CH 35

Ever since Cui Beauty Paper made its first appearance at the Chongyang Poetry gathering, in the beginning of the day when the study opened its doors, groups of scholars, martial artists, wealthy merchants, craftsmen and even the maids and servants of boudoir women would squeeze into the store…..one layer upon layer of voices urging to buy drawing prints.

Because Young Master Wang had clarified that the maker of the beauty paper was a loyal and righteous hero, his brothers and fellows did not mention the name ‘Cui Beauty paper’ when they sent people to squeeze into line and purchase a few sets. They only well-behavedly said they wanted to buy ‘Cui Paper’. But the name had been originally circulated elsewhere, so when one queued up in line, one could hear people asking for ‘Cui Beauty paper’.

Informed insiders silently smiled in their hearts, but did not correct the misnomer of others. Moreover, this slightly alluring and romantic name was very easy to blurt out. Even the two clerks who watched the store were sometimes so busy that their mind had become fuddled and they would also ask the customers, “Today, Cui Beauty paper is sold out. Would the guest like to take a look at the Shen Garden collection instead? Inside《Appreciating Wan Ning》, the first three ranked poems (winners) and Tang anshou[1] are included, accompanied by a beauty portrait. And one copy only costs one silver tael and five silver coins.”

“A box of beauty portraits with eight papers costs two taels of silver. For only one silver tael and five silver coins, you can buy the 4 copies of the color-printed pictures of the beauty portrait in addition to the latest collection of poems written by the talents of this county. This guest, please consider this, this is equivalent to buying a set of poetry anthology for only five silver coins, and it is also accompanied with colored pictures. Is there such a cheap book in the world?”

Those who love poetry bought it, those who did not like poetry but liked painting also bought it and others just bought it to collect the Cui family’s engraved products. Thanks to the happiness brought by these brightly-colored portraits, usually, only the talents who had participated in the poetry gathering were willing to buy two or three sets of the collection of poems to give as gifts. This time, they actually sold 200 copies.

After the collection of poems had been printed, Cui Xie had even asked Shopkeeper Ji to give a copy to everyone who attended the gathering.

It was usual practice that scholars who participated in poetry gatherings would produce poetry collections. Cui Xie had seized this chance for himself in that garden. They all had the thought to sell their own hoarded and carefully copied poetry collection from the gathering. Unexpectedly, Cui Xie printed the collection of poems extremely exquisitely and even painted new illustrations to accompany them. Moreover, such a youngster who had not even reached the year of Zhixue[2], had even thoughtfully provided them all with their own copy of the novel. Could this group of shengyuan[3] still play a deaf-mute and receive this gift whilst ignoring the other party?

The host of the poetry gathering, Shen Zheng, took the lead and scheduled in advance to walk up to the gate of the Cui Residence together with Tang Ning, who had written an ode to the fox lady, as well as a few others as a group.

At the opening of the street where the Cui Residence was located, a public-spirited memorial archway had been erected and several of the xiucai had dismounted from their carriages just in front of the archway. After passing the archway, one did not need to board the carriage again before shortly arriving at the ruyi gate [4] , with the Imperial edict nailed to it, already in sight. Hence, these people no longer rode the carriage, and walked up, knocking on the gate of the Cui Residence, reporting their intentions to visit to Cui Yuan.

It had not occurred to Cui Yuan that his Young Master had actually made friends with young xiucai gentlemen and after feeling so delighted that he became speechless for quite a while, he hurriedly escorted them into the main hall and told Huang dasao [5] to ask her husband to Teacher Lin’s academy to request a leave of absence and let Cui Xie come back to serve the guests.

While the host was away, this group of guests drank tea and chatted by themselves, sized up the Cui Residence’s courtyard in passing.

He lives in such a small courtyard and even uses such a dilapidated house…

When they had met at the poetry gathering, they had not paid much attention to a primary school student with no merit or reputation to his name. Later, upon receiving Cui Xie’s drawing prints and poetry collections for free and seeing him live in such a courtyard, Shen Zheng could not help but feel a bit ashamed——the Shen family was populous and had prosperous businesses, but as for the printing matter, he should have taken care of it, but he had agreed to let such a poor, young man take care of it without even giving it a second thought.

This poor youth had even distributed a new copy of the book to each of the people who participated in the poetry gathering. With so much money expended, could his family’s store still be able to support themselves? 

