Green Mountain-Chapter 678 - 535: Governing the World, Serving the People

August 8th.

In the backyard of Wenyuan Bookstore, Yuan Wang paced back and forth.

Yang Zhong lifted his head from behind the desk: "Brother Yuan, could you stop pacing? Where are your composure and calmness?"

Yuan Wang halted, returning to his own desk: "Brother Cui, why hasn't Third Miss Qi come today?"

Cui Qinghe took a shallow sip from his teacup: "The Qi Family is hosting an Autumn Moon Night Banquet on the fifteenth of August. She said the jewelry at home has been displayed in public, so she's going to Tianbao Pavilion to acquire new pieces."

Yuan Wang grew increasingly curious: "Brother Cui, you've met with Qi Xianshu, Lord Qi... does he intend to annul the engagement? We all know Brother Cui's intentions, but the Qi Family might not want to break ties with Fu You Street Chen Family for Third Miss Qi. This isn't a clash of emotions, but the benefits of marriage alliances, even if Third Miss Qi is Mr. Qi's precious jewel, it won't work."

Cui Qinghe blew on the tea in his cup, speaking slowly: "Let's take it slow."

At that moment, the street vendors from Meihua Ferry Crossing shouted outside: "Newspaper for sale! The envoy from The Kingdom of Annam has escorted the Siam King to Luocheng City and will soon sail north to present gifts to our court for the Mid-Autumn Festival!"

Cui Qinghe rose and walked outside.

Yuan Wang glanced at him, turning his body towards the neighboring table to whisper to Yang Zhong: "The Qi Family is the literary heart of the realm, the Chen Family the literary courage; both families are founded on this. If Chen Ji, this Legitimate Son Imitation's reputation can be tarnished, the Qi Family will undoubtedly sever ties. Recently, the voices criticizing Zhang Zhuo have quieted, but the criticisms of Chen Ji have grown loudly – the Cui Family is certainly behind this."

Yang Zhong suddenly realized: "The Cui Family is quite meddlesome indeed."

Yuan Wang mysteriously smiled: "If he can climb up the Qi Family, his troublesome matters will naturally resolve themselves. In this Imperial Capital, without protection from Xu Chenqi Hu, one ultimately becomes fodder for others. You and I haven't had the chance, but if we did, we would act similarly... after the Liu Family fell, your Yang Family seized much of their assets, and supposedly acquired two copper mountains to mint privately…"

Yang Zhong's expression changed, gripping Yuan Wang's wrist tightly: "Brother Yuan, watch your words!"

Yuan Wang chuckled: "There are no walls in the world that don't let the wind through. Brother Yang, you should plan ahead."

Yang Zhong pondered for a moment: "Please show me the way, Brother Yuan."

"I don't know your path," Yuan Wang whispered: "But I think Second Miss Zhang is a good option."

Yang Zhong frowned: "Aiming for Second Miss Zhang, be careful that the Marquis of Wuxiang hears of it and makes your life unbearable."

Yuan Wang leaned back slightly: "The Marquis of Wuxiang is engaged to Third Miss Qi; he and Second Miss Zhang are now destined to be apart. Lord Zhang wants to implement reforms, and my Yuan Family can assist, making us his best choice. The Cui Family wishes to dissolve the marriage between Chen and Qi Families, but I hope they fail at the hands of the Marquis of Wuxiang, or what will I do?"

As they spoke, Cui Qinghe returned with the morning newspaper.

Yuan Wang looked up and asked: "How's today's commentary?"

Cui Qinghe indifferently handed the newspaper to him: "See for yourself."

Yuan Wang took the newspaper with skepticism, noticing that today's edition had expanded coverage of the fresh innovations from the Marquis of Wuxiang beyond the third section to the fourth, as well.

The title of the third section was renamed to "Livelihood," while the fourth section became "Economy."

Yang Zhong, contemplating: "Regulating the world and benefiting the people? What boldness from the Marquis of Wuxiang."

Yuan Wang whispered: "Shocking - these ten methods can improve soil fertility and ensure plump grains…what does this even mean?"

Today's article in the third section comprised several thousand characters describing how to create organic fertilizers, alongside guidance on soil turning and fertilization, leaving the scholars in confusion.

The final sentence of the article read: "May every household have millet in the pot and rice in the bowl."

