Never divorce, never stop getting rich

Chapter 115: Backup Marquis

After a night of winter wind, light snow began to fall in the capital in the early morning. By the time I went out in the morning, the ground was covered with snow.

Since the academy competition, it has become popular in the capital and some small academies in the surrounding areas to make friends through books, exchange ideas with each other, and travel together from time to time. So when the weather cleared and the snow stopped, a group of students took the academy's carriage and prepared to go to the outskirts of Beijing to appreciate the plum blossoms.

At first, everyone was just chatting, until someone pulled out a brand new copy of the Book of Songs from his book bag. The person sitting next to him couldn't help but exclaim, "Did your family get rich?"

"No...it's still the same." The student pressed his lips together and turned the pages of the book pretending to be calm.

"You actually bought a new book and said you had no money! Didn't you copy excerpts from a book before? Why do you want to buy another one?" His classmates touched it carefully and were surprised to find that the paper was different from any they had seen before. Not only was it thick, but it was also smooth and clean. The words on it were clear and neat, and the size of each word was almost exactly the same.

"As you all know, the book I bought was made of poor quality paper that was easily damaged, and the ink smudged. I had to be very careful every time I opened it to read. But this new book I bought is different. You can tell its quality just by touching it." The student who bought the book said with some pride.

"That's very expensive, right? Only Hongwenguan can produce such fine materials."

Books like these that were sold openly by the imperial court were of varying quality on the market. The price of slightly better quality books would be twice as much as the average ones, not to mention the books published by the Hongwenguan, which were not only expensive but also impossible to buy.

"It's not expensive at all." The student who was buying the books stealthily pulled a few people over and whispered a price.

Several people gasped.

"Why is it so cheap? Don't lie to us!"

The student who bought the book said unhappily, "Don't you know what kind of person I am? This bookstore is a conscientious paper manufacturer, so their costs are low, so naturally they give us readers a preferential price.

I'm telling you, this is my treasured bookstore. I'm still waiting to save money to buy new books next month. Don't tell anyone, or we won't get our turn."

A book made everyone itchy, and they were even a little absent-minded during the subsequent outing. When they returned to the capital after the outing, they all rushed to the same bookstore without any prior arrangement. However, when they arrived at the bookstore, they found that it was still light and the bookstore was closed.

Upon asking, I found out that all the books that the bookstore had just restocked today were sold out because of their good quality and low price.

At the same time, all conscientious bookstores in and around the capital were sold out.

"We can't wait any longer. If this goes on, who knows how much trouble this woman will cause." Yan Sui came in from outside and shook off the snow on his body. It was freezing cold and the New Year was approaching. There were a lot of disgusting spies on the streets recently.

Fu Zichan was flipping through a scroll of book. The paper was indeed many times better than any he had seen before. According to the costs he knew, Qian Qiansui would not be able to make any money at all, and might even lose money.

"Send her out and the problem will be solved?"

"At least we can't let her continue doing this under the label of the Marquis' Mansion. Otherwise, we won't get any benefits and will offend others because of her."

Yan Sui had received a lot of letters recently, all from wealthy merchants and noble families from all over the country. Cheap paper and cheap books, as long as they appeared, would inevitably impact his peers in these industries. If these wealthy merchants and noble families were all the relatives of the Empress and the Grand Princess, it would be fine.

But there are still people they want to win over. If this continues, all these people will go to other people, and all their previous efforts will be wasted.

"Will it be good for us if you give her to the King of Hengzhou?" Fu Zichan put down the book and thought of the list in the drawer. Killing intent surged in his heart several times. "If she brings the recipe for the paper to the King of Hengzhou, he will not only have troops but also a great deal of wealth. You are not seeking allies, but cultivating opponents."

How could Yan Sui not know? He had been Fu Zichan's confidant for so many years, how could he be stupid? But he didn't have time. If Fu Zichan didn't show up after the New Year, things would become very serious. The Empress and the Grand Princess would not let go of this opportunity.

If they lost Fu Zichan as their support, not only would they suffer major consequences, but even their lives and property might be taken away.

But as long as they wait a little longer, until Fu Hean, the Marquis's illegitimate brother, is ready, and they can get the help of the King of Hengzhou, they will be able to come back to life and make a comeback.

"As long as she's gone, the academy, these recipes, and these shops will all belong to the Marquis' Mansion. I believe that even if the King of Hengzhou makes any moves, it won't be in the capital. This is a win-win situation."

Yan Sui looked at Fu Zichan, but his heart was no longer as respectful as before. He did not come here to discuss with Fu Zichan today. He and the King of Hengzhou had already decided on Qian Qiansui's fate.

If he hadn't recently discovered that some of the things he used to do smoothly were gradually being secretly obstructed, he would have just come over to see Fu Zichan's reaction. But after just a few words, he suddenly lost interest. He was worrying too much. No matter what this marquis was like before, he was just a woman now.

After a few bland words, Yan Sui took his leave. As usual, Fu Zichan asked someone to follow him. This person had been very active recently and should be able to help Fu Zichan catch a lot of rats.

But this time Yan Sui did not go to look for his former colleagues in the Marquis' Mansion. He found a theatre troupe, drank a cup of tea and listened to a play, and then went backstage to reward the troupe.

After waiting for the people outside to gradually disperse, Yan Sui followed the guidance of the troupe's boss and went to the courtyard next door through the secret door.

"Master Yan..."

As soon as Yan Sui entered the room, he was scared to death by the man opposite him. If the last time he was only similar in appearance, then this time the body movements and way of speaking were 70% to 80% similar. If it weren't for the hint of cowardice between his eyebrows, he would really think that this was Fu Zichan himself.

"From now on, just call me Yan Sui. Young Marquis, since you've agreed to our deal, you must do it with all your heart. Your biological mother is well protected now, and her illness is being treated. As long as you are obedient, the Marquisate will be yours, and so will your freedom."

Fu Hean nodded awkwardly. He already knew roughly what Yan Sui needed him to do, but he had no way out. They were all children of the former crown prince. Why should they not be allowed to see the light of day? Why should they have to rot in that dark confinement?

Fu Zichan can sit in the position of Marquis, so naturally he can sit in it too.

"After a while, go see the King of Hengzhou and tell him that you agree to hand over your wife to him. I will then send someone to lure out that woman, Qian Qiansui. You can take the King of Hengzhou with you. You don't have to do anything else. Afterwards, just report that the woman died suddenly."

Yan Sui must get things done before the King of Hengzhou leaves the capital.

"But my brother..."

"Remember, soon, Fu Zichan will be you, and you will be Fu Zichan!"

Fu Hean clenched his fists, his chest heaving, and then he said forcefully: "Yes, I am Fu Zichan."

Outside the window, the moon was shining on the treetops. Wen Chun drew out the long sword from his waist with an expressionless face. The moonlight tempered the sword, which emitted an icy cold air.