My book friend Long Aotian

Chapter 176: Well done, it's mine now

Therefore, the Caobang immediately began the work of one-to-one precise replication.

Upon learning that the Tongwen Bureau had begun planning a venue and purchasing supplies, Yunhuatang began to spend money to plan a larger venue and purchase more supplies, determined to surpass the original in terms of scale and volume!

According to the successful experience of Erfang Tengshu, if a fake wants to be better than the genuine product, it must first... have a loud voice!

He invested resources generously and began to continuously build momentum and publicity in Huazhou.

It doesn't matter that Li Bailong controls the newspaper.

Restaurants, teahouses, docks, streets, alleys... the roots of the Cao Gang extend infinitely through the grassroots Cao workers. As long as you are willing to spend money, your voice can spread!

In just two days, the storytelling variety show organized by Qu Shiwen Club spread throughout the streets and alleys.

Test yourself on the plot of the vernacular novel. If you answer correctly, you will get money.

The Cao Gang controlled the most extensive publicity channels and was willing to spend money. In comparison, the Tongwen Bureau's genuine variety show publicity made almost no splash except for some noise in the first two days.

After all, your bonus is not as much as others!

"I now understand the feelings of those small sects and chambers of commerce that were bullied by my second uncle."

Ma Fulong looked at the report and said to Ling Daoren with a smile: "I feel a little sorry for Li Bailong."

The hall master's good mood only lasted for two days.

The next night, bad news suddenly came.

"The Tongwen Bureau has taken action!" Taoist Ling reported, "They have arrested Zheng Xiuyuan again!"

The Cao Gang and Li Bailong went to war, and since Zheng Xiuyuan had already placed his bet in advance, he would definitely follow them to the end. He was the president of the Qu Shi Wen Society, and this "quiz show with prizes" was held in the name of the Qu Shi Wen Society. If Li Bailong wanted to make a move on this matter, he would definitely start with Zheng Xiuyuan.

only……

"Why is Li Bailong's dog nose so sharp?"

Ma Fulong was surprised when he heard the news: "How does he know where Zheng Xiuyuan is?"

After several battles with Li Bailong, this corrupt official had been keeping a close eye on Zheng Xiuyuan and pursuing him relentlessly, breaking into his home and arresting him more than once. In order to make up for this shortcoming, Zheng Xiuyuan had been under the arrangement and protection of the Cao Gang these days. His resting place at night was obviously very secret, so how did Li Bailong get wind of it?
After thinking for a while, Master Ma said angrily: "It's probably the work of the Lingyu Sect! Damn it, these stinky farmers and pig farmers, they train birds and insects all day long and do some spying things. Maybe the maggots in the toilet are their spies..."

He went straight to ask the gang leader who came to report the news: "Zheng Xiuyuan should have a whole batch of guards around him, how could the Tongwen Bureau succeed so easily? Was there no conflict?"

Before he could answer, someone outside came to report: "All the booksellers of the Qushiwen Society have been arrested! Not only the black dogs from the Tongwen Bureau, but also the soldiers and detectives from the government office have been dispatched!"

Taoist Ling was surprised and asked, "Why did the government take action? What crime did they arrest him on?"

"It is... it is a crime of treason!"

"??????"

It was still the Tongwen Bureau, but the booksellers had been to the palace so many times.

What’s rare is that every time he comes, Governor Li has something new to offer!
This time, it is a heinous crime punishable by the execution of nine generations of your clan!

The bookstore owners were lined up and forced to kneel in the hall. The governor and the magistrate sat on both sides of the main hall with gloomy faces. The governor sat in the main hall and slammed the gavel.

"A few days ago, people in Huazhou were saying that you had gone insane and distributed the books you had worked so hard to print to the people of Huazhou for nothing. I immediately felt something was wrong!"

Director Li had a gloomy face and said coldly, "You can take the book away by paying a low deposit, and you can get the deposit back in full when you return it... You say you are lending the book, but in fact you are giving it away for free. It is said that businessmen do not work without profit, but you businessmen are actually giving away books for free without caring about your own profits. What do you think is going on?"

