BSI Chapter 1 Du Niang
Chapter 1 Du Niang
The fourth year of the Yuan You era, the year was Ji Si.
Bianjing (Kaifeng)
In late spring, after a long drought, the first rain fell. The sky was a grayish-white, and the rain was fine and dense. People in straw raincoats and bamboo hats walked side by side with oil-paper umbrellas on the street. Mud splashed up when they stepped on the ground, spreading out dark water stains on the hem of their cloth shirts.
The teahouse that Shen Zhong'an was looking for was hidden on the west side of the entrance to Lushi Alley in the southeast corner of Daxiangguo Temple. It didn't even have a proper signboard; there was only a faded blue cloth curtain hanging above the door, with a blurry character for "tea" embroidered on the corner.
He closed his umbrella, lifted the curtain, and went straight to the low table in the inner room. He sat down against the wall and gently placed the booklet, which was wrapped tightly in layers of oiled paper, on the corner of the table.
Before half an incense stick had burned, the curtain of the teahouse was gently lifted again, and a tall, thin man walked in.
Wearing a soft headscarf and a slightly worn blue cloth robe, with faint fine lines at the corners of his eyes, large knuckles, and calluses on his fingertips from years of holding a pen, he was clearly a talented man who made a living by writing storybooks and traveling around theaters and book clubs. People in the city did not call him by his name, but called him Mr. Zhou.
After stopping opposite Shen Zhong'an, Mr. Zhou bowed slightly and lowered his voice, saying, "Are you... Bai Xiaosheng?"
Yesterday, a note came from the secondhand bookstore, saying that they had a newly compiled storybook and wanted to have it presented at the book club. They were willing to discuss the purchase price, only asking for the pseudonym "Bai Xiaosheng" and not asking for the author's name or origin.
Mr. Zhou had been a member of the book club for many years and had met many down-on-their-luck writers who preferred to remain anonymous, so he was not surprised and arrived as scheduled.
"Exactly!" Shen Zhong'an nodded in return and gestured for him to sit down.
The tea server came and served two bowls of tea, bowed and left. Mr. Zhou took a sip of tea and spoke first.
"You sent word through someone that you have a newly compiled storybook and wish to have it presented at a book club?"
"Exactly..." Shen Zhong'an pushed the oil paper package on the corner of the table in front of Mr. Zhou. "This book is titled 'Du Shiniang Angrily Sinks the Treasure Chest,' which tells the story of Du Shiniang, a famous courtesan in the capital's brothel, who, after leaving the profession, met an unworthy man, was despised despite her deep affection, and ultimately threw herself into the river with her treasures."
Mr. Zhou peeled back the layers of oiled paper, held the storybook in his hands, and slowly flipped through it. After reading only a few lines, he nodded frequently.
The text is neither classical nor vernacular; it is well-structured, easy to read, and cleverly crafted, far superior to many poorly made versions available on the market.
"It's a good book..." Mr. Zhou exclaimed as he closed the book. "It has grievances and affections, sorrow and hatred. People in brothels love this kind of thing the most."
"The Sangjiawa Book Society is trustworthy, but the rules still need to be stated upfront..."
Shen Zhong'an showed no awareness of needing anything from others and directly made his request:
"What I have granted the Book Club is only the right to give oral speeches, and the Book Club is only permitted to find speakers to give speeches in theaters and teahouses. As for the right to publish, print, and sell the texts, it remains in my hands, and the Book Club may not interfere with it, nor may it delegate it to others."
"Don't worry, sir!" Mr. Zhou, who had been in this business for many years, naturally knew the rules of the trade and immediately replied, "Performance is performance, and printing is printing. The book club only handles performances and will never touch the printing of books."
"Furthermore, I do not wish to reveal my true appearance or name to others. From now on, all interactions will be conducted solely through 'Bai Xiaosheng.' If even the slightest leak is made, this article will be immediately retracted, and I will never cooperate with the book club again."
"Sir, please rest assured. The book club is very discreet. We have seen many talented people like you who do not wish to reveal their names. We would never tarnish your reputation."
