Literary Master 1918: Starting with New Youth

They had no objection to mentioning Wu Zhu alone, but the mere mention of Qian Xuantong's name evoked a strange hostility!

What did Qian Xuantong advocate?

Abolish Confucianism, destroy Taoism, abolish Chinese characters...

In an attempt to break free from the shackles of traditional learning, some individuals have completely rejected traditional Chinese studies and deliberately made extreme statements, which can be described as going to extremes.

Even though they knew that the roof was being demolished to open windows and reduce resistance to the promotion of new literature, the two conservative individuals still found these ideas unacceptable and were at a loss for words.

If it were a disciple of Chen Zhongfu or Hu Shi, the two old scholars wouldn't be so embarrassed. But the key is that this young man is Qian Xuantong's disciple, and his arrival feels like a challenge to the school.

Moreover, they had heard that Qian Xuantong's disciple was the author of "Medicine"...

Wu Zizhen and Liang Ji exchanged a glance, their feelings indescribably complicated.

On the one hand, I am amazed by the talent of today's young people, and on the other hand, I am also amazed by the abundance of new literary talent, that we have managed to find such a great leader.

Not only can he write serious critical novels, but he can also write novels full of the flavor of Beijing life. How can such a contrast not inspire admiration?

You should know that writing style, while not a fixed thing for the top few writers, is something that you must master if you want to become famous. Switching to other styles will feel somewhat unfamiliar.

But this student named Wu Zhu can use both writing styles with ease, showing no sign of immaturity. He's simply superhuman!

Despite their rejection, the two old scholars genuinely admired each other, and bowed in unison.

Liang Ji spoke first:

"Meeting you today is truly unexpected. Young student, in terms of literary talent alone, you are on par with us."

"Yes, it would be impolite of us to call him 'little classmate,' so from now on we'll address each other as brothers."

Wu Zizhen echoed this sentiment.

Liang Shouming really wanted to refuse the suggestion, but Wu Zhu had already happily agreed.

[At this point, I hope readers will remember our domain name: ①⓪①ⓚⓚⓢ.ⓒⓞⓜ]

From today onwards, Wu Zhuchao will be promoted to a higher generation. When Liang Shouming meets him at Yenching University, he will have to bow and call him Uncle Wu!

"Come, have a seat."

"good!"

The four people sat in four different directions, with Wu Zhu, as the guest, naturally taking the main seat in the north.

To be honest, even though I'd never seen sandalwood before, sitting on it didn't feel particularly special. It was still just as uncomfortable and prickly...

......

Liang Shouming summoned tea, and even though Wu Zhu didn't like it, he could smell that it was top-quality Longjing tea, with a refreshing aroma wafting through the air.

With some time before the dishes were served, Liang Ji spoke first:

"Brother Wu, I'm sure Shouming has already told you the reason for inviting you here... It's nothing more than the matter of Xiangzi's Story. As for the specifics of how to split the profits with you, let Brother Zizhen tell you."

Wu Zizhen nodded and continued the conversation:

"The newspaper that published Xiangzi's biography sold about 52,000 copies. We charged three copper coins for one copy and five copper coins for two copies, so we calculated it at three copper coins, and the total return was about 1,500 silver dollars."

"After deducting the manuscript fee of 480, there is still a little over 1,000; after deducting printing costs, distribution costs, etc., there is still a little over 400 silver dollars left. This is the profit of our editorial department."

"Brother Wu is willing to hand over Xiangzi to us. We won't even mention the profits or deduct any miscellaneous fees. We'll split it 50/50 with you, what do you say?"

A 50/50 split means 200 silver dollars per side.

Having learned his lesson from being tricked, Wu Zhu didn't rush to give a response. Instead, he sipped his tea, deep in thought, to determine if the plan was feasible...

The Beijing Daily took a populist approach, with very low prices per sheet. Profits from newspaper sales were meager, and the main way to make money was through volume and advertising.

