tearing into books, yet Lu Yang insisted.
“It’s a rare trip. My top scholar hasn’t bought books, but we buy for Li? I’m not happy—you go!”
Xie Yan immediately complied.
Lu Yang laughed uncontrollably. When Xie Yan returned with his books, he teased him: “Wow, my words alone didn’t work—you need Li to get things done.”
