During the Tang Dynasty and this year, if you wanted to print a book, you had to carve a printing plate from a wooden board. If one character was damaged, the entire printing plate would be useless and would need to be re-engraved.
Therefore, if you want to write a book in this era, not only will you not make any money, but you will also have to pay for the printing of the book yourself. This is a nightmare for online writers.
The Song Dynasty books collected in a library somewhere are all made of wooden boards, which are actually the templates for printing books.
Wu Zetian thought that Li Chongrun was planning to print a set of books like this, so he replied nonchalantly to Princess Taiping: "That boy has written a lot of poems. It's time to publish his own collection of poems. If you think of it, publish it. If you don't make any mistakes, please do it again."
Ask me for permission."
"He came up with a plan and said that he wanted to print as many copies as he wanted, and that they would be available immediately."
"There is such an immortal magic. This boy is definitely lying to me."
"It is said that the secret recipe is on the way. We will find out when we test it."
When Wu Zetian heard this, she couldn't help but think more about something.
Things like books represent great significance. As an emperor who came to power by inciting public opinion and popular sentiment, she naturally understood the stakes of printing books.
Princess Taiping was naturally aware of the problem, so she just waited carefully and did not dare to say anything.
Fortunately, my little nephew is quite tactful in doing things and does not have his own way. He also sent a set of secret recipes to his mother-in-law. If there is a way to quickly print books, even if it is more expensive, given His Majesty's temper towards Chongwen, I think it will be.
Won't refuse.
"If he wants to print some books, let him do it. That guy is quite measured in what he does, and I won't go to war just for a few words."
Although Wu Zetian said it simply, Princess Taiping still looked a little worried when she looked at her. But since she was already sure, Taiping could not continue to say anything.
The note was not long, but because it was written with a quill pen, the handwriting was very small, but it contained a lot of things densely written. Because of Xue Huaiyi and the printing matter, Princess Taiping simply investigated the Buddhist temple mentioned at the end of the note.
The matter of making money has been covered up, and we will wait until Li Chongrun has solid evidence.
"Is your boy already fourteen? Can you let the girl into your house?"
Princess Taiping resigned, and Shangguan Wan'er, who was discussing matters at the Fengge Political Hall, brought over several memorials. Recently, Shangguan Wan'er took the turn of serving as prime minister, and her status was very respected. However, after all, she was a secretary to Wu Zetian. It was difficult to submit a memorial like this.
The memorial has always been done without bothering others.
After discussing political affairs, Wu Zetian asked casually.
"Back to Your Majesty, Chongrun is already fourteen years old. Wan'er's former maid has already been taken into his house."
Wu Zetian breathed a sigh of relief as if relieved: "Have you ever had it?"
"Back to Your Majesty, not yet. This time he went to Yangzhou, saying that he was doing important work for Your Majesty, and did not bring his family." Shangguan Wan'er was also very regretful. He had clearly taught Fang'er many tips, but the time was still a bit short after all.
Well, if it had been a little later, I think she would have already shown her pregnancy by this time.
Wu Zetian teased Shangguan Wan'er with a smile but not a smile: "It's good that he has such a heart. Since he has already admitted the maid into the house, I think the rumors in the city of gods must be false."
Shangguan Wan'er naturally knows what His Majesty is talking about. Recently, a rumor has spread in the capital city that His Royal Highness the King of Linzi is actually a crook and is fond of molesting children. For this reason, he went to the largest tooth shop to purchase it.
"On the night when I moved in, Wan'er went to listen to Qiang Gen in person, and she looked so anxious like Zhongrun. That rumor must be false."
"You even went to listen to Qiang Gen." Wu Zetian was in a much better mood and started joking with Guan Wan'er. "If I remember correctly, you are still an unmarried young girl, so you are not ashamed to go to Qiang Gen.
"
"After all, she is my nephew. I have raised Fang'er as my sister since she was a child, so I feel a little uneasy." Shangguan Wan'er's expression was a bit unnatural, but she still covered it up with a smile.
"Since he's fourteen, he's an adult, so it's time for him to have a name for his name. Has Wan'er ever chosen a name for him?"
After hearing Shangguan Wan'er's reply, Wu Zetian muttered a few words, but none of them were satisfactory.