Shen Zheng was full of sympathy and even wanted to fish out some money to subsidize Cui Xie, but was afraid of hurting the boy’s self esteem. When Cui Xie finally came back, he bluntly asked, “Young Master Cui’s collection of poems is very exquisitely printed. I intend to buy several hundred sets for my relatives and friends back at my hometown. I wonder if you have any extra copies?”

Cui Xie was unaware of that compassionate heart that wanted to give some assistance to the poor, after entering the door, he poured tea for the talented scholars and replied with a smile, “Since Senior Shen has taken a like to it, I will ask the workers to work day and night to print your stock. Senior may not know, but the Chongyang Poetry Collection is selling very well and it is sold out almost everyday. If you want a few hundred sets, we may not be able to prepare it so hastily. Requesting that the Senior can please forgive me.”

Only then did Shen Zheng finally realize that although Cui Xie lived in a small courtyard and used old household furniture that did not even have decorative carvings on it, if they could draw beauty portraits and make Cui papers, he was not as poor as Shen Zheng originally thought.

Then this was a distinguished and accomplished scholar “living in poverty, yet living cheerfully[6]”.

He saw that the light gleaming in Cui Xie’s eyes suddenly looked a bit different, and he followed up with a smile, “I am not in a hurry. Just tell your workers to follow the prescribed printing order and keep the extras for me. I have until the end of the year to send the gifts home.”

On the side, Tang Ning was waiting to talk to Cui Xie about the fox demon’s story. Seeing Shen Zheng talk about these transactions without end, he anxiously interrupted him and pulled Cui Xie over, “Cui shidi [7] can just ignore him for now, let’s take a look at the literary articles we wrote for Wan Ning.”

Cui Xie nodded towards Shen Zheng’s direction, and took a look at the manuscripts brought by Tang Ning and the other scholars. During the time he read them, he closed his eyes and recited them silently from time to time. After setting down the manuscript, he seemed to be still immersed in those delicate, fine and refined phrases, repeatedly reciting those that were especially good out loud.

Although Cui Xie had yet to say a single line of commentary, this kind of performance satisfied the several contributors more than a single line of commentary could.

Tang Ning yelled out, ‘Shidi’, dragging him out of the world of beautiful literary works, saying, “Since you have read our articles, you should also let us take a look at your articles? It is not easy for us to ask outside for the manuscript of the novel of meeting immortals, and now that we are all at your residence, you can’t still be reluctant to let us enjoy the joy of the first experience![8]”

If others wanted to see it, he had to use this opportunity. These were critics who had come to his residence for free. Naturally, he would invite them to take a look first, so he could write a few more lines of commentary.

Cui Xie narrowed his eyes and revealed a joyful smile from the bottom of his heart, “This is exactly what I needed. Seniors, please come with me to my study.”

Shen Zheng, Tang Ning and the others were all shengyuan who had seen diverse aspects of the world, but the moment they saw the inside of his study, they all received waves of shock: such a small and plain room, such a simple and crude bookcase, but there was a whole wall of books inside! On the wall opposite the bookshelf, there was white time board with empty grooves hanging on the wall, counting down the remaining time until the county examinations. Looking at it, they could not help but tremble in calculating how much time they had before next year’s triennial provincial Imperial exam.

Less than half an hour after entering the Cui Residence, Cui Xie’s image in their hearts changed from a distinguished and accomplished son of a official in the capital, turning instead into an elegant scholar who did not know how to have fun, did not care about material objects, only loved to read and was extremely dedicated to the Imperial examinations.

But, the shock that impacted them from this study was more than just that.

If one looked closely at the books on the shelf, on the back of the books, there was different colored paper that had been adhered to the spine of the books, the title of the book had been written on that paper. The paper pasted to the back was actually divided into different color families according to the four-part classification method of Jing, Shi, Zi and Ji[9], making it easy to know the classification system at a glance. Among them, the rows of bookshelves directly facing the study’s entrance was a complete, comprehensive collection of the 《Five Classics》,《Four Books》and 《The Great Compendium on the Nature and the Principle》, which often were only found in County academies.