If "Camel Xiangzi" were split into several more pages, they would have earned more money. However, the "Beijing Daily" is now in decline, and the 480 yuan manuscript fee is a considerable burden for them. Therefore, they had no choice but to split it into three pages, but the profit is still considerable.

Keep in mind that this is only three days' worth of income; the editorial department's operating expenses can be completely excluded, so it can be considered pure profit.

Wu Zhu wasn't greedy. He could get two hundred silver dollars all by himself, while the three people opposite him were splitting two hundred silver dollars. It wouldn't be good to be too calculating, as it would make him seem like he didn't understand human relationships. After all, they had also contributed their time and effort.

"Okay, let's do as Chief Writer Liang suggests."

"I also have a few suggestions; I wonder if you gentlemen would be willing to listen?"

Wu Zhu took a sip of tea and offered his advice.

Liang Ji and the others perked up, sat up straight, and gestured for him to speak directly.

"The Beiyang government issued the Copyright Law a few years ago, which was still the same as the Qing Dynasty's system, but it was better than nothing."

"If your newspaper has connections within the government, you can help me register the copyright ownership of 'The Story of Xiangzi,' and then I can authorize your newspaper to do so."

"Whether your newspaper reprints it or publishes it as a standalone book, I will only take 40% of the net profit, which will be transferred to my bank account monthly. What do you all think?"

"With copyright protection, any newspaper that publishes Xiangzi's Biography would be infringing on copyright. Therefore, no one can compete with you for business, unless the Beiyang government does nothing, in which case there is nothing anyone can do."

Wu Zhu slowly explained his ideas, which were his long-term money-making plans that he had been thinking about these past few days.

There might not be much more to go on, but I'm sure I can earn enough to make a living.

To be honest, he doesn't really trust the current Copyright Law. After all, today's society is not a legal society like the future, and having copyrights doesn't necessarily mean they will be effective.

The Beiyang government had limited manpower and was already struggling to maintain its rule, so it couldn't spare the resources to deal with the squabbles and disputes among intellectuals. Moreover, the Copyright Law's penalties for reprinting and other illegal activities were quite lenient.

The reason for bringing up this copyright law is to increase leverage in negotiations, or to confuse the other side.

Liang Shouming exchanged glances with the two elders, and then said:

"That's a great idea..."

"But if I may be so bold, I do know a little about copyright matters. To get books protected by law, they have to be submitted to the Ministry of the Interior for approval. The content of 'Xiangzi's Biography' couldn't pass the review, and we only managed to publish it because we had connections."

That's a very good bargaining chip.

If it can't pass censorship, what's the point of talking about copyright?

Wu Zhu was prepared for this and continued to offer advice:

"It's a simple matter, just change it until it passes the review, right?"

"You're all veteran journalists; could you perhaps make a few minor revisions regarding points that are sensitive to the Beiyang government?"

"If all else fails, change the background to the late Qing Dynasty, to the period when Yuan Shikai was in power. I believe that will pass the review."

The remaining people's eyes lit up. If it wasn't changed, it really wouldn't pass, but now that the author said it could be changed, there was no problem. They all expressed their agreement.

"Then it's settled."

"Okay, let's serve the food!"

The wooden door to the private room was suddenly pulled open, and the waiters, who had been waiting for a long time, filed in, carrying Dongxinglou's signature dishes.

The sea cucumber with scallions looks bouncy and chewy, the chicken slices with egg white filling are as white as jade, and the stir-fried chicken cubes with a savory aroma...

Before long, a large table was filled with wine, including ten-year-old Shaoxing wine. The aroma of the wine filled the air the moment the lid was opened.

Determined to quit drinking, Wu Zhu looked at the fancy dishes and fine wine and unconsciously swallowed.

Quit drinking? Quit my ass!

Liang Ji raised his glass:

"Come on, let's toast young Brother Wu first!"

"You're too kind, I'd like to propose a toast to everyone!"