Xiao Zhengtai's words really touched Zhang Liang's pain point.
But even so, he still pretended to be noble and arrogant, and retorted with an awkward expression, "Although I am not talented and have not made much contribution to the country, what contribution can you make as a baby? What ability do you have to manage a paper mill? I'm afraid. You still don’t know how to write ligatures, right?”
"Humph! The paper mill has just been established. It's not clear whether I can manage it well, but my contribution to the country is still a little bit!"
Little Shota pinched his thumb and index finger together and made a gesture.
"You? Are you still contributing? Are you contributing to bedwetting or breastfeeding?" Zhang Liang sneered.
"How are you talking? This is the young master of the current dynasty, and this paper mill is also the property of the royal family!"
Yu Wenxuan couldn't stand it, and before Xiao Zhengtai could speak, he showed his trump card.
"Wow..."
As soon as these words came out, the whole place was in an uproar.
"It turns out to be the royal family's property, no wonder it's such a big deal!"
"I didn't expect that this little boss is actually a young master!"
"I heard that the Quyuan plow that has just become popular now was modified by the young master. I wonder if it is the one in front of me?"
"Probably, otherwise His Majesty wouldn't be able to send a milk baby to manage the paper mill. I guess he has some skills!"
…
The other applicants all started whispering among themselves.
Zhang Liang was also shocked by the identity of the little Zhengtai. He never expected that this child turned out to be Ying Zheng's son.
In the past few days in Xianyang City, he had also heard many legends about this boy. He had renovated the curved shaft plow, and the court was also mass-producing horseshoes. After learning the news, the people also imitated the craftsmanship, hoping to extend the service life of the horses.
In addition to these, he seems to be incredibly strong. Yesterday he even beat up the corrupt official Yan Le who stole his bride.
"Even if you are a young master and have some small ideas, you are still far behind in managing a paper mill. Even if you have been studying since your mother's womb, you still don't know a few words and yet you come to ask us what books we have read?"
Zhang Liang glanced disdainfully.
I had already asked Yu Wenxuan when I signed up, but I didn't get a definite reply. I just said that I must be literate.
"Do you know what this paper mill is for?"
Xiao Zhengtai was not in a hurry to argue, but found a seat to sit down, crossed her legs, and started asking questions unsteadily.
"I don't know!"
"Then I will open your eyes today...!"
The young lady stretched out her hand and ordered: "Yu Wenxuan, bring the account book!"
"yes!"
After a few breaths, the account book appeared in Xiao Zhengtai's hands.
"Take it and see, this is paper!"
The account book flew into Zhang Liang's arms like a dart.
Zhang Liang picked it up disdainfully and looked at it, his pupils suddenly dilated.
The thing in his hand is white and light, and the writing on it is clear, "Could it be...could this be paper?"
"That's right, the paper mill will produce this kind of paper in the future. Each piece of paper costs only one penny, and even the most ordinary people can afford it. By then, studying will not only be the right of high-ranking officials, but also ordinary people. Change your destiny through learning!”
Mr. Shota smiled and continued: "Do you know who invented the paper you are holding?"
Zhang Liang lowered his head and looked at the paper in his hand, then looked at the evil smile on Xiao Zhengtai's face, and a bad premonition arose spontaneously.
"It's just what you think, this paper was invented by me!"
What?
Can this kid make paper?
A born prodigy?
Everyone present was shocked, including Zhang Liang!
"Now do you still think that a five-year-old kid like me is not qualified to manage this paper mill?"
Looking at Zhang Liang's troubled expression, Xiao Zheng is so beautiful.
Although this guy is arrogant and arrogant, he is really talented. He must be kept here. He will definitely be useful in the future!
"Even if the young master can invent paper, he may not be proficient in literature. This paper mill still needs to be managed by a literary scholar!"
Although Zhang Liang admired Xiao Zhengtai's whimsy, he still shook his head.
"You still look down on me, so how about we compete?"
Xiao Zhengtai stood up and challenged him with his little hands behind his back, "If I lose, I will ask my father to change the censor to manage this paper mill when I go back. If you lose, you can stay and help me manage the paper mill, and you will still be paid. how?"
"This...?" Zhang Liang was hesitating.
"Ouch! Do you even need to think about this? It's just pie in the sky. No matter you win or lose, there is no loss for you!"
"Yes, the reason for looking for work is to make money! Even if you lose, you can still stay!"
"Brother, looking at what you're wearing, I'm afraid you can barely afford to eat, right? With such a high salary, what are you waiting for?"
…
Seeing Zhang Liang's appearance, everyone onlookers felt anxious for him.
"Is it possible...are you afraid of losing?"
Xiao Zhengtai smiled mockingly, hoping to stimulate this kid.
"Nonsense, I, Zhang Liang, have lived in poverty for ten years just to benefit the people, but it's a pity...!"
Thinking of Korea being destroyed, Zhang Liang shook his head helplessly.
"Since you're not afraid, let's compete. It's up to you!"
Xiao Zhengtai said very generously.
"Okay, let's compare. Since this paper mill can benefit the people, we can't let it be left in the hands of a baby!"
Zhang Liang nodded and continued: "Now that pairs are popular, how about we deal with pairs? Even if you are not knowledgeable, you can still get it right after studying carefully!"
"Okay! Whatever you are good at, I will accompany you. Just don't say that I bully you!"
"Then I'm not welcome...!"
Zhang Liang flicked his sleeves and stepped forward, and the people in front of him moved out of the way. "Let's do something simple first, silkworms are the most worms in the world!"
Everyone looked at Xiao Zhengtai.
Although this couplet is not too difficult, it is not simple either. It is a split word couplet and must be neatly matched!
"Hong is a bird by the water!"
Xiao Zhengtai responded to the second line without even thinking.
In later generations, they will already be playing such games in the third grade of elementary school. Simple word splitting like this is their entry level!
"Whiss...?"
Zhang Liang didn't expect this kid to be so quick to deal with him, so he couldn't help but gasped, "Listen, I won't be polite this time!"
"The eagle stands on the treetop, the moon shines and the slanting shadow of the eagle does not slant!"
This time it was a bit difficult. Some of the people who came to apply were only slightly literate and not well-educated people. They were already slapping their faces and thinking hard.
Looking at the young lady again, she looked relaxed and without any pressure at all, "Hey! The cat is lying in the corner. The wind blows and its fur moves, but the cat does not move!"
"Pa bang bang..."
The audience burst into warm applause.
This couplet is not too difficult for literati, but it is not easy to get it right in a short time.
"Listen up, the moon is full in the sky, half of the moon on earth, full and half of the moon on earth!"
This time Zhang Liang directly used his trump card.
As soon as this couplet came out, no one here could think of a suitable second couplet, and they all shook their heads with grimaces.
Zhang Liang looked slightly interested.
Even if a milk baby is lucky enough to match the first two, it is absolutely impossible to match this second line.
It seems that the paper mill really needs to be managed by someone else!
