Simultaneous travel: City, infinite evolution

Chapter 249 Papermaking and Woodblock Printing [Bonus Chapter for Monthly Tickets]

Fusu could foresee how many more books and students the invention of paper and printing would bring to the world.

Countless impoverished families who could not afford to go to school have been able to access books and embark on the path of learning.

Of course, this would require breaking the aristocracy's monopoly on knowledge.

The imperial court must print a large number of books and distribute them throughout the country.

Based on Fusu's understanding of his father, he would certainly select and distribute informational books that were beneficial to the court and the emperor.

Most books, especially those from the Hundred Schools of Thought, which dealt with power, governance, and ideology—topics that might be detrimental to rule—were not printed or distributed by the emperor.

Because Legalist thought emphasizes law, tactics, and power; it emphasizes rule and keeping the people ignorant.

They believe that the public's low level of knowledge makes it difficult for them to understand complex national affairs, and that letting them know too much could easily lead to discontent and unrest.

We must "use punishment to deter crime," using severe penalties and harsh laws to deter crime and prevent people from violating the law.

The more foolish the people are, the better. They should just honestly farm, do what they're supposed to do, contribute taxes, and provide free labor.

Never have unrealistic ambitions in your life; everyone should stay in their proper place.

Furthermore, one must not discuss national affairs, make irresponsible remarks about the government, or even talk about the emperor.

It's best not to think about anything else, just farm, work, do corvée labor, fight, and pay taxes every day.

With a full schedule, people naturally won't have any wild thoughts, and the court will be stable.

If you were like Liu Bang, spending your days strolling the streets and bragging.

Without a doubt, they are definitely troublemakers and must be dealt with severely.

Chen Hong naturally knew the emperor's thoughts, but he also had reasons why the emperor could not refuse.

"Fusu, didn't I tell you about the 'Great Qin Law' a few days ago?"

Papermaking and woodblock printing are perfect for printing laws.

Woodblock printing is less prone to errors and is well-suited for large-scale mass printing, making it ideal for printing laws.

In this way, the Qin Dynasty would have many legal texts available for officials and common people to study and reference.

Fusu's eyes lit up. "That makes sense. Father Emperor unified the script of the six kingdoms, and they all used Qin seal script. Then he wrote clerical script."

These two arts are precisely what we need to vigorously promote the ideology and culture of the Qin Dynasty and educate the world.

"Hmm." Chen Hong nodded. "Fusu, take these two techniques with you. I believe that with the skill level of the Qin craftsmen, they will be able to make samples very soon."

"Just tell your father that you should give the Lü family a quota for a government-designated printing workshop to sell their products."

"Letting the Lü family have a sip of soup is my way of giving them as a betrothal gift."

"It's easy."

Fusu laughed heartily and took it all on.

Given the strength of the Qin Dynasty, if it really wanted to do large-scale printing, it could have set up countless workshops.

It's just a sales quota for a small workshop, nothing special.

"In that case, Fusu will take his leave now."

"Farewell."

Fusu and Meng Tian returned happily to report the good news to the First Emperor.

Having finally connected with Chen Hong, Fusu was no longer in a hurry; there was plenty of time.

As long as Chen Hong doesn't run away, he can still be used by the Great Qin in the end.

Marriage is wonderful! It would be even better to send more beauties as gifts so that the husband can settle down in Xianyang.

Fusu racked his brains trying to keep Chen Hong, this precious treasure.

Chen Hong also had his own plans.

"With the first workshop, how far away can the second, third, fourth, and countless others be?"

"A single spark can start a prairie fire."

"Once the world is filled with printing workshops, what will be printed will no longer be entirely within the control of the imperial court."

"Only when a hundred schools of thought contend and sparks of ideas bloom across the land can the most brilliant and dazzling fruits be nurtured."

"In the entire land of China, over two thousand years, there has only been one instance of the Hundred Schools of Thought contending."

That's still too little, too narrow-minded.

"It is incredibly foolish to shackle one's thoughts."

"Not urgent."

"Let the bullets fly for a while!"

"I want to see that only after the great waves have washed away the sand can the gold be revealed, and only after the sedimentation can the most brilliant golden fruits be obtained, and the light of wisdom shine through the ages!"

In the Lü residence.

Empress Lü and her husband, Lü Su, were excitedly discussing wedding arrangements with Lü Gong, their faces beaming with joy and happiness.

"Finally... finally, we're about to achieve our goal!"

"Hahaha, my son has finally gotten his wish. Are you happy now?" Lord Lü laughed and stroked his beard, teasingly.

"Daddy~..."

The two girls shyly and coquettishly shook their old father.

But the joyful smile on his face was impossible to hide.

Lu Gong exclaimed, "I never expected Hong'er to be so capable, actually managing to persuade Prince Fusu to personally come to our door as matchmaker."

It seems I underestimated Hong'er.

I bet that within two days, the entire city of Xianyang will know about this.

Now, you two sisters are famous throughout the capital, making quite a splash!

Our Lü family has also benefited from your influence, becoming known to various noble families in the capital.

You two sisters have truly brought honor to our family.

Upon hearing this, Lü Zhi's eyes lit up.

She married her ideal husband and became famous throughout the capital, making quite a splash in the limelight.

Which girl wouldn't be tempted by that?

Moreover, Empress Lü was quite competitive and concerned about her image.

For a moment, I felt as sweet as if I had eaten something delicious, and I couldn't help but smile.

