Seeing this, the waiter quickly came over and said, "Sir, you've misunderstood. This isn't a new story; it's from the Great Han Daily."
"The Great Han Daily, what a boastful tone. But what exactly is this daily newspaper? I only left the capital half a month ago, could there be some change in the situation?"
"That's right, this Great Han Daily is said to have been created by the Duke of Wu. The content in it is quite bizarre. But no matter what, it's quite interesting. Moreover, it's claimed to be a newspaper created specifically for the common people."
"It not only contains the story of our great-grandfather, but also provides detailed introductions to several chosen ones."
"The Duke of Wu? Could he be the chosen one?" a diner asked curiously.
"Yes, that's him. The newspaper even gave a special mention of the Duke of Wu," the waiter said with some admiration.
"Oh, I see. Where can I buy the Great Han Daily? I'd like to take a look at its contents."
Upon hearing this, the waiter paused for a moment, then said somewhat apologetically, "Well, there are only a limited number of copies. This is the only one we have in our shop. However, our boss said that the ten customers who spend the most at noon today will each receive this newspaper."
"Hey, isn't there only one serving?" a customer remarked sharply.
"Um, the boss is looking for someone to help with copying," the waiter explained.
"Wow, you really know how to do business. But what can I do when I have money? Bring me the menu," the customer said generously.
Soon, as time passed, the name of the Great Han Daily became increasingly renowned, and its influence grew ever greater. Not only did the many onlookers in the capital read it, but even the powerful families began to study it.
The Cao family residence was only two miles from the imperial palace. Even by carriage, it would only take the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. This demonstrates just how prosperous the Cao family was.
Meanwhile, Cao Cao was chatting with Yuan Shao in the garden.
"Oh, isn't this Yuan Shao, the modern-day Shennong? What brings you here?" Cao Cao said with a smile as he looked at Yuan Shao who had come to his door. He then pointed to the picture on the newspaper in his hand.
"Hey, I don't know if this will be a blessing or a curse," Yuan Shao said with a smirk. However, his smug expression revealed just how happy he was.
To be honest, since this daily report appeared, several somewhat well-known figures have come to join him in just a few hours. How could Yuan Shao not be excited? Moreover, as time goes by, the gains will definitely increase.
"Ah, Benchu, you're really lucky. You've made it straight into the newspapers. Now, everyone in the capital knows you. In a few days, even the children will know your name, Yuan Benchu, the modern-day Shennong. This time, you'll truly live on forever," Cao Cao said with some envy.
I never imagined that my childhood playmate would transform into a modern-day Shennong (a legendary Chinese immortal). The change is too great; I only took a nap, and when I opened my eyes, I could barely see you anymore.
Just as the newspaper analysis stated, no matter how the world changes, as long as the book "Agricultural Classics" remains, Yuan Shao is destined to be remembered in history, shining brightly for eternity, and becoming a saint in the eyes of ordinary people.
"Luck? I'm just lucky. Look, this says it's a daily report. Since it's a daily report, it means it'll be published tomorrow too. Maybe then, Mengde, you'll be on the list," Yuan Shao said with a smile.
"Could it be that you have some connection with Lin Feipeng? If so, could you help me get up there too?" Cao Cao asked curiously, his eyes shining with excitement as he spoke.
Seeing Cao Cao's excited expression, Yuan Shao rubbed his hands together and said somewhat embarrassedly, "Well, really, I don't have any."
“However, you can go to him. Just ask him directly and get him to say a few good words for you. By the way, didn’t Xu Shao say that you are a capable minister in times of peace and a ruthless hero in times of chaos? Add that to the list as well,” Yuan Shao suggested from the side.
"Excellent, I'll prepare a gift and go visit Lin Feipeng right away," Cao Cao said excitedly. After all, at this time, he was still a young man with limited experience and ambition, not yet fully mature.
Meanwhile, in the Yuan residence, Yuan Shu and Yuan Feng were also discussing this matter.
"Like a roc rising with the wind, soaring ninety thousand miles high. Before we knew it, this kid had already become quite something," Yuan Feng said expressionlessly.
“But I’ve already had the accountant calculate it. This is a daily report, which costs more than five million taels of silver a year. He also needs to develop his territory. Where will he get so much money? If he charges a fee, there’s a good chance that not many people will read it,” Yuan Shu said doubtfully.
Upon hearing this, Yuan Feng couldn't help but shake his head.
"Hey, don't you think it was a bit strange that he went to cut the stone in the stone garden back then? Didn't he understand the principle of not flaunting wealth? He was just deliberately trying to establish his authority, and then the Wang family accidentally ran into a brick wall."
"Given his ability to confine himself to a small area and establish his own authority, even I, without resorting to my own resources, might not be able to escape in a short time. So, what's your opinion of this person?"
"Furthermore, when Wei Zhongdao later tried to frame him, he was immediately exposed and reacted accordingly. A ridiculous pamphlet ruined Wei Zhongdao's reputation. In fact, it also dimmed his future prospects considerably."
"Now he's struck again, producing this so-called newspaper. If you can see it, surely he can too? Gonglu, don't underestimate the people of the world. Later, take some gifts and go pay him a visit. If he's not home, just deliver the gifts," Yuan Feng said earnestly.
Chapter 48: Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai
Yingchuan Prefecture, Yingchuan Academy.
In fact, it was more accurate to call it an academy than a private school established by the Xun, Chen, Zhong and other families to cultivate their descendants.
Of course, in addition to these few families, some outstanding students from poor families can also enter after passing the assessment.
At this moment, in a pavilion, two simple and unassuming men, who were also heavy drinkers, were chatting about everything under the sun while holding the Great Han Daily.
They were described as simple and unpretentious because their clothing was quite plain. It wasn't some mysterious magical artifact, nor was it made of precious materials. It was simply silk, the kind you could see anywhere on the street, costing only a few taels of silver per bolt.
It is certainly expensive compared to ordinary people, but compared to the scions of noble families in the academy, it seems insignificant.
As for those who were addicted to alcohol, that was even simpler. Each person had a gourd tied around their waist. On the table in front of them, there were several more gourds, placed haphazardly.
"This newspaper is really interesting. Why didn't anyone think of publishing a newspaper for ordinary people before?" Guo Jia said admiringly.
"Heh heh, back then, how could they possibly care about these common people? The official gazette was enough. As for you not being of a high enough level to access it, that's your personal problem," Xi Zhicai mocked.
Upon hearing this, Guo Jia smiled but remained silent. Unlike Xi Zhicai, who was a complete pauper, Guo Jia was, after all, from a prominent family.
However, the Guo family has declined in fortune. If we had to assign a label to them, we would say they are from a poor family.
Above the poor families are the aristocratic families; below them are the local tycoons and landlords, simply called "good families." Below the good families are people like Xi Zhicai, who are pure paupers.
Therefore, Xi Zhicai's idea was correct; upon closer examination, it made a lot of sense. However, Guo Jia couldn't directly agree with it—this is what's called "your position determines your perspective."
Then, Guo Jia changed the subject directly, smiling and saying, "Putting everything else aside, this newspaper is quite interesting."
"The first page will use the story of Emperor Gaozu to attract the public's attention. Although everyone knows he's making things up, the people like it, and the royal family likes it. Based on that alone, no one will openly make things difficult for this newspaper," Guo Jia analyzed.
“Yes, and this second section is directly about the Chosen Ones. It’s safe to say that people all over the world are very interested in it. Even the powerful feudal lords like it. And look at how much the Duke of Wu praises himself.” Xi Zhicai said with a wry smile.