With that guarantee secured, the cooperation was half complete; the remaining half depended on the conditions offered by the reading club.
"Sir, if you buy out the right to perform this excellent story in one go, the book club can pay you 1.5 million cash on the spot. After that, any tips or show fees you receive will be none of your business."
If you wish to wait for the profit sharing, we will settle accounts every five days after the event begins. However, the amount will fluctuate, and it may not be as secure as cash.
Although Mr. Zhou was unaware of Shen Zhong'an's identity, judging from his speech and behavior, he was at least a scholar who had passed the imperial examinations. Perhaps he came from a family of scholars who had fallen on hard times and had no choice but to write stories to earn money.
For these types of people, a one-time buyout is an extremely safe choice. The money and goods are exchanged, and there is no further contact, making it the least likely for their identity to be exposed.
Therefore, Mr. Zhou raised the price of the storybooks, while also subtly criticizing the revenue sharing aspect.
Shen Zhong'an was indeed short of money and did not want to reveal his identity, but he was also well aware of how strong the long-tail effect of the story "Du Shiniang" was, that people were still performing the story a thousand years later.
Buying out a company is a short-sighted move.
As for the possibility of his identity being exposed, that's just needless worry.
If a storybook isn't popular, no one will care who the author is; if a storybook is very popular, as long as it doesn't criticize the government, even if royalty wants to get to the bottom of things, the book club can mediate and find ways to cover up their identity.
"There's no need to buy it outright; we'll follow the usual practice of splitting profits and still entrust the old bookstore to deliver the message."
Shen Zhong'an's words meant that Mr. Zhou's plan had failed, but Mr. Zhou was not worried but happy, and his smile became even wider.
Ordinary writers who prefer to remain anonymous often seek the security of a one-time buyout. Those who actively choose to share the profits either have great confidence in their own work or have a follow-up manuscript to submit. In either case, it is a good thing for the book association.
"Rest assured, sir! We will proceed according to the agreed-upon terms! Every ten days, I will have the secondhand bookstore deliver the account book, clearly stating the number of performances, the tips, and the share of the earnings. There will be absolutely no concealment!"
Verbal agreements must eventually be put in writing; only those in black and white are valid.
Mr. Zhou took out his brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, made a few minor revisions to the prepared document, and handed it to Shen Zhong'an for review once the ink had dried slightly.
After confirming that there were no errors or omissions, Shen Zhong'an took out a goose feather from his pocket, dipped the end in ink, and wrote the name "Bai Xiaosheng" in a neat and orderly manner, without any intention of calligraphy.
Mr. Zhou simply assumed that Shen Zhong'an had devised this strange way of writing to avoid revealing his identity, and he marveled at it inwardly without any other thoughts.
"Sir, please rest assured, the performance will begin in three to five days, and before long, 'Du Shiniang Angrily Sinks the Treasure Chest' will surely become famous throughout Bianliang!"
"Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Zhou."
After leaving the teahouse, Shen Zhong'an did not go straight back to his residence. Instead, he wandered around the East Market for several hours, found a small stall and ate a bone soup for ten coins, and then browsed Rong Liulang's bookstore for a while before leisurely returning home.
His so-called home was nothing more than a monk's cell rented at Xingguo Temple outside Chenzhou Gate, which was only a hundred steps away from Chenzhou Gate and a twenty-minute walk from Xiangguo Temple. The rent was five hundred cash a month. Most of the people who came and went were candidates going to the capital for the imperial examinations and officials waiting for their turn. There were few idle people from the city. For a poor candidate like Shen Zhong'an, who was waiting for his turn to take the imperial examinations, it was the perfect choice.
Pushing open the creaking wooden door, a figure dressed in a blue robe was standing under the corridor waiting. It was Wang Jingming, Shen Zhong'an's classmate in the same examination.
"Zhong'an, I've finally found you."
Wang Jingming, carrying three thin volumes, immediately cupped his hands and smiled upon seeing Shen Zhong'an return.
