Villain Lady

21. Bookstore

The next few days, there was nothing unusual in Wei Household. However, Wei Liuying soon heard from Xiao Yu that Wei Xiao Hua left the residence.

"First Sister is leaving?" Wei Liuying's hand, which was holding a brush, stopped midair.

Xiao Yu nodded. "Yes. They're saying that First Miss is going out to Baili Family Residence."

Baili...

Wei Liuying naturally knew that Wei Xiao Hua's mother was from Baili Family. Baili Family was a renowned noble family in Han Shi Kingdom with many of their family members become officials. Previously, Wei Xiao Hua didn't really have good relationship with them, but things might change from now.

"I see."

"Miss, will this impact you?" Xiao Qing asked worriedly.

Wei Liuying shook her head. "In short term, no. Her biggest opponent is not me, but I can't say for sure in the future."

Xiao Qing and Xiao Yu looked at each other. Worry and concern were visible on their faces. "Should we..."

"No need. I'll be going to the bookstore with Xiao Qing, please inform my mother that I'll be going today. Xiao Yu, you deliver the bamboo scroll to Second Brother," Wei Liuying gave the instruction.

"Yes, Miss."

There were only a few places that Wei Liuying could visit. On weekend, she occasionally visited the bookstore and her mother allowed her to do that. After all, Feng Chun would be happy if Wei Liuying could even add more material for Wei Hong Zheng's study.

The servants quickly prepared carriage and Wei Liuying could go from the residence without any hindrance. Bookstore was not that popular because not everyone was literate in Han Shi Kingdom. Most of the literate people were nobles and only very few commoners could read and write.

The journey didn't take long and soon, Wei Liuying arrived in the bookstore.

"Welcome, Third Miss Wei," the shopkeeper was already used with her coming here.

Wei Liuying nodded. "I want to talk with Manager Xin."

"Manager Xin is upstairs."

"Alright. Xiao Qing, you'll wait down here."

"Yes, Miss."

Whenever Wei Liuying visited the bookstore, she would be meeting with the manager. The bookstore itself have three floors. First floor was for ordinary and cheap books that even most commoners could buy if they have spare money. Second floor was for scholars because there were various books. The third floor was a reserve study room that no other people were allowed to enter.

Wei Liuying calmly entered the third floor.

"Who is..oh, it's you Third Miss Wei." A plump middle aged man smiled when he saw Wei Liuying. He was still in his middle age, but his hair had turned partially bald. He usually had a goofy grin on his face, but everyone knew that he had short temper if it was talking about books.

As he was quite a talented scholar, many people respected him despite his position as the manager and owner of this bookstore.

"Manager Xin," Wei Liuying greeted politely.

Manager Xin laughed. "What do you want to read today, Little Lass? Also, do you have any more manuscript for me to copy?"

"I have."

Wei Liuying took out a set of bamboo scroll and handed it to Manager Xin. It contained the summary of the books that she had read along with her own analysis. Since she had learned how to summarize the books, she would combine several books analysis to make her own. The progress was slow as she could only create one book after several months or even a year, but many people liked her books.

Because of that, Manager Xin was also very happy when he saw the new manuscript.

"Hehehe, with this there are a total of four volume of books from Ying Liu. There are several scholars who are itching to meet you, but I have to decline each of them," Manager Xin said with a sigh.

If those people were to know that the one who wrote the books was a woman, who knew what kind of wave would come in Han Shi Kingdom? After all, it was common knowledge that women were naturally not able to study this kind of topic. Not to mention, Wei Liuying would only turn 14 in a few days.

Ying Liu was Wei Liuying's penname that she picked after some consideration. It was impossible for her to use her real name, so she merely twisted her own name to create a penname that's suitable for her.

"It's good that you can decline," Wei Liuying said calmly.

Manager Xin passed a look at Wei Liuying. "Also, your share of money is still here with me. When will you take it?"

"I'll take it after I got married later."

"Married?" Manager Xin was surprised. "When will you get married and to whom? You should invite me to watch!"

Wei Liuying resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "The earliest will be two years from now. It's impossible for me to get married when I'm still underage."

"Well, if you're at the north, you can get married when you're 15...."

"I'm in the capital city, Manager Xin."

Manager Xin pursed his lips. "Anyway, who's the lucky man? It's not Young Master Shi, right?"

"No."

"Wow, you rejected me right away?"

Wei Liuying passed a glance to the other door. There were only two rooms on the third floor and the inner room was a reserved study room. The one inside was usually Young Master Shi, Shi Yan. He was a merchant who was currently trying to enter the ranks of officials through his study.

Needless to say, he had been failing the examination over and over.

Shi Yan crossed his hand as he looked at Wei Liuying. He had a pretty countenance and tall figure. Yes, pretty. He had a feminine face that could easily make one wonder whether he was truly a male or female. Right now, he was wearing a natural purple robe that made him look like a scholar if only his image was not destroyed by his face.

"Yes."

"Why don't you even try to consider me? I can surely make sure you live well." Shi Yan complained as he strode into the room and sat down beside Manager Xin grumpily.

"One, even if I'm a concubine daughter, my father will not allow me to marry a merchant."

In the social hierarchy, merchant had the lowest status while scholar was the highest. It wouldn't be strange that noble families tend to distance themselves from merchant because they didn't wish to be associated with them. Only those who were desperate enough would be willing to make connection through marriage.

And Wei Hong was clearly not among them.

"Two, you're too old."

"I'm only 21 years old!" Shi Yan complained.

Wei Liuying passed him a scornful look. "Three, I'm sure that many people will question who's the bride and who's the groom if I marry you."

"Nonsense!"