"Did he follow Huaiying for a while before?"
"After Mr. Di Ge returned to the capital of gods, Chongrun did spend a few days with Mr. Di Ge on his duties."
"I'm getting older, and I can't think of anything nice to name. Go and tell Huaiying that this kid is his student, and let him, a teacher, give him a name. I still have today.
Homework, please leave first."
Shangguan Wan'er persuaded Wu Zetian with a smile, and said that she looked about the same age as herself now, so there was nothing old about her.
"You are the one who talks so sweetly. Minister Taichangji was impeached by the Senate a few days ago, but the position is still vacant. Otherwise, you can do it."
Just because of a word about horses, Shangguan Wan'er was promoted to the third rank of Taichang Temple Minister, which was a bit incredible. But seeing that Wu Zetian's expression was not abnormal at all, after thinking about it several times, it was a bit unbelievable, so she could only kneel down in confusion.
Thank you.
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When he returned to Yangzhou, Li Chongrun was in distress.
As soon as he arrived in Yangzhou, he sent Yang San out and asked him to find the treasure according to the map translated by Wang Rong.
Unexpectedly, these days have passed, and Yang San has not returned yet, even though that place is not considered a place.
Prince Li Chongrun asked Gongsun Lan eight times in one day: "Did something unexpected happen to Yang San? Do you think we should go and take a look?"
Gongsun Lan ignored him. His prince had a very good temper and knowledge, but his patience was really lacking.
Recently, the New Year is approaching, and things have become very busy again, but there is a serious shortage of manpower.
The children he bought earlier were all still able to read and write. Gongsun Lan was a little surprised, maybe his prince was planning to let them all become officials.
I just saw that those children did not learn the common classics and history. After learning a little bit of literacy, they started arithmetic and some miscellaneous studies.
Fortunately, the prince tinkered with the printing press, and each of these children read a thousand-character text all day long. Their learning progressed very quickly, and they soon recognized the thousand characters. Although they were still not good at writing articles, they
The most basic reading is no longer a big problem.
The few children who learned quickly have already started working in the workshop with Xie's wife.
Several children arrived at the workshop and discovered that the secret recipe was not taught directly by Xie's wife, but came from something called a manual.
The instruction manual was very thin and filled with various requirements and tips. Following the general methods recorded above, a few children were able to make a drink that tasted the same as before.
Li Chongrun's workshop is located on the edge of the Yangtze River, close to the ferry, Xiejia Village and the small river leading to Guanhe River, so transportation is very convenient.
Somewhat greedy for the taste of the wine brewed by Xie Da's wife, Li Chongrun gave Xie Da and Xie Da's daughter-in-law a price that they couldn't tolerate, and invited them to work in the workshop. He also gave them a very confusing name,
engineer.
Engineers are given a monthly salary of 1,500 Wen. They are given real copper coins, not cloth or moldy grains. This level of income is similar to the income of petty officials in the yamen, and is enough for a family to live comfortably.
Moreover, Li Chongrun was very considerate and took Xie's baby girl to study and learn to read with other children. This made him happier than giving Xie Da a lot of money.
So Xie Da and his wife happily closed their brewing workshop and went into the workshop to work. Even the secret recipe for brewing was presented without any hesitation.
The distillation process was naturally experimented by Li Chongrun and a few craftsmen who followed him. He also gave those craftsmen the title of assistant engineer.
Although the monthly payment is a little low, several of them are very satisfied with having more skills. Even if they get old in the future, they can pass on the skills when they return home so that future generations will not go hungry.
The children also had monthly money, and under the influence of Gongsun Lan's brainwashing and remembering the sweetness all day long, the children gave full play to their spirit of ownership and were so diligent that Li Chongrun was a little afraid, for fear that someone would criticize him for abusing child labor.
However, the workshop is operating normally. Although it is still short of manpower, supplying wine to Yangzhou City is no longer a problem.
Li Chongrun had some free time, and started to act like a monster when he was free. For example, he asked Yang San eight times a day why he hadn't come back yet.
At first Gongsun Lan was happy to reply to him with a word or two, but later she got really tired of being pushed and simply ignored him and let him yell.