Aoyama

Chapter 514 New Story

The story of Zhang Xia breaking into the White Tiger Hall outside Chongli Pass to find Chen Ji was thus made public.

Chen Ji didn't know whether the Gelaohui (a secret society) was just trying to attract attention or had other motives, but that near-death experience was enough to cause a huge uproar in the city.

In traditional stories and folk tales, heroes have always been men, but this time, it's a woman.

Chen Ji held the newspaper in both hands, reading it as he walked deeper into Liulichang.

This news article was mostly written in the tone of a storyteller, and the language used was simple and easy to understand. As long as someone reads it aloud, whether they are a peddler, a porter, or a laborer, they will definitely be able to understand it.

As Chen Ji read, he raised his eyebrows. The article began with the two of them pretending to be husband and wife after leaving Chongli Pass. It described how he and Zhang Xia were inseparable, how he stayed behind with Jiang Xiansheng and Princess Liyang to save Zhang Xia, and how Zhang Xia broke into the White Tiger Hall of Xijing Road at night for him.

The story was thrilling and full of twists and turns, and it wasn't until he and Zhang Xia returned safely to the capital that the audience could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

At the end of the article, the author wrote, "What is love in this world? It makes people willing to die for each other. Like birds flying together across the vast sky, their old wings have weathered many winters and summers. Joyful moments, bitter partings, and among them, even more foolish lovers. You should have words to say, across ten thousand miles of layered clouds, a thousand mountains covered in evening snow, to whom does this solitary figure turn?"

Chen Ji gasped in shock upon seeing this. The Gelaohui had actually recited the first part of Yuan Haowen's "Wild Goose Mound"? Strange, even he couldn't memorize this poem, how could a Gelaohui member who roamed the martial world recite it?

Chen Ji vaguely sensed that something was wrong.

Moreover, the stories in the article are told as if the author personally visited Chongli outside the pass, even knowing the furnishings in the White Tiger Hall and the layout of the Wuhou Watchtower in Baidadan City. This is something that the Gelaohui (a secret society) could not have imagined...

Zhang Xia knew, but she wouldn't bring their private matters into the public eye.

Besides Zhang Xia, who else knows about these things?

and many more.

It's Xiaoman, the little monk.

Chen Ji recalled Xiaoman's lazy appearance when she didn't want to go out that morning, and the little monk's guilty look. The two of them clearly knew that their secret would be exposed today, so they were unwilling to go out with him no matter what.

As he walked, he heard a woman by the roadside murmur, "What is love in this world that makes people willing to die for it..."

"A thousand mountains covered in snow at dusk, a lone figure, to whom does it turn..."

One woman exclaimed, "I originally thought that Li Changge's story was just a fabrication by Jiuli Jinguang Sanren in the Four Dreams of Bianliang, and that it wasn't that wonderful. But I never expected that the Li Changge and Miss Zhang outside the story are even better."

Another person shook his head: "I think the story of Li Changge and the princess is more interesting. He and the princess are a better match."

The woman who had previously praised him said unhappily, "But the princess has never done anything for Li Changge, unlike Miss Zhang who stormed the White Tiger Hall for him. It has to be a story of equals that is moving."

"But Princess Ke was the first woman Li Changge ever loved!"

"They never pledged their lives to each other!"

Chen Ji reluctantly walked through the arguing. Regardless of how the article would affect him, the front-page headline was certainly sensational enough.

In just half an hour, the newspapers in the thugs' bags were sold out, and the line "What is love in this world that makes people willing to die for it?" spread throughout the streets and alleys.

Chen Ji examined the Beijing Morning Post in his hand.

The bamboo paper was of poor quality, the cheapest document paper on the market, with rough edges. The characters were also often blurry, with missing characters from time to time, requiring several copies to be pieced together to read clearly.

The newspaper smelled strongly of ink, and some of the ink was not yet dry. If you pressed the font with your thumb, your fingertip would leave an imprint of the text.

But none of these seem to matter.

The important thing is that when Chen Ji looked at this thing that shouldn't have appeared in Ning Dynasty, he felt as if he were closer to home.

The Beijing Morning Post, spanning four pages (front and back), featured the imperial examination papers for this year's spring examinations. Surprisingly, it published all the essays from the preliminary, provincial, metropolitan, and palace examinations of the top scholar, Shen Ye. This was a treasure trove for aspiring scholars, something they rarely saw.
Someone holding the morning paper exclaimed in amazement: "This top poet of the Tiger Hill Poetry Society is indeed remarkable; no wonder he was able to achieve the highest rank in the imperial examination."

"What do you know? He was able to become the top scholar because his essay in the palace examination touched His Majesty's heart and was based on the new policies that were to be implemented."

Ignoring everyone else, Chen Ji turned the morning paper to the third page, which was full of gossip about the Eight Great Hutongs. It was all about which merchant went to which brothel yesterday, which wealthy man hosted a plum blossom banquet for which singer, and which two wealthy men were arguing over which courtesan. It was all nonsense.

Nowadays, the sticks of Meihua Ferrymen are found everywhere in the streets and alleys of the outer city, making it easy to inquire about such novelties. Some literati and scholars scoff at the third edition, while others talk about it with great relish.

By the fourth edition, it had only a few dozen words and a large title that read: "Spread the word far and wide, benefit all."

The headline reads: "It is said that even the finest wine needs a secluded alley, and good goods need to be known. This newspaper exists to disseminate news from all over the world. Page four is now vacant, offering a space for merchants to make their names known and shops to spread their reputations. A small space can reach countless eyes. Those interested should contact us quickly and not miss this opportunity."

