Those four books were carefully selected by Gu Huanxi and have never been published on the market. Whether they are rare books depends on the content, but in terms of their scarcity, they can be called unique copies at this moment.

Who here is not well-read?

But no one has ever seen the books in their hands, and some have never even heard of their names in the past.

But the content is amazing enough!

One of them was Journey to the West, which was signed by the real author. The couple did not have the nerve to claim it as their own, but they did make a profit from it. So when printing it, they planned to donate all the profits from the sale of the book to charity to help orphans.

Jiang Yong had heard this story from Xu Huaiyi before, but when he saw the paper book and read the words, he had a different experience. This story is not only interesting, but the philosophy it contains is thought-provoking if you savor it carefully.

It was Xu Huaiyi's idea to choose this book as one of the souvenirs. He felt that a bookstore should be all-encompassing. Those flowery books may be high-end, but most people find them boring. For example, he would fall asleep as soon as he read that kind of book and had no interest at all. But it was different with Journey to the West, which even ordinary people with little culture could read with great interest and be fascinated by it.

In his opinion, what is a good book? A good book is one that people like to read and can get pleasure from.

So, he highly recommended this book.

Gu Huanxi was persuaded by him and did not refuse. He thought that the popular route could still be taken, just as a way to provide some spiritual food for the people today.

The other three books were also selected by Gu Huanxi from the bookshelf in the RV. He copied them down and handed them over to the workshop to be printed into hardcover editions to be used as souvenirs. The ordinary editions were sold in bookstores.

There is a book suitable for children to read called "The Augmented Collection of Wise Sayings", which includes various aphorisms and proverbs from ancient times to the present. Most of the sentences come from Confucian classics, history, poetry, dramas, novels and miscellaneous notes of literati. It is a popular book that can be appreciated by both the elite and the masses. It can be understood without explanation. Moreover, as an enlightenment book, it can help children understand the ideological concepts and life wisdom of the scriptures. In Gu Huanxi's opinion, it is still very meaningful.

The other two books are for scholars and literati. They cover such great principles as self-cultivation, family management, governance of the country, and peace in the world, as well as such leisure activities as planting flowers, growing grass, appreciating the moon, and playing the piano. The writing is concise and beautiful, and contains deep meaning everywhere, which makes people immersed in it involuntarily and unable to extricate themselves.

It was not until the show was over that everyone seemed to wake up from a dream and felt that the trip was not in vain.

There were too many unexpected shocks and amazing joys waiting for them to slowly digest after they returned.

So, when Xu Huaiyi went to see off the guests, the most common exclamation he heard was "It was worth the trip."

These people later became regular customers of the bookstore, and would go there every now and then. Even if there were no new books to buy, they liked to sit on the sofa by the window, smell the fragrance of flowers and trees, and quietly flip through the books. Even if it was an old book they had read before, they could still taste new flavor in it.

Especially Mr. Sun Sanye, he especially liked to patronize this place. He didn’t know there was a word called atmosphere, otherwise he would understand why he could concentrate on reading boring books in his own study room but could read them in a different place.

Not to mention the future, even Mr. Sun Sanye has become a loyal fan of the bookstore. After leaving Shuiyunxuan and getting on the carriage, he urged the coachman to go home as soon as possible. He couldn't wait to share what he saw, learned, gained and felt today with his family.

When he arrived at Sun's house, he carried the gifts and strode straight to the study. His excited look made the servants of Sun's family look at each other in bewilderment. They all asked secretly, what had happened to the Third Master outside that made him so excited, as if he had drunk wine on the night of his wedding, and was in a hurry to go back to the bridal chamber to lift the veil with a flushed face?

Today, Minister Sun was on leave at home. After handling some official business, he called his son to play chess with him and asked about the opening of the bookstore.

Sun Yu did not go to the martial arts academy either. When he heard the news from his servants, he felt a little regretful that he should not have given the opportunity to his brother. It was not that he was jealous of his brother's exposure, but he simply felt that he had missed a grand event that might make the people of the capital city unforgettable.

He also wanted to be a witness and a participant, rather than just listening to others' retelling.

"I heard it was very lively, with a huge crowd. In half a day, the news spread throughout most of the capital. It was a good start. You also know that Huaiyi is quite clever. As long as he puts his heart into it, he can do it badly..."

"That's true. However, you are too modest as his master. He is not smart, but talented."

There are many clever people, but who has as many clever ideas as Xu Huaiyi?

Sun Yu didn't dare to show off in front of his father, and tried hard to suppress the corners of his lips that were raised. However, a hint of pride still flashed through his eyes, but he said, "It's a pity that his talent is not reflected in his studies. He is only good at military tactics. For the rest, he just sleeps in class..."

Minister Sun snorted and laughed, "Like teacher, like student."

Hearing this, Sun Yu was not ashamed but proud. He pretended to cough twice and said, "Fortunately, the martial arts exam doesn't test the Four Books and Five Classics, otherwise that kid would have suffered a great loss."

Minister Sun said meaningfully, "You should still read. Reading more is always good. Otherwise, you will be a reckless man with nothing but martial arts skills, and you won't be able to go far in the future."

Sun Yu's face sternly understood the deep meaning of his words and responded honestly, "My son will watch him read it later."

Otherwise, when you enter the imperial court in the future, you will not be able to defeat the cunning civil officials and will be easily tricked by them.

Minister Sun nodded and asked, "How is his Kung Fu learning going?"