While Lü Su was happy to become famous, she was mainly happy that her wish had finally come true.

After all, she once thought that as a junior, her chances were slim.

Unexpectedly, perseverance paid off, and things took a turn for the better.

She was already dreaming of being a virtuous wife after marrying him, enjoying the sweet days of serving Chen Hong in his daily life. She didn't have much ambition; she just wanted to live a happy life with the person she loved.

Lu Gong then began to teach the two women how to be wives.

"After you two sisters marry, you should follow the example of the story of Ehuang and Nüying, be of one heart and mind, love each other sincerely, serve your husbands, live a good life, and not be arrogant or spoiled."

You must remember that you are all descendants of my Lü family, and also sisters who grew up together.

Never be jealous or quarrelsome, lest you benefit an outsider.

Hong'er is no ordinary person; he has a bright future and is so outstanding that he will inevitably have a lot of romantic luck in the future.

You must never be a jealous woman with no tolerance for others, otherwise you will only push your husbands away.

However, one should not be too lenient. One must carefully discern those cunning and scheming vixens and never let them into the fold.

It is a great taboo to keep a wicked concubine by one's husband's side.

You are Hong'er's lawfully wedded wives. As the first wife, you should have the magnanimity and the methods of a first wife.

Managing the household requires the skills to govern subordinates, the ability to manage the household, and the tact to navigate interpersonal relationships.

"I will heed your teachings, Father."

The two women bowed respectfully to Lord Lü.

"Hmm." Lord Lü nodded in satisfaction and stroked his beard. "This young man is teachable."

"Go down to the backyard and find your mother. Learn from her how to be a wife."

While we're at it, let's also learn about the etiquette of the Duke of Zhou.

You've all grown up now, and you're about to get married. It's time you learned something properly.

Lu Zhi's face flushed red instantly.

In fact, large families do have systematic teaching and learning programs.

They naturally knew what the rites of the Duke of Zhou were.

However, since this topic is quite sensitive, the knowledge gained from it is rather vague and superficial until the time for marriage.

She would only start studying diligently in a rush when it was time for her to get married.

Fortunately, this kind of thing is very quick to learn and usually won't cause any delays.

However, it's certain that I'm still unfamiliar with it.

It's only when you're not familiar with each other that big problems arise; if your husband's family misunderstands, things will get very serious.

Faced with this sensitive topic, the two girls were still a little shy. They quickly bowed to their father and took their leave, then went to the backyard to find their mother.

Outside the gate.

Seeing Prince Fusu emerge, looking quite pleased with a broad smile, the onlookers speculated wildly.

Only after Prince Fusu's carriage had left did they inquire about the situation from the servants of the Lü family.

"Young man, what exactly happened? Why did Prince Fusu come to propose marriage? Tell us quickly."

The doorman, of course, wouldn't miss this opportunity to show off, and immediately began to boast.

"Don't you know?"

"Young Master Fusu has come as a matchmaker, to propose marriage on behalf of a young master."

They want to marry our eldest and second young ladies.

The onlookers were immediately shocked.

"what!"

"Who could possibly persuade Prince Fusu to condescend to come to the Lü residence to personally act as matchmaker?"

"Who has such influence?"

"Could it be some prince, nobleman, or high-ranking official?"

The doorman immediately began to introduce the place with great pride.

"You didn't know that?"

"You know Mr. Chen Hong, the miracle doctor who cured the plague in Dang County, right?"

"We don't know him." The people shook their heads vigorously.

"Dang County, what kind of rural place is that?"

"I've never heard of it."

The doorman was embarrassed for a moment, but then he put on airs and maintained his self-esteem, looking at the Kyoto people who were always full of superiority with the eyes of someone looking at a country bumpkin.

"You guys don't know this? You're so ignorant!"

"Mr. Chen Hong, with unfathomable skills, cured the plague that was spreading throughout Dang County, preventing it from spreading further."

After quelling the plague and saving countless lives, he showed no attachment to his official position and ignored the earnest pleas of the governor of Dang County to stay.

He resolutely resigned his post and returned to his hometown.

From officials to commoners, everyone in Dang County admired him.

Everyone was immediately filled with respect. In this era, to be able to resist the temptation of becoming an official and resign one's post was truly admirable.

They are all virtuous and wise men in the eyes of the people, moral exemplars and reclusive masters who are unmoved by fame and fortune and wholeheartedly serve the people.

As the saying goes, "After accomplishing the task, one dusts off one's clothes and departs, concealing one's merits and fame."

That's something only legendary sages could do.

Ordinary people, bound by fame and fortune, cannot resist the temptation of official positions and are content with a life of poverty in the mountains.

"No wonder Prince Fusu personally acted as matchmaker."

"Truly a great sage."

Everyone praised it.

"To be favored by such a great sage, how virtuous and beautiful must the Lü sisters be?"

The group started gossiping.

After Fusu returned to Xianyang Palace, he reported the situation to Ying Zheng and presented him with "Papermaking Techniques (First Edition)" and "Woodblock Printing Techniques (Preliminary Exploration)".

Qin Shi Huang was astonished, his eyes shining as he held the two books, unable to put them down.

"it is good!"

"Okay!"

"Truly divine skill."

"I have swept across the six kingdoms, unified the world, standardized writing, cart tracks, weights and measures, measurement systems, ethical norms, and land boundaries—a feat unprecedented in history."

"This divine technique can greatly help me accelerate the process of standardizing the written language."

(End of this chapter)