Chapter 31: A Rare Treasure! The Ming Daily Gains Fame!

Under the meticulous arrangement of Zhu Biao, the inaugural issue of the Great Ming Daily was soon circulated among the common people.

As the newspaper began to spread, wealthy gentry and landlords alike developed a keen interest in this publication. Its content was diverse and all-encompassing, covering a vast array of information that allowed the common folk to stay informed about the world without ever stepping outside. Through the paper, for instance, the populace could learn which dishes were being served in the capital’s restaurants or keep up with the latest romantic scandals unfolding in the city. Such intriguing content was presented vividly on the pages of a single broadsheet. Furthermore, with Luo Guanzhong’s serialized novels included, those who enjoyed storytelling could also feast on thrilling tales within the paper.

Following the first issue, Zhu Biao noted that the sales of the Great Ming Daily showed a steady upward trend. Following Qin Feng’s strategy, the first issue had been distributed for free, ensuring that every person across the Great Ming could get their hands on a copy. The plan was to wait until the people became dependent on the daily life provided by the paper, and only then gradually shift to a sales model to recoup the initial losses.

By the time the third issue was released, the Great Ming Daily had become a staple of daily life, gaining increasing popularity. Whether they were wealthy gentry, farmers, or scholars, everyone grew fond of it. Even illiterate women found the paper useful, often repurposing it as toilet tissue. The contents of the Great Ming Daily eventually became common fodder for tea-time conversation.

After the fifth issue, the newspaper became a nationwide sensation, turning into a primary form of entertainment and an inseparable part of the people's lives. It was at this juncture that Qin Feng announced the newspaper would begin its initial phase of profitability. From being free at the start, the price rose to one copper coin, then five, and eventually, even at ten copper coins, a single copy was hard to come by. The escalating price successfully turned the newspaper’s initial losses into gains. As the publication became deeply embedded in the hearts of the people, its influence reached the imperial court, where every civil and military official now kept a copy on hand. Seeing the immense popularity of Qin Feng’s creation, many ministers were struck with envy.

...

In the Wuying Hall, Old Zhu held the fifth issue in his hands and summoned Wang Jinghong to bring Qin Feng to the hall for an audience.

While waiting for Qin Feng, Old Zhu was engrossed in the fifth issue of the Great Ming Daily. He was certain that this young man, Qin Feng, was truly a rare talent. The serialized "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" currently running in the paper had countless readers waiting impatiently for the next installment; even Old Zhu himself had become a loyal fan.

Old Zhu also found information on dishes served in the capital's taverns and teahouses, news of marriages, and job postings for laborers. These bits of information helped the common people efficiently access useful knowledge, improving their productivity and solving employment issues for many. Only when the people lived in peace and contentment could the population flourish and the nation prosper. Seeing the wealth of information, Old Zhu couldn't help but praise: "That rascal, he really thought of everything! A single paper covering everything from clothing and food to housing, travel, labor, and marriage! He really is a talent!"

As Old Zhu finished reading the useful information, he stumbled upon some content that made his face flush. He suddenly felt something was amiss with the paper. "That brat, he has no sense of propriety! Still, it suits my tastes quite well."

Old Zhu was captivated. How had he never realized there were so many salacious scandals in the capital? Looking at the vivid and alluring headlines, Old Zhu felt his eyes burning, yet he couldn't stop reading. "Romance in the Capital," "A Lifetime of Drifting into the Brothel, All Because of That Heartless Man," "A Wild Night at the Temple," "My Father-in-law Discovers My Affair with My Mother-in-law"... Old Zhu felt his heart race and couldn't help but giggle to himself. He snuck a glance at the author of these gossip columns and was shocked to see the name: Qin Feng!

Good heavens! That scoundrel Qin Feng actually wrote such content with such flair! Old Zhu found himself unable to put it down. No wonder the Great Ming Daily was such a hit—the content was simply too rich. Old Zhu coughed twice and said to the eunuch beside him, "Pass on my decree: from now on, every issue of the Great Ming Daily must be vetted by me before publication."

"As you command!"

Just as Old Zhu was deep into the scandalous content, footsteps sounded at the door. He quickly hid the paper and sat up straight, trying to look composed, feeling as guilty as if he had been caught doing something illicit.

Qin Feng entered the hall and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Seeing Qin Feng, Old Zhu beamed with joy and stood up. "Qin Feng, the Great Ming Daily is a fine creation. I like it very much and support your continued efforts. I have examined the content carefully; by helping the people gather information and improving their efficiency, you have truly performed a great service for the benefit of all! Now that the paper has gained the approval of the people and is spreading across the land, your contribution is undeniable! If you feel the newspaper office is understaffed, I will dispatch more men to ensure its continued operation."

Qin Feng smiled and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty. His Highness the Crown Prince has provided much help. The newspaper is now thriving and has already turned a profit."

"Well done! Qin Feng, you truly have not disappointed me. But you claimed you would provide a million taels for the treasury by the end of the year, and the newspaper has only just broken even. How do you intend to turn the tide? Or do you already plan to increase the price? If it becomes too expensive, it will lose its reach. Have you considered this?"

Qin Feng replied, "Your Majesty, I have come to discuss the pricing. I plan to set it at five copper coins per copy, a price the common people can afford. This way, everyone can benefit from the information. Furthermore, the court can use the paper to issue policy announcements, which will help build trust between you and the people."

Old Zhu nodded, worried. "But at that rate, the profits will fall far short of a million taels."

"Your Majesty, have no fear. The popularity of the newspaper is established. As long as I control the paper, there will naturally be those who send silver my way."

Old Zhu laughed. Who in this world would be foolish enough to send money to someone else? Unless it was bribery! Old Zhu suddenly realized something and warned, "Qin Feng! I hate corrupt officials above all else. Do not go down the wrong path!"

Qin Feng rolled his eyes. "What are you thinking, Your Majesty? I am a law-abiding citizen. My methods are entirely legitimate. You shall see soon enough."

When Old Zhu eventually learned that mastering the code of 'traffic' meant instant wealth, his jaw would surely drop. Qin Feng now held the 'traffic' of the entire Great Ming in his hands! Who would dare worry about a lack of advertisers lining up to place ads in his paper?