Jian Zhaoxing

Chapter 485: Sharp tools are essential for good work

Princess Pingning's affair did not cause much of a stir.

That night, Lin Zhiqing received news from Lu Huai.

The Imperial Observatory has made the arrangements; the date for the marriage alliance has been set for January.

"Great! We still have a month!" Lu Nanyue and Lin Yangyang were quite excited.

After hearing Lin Zhiqing's previous words, the two of them were no longer as anxious as before.

"I have to go tell my grandfather and the others this good news!" Lin Yangyang ran out without thinking.

"Yangyang, slow down!" Lu Nanyue couldn't help but urge her.

As she turned her head, she met Lin Shi'an's gaze.

Their eyes met, and they both paused, momentarily stunned.

Lu Nanyue quickly looked away.

"Miss Lu," Lin Shi'an began, "I have something I'd like to discuss with you."

Lu Nanyue pursed her lips, nodded, and followed Lin Shi'an's steps.

Now, only Lu Huai and Lin Zhiqing were left.

Lu Huai glanced at his older sister and Lin Shi'an walking out together and frowned slightly.

Lin Zhiqing's eyes darted around, and seeing that no one was around, she tugged at Lu Huai's sleeve: "Lu Huai, how have you been lately?"

Lu Huai looked at Lin Zhiqing's hand, slightly surprised, his attention completely diverted: "I'm fine."

Then, with a worried look on his face, he asked, "Ah Qing, are you sure you want to start preparing?"

Lin Zhiqing nodded: "Some things always need to be done by someone."

She tilted her head slightly, her tone rising: "Lu Huai, you must help me."

Seeing the upturned corners of her eyes, Lu Huai's tone softened involuntarily: "Okay."

Lu Huai knew very well that even without his help, Lin Zhiqing could accomplish what she wanted to do.

She possesses both the ability and the perseverance.

Even knowing this, Lu Huai couldn't help but feel happy because of her words.

It felt like a kitten that was distant and unfamiliar to everyone else, but reached out its hand to him alone.

Although Lu Huai did not show any joy or happiness on his face, Lin Zhiqing could tell from the slight tightening of his eyes.

She knew that Lu Huai was most susceptible to this kind of thing.

"Cousin, you really have to thank me properly..." Lin Zhiqing was very happy, having diverted Lu Huai's attention.

But then, remembering what had happened in the city that day, she deliberately put on a stern face and said:

"Lu Huai, are you hiding something from me lately?"

Lu Huai tensed up for a moment, but quickly regained his composure: "No."

Even though he had learned to hide his expressions and reactions, the person standing in front of him was none other than Lin Zhiqing.

Lin Zhiqing, in a show of force, demanded an explanation:

"You still want to hide it from me? I heard that when that young master Qu went to the Red Chamber to listen to music, he got drunk, broke his leg, and even lost his manhood?"

Lu Huai tapped Lin Zhiqing on the head:

"You speak without thinking! Whose mouth was so loose as to tell you this?"

"You forgot? Yan Yu is my lackey." Lin Zhiqing's tone was slightly proud.

If Yan Yu were here, he would definitely argue with Lin Zhiqing if he heard Lin Zhiqing say such things about him.

Lu Huai smiled and said, "That guy surnamed Qu is restless and has done a lot of things like bullying men and women. I just taught him a little lesson."

"You're lying." Lin Zhiqing put her hands behind her back, feigning ignorance, and asked, "I think there might be other reasons?"

"Ahem." Lu Huai coughed awkwardly. "What else could it be?"

"Of course I'm jealous!" Lin Zhiqing answered in her heart.

Madam Qu has been making things difficult for her, and she even sent an matchmaker to the Lin family's door. In addition, Young Master Qu's maternal uncle is the Duke of Pei, who is actively promoting the marriage alliance. All of these things are aimed at Lin Zhiqing.

Lu Huai appeared indifferent, but in reality, he had already nagged the person about it several times behind their backs.

However, Lin Zhiqing saw through it but didn't say anything; she just smiled slightly.

"Won't the Duke of Pei cause you trouble?"

Lu Huai felt the warmth of the concern and couldn't help but smile.
“I act based on evidence, what can he do to me? At worst, he can remove me from my position as Minister of Revenue.”

“But Ah Qing, I am not Jiang Liuyun.”

His eyes burned with passion.

Lin Zhiqing understood what Lu Huai meant.

He is not Jiang Liuyun, so he is not subject to anyone's control and naturally has confidence.

"Yes, yes, Lord Lu is mighty." Lin Zhiqing jokingly gave an official salute.

"Your posture is even more perfect than mine. No wonder you're Master Lin's niece." Lu Huai didn't hold back his praise.

"Of course, we might need it someday." Lin Zhiqing's smile was very bright.

The two exchanged information.

Upon learning that Lin Zhiqing wanted to make a newspaper, Lu Huai offered to help her.

Soon, Lin Shi'an and the other members of the Lin family also learned that Lin Zhiqing was going to make a newspaper.

Shuqing Pavilion is always bustling with activity.

After Lin Zhiqing left the inner music hall, he spent all his time studying newspapers.

This time, she wanted to create a newspaper that was more complete, more professional, and more provocative than her previous ones.

If a workman wants to be good, he must first sharpen his weapon.

Having learned from his previous experience making newspapers, Lin Zhiqing's first task was to find suitable paper.

Last time, she used ordinary Xuan paper, which absorbs ink but is not thick enough. After printing a few sheets, the ink would seep through, making it impossible to guarantee the clarity of each newspaper.

This will affect the reading experience.

Lu Nanyue took all the papers that Lu Huai and Lu Zhen had collected to the Lin family.

Lin Zhiqing examined each of the dozens of types of paper one by one, repeatedly stroking the surface with his fingertips.

Lin Yangyang and the others nearby even held their breath, afraid of disturbing Lin Zhiqing.

Lin Zhiqing first ruled out the common bamboo paper.

Although bamboo paper is cheap, it is brittle and easily damaged when printed with a little force.

Furthermore, bamboo paper has coarse fibers, making it easy for ink to seep and spread, which could result in illegible writing if printed on it.

Lin Zhiqing shook her head and picked up the silk paper beside her.

Her fingers gently caressed the silk paper, moving easily from side to side.

This means the paper is too slippery, making it difficult for ink to adhere, resulting in blurry printed text.

Seeing that Lin Zhiqing's brows were still furrowed, Lu Huai lowered his head and rummaged through the papers for a while before finally choosing one and placing it in front of Lin Zhiqing.

"Try this," Lu Huai said.

"This is mulberry bark paper from Jiangnan. It is made from the bark of three-year-old mulberry trees through more than ten processes, including soaking, steaming, pounding, and papermaking. It should be better than ordinary paper."

"Lu Huai, I thought you were just a bookworm. You even know about paper?" Lin Yangyang was somewhat surprised.

“The Lin family’s shops in Jiangnan are all managed by Xiao Huai. Otherwise, the Lu family would have been ruined by my father and me long ago.” Lu Nanyue was very self-aware.

Her clinic didn't make money; the real money was made by Lu Huai, who had been good at shrewd calculations since childhood.

Lin Zhiqing wasn't particularly surprised by this, since she had always borrowed money from Lu Huai before.

Lu Huai has a wide network of connections and is also very capable in business.

"Mulberry paper?" Lin Zhiqing picked up the paper and carefully stroked it.