"Knowing that you are going to the Ministry of Personnel to register for a temporary post, these three books, 'Official Document Format,' 'Registration Regulations,' and 'Tax and Rent Book Format,' are essential official documents for selecting officials. I have an extra set at home, so I'm sending them to you to help you deal with the inquiries during the registration process."
"I thank Brother Jingming for his kindness. I was just worried about where to find these books, and I never expected Brother Jingming to come and help me in my time of need!" Shen Zhong'an bowed in thanks before accepting the three books. He then asked with concern, "I heard the other day that Brother Jingming was going to take the examination for elementary school scholars in the capital. I wonder how it went?"
Primary schools in Beijing only admitted children aged eight to twelve. They were affiliated with the Imperial Academy's lower-level elementary schools and were considered desirable positions by most successful candidates in the imperial examinations.
However, this position was extremely rare, and one needed the recommendation of two court officials to be eligible for the examination for academic officials. The examination for academic officials was divided into an examination of skills and an oral examination, which was personally conducted by the Director of the Imperial Academy. There was no room for ambiguity.
"Hahaha!" Shen Zhong'an's question elicited a burst of laughter from Wang Jingming. "He barely passed the examination for academic officials and is just waiting for the imperial edict to appoint him to his post!"
"Congratulations, Brother Jingming! Teaching at a primary school in the capital is a peaceful and stable job, truly a wonderful position. Zhong'an congratulates you on achieving your wish." Shen Zhong'an quickly cupped his hands in congratulations.
"There's no need for your congratulations; on the contrary, I don't understand you."
Wang Jingming waved his hand, a sigh crossing his face.
"Zhong'an, you and I are both Jinshi graduates. Although being a primary school teacher in the capital is not a high-ranking official position, it is still much better than being a mere acting registrar."
The position of Assistant Registrar is filled with miscellaneous tasks, with a meager salary and low status. He deals with trivial documents, tax records, and other trivial matters every day. Why bother?
Why don't you come with me to the primary school in Beijing? We can look after each other.
"Brother Jingming, you think too highly of me..." Shen Zhong'an shook his head repeatedly, "A primary school in the capital is a coveted position, something a student from out of town like me can only dream of..."
"Brother Zhong'an, how can you be so self-deprecating!" Wang Jingming interrupted unhappily. "I know your talent better than anyone else; it's no less than mine. It's just that you've been unlucky and ended up in the top five..."
"I appreciate Brother Jingming's kindness."
Seeing that Wang Jingming was getting more and more excited, Shen Zhong'an quickly raised his voice to interrupt him.
"It's just that I'm slow-witted and not good at teaching children. Instead, I'm somewhat interested in paperwork and official documents. Although being appointed as the registrar is tedious, it will be a good opportunity to gain experience."
"Alright, alright, I can't argue with you on this matter. Since Brother Zhong'an has made up his mind, then congratulations on securing a leisurely and easy position as a regent!"
"I appreciate your kind words, Brother Jingming."
Shen Zhong'an invited Wang Jingming into his house for tea. Wang Jingming knew that Shen Zhong'an had been living a carefree life lately and didn't have much money left. He said frankly that there was nothing good about plain tea. He would only enjoy drinking to his heart's content when Shen Zhong'an became the acting governor. He then took his leave without giving Shen Zhong'an a chance to stay.
After seeing Wang Jingming off, Shen Zhong'an returned to his room, closed the door, picked up a glass of water that had long since gone cold from the table, drank it all in one gulp, carefully recalled his words and actions just now, and only after confirming that he could not find any wrongdoing did he finally let out a long sigh of relief, and the tense nerves in his mind slowly relaxed.
Shen Zhong'an was not a native of the Song Dynasty. Five days ago, on an ordinary night, after falling asleep and waking up, he became Shen Zhong'an, a newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the fourth year of the Yuan You era, in the body of someone with the same name.
The original owner was quite talented. He entered school at the age of six, mastered the classics at the age of ten, passed the provincial examination at the age of twelve, and went to the capital to take the imperial examination at the age of fourteen. He failed the examination in the sixth year of Yuanfeng and the first year of Yuanyou, but finally passed the imperial examination this year.
