Chapter 3, Enlightenment

And wait!

Impressive, impressive! Young man, with such a mind, it is truly a pity to waste it on studying

Yang Ji clenched his fists, his heart surging with emotion

Good! Young man, seeing how sincere you are, I will take your couplet. However, this is a grocery store, primarily selling flour and cooking oil. I can only take about ten copies of this couplet at most; any more would be a bit risky.

Hahaha, just based on these few magpies and plum blossoms of yours, I appreciate your kind words; this piece is worth my spending two copper coins.

Yang Ji's previously taut heartstrings relaxed, as the first order he had been hoping for several hours finally arrived, filling him with an indescribable excitement. However, Yang Ji did not rush to finalize this deal.

A few coins may merely represent a matter of eating more or less for others, but for Yang Ji, it is different. He deeply understands that for him and the old steward, this is a matter of life and death, a question of whether they can survive this harsh winter

Haha, good lad, you have it in you

This young man is still too inexperienced. Coupled with ink wash paintings, such couplets can already be considered as calligraphy and painting. In terms of price, it is certainly worth more than a single coin. If I were to sell it, it would definitely be worth more than just two couplets for a single coin.

All you need to do is hang my couplet in the store. People coming and going to buy New Year goods will find it quite normal to purchase a couplet on a whim. As long as you sell two pairs, you will earn an extra copper coin, so why not take advantage of it

Yang Ji finally understood why not a single couplet had been sold for such a long time

Residents of Pingchuan County usually purchase couplets, and many have seen paintings on couplets, which they find particularly fresh and novel. Especially, aside from the first order, the prices set by Yang Jiding for the subsequent ones are very low, all priced at just one copper coin per pair

A total of 85 copper coins, deducting the 5 copper coins I originally had, I earned 80 copper coins today. Although it is still a little short, it is already enough for me and Liang Bo to get through the entire winter ahead. As for the expenses later on, it is not too late to think of a way when the time comes

No, this matter must be reported to the lady promptly

Although a considerable number of couplets have been sold, it has also consumed time and effort

On the right side: Misfortunes do not come singly - yesterday's events.

Those who come to purchase couplets are primarily those few renowned elders from prominent clans and a few other respected gentlemen. Apart from this, there are not many who buy from others.

There is also me, there is also me! I came first...

Today is the first day, and everyone is curious, which is why so many are being purchased. However, as time goes on, the sales will decrease; it is impossible to sell this much every day. Moreover, everyone is not foolish; surely tomorrow there will be those who follow the trend, and by then, I may not be able to sell as much.

Yang Ji was secretly anxious in his heart

Yang Jicheng unfolded a new piece of paper and, in an instant, wrote a new couplet. His strokes were heavy, imbued with immense strength, especially as he dipped his brush in a generous amount of ink, resulting in characters that were particularly vigorous and powerful, reminiscent of a majestic waterfall cascading down a towering peak

The robust merchant with a braided beard was greatly admired.

At this age, he had never encountered such a perceptive young man before

During this season, you actually dare to write such couplets

Young man, do you want grain and oil or cooking oil? Or perhaps buy some firecrackers to celebrate, the prices here are very reasonable

Yang Ji spoke, stating that he did not choose this shop without reason

As soon as he picked up the brush, Yang Ji immediately added three characters to each side of the couplet on the banner

The shopkeeper was taken aback, realizing that Yang Ji was serious. He furrowed his brows but did not ask Yang Ji to leave.

Hearing this conversation, the shopkeeper of the grocery store was greatly moved; a businessman would not push money away. If it were someone else, he would not have agreed to such terms.

This young man is quite remarkable! The lady only gave him half a month's allowance, yet he managed to come up with the idea of selling couplets to make money

Yang Ji's lips curled into a faint smile

Selling things? Young man, are you sure you haven't come to the wrong place

Yang Ji packed up the ink, brushes, paper, and inkstone, slung the brush case over his shoulder, glanced at the direction, and immediately walked briskly towards the Yang residence

A burly peddler with a bushy beard burst out from the crowd, laughing heartily

Yang Ji removed the couplets from the banner, held the brush, and with a focused expression, in the blink of an eye, swiftly added a few strokes in the blank spaces of the couplets

All around, there were sounds of curses, and one by one, people were filled with righteous indignation. A few strong men even rolled up their sleeves, ready to take action, but upon recognizing that Yang Ji seemed to be a member of the Yang clan, they hesitated to strike.

A copper coin for two pairs of couplets, this price is already very low, and he felt embarrassed to negotiate further

A few itinerant merchants traveling from the south to the north, upon seeing this couplet, looked as if they had encountered a bloodbath during the New Year, glaring at it with anger and displaying extreme hostility

There are only forty-five copper coins

The businessman has traveled extensively and seen it all. Initially, he merely held a degree of admiration for the young man, but upon further reflection, he couldn't help but feel that there was an element of showmanship involved. However, when Yang Ji added this painting to the couplet, he was completely convinced.