Chen Ji raised an eyebrow; they'd even put out the advertising for rent.

The current four pages are a bit short, lacking in news content, but for the first issue, it's sufficient. Now, everyone on the street is talking about this newspaper; some are interested in the stories, some in the imperial examinations, and some in the gossip. It appeals to all tastes, catering to everyone's needs.

Inside Liulichang Hutong, a woman was pulling on the walking stick of Meihua Ferry: "Is that damn morning paper still around?"

He pulled open his bag with the stick: "That's all, sold out."

The scholars and literati gathered around the stick were quite unwilling: "Why didn't you print more? Will you be selling them again tomorrow? Remember to print more."

The stick-wielding man explained using the language taught by the Gelaohui (a secret society): "Young master, newspapers are different every day. They only report on the latest news. Tomorrow's print will not be the story of the man from Wuxiang County and Miss Zhang the Second."

Everyone was surprised: "Different every day? Only writing about new things? What does this mean?"

Ba Gun scratched his head: "We don't know either, but you'll find out tomorrow. Also, let me tell you all that we can not only write articles for this newspaper, but you can also submit your own. If an article is published, the newspaper will pay you a fee, ranging from ten coins per line to one tael of silver per line."

Scholars and intellectuals marveled, "You mean our articles can also be published there, and we'll even get paid? To whom should we submit our articles?"

The stick-wielder nodded in agreement: "Anyone on the street who carries a satchel like me can have the article handed to him. He will take it back to his employer."

Chen Ji observed silently. The good start of the Beijing Morning Post was a good thing. The Gelaohui was not only efficient but also meticulous in his work, and was a capable leader who could stand alone.

This morning newspaper is of great use to him, but it's not time to reveal his true intentions yet; let the gangsters play with it for now.

The key point is that the article on the front page subtly hinted at Chen Ji's actions in welcoming back the Jing Dynasty envoy, suggesting that he was a hero who accepted a mission in a time of crisis. It also described his story of breaking through Anding Gate for the fallen soldiers of the Imperial Guard, to the point that people even forgot the previous sarcasm from the storyteller when they read it.

Chen Ji felt the furnace fire within his body, which had originally faded, finally brighten a bit again, turning from transparent to pale red.

This was an unexpected bonus.

Just as Chen Ji was about to head to Wenchang Bookstore to continue searching for clues, he heard a familiar voice behind him: "Fellow Daoist, please wait!"

Chen Ji looked back and saw Zhang Li riding a blue ox slowly through the narrow alleys of Liulichang.

Zhang Li patted the big blue ox's neck and urged, "Hurry up, you're delaying important matters every day!"

But the big blue ox remained slow and ignored Zhang Li's words.

Until Zhang Li whispered, "Do you still want to steal incense offerings for the grand festival next year? You better do your job properly. There are 3,600 altars to be offered to next year, and I'll steal one for you!"

Chen Ji watched from afar and clearly saw that the big blue ox's eyes brightened, gleaming with a thieving light, and its steps became much lighter.

He stood still and waited for Zhang Li to approach, then cupped his hands in a polite greeting: "Daoist Master."

Zhang Li said irritably, "You brat, I told you long ago not to take on the blame for the Jing Dynasty envoy's actions. Now you've ruined the incense offerings for the Nameless Heavenly Book, and even my newly written storybook can't be sold! You've also benefited from the incense offerings, so why don't you listen to advice?"

Chen Ji replied earnestly, "Daoist, not everyone cares about gains and losses; some things are more important than gains and losses."

Zhang Li stared into Chen Ji's eyes, and finally sighed: "The world of martial arts, loyalty and righteousness, love and obsession, have trapped countless people. Even Li Changge, the character I wrote about, is not immune to this."

Chen Ji laughed: "Daoist Master, I am but a mortal... What business does Daoist Master have with me today?"

Zhang Li pondered for a moment: "The original story has already been written up to nineteen chapters, but now I'm afraid it will all have to be scrapped. I plan to write a new story, and I'll let you know when I find out."

Chen Ji was somewhat surprised: "Does the Taoist priest need to specifically tell me before writing a story?"

Zhang Li sat on the back of the big blue ox, leaned down, and stared straight at Chen Ji, saying, "This time, I won't write any fictional stories; I'll write something real."

Chen Ji frowned: "The real thing? It's hard to write about."

Zhang Li continued to stare at Chen Ji: "This time, whether it's easy or not to write is not my concern, but the matter of the wordless book. I'm only responsible for polishing it. But once this story begins, we will share both glory and ruin."

Chen Ji shook his head: "Daoist, my story is not suitable to be told."

Zhang Li said meaningfully, "Don't be afraid. I will release the story after you leave Ningchao and publish it in your damned morning newspaper to tell the world."

Chen Ji was startled. This chief disciple of the Huangshan Daoist Court had actually foreseen that he was going to leave Ning Dynasty.

Is it a guess, or a bluff?
Or did they actually divinate something using Liu Ren divination?
Before Chen Ji could ask any further questions, Zhang Li had already ridden away on his big blue ox, singing an unknown opera lyric: "You say life and death are two ends, life is one end, death is another. But they are originally a single thread, with heroes pulling one end and beauties holding the other. As for right and wrong, a few lines of names in history, nothing more than the victors becoming kings and the losers becoming bandits."

"Life and death, right and wrong, success and failure, honor and disgrace. Those who can let go and overcome these obstacles become immortals and ancestors..."

(End of this chapter)