Although everyone in the world said that the 《Five Classics》was merely a remnant classic work assembled from Song Confucian scholars, and it was churned out in large quantities without regard for quality [10], where could ordinary scholars go to look for comprehensive Song Dynasty works? As for these shengyuan, they also had to borrow books to look at them, but seeing that this poor elementary school student had unexpectedly provided for himself an entire set of a comprehensive collection, they truly envied this and this group of Confucian fanatics took some damage in their hearts.

churned out in large quantities without regard for quality (idiom); rough and slipshod work

One of the shengyuan could not help but point to the bookcase, “These are the books purchased for Shidi by your family? Can, can you let me take a look?”

Cui Xie happily reciprocated, “Senior, there is no need to be so polite. The books there are precisely meant for people to look at. If you like it, just take them down and read it. If you want to copy it, just sit at the kang [11] table located at the northern window and I can ask someone to fetch the Four Treasures of the Study[12]. This narrow padded mattress chair (sofa) is a bit too high, but it is okay to sit and read a book in, and when copying books, one is liable to burden their back and feel uncomfortable.”

That shengyuan sighed, “Shidi has a clear and generous temperament. Then this yuxiong[13] will take you up on your offer.

Two or three scholars from the group could no longer restrain themselves, browsing in front of his bookshelf and searching for what they needed. But, they were too embarrassed to copy the book and could only sit on the sofa to read them.

Cui Xie’s sofa was also extremely comfortable to recline on and one’s waist was supported even when one sat deeply into the cushions, with no need to strain themselves. These scholars had been sitting at desks for many years, sitting stiffly straight and it was rare to relax like this for once. After sitting down, one could not bear to leave.

Tang Ning and two other bookworms were sitting on the kang table, leaning in and huddled together to look at the four short story manuscripts bound together. Next to the manuscripts were several black and white line drafts of Cui Xie’s new paintings. When compared together, one felt the story became even more fragrant and beautiful. The four beauties all had their distinct styles and they were all strange women that they found it hard to part with.

Tang Ning could not help but ask, “Can I write more small articles for the three remaining beauties in these stories? All are unmatched beauties in her generation, [14]how can one favor one over the other, and only allow Wan Ning to be singularly praised by scholars? It is not only me, but Brother Xu and Brother Le will all contribute. How about you print the articles we compose in front of each text as a preface?”

Everyone loudly assented, happily saying that they would be willing to write it for Cui Xie. Cui Xie thanked them sincerely and profusely, “I cannot accept this, thank you seniors for loving these beautiful women.”

Tang Ning smiled towards his desk and laughed, “I have grown fond of these beautiful women, but I am afraid Brother Wang and the rest have all fallen in love with the Cui family’s study. Cui shidi, on behalf of everyone, I will be brazen enough to request this. Can you allow us to visit your residence and study often in the future?  Our group is understanding and will not take up your studying time.”

Cui Xie looked at the 《Five Classics》clutched tightly in the hands of those resting on the sofa and clearly nodded, “For the seniors to be willing to visit my residence, it is an honor. But, this room is a bit too small to accommodate everyone. Seniors, please wait a few days. I will move the study to the West Wing, arrange for a few more tables, chairs and narrow mattresses. You all may read the books yourself when you arrive.”

Seeing how cheerfully he had promised them, the scholars in turn felt a little embarrassed and the rich young master Shen Zheng even offered to arrange to fix up this study room for him.

Cui Xie smiled, “I commissioned ordinary furniture just using a few silver coins and it did not cost me much money. Senior Shen does not have to worry about me. However, I only have one matter that I would like everyone to be mindful of——if there is any damage inflicted on the books while reading, I request that everybody copy down the damaged section on the spot and attach it to the back of the book  so it will make it easier for those of later generations that are borrowing books to read.”

He could not finish reading all these books by himself, so he simply set up a small reading room, making friends with these scholars through books and so he could first enter this group of insiders to brush up some waves of good reputation.

Shen Zheng exhaled, “Cui shidi has the style of those ancient noblemen, even going as far to let people read through this hard to come by library collection for free. This yuxiong cannot let you handle this matter alone. After your study room is built, I will send a few study room servants to help you maintain it and I will never let the books in your study get damaged.”

Those who had been holding the books in a death-grip, refusing to let go also added, “Cui Shidi is willing to lend such works, how can we let down your confidence in us and arbitrarily contaminate these books? If there is any damage, we will be sure to obtain an original copy to compensate for the loss and make sure that you never suffer a loss.”

