There is a row of bookstores in Xiaoqujian west of Caomen in Dongshi. One of them is called "Chengxin Bookstore", which sells not only books but also paper.
The carriage stopped in front of the shop door, and Xue Bai and Du Wei walked into the book shop.
Scroll-bound books are placed on the shelves, and various types of paper are placed in the cabinet on the other side. The farther in, the better and whiter the paper becomes.
There were no waiters in the shop, only an old man was writing something at his desk, with a sad expression on his brows. When he heard the movement, he raised his head and said, "Sir, would you like to buy a book?"
His Sichuan accent was thick, and he looked a little reserved with his hands in his sleeves when he spoke.
Xue Bai asked: "May I ask if my boss is here?"
"I, Jiang Cheng, am the owner of this place."
"Do you have bamboo paper?"
Jiang Cheng was stunned and secretly thought that they were so luxurious that they only bought bamboo paper. He led them to the container and said, "Yes, sir, please take a look."
Xue Bai picked up a piece of bamboo paper and touched it. It was indeed not as good as the white rattan paper he usually used. The surface of the paper was light yellow, the flexibility was poor, and the paper was fragile and fragile.
"Is there any bamboo paper that is more suitable for writing?"
Jiang Cheng shook his head, smiled sheepishly, and said: "I am from Jiajiang, Sichuan. To boast, there is no one in Chang'an who is better at making bamboo paper than me. The bamboo paper in my shop can still be used for When writing, the words should not be densely packed, but the bamboo paper elsewhere can only be used as paper money."
Xue Bai asked: "Can you show us your workshop?"
Jiang Cheng then understood that they were planning to take over his shop. But he sighed, raised his hand, and invited them to go to the backyard.
Going around the screen wall, there are several desks in the middle hall, with pens, inks, paper and inkstones placed on them. They should be used for copying books... When Xue Bai saw them, he thought that there was no engraving and printing technology used here.
He knew that this process existed today, but it was just not popular yet.
The papermaking workshop in the backyard is much larger than expected. There are a lot of raw materials on the verandah, including mulberry, hemp, and bamboo.
Xue Bai was only interested in bamboo paper, but after looking at various papermaking materials, he found that he was a layman at all. Du Wei's statement of "pointing out the road to technological progress" was indeed too much.
But he knew bamboo paper was the trend because bamboo is the fastest-growing raw material.
Then, at least we can avoid detours in papermaking.
He leaned over, picked up some semi-finished products, and rubbed them in his hands. He even had a guess that the current craftsmanship of bamboo paper might be the first problem is how to remove the bamboo tendons.
"Why does Mr. Jiang want to sell this shop?"
Jiang Cheng sighed, pointed to an empty shed on the side, and said: "The cane bark was originally stored there, but now the cane material is scarce and hard to buy. Besides, I offended someone and lost the supply of white cane to the imperial court. Without the qualifications of the paper, this business may not be able to continue."
Xue Bai nodded and asked, "Why don't you see the paper craftsmen?"
"Most of the craftsmen have been hired away by nearby workshops. Only three fellow villagers who make bamboo paper are ready to follow me back to Jiajiang."
"Do you have any relatives or friends in Jiajiang?"
Jiang Cheng smiled bitterly, shook his head, and murmured: "It has been nearly forty years since I arrived in Chang'an when I was thirteen. How can I still have relatives and friends in my hometown? They are similar, but I can't stay in Chang'an anymore."
Xue Bai asked: "Who have you offended?"
Jiang Cheng raised his head and glanced at Xue Bai, with a troubled expression on his face, fearing that speaking out would scare the young man and delay the sale of the shop.
Xue Bai knew that he had concerns and said, "I bought your shop, and I'd like to ask those bamboo and paper craftsmen if they would like to stay and work for me."
Jiang Cheng was very surprised and said, "But Lang Jun hasn't finished reading yet..."
Xue Bai's mind was not on these businesses. He was just spending money to improve the papermaking technology. He raised his hand and said: "Go to the East City Office to sign a contract."
…
The dry and rough palms were raised, ready to press on the deed.
Jiang Cheng suddenly felt a little lost.
When he was ten years old, his grandfather was still alive. At that time, he was quite ambitious and loved to study. He was struggling to practice calligraphy without paper, so he learned to make artificial bamboo paper in his hometown. He used young bamboo and carefully peeled off the green bamboo, so the paper quality was better than other bamboo papers. , his nickname was Hong'er, and this paper was called "Hong'er paper" by the locals.