The booksellers had already been trained in advance by Ma Fulong, and Li Bailong's question today was already expected.

Zheng Xiuyuan calmly replied, "In reply to your words, although we are humble merchants, we also have the heart to serve our country. I heard that you are raising funds for the collection of literature and promoting the cultural heritage of our state. I am willing to give up several months of profit and give it to the elders of Huazhou for free to show the spirit of Huazhou."

As he said this, he added in a panic, "If this is inappropriate, please let me know and stop giving away free copies immediately. I dare not cause trouble to the government office and the adults."

Li Bailong sneered in his heart.

That's why he didn't immediately intervene administratively.

Ma Fulong is not a person who is easy to deal with. Since Zheng Xiuyuan said so, if Director Li calls a halt by force, he will offend all the people in Huazhou. If the Cao Gang also stirs up trouble afterwards, troubles will ensue.

He chuckled and said slowly, "I'm afraid your motives are not so pure, right?"

Zheng Xiuyuan bowed his head and said, "The sun and the moon can testify to our hearts."

Li Bailong ignored him and just said, "I have been paying attention to the free books distribution. There are young men, young women, and children who go to your stores to grab books..."

Zheng Xiuyuan was stunned at first, then he felt something was wrong.

"You give books praising gay love to young men, which makes them hate women, hate responsibility, fear supporting a family, and resist responsibility. This will eventually lead them to rebel against their parents' orders and matchmakers' words, become awakened, and become independent. If they refuse to go out, who will give birth to the children?"

"You give your daughters books that praise beautiful love under the moonlight. Isn't this disciplining them? You brainwash these strong-willed and kind-hearted girls, force them to take responsibility and be servile, and turn good people into sluts. They have to swallow their bitterness and become machines to support their families. What is your intention?"

"No matter how young a child is, they can pay to get books from you. Let me ask you, how will the innocent souls of ignorant children be distorted after reading these books you give away for free?"

Li Bailong slammed the gavel hard, completing the sublimation of the topic.

"If this continues, what will the future of Huazhou be like? If all places are doing the same as you, what will happen? Without the next generation, who will work for the master? Who will farm for the government? Where will the tax revenue of the court be? Where will the martial arts feasts of the warriors be?"

He scolded them harshly, "You guys are just doing your own entertainment in a niche circle, but you are still not satisfied. You dare to take the initiative to show your stuff that is not worthy of being in a high-class place? You are a bunch of maggots crawling twistedly in a dark cesspool. Do you really think you can be on the stage?"

At this point, Lord Li said firmly: "Providing free reading is to shake the foundation of the country! It is endangering national security! They are worthy of death! Tell me! Did you take money from the people of Bac Ninh?"

The more Zheng Xiuyuan listened, the more shocked he became.

People always say that the word "official" has two meanings, but I have never heard of any official who is so capable of making up stories!

How did providing free reading rise to the level of destroying a country!
He quickly defended himself, "I have no such intention! How can we, the common people, have such courage?"

Director Li sneered, "I thought so too. I thought you had made a mistake and accidentally went the wrong way... Who knew that you would not only give away free copies, but also use money to win people's hearts?"

He pointed his spear at the book and cursed: "Not only do you give people free books, but you also hold a prize-winning guessing contest to lure people into reading the book carefully and savoring its evil ideas, spreading bad ideas and content, making them forget about food and sleep, stop working, stop thinking about supporting their families, stop caring about serving the country, and become obsessed with the pages of the book all day long... I dare not even think about what your purpose is!"

What the hell!

What you said... is too heartless!

Didn’t I learn that quiz show from you?

Zheng Xiuyuan was dumbfounded, thinking that the dog official no longer wanted Bilian, and quickly shouted: "I don't accept it! The variety show thing was first initiated by the Tongwen Bureau. We all yearn for it and are just following and imitating it!"

