The investigation into the book Flowers Bloom ultimately came to nothing. A week later, its sequel was published without incident, though this edition was far more restrained in its descriptions, with some sections even left deliberately blank.
Yet what Shopkeeper Zhang had not expected was that these blank spaces did not diminish the book's appeal. On the contrary, they further fueled its popularity. Everyone fervently debated what had happened in those omitted passages, while a rumor gradually spread: the book had two versions. The other, unabridged version not only contained no omissions, but also held deeper hidden plotlines. That was the book's true complete edition.
This wave of popularity quickly caught the merchants' attention.
Soon afterward, copies of Flowers Bloom were loaded onto carriages and cargo ships, spreading beyond Jinxia City.
"Mm..."
With a stab of pain, Gongshu Feng let out a low groan and slowly opened his eyes.
Everything before him was hazy, as though covered by a thin veil. He could barely make out anything.
No matter what, it seemed he was still alive...
He licked his lips, only to discover that his mouth was parched and his throat burned like fire.
"Water..."
Gongshu Feng murmured instinctively, but he quickly came to his senses. He was no longer the Gongshu Clan's chief disciple, and this was not the Gongshu residence in Xu State. There could not possibly be servants at his side to tend to him at every moment.
"Want some water? There's some here," someone suddenly replied.
Then a reed stalk was inserted into his mouth.
Gongshu Feng took two deep pulls, and a stream of astringent water immediately poured down his throat. It was hardly sweet or refreshing; he could even taste the grit of soil on his tongue. Yet it was the most soothing