I am a literary giant in Russia

Chapter 65: My Years of Loans in Russia

Regarding the small landlord Tusenbach, to put it simply, he was a relatively normal and common landlord in Russia. They did not have prominent titles, could not live a luxurious life, and often had to participate in labor themselves. Everything they had now was earned bit by bit by themselves.

Of course, there was also exploitation of the lower-level serfs, but it was not done to such an extreme extent, because with their family wealth, they really could not afford the loss of a few serfs.

Tusenbacher was such a landlord, diligent and stingy, living a life that was better than that of ordinary people but also required sweat.

If you ask him how he has lived his life, he may not even be able to explain it clearly, but he just got through it that way. This is often the case with life.

Perhaps because of similar experiences and feelings, Tusenbacher was deeply touched by the two novels "Vanka" and "Anguish". This touch was so strong that Tusenbacher underwent some changes on the ideological level.

When "Thirst Sleep" and "Poor People" came later, this change in him became more and more obvious. Then, in the process of communicating with Mikhail, although the old man was not very clear about the meaning of some of Mikhail's words, he could indeed sense the noble heart of this young man who lived in poverty.

So, before concluding his trip to St. Petersburg, Tusenbach, who had recently heard some news from others, found Mikhail and asked with concern: "Dear Mikhail, I recently heard from Versilov that you seemed to be considering a loan. Are you facing any difficulties? If so, why didn't you mention it when you were talking to me?"

"It's not a big deal. I'm just planning to publish a collection of essays with someone." After a pause, Mikhail smiled and replied, "There's a slight funding shortfall, but once the collection is published, we'll be able to pay off the debt quickly."

One thing that must be mentioned here is that book publishing is actually a big business these days.

First of all, the cost of printing is not low, and various relationships must be maintained. Therefore, in this situation, although Nekrasov had made certain preparations in advance, he still owed a lot of debts. Even the printing paper was bought on credit from the owners of printing houses and paper mills.

It has to be said that being able to get money on credit from those people is a remarkable skill. Among Belinsky and his circle, no one except Nekrasov could do this.

However, at the same time, the prices of magazines or books are generally not too cheap. After all, most of those who have the leisure and money to read books nowadays are from relatively wealthy families.

For example, the annual subscription fee for "Fatherland Chronicle" is 17 rubles and 50 kopecks a year. For some ordinary citizens, this money is enough for them to live for a month, but for some families, this money is no different from scratching an itch.

In short, due to lack of money and being cautious, Nekrasov only dared to ask the printing house to print 1,500 copies even though he was heavily in debt. However, the later collection of essays sold so well that Nekrasov even regretted printing too few copies.

But for Mikhail, he certainly knew that this was a business that was sure to make money, so he behaved more boldly and radically than Nekrasov. While encouraging Nekrasov to buy more accounts on credit and owe more debts, Mikhail naturally could not sit idly by, so he turned around and studied the loans of the time, preparing to take out a large loan!
Damn, it's been several months, not only am I not rich, but now I have to bear a lot of debts.
Of course, the main reason is that Mikhail's income is too single. It is certainly enough to make a living from this amount of royalties, but to be honest, sometimes it is just the price of a piece of clothing for some noble lord, or even less expensive than other people's clothes.

But it's true. After all, honest work can't make as much money as those aristocratic masters who exploit you. You can work yourself to death and still not make as much as them.
In addition, I have to say that Nekrasov is really a good brother. When Mikhail encouraged him to borrow more money on credit, he hesitated for a moment, then shook Mikhail's hand and said, "Okay! My dear Mikhail! I believe you! Just do as you say, I will try to borrow another 500 books on credit from the printing factory!" This really touched Mikhail. If you encourage someone to go into debt and still be trusted, wouldn't everyone who heard it have to say you are a good brother?

Seeing that Nekrasov was in such a state, Mikhail naturally couldn't fall behind. We should take out a loan together! We should bear the debt together!
First, he went to his good brother Demi to ask for money. After briefly explaining the reason, the giant bear-like man gave Mikhail another bear hug: "I am so proud of your achievements today, dear Misha! Maybe I can see you in college soon? Anyway, the money is not a problem. I will find a reason to write to my mother and father right now!"
I'll try to give you two hundred rubles!"

I won’t say anymore, I’m just moved.

Secondly, Mikhail needs to take the initiative himself. He needs connections to get loans. If he were to encounter a loan shark with ridiculous interest rates, Mikhail would probably have to chop people with an axe.
In this regard, the small businessman Versilov in the apartment is quite authoritative. After all, every businessman has to take out loans. After making some inquiries, in addition to being able to get a friendly loan with a very low interest rate from Versilov, he also introduced me to some more conscientious businessmen.

This news was also spread in a small circle. Although the small civil servant Smirnov also wanted to lend a helping hand to Mikhail, he was really short of money. He could only say that he would try his best to buy a copy to support Mikhail!
Of course, Mikhail appreciated the kindness and said there was no need to buy books. He would bring one and read it to everyone when the time comes.

The landlord insisted that he could borrow it, but Mikhail was trying to avoid owing Pavlovna a favor.
In addition, it should be said that as Mikhail's writing skills improved, Pavlovna became more optimistic about his future and sometimes even said with regret:
"Mikhail, do you still want to marry a noble lady?! Don't dream! If you do as I say, you will be a proud St. Petersburg citizen! Then, no matter where you go in Russia, you can proudly tell them where you are from!"

It’s the best place at the feet of the Tsar, right?
Can I, Mikhail, also be a true St. Petersburger?
Despite this, Mikhail chose to escape for the time being.
Back to the present, Tusenbacher probably heard the news from someone else, and Mikhail had no intention of hiding it, so he directly told him his plan.

After hearing what Mikhail said, Tusenbacher said with some concern: "Isn't this too risky? If something goes wrong, how will you live the rest of your life, Mikhail?"

"Don't worry, dear Tusenbach." Mikhail leaned against the sun and replied in a firm and powerful tone: "I will succeed."

"You always make people feel hope from you." As if infected by Mikhail's tone, the old man shook his head with emotion and then told his plan:
"Then I understand, dear Misha. Can I call you that? Perhaps I'll be going back soon, and I still have some land back there waiting for me to tend. But I still want to hear your novels again, so how can I ignore you in this situation?"

Listen to me, Misha. Never borrow too much money from others unless it is necessary. You will be crushed by debt if you are not careful.
I have saved a lot of money over the years, but I have never had a place to spend it. After listening to your novel and your words, I may have figured out how to use it. But before that, let me do my bit for you!
Look at this, is 500 rubles enough? I"

Mikhail suspected that there was something wrong with his ears: "?"

How many?

(End of this chapter)