Booksellers also complained and made a fuss.

This kind of charge is so unreasonable. It was clearly you, Li Zhi, who did it first!

Damn it, if we talk about corrupting kids, isn’t the Legend of Emperor Ji Zhan Tian even worse?
While complaining, they looked at the chief officer sitting on the side.

The Tongpan and Li Bailong were in cahoots, but the prefect was not on good terms with the corrupt official. The booksellers kowtowed to the prefect and protested their injustice, hoping that Lord Shi would be able to bring justice.

But who would have thought that the prefect would have a cold face and cold eyes.

When Li Bailong heard them crying out for justice, he actually let out a mocking smile. He looked around and said to Lord Zhang and Lord Shi, "It shows that the business environment in Huazhou is very good. The bosses are making money without doing anything. They don't even have the slightest sensitivity... How dare they say such things."

The two court officials looked at the people in the hall with unfriendly expressions.

Governor Li sighed to Chairman Zheng: "Just because I can do it doesn't mean you can do it too."

What do you mean?
Zheng Xiuyuan was stunned.

Then he heard Zhang Tongpan sitting next to him said calmly: "It's good to let Mr. Zheng know that the Tongpan Hall will expand the recruitment next month and select 50 strong warriors to serve as archers. This training of soldiers is the first of its kind in the Tongpan Hall. Mr. Zheng might as well be interested in it and train a troop of soldiers as well."

President Zheng suddenly came to his senses and felt like a bucket of cold water was poured over his head.

Zhang Chun looked at the prefect and said in a sarcastic tone, "Your Excellency, Mr. Zheng and his men gave away books and silver, called on the people, and stirred up the people's hearts. Are they taking advantage of the opportunity to win people's hearts, or are they spreading bad ideas? Why don't you make a conclusion?"

Lord Shi said coldly: "This is the main office of the Tongwen Bureau, how can I have any say?"

"Spreading bad ideas to young people, intending to shake the foundation of the country, using a commoner to bribe people with huge profits, and plotting evil." Governor Li looked kind, "I think this is a serious crime of treason."

Chairman Zheng felt as if he had fallen into an icy cave.

He finally understood.

Li Bailong's point of force is so tricky!
Using free distribution as an excuse to frame someone is indeed a little insufficient, but when you add in the fact that they hosted variety shows and bribed people with money, these two things combined... can really make the matter more serious!
The booksellers were awakened from their dreams, filled with shock and anger. They never expected that Aaron would actually do this!

Then some timid people lost their temper and shouted, "That's not the intention! This was also ordered by the Cao Gang..."

Li Bailong raised his hand.

Nalan Wenbo, who was standing nearby, wrote down his thoughts and said calmly, "Boss Song accused the Cao Gang of treason."

"..."

The open, transparent, objective and fair trial is continuing.

Ma Fulong and others who hurried to Tongwen Yamen were stopped.

"The Lord is trying the case. If the Hall Master has anything to do, please wait."

Master Ma found it difficult to force his way in and was in a state of confusion.

He vaguely knew what Li Bailong was going to do.

——Damn it! Those booksellers are as timid as mice and have no backing. They will definitely be frightened by the corrupt officials!
In the Tongwen Bureau, Director Li made a final decision and was too lazy to even argue with the booksellers.

"This case has been transferred to the government office and reported to the court. We will jointly state the details of what happened."

He said to his two colleagues, "Put them in shackles and escort them to the capital in prisoner carts tomorrow. We will search their homes and seal off their shops first."

At this moment, Shi Fuzun suddenly sighed, his face showing reluctance: "There is nothing wrong with the procedure of the governor's actions, but if this happens, the literary world of Huazhou will suffer a catastrophe. If such a crime is made, the families of the people in the hall will be in danger... Can you raise your hand and let them correct their mistakes after realizing their mistakes?"

He leaned forward and said earnestly, "Even if there is no problem with the procedure and the charges, what they did is almost the same as what the governor did. If it gets out, it will probably cause a huge controversy and damage your reputation..."