Forty years passed in the blink of an eye, and he finally became a bookseller in Chang'an City, but he had to abandon everything at the age of fifty?
"This gentleman." Jiang Cheng did not press his fingerprints, but suddenly asked: "Do you know who I have offended?"
"who?"
"Yuan Miao, the Hucao of Jingzhao Prefecture and the son-in-law of Youxiang Prefecture. He uses his power to bully others and exploits me all the year round. If Mr. Lang buys this bookstore, he may also persecute him. Please think twice."
Having said this, Jiang Cheng's long beard trembled a little, and he couldn't help but glance at the box of coins lying aside. If he hadn't said this more often, he might have left Chang'an City, a place of right and wrong, with it in his hands.
"I have never heard that Genu has such a son-in-law." Xue Bai stamped the deed and pushed the box of money over. "He is not qualified to touch my property. Can you give me your bamboo paper?" Can the craftsman stay and work for me? The wages are easy to negotiate."
Jiang Cheng was surprised for a long time and had many questions in his mind. Finally, he asked: "Lang Jun wants to make bamboo paper?"
"Mr. Jiang is also interested?"
Before Jiang Cheng could answer, Xue Bai felt Du Wei pull gently from behind him, and the two of them went aside to whisper.
Du Wei whispered: "This matter involves craftsmanship. If you want to use people, you should buy them as domestic servants. How about I handle it?"
She usually looks gentle, but she is considerate in her actions.
As for being a domestic servant, in this world it was probably equivalent to signing a confidentiality contract.
Xue Bai then said: "It will be arranged by Du Dadong's family."
"Don't call me Du Dadongjia, it sounds ugly."
It's rare for Du Wei to act coquettishly, which shows that she still prefers Xue Bai to call her "媗媗".
~~
"The husband seems to have the smell of my mother-in-law."
The next day, Xue Bai woke up and heard Qing Lan say this next to the bed.
She even got closer and sniffed.
"Yes." Xue Bai responded calmly: "I studied papermaking with her yesterday."
He was going to visit the Yan family today and got up quite early.
When he was about to go out, he took a piece of rosin ink, smelled it, and hung it on his body. Use the scent of ink to cover up the scent of makeup and powder on your body to prevent the teacher from smelling it.
Crossing the street and entering Yan's house, I happened to meet Yan Yan doing Tai Chi in the courtyard. When she saw him, she snorted and stopped.
"Why don't you practice? Did I bother you?"
"Brother only taught me these few moves, and he disappeared." Yan Yan said, "I can only cut in half with one knife."
"Okay, I'll teach you how to practice."
Xue Bai said, planning to find a place to put down the several scrolls in his hand.
Instead, Yan Yan laughed first, spread her hands and said, "I want to see the monkey first."
"Then take it."
Suddenly, Yan Zhenqing's voice came over.
"You know monkeys all the time."
Yan Yan was startled, turned around and ran away holding the scroll.
Xue Bai entered the hall and met the teacher.
…
"Mid-Autumn Imperial Banquet, you have caused such a big trouble again." Yan Zhenqing looked Xue Bai up and down, and his tone was a little different from the past, "Since you and Mrs. Guo Guo are innocent, why didn't you give an explanation in the past?"
This question is quite difficult to answer. Xue Bai thought for a while and replied: "There is nothing that needs explanation."
Yan Zhenqing took a sip from the tea cup and said calmly: "You haven't caused any trouble recently?"
"Always keep to yourself. If there is any trouble, you will definitely talk to the teacher."
"Fanggong came to see me before he was released." Yan Zhenqing said, "He wanted to see you at that time."
As expected, Xue Bai failed to hide Yan Zhenqing completely.
Fang Guan's demotion was indeed related to him. Yan Zhenqing did not arrange for them to meet, apparently out of protective intentions. Otherwise, I'm afraid more people will guess that he is jumping up and down again.
"The student did ask a few friends to help Dr. Zheng. The demotion of his landlord may be related to this matter."
"Don't get involved in the big case now."
"Yes, students have recently become tired of the intrigues and power struggles and have been studying the art of papermaking."
Yan Zhenqing was speechless after hearing this, so he could only stroke his beard and said, "Follow me to visit your brother."
"Yes." Xue Bai had also long wanted to meet Yan Gaoqing.
~~
The Yan family had moved to Chang'an in the early Tang Dynasty, and their ancestral home was in Dunhuafang, Wannian County.
As the carriage passed through the gate, Yan Yan opened the curtain and took a look outside, saying, "My grandpa's house is right there."
