Chapter 115: Tong Ziliang of Hua Yi Publishing House

Liu Qingshan explained politely, “Editor-in-Chief Tong, I had originally arranged to handle some matters with Sister Jin Xishan, but your sudden request for this meeting caught me off guard, so I didn’t have time to excuse her. I hope you don’t mind?”

In truth, it was Jin Xishan herself who insisted on coming along. Her plan was to leverage every possible advantage to help secure the best contract for the first book.

She was well aware that her star status far exceeded Liu Qingshan’s and believed she could easily serve as a distraction to divide the other party’s attention.

Liu Qingshan understood her reasoning. Though he didn’t entirely approve, he did not refuse.

Sure enough, Jin Xishan’s goddess image carried considerable weight among many Chinese people; at least Tong Ziliang appeared visibly shocked.

“There’s a reason for this urgent request to meet you, Mr. Liu. Within our Hua Yi Editorial Department, there are differing opinions regarding this book. Let me first share my own view: I find it excellent—factually accurate yet far from dull. With your classic commentary as the author, it stands as a fine book, and I have high hopes for it.”

Liu Qingshan refrained from interrupting, sensing a twist was coming.

As expected, Tong Ziliang suddenly shifted tone.

“However, one of the deputy editors, Deputy Editor Miao, has expressed a different opinion. While I am indeed the sole chief editor, Deputy Editor Miao also holds another title—as the vice president of the National Ming History Association and a renowned expert on Ming history.”

He went on to explain that Deputy Editor Miao’s dissent stemmed largely from pressure exerted by many members of the Ming History Association.

In principle, Deputy Editor Miao agrees with The Ming Dynasty Chronicles, describing it as a vivid, accessible retelling of Ming history.

Yet, the intrigues and scheming of history echo into today’s society, reflected in the differing stances within the Ming History Association itself.

As for why the book had yet to be officially published, those association members had already read it, and Tong Ziliang offered some insight into current domestic policies regarding history books.

Liu Qingshan now understood the source of the internal disagreement at Hua Yi Editorial Department. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke.

“Then let’s proceed with the second method of contract signing—the so-called wager approach mentioned by Lawyer Wang. Since Deputy Editor Miao raised concerns that historical disputes might impact overall sales, I believe the safest route for Hua Yi is this wager-style contract, allowing us both to accept any outcome more equably.”

The wager method he referred to involved different options for royalty splits.

The conventional, traditional royalty split, absent internal objections at Hua Yi and excluding a one-time buyout, would likely be around fifteen percent.

That is, the author would receive about fifteen percent of the actual print run revenue—a figure approaching the standard for second-tier writers.

Initially, Liu Qingshan had agreed with this plan. After all, without prior works, securing this rate under his celebrity status was already a generous concession by the publisher.

But since Hua Yi’s editorial team had raised objections, he secretly welcomed the development, knowing the future sales figures would be staggering.

Only due to lack of proof did he reluctantly consider the first option previously.

Now, he had a reason to choose the second method. The wager approach was not his invention; precedents existed before 2004, which is why the publisher could accept it.

“So, Mr. Liu, you mean to choose the second cooperation method? That is, if total publication volume falls below three million copies, you receive ten percent; once it surpasses three million, it starts at twenty percent, increasing by 0.1 percent for every additional 100,000 copies sold?”

This total publication volume refers to the sum of all volumes. The Ming Dynasty Chronicles is planned as a seven-volume series, each tentatively priced around twenty-six yuan.

According to Tong Ziliang, below three million copies, Liu Qingshan would earn 2.6 yuan per book; once it reaches three million, this doubles to 5.2 yuan.

Beyond three million, for every additional million copies sold, he would earn an extra one percent, accumulating accordingly.

In reality, three million is an extraordinarily high number. Most works selling tens of thousands copies are already considered bestsellers.

“Yes, but there’s one condition I don’t know if Lawyer Wang mentioned—that my royalty share should be calculated on the actual price after tax!”

This addendum was a last-minute insertion by Liu Qingshan, prompted by Jin Xishan’s unexpected presence.

Do not underestimate the impact of taxes: the personal income tax rate was twenty percent, with a thirty percent reduction on the taxable amount.

For example, a single payment of five thousand yuan would incur a tax of about six hundred seventy-two yuan.

Imagine if The Ming Dynasty Chronicles sold one million copies; the tax burden would be substantial.

The reason Jin Xishan’s appearance might persuade Hua Yi to agree to a post-tax price calculation was due to a prior agreement between Wang Huansheng and Tong Ziliang: if the author provided sales assistance, the royalty percentage could be adjusted upward.

As expected, upon hearing Liu Qingshan’s request, Tong Ziliang glanced at Jin Xishan and asked, “Miss Jin, could you assist Mr. Liu in promoting this book?”

Jin Xishan nodded affirmatively. “Since Mr. Liu prefers to keep his personal information private for now, I can help with publicity, such as participating in interview programs and discussing my personal reading experiences.”

Tong Ziliang was pleased with this outcome, then turned to Liu Qingshan. “I understand you are currently working on your second book. Is there any progress? Having it could influence our publisher’s final stance.”

Liu Qingshan opened his notebook and found the relevant webpage.

“Although not formally contracted, there’s already a commercial agreement employing a similar wager approach. If subscriptions exceed ten thousand, I will receive the royalties I desire. This online novel differs from The Ming Dynasty Chronicles; it’s a fantasy novel, and I’m using the same pen name, though not ‘Qingshan Yijiu’.”

Looking at the reading data on the author’s page, Tong Ziliang’s surprise was no surprise to Liu Qingshan.

“I didn’t expect such impressive results at this early stage! Mr. Liu, can you guarantee the book’s title? And, assuming it can reach ten thousand subscriptions, will you entrust the physical publication to us at Hua Yi?”

Liu Qingshan smiled. “That depends on how our first collaboration goes. If it’s pleasant, I can entrust it to you.”

Tong Ziliang narrowed his eyes and pondered for a moment before replying.

“With Miss Jin’s assistance, we can definitely consider a slight increase. As for finalizing the after-tax arrangement, I need to return to the publisher and aim to give you an answer by tomorrow. Then we can sign immediately.”

Such an outcome would fulfill Liu Qingshan’s goals.

He stood and shook Tong Ziliang’s hand. “I have some urgent matters to attend to. Lawyer Wang will represent me in expressing gratitude for your hard work.”

He had already given Wang Huansheng a sum of money to cover social expenses.