Chapter Forty-Four: Orchid Laurel Bookshop, First Arrival at Elegant Court!

Chen Nanxing was exceptionally enthusiastic, almost overly familiar, leaving Han Fu at a loss for how to respond.

"You also struck Zhao Ziqian?" Han Fu asked in surprise, unable to suppress a smile.

"Kicking a dog when it's down, you know. I have to admit—it was thoroughly satisfying." Chen Nanxing laughed heartily, then said, "There's no need to wait for a better day. Since fate has brought us together again, why not enjoy a drink in good company? Come, I am in high spirits today and will host a banquet in your honor."

Without giving Han Fu a chance to refuse, Chen Nanxing grabbed his sleeve and pulled him outside, saying as he did, "And I'll introduce you to a friend as well."

"Hold on, Chen," Han Fu said, planting his feet firmly. "I have business here. If we’re to drink, let me finish first; it won’t take long."

Aside from that literary gathering, this was truly their first encounter.

As a son-in-law, few had ever wished to befriend him—none, in fact, until now.

He didn't know Chen Nanxing's background, but it was certainly one of wealth or influence.

Someone willing to lower himself to make friends with him was rare indeed, so naturally Han Fu wouldn't refuse.

Living in Dingxing, he needed to integrate into the upper circles to gain a full grasp of Xu Dynasty's affairs.

If he stayed only within the Zhou family and never interacted with others, it would be like seeing the world through a narrow crack—contrary to his intentions.

"What business?" Chen Nanxing asked, turning back in puzzlement. Then he waved his hand grandly. "Are you here to buy books? There are plenty here. Which one do you want? I’ll have it delivered to Zhou Residence later."

Han Fu shook his head. "Not books. I’m here..."

"Master!"

Two figures approached briskly, one old, one young.

The younger was the attendant from earlier; the older must be the manager of the bookstore.

The elder walked up respectfully to Chen Nanxing.

Han Fu was taken aback.

So young, yet the owner of Orchid Laurel Bookstore?

"Manager, this distinguished guest wishes to sell his manuscript," the attendant said.

Before the manager could reply, Chen Nanxing asked in surprise, "You’re here to sell a manuscript?"

Han Fu nodded and smiled. "Just something I wrote in my spare time. Rather than let it gather dust, I might as well earn a little."

"I see." Chen Nanxing nodded in understanding, then turned and ordered, "Manager Cai, no matter how many manuscripts Han brings, accept them without question."

Manager Cai bowed. "I understand, sir."

Such generosity... Han Fu couldn’t help but marvel, shaking his head. "You misunderstand, Chen. I’m not here to sell outright, but to propose a profit split."

"Profit split?" Chen Nanxing was startled. "What do you mean?"

Han Fu pondered for a moment, then said succinctly, "We'll divide any profits, fifty-fifty."

Wouldn’t that mean sharing profits month after month, year after year?

---

Manager Cai hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back.

Chen Nanxing, however, was unconcerned. He smiled. "Agreed. You call the shots, Han. Quick—hand the manuscript to Manager Cai, and let’s go enjoy ourselves."

Han Fu produced two stories from his coat, handing them to Manager Cai. "Two tales for now. There should be more in the future."

Though writing for profit wasn’t his true aim, Han Fu didn’t want to be shortchanged.

If he only received a small fee and the rest became none of his concern, the effort would feel pointless.

He had expected that negotiating this sort of partnership would take much discussion, maybe even fail.

But Chen Nanxing, with his wealth and boldness, agreed without a second thought.

It saved much trouble.

As for how many tales he’d eventually write, Han Fu had no idea.

Perhaps he’d abandon the project halfway, leaving readers lamenting.

It was, after all, just a pastime.

Manager Cai accepted the manuscript, and Chen Nanxing urged, "Come, Han."

Han Fu nodded, smiling. "Such hospitality I dare not refuse."

