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墨書 Inktalez
Song Feiwan couldn't help but chuckle. "Not low at all. In modern times, only top-tier authors can command high prices for a ten percent royalty."
With movable type printing not yet widespread, the cost of producing and selling a book was exorbitant. Wang An's offer of forty percent royalties was already the limit, and Song Feiwan was very satisfied.
He had initially offered two hundred taels of silver for a buyout but changed to a royalty model, paying her ten taels as a deposit upfront. The manuscript would be kept at the publishing house, and Wang An assured her that he would arrange for someone to expedite the printing process. Soon enough, they would see how many copies could be sold.
Song Feiwan wasn't worried about this matter; instead, she focused on preparing an antidote with the herbs in her possession to delay the onset of poison. After taking it, her life expectancy extended from less than a month to three months, which alleviated her immediate concerns.
No matter how busy she was, she never forgot to pay daily respects at the altar of Xiao Yu. To the other servants in the Zhao Yang courtyard, it seemed that her feelings for Xiao Yu were as deep as the sea, and Song Feiwan did not deny it.
On the day of the banquet at the Rong residence, she rose early and had Dongzhi help her with her grooming and attire. Before leaving, she meticulously checked the gifts she was bringing.
Kuo Shi waited for her in the front courtyard, dressed in elegant finery with an opulent makeup look. Upon seeing Song Feiwan, her expression darkened, and without a word, she walked out first and boarded the carriage.
Song Feiwan remained calm as she sat opposite Kuo Shi, closing her eyes to rest. Inside the carriage, there was an eerie silence as they traveled.
As they neared the Rong residence, Song Feiwan finally spoke in a detached tone. "It’s one thing for the Song family to put on airs; if you say something inappropriate at the Rong residence, I will make sure you pay for it through your daughter."
Kuo Shi's face turned completely dark with anger as she demanded, "Song Feiwan, are you threatening me? Don't forget that I am your mother!"
Song Feiwan opened her enchanting dark fox-like eyes and curled her lips into a smile. "You’ve forgotten so quickly? Mother? You think you deserve that title?"
Kuo Shi trembled with rage; if it weren't for considering the reputation of the Minister's wife, she would have slapped Song Feiwan twice! Taking several deep breaths helped her regain some composure.
The Emperor had granted a marriage, and of course, the Rong family could not allow Song Feiwan to be embarrassed in their residence. Her tarnished reputation would also affect Song Shuyao. It was still possible to make things difficult for Song Feiwan, to ensure she felt uncomfortable.
The Rong residence was magnificent and imposing, with the heritage of a prestigious family spanning a hundred years. The servants led them through the front courtyard and into the spacious and bright main hall. A few people were already waiting for them inside, among whom an elderly man with graying hair and a spirited demeanor stood at the forefront. His bone structure bore resemblance to both Rong Huan and Consort Rong, indicating he must be Grand Minister Rong.
Next to him stood a lady with an elegant demeanor and slightly pale complexion. Beside her were a pair of young individuals with striking appearances and poise. The man was indeed the one who had been pursued by assassins in the alley just a few days prior. When their eyes met, he gave Song Feiwan a faint nod without mentioning the incident in the alley. The beautiful girl beside him wore a cold expression, clearly in a bad mood.
“Madam Song and Miss Song have arrived; please take your seats,” said Madam Rong, the first to speak among the female guests. “I am Madam Rong, and this is our esteemed Grand Minister Rong. These two are our children, Rong Jiayi and Rong Anning.”
Of course, Ke Shi could not lose face in front of Madam Rong. She brought Song Feiwan forward to greet Grand Minister Rong and the others, who returned her courtesy.
“Thank you for inviting us, Grand Minister,” Ke Shi said with a smile as they took their seats. “I have prepared a small token of appreciation; please accept it.”
After speaking, a servant presented a box from her side to Grand Minister Rong. Despite his high position in court and being surrounded by flattery, he maintained a kind demeanor without any airs about him.
Upon opening the box and seeing the tea leaves inside, Grand Minister Rong nodded slightly and remarked, “Good tea; you are very thoughtful.”
Ke Shi immediately smiled brightly like a blooming flower. “I’m glad you like it, Grand Minister.”
Having completed the formalities, Grand Minister Rong set the box aside without looking at it again.
Song Feiwan observed quietly; aside from Rong Anning rolling her eyes slightly, it was difficult to discern what the others in the Rong family were thinking from their expressions.
“Feiwan, do you have anything to present to Grand Minister Rong?” Ke Shi asked her.
Assuming that Song Feiwan was unfamiliar with social etiquette, Ke Shi prepared to wait for her denial so she could lecture her sharply. However, unexpectedly, Song Feiwan stood up.
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