SWDnovel Chapter 60, In the end, the old lady is still the best.
Chapter 60, In the end, the old lady is still the best.
Lu You was indeed quite famous, but the person sitting in front of him was one of the last remaining top talents of the Northern Song Dynasty. The others were nothing more than second-tier talents like Zhu Dunru and Zhang Yuangan, whose input methods couldn't even directly connect them.
Xin Qiji was only six years old at that time...
Undoubtedly, this old lady is the greatest achiever in the literary world today; she is a living legend.
The key point is that this old lady is no pushover. Not only is she a brilliant lyricist, but she's also notorious for her drinking and gambling addiction. Although it's not recorded in history, given her personality, there's a high probability that she would have used her husband as collateral to pay off gambling debts and let her best friend have a few days of fun when she was younger...
Now that he's older and has experienced great changes in his family and country, he's become much more composed. In addition, he has never had any children, so watching these younger generations play and chat is as interesting as watching children.
"My mother made things difficult for my wife again the other day, and I was caught in the middle and felt very upset."
"Isn't that just being a coward?" Lin Zhou leaned back with his arms crossed. "Anyway, if you were even slightly capable, your family wouldn't make you suffer like this. Ultimately, a man who suffers at home does so because he's a coward."
"You can't say that," said Old Mrs. Li, waving her hand. "Even those who are successful have their share of troubles. Once you get involved with men or women, no one has a good time."
"What should we do now...?"
Lu You picked up his teacup and took a sip, his face full of helplessness. At that moment, a vulgar tune was playing outside, and the atmosphere suddenly became somewhat unpleasant.
At this moment, Old Mrs. Li sighed and said, "In my life, I've been married twice. One was a coward who clung to life, and the other was a fame-seeker. Love and affection, frankly speaking, are nothing more than those things. If you're speaking from the perspective of someone who's been through it all, you should listen to your mother. But if you're speaking from the perspective of a woman, even if your wife doesn't leave now, she will eventually leave."
Lin Zhou nodded hurriedly after hearing this: "Yes, yes, yes, that's how it is. I had to leave sooner or later."
"But...what should we do? On one side is my mother, on the other is my beloved." Lu You scratched his head after hearing this: "Is there any way?"
Lin Zhou laughed, turned around and took two boxes from the shelf, then took out two antique-style thread-bound books and slapped them in front of Lu You: "Then become successful, shall we?"
The two books are "Flowers in the Mirror" which I mentioned before and "Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio". The content has not been processed, but it doesn't matter anyway, they can't understand those non-existent time points and names. What Qing Dynasty and Ming Dynasty? They are just things from made-up stories.
"What's this?" Lu You flipped through the pages. "Are these all stories about Brother Lin?"
"Pretty much. Anyway, it's all kind of weird and supernatural stuff. Just treat it as an overseas story. Don't worry about whether it makes you famous. Just move out of your house with your wife and say you're focusing on your studies." Lin Zhou leaned back and laughed. "But don't mention me. When you sign the book, just say you compiled and edited it yourself. Otherwise, if you get associated with me, this big traitor, you'll be in trouble."
"Brother Lin, you are not a traitor. A traitor is one who seeks profit. Mutual affection does not constitute treason. The Jurchens are despicable, but you, Brother Lin, are not."
"Alright, alright," Lin Zhou waved his hand to interrupt him, "Aunt Li, do you think this method is feasible?"
Li Qingzhao squinted as she read the book *Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio*, her brows furrowed deeply: "I'm afraid I won't achieve fame and fortune through these things, but I could find something to do. Compiling for a year or two would at least bring me some peace and quiet. These stories are quite interesting, though. This 'Painted Skin' is so captivating, it gives me the creeps."
"But... this way there's no income."
Lin Zhou waved his hand and laughed, "Don't worry about this. Just listen to me, and I guarantee you'll achieve both fame and fortune."
Grandma Li next to them laughed so hard she almost fell over. Looking at the various expressions on the faces of the two young people, she felt as if she herself had become a few years younger.
"I'd like to see how you handle his situation." After saying that, she stood up and waved the Erguotou in her hand at Lin Zhou: "Young man, how much is this bottle? I'll take it back and savor it."
"It's yours." Lin Zhou waved his hand generously. "Knowing Aunt Li is an honor for my humble place. How could I possibly ask you for money?"
"Alright, then this old woman will take advantage of her age to do her bidding."
The old lady left happily, and the two quickly saw her to the door. The old lady turned back and waved her hand, saying, "No need for formalities. I'm not one to stand on ceremony. Go back and get on with your business."
After she left, besides the guests who had been drawn in by the music and Brother Ying who was chattering away introducing the goods, only a distraught Lu You remained in the room.
Just as he was studying the two storybooks, a servant-like man suddenly walked in. He looked around and asked, "Excuse me, who is Lu You, Lu Wuguan?"
"That's me," Lu You said, rising to his feet. "May I ask what brings you here?"
"The headmaster asked me to deliver this to you."
A letter of employment was placed in Lu You's hands. He picked it up, glanced at it, and was clearly taken aback. Lin Zhou leaned forward and asked curiously, "What's this?"
"The letter of appointment from Lin'an Academy..." Lu You opened the letter of appointment, which stated in black and white that Lu You was hired as an editor at Lin'an Academy.
At the age of twelve, he was granted the position of Dengshilang through imperial favor. This kind of compilation was not a temporary job, but a proper clerk with a rank.
The problem is, there are countless people like him in Lin'an; there's no way it could be his turn. The only possibility is that Old Mrs. Li greeted him earlier…
"Wow, having connections makes things so much easier," Lin Zhou said, patting Lu You on the shoulder with his arms crossed. "We went through all that trouble, and they just made a call and got it all sorted out for us."
"Do you think the headmaster of this academy is...?"
"Definitely." Lin Zhou clicked his tongue. "She must have a crush on our old lady Li."
"Hey, hey, hey! You can't say things like that." Lu You quickly explained, "I meant, is the headmaster of the academy taking a liking to my talent?"
Lin Zhou rolled his eyes: "Do you even believe what you're saying? I've heard for a long time that this old lady has a very high reputation."
"That's for sure, she's the only one left... a literary giant."
"That's it then. You should focus on your cultivation." Lin Zhou sighed. "Why don't you bring your wife and stay with me? I have quite a few empty rooms here."
"Oh? This isn't a good idea... Brother Lin."
"Oh my, your grin is practically reaching your ears." Lin Zhou waved his hand. "Judging from your appearance, you probably don't have much money. You can stay here; it'll be more convenient when you're repairing books."
Lu You was incredibly grateful at this moment, bowing repeatedly to Lin Zhou, while Lin Zhou waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "Don't do this, hurry up and get things done."
After he finished speaking, he stood up and was about to go out to get something to eat when Cao Wenda rushed over in a flurry. As soon as he saw Lin Zhou, he grabbed Lin Zhou's hand and wouldn't let go: "Brother, about your steel plant, I've found a place for you. When can we start construction?"
"How about we go take a look together tomorrow?"
"The sooner the better. Your matter cannot be delayed. If it can be completed before the imperial examination in February, your chances of success will be much higher. After all, times have changed, and a degree is hard to come by... Time is of the essence, my brother."