"Hahaha... Your feat today commands admiration. To drink with you, Han, is my good fortune." Chen Nanxing laughed and beckoned, striding out of Orchid Laurel Bookstore.

On the first floor, two burly men followed closely behind.

Chen Nanxing lowered his voice. "My wife’s family keeps these strongmen. Officially, they protect me; in truth, they monitor me, lest I seek pleasures outside. Ah... being a son-in-law is no easy task."

"You’re a son-in-law too?" Han Fu asked in surprise.

Chen Nanxing shrugged. "Genuine article."

Inside Orchid Laurel Bookstore, Manager Cai watched them leave, then looked down at the manuscript.

His gaze lingered on the handwriting—and he froze.

As a manager steeped in books, his eye was keen, and he instantly saw something unique.

"This handwriting... I've never seen its like. It stands as its own school. Master is indeed wise."

The journey wasn’t far, so Han Fu and Chen Nanxing walked, chatting as they went, the strongmen trailing behind.

Chen Nanxing was the more animated, speaking at length; Han Fu mostly listened.

"You may not know, Han, but my father is a powerful merchant, wealthy as a small nation. Yet merchants are looked down upon, despised by all. Without backing, destruction could come in an instant. For the sake of the family’s legacy, I married into the Marquis Kui’s household."

"When I wed, my father handed all Dingxing’s businesses to me as compensation. Fifty or sixty shops, perhaps."

"I feel an instant kinship with you, Han. Tonight, we must drink ourselves into oblivion."

"Haha... Born to merchants, now a son-in-law, I’m scorned everywhere in Dingxing. Especially by those self-styled scholars—I’ve long grown weary of them."

---

"Today, thanks to you, I gave Zhao Ziqian a taste of his own medicine. Feels great. In that sense, Han, you’ve done me a favor. Haha..."

"In all of Dingxing, I have but one true friend. I’ll introduce you shortly."

"He’s of noble birth, yet not bound by convention. Never once has he looked down on my status. Even the beggars in the street—he treats them without disdain. If temperament matches, he’ll make friends with anyone."

"Imagine—a grandson of the current Grand Marshal, with beggar friends. Can you believe it?"

"Grand Marshal’s grandson?" Han Fu was astonished.

The Grand Marshal was a first-rank official.

Grand Marshal, Grand Commander, and Grand Tutor made up the Three Excellencies.

Their status was supreme, the pinnacle of officialdom.

Though the Xu Dynasty had abolished the Three Excellencies and Nine Ministers system, the Grand Marshal’s post was now honorary—but not just anyone could receive such distinction.

From what Han Fu had learned recently, among the Three Excellencies, only the Grand Marshal remained; the other two posts were vacant.

Xiao Enke—an elder of three reigns, distinguished by merit, now retired with the title of Grand Marshal.

When Han Fu first learned of him, he had grumbled in private.

"Yes, Xiao Youchai," Chen Nanxing nodded. "He’s unconventional and irreverent, but a friend worth knowing. Oh..."

Chen Nanxing suddenly turned back. "Go to Zhou Residence and tell them Han and I have hit it off. We’re drinking tonight, so we’ll be home late."

The two strongmen exchanged a glance; one departed, the other stayed to follow.

Han Fu smiled. "You’re thoughtful, Chen."

Chen Nanxing spread his hands helplessly. "A son-in-law must be prudent in all things."

Han Fu smiled but said nothing.

He didn’t know much about Chen Nanxing.

For himself, the Zhou family wasn’t strict—he could return late without notifying anyone, and it wouldn’t matter.

A little further, and they arrived at Elegant Garden.

As soon as they entered, the madam of the house hurried toward them.

Heavily made up, still charming, her hips swayed like a water snake as she walked.

"Young Master Chen, you’re finally here. Young Master Xiao hasn’t slept for a day and a night—he’s already gone through five girls. Please, persuade him. I fear for his safety; if something happens, hundreds in this little establishment will be ruined..."