Chapter 90: If He’s Dead, Then Who Was It Five Years Ago?
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Unable to hold back, Du Zi Heng asked, “So, in your opinion, will I continue to lose money?”
He had opened this bookstore not with the aim of making a fortune. Books were, after all, a refined pursuit. If it weren’t for the fact that constant losses would force the shop to shut down, he wouldn’t even concern himself with profits and losses.
Yu Zhi Yi looked at him curiously. “It’s something you’ll know in just a few days. Why bother asking unnecessarily?”
Her abilities were precious, and unless life and death were involved, she rarely used them.
Of course, if someone paid her, that was another matter.
Unfortunately, Du Zi Heng didn’t pick up on her implied hint this time. Instead, he nodded earnestly. “You’re right. We’ll know in a few days anyway.”
After all, it was just a small loss compared to the thousands of taels he’d lost before. This time, the cost was merely some paper and ink, a few taels a day, which he could bear.
What he didn’t tell Yu Zhi Yi was that he was confident. After all, she had affirmed the feasibility of his plan. Even if it didn’t generate a huge profit, he believed it wouldn’t result in a loss.
And as it turned out, his confidence wasn’t misplaced.
The South Wind Bookstore had three floors. The first two were originally lined with bookshelves, while the third was reserved for the owner’s activities and for hosting distinguished guests.
When Du Zi Heng took over, he immediately had the second-floor bookshelves moved downstairs and converted the second and third floors into reading and discussion spaces. For now, the third floor wasn’t open to the public.
Except for her personal room, the rest of the third floor was partitioned into private rooms. He planned to use these partitions as future rewards. Talented scholars could earn the right to use these spaces and no longer have to crowd downstairs.
In essence, accessing the third floor became a symbol of status.
You could either pay generously for a quiet reading environment or prove your worth with talent and earn the privilege.
After the changes, while the store’s business wasn’t as bustling as before, when lines of people extended down the street, the atmosphere inside was much livelier.
Previously, two-thirds of the visitors came for the free tea and snacks. Though they held books, they were essentially just there for the spectacle.
Especially the townsfolk—they not only ate but also secretly took things. True readers often found themselves unable to access these free offerings.
In such a chaotic environment, scholars couldn’t focus on reading.
Now, though the store was still noisy, the sound came from scholars discussing articles and debating current events—voices filled with wisdom and insight.
Moreover, the overwhelming presence of townsfolk had previously driven away the store’s original clientele. In this era, most who could afford books were wealthy or influential. Though they wouldn’t openly discriminate against the less privileged, they didn’t enjoy sharing spaces with those lacking refinement.
Now, while the bookstore still welcomed impoverished scholars, these individuals came to study genuinely, leaving behind many coarse habits.
Simply put, as long as this bookstore bore the surname Du, it would always attract the children of wealthy and powerful families.
Previously, You Bing Yue’s measures had backfired, driving these patrons away.
After Du Zi Heng took over, even though these patrons disliked mingling with less privileged scholars, they endured it for the sake of currying favor with Chancellor Du and Du Zi Heng.
And, of course, there was always the third floor.
After Du Zi Heng left, Li Rou brought Yu Zhi Yi a cup of milk tea, then stepped back, her eyes filled with curiosity. Yet she didn’t dare ask questions.
She knew the difference between herself and Zi Yuan. While Zi Yuan could boldly ask whatever she wanted, Li Rou couldn’t.
Seeing the girl’s conflicted expression, Yu Zhi Yi couldn’t help but smile. “You’re wondering if the bookstore can turn a profit?”
Embarrassed, Li Rou nodded. “Miss, I… I am a bit curious.”
Yu Zhi Yi replied calmly, “It’s not hard to guess.”
“In the short term, Du Zi Heng’s measures won’t yield high profits. But over time, as everyone strives for success, they’ll no longer be content with merely reading at the bookstore for an hour or two. They’ll want to take the books home to study further.”
“Whether buying or borrowing, they’ll have to pay.”
“As for the wealthy scholars, their pursuit of excellence is even easier. With a wave of their hand, they’ll spend hundreds of taels.”
“In time, the South Wind Bookstore will gain fame and attract more and more ambitious individuals.”
In her previous life, this event had never occurred. The South Wind Bookstore had remained a small shop.
Yet, from the moment Yu Zhi Yi saw it, she felt it was meant to be more than just a small shop.
It should be a sanctuary for scholars.
But why did she feel so strongly about this?
Unable to unravel the mystery, Yu Zhi Yi didn’t dwell on it.
She wasn’t a deity. There were countless things in the world beyond her comprehension.
…
During lunch, Madam Yao appeared worried, distractedly chewing her food and often forgetting to pick up another bite.
When Madam Yao once again stared blankly into space, Yu Zhi Yi couldn’t hold back. “Mother, what’s the matter?”
Madam Yao hesitated before speaking. “Yi’er, have you heard of Divine Healer Chun Yu?”
Yu Zhi Yi’s previously calm expression turned cold. “What about him?”
Madam Yao sighed. “The Yu family claims he can help the Empress Dowager regain her mind. They also say Yu Jiao Jiao is close to him and the only one who can persuade him. His Majesty has granted her special permission to redeem herself. If she truly brings Divine Healer Chun Yu to heal the Empress Dowager, it would be a great deed.”
Though her words spoke of a good outcome, Madam Yao’s face lacked joy. It was clear she hadn’t said everything.
Sure enough, she continued, “But as far as I know, Divine Healer Chun Yu passed away eight years ago.”
Yu Zhi Yi’s gaze sharpened. “Mother, are you certain? Divine Healer Chun Yu is dead?”
Not understanding her intense reaction, Madam Yao nodded honestly. “Yes. When I took Du You Lin to Hundred Flowers City to enjoy the blossoms, we stumbled upon a man being attacked by mountain bandits.”
“Though the man was physically weak, he kept a dozen fierce bandits at bay, forcing them to attack from a distance with arrows.”
“Unfortunately, we arrived too late. He had already been hit by seven or eight arrows.”
“I wanted to take him to the city for treatment, but he refused. He said he was Divine Healer Chun Yu and knew better than anyone that he wouldn’t survive. He entrusted us with delivering his belongings to the Divine Healer Valley.”
“Are you sure he was Divine Healer Chun Yu? Are you certain he died?” Yu Zhi Yi pressed, unrelenting.
If Divine Healer Chun Yu had died eight years ago, then who had Yu Jiao Jiao brought back five years ago?