Yan Liusheng

Biodata

History

Meeting Zhou Yao

Yan Liusheng owns and manages Liusheng Bookshop, the largest bookshop in Stone County. Zhou Yao approaches him with the first ten chapters of Dream of the Red Chamber, offering to supply another ten chapters every fifteen days 33.

Yan initially has little interest in an unfinished story by another young would-be author. Zhou’s expensive clothing and carriage help secure his attention, but the manuscript quickly overturns his expectations. He becomes so engrossed that Zhou must call him three times before he responds, and he declares the work the best storybook in the world 33 34.

Exclusive Publishing Agreement

Anticipating both large sales and competition from other bookshops for later installments, Yan seeks exclusive distribution rights. He offers unusually favorable terms to keep Zhou attached to Liusheng Bookshop, reasoning that a smaller share of a successful novel will bring greater long-term returns and publicity 34 35.

Controversial Launch

Yan orders an initial printing of 1,000 copies and prices each ten-chapter volume at two taels of silver. An advertisement outside the shop attracts scholars, who condemn the price and call for a boycott. Yan deliberately allows the protests to draw a larger audience, treating the controversy as publicity 37.

Before the crowd can turn destructive, he addresses it through a homemade megaphone. He warns that disturbances at the storefront violate Great Zhou law, then confirms that future ten-chapter volumes will retain the same price. Several leading agitators have been paid by rival bookshops to cause trouble 38.

To prove the novel’s quality, Yan invites five scholars chosen by the crowd to read it. He promises to kneel and apologize if three judge it unworthy. All five become captivated, including an agitator working for his competitors 39.

After the reading, Yan retrieves their copies rather than letting them keep the books for free. Each scholar then pays two taels for a volume. Their public endorsement reverses the crowd’s hostility and sends buyers into the shop 40 41.

Sales Success

Around a hundred scholars initially purchase the novel. The next morning, readers return demanding the remaining chapters, prompting Yan to explain that Zhou is still writing and that another installment is expected in fifteen days 42.

Word of mouth soon produces much larger crowds. Yan deliberately withholds stock during the rush, using apparent shortages to increase demand before releasing copies to everyone who comes 43.

Within seven days, the novel has swept through Stone County and its province and is beginning to spread throughout Great Zhou 44.

Personality

Yan combines genuine enthusiasm for fiction with a strong desire for fame and profit. His delight in Dream of the Red Chamber is immediate and unrestrained, but he also quickly recognizes its potential to make his bookshop nationally famous 33 34.

He is courteous without being impartial: Zhou’s apparent wealth initially influences his willingness to entertain the manuscript. Once convinced of its value, however, Yan is willing to sacrifice his usual profit share and pay generously to secure a lasting partnership 33 35.

He usually conceals his excitement during negotiations and maintains a smile under public abuse. His composure has limits: when scholars rush into the shop after the five readers’ endorsement, he briefly fears they intend to loot it before realizing they want to buy books 35 38 41.

Relationships

• Zhou Yao — Author and exclusive publishing partner. Yan admires his perceived literary talent and offers both favorable financial terms and friendship. Zhou, in turn, regards Yan as a born merchant with a strong head for business 34 35.
• Stone County’s scholars — Customers whose initial boycott becomes enthusiastic support after five respected readers endorse the novel. Their recommendations drive its wider popularity 37 41 43.
• Rival bookshops — Commercial competitors who send paid scholars to inflame opposition to Yan’s pricing. One of their agitators becomes a paying reader after examining the novel 38 39 40.

Notable Quotes

“Personally, I believe ‘Dream of the Red Chamber’ is the best novel in the world today, bar none. Although it isn't finished yet, that is what I believe.” 39

“If three of you say ‘Dream of the Red Chamber’ isn't worth reading after you've read it, I'll kneel before everyone and apologize. Will that do?” 39

Trivia

• Zhou associates Liusheng Bookshop’s name with the saying, “A passing wild goose leaves its cry; a passing person leaves their name,” and compliments Yan on the choice 33.