She has lived here since she was a child and is very familiar with this area.
"Thirteenth Master is back." Youyan's old servant smiled and shouted to open the door.
Even Yan Zhenqing can only be called Thirteenth Prince when he returns to his home, which makes him a junior.
"Brother, is he here?"
"It's rare that I'm at home today. Since I returned to Chang'an, I have been busy before the Mid-Autumn Festival and have social events every day."
Two young men rushed to greet Yan Zhenqing in front, calling to Yan Zhenqing: "Uncle Thirteen is here, please come in quickly... Third sister is here, my mother-in-law talks about you every day."
It can be seen that Yan Yan is quite favored in the Yan family, and people wave to her when they see her along the way.
Before entering the hospital for the second time, Yan Gaoqing and his wife Cui also came out to welcome him.
"Sanniang!" Mrs. Cui hurriedly stepped forward and hugged Yan Yan, looked at the little daughter carefully, and murmured: "It would be good if you can be healthier, I am always worried about you."
"Aniang, I'm fine. Brother found a famous doctor to treat me."
"Okay, okay."
Mrs. Cui looked at Xue Bai, her face full of joy, and immediately asked her family to come to see the gift...
Yan Gaoqing was fifty-five years old at the time, and his temperament was quite similar to that of Yan Zhenqing, except that his skin was darker and rougher, and his body was stronger. He must have acquired the temperament of a military commander after spending many years in the north.
Counting Yan Yan, he had three daughters and three sons. The second son died in infancy, the eldest son Yan Quanming, and the third son Yan Jiming. In addition to the son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandson, grandson, and concubines, there are more than thirty people in the family.
After receiving the ceremony, the woman and children were taken to the backyard, leaving only master and apprentice Yan Zhenqing and Yan Gaoqing and his son talking in the hall.
"Since I returned to Chang'an City, I have often heard people mention Xue Lang. When I saw him today, he turned out to be a talented person."
"Uncle is too praised." Xue Bai said: "I have long admired my uncle's name."
Yan Gaoqing waved his hand and said with a kind smile: "I'm just a judge in Hebei, what's the name?"
He always looked at Xue Bai with an appraising look, and his expression was inexplicably kind, and asked: "My thirteenth brother has always been arrogant, how can I accept you as my disciple?"
From this sentence, it can be seen that he is more enthusiastic and straightforward than Yan Zhenqing.
Xue Bai responded with a smile: "Because I was shameless, the teacher had no choice but to hold his nose and admit it."
"Ha ha."
Yan Jiming, who was standing behind Yan Gaoqing, couldn't help laughing.
Yan Jiming was probably in his early twenties, and he was called "Yan Twelve Lang" because of his rank in the clan. Xu Shi often managed the fields in Hebei with his father. His face was tanned, but his teeth were very white, and his smile looked quite innocent.
Xue Bai saw it and nodded, feeling that he and this young man could become good friends.
On the contrary, Yan Jiming seemed to be observing him and looked at him. He turned around and said to Yan Quanming in a low voice, "He is an interesting person."
Everyone chatted and laughed a bit, and now it was still an atmosphere of greetings between relatives and friends.
Xue Baihu asked: "What does uncle think of the two recent cases in Chang'an City?"
Yan Gaoqing was a little surprised.
Yan Zhenqing said with a sigh: "My student has many connections in the court. My brother can discuss important matters with him."
"You are young and have a lot of potential." Yan Gaoqing asked, "What do you think, Mr. Xue?"
Xue Bai was already prepared. He looked around at everyone in the hall and gave a frank answer, "In my opinion, An Lushan does have wolfish ambitions."
Everyone in the Yan family was not surprised.
In recent years, the court has exonerated many rebellious ministers, and "wolf ambition" has long been a charge that can be arbitrarily charged, and someone has long commented on An Lushan in this way.
Yan Zhenqing just glanced at Yan Gaoqing and asked, "Brother, who has been under An Lushan for these years, what do you think of this matter?"
Yan Gaoqing, however, pondered and said slowly: "An Lushan has quite a way to govern Hebei."
Xue Bai never expected to hear such an answer, saying: "I would like to hear the details."