They spent a long time reading books in the Cui Residence and after returning to their respective homes, there was still the rich aftertaste of the sofa lingering in their memories. When they mentioned Cui Xie, not only did they praise his family’s paper, but they also added this phrase, “Good collection of books, good friend and although he has not entered the prefecture school, however, he possess the mannerism of a famous scholar, and is a member of my generation.”

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Cui Xie obtained high prestige among scholars and Cui Beauty paper also gained popularity as the tide rose and the boat began to float[15]. It was no secret that it turned into an essential piece that all of the scholars in the county had to have on their desks. The shop managed by the clerks and the shopkeeper had their business ignite like a roaring fire and the amount of money that passed through their hands on a daily basis went as far as tens or even hundreds of taels.

In order to print these drawing prints and the Shen Garden Poetry Collection, they had invested a total of more than two hundred silver taels. Based solely on Chongyang Poetry Gathering transactions that had been scheduled in advance and Young Master Wang’s big order, this had paid back their investment in full. The remaining money raked in was pure profit.

When this shop had reached its peak performance in the past, it might not be able to generate so much income in just a month. When Shopkeeper Ji counted the silver, not only did his hands tremble, but his heart similarly quivered. At the end of the month, he hurriedly carried the silver box and the ledgers to the Cui Residence, and only after he personally counted them in front of Cui Xie did he feel relieved.

Cui Xie flipped through the accounts and the turnover rate. He was surprised to find that not only did the sales volume of his paper not decline in purchases as it had been on the market for a long time, but on the contrary, its sales volume was slowly rising. Although the scholars did not rush to buy them as much as they did when the goods had first come out, many commoners regarded his paper as a suitable gift. There were prostitute houses that bought it for their daughters so they could mingle with the cognoscenti[16] and pose as culture lovers. Some merchants delivered these goods to other parts of the country to sell as commodities and occasionally, there were big customers who were introduced by Young Master Wang, who ordered hundreds of taels worth of paper at a time.

With this much money, it was more than sufficient for him to return to the capital after being admitted as shengyuan and stay comfortable at an inn in the capital until the autumn provincial exams.

At the time of the autumn provincial exams, if he were to make it on the public roll of successful examinees, he would quietly come back and not let the Cui family known that he had entered the capital; If he was lucky enough to pass the exam, he would have achieved scholarly honor and achievement, possessing the qualifications to become an official. Could the Cui family still beat him as they wanted, or kill him as they wanted?

Excited by his thoughts, he instructed Shopkeeper Ji, “Since money has been earned, hire a few more temporary artisans to engrave the printing plates. If there are any reliable and trustworthy long-term workers, be sure to recruit them as well. The drawing prints of the four beauties are selling well, so you must take advantage of the situation to cast out the novel while it is still hot. Do not wait for the customers to get tired of the portraits and then they will have no interest in buying our books.

Shopkeeper Ji was an old steed in the stable still aspiring to gallop 1000 miles[17] and was still very ambitious. He promised to find good engravers as quickly as possible to carve out the plates for the novel. He also inquired whether he should produce a new batch of the drawing prints.

Cui Xie shook his head. Previously, it was thanks to the drawing print promotion at the Poetry Gathering that had resulted in its popularity and the initial publicity had already spread out quite well. It would be superfluous to print another batch. In the remaining time, he had to draw the novel’s illustrations and the accompanying large-page spread, as well as the planning of the big move necessary to gain publicity and to promote it….

He stroked his smooth chin, smirked confidently and said, “ Hermits naturally have their own tricks[18].”

Shopkeeper Ji really wanted to know what other tricks his boss had up his sleeve. At this time, Cui Xie’s mouth became prudent and shrewd, refusing to say it no matter how many times he was asked, leaving Shopkeeper Ji scratching the back of his head in a hurry.

But ever since Cui Xie took over the bookstore, in a mere two months, he had turned this poor store that had to rent out their own courtyard into a flourishing store that made easy money. He was simply fated by the heavens to be a pixiu.[19] Shopkeeper Ji did not possess a fortune to himself anyways. Instead of trying to make money by himself, it was better to let this  young boss that raked in wealth to deal with these matters himself,  good things could always be thought of.

Footnotes:

Images:

Helpful diagrams for examination rankings/terms

Ruyi Gate Pics:

Pixiu Pic: