Vol 2 Chapter 96 (1/2)
Chapter 96: Danbo Bookstore
Whether Fan Xian wanted it or not, he was showered with congratulations Perhaps they were seeking a rare opportunity to get closer to Minister Fan, or perhaps they knew that the Eranted Fan Xian the title of Functionary of Taichang Temple and that someone in the palace was soon to be married So they caain face, all sending their subordinates with ratulations Even the estates of the princes sent people bearing gifts Dongchuan Road was filled with sedan chairs, and the sound of praise sprang up everywhere, with gift boxes quickly filling up the drawing room
The people on the street gathered round and watched in astonish on in a bookshop, this Fan Xian—a master of the pen and the sword—ht And the best part of the opening was that froain be harassed by those shady figures from the criminal underworld, and rarely would there be troubles with officials either
Fan Xian watched the situation cal that most of them had come for his father's sake Fortunately, the bookstore itself was reat importance, so they only stayed for a brief chat, explained which house they represented, and went on their way After those people left, there was still sonificent Fan fa in such a business? They ious work
At that , finally arrived The people on the street ere aware of his identity all saluted hiance of a relative of the E winds, and he looked particularly cultured
”That Danbo Bookstore sure is so,” said a couple of people on the street, curious as they watched him enter the store
”Prince Jing's estate and the Fan faood relations, didn't you know?” came the reply
Seeing that he had arrived, Fan Xian felt slightly worried He was gentle as a spring breeze, yet willing to compete with the Second Prince What kind of person was the Second Prince? He s out of his head He stepped outside to greet him He still wanted to have a si
After they had both gone inside the quiet store, Li Hongcheng looked at the decor and gasped in admiration ”It looks like you've spent quite a lot”
”Just 1,700 taels of silver,” said Fan Xian, pouring him a cup of tea ”It's a s that would catch the Crown Prince's eye”
Li Hongcheng accepted the tea, shaking his head ”The Fan fa money Every court bureaucrat knows that It's just that Count Sinanyour own money It's not the same at all”
Fan Xian laughed ”When you'remoney, you always have to pay taxes to the state Even if you keep soo to waste in your hands If you go out and spend it, and you care about other people's businesses, then other people's businesses will do well And the state will receive more in taxes So noas it earns oes to the royal faoes back to the common people”
Li Hongcheng was a little confused, but it seemed like he understood ”That's quite a claim,” he said in admiration, ”but it seericulture and restrained coe in such
a business Perhaps you have no intention of following an official career”
Fan Xian felt embarrassed In his previous life, before he had fallen ill, he had tried and failed his political economy exam a number of times It was just idle chatter Why did it now ed the topic ”All right, no more talk of official careers I've only written torks of doggerel, it's not like I' the imperial examinations”
Li Hongcheng had long been perturbed by Fan Xian's strength of character He finally took out his fan in front of hi his neck He serel, hoill the people at the Ie survive? Look, there must be a number of students outside ant to pay their respects to the poet Fan Xian If it weren't for your fa the way, it wouldn't be nearly so quiet in here”
Fan Xian looked anxious ”Those students frorandpa, but they're still called students It's really difficult to bear”
Li Hongcheng laughed and pointed his fan at him as he spoke ”Look at your face; so worried Even if I' you, you always take it so seriously You really are an interesting fellow”
Fan Xian rolled his eyes What was interesting about him? ”This time I must trouble the prince with a request,” he said ”When may I visit yourwas taken aback But then he realized that the young man did not know that he had already met his father He s for the joke that he would later play on Fan Xian ”Whenever you'd like to visit You don't need to have my permission”
Li Hongcheng, Crown Prince Jing, had always felt that Fan Xian seeested It wasn't that he didn't care hoas perceived by others, but at the very least he was always exceptionally calm He had alanted to break that calht, I forgot to congratulate you”
Fan Xian was taken aback He wasn't sure what he had to be congratulated about
Li Honcheng stood up ”Congratulations on being na Temple It is wonderful news We should have some celebratory drinks”