Although he was a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), he still had to stay in the capital for at least two years before he could obtain an official position. But at least he had overcome the most crucial hurdle.
Whether it was his nature or because he had been suppressing his feelings for too long, he was captivated by the dazzling world of Bianliang just over ten days after the palace examination ended.
Fearing that people would recognize him as a country bumpkin scholar, he bought two bolts of silk and made a new long gown and a new headscarf.
Despite being short of money, they still try to eat something new every day, and one meal is equivalent to half a month's worth of food in the past.
The storytelling, variety shows, shadow plays, and entertainment in the theaters and brothels were all novel and exciting, and I never missed a single performance.
As the successful candidates in the imperial examinations of the capital flocked to renowned shops, they devoured every new edition of calligraphy copybook and anthologies of famous writers, and frequently gathered at taverns for small get-togethers...
In just over ten days, all the money he had saved from copying books, the small amount of travel expenses he received from fellow villagers, and the small congratulatory gifts he received from local officials after passing the imperial examination were spent on new clothes, food and drink, teahouses, theaters, taverns, social engagements, and other miscellaneous pastimes.
He didn't inquire about the Ministry of Personnel's appointment, nor did he try to get into the Imperial Academy. He didn't secure an official position, but he spent all his money first.
If it weren't for the fact that the rent for monks' rooms at Xingguo Temple is paid monthly and there are still half a month left before the due date, they would probably have been kicked out long ago.
When Shen Zhong'an, who had transmigrated, opened his eyes, he was faced with this mess.
Worse still, although it inherited the original owner's memories, the original owner's knowledge was lost along with the original owner.
Although Shen Zhong'an is a doctoral student in history, the imperial examination system in the Northern Song Dynasty and the later system of advancing to higher education were clearly two different systems.
Even if Shen Zhong'an could be described as well-versed in ancient and modern knowledge, it would be an impossible task for him to personally write a treatise on classical texts and strategies.
Without the original owner's knowledge, Shen Zhong'an had the title of Jinshi but not the knowledge of a Jinshi. Putting aside the selection examination two years later, he could only reluctantly find an excuse to decline the position of a primary school teacher that the original owner had asked Wang Jingming to find, which made Wang Jingming so angry that he stormed off.
Living off one's savings is not a good strategy. Copying books for bookstores can only solve the immediate problem, and it is by no means a long-term solution.
After carefully reviewing the original owner's memories several times and spending two days exploring the unfamiliar yet familiar Bianjing, Shen Zhong'an finally calmed down and selected "Du Shiniang," a timeless masterpiece that did not discuss politics, imperial power, or violate etiquette, from countless excellent works of later generations. He then wrote it as a storybook and asked someone in an old bookstore to deliver a letter to the book club to discuss cooperation.
Now that the story has been delivered, the next step is not only to wait for the story to be read and published by the storyteller, but also to find a proper job.
He couldn't be a primary school teacher, he couldn't write for others, he didn't have the money to buy land or run businesses, he had no connections for a government post, and becoming a secretary was not an option for the time being, so the only thing left to consider was the position of acting official.
The capital region is a crucial area, and the frequency of official transfers, mourning periods, family avoidance, and probationary transfers is far higher than in other counties. On average, each county has two to three vacancies per year, and as many as seven or eight, which cannot wait for the Ministry of Personnel to uniformly appoint officials.
However, these vacant official positions are usually minor posts with low pay, low rank, tedious work, and no real power, such as registrar, county lieutenant, supervisor, judicial officer, and registrar.
Such vacant positions are looked down upon by those of high status, unsuitable for those without status, and undesirable for those with money. Only poor scholars who have no money or connections and are forced into this situation would be willing to take them.
However, holding the position of acting governor is not without its advantages: it provides half a salary, is close to the capital, allows for quick promotion, and allows one to accumulate seniority.
Most importantly, with the identity of the acting official, even if someone later discovers that he was writing stories, it can be seen as a form of entertainment during his spare time, and it will not affect his identity.