Those who bought newspapers, just like the rich second-generation, had the same thought.
What were the Embroidered Uniform Guard? Looking at their recent arrogant and overbearing attitude when arresting people, one could tell that this was a department without scruples. To dare to write about the affairs of such a powerful department in a newspaper, it showed how influential the owner of this newspaper was!
"They even dare to write about the Embroidered Uniform Guard, amazing! I have to take a good look."
The rich second-generation was so engrossed in reading that he couldn't pull himself away, and his two followers were also drawn in, one on each side.
Even more ingenious was that the rich second-generation didn't notice that behind him, several poor scholars, who couldn't afford to buy a newspaper to satisfy their curiosity but were peeking, were "freeloading" his newspaper.
In a restaurant in Guyue City, Guyue Prefecture, near Shuangyue City, four scholars gathered for a reunion, enjoying small dishes and wine, chatting and laughing heartily.
Just as they were having a lively conversation, they suddenly heard the shouts of newspaper hawkers.
Initially frowning and disliking the loud interruption to their conversation, they were suddenly intrigued by this novel thing called a newspaper.
"What is this newspaper? How dare it record matters of the imperial court? And affairs of neighboring countries? What is a storybook?"
The four scholars spoke in unison.
"Hey, just buy a copy and you'll know. It only costs two copper coins anyway."
One of the scholars, dressed in brocade robes, directly beckoned the newspaper hawker and bought a copy.
The other three crowded around to read it together.
As a result, the content on the upper left side of the first page immediately shocked them. They all thought of the rich second-generation's fear in Shuangyue City.
It might be fine to write about court officials; they might consider their reputation and not treat scholars too harshly. But to write about the Embroidered Uniform Guard, that took considerable guts.
"This Yunyue Daily probably doesn't know the might of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, does it? They can execute first and report later, with imperial permission. Anyone who dares to gossip will be detained in the yamen, imprisoned, and starved."
"If they happen to encounter any illegal activities, the Embroidered Uniform Guard will arrest them without regard for their connections, smashing down doors. If anyone dares to resist, they will be directly executed. Those who resist and curse will not escape a severe beating."
"How dare the owner of this newspaper record matters concerning the Embroidered Uniform Guard? Are they tired of living?"
"Hey, Brother Zheng, you worry too much," another scholar named Zhong said with a smile. "If this newspaper truly displeased the Embroidered Uniform Guard, how would these hawkers dare to sell them on the streets? I suspect it's likely..."
Although Scholar Zhong didn't finish his sentence, the other three understood immediately.
What else could it be? It was 100% certain that the owner of this newspaper was the powerful new noble, Prime Minister Chu Chen. Otherwise, would such an arrogant department as the Embroidered Uniform Guard show consideration for other ministers and tolerate this?
"So that's how it is. However, these matters are not for us to discuss. Let's read the newspaper."
Scholar Zheng, fearing trouble with the Embroidered Uniform Guard, dared not speak further.
The other three nodded and continued reading with Scholar Zheng.
Scholar Zheng read in a low voice: "With spring plowing approaching, the imperial court urges agricultural officials in all regions to supervise planting. The Embroidered Uniform Guard has discovered the private use of waterwheels, high-priced forced sales of Yunyue plows, and even compulsory high-interest loans for purchases in various regions, leading to the bankruptcy of a large number of self-sufficient farmers who have no other recourse but to sell their land. His Majesty is enraged and has ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to arrest the relevant officials and investigate every case."
"Tsk tsk tsk, I never thought that such a friendly national policy last year, even after the Fifth Prince conducted an inspection, would still degenerate to this point. The officials in the court are truly... tsk tsk tsk."
Scholar Xiao, full of indignation, muttered softly.
Scholar Zhong was also very dissatisfied but dared not speak loudly. He whispered, "It can't be helped. Who told us that Chen Yuanliang appeared in this dynasty? The atmosphere of officials in the Yunyue Kingdom has been corrupted. I wonder if Prime Minister Chu will be any different."
However, Scholar Zheng was worried, and he reprimanded in a low voice, "Gentlemen, if you don't want to pay a visit to the Embroidered Uniform Guard, stop discussing these matters, please?"
"Hmph~" The three scholars disdainfully scoffed at his timidity.
Among the four, his family was the wealthiest, yet he himself was the most timid.
However, since he paid for the newspaper, the other three didn't want to offend him and continued reading.
But in a short while, they couldn't hold back their anger and said, "The case of Zhang Guojin has uncovered such massive embezzlement of silver. It makes one doubt if all the court officials are useless, only caring about being parasites that weaken the country!"
"Exactly, what kind of people are these, calling themselves upright officials? Bah!"
"It seems the Embroidered Uniform Guard isn't entirely arrogant and overbearing. At least they are doing their job. This has greatly changed my impression of them."
"Indeed," Scholar Zheng agreed with a nod, his eyes secretly scanning the surroundings to see if any Embroidered Uniform Guard or government officials were present.
He couldn't help but want to discuss it, so he resorted to this.
After reading the domestic affairs, the four scholars were no longer as angry as they were at the beginning. All they felt was helplessness and numbness.
They knew that the Yunyue Kingdom's national strength was declining, but they never imagined that the situation reported in the newspaper was so dire, which was shocking. Fortunately, His Majesty supported Prime Minister Chu's ascension, intending to rectify the court's atmosphere.
This was considered good news amidst a pile of bad news.
As for the foreign affairs on the right side of the front page, the four scholars were not afraid and discussed it openly without lowering their voices.
Their voices attracted the attention of others in the restaurant, who quietly stood behind them and "freeloaded" the newspaper.
On the back left side, amidst their anger, they once again recognized the various problems and crises facing the Yunyue Kingdom, and the plight of the rural people.
There were also some heinous cases that occurred in various counties and regions.
Finally, the storybook opened their eyes and captivated them.
After a while, having finished reading, Scholar Zheng said, "So this is a storybook. It has truly opened my eyes. The content is so wonderful! I seem to have gained some inspiration. I wonder if I can also write a storybook?"
"I haven't had that thought, I just wish I were the scholar in the storybook! It makes me envious and jealous!"
"Exciting! A love between a human and a ghost, a female ghost with unchanging beauty and a graceful figure, she's simply the wife of my dreams!"
"Hahaha, scholar, aren't you afraid of being drained? A storybook is just a storybook after all!"
As the four were discussing, someone behind them suddenly laughed.
It was then that they realized their newspaper was being "freeloaded," and they were stunned.
After reacting, they didn't dwell on it too much, merely arguing with them about the plot of the storybook. Eventually, it devolved into a verbal spat.
The story of "A Chinese Ghost Story" was spread throughout the Yunyue Kingdom by the newspaper, deeply attracting the vast majority of poor scholars. Even wealthy scholars couldn't help but fantasize about encountering such a female ghost.
It was a pity that the Tree Demon Granny had immense spiritual power, and it was unknown how to save her, or when the second installment would be released.