Chapter 184 1/2

Jiang’an Province is extremely wealthy, and the provincial capital is home to many affluent individuals.

Additionally, there are a large number of scholars in the provincial capital.

This time last year, people in the provincial capital didn’t know who Li Qingzhi was. However, since his article was published in Anjiang Literary Collection before the provincial examination, Li Qingzhi’s fame in the capital has grown significantly.

Not only did he top three consecutive exams, but his articles have also been featured in Anjiang Literary Collection over the past few months!

The scholars in the provincial capital have come to recognize Li Qingzhi’s scholarship.

Moreover, the books Li Qingzhi previously wrote, featuring characters like Magistrate Gou and Governor Zhang, have also made their way to the provincial capital.

Many scholars, after reading these books, quite liked them. However, since these books are essentially light reading, they enjoyed them privately without much public fanfare.

And now… Li Qingzhi has written a new book?

A book he wrote specifically for his children, meant to educate them?

In this era, scholars highly value their own learning and the education of their children.

Who wouldn’t want a son like Li Qingzhi?

So… Li Qingzhi’s new book is a must-read.

It might just contain his methods for raising children!

And upon reading it… these stories are truly excellent!

“The stories in this Collection of Children’s Stories are quite insightful!”

“These stories are indeed suitable for children!”

“I must buy a copy!”

“I want a copy too!”

…

The Shen Family Bookstore didn’t price the book very high, and it even contained illustrations!

The children at home would definitely love it, so people eagerly spent money to buy it, planning to take it home for their children to read.

Of course, before that, they would read it themselves first!

Entertainment was quite scarce in this era, and even adults enjoyed the stories in Li Qingzhi’s collection.

Governor Zhang, upon receiving a complimentary copy from the Shen Family, would peruse it during his leisure time for entertainment. Steward Li, who could recognize a few characters, also liked the book very much. After reading The Magic Brush of Ma Liang, he even wanted to learn how to paint…

As for the children who got their hands on the book…

They rarely had access to storybooks. They would listen with great interest when their teacher told them stories like “Meng Mu Moves Three Times,” so with the release of this storybook…

They loved it and remembered the name “Li Qingzhi.”

The Shen Family Bookstore printed many copies of the book, selling it not only in the provincial capital but also in other places like Hexing Prefecture and Chongcheng County.

Li Qingzhi’s earlier books had already spread throughout Hexing Prefecture!

Not only had most scholars recommended and read them, but even the common folk had heard storytellers recount them.

Now, with the release of Collection of Children’s Stories… literate individuals rushed to buy the book, while the common folk… had the storytellers narrate it to them.

“The books written by Li Xiucai must be good.”

“That’s not necessarily true. I heard these books are meant for children.”

“Just because they’re meant for children doesn’t mean adults can’t enjoy them, right?”

…

Stories meant for children are definitely enjoyable for adults too. Some storytellers bought the books and started telling the stories to people right away, vividly narrating them after reading the books themselves…

In the capital, the common people were immediately drawn to stories like The Magic Brush of Ma Liang.

It was the same in Chongcheng County!

With more and more boats docking on this side of the new pier, more shops were opening up.

Initially, Zhu’s restaurant wasn’t doing well, but business started picking up…

Qian Changsheng slowly made his way forward, step by careful step, cautiously entering the restaurant.

As soon as he stepped in, he overheard someone praising the deliciousness of the spicy duck from Juewei Zaifang: “Although Juewei Zaifang’s spicy duck is expensive, it’s extremely delicious, the best duck I’ve ever tasted in my life!”

Another person countered, “From what I know, that spicy duck isn’t that tasty… You’re foolish to spend so much money on it!”

“You… You’re just sour grapes! Yes, just like what Li Xiucai wrote, ‘sour grapes’! ”

The two argued, but when the storyteller tapped the copper plate in front of him with chopsticks, everyone quieted down and continued listening to his stories.

The storyteller said, “I just mentioned ‘sour grapes,’ now let me tell you a story about ‘The Thirsty Crow’…”

Everyone listened attentively.

Qian Changsheng found a seat and sat down slowly, also listening to the storyteller.

His movements were always slow because if he hurried even a little, his heart would thump in his chest as if it wanted to leap out.

According to the doctor, he had a heart problem and couldn’t exert himself; he had to take good care of himself.

But even with proper care, he might not live long.

Most of the time, he stayed at home, and his family wouldn’t even let him step out.

He felt life was meaningless, but if he were gone, his parents would definitely be devastated…

So, he wanted to live.

But now, he could go out!

Not long ago, he found out his cousin was still alive, and Qian Changsheng felt a sense of relief.

He was the only younger generation in the Qian family, but his health was poor… The pressure on him was immense.

Now that he had a healthy cousin… that was really great. He didn’t have to worry about his parents being too sad after he passed away!

After leaving home with his aunt and mother, they encountered the “bandits” arranged by his uncle and pretended to be dead…

During that time, he experienced things he had never experienced before.

He found it very interesting!

His aunt and mother were worried he would be frightened, but he didn’t feel scared at all; instead, he was somewhat excited.

He enjoyed such experiences; they made him feel… his life wasn’t lived in vain.

And now, he unexpectedly encountered his cousin in this restaurant…

Qian Changsheng was curious about his cousin.

He had seen his cousin when he was young, but he didn’t remember what he looked like.

But recently, he had heard a lot of things about his cousin and even read Collection of Children’s Stories.

The book was really interesting, and his cousin was indeed a very capable person.

Qian Changsheng had already read the book, but he still eagerly listened to the storyteller’s tales.

It was at this moment that Li Qingzhi arrived, and as soon as he did, he noticed Qian Changsheng.

Qian Changsheng resembled Qian Fugui somewhat, and his sickly appearance immediately made Li Qingzhi recognize him.

He knew Qian Changsheng wasn’t in good health, and now seeing him… was the child’s heart condition acting up?

Li Qingzhi walked into the restaurant, and immediately, someone recognized him: “Li Xiucai is here!”

“It’s Li Xiucai!”

“Li Xiucai, the stories you wrote are really enjoyable!”

…

The people in the restaurant looked excitedly at Li Qingzhi.

Li Qingzhi smiled and chatted with them, found an empty table, and ordered some dishes.

As soon as he sat down, Qian Changsheng walked over. “Mr. Li, I’ve heard of your reputation for a long time!”

The two pretended not to know each other and started chatting.

People around didn’t find it strange.

Scholars often hit it off once they started chatting after meeting!

As they chatted, Li Qingzhi invited Qian Changsheng to visit the Chongcheng Primary School he founded.

Qian Changsheng readily agreed.

And so, the two of them left the restaurant together.

Chongcheng Primary School was very close to this side of the new pier, so they could just walk there, and that’s what Li Qingzhi did.