TGCFNM -Chapter 148 Qingyu Bookstore

Chu Ling took the transfer order that the city guard had returned and asked, “What’s this? The official of Linzhou isn’t here?”

“They’ve been transferred,” the soldier replied.

Chu Ling let out an “oh” with a smile and looked at the soldier. “I want to first get a feel for Linzhou’s local customs and governance. I don’t plan to reveal my identity for now.”

The soldier nodded knowingly. “Rest assured, sir. I’ll keep it a secret.”

Chu Ling nodded in satisfaction, got into the carriage, and had Zhang Dong drive them into the city.

After arriving in Linzhou, the group checked into the Fulai Inn. After requesting hot water to wash up, they planned to rest properly before beginning their search the next day.

But during dinner, Wan Sanjin brought some bad news.

“Sir, the place you mentioned… someone bought it and turned it into a bookstore,” Wan Sanjin said.

Chu Ling blinked. “Ah?”

“And it’s a private bookstore, not open to the public normally. However, tomorrow they’re going to auction a few ancient texts, so it will be temporarily open,” Wan Sanjin continued.

Chu Ling tilted her head slightly, glancing at Bai Su.

Bai Su also looked puzzled. “Well, let’s just go see tomorrow.”

Chu Ling cleared her throat. “Alright, we’ll check it out tomorrow and act accordingly.”

The next morning.

Chu Ling pinched the bridge of her nose, looking exhausted, and was helped into the carriage by Wan Sanjin.

“Who starts an auction so early in the morning?” Chu Ling exclaimed angrily.

Wan Sanjin looked puzzled. “Indeed, it’s rare.”

Su He looked at them. “They’re selling books. People usually read in the morning—do you expect them to read at night?”

Chu Ling feigned surprise. “Is that so?”

Su He kept a deadpan expression. “Yes.”

Wan Sanjin lifted the carriage curtain and pointed out the route, and Zhang Dong drove the carriage forward.

“The bookstore is called Qingyu Bookstore. It was bought three years ago. The owner is very mysterious; after purchasing it, he never opened it for business,” Wan Sanjin explained.

Chu Ling raised an eyebrow. “If it’s never been open for business, why would everyone believe him when he says he’s auctioning rare ancient texts? Even the Shangguan brothers in the capital got the news.”

Wan Sanjin shrugged. “Don’t know—maybe the person has extraordinary abilities, or perhaps widespread connections.”

Bai Su frowned. “Logically, no one should even know the deed to that place. How could anyone have bought it?”

“No,” Ghost Scholar seemed to recall something. “Someone knows.”

Just as Chu Ling wanted to ask more, Ghost Scholar and Bai Su suddenly fell silent.

At that moment, the carriage gradually came to a stop. Zhang Dong knocked and said, “Sir, Master Wan, there are too many people ahead; we can’t drive in. We’ll have to go on foot.”

Wan Sanjin lifted the curtain to look and froze. “What’s going on? So many people?”

Chu Ling stepped out and looked, astonished. “Is there a fair or something?”

Looking at the shops on both sides, Wan Sanjin said directly, “The Fuyun Teahouse belongs to my Wan family. Let’s find a place to park the carriage and go in on foot.”

Zhang Dong responded and maneuvered the carriage to the back courtyard of the teahouse after coordinating with the manager.

The teahouse manager bowed to Wan Sanjin. “Young Master, we will take care of your things. Please don’t worry.”

Wan Sanjin nodded and looked at Chu Ling. “Sir, shall we go in?”

Chu Ling replied with a nod, leading the group out through the front door of the teahouse. They followed the slow-moving crowd ahead, inching forward for nearly half an hour before finally reaching the entrance of the Qingyu Bookshop.

Once inside, the space opened up, revealing a surprisingly large interior.

“This place is so big?” Chu Ling exclaimed in shock.

Bai Su said, “I originally thought it had been abandoned, but I didn’t expect it to look like this.”

“Better than being abandoned, at least,” Ghost Scholar remarked with a sigh.

Chu Ling glanced around and asked with a smile, “I wonder what this place was like before.”

Bai Su lightly tapped Chu Ling’s forehead. “Little clever one, don’t ask. It can’t be told.”

Chu Ling pouted. Just as she was about to scout the place and see how to discreetly get around, her arm was grabbed by Wan Sanjin.

“Sir, this is Qingyu’s bookshop!” Wan Sanjin said in surprise.

Without turning, Chu Ling waved it off. “I know, I know—Qingyu Bookshop. I’ll be careful. I promise to move quietly and not be noticed.”

“You’re going to scout it?”

Chu Ling paused mid-step. Hearing a familiar voice, she turned her head and saw Fu Qingyu.

Wan Sanjin cleared his throat and added to cover: “Sir said he just wanted to feel the ambiance here and absorb the scent of books.”

Chu Ling nodded seriously. “Exactly.”

Fu Qingyu smiled wryly and looked at them. “I thought I must have been mistaken when I just saw you. Turns out it really is you. Why are you in Linzhou? I thought you had returned to Sishui County.”

Chu Ling’s eyes darted around. “We… got lost.”

Wan Sanjin nodded. “Yes, we got lost.”

Fu Qingyu couldn’t help but tap both their arms lightly with his fan. “Do you really think I’d believe that?”

“Then… why not try believing?” Chu Ling raised an eyebrow.

“Qingyu, Qingyu!” Wan Sanjin said regretfully. “How did I not realize this was your bookshop? If I hadn’t seen you, I wouldn’t have remembered at all.”

Fu Qingyu lowered his gaze and smiled lightly. “I bought this place three years ago. Since then, any book I’ve read has been placed here.”

Chu Ling looked around in surprise. “You’ve read them all?”

Fu Qingyu nodded. “All of them.”

“After reading, you sold them?” Wan Sanjin asked.

“No,” Qing Tong stepped forward. “Our young master plans to distribute the books through questions and challenges. As for the money from selling rare editions, it will be donated to underprivileged students.”

Chu Ling suddenly understood. “No wonder so many students have come.”

Wan Sanjin said proudly, “Of course! Qingyu is the world’s top young master, skilled in both literature and martial arts. No wonder so many people flocked to a bookshop that wasn’t even officially open.”

Fu Qingyu felt slightly embarrassed. “It’s just a title. You are the one who does the real work.”

“You also do the real work,” Chu Ling said sincerely. “You donate the books—you are truly kind.” After all, books are expensive, and many students can’t afford them.

Fu Qingyu smiled at Chu Ling. “Since you say I’m kind, can you tell me why you’re scouting? Did you already know about this place?”

Chu Ling’s eyes darted around, unsure how to answer.

Bai Su said bluntly, “Just tell the truth.”

Chu Ling nodded. “Right. A mysterious person teaching me martial arts sent me here to dig up some things she left behind. I wonder if that’s alright?”

“Of course,” Fu Qingyu said straightforwardly. “Go ahead. If you need a shovel or anything like that, ask Qing Tong.”