In an instant, the once desolate stall of Yang Ji was suddenly surrounded by a throng of people, all coming to purchase his calligraphy and paintings. Even the several esteemed teachers could not help but cast sidelong glances.

Got it

I understand now

In the astonished gaze of the burly man with a thick beard, the originally monotonous couplet, symmetrical on both sides, suddenly came to life with several vividly depicted ink-painted magpies and cold plum blossoms.

Yang Ji has not extensively engaged in painting; he only dabbled in it during his initial studies of calligraphy, and he is proficient only in a few types of flower-and-bird and landscape paintings, which are not particularly profound. However, at this moment, his skills are more than sufficient for a few couplets.

The shopkeeper said with a smile

Blessings do not come in pairs

It is true that you do not buy things here, but as the end of the year approaches, do you really want to turn away the money that comes knocking at your door?

One does not expect to make a fortune from such things; it would be good enough to earn a sum before the year ends, and anyway, it does not require much effort.

Yang Ji originally believed that as long as he put in a little more effort, he would surely be able to earn enough tribute silver for himself and the old steward to cover their living expenses for two months before the year's end. However, the reality was far more complex and ruthless than he had imagined

Two individuals reached a transaction, and Yang Ji quickly produced eleven pairs of couplets, complemented by ink wash paintings, creating a refreshing impression.

The shopkeeper looked astonished, then burst into laughter, pointing at the sign outside and teasingly said

Those who come here to buy couplets cannot distinguish the subtle differences in calligraphy. In their eyes, perhaps all couplets are quite similar, so they still habitually go to Mr. Zhou to make their purchases

Succeeded

The shopkeeper made the decision.

Yang Ji wiped the sweat from his forehead, rubbed his wrist, and set down the brush

Yang Ji particularly noticed that the couplets sold by several elderly gentlemen, whose calligraphy and writing skills were evidently superior, were surprisingly much fewer than those sold by another gentleman nearby whose calligraphy was rather ordinary

It is getting late, and Mr. Liang is still at home waiting. I should hurry back to cheer him up

Yang Ji, however, was not in a hurry and spoke calmly.

Yang Ji stood up; what he desired was certainly not merely forty-five copper coins

No," Yang Ji shook his head, "I am here to sell something"

I understand why the couplets are not selling; the rest is easier to explain

I am exhausted

Yang Ji let out a few cold snorts, feeling particularly relieved in his heart

Luo Si Huzi laughed heartily, then took out a copper coin and slammed it heavily on the table

Did you see the sign at the door? I only sell, not buy. To think that someone would bring things to sell in my store is truly fanciful... Young man, turn around and go to another shop.

Finally succeeded

Yang Ji vaguely recognized that the elderly gentleman with mediocre calligraphy was surnamed Zhou, and he had been selling his calligraphy here for seven or eight years

Yang Ji's gaze fell upon the shops lining both sides of the street

Indeed, making money is not easy. I spent an entire day on it, and my wrist is sore from writing. I feel completely exhausted, and I only earned eighty coins. However, despite the hardship, it is ultimately worth it. That woman would probably never believe that I could earn so much in a single day.

Clearly, he is the only one who has experienced the same fate. Although he appears the youngest and the most miserable, the others are not much better off. Many have their hands tucked into their sleeves, and the stall is deserted, taking a long time to sell even one or two items

Wow

With the document serving as a "stepping stone," the speed at which Yang Ji's couplets were sold increased significantly

Yang Ji's voice revealed an uncontrollable joy

The crowd, which was originally seething with anger, was left dumbfounded, unable to help but exclaim in admiration

After a brief pause, Yang Ji quickly walked into a nearby general store. The shopkeeper was a middle-aged man who appeared quite shrewd.

With this successful start, Yang Ji's business has indeed improved significantly

Although the couplets have been sold, purchasing the rice paper requires money, renting the stall incurs costs, and even the ink sticks, due to heavy consumption, had to be bought in excess of ten.

This discovery was like a sudden enlightenment for Yang Ji, allowing him to understand everything at once

The subsequent matters progressed much more smoothly. Yang Ji, holding the receipt written by the grocery store owner along with the fingerprints on it, went from one shop to another, knocking on doors.

This couplet was completed and promptly hung on the banner behind, replacing the original couplet

Yang Jitai looked at the sky; it was already quite late. The market was no longer as crowded as it had been at the beginning. Now, he could barely sell three or four pairs in an entire hour.