Booksellers are in a state of panic.

Although during the meetings in the past few days, the nobles of the Cao Gang repeatedly reminded us that "no matter what happens, the Cao Gang will be your strong backing"...but they didn't mention such a serious matter as this one that could cost you your life!

Then I heard Director Li shouting, "Education and common culture are the major policies of the country. I am doing this to serve the country and repay the emperor's kindness. What they are doing is to win people's hearts and plot evil... How can they be the same!?"

Someone had no time to think about it and said bitterly, "It's the same for us villains! We hold competitions just to boost momentum for the essay contest and to present gifts to the court to repay the emperor's kindness!"

Li Bailong scolded: "Who are you? A dog-like person, are you worthy of serving the court?"

The booksellers pleaded anxiously: "Although we are humble, our loyalty is known to all the world!"

Li Zhishi sneered and said angrily, "To boost momentum for the essay contest? How could any of the books in your competition have ever participated in an essay contest? How could there be a book full of righteousness? How could I believe such nonsense?"

Everyone made excuses.

He walked down the hall, drew his guard's sword, raised it in front of everyone, and sneered, "If you want me to believe it, that's easy. You can continue to hold your variety show, contribute money and effort, and prove your loyalty. But all the books in the competition must be replaced with the three books "Huang", "Lang" and "Shuang" promoted by the Tongwen Bureau. Then I will believe that you are dedicated to the public and only want to serve the court!"

Everyone was stunned at first, and then quickly fell silent.

Zheng Xiuyuan reacted very quickly and immediately realized the evil ambitions of the corrupt official!

Wow, the cuckoo has taken over the magpie’s nest!

Just as he was about to speak, Li Bailong held the knife across his shoulder.

The knife's sharp energy and buzzing vibration made his hair stand on end. The fierce murderous intent made him speechless.

"Look, he said nice things, but he refused to agree when asked. He really wanted to promote his own evil book and spread evil thoughts. I will tell once I test him." Governor Li sneered, "You two adults have seen it... Imprison him! Confiscate his property!"

The officers came forward like wolves and tigers.

Zheng Xiuyuan, the backbone of the group, was suppressed. The booksellers, each with their own fears and thoughts, immediately became a mess. Soon, someone couldn't hold back any longer: "Change! Change! I agree, I agree!"

"How can we just change it?" Li Bailong shouted, "We have to pay a fine!"

Seeing his colleagues being played around by the corrupt officials, Zheng Xiuyuan tried to speak several times, but was suppressed by Li Bailong's sword energy and could not utter a word. He was so angry that he was shaking all over.

Finally, Governor Li pressed the handle of the knife: "Chairman Zheng, what do you say?"

Zheng Xiuyuan felt cold in his heart.

He wanted to stick to his guns and say, "...Don't even think about it!"

"Drag him away, put him in jail, have his property searched, put him in a prison van, and send him to Beijing tomorrow."

"……and many more!"

Li Bailong waved his hand, signaling the officers to stop.

Zheng Xiuyuan looked embarrassed. He took a deep breath and whispered, "It was the Cao Gang who made the decision, paid the money, and provided the people. It's useless for you to force us to agree. The Cao Gang can deny it if they want to."

Li Bailong just smiled.

"So, you won't even give me your meaningless consent. Isn't that even more damnable?"

Zheng Xiuyuan was speechless for a moment.

Li Bailong pushed his head and said, "Agree. The Cao Gang will deny it anyway, and they will listen to your explanation anyway... Otherwise, if you fall into my hands, I will torture you to death first."

"..."

Zheng Xiuyuan sighed and slowly lowered his head.

Ma Fulong and others waited outside the Tongwen Yamen until midnight.

Finally, the door opened and the governor walked out of the yamen with a smile on his face and a stack of papers in his hand.

"You copied it well." He nodded to Ma Fulong, "Now it's all mine."

(End of this chapter)