"The situation in Hebei is complicated. There are noble clans, heavy taxes, border affairs, and Huhua. It is indeed difficult for ordinary people to guard and govern. Let's just talk about the Huhua. Since the end of the Han Dynasty, some Xiongnu and Xianbei have gradually settled in the Central Plains; the Tang Dynasty destroyed the East Turks, a large number of Turks settled in Hebei; in addition, the Khitan, Sogdians, Xi people and other tribes were attached. For hundreds of years, Hebei has been a place where Hu and Han people lived together. The Hu people migrated as tribes, with land, population, soldiers and horses , if it weren’t for officials who know how to deal with nonsense, they wouldn’t be able to govern at all..."
Yan Gaoqing was a person who knew the situation in Hebei personally, and it was rare for him to say something that the courtiers did not understand.
"Compared with previous Jiedu envoys, An Lushan has at least three advantages: he understands Hu customs better and can appease the Hu people in Hebei; his subordinates can recruit talents and appease the common people; and he is good at making military achievements and does not need to collect a large amount of military expenses. Create a great victory..."
An Lushan's fighting style is indeed more like that of the Hu people. He likes to plunder the weak tribes on the border and report his merits to the court. This year, he sacrificed 8,000 men and women under Guanfeng Tower.
He also liked to trap and kill, and often invited tribal leaders to banquets. He would first dig a hole, add medicine to the wine, and wait until the leaders were drunk, behead them and bury them. It is said that he has done this several times, trapping and killing thousands of Khitan people.
Xue Bai didn't know whether it was the Khitan tribe leaders who were too gullible or An Lushan who was too cunning, but he understood that this Jiedu envoy who could satisfy both the saints and the people of Hebei was indeed unique.
Although he cannot solve the fundamental problem, he is a man who can use tricks to deal with the bullying of the imperial court for the people of Hebei.
"So, if An Lushan doesn't have wild ambitions, he is actually a very good local military and political official?"
"Hebei has heavy taxes and is not peaceful. People's livelihood is difficult. It may not be better if An Lushan is replaced. Ordinary people cannot control the situation. It is likely to be worse." Yan Gaoqing sighed, "There are always people in the court who doubt him, but many people in Hebei Officials have not yet noticed that he has any ulterior motives."
It was only the sixth year of Tianbao, and Xue Bai couldn't insist that Anlu Mountain was going to rebel. It was too early.
In today's meeting, the important thing was no longer that he warned Yan Gaoqing to take precautions, but that he should learn more about the problem from this Hebei official.
The entire east of Mount Laoshan was forced to receive blood transfusions for the prosperous Tang Dynasty, but now it was An Lushan who was easing the situation.
"..."
"Uncle will probably stay in Chang'an for another month or two? Can I come here often for advice?"
"It would be best if Mr. Xue comes here often. Both of my sons are mediocre. They should have more contact with you."
In the evening, Xue Bai left with Yan Zhenqing, but his mood was a little heavier.
He has always understood that if he wanted to stop the Anshi Rebellion, he could not just get rid of An Lushan. But today's long conversation made him realize that it would probably take decades to solve the fundamental problem.
Peaceful border affairs, reduction of taxation, promotion of culture and education, and promotion of integration must be done step by step with great patience and caution.
Li Longji has such an arrogant and complacent attitude.
In other words, even if he could kill An Lushan with some tricks and intrigues, it would not have much effect. I am afraid it would intensify the conflict, and he was not ready yet.
~~
After that day, Xue Bai seemed to have really stayed away from the intrigues in the court. In addition to settling himself, what he often did was go to the papermaking workshop to study the craftsmanship of bamboo paper with Jiang Cheng.
After many attempts failed, he still decided to make bamboo paper and tried to add ingredients during the process of retting the bamboo material to make the bamboo soft and more tough.
After trying salt, sugar, flour, and even urine, Jiang Cheng added lime and finally significantly improved the texture of the bamboo paper.
This small change made Xue Bai feel more at ease about the future.
Even if it was just to comfort himself, he saw a little hope that he could guide public opinion in the future, Chineseize the barbarians, and change the situation of the poor and common people.
Although he has not yet become an official, in fact, if he wants to do useful things, he may not necessarily need to become an official.
"Wow."
When a new piece of bamboo paper was spread out, Qing Lan sighed in admiration, turned to look at Xue Bai's expression, and couldn't help but ask: "Lang Jun, you have been obsessed with papermaking recently."
"What's wrong?"
"Mr. Lang seems to be less motivated than before?"
"No." Xue Bai said: "I am more motivated..."
Sorry, sorry, I posted it later today, because the transition chapter requires conception and involves craftsmanship, so I have to check the information~~There are more than 9,000 words today~~Please give me a monthly vote, please give me a monthly vote~~
(End of chapter)