Turned around and swiftly disappeared

There are only a few hours left until dark, and I won't be able to sell much here. I must find another way

On this matter, no one can assist him. He has no one to rely on and can only fend for himself

The crowd, which had previously overlooked Yang Ji, erupted in a frenzy after this couplet was posted

Thank you

The ink wash paintings on the couplets and the books were thus given away for free

However, today at the market, Yang Ji's business was thriving, and it was clearly visible behind him; that was all real gold and silver, more persuasive than anything else

The magpie on the branch heralds the arrival of spring, you are a traveling merchant, purchasing this is also a way to seek good fortune, I will give this to you as a gift

Given that you could come up with this idea, I will purchase this couplet. Just one copper coin, right? I will give it to you

Yang Jidao

At such times, seeing such couplets is extremely provoking

Haha, good, good! Little brother, if you have anything good in the future, feel free to come find me

On the left: Fortune does not come in pairs—today it has arrived.

The market will soon be closing.

Yang Ji's gaze slowly swept across the market, and when it landed on a painting studio by the street, a thought stirred within him

The shopkeeper cast a glance at Yang Ji, calculating in his mind.

Although each store has different capacities for digestion, ranging from a few to over a dozen, the total amount is not insignificant.

The shopkeeper came to his senses, secretly praising, and spoke with a bit more politeness.

Yang Jixun was deep in thought, revealing a hint of a happy smile. He had been tense all day, and now he finally relaxed.

Quickly take it down, hurry!

To speak frankly, the earnings of forty-five copper coins are already considerable. Even several esteemed scholars from prominent clans may not earn more than he does in an entire day. However, Yang Ji is acutely aware that this is still far from sufficient

Are you cursing someone? Looking for a fight

At the beginning, Yang Ji was still at a loss, but after scanning the area several times, he gradually began to discern some clues.

Thank you. However, if you could help me by writing an additional receipt to prove that you purchased ten couplets from me, I would be able to gift you an extra couplet.

After all, he is only fifteen years old this year, and cannot compare to those elderly gentlemen who have lived for decades and possess a calm disposition. The joy and excitement in his heart from selling his first couplet and earning his first sum of money is beyond words, to the point that even his fingertips are almost trembling with excitement

Luo Si secretly felt regret in his heart, but such thoughts were fleeting and soon dissipated

Yang Ji could not hide his disappointment: "After a busy afternoon, it is still far from enough!"

Misfortunes do not come singly

According to the rules, the market will last only until evening. Moreover, the number of people will gradually decrease. Yang Ji counted the money in his pouch; after deducting the cost of each purchase of rice paper, he actually did not earn much.

At this age, possessing such skill and such keen insight is truly impressive. It is a pity, however, that he is merely a scholar

The New Year period is originally the most festive time, with everyone hurriedly either raising money for the celebrations or preparing New Year goods to seek good fortune. No one expected that such an ominous couplet would be posted in the center of the market, isn't this cursing people?

Where have they seen such a masterful way with words? What originally appeared to be a curse, in Yang Ji's hands, with the addition or subtraction of a few characters, immediately transformed into its opposite meaning

Therefore, if I want to sell the couplets, I must appear distinctive; at the very least, I need to make them aware that I am clearly different from others. Only in this way can I sell them

He is a businessman, shrewd and well-versed in human nature. At a glance, he can tell that despite Yang Ji's pretense of being seasoned, he is actually an inexperienced fledgling. This kind of exposure is clearly a first for him; otherwise, he would not have set that price.

One should not take advantage of cheapness; although Yang Ji selling calligraphy and paintings to others may have some impact on him, he can still manage a dozen couplets, and there is no reason to stop Yang Ji

Swish swish swish

A figure swiftly emerged from the hidden corner of the alley, silently gazing at Yang Ji's departing silhouette, murmuring to oneself

Businesspeople are remarkably astute, and they can immediately see that Yang Ji is using this to attract customers, feeling a sense of mutual appreciation in their hearts. Merchants often hold a deep respect for those who are clever.

... ...

As soon as these lines are written, the mood transforms; misfortunes have passed, and blessings and prosperity have arrived. This conveys the meaning of "after hardship comes happiness"

What are you doing, you little rascal

Give me a pair, give me a pair!

This discovery took Yang Ji by surprise

A pair of couplets sprang to life on the paper, and the Xuan paper purchased by Yang Ji quickly sold out, necessitating another trip to the stationery store, where he bought several more stacks of Xuan paper

A copper coin with two pairs of couplets, accompanied by ink wash paintings

Yang Jizheng said solemnly

The shopkeeper's expression was slightly more relaxed

Your shop is right behind me. You should clearly see how many couplets I sold at the market today

... ...

Yang Ji did not take action; he simply extended a finger in the same manner and looked at the counter earnestly.

In the face of the boiling crowd, Yang Ji remained calm and composed, exuding an air of tranquility. However, he did not overdo it; once he saw that the crowd had gathered sufficiently, he promptly decided to withdraw.

This ability is breathtaking

Selling them one by one is too troublesome; each household can only buy one pair of couplets at most. If I want to earn enough money before the New Year, I can only sell them in bundles. The only ones who can afford so many are those shopkeepers