By a twist of fate, the illegitimate son of the Marquis's family marries the county princess.

Chapter 30 An unexpected encounter with Zuo Mingxuan

Stepping into Ruijintang, Wen Zongji found that the bookstore was quite large. Apart from the counter on the right-hand side of the entrance, there were rows of bookshelves inside, which looked quite deep.

At this time, there were a few people buying books in the bookstore. Located in such a good location on Changxing Street, the business should be pretty good.

Thanks to marrying Pei Rujing, Wen Zongji was able to get such a good shop.

Bookstores typically have partnered printing workshops and supply channels, so as long as business is good, the profits can be quite substantial.

Pei Rujing walked to the counter and asked, "Do you have any newly published storybooks?"

The shopkeeper nodded: "Yes!"

The waiter immediately brought over two books.

Bloodthirsty Blade

Dragon City Secret

A question mark appeared in Wen Zongji's mind.

He had assumed that Pei Rujing would be reading something like "The Scholar and the Courtesan" or "The Hunter's Wife."

"Does Madam enjoy reading such stories?"

The shopkeeper explained, "Young master, you may not know this, but in the past two years, martial arts novels have become all the rage in the capital. This has led many authors to follow suit, and every month, eight out of ten new novels are martial arts novels."

Wen Zongji understood.

Pei Rujing casually flipped through two pages: "I just like reading martial arts novels. I couldn't stand those romance novels at all; the heroines in them were all so stupid."

Wen Zongji smiled: "Why do you say that, Madam?"

Pei Rujing scoffed, "To break ties with your family for a man you've barely met—what is that if not stupidity!"

Wen Zongji nodded: "What you say is true, Madam."

Wen Zongji looked at the shopkeeper: "I need books related to the Chu Law, whether it's lecture notes or various case collections, anything is fine."

The shopkeeper instructed his assistant to go find the book.

Wen Zongji looked around the bookstore and asked, "I see a lot of people coming and going on Changxing Street. The shopkeeper's business must be booming!"

The shopkeeper shook his head: "Young master, you only see the many people coming and going on the street, but you don't know that there are quite a few bookstores of all sizes on this street. Not to mention there is an old brand called Cuiwenzhai, which we are just barely making ends meet."

Pei Rujing frowned: "Didn't you even think about making some improvements?"

The shopkeeper sighed, "Of course I've thought about it, but for a bookstore to do well, it needs to have books that can attract customers. For example, collections of poems by famous people or popular novels."

"First of all, there's no need to mention collections of poems by famous people. Those renowned talents will choose to collaborate with well-known bookstores. We can't compete with established brands like Cuiwenzhai."

"As for the wildly popular novels, we have signed contracts with several authors, stipulating that their novels can only be sold at Ruijintang. It's just a pity that their abilities are limited, and they can't write very good novels."

"And those authors who were already famous have all been snatched up by other major bookstores."

At this moment, the shop assistant placed several books on the counter, which were exactly what Wen Zongji needed.

Wen Zongji didn't ask any more questions, and left Ruijintang after having Changdong pay the bill.

Watching them leave, the waiter wondered, "Why did the manager talk to them so much? What if they were trying to steal our business?"

The shopkeeper said, "That's why we need to dissuade them from this idea."

The waiter suddenly realized, "The manager is brilliant!"

The shopkeeper waved his hand: "They might just be genuinely curious. Don't overthink it. Keep going."

Leaving Ruijintang, Pei Rujing said, "It seems your shop isn't doing very well."

Wen Zongji said calmly, "That shopkeeper seems to be a shrewd man. With him around, the bookstore shouldn't lose money."

We'll talk about the rest after the provincial examination.

Pei Rujing didn't pay much attention. She had more shops under her management, which were all handed over to various managers. At the end of the month, Granny Feng would check the accounts.

Anyway, Pei Rujing doesn't need to worry about it.

The two continued shopping, with Pei Rujing still holding the sugar figurine in her hand. They strolled around for half an hour, but the sugar figurine showed no signs of melting.

It really is winter.

Looking at Pei Rujing, who was still full of energy, Wen Zongji suggested, "Madam, why don't we find a teahouse to sit down, have a cup of tea, and rest?"

Upon hearing this, Pei Rujing looked up at the time and praised, "You're better than my second brother. Every time he accompanies me shopping, he can't take it for even an incense stick's time. He can practice his sword for an hour without getting tired, but just walking with me makes him feel like he's going to collapse from exhaustion."

Because it's mentally exhausting.

Wen Zongji asked curiously, "How long can you hold on, brother?"

Pei Rujing was a little disappointed: "Ever since I can remember, my older brother has always been busy with many things and has never had time to go shopping with me."

Wen Zongji understood: "My eldest brother is the eldest son, so he has a heavier burden on his shoulders, and so does my eldest brother."

This may be the family pressure faced by the eldest son.

Wen Zongji was also very ambitious, but he was doing it for himself, not for the Marquis's mansion.

Wen Zongren truly always kept his family in his heart.

Of course, it may also be related to his inheritance of the Marquis's mansion, since everything will be his in the future.

"Hey, is there a juggling act? Let's go check it out!"

Pei Rujing's attention was drawn to the juggling performance, and her earlier low mood was instantly forgotten.

"Eh—"

Wen Zongji half-extended Er Kang's hand, suspecting that Pei Rujing was deliberately changing the subject because she didn't want him to rest.

A crowd had already gathered around the circus troupe. To ensure Pei Rujing could enjoy the show, her maids and servants quickly made way for her to enter the inner circle.

As soon as I squeezed in, my eyes met someone's.

"County—" Noticing the people around, the other person changed their form of address before speaking: "Anhe?"

Pei Rujing was also stunned when she saw this person: "Third from the left!"

Wen Zongji looked in the direction of the voice and saw a pretty and charming girl in front of him. It seemed that she knew Pei Rujing.

Zuo Mingxuan's gaze fell on Wen Zongji, and she looked him up and down: "Your husband is quite handsome."

All that's missing is his good looks!

Pei Rujing frowned, standing in front of Wen Zongji to block Zuo Mingxuan's gaze: "What's it to you?"

Zuo Mingxuan sneered, "You don't actually think I'd fall for a bastard's son, especially a married one!"

Pei Rujing sneered, "You've always liked to take things from me."

"Your husband is a piece of trash!"

Wen Zongji: "..."

You can talk, but don't swear!

Zuo Mingxuan sniffed: "I was worried about you these past few days, and I didn't get anything in return for my kindness."

Pei Rujing slightly raised her chin: "Do I need you to worry?"

Zuo Mingxuan nodded: "You look fine, not at all like you're having a hard time."

"I went to visit my cousin yesterday, and she mentioned you. When are you going to see her?"

Pei Rujing frowned: "I don't have time right now."

Zuo Mingxuan looked at Wen Zongji: "Could it be that he's preventing you from leaving the manor?"

"No, didn't you see he was shopping with me? Changning is too clingy, I don't have time to spend with her."

Wen Zongji's eyes flickered slightly.

The current emperor's eldest daughter is titled Princess Changning, while the empress happens to have the surname Zuo.

This young lady, surnamed Zuo, must be the Empress's niece!