Sun Yu did not feel modest on behalf of his apprentice this time. "He has made rapid progress. Huaiyi has already learned some boxing techniques, but he is still a little lacking in horse riding and archery. After more than half a year of training, he has the ability to be promoted to Class B. If he continues like this, if nothing unexpected happens, he will be able to participate in the provincial examination next autumn..."

After a pause, he added, "The hope of passing the imperial examination is very high, and I will be able to take part in the imperial examination next year."

Hearing this, Minister Sun did not think that his son was being arrogant. Although the difficulty of the martial arts examination was not as great as that of the civil examination, it was still a situation where thousands of people were competing for a single place. To stand out, one had to rely on both strength and luck. However, Xu Huaiyi made people inexplicably feel trustworthy, and they felt that no matter what happened to him, it would not be surprising. Therefore, when it came to passing the imperial examination, which was something that would make their ancestors' graves smoke, others did not dare to brag, but Xu Huaiyi could do it.

He murmured thoughtfully, "Next autumn, it's a pity that I didn't catch it..."

Sun Yu reacted and frowned. "According to Huaiyi's plan, there should be more than 300 acres of corn in the autumn of next year, which can yield more than 100,000 tons of grain. If this achievement is reported to the emperor, he will definitely be rewarded. In all likelihood, he will be given an official position and pass the imperial examination, which is considered a double happiness. But from what I know about him, I'm afraid he won't be too happy..."

Minister Sun said, "A Juren is not as good as a Jinshi in terms of career prospects and conduct."

"What do you think about this?"

"Let's talk about it next year. If I can stop it, I will do my best."

"Your son would like to thank your father on behalf of Huaiyi."

"I don't need your thanks. Let Huaiyi come."

"..."

With his disciple, his biological son has become less and less important.

When Mr. Sun Sanye entered the room, he saw Sun Yu's face full of resentment. He was puzzled, but did not bother to ask. After the greetings, he hurriedly talked about the grand occasion of the day, which was much more detailed than what he heard from the servants.

The servants had limited language skills and could not participate closely, so they only had a superficial view. But Master Sun was a witness from beginning to end, and what he said was so vivid and emotional that it made people feel as if they were there.

After hearing this, Sun Yu regretted it even more.

Minister Sun's expression became complicated. He asked again uncertainly about the list of guests who came today. After getting those familiar names, he couldn't help but sigh, "Mr. Jiang is really close to Huaiyi."

Is this the extent to which he treats his own son? No, Mr. Jiang has never used his connections to help his own son. If he was willing to help him, that young Mr. Jiang would not be just a county magistrate, struggling to gain experience in the local area.

Hearing this, Third Master Sun agreed deeply and blurted out, "He is more dedicated than Second Brother, the master."

Sun Yu, "..."

Are you thinking he's not regretful enough and want to stab him again?

Minister Sun smiled and said, "Your second brother is also very attentive, otherwise he would not have let you go. However, every man has his own strengths and weaknesses. Your second brother's connections are not in the literary circle, so he is powerless."

Uncle Sun realized that what he had just said was too hurtful and quickly apologized.

Sun Yu waved his hand, not really caring, "What is their impression of Huai Yi?"

Master Sun San said excitedly, "It's great. Everyone praised it. I'm also grateful for it."

Minister Sun asked curiously, "Is that bookstore really as unique as it is said to be?"

Third Master Sun nodded vigorously. "There is no other place like this in the whole capital. When you are here, you can't help but want to sit down and read. Even if it is a slightly boring imperial examination book, it seems like a kind of enjoyment. It is beautiful and elegant. To be honest, if I hadn't been thinking about reporting to you and my second brother, I wouldn't want to leave there..."

"What about books?"

As a bookstore, no matter how beautifully and elegantly it is decorated, its essence is still books. The wide variety of books, the wonderful content, and the fact that they can truly benefit students are the key factors that determine whether it can succeed.

"There are many kinds of books, almost all those available on the market are available. There are also many rare and unique books given by others. Huaiyi also prints them for sale. Some of them are not even in our study. When my son has time, he can go and take a closer look and buy those that are not in our study."

"Well, okay..."

"There are also some books annotated by Mr. Jiang himself. They are most popular among students. I heard that they were sold out in a short time."

"Oh, the book annotated by Mr. Jiang? It must be helpful to students. Before, many people could not find it. Who would have thought that now..."

Third Master Sun took over the conversation and said with some envy, "Mr. Jiang really gave his heart and soul for Huaiyi."

He not only used his connections to support him, but also contributed his own books and knowledge to help him gain fame and fortune. Even his own father might not be able to do this. Besides, Mr. Jiang is such a noble and aloof person, it is particularly rare and sincere for him to be able to do this.

He sighed again in confusion, "Why on earth does Mr. Jiang treat Huaiyi like this?"

Sun Yu said quietly, "It's because my apprentice is so popular."

Otherwise, he wouldn't have wanted to take him in as his disciple the first time he saw him.

Third Master Sun laughed dryly a few times, "Second brother, what you said makes sense. Second brother was very lucky to have a good eye for talent!"

After saying this, he was afraid that his second brother would bully him again, so he quickly changed the subject, took out the souvenirs, and placed them on the paper like presenting a treasure.

Four books, a stack of bookmarks, and a wooden box containing a high-end version of the calligraphy practice set.

"This is?"

"Huai Yi's return gift to the guests was really something. No one paid much attention to it at first, but after they opened it and took a look, everyone was stunned. This return gift really touched everyone's heart and was extremely precious."

Even the most ordinary bookmark is so exquisite that people can play with it and appreciate it and can't put it down.

As for the other two items, they were a bit explosive, especially the calligraphy set. After Minister Sun personally took up the pen and tried it, his expression became solemn.


Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like