Cui Qinghe fell silent for a long time, and Yuan Wang ceased reading, folding the newspaper: "What kind of thoughts does the Marquis of Wuxiang harbor daily, coming up with so many fresh ideas? And to change the section titles, he clearly has more to offer... this is all silver. Sharing these innovations publicly—is he trying to become a sage? A sage, indeed, no less."

Cui Qinghe listened to his musings, expressionless: "Tricks, no more.

Yang Zhong took the newspaper and continued with the fourth section: "The drilling technique for wells allows easy access to deep wells, breaking through rock layers and no longer consuming brine water...what's the point of drilling such deep wells?

Xu Bin explained: "Gentlemen, who usually drink spring water from outside the capital thus remain unaware that for many years, Imperial Capital citizens have lived, eating and drinking amid wastewater seeping underground, turning the wells in the east and south of the city salty. The populace continually endures brine water with grumbles.

Cui Qinghe silently studied the newspaper, reflecting on Yang Zhong's "Regulating the world, benefiting the people," unsure of what to say for some time.

Xu Bin fretted: "Dear sirs, think of a solution. Today's Meihua Ferry Crossing newspaper sales likely surpass those of Wenyuan Bookstore, at this rate…"

Yuan Wang suddenly remarked: "Brother Xu, they don't seem to have intended to compete with us."

Xu Bin froze.

Yuan Wang looked at Cui Qinghe: "Brother Cui, it might be time to let go. The Marquis of Wuxiang never regarded us, much less you becoming Li Changge."

Cui Qinghe's palm bled.

...

...

August 9th, Capital Morning News published about the smoky fire bed, boosting effectiveness by forty percent above ordinary ones.

August 10th, ten methods to prevent pest infestations.

August 11th, the making of soap...

By August 13th, the common folks had stopped debating the clash between the two newspapers, gradually forgotten, dispersed like smoke.

In Meirui Building, Zhang Xia leaned against the rail, watching as street vendors hurried out with newspapers, and within an hour, they were all snapped up.

Brother Pao stood beside her, puffing on his pipe with a sigh: "Second Miss Zhang, even if any of these innovations released by the landlord fell into someone else's hands, they'd cling dearly, unwilling to let go. Yet he freely gives them to the world, and it pains me. But if they were all hoarded, Chen Ji wouldn't be Chen Ji, and I wouldn't be willing to serve him."

Zhang Xia responded with a nod: "The little monk claimed he had eliminated greed and desire; seems now the statement rings true."

Brother Pao continued: "Though those old fellows at Wenyuan Bookstore ought to have learned to shut up by now. Different perspectives lead to different perceptions, and they fall short still."

Zhang Xia glanced back into the building, where Chen Ji and the little monk lay asleep across the desk.

She softly said: "These past days, he has been tirelessly compiling 'Enlightenment of All Things' for future publication in the morning newspaper, never dwelling on trivial feuds. He now cares little for poetry and scholars, nor the sales of newspapers; he just wants to dismantle that wall."

Brother Pao, puzzled: "A wall?"

Zhang Xia gazed at the distant pavilions and gray rooftops: "To break the wall between two worlds. He dearly misses home, even striving as Officer to grasp more slumber daily, hoping to dream of familiar surroundings. Though knowing he can't return, he endeavors to transform here akin to home, one-tenth comparable would suffice."

Brother Pao scanned Chen Ji's resting figure, suddenly said: "Second Miss Zhang, you are correct, but it seems he intends to leave, to leave something behind for everyone here before departing. He writes 'Enlightenment of All Things' to ensure the newspaper retains content after he's gone."

Zhang Xia grew solemn: "I know."

Brother Pao encouraged: "No attempt to keep him?"

Zhang Xia said nothing.

Then a gust rattled the papers indoors, prompting Zhang Xia to close the windows to not disturb Chen Ji. But it was too late.

Chen Ji raised his head, rubbing his eyes: "What time is it?"

Zhang Xia, puzzled: "What time?"

Brother Pao laughed heartily: "He's asking about the hours...Landlord, it's 5 to 7 AM."

"It's 5 to 7 AM?" Chen Ji looked at the desk. After days, he and the little monk scarcely organized his thoughts, avoiding military tools, focusing on livelihood.

He instructed Zhang Xia: "Post these writings gradually in the morning newspaper."

Zhang Xia complied.

He rose to pat the little monk's shoulder: "Let's go; back home to sleep."