Xu Shu looked at Cao Zhang in astonishment and asked: "Young master, do you want to give this "Thousand Character Essay" to Xun Lingjun, publish it in his name, and then use it as an enlightenment book for the academy?"
"Does Yuan Zhi think there is anything wrong with doing this?" Cao Zhang asked Xu Shu.
"Young master, please don't get me wrong. I don't mean it this way. I just think that the content of your thousand-character essay is amazing and full of charm. Although there are not many words, if you read it carefully, it is full of wonderful writing. If it is used as an enlightenment text, it must be The quality is indeed far superior to all kinds of books today." Xu Shu hurriedly explained to Cao Zhang.
"The young master gave the Thousand-Character Essay to Xun Lingjun, and he published it on his behalf. This gift is indeed substantial, and it can be considered as something he likes. He has absolutely no reason to refuse." Xu Shu continued to analyze.
"That's good." Hearing what Xu Shu said, Cao Zhang calmed down, "Then we will wait for the results of the expression. Only papermaking and movable type printing can succeed. I will go to see Xun Lingjun with a thousand-character text, and he will accept it with enthusiasm. .”
Xu Shu nodded in approval of Cao Zhang's words: "Young Master is saying that with new paper and printing technology, the thousand-character text can be printed and circulated in large quantities, so that it can have the meaning to impress Xun Lingjun."
"If we still make the original bamboo slips, the speed is slow. Now that there are constant wars in various places, it will be extremely difficult to sell them to other states and counties, and the impact will be much smaller. As an enlightenment book, it will lose its meaning if it cannot be circulated quickly." Xu Shu reminded Cao Zhang.
Cao Zhang nodded in agreement: "Yes, now we can only hope that there will be good news from Boda as soon as possible."
…
In the next few days, Cao Zhang quietly waited for news from Sima Lang every day.
Xia Houjuan would personally make some supplements for Cao Zhang every day. The medicine for injuries sent by Guo Zhao was also very effective, and Cao Zhang recovered quickly from his injuries.
In his spare time, Cao Zhang began to study various military books and tactics, thinking about other ways to strengthen the combat effectiveness of his troops. According to Xu Shu and his own analysis, it might not be long before he will lead his troops into battle.
Only by preparing early and taking precautions can you ensure a greater chance of winning in the battle.
On this day, Cao Zhang had just woken up, and was being served by Xia Houjuan and drinking the chicken soup she had made. A servant came in to report that Sima Lang was here.
Cao Zhang knew that Sima Lang must have brought news about papermaking and movable type printing, so he quickly put down his soup bowl and stood up to greet him.
Xia Houjuan knew that Cao Zhang must have something important to discuss with Sima Lang, so he quickly packed up the bowls and chopsticks and left.
"Boda, how are you?!" Cao Zhang grabbed Sima Lang's wrist and asked anxiously.
After all, the success of these two technologies is related to Cao Zhang's future military supplies and various expenses, and he is very nervous.
"Back to the master, the new paper and the movable type printing book have been successfully completed. Please take a look." Sima Lang reported excitedly while taking out a roll of paper from his arms and unfolding it in front of Cao Zhang.
Cao Zhang happily took the paper and unfolded it carefully. The roll of paper contained three different textures: bamboo paper, mulberry paper and wheat straw paper.
Cao Zhang first touched it with his hand, then picked up the pen, unfolded the paper, and tried to write one by one.
Among the three types of paper, the effect of bamboo paper is the most obvious. There is no ink smearing or infiltration in the written words.
The slightly worse ones are wheat straw paper, and finally mulberry paper, and the paper of mulberry paper is obviously yellowish, which is far less good-looking than the snow-white bamboo paper.
Cao Zhang looked at the new paper and was extremely excited. New paper was made, which meant that his plan was half successful.
"Sir, among the three types of paper, bamboo paper has the best effect, but relatively speaking, the production process is also the most complicated and difficult."
"Just because the texture of bamboo is hard, it needs to be fully soaked for a long time, mixed with a certain amount of bark, crushed together, and pulped. After trying and improving again and again, we finally succeeded."
"That is to say, the young master provided us with some corresponding theories in advance. In addition, the craftsmen of our Sima family are rich in experience and are relatively proficient in papermaking technology, so we can finally successfully develop all three types of paper."
"In the future, we can divide the three types of paper into three grades and sell them at different prices." Sima Lang introduced the new paper manufacturing process and difficulties encountered to Cao Zhang in detail.
Cao Zhang nodded happily: "Boda, these craftsmen must be heavily rewarded. Whether it is money or land, it will be paid by me. If you have merit, you should be rewarded. This is the principle of my work!"
"Yes, I will thank you for them, Master!" Sima Lang bowed and thanked him.
Cao Zhang continued to ask: "Didn't you say that the experiment of movable type printing was successful, is there a finished product?"
"Yes!" Sima Lang then took out a thin book from his arms and presented it to Cao Zhang.
Cao Zhang took the book and looked through it carefully. The book was printed on bamboo paper and felt very good to the touch. The printed handwriting is also very clear and clean, and the font spacing and typesetting are also very elegant.
The content of the book is the "Thousand Character Essay" provided by Cao Zhang to Sima Lang. Although it cannot be compared with modern printed books, it was definitely a high-quality book in the late Eastern Han Dynasty.
"Okay, it's really great!" Cao Zhang kept praising.
Both papermaking and movable type printing were successful, which meant that he could then start mass-producing paper, printing books and selling them, thereby making large profits and strengthening himself.
"Sir, please tell me what we should do next." Sima Lang asked Cao Zhang for instructions.
Cao Zhang pondered for a moment and responded: "Boda, first of all, we need to reward all the craftsmen so that they feel that they can get enough food and clothing from us. Then they will keep our technical secrets and not leak them."
"Then you can select the best-selling books on the market and print and sell them in large quantities. Of course, the price will be lower than the bamboo slip books. Small profits but quick turnover. Let's open up the market first."
"Well, my subordinate will go back and make arrangements right away!" Sima Lang agreed and left.
Cao Zhang happily looked at the new paper and the printed "Thousand Character Classic" in front of him, with excitement that could not be concealed on his face. He immediately shouted to his servants: "Quick, go and ask for Mr. Yuan Zhi!"
After a while, Xu Shu walked in quickly: "Master, are you looking for me?"
Cao Zhang waved to Xu Shu and showed him the new paper and the "Thousand Character Classic" in front of him: "Yuan Zhi, look!"
Xu Shu stepped forward and looked carefully, his face full of surprise: "It's really done! This is great! Young Master!"
"Yes, I have asked Sima Lang to make a large amount of paper and print books. It is estimated that it will not be long before we can get profits and carry out the next plan." Cao Zhang said excitedly.
Xu Shu calmed down at this time, pondered for a moment and said to Cao Zhang: "Young master, do you plan to act in secret like this?"
"This is natural. Only our family can ensure maximum benefits." Cao Zhang nodded in response.
"Of course, technically we have to keep it a secret. I mean, are you even prepared to hide it from Sikong?!" Xu Shu reminded Cao Zhang in a low voice...
